Category Archives: Fort Scott

Fort Scott, Schools

Missy Miller: New U234 K-5 Instructional Coach

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Missy Miller, submitted photo.
Missy Miller, 49, is the new USD 234 Instructional Coach for kindergarten through fifth-grade.
She received her bachelor of science degree at Emporia State University and her masters in leadership from  Baker University.
Miller has 18 years of teaching experience.
Her hometown is Tonganoxie, KS and she just moved to Louisburg, KS.
Miller and her husband,  Keith, have a daughter Courtney, 20, and son, Jake,19.
Her hobbies and interests include: being a Pampered Chef Consultant, reading historical Christian fiction, especially Francine Rivers and swimming.
How did you become an educator?
“I knew early that I was called to be an educator.  I would set all my dolls and stuffed animals up and teach them when I was little.”
Is there someone who inspired you to teach?
“Tim Brady, my 8th-grade history teacher was my inspiration.  He believed in me, pushed me to be more than I believed I could be, and encouraged me in all I did!”
What is the best part of teaching for you?
“The best part about teaching is the kids, helping them succeed, providing safety, and loving each of them for who they are no matter their circumstances.”
What are the greatest challenges?
“Balancing the newness of teaching in a pandemic, how do we best reach those who need us most, how do we navigate providing for the whole child while not getting to see them face to face on a consistent basis.”
Business, Food, Fort Scott

Coffee Drive-Through Store Coming to South Fort Scott

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Scooter’s Coffee is coming to Fort Scott.

 

The store will be located in the strip mall on Main Street, which is also 69 Hwy on the south end of town.

 

“We are very excited to open in Fort Scott,” said Demi Bouwens,   director of operations for the franchise in Pittsburg and Fort Scott.

 

 
“The store will be located in the parking lot near the Hibbett’s Sports Store,” Bouwens said. “We are aiming for a November 2020 opening.”
“As we were building our location in Pittsburg last year we began to notice the community in Fort Scott,” she said. “We loved the warm, friendly environment as we spent time in the community. Because of this, we knew this community would be a great fit for Scooter’s brand.”
Not just coffee will be offered but other snack items will be sold at the drive-through only coffee store.
“We offer a variety of options from coffee, smoothies, teas, lattes, blenders, muffins, breakfast options, to cookies and our famous cinnamon roll,” she said. “This is a drive-through only model where you can count on amazing drinks served to you amazingly fast!”
What is the history of Scooters?
“In 1998, Scooter’s Coffee was born,” Bouwens said.  “Co-founders Don and Linda Eckles began an amazing journey when they opened their first drive-thru coffeehouse in Bellevue, Nebraska. Their keys to success: find a great location and stay committed to high-quality drinks, speed of service, and a BIG smile. Scooter’s Coffee is fortunate to have over two decades of success due to its commitment to the original business principles and company core values. Amazing People, Amazing Drinks…Amazingly Fast!”
Entertainment, Exercise, Fort Scott, Sheriff's Office

FSHS Annual Youth Scholarship Golf Tournament July 25

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Men’s Kiwanis Club of Fort Scott Annual Youth Scholarship Golf Tournament, July 25th, 2020. Start time 9:00 am at Woodland Hills Golf Course.

The tournament benefits Fort Scott High School seniors.

 

 

Numerous raffle items, including Calloway golf clubs, sapphire diamond necklace and other numerous items.

The cost is $60.00 per player in a  three-person scramble.

 

Submitted by Terri Townsend

Business, Fort Scott

Firstsource Transitions Employees to Work From Home And Plans A Move

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Firstsource is currently located in the Fort Scott Industrial Park. but is moving the office to town.

At a recent Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Coffee event, Micheal Bryant announced that Firstsource Solutions USA, 4500 Campbell Drive, is transitioning to work-from-home for its employees.

The business leadership is also devising a plan to move from the industrial park to the city of Fort Scott and add more employees.

Micheal Bryant, Firstsource Solutions Vice-President of Operations. Submitted photo.

 

Bryant is vice president of operations for the business which provides for its’ clients services of claims adjudication, data entry and customer service calls.

 

“Firstsource has been deploying work-from-home for several years within the Fort Scott location,” Bryant said in an email interview with fortscott.biz.  “The opportunity for employees to work-from-home has been very well received by our team members.”

 

” The transition is a business decision that will improve our retention rates, employee satisfaction,  and performance of our team members,” Bryant said.

 

“The entire Fort Scott office will be involved in the migration,” he said. “There are other offices within Firstsource that are migrating to a work-from-home environment but (it is) not  a company-wide initiative.”

 

“The work-from-home staff will be providing services of claims adjudication, customer service, and data entry for our existing customers,” Bryant said.

 

At the Chamber Coffee, Bryant said the business would have a smaller footprint in Fort Scott.

 

“Firstsource is currently in negotiations on a small facility for training and meetings,” he said. “We hope to finalize the lease in the next couple of weeks. Once we have finalized the lease we will be able to communicate the new Firstsource location. The move is currently scheduled for late December of this year.”

 

The business will be moving from the industrial park.

“The current facility that we are negotiating with is within the city of Fort Scott,” Bryant said.

 

The business will also be adding more employees shortly.

 

“The alternative facility will be leveraged for the training of existing employees as well as new employees,” he said.  “The facility will enable Firstsource to continue to grow with the Fort Scott area. We have plans to add a significant number of additional staff members in the next several months.”

 

 

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee At Old Fort Auto July 23

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The Chamber Coffee will be hosted by
Old Fort Auto
VISIT THE OLD FORT AUTO FACEBOOK PAGE!
Click HERE for the Old Fort Auto Website to check out their Inventory of almost new Used Cars!
Chamber Members & Guests are welcome
to make any announcement for $1 to the Chamber about their business or organization including events, new products, promotions, or any other specials!
You may wear a mask at your own discretion.
Social distancing is encouraged.
Upcoming Chamber Coffee Schedule:
  • 7/30 – Up Dog Yoga – Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony immediately following the Coffee!
AUGUST ANNOUNCER & COMPASS:
DARCY SMITH
  • 8/6 – Open – Call the Chamber to reserve this date at 620-223-3566!
  • 8/13 – Medicalodges of FS – TBA
  • 8/20 – Open – Call the Chamber to reserve this date at 620-223-3566!
  • 8/27 – Fort Scott Washateria
Fort Scott

FS Community Foundation 2020 Grant Cycle Begins

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Fort Scott Area Community Foundation announces their grant cycle for 2020

The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation is pleased to announce that the grant cycle for 2020 is here. We will be taking applications from now until August 31st. This year, we will be awarding over $42,000.00 to local not-for-profits for projects to benefit our community. A certain dollar amount of the awards is reserved for projects that benefit our youth. Maximum grant to any one project is $5,000.00.

Applications can be obtained by sending an email to [email protected]. Please use the same email address to submit any questions you might have. Completed applications must be received by 5:00PM, August 31st.

Grant Application Guidelines

• Program Oriented

Do the funds support a new or enhanced service to the community? Generally, Grants are not for the purpose of funding core budget items, capital improvements or the purchase of real estate.

• Organizational capacity

Do you have confidence in the organization, as described in the application, to carry out the program?

• Soundness of proposed strategies

Will the program adequately address the need as it was described in the application?

• Resource efficiency

Is the program taking advantage of available resources? Are they collaborating?

• Appropriateness of budget

Will the program use the funds effectively? Is the budget clear and accurate?

• Plan for program evaluation

Does the program have the ability to evaluate its successes? How will they monitor the program?

COVID-19, Fort Scott, Government

City Accepting Applications From Local Businesses For COVID-19 Hardships

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The City of Fort Scott is still accepting applications for the Community Development Block Grant – CV (CDBG-CV) grant program.

The City of Fort Scott was recently awarded $132,000 in CDBG-CV funding which will be granted to local businesses facing financial hardships due to COVID-19. Qualifying businesses may receive a maximum of $10,000 in grant funding, award allocation will be based on the number of jobs retained.

Businesses located within city limits, and with fewer than 50 employees, and as small as one employee may be eligible to apply. Awards will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. An application will only be considered once it is fully completed with all requested documentation required to support the requested funding. Recipients of the previous round of CDBG Emergency Response funding are not eligible for a CDBG-CV grant.

 

Grants may be considered for working capital expenses for a 60-day period. Funds can only be used for qualified expenses incurred after March 1, 2020. There may be no duplication of benefits. For instance, if a business has already received funds from the Payroll Protection Program (PPP), they may still qualify. However, funds cannot be used for the same need as was utilized under the PPP program.

 

City employees will review applications and make recommendations to the City Commission. The City Commission will approve/decline/adjust requests at a regularly scheduled public meeting.

The application process that was previously opened to sole proprietors, and self-employed individuals will open to all businesses on Thursday, July 24th at 8:00am. Application forms, and additional eligibility requirements may be found online at http://fscity.org/353/CDBG-CV. Hard copy applications, along with program parameters will also be available at City Hall, 123 S. Main St. Questions regarding the application process, and eligibility guidelines should be directed to Allyson Turvey, via email at [email protected], or by phone at (620) 223-0550.

 

Fort Scott, Schools

New Winfield Scott First-Grade Teacher: Alexandra VanSickle

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Alexandra VanSickle. Submitted photo.
Alexandra VanSickle, 29, is a new first-grade teacher at Winfield Scott Elementary School.
She received her education from Murray State University and Kansas State University and has previously taught fourth-grade.
VanSickle’s hometown is Murray, Kentucky.
“My husband, Carson Hunter, is the head football coach at Fort Scott Community College, that is what brought us to the area. We have four children: Liam, Izzy, Naomi, and Macy. We have just moved to the area in June. Previously, I was very involved in my church and local outreaches, I hope to establish the same relationships and opportunities to serve here in Fort Scott as I become more familiar with the area.”
Alexandra VanSickle and her husband Carson Hunter. Submitted photo.
How did you become an educator?
“I worked as a paralegal originally, and decided that wasn’t for me. After doing some volunteer work with young children, I realized my passion for helping students learn and succeed. I began working for the school district and went back to school as a non-traditional student.”
Is there someone who inspired you to teach?
“No one particular person, I have met a lot of incredible and inspiring teachers in my lifetime. I think my husband really encouraged and supported my dream to become a teacher though.”
What is the best part of teaching for you?
“The best part of teaching for me is the relationships you build with the students, their families, and the amazing educators you get to work with.”
What are the greatest challenges?
“The greatest challenges would also be building those relationships, since I’m not from this area I think it will be a little more difficult to build relationships with students and get to know their families and background so I can better serve them. While the most challenging, I believe it to be one of the most rewarding parts of being a teacher.”
Fort Scott, Schools

Breann Eden: New Winfield Scott Elementary Art Teacher

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Jon, Breann and Kenlee Eden. Submitted photo.
Breann Eden, 33, is the new Winfield Scott Elementary School art teacher.

 

Eden has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Teaching with an emphasis in Art Education, and four years teaching experience.

 

“This will be my fifth-year teaching,” she said.  “I started my teaching career with Nevada R-5 School District in Nevada, Missouri.  I was the art teacher at the elementary level(K-2) for two years and secondary level(6-8) for two years.”

 

She is a Fort Scott native, the oldest daughter of David and Jara Martin, and is married to a Jon Eden, who has a daughter, Kenlee Eden.
“Jon and I are awaiting the arrival of our first child together, due July 27th,” she said.

 

Eden has been involved with several organizations in Fort Scott.
“I am involved in the Bourbon County Arts Council and 2nd Story Arts Festival and I attend Community Christian Church,” Eden said.
“In my free time, you will find me spending time with my family, working on my house with my husband or creating art.”
How did you become an educator?
“After graduating from college, I worked for a non-profit that offered support to families with teenagers.  From there I began my master of arts in teaching and worked as a social worker. With these experiences, I fell in love with working with children, so I became an art teacher.”
Is there someone who inspired you to teach?
“The children I worked with in my past employment experiences have inspired me to become a teacher.”
What is the best part of teaching for you?
“The best part of teaching art is providing opportunities for children to explore their creativity and think critically. I have enjoyed watching students develop their own ideas and then execute them through problem-solving and planning.”
What are the greatest challenges?
“My greatest challenge is finding time to be creative and to do all the things with my students and for my students that I want to do!”
Fort Scott, Government

FS Commission Agenda for July 21

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AGENDA

FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

FORT SCOTT CITY HALL

COMMISSION ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN

JULY 21, 2020

6:00 P.M.

I. ROLL CALL:

K. ALLEN P. ALLEN NICHOLS WATTS MITCHELL

II. FLAG SALUTE

III. INVOCATION: Pastor from Community Christian Church

IV. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: Recognition of Ryan Coon and Jesse Smith (presented with certificate from the City Commission)

V. CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of July 7th, 2020 and amended special meeting minutes of June 30th, 2020.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1267-A totaling $521,599.42.

  1. Request to Pay #9 – Crossland Heavy Contractors – $400,285.97 – River Intake Project

  1. Request to Pay #10 – Crossland Heavy Contractors – $136,141.25 – River Intake Project

  1. Request to Pay #11 – Crossland Heavy Contractors – $71,607.49 – River Intake Project

  1. Request to Pay – HDR Engineering, Inc. – $53,457.75 – River Intake Project

  1. Request to Pay – Lauber Municipal Law, LLC – (June) – $11,187.50

  1. June financials

VII. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE: Michael Bryant – First Source Lease

B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 5 minute limit per citizen) – Schery Rupprecht – 500 block Andrick

Ralph Carlson

Michael Hoyt

C. PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS:

VIII. CONSIDERATION:

  1. Consideration of Resolution 13-2020 – Coronavirus Relief Funds – SPARKS Grant

  1. Approval to sell three Police seizure vehicles through Purple Wave Auction Company

  1. Approval to sell miscellaneous firearms through sealed bid process to Federal Firearms Licensed Dealers

  1. Consideration of US Cellular Ground Lease and for Mayor to sign all pertinent documents

IX. COMMENTS:

  1. Director Updates: Susan Bancroft – Budget Update

Allyson Turvey – CDBG-CV Grant Update

Healthy Bourbon County Grant

  1. Commission:

Kevin Allen – Discussion of Sunday Liquor sales

Executive Session – K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1) – to discuss matters of non-elected personnel;

  1. City Attorney: Consideration of adoption of Code of Ethics – Ordinance No. 3563
  1. City Manager:

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

I MOVE THAT THE CITY COMMISSION RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION.

THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THE RECESS IS THE DISCUSSION OF:

The statutory justification for the recess is:

K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1) – to discuss matters of non-elected personnel;

K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(2) – consultation with the City Attorney on matters that would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship;

K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(3) – to discuss employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the public body or agency;

K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(4) – to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts, and individual proprietorships;

K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(6) – for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.

The Executive Session will be for _________ minutes long and the open meeting will resume at ___________ am/pm.

X. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: ROLL CALL