Submitted by the Fort Scott Kansas National Education Association’s Media Relations Contact Brian Pommier.
Prior to this school year, the Fort Scott KNEA negotiations team sat
down with their counterparts on the USD 234 Board of Education’s team and came to an agreement on a Memorandum of Understanding dealing with COVID-19.
At Monday night’s meeting, however, the board voted to change the COVID-19 quarantine requirements previously in place, which we believe to be a violation of the terms of the agreement.
Included in the MOU was an agreement to put the Return to Learning plan in place for this school year and to jointly address issues arising to COVID-19.
The Return to Learning plan defines the term “close contact” as someone who has been within “6 feet of the case for 10 minutes or more or if they had direct exposure to secretions into their nose, eyes, or mouth (for example, being coughed or sneezed on).”
The plan also stated that close contacts must remain in quarantine until they have met the criteria for release from quarantine set by KDHE or SEKMCHD.
On Monday, however, the board of education voted 4-3 to change the district’s policy regarding the quarantine of close contacts. Now, someone who has spent more than 10 minutes within six feet of
someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 no longer has to quarantine so long as masks are worn.
The board’s decision — in essence — to redefine the term “close contact” to avoid quarantine violates the terms of the agreement.
The issue should have been addressed in conjunction with the FSKNEA, as per our agreement.
The FSKNEA negotiations team denounces the board’s action and demands that the board honor the Memorandum of Understanding.
During our negotiations this summer, the FSKNEA found the board of education willing to come to a common-sense agreement to address COVID-19 issues in an attempt to re-open our schools and
allow in-person learning to occur.
We are disappointed in the board’s decision to back away from that
agreement without even discussing the issue with our team.
Hound Nutrition owner, Haven Kelly, right, stands in front of the snack shop with Abbygail Profitt, one of four employees. Profit is from Joplin, MO.
Haven Kelly was 19 when she opened Hound Nutrition in downtown Fort Scott in August 2020.
The young entrepreneur said she saw an opportunity and “went for it. There is not a nutrition shop in Fort Scott.”
An entrepreneur is a person who organizes and manages any enterprise, especially a business, usually with considerable initiative and risk. Kelly’s dad, David Owens, is a silent partner in the business.
“He comes on weekends and helps out,” Kelly said. “He supports me in every way possible.”
Kelly is from Blue Jacket, OK, her dad is from Welch, OK.
Hound Nutrition sells snacks, meal replacements, and all manner of teas at the shop.
One side of the Hound Nutrition Menu.
“We use Herbal Life Nutrition, the number one nutrition company in the world,” Kelly said.
“We do protein waffles, donuts and cake pops,” she said.
Today, Oct. 14 the shop is having its first Waffle Wednesday.
“We will sell them until we run out,” she said. “I’m super excited.”
On Thursdays, the shop personnel sells mega teas for the price of a medium, and on Saturdays, one can buy five to-go teas for $25, she said.
This Friday evening is the start of game nights at the shop, Kelly said.
“Card games, board games, Jenga, corn hole and tic/tac/toe,” she said.
“I’ll be open to play some games and hang out,” Kelly said. “It starts Oct. 16, open until 8-9 p.m.
Regular hours are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Kelly is on the Fort Scott Community College softball team.
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at the Fort Scott Middle School Commons on Monday, October 12, 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 – September 18, 2020 – $1,391,092.25
D. Financial Report
E. Activity Fund Accounts
There were two comments during the public forum. Following the public forum, it was
approved (4 yes; 3 no) to add an item to the agenda.
It was moved and approved (4 yes; 3 no) that a close mask-wearing contact of a symptomatic, confirmed COVID-19 student or staff member does not have to go into quarantine from school.
Board members heard reports from the following:
· Brenda Hill, KNEA President
· All building principals
· Dalaina Smith, Director of Academics
· Ted Hessong, Superintendent
· Gina Shelton, Business Manager/Board Clerk
Board members approved the following:
· Roof payment
· Roof Reinspection Agreement
· Agreement of Cooperation and Partnership between USD 234 and No Limits Rehabilitation, Inc.
· Memorandum of Understanding between USD 234 and the Bourbon County Health Department
In addition, the board reviewed the September 21, 2020, Enrollment Count Report.
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. Resignation of Lisa Mathew, high school paraprofessional, effective October 2, 2020
B. Resignation of Glenda Cooper, Winfield Scott cook, effective September 17, 2020
C. Employment of Heather Geiger as a high school paraprofessional for the 2020-21 school year
D. Leave of absence for Lindsay Knopp, Winfield Scott second grade teacher
E. Leave of absence for Codee Weddle, Winfield Scott paraprofessional
F. Employment of Mary Jo Harper as high school Choral Club sponsor for the 2020-21 school year
G. Employment of Brooke Senkevech as a middle school first session intramurals coach for the 2020-21 school year
A local business resource center was brought to fruition because of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
“The idea of a business resource center being needed became abundantly clear around March or April,” Jody Hoener, Bourbon County Economic Director said. “Businesses were scrambling, trying to maintain or adapt as required, trying to keep their heads above water, all while attempting to navigate the very complex financial relief offered by the (U.S.)Small Business Administration and others. Just raising awareness of the opportunities and making critical connections to financial institutions for relief became a full-time job, let alone helping owners fill out applications.”
Jody Hoener, Bourbon County Economic Development Director. Submitted photo.
B-WERC Formed
The local program, called the Bourbon County Workforce and Entrepreneur Resource Center (B-WERC), was funded through Kansas’ Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas program, which was from money dispursed through the U.S. Cares Act Relief, all of these COVID-19 related measures by the layers of government.
Its purpose is to address current and immediate COVID-19 Pandemic related needs to assist business, encourage economic activity, and address unemployment, according to Hoener.
“I realized that the solution of throwing money at the problem was a very short term fix,” Hoener said. ” Businesses need customers for long term sustainability. The value in an increased online presence was highlighted more than ever during this pandemic. Restaurants were developing online solutions for curbside or delivery services as they were forced to close down. Other retailers were developing online solutions to get their products in the hands of customers. Distance learning, telework, or telehealth became a forced reality.”
Partnerships
“Other partnerships and resources are available through the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce and the Fort Scott Community College,” she said. “The chamber will assist the county in coordinating and promoting. Fort Scott Community College will be offering community classes in B-WERC on social media and other skills. Classes will be hands-on with available laptops for each participant. Telework and distance learning stations will be available for community members who need access to high-speed internet.”
Fort Scott Community College.
“We will provide 20 qualified businesses free website building with expert assistance in value propositions and messaging critical to branding,” Hoener said.
A partnership with the Small Business Development Center at Pittsburg State University will assist businesses to obtain needed capital and provide business planning assistance for sustainability, Hoener said.
Pittsburg State University.
“These incredibly valuable services, in addition to marketing or industry reports, will be readily available,” she said. “This unique assistance will give businesses the needed help to build sustainable models.”
Entrepreneurs
“Many times communities who experience high unemployment rate will in turn see high entrepreneurship rates,” Hoener said. “For those (who are) unemployed and have great ideas to start their own business, this will give them the tools and know-how to move forward successfully.”
Job-Seeking
“A job seeking service will also be available onsite through another partner, KansasWorks, two times a week,” she said.
Childcare, An Important Component
“Childcare centers and daycares have high standards to maintain licensures. One requirement is to meet continuing education requirements. Although continued education for staff is clearly a need, it can create a burden on the facilities in scheduling, costs, and human resources. It is estimated there are approximately 15 illegal daycare providers in our county. Through our partner KansasWorks, B-WERC will be implementing a program that will offer to work with the childcare centers and daycares to meet credentialing requirements of continuing education hours. A program will be implemented to incentivize illegal care to become legal. Childcare is critical to keep our workforce working.” Hoener said.
The B-WERC office will be located on the second floor of the old Kress building at 17 S. Main in downtown Fort Scott. The office is expected to be open Nov. 2, according to Hoener.
The street-level floor of the building will house a grocery store.
The store owner, BAJA Investments, LLC, was also a recipient of the SPARK grant program. To see the story on that, click below:
Bourbon County Website Building and Marketing Grants Program Parameters
The grants will be scored and consequently awarded on a first come first serve basis to those that are eligible, according to Hoener. Applications will remain open until October 31, 2020. The grant will be awarded until 20 qualified businesses have been awarded.
Who Is Eligible
For businesses located within Bourbon County, priority will be given to those businesses with a physical location.
The business must currently have minimal (basic) to no online or website presence.
Grants are for businesses who have experienced business disruptions as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic and will benefit from an increased online presence through any or all of the following:
Increased foot traffic
Encouraging tourism activities
Enhance or enable online scheduling (i.e. curbside, delivery, hair appointments)
Enhance or enable online sales
Raise awareness of critical structures in the community (i.e. Food Access, Child Care, etc.)
The applicant must be willing to spend a minimum of 5-10 hours over the next several months working with The Bureau of Small Projects staff.
Non-profits are not eligible under this program
The County reserves the right to request additional documentation
How to Apply
Applications are online at Bourboncountyks.org/spark
Once an application is submitted, Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce President, Lindsay Madison, and Bourbon County Economic Development Director will review, Hoener said. The application will be scored to determine if the application meets minimum standards to qualify. A follow-up email will be sent to the applicant’s business.
Lindsay Madison, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Executive Director. Submitted photo.
An application will only be considered once it is fully completed with all requested documentation required to support the requested funding.
Parameters
Grants applications will be open until October 31st.
Grants are awarded on a first come first serve basis to those who are eligible.
Grant Scoring Algorithm:
Grant Purpose: Website Building and Marketing Services for Business Impacted by the COVID 19 Pandemic
Points
Current Online Presence
Facebook Only
5
No Facebook or Website
5
A basic, static, webpage only
5
A dynamic web page currently exists
0
How Would an Online Presence Benefit the Applicant? (Check all that apply)
Increased foot traffic
5
Encourage tourism activities
5
Enhance or enable online scheduling
5
Enhance or enable online sales
5
Raise awareness of a public need such as food or childcare
5
Business Activities and Impact (Check all the Apply)
The business is a childcare center or daycare
5
Business sales a product that can be legally sold online
5
The business provides a service that scheduling can be done online
5
The business is located in Downtown Historic District
5
The Business encourages overnight stays
5
***Minimum score of 5 from each of the three categories is required to be determined eligible
Process
A complete application must be submitted online.
Additional Information may be requested for clarification.
Economic Development Director and Chamber President will score the application and make the final determination of eligibility.
Economic Development Director will send congratulatory and introductory emails to The Bureau of Small Projects and the business contact.
The Fort Scott Planning Commission will meet on Monday, October 19th, 2020 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 a telecommunications tower to be located north of the Water Treatment Plant located at 910 Burke Street.
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.
Brent Cavin, manager of Fort Cinema, has come up with a collaboration to allow Fort Scott High School Tiger Football to be seen on the big screens.
“As new movies continue to be pushed back months we have switched our mindset and focus from being not only a movie theater, but into a gathering place for the community,” Cavin said.
Recently, they have made theater rentals available for private movie and video game parties on the big screens.
To view the previous story on theater rentals, click below:
“This is the next step for our community to help keep their theater open,” Cavin said. “It was an idea that came to us as we realized some of the away football games have limited fan attendance. When we noticed that the upcoming football game is several hours away we decided this is the perfect opportunity to give back to the community.”
The number of fans is limited because of the COVID-19 pandemic precautions.
Cavin contacted FSHS and Fort Scott Broadcasting on Friday to pitch the idea, and both were enthusiastic about the concept.
“All three screens are capable of broadcasting the game via Fort Scott TV,” he said. “We are hoping that broadcasting conditions will be optimal Friday night from Wamego, and we are making sure our theater will be able to hopefully stream the game without any hiccups.”
Admission is free.
The staff is asking those who want to attend to come and get a ticket sometime this week between the hours of 6 p.m.and 8 p.m.
“This is solely to give us an estimate on crowd size,” Cavin said.
“There will be a free will donation bucket available for anyone who would like to donate money,” he said.
“Our concession stand will be open with food that all fans are familiar with when they attend games: popcorn, pretzels, nachos, candy, and pizza by the slice from Papa Don’s will be sold,” Cavin said.
The cinema is located just off South Main Street at 224 W. 18th Street.
Doors will open at 6:00 with kickoff scheduled for 7:00.
Come support the undefeated Tigers, while supporting the local cinema.
The Fort Scott High School football team celebrates in a 2015 game.
Jody Hoener, Bourbon County Economic Development Director. Submitted photo.
The following is a statement from Jody Hoener, the Bourbon County Economic Director, in regards to recent activities of the Bourbon County Economic Development Corporation.
“Currently, there are three economic developers in our community. The City of Fort Scott employs two, with community and economic development directors, and Bourbon County employs me as the county-wide economic development director.
“Consolidating services between the City of Fort Scott and the County has been discussed in depth with departments like public works, human resources, and economic development.
A group of community members researched potential cost savings in addition to best practices as modeled by similar communities.
A recommendation was presented to BEDCO to develop a private/public partnership in order to consolidate economic development to one director, under a single entity, with broad representation from each of the six cities, the county, and taxing entities.
Bourbon County has committed to funding this position. I believe it is the hope that all entities, including the City of Fort Scott, will see the benefit in this model and participate likewise.
While I am fully aware that my current position will be eliminated, and have no preconceived notion that I will be gainfully employed in the new position, I fully support the decisions made by the county commissioners and BEDCO Board. I have been encouraged to apply for the new position, along with other incumbents in Bourbon County, once it is posted.
The move is in the best interest of the entire community and is one step in the right direction toward building a better business climate.
The function of the Fort Scott Parks Board Committee is to provide suggestions to the City Manager and Governing Body regarding all the parks within the City of Fort Scott.
If you have a desire to serve on this board and meet the above requirements, please submit a letter of interest to the City Clerk, Diane Clay, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. The names will be submitted for consideration to the City Commission. All of the boards and commissions serve on a volunteer basis and are not compensated. If you would like more information on this board, please contact Diane Clay, City Clerk at 620-223-0550 or [email protected]. Please submit your letter of interest by October 30th, 2020.
2020 GORDON PARKS PHOTO CONTEST Sponsored by Merl Humphrey. The Theme “Social Justice, Diversity and Equity” for any amateur photographer. Deadline EXTENDED to 10/26/2020, send submission to [email protected].
GUIDED TOURS OF THE FORT DAILY, 10AM &1PMThe Fort Scott National Historic Site is open daily 8am-5pm for touring on your own, but arrive at 10am or 1pm on any day and take advantage of a guided tour with a park ranger! Guided tour lasts approx. 1 hour.
10/9 – Rotary Krispy Kreme Doughnut pickup! Memorial Hall from 6 to 10am, if you ordered Doughnuts for Dictionaries!
10/10 – FORT SCOTT FARMERS’ MARKET– At Skubitz Plaza in front of the Fort, 8am to noon. American Legion serving Breakfast on the Bricks starting at 8am.
10/10 –CRUISE NIGHT – last cruise night for the season! 6 pm -10 pm, route of 6th St. to 18th!
10/10-11 – EKTEC Rodeo, Saturday & Sunday, Bourbon County Fairgrounds, click here for more info.
10/10 – FSHS CLASS OF 2019- HONOR RAYMOND HARPER – 1 -2 pm, Balloon release memorial for classmate Raymond @ FSHS Football Stadium.
10/10- BOILER ROOM BREWHAUS! Brews & Brushes! 1 – 4 pm. We will be creating a painting that can last through the fall with those gorgeous trees we all love and a cute truck.
10/11 – BOILER ROOM BREWHAUS! Brings back Trivia night for teams of 2 to 6 people, $5 entry
10/15 ~ GENERAL ELECTION CANDIDATE FORUM. ~ Memorial Hall, Meet & Greet at 5:30 pm, and Forum starts at 6 pm
10/15 & 10/16 ~ BLOOD DRIVE – BRCC ~ Buck Run Community Center – Give life! 10/15 from 1-7pm & 10/16 from 9 am -1 pm.
10/16 ~ FREE GOSPEL FRIDAY NIGHT CONCERT First United Methodist Church. 7-9 pm. Blackwood Brothers in Concert singing Southern Gospel. This is a FREE concert!
10/17 FSCC HOSTS COOK’S CLINIC – Head Basketball Coach. Starts at 10 am to 1 pm. Michael Cook and other area High School & college coaches doing various drills and areas on emphasis. Arnold Arena at Fort Scott Community College.Day. $20 per person. Zoom Stream link of Cook’s Clinic available for $15 per viewer.
REGISTER FOR KANSASWORKS VIRTUAL JOB FAIR – NO COST TO EMPLOYERS!
COLOR GUARD NEEDED
Your Fort Scott American Legion Post 25 is being asked to provide funeral honors for more and more Veterans who are being interred not only in the Fort Scott National Cemetery but also in cemeteries in the local area.
As a member of the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary or Sons of the American Legion you are invited to join American Legion Post 25 Color Guard. Attendance at Legion meetings is not required to participate with the Color Guard. Some time, though, is needed to practice flag folding and presentation and other the other rituals performed by the Color.
As a Color Guard member, you would be contacted to assist in providing funeral honors for an area Veteran. If you are not available, then other Color Guard members would be contacted to assist with the flag presentation.
Sseveral photos are attached to show our Post Color Guard participating in flag presentations for recent funerals.
Remember, any current member of the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary or Sons of the American Legion can join the Post 25 Color Guard.
If you would like additional information about joining the Post 25 Color Guard, please call Color Guard Commander Darrell Spencer at 620.224.6720 or email [email protected].
Any area resident who may be eligible to join the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary or Sons of the American Legion, should contact Post 25 Commander Carl Jowers at 620.215.1688 for more information. Once you join the American Legion family, you can then join the Fort Scott American Legion Post 25 Color Guard.
This is for the Lake Fort Scott Advisory Board Committee:
One opening (Lake Fort Scott resident – west side of Lake Fort Scott)
The function of the Lake Fort Scott Advisory Board Committee is to provide suggestions to the City Manager and Governing Body regarding lake operations, lake safety, fishing, boating, and camping at Lake Fort Scott.
If you have a desire to serve on this board and meet the above requirements, please submit a letter of interest to the City Clerk, Diane Clay, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. The names will be submitted for consideration to the City Commission. All of the boards and commissions serve on a volunteer basis and are not compensated. If you would like more information on this board, please contact Diane Clay, City Clerk at 620-223-0550 or [email protected]. Please submit your letter of interest by October 30th, 2020.
SEK Financial is pleased to announce the addition of it’s sixth partner. Fort Scott native Mason Knopp recently completed his securities, regulatory, and insurance exams. Mason joins the experienced group at SEK Financial with representatives Jim Sather, Larry Davenport, Bob Campbell, Mitch Quick and Robert Tersinar.
Mason is a Fort Scott High School graduate, who completed his degree at Southeastern Louisiana University. Partner Larry Davenport commented “we are pleased to grow our firm with such a young professional person”. We think Mason is the right person at the right time.” Added Jim Sather.
Mason will specialize in a full range of individual and group retirement planning products. He will also provide life insurance and employee benefits for the SEK Financial client base. Mason can be reached at SEK Financial located at 399 Hudson, Fort Scott or via telephone at (620)223-5756.
