Category Archives: Fort Scott

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Thinking About Fort Scott’s Future Growth

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Christopher Zimmerman and John Robert Smith lead a discussion on Fort Scott’s future plans with members of the community on Feb. 26 at the River Room Event Center.

City officials, county officials and members of the community gathered for a workshop on strategically growing the community.

A U.S.  Dept. of Agriculture Rural Development Grant provided funds for a  Smart Growth America workshop in Fort Scott on Feb. 26, through the initiation of efforts by the City of Fort Scott leaders.

Smart Growth America workshop leaders John Robert Smith, Christopher Zimmerman, Andrew Justus spoke, along with Dan Fischer, community program director for USDA Rural Development.

County personnel gathered data specific to the county and the city before the workshop and Smith and Zimmerman presented that data to the group.

The group also interviewed some local people before the workshop.

 

They found that Fort Scott people are passionate, have a strong work ethic, the quality of life is high and people are friendly.

 

Also, there is a shortage of well-paying jobs (that offer enough pay to support families) and a shortage of quality housing.

 

Downtown Is The Heart

 

Downtown is the heart of the community and some ideas for making the area more invited were given by the Smart Growth presenters: take boards off windows, put up awnings, plant more vegetation and trees, improve street lighting at pedestrian level, and mark crosswalks clearly.

 

These little increments of change can add to economic development, Zimmerman said.

 

The presenters then led a small group exercise to brainstorm efforts that could be done, short term.

Here are the results of that exercise:

  • Make pedestrian and bike transportation improvements.
  • Connect Fort Scott Community College students to downtown via a bike/pedestrian pathway.
  • Rehab existing residential and other structures.
  • Look for funding to finance community improvements like housing and commercial spaces.
  • Make a gateway to the city from US 69 Highway.
Following small-group input, these are the ideas for helping Fort Scott in planning for the future that were displayed by the Smart Growth group.

The presenters met with city officials to help review some of the data gathered and possible actions, following the meeting.

Fort Scott Economic Director Rachel Pruitt said she would have a report to the city commission soon, on those  possible actions.

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

Good Financial News From USD234

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USD234 has some great news.

The board of education recently approved a bond refinance, according to Gina Shelton,  business manager for the school district.

“This saves our community $5,792,515.15 and allows us to pay the bond off 5 years earlier,” she said. “We continue our commitment to be good stewards with our taxpayer funds and are so very excited to have this opportunity.”

In a 7-0 vote, USD 234 School Board approved Resolution 19-09 on March 2, 2020, to refinance a portion of the District’s outstanding Series 2014 General Obligation Bonds to take advantage of lower interest rates and captured savings for our community of $5,792,515.15. As a result of the refinancing, the District will pay off the bonds five years earlier than originally planned.

Series 2020 Taxable General Obligation Refunding Bonds Highlights

  1. The current average interest rate on the Series 2014 bonds is 4.33%.

  1. The final average interest rate after refinancing is 2.57%.

  1. Total savings is $5,792,515.15 (after all refinancing expenses).

  1. As a result of the refinancing, the District will pay off the bonds five years earlier than originally planned, with a final maturity in 2035, versus 2040.

  1. The refinancing improves the District’s financial position, provides interest cost savings and future mill levy management options.

  1. Timing – Why is this important??

    1. Past

      1. School District and Community passage of bond was just in time.

      2. The initial bonds were passed on December 22, 2014.

      3. Legislation became effective July 1, 2015, that lowered the bond state aid.

      4. We are currently receiving 64% in state aid.

      5. Had we waited, our community would have been receiving 33% state aid.

      6. In 2019-20, the state aid is paying all the interest on the school district’s bonds and some of the principal of the bonds.

    2. Now

      1. Interest rates are at a historical low.

      2. The school board’s goal with refinancing was the capture the lower interest rate currently in the market.

      3. History has shown us that interest rates will go back up, so it is critical to take advantage of the lower rates now.

Fort Scott, Schools

USD234 Conferences and Spring Break Schedule

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Parent/Teacher conferences for the USD 234 School District will be held on Monday, March 9, and Tuesday, March 10.

Conferences will be held at the following times:

 

Fort Scott Preschool Center – 4:20 to 7:50 p.m.

Winfield Scott and Eugene Ware – 4:15 to 7:45 p.m.

Fort Scott Middle School and Fort Scott High School – 4:30 to 8:00 p.m.

 

There will be no school for USD 234 students on Friday, March 13.

 

Spring Break will be held the week of March 16-20.

 

Classes will resume for USD 234 students on Monday, March 23.

 

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

U234 Board of Education Minutes of March 2

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Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met on Monday, March 2, at the Board of Education office 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:

  1. Minutes
  2. Bills and Claims
  3. Payroll – February 20, 2020 – $1,394,668.42
  4. Financial Report
  5. Bond Proceeds Reconciliation
  6. Activity Fund Accounts

Stephanie George, KNEA President, presented a report. Administrators from each building shared information with board members.

Superintendent Ted Hessong discussed legislative updates, a Stop School Violence grant, daily attendance rates, and Public School Week.

Gina Shelton, Business Manager, gave a report on the Business Department.

Board members approved the following items:

  • Resolution 19-09 Taxable General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2020
  • Fort Scott High School course additions/changes for 2020-21

The board tabled action on handbook changes for the Fort Scott High School Parent/Student Handbook.

Board members shared comments and then went into executive session to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel and returned to open meeting. The board then went into executive session to discuss matters relating to employer-employee negotiations and returned to open meeting. The board approved the following employment matters:

  1. Retirement of Ellen Kendrick, high school art teacher, effective at the end of the 2019-20 school year
  2. Resignation of Emily Clayton, high school teacher aide, effective March 6, 2020
  3. Extension of contract for Ted Hessong, Superintendent, through the 2021-22 school year
  4. Employment of administrators for the 2020-21 school year

Amber Toth – Principal – Fort Scott High School

Robyn Kelso – Assistant Principal – Fort Scott High School

David Brown – Principal – Fort Scott Middle School

Matt Harris – Assistant Principal – Fort Scott Middle School

Stephanie Witt – Principal – Eugene Ware School

Joy McGhee – Principal – Winfield Scott School

Martin Altieri – Assistant Principal – Winfield Scott School

Andrea Scott – Principal – Fort Scott Preschool Center

Rick Scholes – Special Education Coordinator

  1. Employment of district directors for the 2020-21 school year

Joe Allen – Transportation Director

Robin Button – Food Service Director

Jeff DeLaTorre – Fort Scott High School Athletic/Activities Director

Daniel Koppa – Facilities Director

Stephen Mitchell – Technology Director

  1. Employment of Gina Shelton, Business Manager/Board Clerk, for the 2020-21 school year
  2. Employment of Breann Eden as Winfield Scott art teacher for the 2020-21 school year
  3. Employment of Torrie Singmaster as a Winfield Scott first grade teacher for the 2020-21 school year
  4. Resignation of Jeff DeLaTorre as high school head boys’ basketball coach, effective at the end of the 2019-20 season
  5. Resignation of Drew Graham, high school assistant baseball coach, for the 2019-20 school year
  6. Employment of Josh Messer as a high school assistant baseball coach for the 2019-20 school year
  7. Termination of James Feezell, Eugene Ware 12-month custodian, effective February 28, 2020
  8. Transfer of Terry Barrager, Eugene Ware/Winfield Scott 10-month custodian, to Eugene Ware 12-month custodian for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year
  9. Addition of a high school CTE computer teaching position for the 2020-21 school year

The board adjourned

Business, Fort Scott

New Car Dealer in Town: Old Fort Auto

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Old Fort Auto dealership employees: from left Matt Bowersock, Rich Aydelotte, Matt Harvey. Not pictured is Becky Heidrick.

A new vehicle dealership has opened at 213 Scott Avenue, next to Mayco Ace Hardware.

 

The official first day of Old Fort Auto was March 2.

 

The business has been a thought in Rich Aydelotte’s mind for many years.

 

“This is something I’ve wanted to do for a lot of years,”  he said. Aydelotte and Matt Harvey are the business partners in the new venture. “I thought this was the time to do it. I have no reservations or doubts about it.”

 

Both will be selling the vehicles.

 

Matt Bowersock will be the business manager and also sell vehicles as well.

 

Becky Headrick will be the comptroller, title clerk, and receptionist.

 

“We are going to specialize in trucks, heavy trucks and sports utilities and cars, too,” Aydelotte said. “We will sell only late models.”

 

“Three-quarter ton trucks, heavy and light duty,” he said. “We are trying to purchase what people in Fort Scott drive.”

 

“Financing, we have lots of different sources, outside lending with national lenders, credit unions and local institutions,” Aydelotte said.

 

“They are going to be good deals, priced right,” Matt Bowersock said. “We’ll take trade-ins.”

 

“We chose the location because it was downtown,” Aydelotte said. “We are leasing the building from Skitch Allen.”

 

Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 

Contact the business at 620-644-5015 or Aydelotte at his cell phone, 620-215-0986.

 

 

Old Fort Auto first’s load of vehicles on Feb. 28.
Entertainment, Fort Scott

Presentation Explores Lives of Free-Born Children after Civil War

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Gordon Parks Museum at Fort Scott Community College in Fort Scott, KS, will host “Children of the Promised Land,” a presentation and discussion by Angela Bates on Tuesday, March 17 at 12:00 P.M. at The Ellis Family Fine Arts Center,  Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton St. Fort Scott, KS.

Members of the community are invited to attend the free program. Contact Kirk Sharp at 620 -223-2700 ext. 5850 for more information.

The program is made possible by Humanities Kansas.

“This is a Lunch and Learn event so everyone is welcome to bring their lunch and drinks. Dessert will be available,” said Museum Director, Kirk Sharp.

Nicodemus, a small, unincorporated town in Graham County, is the only remaining western town established by African Americans during the Reconstruction Period following the Civil War.

Today the town is a National Historic Site. This pictorial history explores the unique experience of mothers and their children in Nicodemus, some of whom were the first members of their families born free.

Angela Bates is the executive director of the Nicodemus Historical Society. She presents educational programs across the nation covering Nicodemus, Exodusters and black towns in the West, Buffalo Soldiers, and black women in the West.

“My great uncle, Henry Williams, was the first baby born in Nicodemus just a month after my great-grandmother Emma arrived with the first group of settlers in 1877,” said Bates. “He was one of the first in his generation born on the free soils of Kansas. He represents the many children of his generation that were reared by parents who were former slaves.”

“Children of the Promised Land” is part of Humanities Kansas’s Movement of Ideas Speakers Bureau, featuring presentations and workshops designed to share stories that inspire, spark conversations that inform, and generate insights that strengthen civic engagement.

For more information about “Children of the Promised Land” contact the Gordon Parks Museum at 620 -223-2700 ext. 5850 or visit http://www.gordonparkscenter.org/
About Humanities Kansas
Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit spearheading a movement of ideas to empower the people of Kansas to strengthen their communities and our democracy. Since 1972, our pioneering programming, grants, and partnerships have documented and shared stories to spark conversations and generate insights. Together with our partners and supporters, we inspire all Kansans to draw on history, literature, ethics, and culture to enrich their lives and serve the communities and state we all proudly call home. Visit humanitieskansas.org.

Fort Scott, Government

Water Main Work Begins March 3

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The City of Fort Scott Water Distribution Department will be renewing a water main from 5th & Andrick to 6th & Andrick. A new water main and valves will be installed to replace the existing aging and shallow one.

Work will begin on Tuesday, March 3rd, 2020 with the excavation of the water main at 6th & Andrick. Customers on Andrick and the surrounding area may experience water outages for short durations during the construction time. Precautions by the Water Distribution Department will be followed when the water is restored. However, customers may experience discolored water and some air. This should clear up by running the water for a short time from an outside faucet.

Access to your area and home will be available. At the beginning of the project, the intersection of 6th & Andrick will be closed and 5th and Andrick will be open. As the project moves north on Andrick, and it becomes necessary to close the intersection of 5th and Andrick, 6th and Andrick will be reopened for traffic.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact City Hall at 223-0550 and ask or the Water Distribution Department.

Church news, Fort Scott

Christian Human Trafficking Awareness Speaker March 2

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The monthly meeting for the Ft. Scott Aglow Lighthouse will meet Monday, March 2, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. at the Rodeway Inn Conference Room, 101 State Street, Ft. Scott, KS.
The guest speaker is Bob Reazin from LeRoy, KS.
  Bob is retired but has been involved in Eight Days of Hope Ministry over the last 10 years. He will be providing information about Human Trafficking Awareness.
 Aglow Lighthouse desires to provide a place to bring unity among like-minded believers in our community.
This is a place to grow in relationship with God and others.
Men, women, and youth coming together to discover who Christ made you to be and who God wants to be for you.

The group also engages in meeting community needs such as protecting the unborn and orphans.

Currently, they are in the preparation stages of getting food, clothing, and shelter ready.
Donations are welcome.
“Please be our guest and bring a friend,” Fort Scott Aglow President Amanda Gilmore said.
Visit aglow.org for more information.
Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott

Common Ground Coffee to Move Shop Mid-March

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Common Ground Coffee Shop will be moved to this location at 12 E. Wall later this week..

Common Ground Coffee shop’s last day of operation at its current, 116 S. Main location will be Friday, March 6.

A new chapter for this local meeting place will then begin.

“We will be closed Saturday, March 7 through 10,” Jennifer LaRoche, a member of the Common Ground board, said.  “We have a tentative date of March 11th to be back in business.”

” We are going to close out the five-year journey with some live music from 7-8 pm by Rick Hite and friends,” she said.

Common Grounds Coffee Company, 116 S. Main.

The coffee shop will be back in business about two blocks away at 12 E. Wall.

There will be no sign on the building at  12 E. Wall, LaRoche said. Pictured is the protective fence that keeps people from getting too near the westernmost LaRoche building which is still being renovated.

The new space has more space, an enlarged commercial kitchen,   a  conference room and meeting space with a stage.

In addition, there will be a drive-up window that will be opened once the staff is “settled in”, LaRoche said.

The stage space will also need a little more work when the business is first moved in.

“It will be heated with portable heaters,” she said.

Signage will be temporary on the door to the new building, until warmer weather when it can be placed on glass, she said.

 

Common Ground Coffee Shop is a ministry of Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene.

 

 

Electrician Kirk Bryant, Jennifer LaRoche and Kasey Gross work on Feb. 25 towards the goal of opening the new Common Ground Coffee Shop in mid-March. LaRoche is the owner of the building that is being renovated at 12 E. Wall. Gross is the coffee shop coordinator, LaRoche said.
Fort Scott

Knights of Columbus Lenten Meal Begins Feb. 28

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Men from the Catholic Church serve fish, potatoes, spaghetti, green beans, coleslaw, and grilled cheese sandwiches. Women of the church provide desserts.

 

The Knights of Columbus Fish Fry begins Feb. 28 at the Mary Queen of Angels Kennedy Gym at 705 S. Holbrook.

 

The meal is served from 5-7 p.m. each Friday until April 3 this year and if past years are any indication there will be a line to get the meal.

 

The annual community event includes southern fried fish, baked white fish, meatless spaghetti, or grilled cheese sandwiches with sides of french-fried potatoes, a baked potato, green beans, or coleslaw along with desserts provided by the women of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and drinks.

 

A free-will donation allows the Knights to contribute to local charities and the local Catholic school, said Deborah Skeen, church secretary.

 

“A lot of people in the community have said it’s good food for the money,” Skeen said.