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What’s Happening in Fort Scott
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Category Archives: Fort Scott
Bourbon County Health Care Sales Tax Is Approved By A Wide Majority, REH Discussion Beginning In Washington D.C.
The unofficial results of the May 14 election are in.
Bourbon County residents voted 1611 to 496 in favor of a one-quarter cent retail sales tax. Nine ballots were blank and are listed as “undervotes”,” Bourbon County Clerk Jennifer Hawkins said. “We have a total of 12,418 registered voters which equals a turnout of 17.03% which is slightly less than the city/school election last November which had a turnout of 19.35%.”
The tax becomes effective October 1, 2024, and continues for five years and will used for the establishment and operation of an Emergency Department in Bourbon County.
When the tax terminates in five years, the remaining tax funds will be used for Emergency Medical Services and/or property tax reduction as determined by the Bourbon County Commissions.
Rural Emergency Hospital Discussion Starts In Washington
In a related category, the U.S. Senate had legislation introduced recently that starts further federal discussion of rural emergency hospitals.
Mercy Hospital Fort Scott closed in December 2018, citing declining patient numbers. Ascension Via Christi then took over operations of Mercy’s Emergency Room in 2019 and closed in December 2023.
To view prior stories:
Mercy Hospital Fort Scott to Close
Ascension Via Christi to close Emergency Department in Fort Scott on Dec. 20
That emergency room, at 401 Woodland Hills, Fort Scott, is currently closed.
Today U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) announced they have introduced legislation to expand access to federal resources for rural hospitals through the Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) Medicare designation, according to a Moran press release
“The Rural Emergency Hospital Improvement Act would increase opportunities for Critical Access Hospitals (CAH) and rural hospitals to convert to an REH and make technical improvements to the designation. These changes would help make the conversion to an REH more appealing by giving rural hospitals facing closure access to critical resources from the federal government to remain open.
“Access to emergency health care saves lives and helps rural communities prosper,” said Sen. Moran. “Too many rural hospitals in Kansas and across the country are struggling to keep their doors open, and this legislation offers those hospitals a lifeline. The Rural Emergency Hospital designation has already helped save numerous rural hospitals, and expanding access to this successful program is a common-sense way to make certain more hospitals stay open.”
“Rural hospitals provide health care in areas where it isn’t otherwise easy to access, so when their doors close, communities are left with almost no options, and that’s dangerous. If you’re dealing with a medical emergency or you just went into labor, the last thing on your mind should be whether your local hospital is still open,” said Senator Smith. “This bill is about public safety. It will make sure that if a hospital is in truly dire straits, they can remain open for emergency care – including obstetric care.”
“Created as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, REH is a new Medicare provider designation that offers certain rural hospitals the opportunity to convert and continue operating with limited services rather than closing. The provisions in the REH Improvement Act are the result of numerous conversations Sen. Moran held with rural health care providers and CEOs of hospitals that are eligible for the REH designation.”
According to the Moran press release:
“The Rural Emergency Hospital Improvement Act would:
- Allow previously closed rural hospitals to re-open and apply for the Rural Emergency Hospital designation if they can demonstrate they met all eligibility requirements between Jan. 1, 2015 and Dec. 27, 2020.
- Direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to create a waiver program for facilities operating similarly to an REH in order to convert to an REH.
- Allow REH facilities to maintain or create a unit for inpatient psychiatric care, obstetric care and allow for limited inpatient rehabilitation services.
- Require the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to provide additional funding for laboratory services.
- Clarify that REH facilities are eligible for Small Rural Hospital Improvement grants.
- Direct the Secretary of HHS to allow an REH to be eligible as a National Health Service Corp site.
- Authorize REH facilities to transfer patients from acute care to a Skilled Nursing Facility without leaving the hospital, in accordance with the Social Security Act.
- Allow an REH facility to revert back to a Critical Access Hospital (CAH) to regain necessary provider status, only if the facility was designated a necessary provider prior to converting to REH.”
Help Build the Field of Honor at Fort Scott National Historic Site
Symbols of Sacrifice, Memorial Day Weekend
Fort Scott, Kan. – Fort Scott National Historic Site invites you to join the park in placing the flags for the “Symbols of Sacrifice” Field of Honor Friday morning, May 24, 2024. We welcome everyone to participate and encourage individuals and groups to plan on arriving at 8:30 a.m. and help as long as you are available.
Symbols of Sacrifice continues the entire Memorial Day Weekend, Friday, May 24th through Monday, May 27th. The Field of Honor will be open throughout during normal park grounds hours from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset all weekend. Fort Scott National Historic Site also encourages volunteers to help us retire the display on Tuesday, May 28th. This is an all-weather event.
The Field of Honor with its approximately 8,500 flags commemorate the ultimate sacrifice members of the United States Armed Forces have made to keep this country free. Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day. It originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971.
Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, exhibit areas and visitor center are currently open Friday through Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Park grounds are open daily from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset. To find out more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.
-NPS-
USD234 Board Meeting Press Release for May 13
Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
NEWS RELEASE
Monday, May 13, 2024
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, May 13, 2024, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.
President David Stewart opened the meeting.
The board approved the official agenda with the change to District Cell Phone policy to be discussion only, and the consent agenda as follows:
Board Minutes
04/08/24 Board Minutes
Financials – Cash Flow Report
Check Register
Payroll – April 19, 2024 – $2,108,758.88
Activity Funds Accounts
USD 234 Gifts
Resolution 23-17 KMIP Signers
Resolution 23-18 – Account Signers
Tiger Club Fundraising
EW Book Fair Fundraising
Leadership Club Fundraising
EW Box Top Fundraising
FSHS Dance Team Fundraising
Zach Johnson & Matt Harris recognized Jannah Farrington and Danielle Cavin, both Special Education Teachers at Fort Scott Middle School. They were both thanked for countless hours that they put into their positions not only with paperwork and legal information but how much they care for the students. Both Administrators spoke very highly of each teacher and how each meets the needs of their students and collaborates seamlessly with staff and Admin.
Superintendent Destry Brown reported on an increase in enrollment for the end of the year. Also, explained about a Federal EPA Grant that the district will be applying for with various community partners. The Board will meet with Administration for a work evening.
The Board welcomed Terry Mayfield who will be Assistant Superintendent/Business Manager starting July 1, 2024.
Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, reported the final revenue payment coming in June. She updated the board on ESY with sixty-six students attending this summer. Testing tools are being reviewed and hopefully will be updated soon.
The Board moved the district cell phone policy to discussion only and Tyler Slinkard, FSHS Speech and Debate Forensics Teacher, was present to discuss this policy.
The board approved the following items:
- Five Year Professional Development Plan
- Approval for Crossland as CMAR for Preschool building
- FSHS Lunch Price Recommendation for 2024-25
- 10 Passenger Van Purchase
- New student devices for incoming 6th & 9th graders
- Content Filter & Classroom Management Bid
- Middle School Science Text & Resources
- Instrument Lockers & Storage Bids – Melhart
The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.
President Stewart adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT
May 13, 2024
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
Anderson, Anna – Resignation – SPED Teacher – Eugene Ware
Bergmann, Mark – Supplemental Resignation -Assistant Debate & Forensics Coach – High School
Casey, Hunter – 2nd Grade Teacher – Winfield Scott
Durnell, Suzan – Resignation – Instructional Coach – Winfield Scott
Forkner, Julie – Resignation – Preschool Intervention Teacher
Hall, Kathi – Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Summer Weights & Conditioning
Hall, Laeci – Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Volleyball Coach – High School
Hutchison, Brian – Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Football Coach – Middle School
Kegler, Terra – Supplemental Resignation – Head Volleyball Coach – High School
Killion, Chelsea – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
Kim, Anna – Resignation – 5th Grade Teacher – Eugene Ware
Ludeman, Sara – Resignation – Paraprofessional – High School
Martin, Jared – Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Football Coach
Metcalf, Alvin – Resignation – Full Time Substitute
McGehee, Sarah – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Preschool
Michaud, Jennifer – Resignation – Spanish Teacher – High School
Motley, Aubrionna – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
Owenby, Bo – Retirement – Custodian – Eugene Ware
Regan, Nikki – Resignation – Special Education Teacher – High School
Specht, Alex – Resignation – Assistant Principal – High School
Weddle, Codee – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
TRANSFERS/REASSIGNMENTS/LEAVE OF ABSENCE:
For the 2024-25 school year:
Certified:
Deatsch, Erin – Kindergarten to 2nd Grade – Winfield Scott – 2024-25
Classified:
Allen, Joe – Substitute Bus Driver to Full Time Bus Driver – 2024-25
Brown, Stacy – Food Service to Paraprofessional – Middle School – 2024-25
Supplemental:
EMPLOYMENT:
Certified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:
Hay, Marilyn – 9th Grade English Teacher – High School
Hardesty, Tabitha – SPED Teacher – Eugene Ware – 2024-25
Howell, Carolien – 2nd Grade Teacher – Winfield Scott
Johnson, Jeff – Assistant Principal – High School – 2024-25
Knopp, Mackenzie – FACS Teacher – High School
Prine, Amanda – 2nd Grade Teacher – Winfield Scott
Wilcoxen, Travis – Special Education Teacher – Middle School
Williams, Courtney – 5th Grade Teacher – Eugene Ware
Classified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:
Baublitz, Christina – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
Coffman, Quita – Food Service – Middle School
Elton, Martin – Kitchen Manager – Winfield Scott
Guss, Stewart – Substitute Bus Driver
Supplemental Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:
Martin, Dave – Assistant Girl’s Swim Coach
Schnichels, Laryn – Assistant Cheer Coach – High School
Summer School Recommendations
High School
Clark, Erica – Teacher
Felt, Carson – Teacher
Harper, Amy – Teacher
Mayberry, Polly – Teacher
Robinson, Justin – Teacher
Rogers, Jaimie – Teacher
Tally, Jenna – Teacher
Middle School
Ables, Andrew – Teacher
Claypool, Tammy – Teacher
Hall, Dakota
Homan, Tracy (1st two weeks)
Messer, Kari – Teacher
Short, Samantha (last two weeks)
Middle/Elementary Shared
Bin, Angela – Teacher
Chaplin, Lisa – Teacher
Nelsen, Lori – Teacher
ESY Summer School Recommendations
SPED Teachers
Kassie Cate, Sierra Sprague, Danielle Cavin, Billi Jo Shoemaker, Jannah Farrington, Aubri Motley, Ashley Taylor
Paraprofessionals
Nissa Dinneen, Matt Crank, Michael Freeze, Tabitha Hardesty, Joan Page, Jordan Guss, Becky Lee, Erin Campbell, Jenny Pryor, MeKenna Lord, Kayla Purdy, Susanne Cosens, Lena Phelan, Sara Schnichels, Rhonda Perkinson, Heather Metcalf, Julius Hodges, Kathryn Ogle, Mckayla Vincent, Laryn Schnichels, Dennis Denigan, Alicia Craig, Corinna Johnson
Classified Renewals: Preschool, Winfield Scott, Eugene Ware, Middle School, High School, Tech Team, Kitchen Staff, District Office, Transportation Staff, Transportation Subs
Fort Scott Kicks Off Summer Activities This Saturday
The City of Fort Scott is sponsoring a free community event this Saturday, May 18 from 1 to 10 p.m. called Hello Summer Luau 2024.
The splash pad will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the Fort Scott Farmers Market is under the pavilion from 8 a.m. to noon.
Starting at 1 p.m. there will be vendors for hot dogs, kettle corn, pork rinds and lemonade. Face painting and hair tinsel will be available.
Free goodie bags will be given to the first 100 kids attending.
In the evening, live music will feature Vinyl Revival and Surfin USA two Kansas City bands.
“The purpose of this event is to have the community come together and be able to kick off summer 2024,” Payton Coyan, the City of Fort Scott Director of Human Resources, said.
“We are excited to host the Hello Summer Luau to strengthen our community bonds. These events help develop a sense of belonging, community, and friendship! This event will be an alcohol and drug-free event. The whole event will be free for all individuals! We hope to see everyone in Downtown Fort Scott to kick off SUMMER 2024!”
The event will be at the Gathering Square in Downtown Fort Scott, on North National Avenue, south the Marmaton River Bridge
“ The City of Fort Scott is so excited to invite everyone to kick off summer with a splash bash at the splashpad on May 18th, 2024,” she said. “The Farmers Market will kick it off that morning and then there will be over 15 vendors that have face painting, hair tinsel, ice cream, lemonade, snacks and we will also have special guest Sparky the Fire Dog. The City of Fort Scott will have gift bags for the first 100 kiddos and then Surfin’ USA and Vinyl Revival will be highlighting the evening from 6:30PM to 10:00PM. All Hit 103.9 will be there with live coverage, and is our platinum advertisement sponsor for this city-wide event. Come join the fun on May 18th, at the Splashpad in Downtown Fort Scott.”
“If we have inclement weather it will be moved to Memorial Hall,: Coyan said. “However, according to the weather forecast, we look like we are going to have great weather!”
Coyan and Mary Wyatt, the city’s Planning, Housing, and Community Development Director, are facilitating the event.
This is being paid for by the city’s Fund 206 – Special Alcohol and Drugs (Prevention). This fund can only be utilized when Alcohol and Drugs are not allowed to be sold in the event space.
Headstone/Monument Cleaning Added to Services Provided by Influx Services
Jake Provice started Influx Services a little over two and a half years ago.
“We serve Fort Scott, Joplin, and the surrounding areas,” he said.
“We provide professional exterior cleaning services, and specialize in house washing, window cleaning, and gutter cleaning. We use the ‘softwash’ process…which uses low-pressure and algicides to safely clean your home, without the risk of damage that comes with traditional pressure washing.”
“We provide professional exterior cleaning services, and specialize in house washing, window cleaning, and gutter cleaning. We use the ‘softwash’ process…which uses low-pressure and algicides to safely clean your home, without the risk of damage that comes with traditional pressure washing.”
“At Influx Services we are excited to publicly announce our professional headstone and monument cleaning services, available in Fort Scott, Joplin, and the surrounding areas,” he said. ” We use a specially designed, national cemetery-approved product and gentle cleaning methods to clean headstones and other stone monuments safely and effectively, without the risk of damage or deterioration that can come with other cleaning techniques.”
“The headstone cleaning is a new service,” he said. “I’ve been doing work at Evergreen Cemetery, but this would be the first time publicly announcing it. We use a specialized cleaning product and method that is historically used to clean national cemeteries and the white house.”
“Those interested in our headstone and monument cleaning services and/or our other exterior cleaning services such as house washing, window cleaning, and gutter cleaning, please give us a call or text at (620) 407-3008, or email us at influxservicescontact@gmail.
He takes calls from 9 am to 9 pm seven days a week.
Par Tee Girls At Woodland Hills May 15
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Agenda For The USD 234 Board Meeting on May 13
Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
May 13, 2024 – 5:30 P.M.
PUBLIC AGENDA
1.0 Call Meeting to Order David Stewart, President
2.0 Flag Salute
3.0 Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)
4.0 Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)
4.1 Board Minutes
- 04/08/24 Board Minutes
4.2 Financials – Cash Flow Report
4.3 Check Register
4.4 Payroll – April 19, 2024 – $2,108,758.88
4.5 Activity Funds Accounts
4.6 USD 234 Gifts
4.7 Resolution 23-17 – KMIP Signers
4.8 Resolution 23-18 – Account Signers
4.9 Tiger Club Fundraising
4.10 EW Book Fair Fundraising
4.11 Leadership Club Fundraising
4.12 EW Box Top Fundraising
4.13 FSHS Dance Team Fundraising
5.0 Recognitions (Information/Discussion Item)
6.0 Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)
6.1 Superintendent’s Report
6.2 Assistant Superintendent’s Report
6.3 Special Education Director’s Report
6.4 Finance Director’s Report
7.0 Old Business
7.1 Five Year Professional Development Plan (Action)
7.2 Approval for Crossland as CMAR for Preschool Building (Action)
7.3 District Cell Phone Policy (Discussion/Action)
8.0 New Business
8.1 FSHS Lunch Price Recommendation (Action)
8.2 10 Passenger Van Purchase (Action)
8.3 New Student Devices for Incoming 6th & 9th graders (Action)
8.4 Content Filter & Classroom Management Bid (Action)
8.5 Middle School Science Text and Resources (Action)
9.0 Public Forum
10.0 Other Business – Personnel Matters
11.0 Adjourn Meeting (Time) David Stewart, President
Nominate a Young Entrepreneur For a Feature Story on FortScott.Biz
Fortscott.biz desires to help local entrepreneurs in their business ventures and has featured many on our news service.
We are once again starting a series on young entrepreneurs.
Fortscott.biz would like to feature local, young entrepreneurs under 20 years old, who have seen a need and have started a business to meet it, or who have a talent and turned it into a business.
To nominate a young entrepreneur, email [email protected] with the name, age, email address, and/or phone number of the person, with the business they are doing. Please include who is nominating the person and why.
Relatives, friends and recipients of the product or services are invited to nominate a young entrepreneur.
We also feature local entrepreneurs over 20! If you have started a new business or added a service/product, please email [email protected] with the email address, phone number and tell a little about your business.
Sign Up To Be In The Good Ol’ Days Parade by May 29
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New Pet Service Opens By Newcomers From California
Devin and Jalaine Davis moved to Fort Scott from Rancho Murieta, California at the end of April 2024.
“I’m from the Midwest and missed my roots and we wanted to be more central to being able to drive to family,” she said. “We have a military friend from Fort Scott which is what keyed us in to consider this our new home and we love it so far.”
Jalaine is a Navy veteran and her husband is a Marine veteran
She started her pet care service business in California and continues it at their new home. She does pet-sitting, dog walking, and drop-in services available for all pet owner’s needs.
“I started my business in California because I love animals and was tired of being inside all day behind a desk and felt I could serve a better purpose by serving my local community through pet services needs and the business flourished in no time. I left 150 clients to move here and am looking forward to helping others in Fort Scott now.”
“I will be transferring my LLC to Kansas very soon,” she said. “A unique thing about my services is that this is an official, licensed business, unlike other local dog walkers and I provide other services, such as putting out your trash bins while you are away, and returning them the following day, picking up your mail, watering plants, etc. I take my business seriously and do everything I can to accommodate you and your pet(s)! Another unique thing about my dog walking services is that it’s one on one with your pet(s).”
“I DO NOT mix other people’s dog(s) into the walk with yours; allowing your pet to get full attention from me,” she said. “I’m also a runner, so if your pet needs to run instead of walk, I can do it! Send me a text or call to schedule a meet and greet at (916) 753-4733.”
She also takes care of livestock and farm animals.
Her references are available upon request.
Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/
Instagram: @jalainespetservices
Her website at: https://
Her electronic business card at: https://dot.cards/
Jalaine has a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in Healthcare Management degree.
Fort Scott Preschool Will Get Bigger Facility in 2025
Fort Scott Preschool Center, 409 S. Judson, has a waitlist of approximately 25 three-year-old students this year.
“We began this school year with 93 students,” said Nick Johnson, the preschool’s principal. “Between students moving into the district and students transitioning from Infant-Toddler services, we are finishing the year with 120 students.”
To solve that problem the USD234 School District has begun the process of renovating a building at 9th and Horton Streets for a preschool center. The building was originally owned by Mercy Hospital.
“The new building will allow our program to expand to five classrooms and all those classrooms will be under one roof,” he said. “Having five classrooms will allow us to increase our enrollment and decrease class sizes. The new building will also provide more space for related services. In our current situation speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, mental health services, and English Speakers of Other Languages services all share very limited space. Having staff in the same location will allow for increased collaboration and more consistency between classrooms.”
“Currently, everything being done is behind-the-scenes planning by the architects and engineers.,” Johnson said.
“Architects and engineers are currently working on plans for the new building,” he said. “The school board held a hearing at the April board meeting to begin the process of hiring a construction manager at-risk. The next step will be to hire a construction manager at risk. We are planning for construction to begin this summer.”
“Construction should be completed during the 2024-25 school year,” he said. “We are planning to be in the new building for the 2025-26 school year.”
Criteria to attend Fort Scott Preschool Center is based on age,” he said. ” The student must be three or four years old on September 1st.”
Students fall into one of three categories: 1) students who qualify for an Individualized Education Program (IEP), 2) students who are at risk of entering kindergarten socially, emotionally, or academically unprepared for success, and 3) peer models.
“All four of our classrooms are blended preschool classrooms, meaning they contain a combination of students from each of these three categories,” he said.
Preschool is offered free of charge to all families.
“Our preschool program receives special education and preschool-aged at-risk funding administered by Kansas Department of Education,” he said. “We also receive funding from the Kansas Preschool Pilot Grant and the Early Childhood Block Grant. These four funding sources cover most of our preschool expenditures and keep the program free for families.”
The mission of Fort Scott Preschool Center is to create a school environment that partners families, the school, and the community to build a foundation for lifelong learning.
There are five preschool teachers – four classroom teachers each licensed to teach early childhood special education and one part-time intervention teacher.
“We have eight classroom paraeducators,” he said. ” Our classrooms are adequately staffed as we finish the school year, but we will need to hire one or two additional paras next fall as some of our current paras transition into other roles.”