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Category Archives: Fort Scott
McCoy Signs Agreement With City As New Interim City Manager
On August 10, local retired businessman Mark McCoy signed a contract with the City of Fort Scott to become its interim city manager, following the sudden resignation of Fort Scott City Manager Jeremy Frazier on August 3 after serving just six months.
The agreement states that McCoy is appointed by the city commission to be responsible for the administration and affairs of the city and perform duties as allowed by law and will work with the commission on its goals and objectives, according to information provided by the city.
McCoy will be employed month to month and started on August 10, 2021.
The city agrees to pay McCoy $9 per hour for up to 40 hours per week.
McCoy will receive no benefits, vacation or sick leave.
He will receive a vehicle allowance of $500 per month in lieu of mileage reimbursement.
To view the original document:
At a special city commission meeting on Aug. 5, Mark McCoy’s name was suggested for the interim city manager position, by Mayor Josh Jones. At that time the city commission asked him to consider taking the position.
McCoy has 46 years of business experience as a manager, supervisor, business development consultant, director, and owner in the McDonald’s Restaurant system, retiring in 2019.
He has been involved in the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees, Mercy Health Foundation, Kiwanis, SEK Multi-County Health Board, Highway 69 Project, Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, and the Knights of Columbus.
Business Expo At FSCC on August 18
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Chamber of Commerce Clean-Up Day This Friday, August 13
An event is slated for this Friday to spruce up Fort Scott’s downtown area and donated tools are still appreciated.
“The Downtown Clean-Up Event is scheduled for Friday, August 13 from 3-6 p.m.,” Bailey Lyons, chairman of the Downtown Committee of the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, said.
There is a need for paintbrushes and rollers, hand clippers, loppers, weed eaters, leaf blowers, ladders, rakes, and shovels. These can be dropped off, with label and phone number on them, at Lyons Realty Group Office at 8 E. Wall.
Volunteers are asked to gather on August 13 at 2:45 p.m. at Lyons Realty Group at 8 E Wall, where materials, supplies, instructions will be distributed.
The committee has planned and reworked the event twice now because of inclement weather, Lyons said. “We are hopeful that the third time’s the charm and we can get this done for the community!”
The committee is expecting 350-375 volunteers, she said.
Because of the large number of volunteers, several other public areas in town will be worked on.
“Due to the overwhelming pledge of volunteers, we will also complete various projects in the areas of Buck Run, and Gunn Park shelter houses and trails,” Lyons said.
Lyons said they are “extremely grateful to everyone helping, and everyone on the committee is humbled and blown away by the response.”
The Downtown Committee is eager to partner with Fort Scott Community College, which Lyons said is sending FSCC Student-Athletes to help with the cause.
In addition to FSCC, volunteers are expected from The City of Fort Scott, Kiwanis, Rotary, FFA, Good Neighbor Action Team, numerous local businesses, a group of local contractors, and many individuals and families.
“The committee has worked diligently to organize all logistics, materials, and volunteers, and can’t wait to see it all play out,” Lyons said. “Our projects are spread throughout the historic downtown area and will include re-striping parking spaces and crosswalks, mulching and planting various beds, painting light posts and signposts, painting curbs, and painting the Chamber & Visitor Center sign, among other things. In addition, there are groups of local artists that will be painting two wall murals downtown throughout the day.”
“An event of this scale does not happen without the time, effort, and donations from a ton of individuals and organizations,” Lyons said, “The majority of the event costs were offset by a grant from our local Fort Scott Elks Lodge, which the committee was thrilled to receive. Many of the materials not covered by the grant were provided by The City of Fort Scott, who has been wonderful to collaborate with.”
A free meal will be provided to the volunteers from area businesses.
“All volunteers will be fed dinner upon completion of the work, courtesy of E3, with contributions from Bids & Dibs, and Lyons Realty Group, ” Lyons said. “Each volunteer will also receive a free t-shirt, compliments of MyOneStop.”
“We wish to extend a sincere thank you to every person that has supported these efforts,” Lyons said on behalf of the committee. “This grew into a much larger event than originally planned, and the community pride has been undeniable. We hope that the impact is positive and quite noticeable. It’s amazing what can happen when people join together!”
“MyOneStop, a local marketing, and printing company is sending over their videographer and photographer to document the event,” Rachel French, a clean-up committee member said. “They will be creating a video to share with the City of Fort Scott to use as they see fit. MyOneStop is happy to donate its time and services to such an awesome event.”
Members of the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Downtown Committee, include Lyons (who is the chairwoman, Lyons Realty Group), John Crain (Crain Insurance Agency), French (WK Holdings) and Angela Simon (Bids & Dibs/ Angie Dawn’s), supported by Chamber President/CEO Lindsay Madison.
Parks Choice of Weapons Award Winners Announced
Kyle Johnson and Eli Reed will be the recipients of the “Gordon Parks Choice of Weapons Award” at the annual celebration this October 7-9, 2021 in Fort Scott, Kansas.
The celebration is in honor of Fort Scott native Gordon Parks, noted photographer, writer, musician, and filmmaker. The Choice of Weapons Award was established in Parks’ honor to be given annually at the Celebration.
Named after his autobiography of the same name, the award seeks to honor a recipient who exemplifies the career and character of Gordon Parks.
Previous recipients include actor and musician Avery Brooks, photographer Howard L. Bingham, Elizabeth Eckford and Ernest Green, two of the “Little Rock Nine,” Richard Roundtree, star of the Parks-directed film, Shaft, Nichelle Nichols of Star Trek fame, acclaimed actress Ruby Dee, photographer John Shearer, LIFE magazine photo editor Bobbi Burrows, Senator Nancy Landon Kassebaum, musicians Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr., editor Genevieve Young, filmmaker Kevin Willmott, educator Bernadette Gray-Little, Roger E. Mosley, star of the Parks-directed film, Leadbelly, Karole Graham, Stephen Perry and S. Pearl Sharp, cast members of the Parks-directed film, The Learning Tree.
Kyle Johnson, was born into a show business family – his mother is none other than Nichelle Nichols, known throughout the universe as Lt Uhura of the original Star Trek. He made his professional stage debut at age 7 in Only in America and his first television appearances include Day in Court, General Hospital, and The Fugitive.
In his teens, he began to consider more seriously his desire to pursue a career in acting. Kyle’s appearance in Chuck Connors’ latter day vehicle, Cowboy in Africa, accelerated his critique of the film industry and it’s the portrayal of Black people and culture.
Encouraged by his grandmother, Lishia, to endure and overcome, he was soon cast in a groundbreaking collaboration between NBC and the Watt’s Writer’s Workshop – Losers Weepers.
The following year Kyle got a call regarding a film in planning and met with Gordon Parks who decided on the spot that Kyle would portray him in the screen adaptation of his autobiographical novel, The Learning Tree. The film and it’s author have been lauded continuously since it’s release in 1969. In 1989 it was among the first 25 films inducted into the Library of Congress National Film Registry for their cultural, historical, or aesthetic value and now stands in the company of Gone with the Wind, The Wizard of Oz, and Citizen Kane.
Following The Learning Tree, Kyle compiled more credits including The Mod Squad, and as the son of Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee in The Sheriff. But Kyle’s misgivings about Hollywood’s stereotypical and demeaning portrayals of Black America were further reinforced. Hopes for a new dawn were dimmed by the emerging wave of Blaxploitation films and he withdrew from the film industry in the mid-70s.
Johnson’s creative drive was redirected to music. He quickly developed his talents and attracted attention as a singer/songwriter performing in clubs throughout Los Angeles and San Francisco as a solo performer and with bands including Gideon & Power, a 2Beat Gospel/Funk band and The Skanksters, a rambunctious Reggae/Ska combo.
After moving to New Mexico in 1993, he became general manager of CATS! / Community Access Television of Silver, providing public, education, and government-related programs in Silver City. In the early 2000’s, Johnson had a local am talk show that created controversy – Radio Free Silver! – that created such controversy that it was abruptly canceled mid- program under pressure from disgruntled advertisers.
Eli Reed, is an accomplished photographer that began his career as a freelancer in 1970. His work from El Salvador, Guatemala and other Central American countries attracted the attention of Magnum Photos in 1982, where he became a full member in 1988.
Reed has authored several books, including Beirut: City of Regrets, Black in America (preface by Gordon Parks), The Lost Boys of Sudan,
and Eli Reed: A Long Walk Home (introduction by Paul Theroux) an award-winning retrospective.
His photographs have been recognized in numerous shows and exhibitions. Reed photographed the effects of poverty on children for a film documentary called America’s Children, Poorest in the Land of Plenty, narrated by Maya Angelou and televised on NBC on Mother’s Day.
He has worked as a stills and specials photographer for many motion
pictures including Rosewood, 2 Fast 2 Furious, Poetic Justice, Five Heartbeats, Ghosts of Mississippi, and Oscar-winning films including A Beautiful Mind, 8 Mile, and the documentary about young people
actively involved in the Civil Rights movement in Alabama, Mighty Times, The Children’s March.
Reed has received many awards including, Pulitzer Prize Runner Up (1981), Nieman Fellowship at Harvard University (1982-83), POY Nikon World Understanding Award (1983), Overseas Press Club
(1983), World Press Daily Life Award 1988, W. Eugene Smith Grant in Documentary Photography (1992), his video documentary Getting Out shown at the New York Film Festival in 1993 and honored by the 1996 Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame International Film and Video Competition in the documentary category.
He just recently received three renowned awards which are the National Press Photographers Association Joseph A. Sprague Memorial Award, Harvard University Nieman Foundation I.F. Stone
Medal award for Long Term Investigative Journalism, and now the Gordon Parks Choice of Weapons Award (all in 2021).
Reed was a Clinical Professor of Photojournalism at The University of Texas in Austin (2005) until recently.
He is currently involved in writing, working on his next photography book, along with preparing for planned exhibitions in Korea and China delayed because of the Pandemic.
Reed is also involved with film projects as writer, producer, and director on current ongoing fictional and documentary film productions.
Johnson and Reed will be honored at a dinner at the Liberty Theater in Fort Scott, KS on Saturday, October 9th. Ticket information and the full schedule will be posted on the website gordonparkscenter.org.
Mark McCoy: Interim City Manager
Local businessman Mark McCoy was asked by the City of Fort Scott to consider taking the interim city manager position.
This following the sudden resignation of Jeremy Frazier in the city manager position, after just six months. Frazier tendered his resignation last week and signed a severance package with the city.
“City Attorney Bob Farmer is putting together a contract for an interim city manager position,” McCoy said. “It will be reviewed and then, if approved, a contract offered.”
The contract for Mark McCoy as interim city manager will be taken before the Fort Scott City Commission for approval at 6 p.m. this evening, City Attorney Bob Farmer said. “Mark has agreed to be our interim city manager as he is a long-time resident and wants to help keep the city moving forward until we have a full-time city manager.”
At a special city commission meeting on Aug. 5, Mark McCoy’s name was suggested for the interim city manager position, by Mayor Josh Jones.
“I have gotten to know Mark over the last year and thought he had a good balance between government knowledge as well as his business mind that could help us through the next 3-6 months until we can find a replacement,” Jones said.
“I am extremely excited about the opportunity, and want to help the community as best I can,” McCoy said. “There are lots of possibilities. I do hope to be a face for positive things. I hope it works out for all.”
McCoy has 46 years of business experience in the
McDonald’s Restaurant system, as a restaurant manager, area training manager, special project manager, supervisor of five restaurants, senior supervisor, business development consultant, regional food safety consultant, director of training, learning and development, and most recently was owner of four McDonald’s in Missouri and Kansas, retiring in 2019.
He has been involved in the local community in the following ways:
Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce past chairman, three times ;
past chairman Fort Scott Community College Trustees
Mercy Health Foundation Board Member for eight years;
past president Kiwanis and current member for 15 years;
SEK Multi-County Health Board Vice-chairman, Highway 69 Project member, member of the Knights of Columbus for 25 years.
McCoy and wife, Mo, are parishioners at
Mary Queen of Angeles Catholic Church.
Former FS City Manager Jeremy Frazier is Given Severance Package
On August 3, Fort Scott City ManagerJeremy Frazier resigned his position to pursue other employment opportunities, according to information provided by the city.
Frazier had been city manager for six months.
The Fort Scott City Commission began immediately to search for a new city manager.
Frazier gave no reason in the letter for his leaving, and an email to him had no response.
The city agreed to provide a letter of reference to Frazier that he is qualified and has performed his duties professionally and competently during his six months in the city manager position, according to the severance package provided by the city.
Frazier will receive six months’ salary in a lump sum and continuing health insurance until he has acquired other health insurance, according to the information from the city.
Frazier’s contract was for $115,000 per year.
In return, Frazier will make himself available to assist the city staff with consultations on various city matters and projects, for 90 days.
Both Frazier and the city agree to make no disparaging remarks about each other without the risk of voiding the agreement between them.
To view the entire severance package:
To view a prior feature on Frazier:
New FS City Manager Starts Feb. 1: Jeremy Frazier
U234 Press Release on BOE Meeting Aug. 9
NEWS RELEASE
Monday, August 9, 2021
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at the Fort Scott High School Cafeteria on Monday, August 9, 2021, for their regular monthly meeting.
President James Wood opened the meeting. The board approved the official agenda.
The board approved the consent agenda as follows:
A. Minutes
B. Bills and Claims
C. Payroll – July 20, 2021 – $1,206,738.56
D. Financial Report
E. Activity fund accounts
Several patrons spoke in the public forum.
Brenda Hill, KNEA President, gave a report. In addition, Ted Hessong,
Superintendent, and Gina Shelton, Business Manager/Board Clerk, shared information with board members.
The board approved an operational plan for the 2021-22 school year. Board members discussed homeschool students participating in district activities. The board also approved:
· Addition of high school boys’ and girls’ swimming to the supplemental salary schedule for the 2021-22 school year
· Addition of a Possession of Firearms policy for the 2021-22 Employee Handbook
· New Generation contract for the 2021-22 school year
· No Limits Rehabilitation for physical therapy service for the 2021-22 school year
· CHC Contract for the 2021-22 school year
· 2021-22 Classified Salary Schedule
Board members shared comments and then went into executive session to discuss employee-employer negotiations for the 2021-22 school year. The board returned to open meeting and returned to executive session to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel and returned to open meeting.
The board approved the following employment matters:
A. Transfer of Sabrina Cady, van driver, to middle school paraprofessional for the 2021-22 school year
B. Leave of absence for Katie McGee, Winfield Scott kindergarten teacher
C. Leave of absence dates for Natalie Kitsmiller, Winfield Scott paraprofessional
D. Leave of absence for Becky Howard, middle school paraprofessional
E. Employment of Johnna Walls as a Eugene Ware fourth grade teacher for the 2021-22 school year
F. Increase in contract days and gas stipend for Krista Gorman, instructional coach for the district, for the 2021-22 school year
G. Resignation of Ken Klassen, high school head boys’ golf coach; resignation of Kourtney Harper, high school assistant volleyball coach; and resignation of Allison Gorman, high school assistant softball coach, effective at the end of the 2020-21 school year
H. Employment of Eugene Ware supplemental employees for the 2021-22 school year
I. Employment of Gordon Harris as a 10-month middle school custodian for the 2021-22 school year
J. Additional work hours for Dee Peters, Winfield Scott paraprofessional, to include a two-hour regular route bus driving position for the 2021-22 school year
K. Employment of Madeline Martin as the high school head boys’ and head girls’ swimming coach for the 2021-22 school year; employment of Kenny Hudiburg as high school assistant girls’ tennis coach for the 2021-22 school year
The board adjourned.
Free Meals Available For All American Students
Free school meals are available for all students
during 2021-2022 school year
The National School Lunch Program Seamless Summer Option (SSO) waiver allows all Kansas students the option of free breakfast and lunch each school day during the 2021-2022 school year – ensuring students are fueled and ready to learn.
The waiver allows the SSO to operate when school is open during the regular school year – through June 30, 2022. It is a continuation of a commitment to provide safe, healthy meals free of charge to children as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to threaten food and nutrition security of the most vulnerable – our students, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The waiver also will help schools continue to plan for a safe opening in the fall. For example, it will eliminate the need to collect meal payments. This speeds up the service of meals, which reduces contact and potential exposure to COVID-19.
The USDA’s National School Lunch Program SSO is typically only available during the summer months. However, extending it allows for a strong emphasis on providing fruits and vegetables, milk, and whole grains while allowing schools to serve the meals for free.
Schools that choose the SSO option will receive higher-than-normal meal reimbursements for every meal they serve, which will support them in serving the most nutritious meals possible while managing increased costs associated with operational and supply chain challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The USDA covers the cost of the meals for all students. There is no need for families to fill out an application.
Every meal that is served helps USD 234 foodservice program financially and keeps local food service staff members employed.
The free meals, which are safe, nutritious, and delicious, help extend family food budgets, too.
For more information, contact USD 234, 424 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS. Phone 620-223- 0800.
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech disabilities may contact
USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
Additionally, program information may be made
available in languages other than English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: https://www.usda.gov/oascr/how-to-file-a-program-discrimination-complaint, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information
requested in the form.
To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
(1) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
(2) Fax: (202) 690-7442; or
(3) Email: [email protected].
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
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FS City Commission Special Meeting: Interim City Manager, Street Maintenance
There will be a Special Meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 10th, 2021. This meeting will be held to consider the Interim City Manager proposed contract.
The work session will begin at 6:15 p.m. or immediately following the special meeting. The work session will be held to discuss the remainder of the 2021 street maintenance program.
This meeting will be held at 123 S. Main Street in the City Commission meeting room. This meeting will be broadcast on the City’s You tube channel. This meeting is open to the public.
FSCC Business Expo is ON, August 18
“I am excited to announce that we WILL be able to have our annual Business Expo this year!,” Kassie Cate, Fort Scott Community College Director of Strategic Communications said. “It will take place on August 18th from 8:30 am to 11:30 am in Bailey Hall. If you know any businesses, churches, or organizations that would like to participate, please send them my way; space is limited.”
Friday Night Free Concert: Jerry Bahr and Randy Brasuell
This week’s Friday Night Concert will be presented by Jerry Bahr and Randy Brasuell, Fort Scott members of Bourbon County Revival. The duo will feature Bahr on vocals, guitar and banjo, and Brasuell on vocals, guitar and mandolin. Both have played The Good ’Ol Days Red Garter Saloon for many years and numerous other venues.
“These gifted musician friends will perform a variety of folk and country songs in a style that will make you tap your toes and grin from ear to ear,“ concert series organizer Ralph Carlson said. “Come out and join us for an enjoyable opportunity to see friends and hear some great talent. There’s a possibility that some of the other Bourbon County Revival band members may join Bahr and Brasuell. These local guys are a crowd favorite and we are pleased to welcome them back to the park pavilion.“
The concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Heritage Park Pavilion at First and Main streets. The shows, sponsored by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, are free and open to the public. Dave Oas of Parsons serves as sound technician each week. Due to limited seating, attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to the Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall Street.