Category Archives: Fort Scott

Fort Scott, Government

Former FS City Manager Jeremy Frazier is Given Severance Package

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Jeremy Frazier. Submitted photo.

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:

DOC080921-08092021110946(1)

 

To view a prior feature on Frazier:

New FS City Manager Starts Feb. 1: Jeremy Frazier

 

 

 

 

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

U234 Press Release on BOE Meeting Aug. 9

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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.

 

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Government, Kansas, Schools

Free Meals Available For All American Students

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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.
###

Fort Scott, Government

FS City Commission Special Meeting: Interim City Manager, Street Maintenance

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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.

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Community College

FSCC Business Expo is ON, August 18

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“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.”

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott

Friday Night Free Concert: Jerry Bahr and Randy Brasuell

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Ralph Carlson introduces the Friday Night Concert musicians May 2019.

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.

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Letter To The Editor: Michael Hoyt

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The following was submitted by Michael Hoyt.

A group of concerned citizens has worked to obtain a sufficient petition from the Bourbon County Counselor to repeal and revoke the 1% City-Wide sales tax.

Attached is a fact sheet surrounding this effort.

The citizen’s group have sought to negotiate a reasonable solution with the City Attorney who would then make a recommendation to the City Commission a solution that would not require a special election and the loss of sales tax of at least (1) quarter of revenue if the Electors vote “not to continue the 1% City-Wide sales tax.”

Any negotiated solution would be similar to the 1983 resolution and “sunset” every 10 years; the group recognizes that Fort Scott City Management has, in their opinion, misdirected the majority of the monies collected to the general fund and a “weaning off” period might be required.

Business, Food, Fort Scott

Sharky’s Pub Open Today from 11 a.m to 2 a.m.

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Let’s Celebrate!
Sharky’s Pub & Grub Will Open this Saturday, August 7th(11 am until 2 am)
Dave & Tina would like to extend their gratitude & say “Thank you” for the overwhelming community support during the unfortunate event of the adjacent historic Eagle Block building ultimately being demolished.
The Lipe family looks forward to seeing everyone!
FORT SCOTT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
FORTSCOTT.COM | 620-223-3566
Bourbon County, Business, Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening in Fort Scott Aug. 6 Newsletter

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott!
August 6th ~ Weekly Newsletter
SHOP LOCAL!
August 6th thru 8th
NO SALESTAX
WEEKEND
FORT SCOTT, KS
Thank you to the Participating Retailers!
UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS
________________
TROLLEY TOURS!
Every Friday & Saturday!
50-minute Narrated Trolley Tour
of Historic Fort Scott. Every hour on the hour. Depart from the Fort Scott
Chamber at 231 E. Wall St.
Friday hours: 11 am until 3 pm
Saturday hours: 10 am until 3 pm.
$6 Adults & $4 for 12 yrs & under.
THE FORT SCOTT NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE OFFERS DAILY GUIDED TOURS AT 10 AM & 1 PM, 7 DAYS/WEEK.
FREE – See more details below.
NO SALES TAX
WEEKEND
FORT SCOTT, KS
Friday, August 6th thru August 8th
Click here for flyers & participating retailers.
8/6 – Friday Night Concert in the Park – Excited to bring Cherry Grove Baptist Church f to the Heritage Pavilion Park. Click here for info.
8/6 & 8/7 ~ Fort Scott Livestock Sale. Click here for info.
8/6 – 8/12 – Fort Scott Cinema. Now showing:
The Suicide Squad, Jungle Cruise & Space Jam. Click here for more showtimes and upcoming movies.
8/6 – Boiler Room Brewhaus: LEFT TO CENTER BAND!7 PM. Ghetto Food Truck will be serving from 5 pm until ?. Click hereto learn more.
8/6 – CORNHOLE FUN AT HOLMTOWN PUB, EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT AT 6 PM. Click here for more information.
8/6- Farmers’ Market, 8 am to noon, Skubitz Plaza in front of the Fort.
8/6 ~ 8/9 – The Lavender Patch Farm To learn more about events & hours open,click here.
July Hours open daily. Thurs. thru Mon.
8/7 ~ Fort Scott City Golf Championship Tournament. To learn more about events & hours open,click here.
8/7 ~ EKTEC Rodeo in Uniontown (Eastern Kansas Timed Event Circuit) To learn more about events & hours open,click here.
8/7 ~ Hollister Shooting Range Open 1st & 3rd weekend of each month. To learn more about events & hours open,click here.
8/7 ~ Memorial Bull Riding Benefit for Michael Jeffers Family at Bourbon County Fairgrounds. To learn more about events & hours open, click here.
SAVE THE DATE:
8/13- DOWNTOWN SPRING CLEAN-UP DAY OF THE FORT SCOTT CHAMBER DOWNTOWN DIVISION. NEED VOLUNTEERS! CALL BAILEY LYONS AT 620.266.9448.Click here for more info.
8/13 – Bourbon County Arts Council presents “Flagship Romance Concert live” on the Patio at Liberty Theatre. starts at 8 pm, clickhere for more information with cost and location.
8/13 – Bourbon County Comedy Night Open Mic, click here for more info. 9-11 pm, new amateur comedian every 5 minutes, age 18+over.
8/14- Farmers’ Market, 8 am to noon, Skubitz Plaza in front of the Fort. Bourbon County Democrats serving Breakfast on the Bricks this Saturday, click here for more info.
SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!
Downtown Fort Scott is booming!
Click here for Chamber member
specialty shopping & other retail in
Downtown & other areas of the community.
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
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.
FITNESS FOR EVERYONE IN FS!
Many fitness options are available…
SPIN classesnow offered bySmallville Athletics, every Mon & Wed at 5:15 pm, and Tu & Thurs at 6 pm. $5/class or $50/mo. unlimited.
Total Body Fitness ~ M & W Karen Reinbolt at BRCC@
8:15 am $20/8 week session.
Zumba~ M,W, F @ 6pm Monalynn Decker at BRCC $40 for a 12-week session.
Indoor Fitness/Gyms at
I AM Rehab + Fitness, Smallville Athletics, and Buck Run!
THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER BOOSTER MEMBERS!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
231 E. Wall Street
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Bourbon County, Bourbon County Sheriff's Office, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Police Department

Fort Scott/Bourbon County’s Dispatch Moved For Security, Space Issues

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The Fort Scott/Bourbon County Dispatch office is now located in the old jail facility on 207 S. Judson. Submitted photos.

Those who answer emergency calls for the Bourbon County community have been moved to a more secure and bigger space from the Hawkins Public Safety facility at 1604 South National Avenue.

People and equipment in Fort Scott/Bourbon County Dispatch Department moved to 207 S. Judson, on June 22, 2021.  The site is the former correctional facility adjacent to the Bourbon County Courthouse.

Parts of the old jail facility were remodeled into Fort Scott/Bourbon County Dispatch and opened on June 22, 2021. Submitted photo.

“We answer all incoming 911 emergency calls and dispatch the appropriate agencies such as police, deputies, fire, and Emergency Medical Services,” Traci Reed,  communications manager, said. Reed has been in this position for ten years and in the dispatch department for 14 years.

 

“We also answer all calls that require calls for service for the community,” she said.

 

Why the move?

“Personal and structural safety has always been a concern for our dispatch facility,” Reed said.  “The Hawkins building housed police, fire, and dispatch, and the shortage of room was an issue as well.”

“The public has access to the Hawkins Building and dispatch should not be physically accessible to the public due to safety reasons,” she said.

“Fortification of dispatch is very important due to bad weather or any other kind of disaster that may occur,” Reed said. “If any disaster would take place dispatch has to be able to continue communications with all agencies to ensure the safety for our citizens of the city and county.”

“The benefit (to the community) is that dispatch can and will continue to run efficiently and serve this community to the best of our ability to ensure safety for not only our citizens but also our First Responders,” she said.

Jobs

Currently, there are seven full-time employees with one part-time employee.

There is one full-time vacancy at this time, she said.

Qualifications for employment require passing a background check, being able to multi-task, have listening skills, and being able to handle stressful situations, Reed said.

To apply go to the City of Fort Scott Website at www.fscity.org to fill out an application.

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Evergy Announces 2021 Second Quarter Earning Results

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  • GAAP EPS of $0.81; Adjusted EPS (Non-GAAP) of $0.85
  • Declares quarterly dividend of $0.535
  • Reaffirms 2021 adjusted earnings guidance

 

Kansas City, Mo., August 5, 2021 – Evergy, Inc. (NYSE: EVRG) today announced second quarter 2021 earnings of $185 million, or $0.81 per share, compared with earnings of $133 million, or $0.59 per share, for the second quarter of 2020.

 

Evergy’s adjusted earnings (non-GAAP) and adjusted earnings per share (non-GAAP) were

$195 million and $0.85, respectively, in the second quarter of 2021 compared with $154 million and

$0.68, respectively, in the second quarter of 2020. Adjusted earnings (non-GAAP) and adjusted

earnings per share (non-GAAP) are reconciled to GAAP earnings in the financial table included in

this release.

 

Second quarter earnings per share were driven higher primarily by higher weather-normalized demand, higher transmission margin, lower operating and maintenance expense and higher other income, partially offset by unfavorable weather.

 

“Strong financial and operational execution allowed our team to deliver solid results in the first half of the year.  We also completed a number of significant milestones, including the announcement of our Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), which outlines and accelerates the company’s carbon reduction timeline, the completion of Sustainability Transformation Plan workshops in both Kansas and Missouri, and the passage of securitization legislation in both states,” said David Campbell, Evergy president and chief executive officer. “We will remain focused on execution in order to capitalize on this strong momentum.”

 

Earnings Guidance

 

The Company has reaffirmed its 2021 adjusted EPS guidance range of $3.20 to $3.40 and long-term adjusted EPS annual growth target of 6% to 8% from 2019 through 2024.

 

Dividend Declaration

 

The Board of Directors declared a dividend on the Company’s common stock of $0.535 per share

payable on September 20, 2021. The dividends are payable to shareholders of record as of August 20, 2021.

 

Earnings Conference Call

 

Evergy management will host a conference call Thursday, August 5, with the investment community at 8:00 a.m. ET (7:00 a.m. CT). Investors, media and the public may listen to the conference call by

dialing (888) 353-7071, conference ID 3065454. A webcast of the live conference call will be

available at http://investors.evergy.com.

 

Members of the media are invited to listen to the conference call and then contact Gina Penzig with

any follow-up questions.

 

This earnings announcement, a package of detailed second-quarter financial information, the

Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2021 and other filings the

Company has made with the Securities and Exchange Commission are available on the Company’s

website at http://investors.evergy.com.

 

Adjusted Earnings (non-GAAP) and Adjusted Earnings Per Share (non-GAAP)

 

Adjusted earnings (non-GAAP) and adjusted earnings per share (non-GAAP) exclude the income or costs resulting from non-regulated energy marketing margins from the February 2021 winter weather event, and costs resulting from executive transition, severance, advisor expenses and the revaluation of deferred tax assets and liabilities from the Kansas corporate income tax rate change. This information is intended to enhance an investor’s overall understanding of results.  Management believes that adjusted earnings (non-GAAP) provide a meaningful basis for evaluating Evergy’s operations across periods because it excludes certain items that management does not believe are indicative of Evergy’s ongoing performance. Adjusted earnings (non-GAAP) and adjusted earnings per share (non-GAAP) are used internally to measure performance against budget and in reports for management and the Evergy Board of Directors. Adjusted earnings (non-GAAP) and adjusted earnings per share (non-GAAP) are financial measures that are not calculated in accordance with GAAP and may not be comparable to other companies’ presentations or more useful than the GAAP information provided elsewhere in this report.

 

The following tables provide a reconciliation between net income attributable to Evergy, Inc. and diluted earnings per common share as determined in accordance with GAAP and adjusted earnings (non-GAAP) and adjusted earnings per share (non-GAAP).

 

Evergy, Inc

Consolidated Earnings and Diluted Earnings Per Share

(Unaudited)

 

Earnings (Loss)

  

Earnings (Loss) per Diluted Share

  

Earnings (Loss)

  

Earnings (Loss) per Diluted Share
Three Months Ended June 30

2021

  

2020
 

(millions, except per share amounts)
Net income attributable to Evergy, Inc. $

185.3

  $

0.81

  $

133.4

  $

0.59

Non-GAAP reconciling items:              
Non-regulated energy marketing margin related to February 2021

winter weather event, pre-tax(a)

1.5

 

0.01

 

—

 

—

Non-regulated energy marketing costs related to February 2021

winter weather event, pre-tax(b)

2.0

 

0.01

 

—

 

—

Executive transition costs, pre-tax(c)

1.8

 

0.01

 

—

              —
Severance costs, pre-tax(d)

1.2

 

—

 

(0.4)

 

—

Advisor expenses, pre-tax(e)

5.7

 

0.02

 

9.8

 

0.04

Income tax benefit(f)

(2.4)

 

(0.01)

 

(2.4)

 

(0.01)

Kansas corporate income tax change(g)

—

 

—

 

13.8

 

0.06

Adjusted earnings (non-GAAP) $

195.1

  $

0.85

  $

154.2

  $

0.68

 

Earnings (Loss)

  

Earnings (Loss) per Diluted Share

  

Earnings (Loss)

  

Earnings (Loss) per Diluted Share
Year to Date June 30

2021

  

2020
 

(millions, except per share amounts)
Net income attributable to Evergy, Inc. $

376.9

  $

1.65

  $

202.8

  $

0.89

Non-GAAP reconciling items:              
Non-regulated energy marketing margin related to February 2021

winter weather event, pre-tax(a)

(95.0)

 

(0.42)

 

—

 

—

Non-regulated energy marketing costs related to February 2021

winter weather event, pre-tax(b)

4.0

 

0.02

…