Category Archives: Fort Scott

Fort Scott, Government

FS City Commission Minutes of August 4

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 

         Minutes of August 4th, 2022                       Regular Meeting #16

 

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held August 4th, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

 

ROLL CALL:

 

Commissioners J. Jones, T. Van Hoecke, S. Walker, and M. Wells were present with Mayor K. Harrington.

 

INVOCATION: Bill Downey, Sergeant, Fort Scott Police Department, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

 

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE:  Travis Shelton, Dave Bruner, Lisa Lewis, Rob Harrington, Jackson Tough, Susan Bancroft, Patty LaRoche, Jason Dickman, Michael Hoyt, Destry Brown, Bill Downey, Jr., Ray Babb, James Brackett, Pete Allen, Amanda Goltra, and representing the press, Tammy Helm, Fort Scott Tribune.

 

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:  None

 

CONSENT AGENDA:

 

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of July 19th, 2022 and special meeting of July 26th, 2022.

 

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1317-A totaling $378,639.54.

 

  1. Request to Pay – Nuss & Farmer, P.A. – (June) – $892.50

 

  1. Request to Pay – J. Richardson Construction – $47,383.81 – 17th & Eddy Project

 

  1. Wells moved to approve the Consent Agenda. S. Walker seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.

 

Public Comment:

(Sign up required.  Comments on any topic not on the agenda and limited to  5 minutes per person, at Commission discretion)

 

Michael Hoyt – Mr. Hoyt said he wished to make two comments.  The first comment is that he commended Kelley Zellner, City Manager, in providing him budget work session documents.  He will have comments at the budget hearing for the Commission.

 

His second comment was concerning the petition for the ladder fire truck to have this go to a public vote.  There were 525 signatures on the petition, and he considers this voter suppression as this did not go to a vote of the public.   This had nothing to do with financing of the fire truck.  He said that the grant money should have been used to pay off the pumper truck and not purchased the ladder truck.

 

Old Business:

 

  1. Consideration for the demolition of 722 S. Heylman Street (progress report) – Bill Downey, Codes Manager, passed out photos of the demolition. There has been no progress made on this structure.

 

  1. Van Hoecke moved to award the bid in the amount of $1,800.00 to Dave’s Demolition. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO AWARD THE DEMOLITION BID IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,800.00 TO DAVE’S DEMOLITION FOR THE PROPERTY AT 722 S. HEYLMAN.

 

Appearances:

 

Patty LaRoche – Lake Advisory Board Report – Mrs. LaRoche said that the Lake Advisory Board met on July 9th, 2022 and made the following recommendations to the City Commission:

 

Approved to recommend to the City Commission a guideline for the future sales of City-owned property at the lake which includes the following policies and procedures:

 

  1. Smart Growth Coordination with the Lake Advisory Board to determine which lots are to be sold.
  2. Deed Restrictions such that:
  3. Any lots sold by the City of Fort Scott are to be used solely for single family residential use, whether year round or seasonal, as are related garages or outbuildings. All commercial, industrial, retail, and multi-family housing uses are prohibited.  The property may also not be subdivided in any way without the express approval of the City of Fort Scott City Commission.  These property and findings on purchaser and successors or assigns of the purchaser.
  4. Must be a stick frame home.
  5. Accurate survey of lots.
  6. Market analysis and timing recommendations.
  7. Sale Structure, which deals with how the lots would be sold (auction, listing, etc.).
  8. Listing, sale, and title document preparation.
  9. Document review by City Attorney.
  10. Document acceptance by the City Attorney and buying parties, including realtors, etc.
  11. Sale review by the City Commission.
  12. Sale Acceptance by the seller and buyer.

 

The Lake Advisory Board understands it is important to be aware that Lake Fort Scott is the emergency water supply for the City of Fort Scott.  We also understand that the City has a responsibility to its water source to do the things that pertain to monitoring and ensuring that the water source is clean, which is the bathymetric survey and the evaluation of water quality.  Given the importance of those issues to the citizens of Fort Scott, and to ensure an adequate and safe water supply in the case of drought, the Lake Advisory Board recommends the following to be funded in the next budget cycle.

 

Recommendation to the City Commission that the bathymetric survey the water course, wetlands, and lake evaluation and the water quality study should happen under the next budget cycle and be funded by any source other than the Lake fund.

 

It is also their recommendation that these studies be completed by surrounding universities as course work as they have been in the past.

 

Aaron Foxworth – Tacos & Tailgates Temporary Street Closure Request – J. Jones said that this is the Tacos and Tailgates event to be held on September 3rd, 2022 at Riverfront Park.  He asked that it be blocked off for a truck show from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. They will use the River Loop road section.

 

  1. Jones moved to approve the temporary street closure request for Riverfront Park on September 3rd, 2022 for Aaron Foxworth for the Tacos and Tailgates event. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

 

approved the temporary street closure request for Riverfront Park on September 3rd, 2022 for Aaron Foxworth for the Tacos and Tailgates event.   

 

Rob Harrington – Visioning Session for Bourbon County R.E.D.I. – 8/23/2022 – Mr. Harrington stated that in Proverbs 29, it states “where there is no vision, the people perish”.  He announced that Bourbon County R.E.D.I. is hosting a visioning session for all Bourbon County entities.  This will include cities in Bourbon County as well as all school districts, the college, and the County.  This will be held on April 23rd, 2022 at 5:30 p.m.  There will be a meal served to all elected officials.  Discussion on moving the county forward will be held.  He invited all City Commissioners to attend this event to be held at the River Room.

 

Public Hearing – None

 

New Business:

 

  1. Consideration of a Change in Zoning from C-2 (Commercial) to C-3 (Commercial) for property at 6 E. 13th Street and Conditional Use permit to allow a small animal hospital – Bill Downey, Codes Manager, informed the Commission that the Planning Commission met on July 11th, 2022 and voted unanimously to approve this zoning change and Conditional Use Permit. The property has been purchased by Amanda Goltra, DMV, who will open and operate a small animal hospital.

 

  1. Jones moved to approve Ordinance No. 3614 changing the zoning from C-2 to C-3 and the Conditional Use Permit to allow a small animal hospital at 6 E. 13th Street. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3614 CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATIONS OR DISTRICTS OF CERTAIN LANDS LOCATED IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS, UNDER THE AUTHORITY GRANTED BY K.S.A. 1973 SUPP. 12-708 – CHANGE OF ZONING FROM C-2 (COMMERCIAL) TO C-3 (COMMERCIAL) AND A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO OPERATE A SMALL ANIMAL HOSPITAL FOR THE PROPERTY AT 6 E. 13TH STREET.

 

  1. Consideration of a Change in Zoning from C-2 (Commercial) to C-3 (Commercial) for property at 2204 S. Main – GO Car Wash – Approval of lot split – Bill Downey, Codes Manager, informed the Commission that the Planning Commission met on July 11th, 2022 and voted unanimously to approve this zoning change at 2204 S. Main Street as well as the lot split.

 

Fred Merrill, GO Car Wash representative stated that there is 7 acres they have purchased between Dollar Tree and Sekan Printing.   He said that they will use a shared entrance with Dollar Tree.  Mr. Merrill said that the car wash will use 1.2 acres of the property with remainder for expansion of 5.8 acres behind it.

 

  1. Van Hoecke moved to approve the zoning change from C-2 to C-3 and also the Lot Split for the property at 2204 S. Main Street. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3615 CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATIONS OR DISTRICTS OF CERTAIN LANDS LOCATED IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS, UNDER THE AUTHORITY GRANTED BY K.S.A. 1973 SUPP. 12-708 – CHANGE OF ZONING FROM C-2 (COMMERCIAL) TO C-3 (COMMERCIAL) FOR THE PROPERTY AT 2204 S. MAIN STREET – GO CAR WASH

 

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3616 CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATIONS OR DISTRICTS OF CERTAIN LANDS LOCATED IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS, UNDER THE AUTHORITY GRANTED BY K.S.A. 1973 SUPP. 12-708 – LOT SPLIT AT 2204 S. MAIN STREET – GO CAR WASH – CONSISTING OF ONE PARCEL OF 5.9 ACRES AND ONE PARCEL OF 1.2 ACRES.

 

  1. Consideration of a Change in Zoning from C-2 (Commercial) to C-3 (Commercial) for property at 12th & Clark Streets – Bill Downey, Codes Manager, informed the Commission that the Planning Commission met on July 11th, 2022 and voted unanimously to approve this zoning change at 12th & Clark Streets. The prospective owner would like to build a mechanic shop at this location.

 

  1. Wells moved to approved Ordinance No. 3617 changing the zoning from C-2 to C-3 for the property at 12th & Clark Streets. S. Walker seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3617 CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATIONS OR DISTRICTS OF CERTAIN LANDS LOCATED IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS, UNDER THE AUTHORITY GRANTED BY K.S.A. 1973 SUPP. 12-708 – CHANGE OF ZONING FROM C-2 (COMMERCIAL) TO C-3 (COMMERCIAL) FOR THE PROPERTY AT 12th & CLARK STREETS.

 

  1. Ordinance filling a vacancy in office of City Commissioner – Ordinance No. 3618 – City Manager said that this Ordinance pertains to the vacancy in the office of City Commissioner.

 

Discussion was held to table this until the next meeting so they can review it more.

 

  1. Van Hoecke moved to table Ordinance No. 3618 until the August 16th, 2022 meeting. S. Walker seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO TABLE ORDINANCE NO. 3618 UNTIL THE AUGUST 16TH, 2022 MEETING.

 

  1. Consideration of Resolution No. 32-2022 – Convention and Tourism Resolution in accordance with Charter Ordinance No. 34 – City Manager said that this Resolution will work in conjunction with Charter Ordinance No.34 concerning the oversight of the Convention and Tourism Committee with Bourbon County R.E.D.I. providing that oversight.

 

  1. Wells moved to approve Resolution No. 32-2022. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 32-2022 OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT HEREBY ESTABLISHING BY THE POWER OF CHARTER ORDINANCE NO. 34 THE OVERSIGHT OF THE COMMITTEE TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS CONCERNING THE PROGRAMS AND EXPENDITURES FOR PROMOTION OF CONVENTIONS AND TOURISM WHICH SHALL BE AUTHORIZED BY THIS RESOLUTION.

 

  1. Approval of Budget Hearing Date and Revenue Neutral Hearing Date – August 23, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. – City Manager asked about changing the budget hearing date due to the Visioning Session which will be held that same night.

 

  1. Van Hoecke moved to approve to hold the budget hearing and the revenue neutral hearing on September 14th, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO HOLD BUDGET HEARING AND REVENUE NEUTRAL HEARING ON SEPTEMBER 14TH, 2022 AT 5:00 P.M. AT CITY HALL.

 

Reports and Comments:

  1. City Manager Comments:

 

  1. Consideration of Memorandum of Understanding for School Resource Officers – City Manager stated that he is working with USD #234 on a Memorandum of Understanding for the School Resource Officer(s) position.

 

Josh Jones welcomed Destry Brown, Superintendent, to the Commission meeting.

 

  1. Dispatch Equipment Service & Operational Responsibility – City Manager shared with the Commission that he received a letter from the Bourbon County Commission regarding Dispatch equipment service and operational responsibility.

 

  1. Director Comments: None

 

  1. Engineering Firm Comments: Jason Dickman gave an update on the following projects:

 

  1. CDBG Sewer Project – ongoing project
  2. Horton Street project – surveying will start next week
  3. 17th & Eddy – under construction
  4. KDOT Access Road – Permit was received – will bid out soon
  5. South Industrial Park Waterline – moving forward
  6. State Revolving Loan Fund – In the first steps in submitting this application to the State

 

  1. Wells asked about the steps to Memorial Hall.

 

Jason stated that the got the plans from the contractor in Pittsburg and will talk with him next week.

 

Discussion was held on costs for bathrooms at Lake Fort Scott and estimated costs.

 

  1. Commissioners Reports and Comments:

 

  1. Wells – Matthew thanked all City staff and Evergy personnel who worked the large power outage from the lightning strike on Wednesday, August 3rd. He thanked all who were involved. He also thanked Buck Run Community Center staff who opened up a cooling facility so residents would have a place to go and get cool and sleep.

 

He also stated that the Fort Scott National Historic Site has issues with the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team proposed location for the pavilion.  Rob Harrington is the City’s representative on this committee.

 

  1. Van Hoecke – Tim read from the City adopted Code of Procedures which states that the meeting agenda should usually go out on the Wednesday before the following Tuesday meeting. He said that he regretted that the meeting could not be held on August 2nd, 2022.

 

Tim also echoed Matthew’s comments to all who were involved with the power outage.

 

  1. Jones – Josh read from the Code of Ethics which was also adopted by the Commission that states the City Clerk may fix deadlines for the agenda so that it may be timely compiled and distributed.

 

Josh thanked Kelley for heading up the team with Evergy and the City on the outage and all working together.

 

  1. Walker – Shane thanked Kelley also for heading up the City staff on the outage.

 

Shane thanked Stephen Toal for his painting at the Water Plant on the way to Gunn Park.  He urged citizens to go and look.

 

  1. City Attorney Reports and Comments: Nothing to report.

 

Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for Executive Sessions)

 

  1. Walker moved to recess into Executive Session for personnel matters of attorney/client privilege exception in reference to possible litigation in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(2) until 7:29 p.m. This will include City Commissioners, City Attorney, and City Manager. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.

 

  1. Van Hoecke moved to come out of Executive Session at 7:29 p.m. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

 

Adjournment:

 

  1. Jones moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:30 p.m. T. Van Hoecke seconded.  All voted aye.

 

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 7:30 P.M.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Diane K. Clay, M.M.C.

City Clerk

Fort Scott, Government

Minutes of FS City Commission from August 2

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 

         Minutes of August 2nd, 2022                       Regular Meeting #15

 

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held August 2nd, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

 

ROLL CALL:

 

Commissioners J. Jones, T. Van Hoecke, S. Walker, and M. Wells were present with Mayor K. Harrington.

 

INVOCATION: Matthew Wells, City Commissioner, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

 

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE:  Steve Anthony, Pete Allen, Travis Shelton, Dave Bruner, Fred C. Merrill, Eric Goltra, Lori Brackett, Peter Brackett, Ray Babb, James Brackett, Mark McCoy, Bill Downey, Carl Brenner, Jason Dickman, Lisa Lewis, and Kevin Allen.

 

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:  None

 

ADDITIONS TO AGENDA:  None

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

 

  1. Harrington moved to recess into Executive Session for personnel matters of non-elected personnel exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1) until 6:19 p.m. This will include City Commissioners and City Attorney. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

 

  1. Van Hoecke moved to come out of Executive Session at 6:19 p.m. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

 

CONSENT AGENDA:

 

  1. Wells moved to only approve Item B of the Consent Agenda for the Appropriation Ordinance No. 1317-A. K. Harrington seconded.

 

  1. Wells amended his motion to approve Item B of the Consent Agenda totaling $178,384.50, which is the payroll section of the Appropriation Ordinance. This is due to the fact that the agenda packet came out on Monday in lieu of Friday. K. Harrington seconded.  T. Van Hoecke, S. Walker, M. Wells, and K. Harrington voted aye.  J. Jones voted no.  Motion carried 4-1.

 

APPROVED ITEM B OF THE CONSENT AGENDA TOTALING $178,384.50 WHICH IS THE PAYROLL SECTION OF THE APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE.

 

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of July 19th, 2022 and special meeting of July 26th, 2022.

 

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1317-A totaling $378,639.54.

 

  1. Request to Pay – Nuss & Farmer, P.A. – (June) – $892.50

 

  1. Request to Pay – J. Richardson Construction – $47,383.81 – 17th & Eddy Project

 

Public Comment:

(Sign up required.  Comments on any topic not on the agenda and limited to  5 minutes per person, at Commission discretion)

 

Steve Anthony – Steve announced that the Special Olympics Golf Tournament held this last weekend raised $32,000.  It is scheduled for July 29th, 2022 next year.

 

  1. Harrington discussed rescheduling this meeting so they can have time to review the agenda packet. They will meet on Thursday, August 4th, 2022 at 6:00 p.m.

 

  1. Harrington moved to postpone the meeting until August 4th, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. T. Van Hoecke seconded. T. Van Hoecke, S. Walker, M. Wells, and K. Harrington voted aye.  J. Jones voted no.  Motion carried 4-1.

 

APPROVED TO POSTPONE THE CITY COMMISSION MEETING UNTIL AUGUST 4TH, 2022 AT 6:00 P.M.

 

Adjournment:

 

  1. Harrington moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:30 p.m. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.

 

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 6:30 P.M.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Diane K. Clay, M.M.C.

City Clerk

Fort Scott, Government

FS City Commission Agenda for August 16

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR
MEETING OF
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION MEETING ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
AUGUST 16, 2022
6:00 P.M.

 

  1. Roll Call:

 

  1. Jones  T. Van Hoecke      S. Walker      M. Wells          K. Harrington
  2.      Flag Salute/Invocation:
  • Proclamations/Recognitions:  Recognition of Steve Anthony and Ben Cole – Special Olympics Golf Tournament

 

  1. Consent Agenda:
  2. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of August 2nd, 2022 and postponed meeting of August 4th, 2022.

 

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1318-A totaling $459,765.60.

 

  1. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering, Inc.

Plan Review – GO Car Wash                                       $  288.00

City Engineer (April)                                                   $4,120.00

City Engineer (July)                                                   $4,120.00

Phase II Design -Wastewater                                     $15,417.50

South Industrial Park Waterline Project                    $ 5,116.55

Sanitary Sewer Project                                              $13,330.00

Cooper Street Inspection                                            $5,202.00

TOTAL        $47,594.05

 

  1. Request to pay – Nuss & Farmer, P.A. (July) – $455.00

 

  1. Request to Pay – Olsson Associates – $2,200.00 – Rehabilitate Runway & Taxiway Project Engineering

 

  1. July financials

 

  1. Public Comment:

(Sign up required.  Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at Commission discretion)

 

  1. Old Business:

 

  1. Consideration of Ordinance filling a vacancy in office of City Commissioner – Ordinance No. 3618

 

  • Appearances: Kelly Perry – Perry’s Pork Rinds – Request of use of City parking area – Motorcycle Poker Run – 9/10/2022

 

Terry Sercer – 2021 Audit Presentation

 

  • Public Hearing: None

 

  1. New Business:

 

  1. D.O.T. Project U-2455-01 – Approval of Grant Agreement – $949,000.00 – Horton Street Project
  2. Consideration of Adoption of Ordinance No. 3619 – Standard Traffic Ordinance
  3. Consideration of Adoption of Ordinance No. 3620 – Uniform Public Offense Code
  4. Discussion of Credit Card fees for customers

 

  1.    Reports and Comments:
  2. City Manager Comments:

 

  1. Director Reports:

 

  1. Commissioners Reports and Comments:
  2.   City Attorney Reports and Comments:
  3. Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for Executive Sessions)

XII.          Adjournment:

 

 

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening in Fort Scott Newsletter

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott!
August 12th Weekly Newsletter
Wind down your summer 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!
The Lavender Patch’s Hours
Friday-Monday from 9am-1pm
Fort Scott National Historic Site
Daily Tours: 10am & 1pm
8/12 ~ Friday Night Concert in the Park featuring the Church of Christ with acappella hymns and gospel songs, 7-8pm, Heritage Park Pavilion, 1st & Main. Bring a lawn chair due to limited seating.
8/12 ~ Game Night at the Museum of Creativity, 8-11pm, click here for more info.
8/13 ~ Farmers’ Market, 8am to noon at Skubitz Plaza in front of the Fort
8/13 ~ Bourbon County Carpool Tour – National Cemetery, Guided Carpool Tour in your own personal vehicle, click here for more info.
8/13 ~ Woodland Hills 1-Person Scramble, Woodland Hills Golf Course
8/13 ~ The Lavender Patch open 9am to 1pm, 2376 Locust Rd., click here for their website.
8/13 ~ Care to Share Bike Run, Registration will be from 8:30-10:30am at 5 Corners, click here for more info., there will be live music and an auction at Sharky’s in the evening, come out & enjoy!
8/13 ~ Cruise In for a for a Saturday night with fellow antique & classic car enthusiasts, former Price Chopper parking lot, click here for info.
8/16 ~ Back to School Bash at Better in Bourbon Boutique, Downtown Fort Scott, 4-7pm, click here for info.
8/17 ~ FSCC Business Expo, 8:30am-11:30am, see flyer below ~ businesses are requested to register for a booth to welcome students & promote your business!
8/17 ~ Farewell reception for Joy Miller of the Southwind Extension District, come & go 1-3pm, 210 S. National Ave. Room 13
8/17 ~ Congressman Jake LaTurner open office hours at the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, 231 E. Wall St., 3-4pm
8/18 ~ DEADLINE to complete survey for the Chamber Blue Health Insurance offering to be effective 1/1/23. Click here for survey.
8/18 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by the Museum of Creativity, 102 S. National Ave., 8am
8/18 ~ Bread Basics Class, Southwind Extension District, 6pm, click here for more info.
8/18 ~ Ladies Craft Night at the Museum of Creativity, 6-8pm, click here for info.
8/19 ~ Sewing Class at Museum of Creativity, 10am-noon, click here for info.
8/19 ~ Retirement Celebration for Ann Stark, come & go at Atkins Insurance Agency, 2-4pm, click here for more info.
8/19 ~ Paint Party at Dry Wood Creek Cafe, 6-9pm, “The Hayfield” scene, click here for info.
8/20 ~ Splashpad Golf Tournament, 8am, click here for more info.
8/20 ~ Dragoon Charge for Wreaths Across America, click here for info.
SAVE THE DATE:
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.
9/9-9/10 ~ Fall Town-wide Garage Sale
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.
_____________
SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!
Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!
Clickhere 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.
Chamber Blue Deadline August 18th
Housing Survey NOW ACTIVE for Bourbon County
Click graphic below or here to take survey!
Your response is valuable and needed!
BOURBON COUNTY CARPOOL HISTORY TOUR
THIS TOUR LOCATION: NATIONAL CEMETERY
CLICK GRAPHIC BELOW TO RESERVE A SPOT!
FSCC Business Expo is great opportunity to welcome students and promote your business!
Farewell Receptions Next Week
Joy Miller of Southwind Extension District
Ann Stark of Atkins Insurance Agency
Splashpad Golf Tournament Fundraiser at Woodland Hills Enter your team today!
…

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Fort Scott, Schools

New Teachers at Winfield Scott: Suzan Durnell and Vangie Korinke

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This is part of a series featuring the 26 new educators in USD 234. The first day of classes is August 18.

Suzan Durnell. Submitted photo.

Suzan Durnell, 53, is a new elementary instructional coach who works with teachers and students at both Winfield Scott and Eugene Ware Elementary Schools in Fort Scott.

She holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree from College of the Ozarks, a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Missouri State University, and a Master’s Degree in Library Science and Information Services from University of Central Missouri.

Durnell taught fifth and sixth grades in Galena, MO, second grade in Aurora, MO, then third, second,  and K-5th library skills (including reading and technology). In her 30 years of teaching she worked as a trainer for the Missouri Reading Initiative providing professional development and instructional coaching.

“I was raised in Vandalia, Missouri, graduated from Greenfield, Missouri, and have raised my own family in El Dorado Springs, Missouri. I claim each of these places as a hometown!”

Her husband, Mike will be teaching high school math at Fort Scott High School. They have been married for 31 years and recently moved to Nevada. They have two grown daughters. Jenna and her husband Quade live in Nixa, Missouri, where she works as a CPA, and Quade works as a Family Nurse Practitioner in Springfield, Missouri. Tessa and her husband, Kip, live in Hays, Kansas, where she works as an autism specialist and Kip teaches and coaches at Hays High School.

“My passion is education,” she said. “I have been fortunate to work in a field I love for all these years. I’m excited to extend my career in Fort Scott.”

“My father (a teacher, coach, principal, then superintendent) inspired my love of school,” she said. “My fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Forgy, made teaching something I aspired to do.”

“The best part of teaching is the joy,” she said. “It might be joy in teaching a fun topic, joy in watching a student grasp a concept, joy in creating a community of learners, joy in play, or joy in working with talented colleagues. There’s always something that reminds me how very important the field of education is every day.”

“For me, it is a challenge to remain knowledgeable about how kids learn best. We’re learning more and more about the developing brain and how best to approach teaching. To make that even more challenging, kids’ brains are changing as they’re exposed to more technology than ever before. I feel responsible to stay on top of the most recent developments, and that’s hard to do.”

Vangie Korinke. Submitted photo.
Vangie Korinke, 40, is a new first-grade teacher at Winfield Scott.
She earned her Bachelors of Science in Sociology and Master of Arts in Teaching.
She has been a substitute teacher, and paraprofessional.  This will be her first year as a classroom teacher.
Her hometown was Pleasanton, Kansas until she was 14 and Bethany, Oklahoma following that.
She has been married to husband Matt for 17 years, and they have three kids Dawson (15), Brody(13), and Lila (9).

Outside of teaching she loves baking, shopping, coffee with friends, walking, and family time.  And she said her family enjoys being involved in their church, Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene.

“Teaching is actually my second career to pursue,” she said.  “I was an adoption specialist after receiving my bachelors in sociology in 2004.  As a mom of school ages kids, I saw firsthand what a difference teachers can make in children’s lives.  My kids had some great teachers who really inspired me to want to be that difference for other students.  I’ve always admired my sister-in-law, Cristin Stark who has been an elementary teacher for years.  I started sharing this new dream with her and she was a huge support during my journey to get here.”

“Several  people have inspired me along my journey of becoming a teacher, she said.  “But there are two people in particular who influenced me the most.  My dad always saw the good in everyone and insisted there was always hope.  I have seen seen so many students struggle in different ways.  My dad inspired me to want to help others believe in themselves and this is true with students as well. The second person who strongly influenced me was my son’s second grade teacher, Kirstie (Cox) Dwyer.  She has a gift and made my son believe he could, and so he did. It completely changed his path academically.”
The best part of teaching for her is encouraging students and cheering them on until they too believe in themselves. “And obviously it is amazing to be a part of helping them make gains and witnessing their growth,” she said. One of the challenges of teaching is finding ways to reach students with different learning styles and needs.

 

Fort Scott, Government

FS City Commissioners Meet For Budget Session August 16

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The Fort Scott City Commission will meet on Tuesday, August 16th, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. in the City Hall Commission Meeting Room at 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas to hold a work session to discuss the 2023 budget.  This work session is open to the public, but no action will be taken.

 

The City Commission regularly scheduled meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room following the work session.

 

The work session and Commission Meeting will both be available on the City’s YouTube channel.

 

Fort Scott, Schools

New Teachers at Winfield Scott Elementary: Sydney Crapson, Sierra Sprague

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This is part of a series of features on the 26 new educators in USD 234. School starts on August 18 for Fort Scott schools.

Sydney Crapson. Submitted photo.

Sydney Crapson, 22, is a new first-grade teacher at Winfield Scott Elementary School in Fort Scott.

She attended Fort Scott Community College and Pittsburg State University graduating in May of 2022 with an Elementary Education Unified degree.

She is a first generation college graduate, and this is her first year of teaching.

“I have spent my entire life around children and have always loved being with them!,” she said.

Her hometown is Walnut.

Her mother, Karen, is a para educator at Girard High School. Her dad, Brian, does body work on cars and is a part-time farmer.

“I have an older brother named Bailey who is a ranch hand and lives with me in Fort Scott,” she said. “They have been my biggest supporters and I am so thankful for them!”

In her spare time she loves to read and collect books, fish, golf and sew.

“I also love animals and spend most of my evenings walking my dog,” she said. “I have lived in this community for four years and have worked at a local small business for the majority of that time.”

“Growing up, I had many amazing teachers,” she said. “All of the good ones that stick out to me made sure to take the extra time to get to know me as a person rather than just another student. Because of that relationship, they had such a strong and positive impact on my life and I knew I wanted to be that person for someone else.”

“My third-grade teacher is the main person who inspired me to become a teacher myself,” she said. “She took the time to really notice me as a person and helped me through a very difficult year when I felt like I had no one. I will forever be grateful to her.”

“The best part of teaching for me is being able to see my students grow. The excitement on their face when they finally understand or have discovered something new is heartwarming!”

“I think the most challenging part of teaching for me is spending almost an entire year with the same students and then having to let them go in May,” she said.

 

Sierra Sprague. Submitted.
Sierra Sprague, 24, is a new K-2nd Grade Low Incident Special Education Teacher, who will be at Winfield Scott Elementary School in Fort Scott.
Sprague earned a Bachelor in Sports Management with an emphasis in business and a minor in marketing then went back and earned a masters in Elementary Education Unified degree.
Last year she was a 4th-5th Grade Resource teacher in De Soto. Her hometown is Olathe, and she is married to Nick Sprague.
In her spare time she loves to find new books and explore coffee shops.
 “My husband is the Family Pastor at Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene, so I do a lot of activities there for the youth,” she said.
“Growing up my mom was a counselor in the school district, so I grew up at the school many nights and summer days,” she said. “In kindergarten we had a kinder city and that is where my love for teaching started.”
However, she started her college major in business, but changed to teaching, she said.
“A lot of my teachers had a part in making me want to teach.They believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. One teacher I remember was Ms. White, in 6th grade she told me that I could be whatever I wanted but I had to be willing to work for it and be ready for any obstacles that came.”
“The best part of teaching is seeing the smiles of kids, when they just figured out something that they were struggling with”
Bourbon County, Fort Scott, History

Bourbon County History Tour August 13

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Bourbon County
History Carpool Tour
THIS Saturday, August 13th
Make your reservation today for only $5 per person online…
Click here!
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, Old Fort Genealogical Society, and Historical Preservation Association of Bourbon County announce another carpool tour that will be on Saturday, August 13th at 8:30am. The format of the tour will be by carpool where attendees will provide their own transportation, stopping at the National Cemetery where the tour will be guided by local historians.
The tour on the 13th of August will be visiting the National Cemetery. Fort Scott National Cemetery was created during the Civil War and has continued to include all military since then. Local historians will walk you through the cemetery noting persons, telling reasons for memorial stones, and giving important information about the military campaigns our men and women were involved in while defending the United States and our allies. Volunteer Historians will include Ken Lyon, Brian Allen and Arnold Schofield.
The tour will leave The Old Fort Genealogical Society at 221 S. National Ave. (Memorial Hall) at 8:30 am and will finish by 10:30 am. The cost is only $5 per person and pre-registration is required on a first-come, first-serve basis. Those interested may register online at fortscott.com, click on Events, then Bourbon County Tour. A waiting list will be maintained if the tour reaches capacity. For questions or more information, contact the Old Fort Genealogical Society by calling 620-223-3300 or emailing [email protected].
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee Hosted by Tri-Valley Developmental Services on Aug. 11

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Chamber Coffee will be hosted by
Tri-Valley Developmental Services this week in the Industrial Park!
Join us this Thursday,
August 11th at 8 a.m.
Tri-Valley will be showcasing their new bailer, which is courtesy of Advantage Metals Recycling. Tri-Valley offers DocuShred services where they contract with local businesses for document shredding, then they bail the materials and recycle them to eliminate landfill waste.
Click here to find out more about
Tri-Valley and their services.
Tri-Valley empowers people with disabilities to realize their potential as full citizens in the community, through supporting them in working and living in the communities they call home. We help them live as independently possible. And we help them belong.
Upcoming Tri-Valley Events
GOLF TOURNAMENT – WOODLAND HILLS – SAT, SEPT 10TH
Click here for sponsor & team registration form.
23RD ANNUAL RAFFLE DRAWING FOR A 2023 CREW CAB TRUCK
Click here for drawing entry form.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber
620-223-3566
Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber of Commerce Blue Health Insurance Offering Until August 18

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Chamber Blue
Health Insurance Offering
Available to employers of any size, complete the survey/census today!
Deadline is Thursday, August 18th
Click this link:
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announced a new partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS) and Chamber of Commerce Executives of Kansas (CCEKS) earlier this year. This partnership stitches together 53 local Chambers of Commerce across Kansas to offer an Association Health Plan entitled Chamber Blue of Kansas.
Chamber Blue of Kansas is an association health plan (AHP) that allows for employers to join together to purchase insurance. The larger pool of people enrolled in the plan allows the possibility for more plan options, and potentially, lower cost.
The initial rates will be based upon employers who complete an interest survey; completing the survey does not obligate your organization to enroll in the program but it does provide access to the initial group. The survey is live currently with a deadline of August 18, 2022, for all interested parties to submit.
In the two weeks since the survey link went live in Bourbon County there has been 16 organizations representing 62 employees complete the survey and at the state level, there has been 1,300 organizations complete the survey representing over 20,000 employees! The response has been phenomenal and is poised to be one of the largest association health plans in Kansas. This is the best opportunity and lowest barrier of entry for small employers to access large group health insurance.
The initial rates will be determined in September 2022 based on groups/businesses that have completed the survey and plans will become effective January 1, 2023.
Fort Scott area business owners, non-profits, and organizations are encouraged to complete the interest survey. A previously recorded informational webinar is available to view by clicking here.
For more information please visit https://www.bcbsks.com/chamberblueks to view the Employer Guide, Benefit Brochure, and to review the eligibility criteria, plan options. To receive the survey link please contact Lindsay Madison at the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at 620-223-3566 or by email at [email protected].
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About Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce:
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit 501c(6) chartered organization of business, industry, organizations and individuals working together to build a healthy economy and improve the quality of life and advocate and elevate our members’ economic prosperity and to be a catalyst for a bright future in Bourbon County.
About Chamber of Commerce Executives of Kansas:
As a private not-for-profit 501(c)6, Chamber of Commerce Executives of Kansas (CCEKS) operates with the primary goal of serving its membership by providing excellence in professional development, networking, resource, and idea exchange opportunities. Also, CCEKS provides guidance and leadership training to chambers across the state and the board members who serve in local communities.
About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas:
For 80 years, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas has built a reputation of trust with its members and contracting providers by providing outstanding customer service while quickly and accurately processing claims; fairly administering benefit plans and contracts; offering programs, services and tools to help members improve or maintain their health; and operating under the highest ethical standards while being good stewards of premium dollars. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and is the state’s largest insurer, serving all Kansas counties except Johnson and Wyandotte. For more information, visit bcbsks.com.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is not affiliated with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below!
Fort Scott, Schools

News from USD 234

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BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

NEWS RELEASE

Monday, August 8, 2022

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, August 8, 2022, 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 July 11, 2022, Board of Education Meeting (with modification) and minutes from July 25, 2022, Special Board of Education Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Report
  • Check Register
  • Payroll – July 20, 2022 – $1,289, 232.37
  • Activity Fund accounts
  • Audiology Contract with Greenbush
  • Low Incidence Contract with Greenbush

 

The board heard reports from FSKNEA, the Assistant Superintendent, and the Business Manager.  The board received a presentation of the budget and reviewed a copy of the District Needs Assessment.  Budget publications will also be posted to the district website.

 

The board approved the following items:

  • Superintendent Brown to proceed forward with negotiation and finalization of a MOU with the City of Fort Scott to expand the School Resource Officer program to include a second School Resource Officer.
  • Participation in the KDHE School Board Grant. The board heard from Ashley Hooper and Dan Duling with CHC regarding a KDHE grant to provide a school-based clinic that would provide access to a medical provider, additional nursing services, and mental health services for students and staff.  The planned site is the Fort Scott High School, but services would be available to all students.
  • COVID updated guidance for the upcoming school year
  • 2022-23 Employee Handbook
  • 2022-23 No Limits Contract for physical therapy services
  • 2022-23 Happy Kids Contract for preschool slots and classrooms
  • Middle school chiller replacement up to $200,000
  • Personnel Report – following
  • 2022-23 Negotiated Agreement as amended to reflect an increase to the base salary and agreed upon items
  • Recommended increases for Administrators, Directors, and Special Services personnel

           

The board went into an executive session for personnel matters, negotiations to discuss reopening the 2022-23 negotiations, and then into an executive session for personnel matters.  

 

President Danny Brown adjourned the meeting.

 

 

 

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT

 

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

  • Lannette Wood – Resignation as FSHS paraprofessional, effective August 6, 2022
  • Norma Floyd – Resignation as Winfield Scott paraprofessional, effective July 25, 2022
  • Lacey Miles – Resignation as Winfield Scott cook, effective August 2, 2022
  • Angella Curran – Resignation as FSHS speech/debate/forensics teacher, effective August 15, 2022
  • Delynn Abati – Resignation as FSHS play assistant
  • Josh Hudiburg – Resignation as FSMS basketball coach

EMPLOYMENT/REASSIGNMENTS – FOR THE 2022-23 SCHOOL YEAR

  • Instructional Coaches – Additional 10 days added to contract
  • Ashley Wilcox – Winfield Scott After-Care Program Coordinator
  • Adam Feagins – FSMS Intramural Coach for the first, second, and third nine-weeks
  • Shelly Sanborn – FSHS paraprofessional
  • Jannah Farrington – District Dynamic Learning Map (DLM) Coordinator
  • Marci Mix – Eugene Ware Building Test Coordinator
  • Tracy Homan – FSMS Building Test Coordinator
  • Josh Messer – FSHS Building Test Coordinator
  • Ashley Wilcox – Winfield Scott Professional Development Chair
  • Marci Mix – Eugene Ware Professional Development Chair
  • Angie Kemmerer – FSMS Professional Development Chair
  • Sara Jackman – FSHS Professional Development Chair
  • Gordon Harris – Reassignment from FSMS custodian to FSPC/Eugene Ware Custodian
  • Dylan Goucher – Reassignment from FSPC/Eugene Ware custodian to FSHS Custodian
  • Allen Davis – Reassignment from FSMS/BOE custodian to FSMS Custodian
  • Alisha Watkins – Reassignment from FSHS custodian to FSMS/BOE Custodian
  • Anthony Ogle – Assigned to FSMS custodian position
  • Dixie Jackson – Assigned to FSHS custodian position
  • Kenny Hudiburg – FSHS assistant girls’ tennis coach
  • Jered McKay – Reassignment from Eugene Ware focus room teacher to Winfield Scott focus room teacher
  • Anna Anderson – Reassignment from Eugene Ware paraprofessional to Eugene Ware focus room teacher
  • Megan Hull – Reassignment from Eugene Ware paraprofessional to speech paraprofessional
  • Siarra Willard – Eugene Ware paraprofessional
  • Tamra McReynolds – Eugene Ware paraprofessional
  • Sara Rood – Eugene Ware paraprofessional