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Category Archives: Fort Scott
FS Planning Commissions Meets April 19
The Fort Scott Planning Commission will meet on Monday, April 19th, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. This meeting will be held to consider a Conditional Use Permit for the property located at 10 N. National Avenue to allow first floor residential living.
This meeting is open to the public. This meeting will be made available via the City’s you tube channel at City of Fort Scott.
The National Avenue Pavement Preservation Project Began Yesterday
With city street improvements, comes a little inconvenience.
And the City of Fort Scott has two projects on National Avenue in the works.
National from 13th to Wall
A pavement preservation project began on April 13 and will continue through next week.
National Avenue from 13th Street to Wall Street will be affected by this project, with one lane open at all times, according to a City of Fort Scott press release. Each day, specific sections of the street will be targeted in an effort to mitigate the impact on local businesses.
“This project is being performed…by Proseal Asphalt Preservation,” Fort Scott City Manager Jeremy Frazier said.
He said the contract for this work was awarded in November 2020, prior to his arrival as the city manager.
The first phase is completed, phase two started yesterday.
“Proseal is currently prepping the cracks in the pavement by blowing them out with extremely high-pressure air blowers to address heavily damaged and cracked street areas.”
“On Thursday they will be going back through those same cracks starting at the bridge near the Marmaton River… but this time they will be blowing the cracks and then filling them immediately thereafter street (with) crack filling solution,” he said. “This will reduce further damage to the roads and extend the life of the streets. The debris will be blown to the side of the streets and the larger portions taken away.”
Friday, workers will finish what is needed from Thursday’s work.
“If the weather cooperates, it is expected that this process will conclude by Monday of next week,” Frazier said.
City employees will use the street sweeper to remove debris, Frazier said.
“City staff has reached out to the affected businesses along National to provide notices of the work to be performed,” Frazier said.
The cost of the second phase work was quoted to be roughly $38,000, Frazier said.
National From Hwy. 69 to 13th
A second project will begin in late spring 2021 for a mill and overlay project on National between 13th Street and Hwy 69, Frazier said.
“We received heavy rains a few weeks ago that resulted in the drastic deterioration of National (Avenue) near Hwy. 69,” Frazier said.
At an unrelated meeting with KDOT, Frazier mentioned this deterioration.
KDOT informed Frazier that there was a possibility of piggybacking on the mill and overlay work that was soon to begin on Hwy. 69 by Bettis Asphalt.
The news couldn’t have come at a better time, he said.
“After checking with the city attorney, and given the water-related damage that had occurred on National, coupled with the possibility of adding to a project currently underway, I felt that it was necessary to address the damage as quickly as possible,” Frazier said.
The city staff requested a bid from contractor Bettis Asphalt, to add National Avenue up to 13th Street from Hwy. 69 onto the existing project, he said.
The company was already going to pave a small portion of the entrance from Hwy. 69 onto National Avenue.
“It made sense to take advantage of this contractor’s presence for a few additional and recently damaged blocks,” Frazier said.
The quote was received on April 6, 2021, in the amount of $116,350.50 and presented to the Fort Scott City Commission for consideration and possible approval.
They approved the project and it is estimated that the project begins in late May or early June after the completion of the US-69 project, Frazier said.
“This project will consist of milling the existing asphalt over the bricks and the replacement of a 1.5” overlay on top of those bricks,” he said. “There is a possibility that in an effort to save or reduce project costs that the city may offer street sweeping services for cleanup during the project. Otherwise, this project would be completely executed by Bettis Asphalt.”
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Please contact City Hall at 620-223-0550 for questions.
USD234 News Release
NEWS RELEASE
Monday, April 12, 2021
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at the Fort Scott Middle School Commons on Monday, April 12, 2021, for their regular monthly meeting.
President David Stewart 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 – March 11, 2021 – $1,410,272.92
D. Financial Report
E. Activity fund accounts
F. Parent/Teacher Conference statistics
G. KASB Membership Renewal with Season Pass and Legal Assistance Fund Contract Renewal for 2021-22
H. Employee Recognition Reception – May 10 – 5:00 p.m. – Fort Scott Middle School Commons
Students from the Fort High School Drama and Thespians Department gave a presentation.
Patrons spoke during the public forum section.
Reports were given by the following:
· Brenda Hill, KNEA President
· Administrators’ written reports
· Dalaina Smith, Academic Director
· Ted Hessong, Superintendent
· Gina Shelton, Business Manager/Board Clerk
The board acknowledged receipt of negotiations lists for 2021-22. There was a Return-to
School Plan discussion. Board members received a Roof Inspection Report. In addition, the board heard a Summer Projects Report from Daniel Koppa, Facilities Director.
Board members approved the following:
· Community in Schools Renewal for 2021-22
· Southeast Kansas Gear Up Program
· Technology purchase
· Concrete bids – RII Concrete Construction
· Early retirement payout
· Purchase of two smaller buses
· Health insurance waivers of $456.96 for the entire 2020-21 school year
· Federal Fiscal Procedures and Policy
· Contract for Provision of Educational Services Specialized Learning
· Summit Truck Group estimate on bus repair
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 matters:
A. Retirement of Pam Williams, Winfield Scott teacher aide, effective June 1, 2021
B. Retirement of Tom Lancaster, bus driver, effective April 1, 2021
C. Resignation of J. P. “Phil” Hammons as USD 234 Treasurer, effective March 5, 2021
D. Resignation of Joy McGhee, Winfield Scott Principal, effective at the end of the 2020-21 contract year
E. Resignation of Tammy Grimes, Eugene Ware speech paraprofessional, effective April 3, 2021
F. Resignation of Dillon Duffy, middle school four-hour paraprofessional, effective March 29, 2021
G. Termination of Gary Floyd, middle school paraprofessional, effective March 29, 2021
H. Transfer of Clint Heffern, high school social studies/physical education teacher, to the additional high school physical education teacher position for the 2021-22 school year
I. Leave of absence for Carrie Southwell, Eugene Ware third grade teacher, for the 2021-22 school year
J. Clarification of contract for Stephanie Flanner, elementary behavior specialist
K. Employment of Scott Kimble as high school principal for the 2021-22 school year
L. Employment of Sarah Dunivan as the Winfield Scott music teacher for the 2021-22 school year
M. Employment of Michael Casner as high school industrial technology teacher for the 2021-22 school year
N. Employment of Ashley Wilcox as Winfield Scott technology teacher for the 2021-22 school year
O. Employment of Susan Carnes as Eugene Ware speech paraprofessional for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year
P. Employment of Sabrina Cady as a middle school four-hour paraprofessional for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year
Q. Employment of Nina Merriman-Reed as a middle school paraprofessional for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year
R. Employment of Rhonda Dawson as USD 234 Treasurer
S. Employment of Fort Scott High School licensed personnel for the 2021-22 school year
T. Employment of Fort Scott Middle School licensed personnel for the 2021-22 school year
U. Employment of Eugene Ware Elementary licensed personnel for the 2021-22 school year
V. Employment of Winfield Scott Elementary licensed personnel for the 2021-22 school year
W. Employment of Fort Scott Preschool Center licensed personnel for the 2021-22 school year
X. Employment of special services/technology licensed personnel for the 2021-22 school year
Y. Resignation of Allison Gorman as high school head girls’ tennis coach, effective at the end of the 2020-21 school year
Z. Employment of Terra Kegler as high school head volleyball coach for the 2021-22 school year
AA. Resignation of Courtenay Slinkard, high school English teacher, effective at end of the 2020-21 school year
AB. Addition of a full-time high school agriculture education teacher position for the 2021-22 school year
AC. Employment of Margaret Marino as a Winfield Scott special education teacher for the 2021-22 school year
The board adjourned.
DOWNTOWN SPRING CLEAN DATE MOVED DUE TO FORECAST
The Downtown Division of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces that the Downtown Spring Clean event planned for this Friday, April 16th has been moved to Friday, April 23rd from 3 to 6pm due to the forecast of inclement weather.
Community members interested in volunteering for the downtown cleanup event are welcome to participate by contacting Bailey Lyons, Downtown Division Chair by phone 620-224-7795 or email [email protected]. Each volunteer will receive a free t-shirt courtesy of MyOne Stop and businesses/organizations who provide a donation for materials by April 19th will be listed on the back of the shirts. Donations may be made to the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce and dropped off at 231 E. Wall St.
Over 200 volunteers are confirmed from Fort Scott Community College, Fort Scott High School, Rotary Club, St. Martin’s Academy, local businesses, and other individuals. Projects include painting curbs, striping and numbering parking spaces, weeding, mulching, crosswalk art and more. The event will be a great community gathering to spruce up downtown.
Wunderly Farm Business: Plants, Produce And More
Kenny and Kerry Wunderly saw a need in the community and have started a business to meet that need.
Their business is about helping people with their garden needs.
“With the whole process of lockdown over the past year due to COVID, people seem to be more aware of where their food comes from,” Kerry said. “Originally, we wanted to be the link for folks who have space and the desire to grow their own (garden) but didn’t know where to start. It’s very frustrating to have great goals, plant a garden, have everything come up and then quickly go downhill.”
The problems of weeds, insects, improper site preparation, improper plant selection, or the need for soil amendments can ruin the best intentions for many, she said.
“Kenny’s degrees from Kansas State (University) in agribusiness and agronomy have given a wealth of knowledge that we want to share so everyone can be successful and avoid those frustrations,” Kerry said.
The Wunderly farm business name is 1553 Plants & Produce, and it’s located at 1553 205th Street a few miles northwest of Fort Scott. To get there go west on Hwy. 54 and go north on 205th Street almost two miles.
This is the business’s first year, although in the past they have been part of Community Supported Agriculture, she said.
“Community Supported Agriculture consists of a community of individuals who pledge support to a farm operation so that the farmland becomes, either legally or spiritually, the community’s farm, with the growers and consumers providing mutual support and sharing the risks and benefits of food production,” according to https://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/community-supported-agriculture
Kenny works full-time on the farm, and Kerry works full-time as a hospice nurse in Fort Scott.
In addition, Kerry provides all the marketing via social media as well as bookkeeping.
Kenny provides most of the labor and agricultural expertise.
Future Plans
” We have big plans for development,” Kerry said. “Some of the things we are hoping to do this year are garden tours with discussions on appropriate up-to-date topics…(and) date night dinners with meat and produce from our farm with firepit and all.”
“A couple of years down the road we hope to be able to expand our community garden program to accommodate more local growers, expand our own garden site to be able to partner with local food banks and restaurants, and the addition of an on-site greenhouse,” she said.
Not just plants and produce are sold by the Wunderly’s.
Here is a list of the other business offerings:
“1. Custom built raised beds to fit size, shape, location and budgets.2. Garden consults- we visit your site and provide input for the best possible outcomes. The first visit is always free of charge!3. Started plants- vegetables, herbs, wildflowers, decorative grasses.4. Fresh vegetables and herbs in season available at our self-serve plant stand. We also have a you-pick section in the garden if you want to pick your own.5. Rejuvenation of flower or vegetable beds that a grower already has in place.6. Raised bed rentals through our community garden program.7. Lawn mowing, maintenance, and clean-up.8. Custom raised meat chickens on request. We will raise and either deliver live birds to you or to the processor for butchering.”
Contact the business by phone at 785-422-5770
They also have a Facebook page where you can get the latest news:
Besides their farm business, their community involvement is active membership at Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, she said.
FS City Commissioners Will Attend USD234 Board Meeting This Evening
There may be a majority of City Commissioners present at the USD #234 School Board meeting held on April 12th, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. at the Middle School, but no City business will be conducted.
FS Design Review Board Meets April 14
The Design Review Board will meet on Wednesday, April 14th, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. in the City Hall Commission Meeting room at 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. This meeting will be held to consider the painting of crosswalks in the downtown area and any other matters that may come up before the Board.
This meeting will be made available via the City’s you tube channel at City of Fort Scott.
What’s Happening in Fort Scott April 9 Edition
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Earles Engineering Hired By City of Fort Scott
Earles Engineering and Inspection, headquartered in McPherson, KS, was hired on April 1 to assume the positions of project manager and public works director for the City of Fort Scott.
“They were approved last night ( at the April 6 city commission meeting),” Fort Scott City Manager Jeremy Frazier, said. “We are going to be doing some good things. They will be helping us prepare, by having shovel-ready projects.”
“They have 30 employees,” Frazier said. “We feel like we are in good hands, and will move the city forward.”
As a project manager, the scope of work will be working with the city on various projects, according to the contract with the engineering firm, provided by the city.
They will meet with city staff once a week, a maximum of four hours, to review active maintenance projects, review future maintenance projects, answer questions and look at long-term projects, according to the contract.
Dave Blessant will be the lead project manager, with Jason Dickman available for engineering questions. Fees for this will be $85 an hour, billed on a monthly basis.
Rates will increase 3% automatically, beginning January 2022, according to the contract.
All services will be from Earles Engineering office in Pittsburg and therefore will be no travel charges.
The contract period is for one year from April 6, and will automatically be renewed unless notice to terminate is provided.
Chamber Coffee Is Hosted by FSCC at 14 S. Hill on April 8
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FS Lake Advisory Board Meets April 10
The Lake Fort Scott Advisory Board will meet on Saturday, April 10th 2021 at 9:00 a.m. at the City Hall Commission meeting room at 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. This meeting is open to the public, but is limited in space due to COVID. To join by teleconference, call the dial-in number: 620-724-9910. When prompted, enter the access code 515698# and when prompted state your full name followed by the pound # key.
The meeting will be available on the City’s YouTube channel.