Category Archives: Fort Scott

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

U234 News Release

Leave a comment

NEWS RELEASE

 

Monday, November 8, 2021

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at the Fort Scott Middle School Commons on Monday, November 8, 2021, for their regular monthly meeting.

President James Wood opened the meeting.  The board approved the official agenda.  The board also approved the consent agenda as follows:

 

A.    Minutes

B.    Bills and Claims

C.    Payroll – October 20, 2021 – $1,447,671.65

D.    Financial Report

E.     Activity fund accounts­­­­­­

F.     FFA Extended Trip Application

G.    Parent/Teacher Conference statistics

 

Board members watched a video of Winfield Scott students utilizing new technology as they learn to produce daily announcements.  Board members heard the following reports:

 

·       Audit Report from Terry Sercer

·       Fort Scott KNEA Report from Brenda Hill

·       Administrators’ Reports

·       Academic Director’s Report

·       Superintendent’s Report

·       Business Manager’s Report

 

Board members approved the ESSER II funds application.  In addition, the board approved a January 2022 retention bonus of $500 per employee.

The board members reviewed and updated the USD 234 Area of Focus.  In addition, board members approved the following:

 

·       Roof consulting proposal from Benchmark, Inc.

·       Resolution 21-09 for Withdrawal from Kansas Educational Risk Management Pool

·       RPS Broker Agreement

·       Benefits Committee recommendation for health insurance

·       Erate Application Funding Year 2022 Contract

·       Employee Safety Manual

·       Memorandum of Understanding with CHC for COVID-19 testing

·       Memorandum of Understanding with Fort Scott KNEA

The Fort Scott Middle School VIP Fall Extravaganza will be held on November 22, 2021, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the middle school commons and gymnasium.

Board members shared comments and then went into executive session to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel and returned to open meeting.   The board approved the following employment items:

 

A.    Retirement of Fredina Gonzales, bus driver, effective December 1, 2021

B.    Resignation of Robert Jackson, Eugene Ware/Fort Scott Preschool Center custodian, effective Novembe4 5, 2021

C.    Resignation of Mary Watson, middle school paraprofessional, effective October 29, 2021

D.    Leave of absence for Brent Cavin, middle school social studies teacher

E.     Employment of Kaytelynd Keller as a Winfield Scott paraprofessional for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year

F.     Employment of Akasha Clements as a middle school paraprofessional for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year

G.    Employment of Jonny Larsen as a 12-month, 8-hour Eugene Ware/Fort Scott Preschool Center custodian for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year

H.    Resignation of Amy Keeton, Eugene Ware paraprofessional, effective Nov. 7, 2021

I.      Employment of Jade Johnson as a high school assistant softball coach for the 2021-22 school year; Employment of Tom Robertson as high school head boys’ golf coach for the 2021-22 school year

J.      Addition of a high school paraprofessional position for the 2021-22 school year.

 

The board adjourned.

Art, Entertainment, Fort Scott

New Mural In Riverfront Park

Leave a comment
Stephen Toal stands in front of his latest mural, entitled, United We Stand, Divided We Fall, on the Riverfront Loop Road, under the Hwy. 69 underpass on Wednesday afternoon.

On November 8, local artist Stephen Toal was finishing up a new mural he has painted in the tunnel of the Hwy. 69 underpass on the Riverfront Loop Road in Riverfront Park.

He was inspired to create some patriotic themes featuring the Statue of Liberty along with the skyline of New York and the symbol of America, the Bald Eagle.

He said the name of the mural is United We Stand, Divided We Fall, which he felt was fitting for this time in America. The pandemic, social justice issues, and political divides are the news of the day in the last year and a half since the pandemic began.

For Toal, the project was set back a bit by stolen paint left at the site last week.

“Somebody stole my paint,” Toal said. “But it’s pretty cool that people came together and purchased more paint for me.”

“I’m going to open an account for community projects,” he said. “I don’t like messing with money,”

He has done six community murals in Fort Scott parks and has had three paid mural jobs recently, he said.

His first mural was at Gunn Park under the big rock shelter house No. 1, which he completed in spring 2020.

To view prior features on the artist:

New Mural at Gunn Park by Artist Stephen Toal

Art Is Therapy For Toal

Toal said he invites the community to come and visit his latest artwork.

The New York skyline and the American Bald Eagle are featured in Toal’s latest mural.

His mural work is just about finished for the season.

“Spray paint spits, when the weather gets below 40 degrees,” Toal said. “So I do it when the weather is warmer.”

 

Bourbon County, Food, Fort Scott

Kiwanis Pioneers Host Drive Through Chili Feed Fundraiser

Leave a comment

 

The Kiwanis Club of Fort Scott Pioneers will hold their 33rd annual Chili Feed on Thursday, November 18 at the United Methodist Church at 301 South National in Fort Scott. “The annual fundraiser will be a drive through only event this year” according to Kiwanis Pioneer President Elizabeth Schafer.

A meal of the Pioneers’ signature chili with crackers and a homemade cinnamon roll will be served from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. for a free will donation (suggested minimum $6.00 donation per meal) to be collected at the door. Pick-ups will be available under the canopy on the National Avenue side of the church. Please take care not to block private driveways as you are waiting in line for service.

This is the Kiwanis Pioneers’ major fundraiser for the year. In keeping with the Kiwanis motto of “Improving the world one child and one community at a time”, the Pioneers support more than 40 community projects including College scholarships, CASA, the Backpack food program, FSHS Key Club, playground equipment, the Beacon, United Way, Foster Kids, Feeding Families in his Name, Care to Share, and school reading and arts programs. “All of the funds raised stay in Bourbon County” stated Schafer.

Deliveries will be available for orders of ten or more by calling 620-224-0563 during serving hours.

######

Bourbon County, Church news, Fort Scott

  Fort Scott Lighthouse Gathering On Nov. 11

Leave a comment
The community is invited to the Fort Scott Aglow Lighthouse monthly gathering at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, November 11, in the conference room of Rodeway Inn, 101 State Street.
This is an interdenominational ministry opportunity for women, men and youth to worship, pray, fellowship and grow in unity.  We desire to propel the Kingdom forward through the elevation of the knowledge of God. The goal of Aglow International is: Every nation touched, every heart changed.
We will share a teaching given at our international conference in September.
Our Lighthouse desires the body of Christ to come together to meet the needs of those that cannot speak for themselves.
We are forming a committee and looking for property to get temporary shelter ready for those in need.
For more information contact Amanda Gilmore at (620) 215-0418 or Bob Reazin at (620) 363-0257.

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Annual Holiday Open House Nov. 11-13

Leave a comment

3-Day Holiday Open House Kick-Off : November 11, 5-8pm

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces the Annual Holiday Open House Shopping Event will take place November 11th to 13th in the Downtown Historic District and other participating locations.

Many retailers will be open Thursday evening, November 11th from 5 to 8pm for a special shopping kick-off with the Holiday Open House continuing on Friday and Saturday during normal business hours. In honor of Veterans Day and our local veterans, participating stores will be making a donation to Wreaths Across America from Thursday evening’s sales.

Dolly the Trolley will provide complimentary transportation between shopping locations Thursday from 5 to 8pm for those wishing to shop and ride.

Participating retailers include the following location: Angela Dawn’s Boutique, Barbed Wire & Roses Vintage Market, Bartlesmeyer Jewelry, Bids & Dibs, Courtland Hotel & Spa – Flying P Ranch, Hedgehog.INK!, Hole In the Wall Liquor, Iron Star Antiques & Such, Laree + Co, Main Street Gallery & Gifts, Papa Don’s (vendors), Sekan’s Occasion Shop, Shirt Shack, Sunshine Boutique, and Varia ~ Quality Resale Clothing Store.

More details will be posted on the Chamber website www.fortscott.com and social media. Contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce for more at 620-223-3566.

***

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Lyons Realty Adds New Employee: Ryan Edgecomb

Leave a comment
Ryan Edgecomb, 46,  is a new real estate agent for Lyons Realty Group.
Lyons’ Realty Group office, 8 E. Wall,  taken from its Facebook page.
“I will assist clients with buying and selling real estate,” he said. “I plan to use my agriculture background to specialize in hunting and agriculture properties.”
“I have been involved in ag-related careers my entire life including livestock feed and equipment sales as well as agriculture education,” he said.
He started this month.
He pursued this career because he has a strong interest in property and land values, he said.
“After Kylie and I got married, we started watching real estate and looking for a house to buy,” he said. ” We also kept our eyes open for some small acreage suitable to build a house. We successfully found 20 acres and built our dream home. Furthermore,  I have always been intrigued by the real estate and land trends in our area. This has prompted me to pursue this position.”
Edgecomb has been involved in the agricultural community.
“I am very active in Kansas Farm Bureau by serving a leadership role on the county level and representing District 3 on the state beef advisory committee,” he said.  “I have also served on many local ag advisory boards, extension boards, and participated in numerous community service projects.”
Edgecomb attended Kansas State University for both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
“My wife, Kylie, and I live on a small farm in rural Crawford County. We raise a small herd of commercial Angus and balancer cattle,” he said.
Fort Scott, Schools

FSHS Talking Tigers: All Teams Placed in Debate Tourney

Leave a comment
On Saturday, November 6, FSHS Talking Tigers competed at the Parsons debate tournament.  They placed 2nd overall and in the open division, all four of our teams placed!
Neil and Shekhar Gugnani placed 1st
Cadence Tuck and Regen Wells placed 3rd
Anna Hall and Caitlynn Tate placed 4th
Khris Patel and Lexi Hill placed 8th
GO TIGERS!!
Submitted by Angella Curran 

Fort Scott High School
Speech Communications
Debate/Forensics
Fort Scott, Government

FS City Offices Closed Nov. 11

Leave a comment

The City of Fort Scott Administrative Offices will be closed on Thursday, November 11th, 2021 in observance of Veterans Day. The regular offices will reopen on Friday, November 12th, 2021.

The City’s tree and brush dump site located on North Hill will also be closed on Thursday, November 11th, 2021 for the Veteran’s Day holiday. It will be open again on Saturday, November 13th, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

USD234 Board Agenda for Nov. 8

Leave a comment

Unified School District 234 Board Agenda

November 8, 2021

5:30 p.m.

Fort Scott Middle School Commons

Live Stream on youtube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjaU97n6HwM9fYHltUChYXg

  1. Open the meeting
  2. Flag Salute
  3. Consider official agenda
  4. Consider consent agenda
  5. Winfield Scott presentation
  6. Audit Report from Terry Sercer
  7. Public Forum
  8. Fort Scott KNEA Report
  9. Administrators’ Reports
  10. Academic Director’s Report
  11. Superintendent’s Report
  12. Business Manager’s Report
  13. ESSER Update
  14. Review and update USD 234 Areas of Focus
  15. Consider roof consulting proposal from Benchmark, Inc.
  16. Consider Resolution 21-09 for Withdrawal from Kansas Educational Risk Management Pool
  17. Consider RPS Broker Agreement
  18. Consider Benefits Committee Recommendation – Health Insurance
  19. Consider Erate Application Funding Year 2022 Contract
  20. Consider Employee Safety Manual
  21. Consider Memorandum of Understanding with CHC for COVID-19 testing
  22. Consider Memorandum of Understanding with Fort Scott KNEA
  23. Fort Scott Middle School VIP Fall Extravaganza – November 22, 2021 – 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
  24. Board member comments
  25. Executive session – to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel
  26. Consider Employment
  27. Adjourn
Fort Scott, Government

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE APPLICATION FOR CDBG FUNDS URGENT NEEDS CITY OF FORT SCOTT

Leave a comment

The City of Fort Scott will hold a public hearing on Monday, November 8, 2021, at 6:00 p.m., in the Fort Scott City Hall, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas, to discuss the City’s submission of an Urgent Need application for the Kansas Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.

The maximum Urgent Need grant that may be requested is $400,000.

No involuntary displacement of persons will be proposed.

For the Urgent Need application, the City proposes to address concerns on 8 and 16 North National Avenue including: the loose and deteriorated masonry at the top of the walls, joint reinforcement, framing shoring, installment of parapet caps, reconstruction/repair of building corners, removal of all interior plaster and finishes from the exterior face of the walls, repoint and patch old joist pockets, install anchors over entire wall surface, and remove old joist ties from the exterior face of the wall.

Proposed financing is $400,000 from CDBG funds, and $285,000 from City funds.

Other project proposals introduced at the hearing will be considered.

Oral and written comments will be recorded and become a part of the City of Fort Scott’s CDBG Citizen Participation Plan. Reasonable accommodations will be made available to persons with disabilities. Requests should be submitted to the City of Fort Scott Clerk’s Office at 620-223-0550.

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Schools

FSHS Presents the New Musical “Ranked”

Leave a comment

 

The Fort Scott High School Performing Arts Department presents the new musical “Ranked” by Kyle Holmes and David Taylor Gomes.

Performances are Nov. 9, and 11 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 13 at 2 and 7 p.m. at the FSHS Auditorium. Over fifty FSHS students are involved in the acting, singing, dancing, and technical aspects of the show.

“Ranked” presents a dystopian high school where the theme, “Buy your grades. Buy your future. But what happens when the rest of the world finds out?” comes to the surface.

Rankedmusical.com describes the plot this way: “Lily is Above the Average, barely. Soon the giant, and very public, academic leaderboards will update everyone’s class rank, and for another day, everyone will know their place. If you fall Below the Average – say goodbye to college, and pretty much everything else… In the face of an intense and perverse culture of performance, Lily must find her place in the status quo as she watches friends and enemies alike destroy themselves and each other to score their way to the top. When an impossible lie is discovered, the fate of these students’ futures hangs in the balance.”

Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for those under 18. Reserved tickets are available at fortscotthighschool.ludus.com or at the door. Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime. Parental guidance is suggested.

Business, Fort Scott

Country Cupboard To Close For Good, Until Then Saturdays Only

Leave a comment

Once an anchor store in Fort Scott Historic Downtown, Country Cupboard staff is opening the store at 12 N. Main on Saturdays only until the end of the year in a liquidation sale, according to employees.

Home decor, jewelry, clothing, cards, old fashion candy were among the offerings of the store, as well as Kansas State University accessories.

“Judy (Renard, the owner) was a true K-State fan,” a 20-year employee Sheila Blubaugh, said.

Judy Renard was the owner of the County Cupboard.

“We had the latest trends in merchandise,” Blubaugh, said. “Judy had a good ability to pick out something that was going to be popular. People came from lots of places, to shop here.”

“Judy was good at, if somebody wanted something we didn’t have, she would try to get it for them,” Marie Wiley, an almost 30-year employee, said. “She was a good boss, as well.”

Judy’s husband, John, had a shoe repair business inside the shop.

John died in December 2019, and Judy died this year in September.

In the last few years, the shop has been opened only rarely, as Judy had been ill.

Since the Good Ol Days Event this year in June, the shop has been open on Saturdays, Wiley said.

Now until the end of the year,  from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays, shoppers can purchase antiques,  store displays, former consignment items, and store merchandise that is for sale.

All are included in the liquidation sale.

“We have boxes of old consignment items,” Wiley said. “Some are being given away.”

The Renard family has listed the business property with real estate agent, Crystal Mason, Blubaugh said.

The family is comprised of Renard’s four children, Jim, Dallas, TX; Ron, Marshall, MO; David, Mapleton, and Dee Anne Miller, Fort Scott.

The building has two stories and a basement, Wiley said.

History of the business

Judy Renard started her business as the Calico Cottage, in a different building on Main Street, Blubaugh said.

“The shop featured handmade items, sold on consignment,” Blubaugh said.

Then Judy and John purchased the current location at 12 N. Main, about 40 years ago, Wiley said.

The building was originally a men’s clothing store, then A & P Grocery Store and then a men’s Western shop-when the Renard’s bought it, Wiley said.