







During this time of the pandemic when many have lost their jobs due to stay-at-home orders to slow the spread of the illness, the federal government has food coming to those in need.
Distribution points will be in Fort Scott for the Fort Scott area on May 1 and Uniontown , for western Bourbon County, April 29.
Frozen meats and fresh produce are part of the distribution, according to Rebecca Shinn, West Bourbon Food Program coordinator which is organized by the First Missionary Baptist Church.
” Anyone qualifies for Disaster Household Distribution (DHD) boxes however we highly encourage help to go to those families that might not otherwise qualify for TEFAP and who are affected by the COVID-19.”
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a federal program that helps supplement the diets of low-income Americans by providing them with emergency food assistance at no cost. USDA provides 100% American-grown USDA Foods and administrative funds to states to operate TEFAP, according to the TEFAP website.
In Fort Scott, the disaster food distribution will be May 1 at the Bourbon County Senior Citizens Center, 26 N. Main.

“It will be a drive-through,” Jackie Sellers, program coordinator said. “From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. people drive by on the north side of the building, Old Fort Boulevard (for the boxes of food).”
Sellers can be reached at 620-223-0750 or 620-249-1440.

The Disaster Household Distribution will be on April 29, 2020, at the First Missionary Baptist Church from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. This is for all people in the Uniontown, Redfield, Bronson area.
The church is located on Hwy. 3, on the west side of Uniontown.
“This program is to assist all that may not be working now due to COVID-19,” Shinn said. “Also for those who are high risk and can’t get to the store. At this time this program will be available April, May, and possibly June.”

The program is offered curbside, she said.
” Honk and we will bring you a box of food. If you can’t come that evening and still want food please call me for another time for pick up,” Shinn said. She can be reached at (620) 223-9532.

Students are still working on school competitions, even in the pandemic.
For some local students, the work paid off with earning the right to go to nationals. However, the pandemic has stopped them from physically going to College Park, Maryland to the national competition.
“They were disappointed,” Fort Scott Junior High and High School Enrichment Teacher Angie Kemmerer said.
FSHS freshman Katelyn Leavell did a senior individual performance on unsung hero Anna Coleman Ladd titled: “Breaking the Barrier of Social Stigma: Anna Coleman Ladd and the First World War”.
“My project relates to this year’s theme because social stigma is one of the most prominent and hard to overcome barriers in society,” Leavell said. “My project focuses primarily on this barrier and the stigma of disabled WWI veterans. The barrier of social stigma based on physical disfigurements from combat was the hardest to break. Anna’s artistry and mask-making abilities covered the problem areas for a soldier so the world couldn’t see that part of them. With the newfound confidence, the men were able to find themselves and overcome that stigma. Though many were buried with their masks, they still had the confidence through their lives to go out into the world, unrestricted by physical barriers and social anxiety.”
The group knew they wanted to choose a topic that challenged the normal thought process and related to the theme in a creative way, according to information provided by Kemmerer. The group’s first ideas consisted of artists, scientists, and musicians- people who broke barriers on a smaller scale and within their career field. In the end, they decided on Motown because it included that artistic charm.
The most difficult aspect of the project was the script, and was rewritten four times before it was finalized.
Motown’s sound played an important role in demolishing the barrier of race that previously divided the country. Black and white audiences alike attended Motown concerts. Motown also had a significant influence on the music industry, bringing about modern forms of musical production, management, and style.

While doing research on disabled American veterans, the group found multiple articles pertaining to the topic of mental health within soldiers and veterans of WWI. After more research, they decided that they would choose the development and social acceptance of mental health, specifically Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, in soldiers and veterans of major wars.
The stigmatized barrier around the acceptance of PTSD in our society as a mental disorder was the topic chosen. People who had the disorder were shunned and undiagnosed and it was seen as a flaw.
The range of NHD topics encompasses all disciplines and all areas of the world, according to the information provided. These projects speak volumes on how this program promotes global awareness. But it also fosters self-awareness, and creative real-world problem solving that can lead students to understand how each one of us has the potential to positively impact our world.
“NHD allows students to experience the exhilaration that comes from being innovative thinkers and producers.” Kemmerer said.” As their teacher, I hope these experiences help them realize they have the potential to change the world for the better — and the skills to do it.

The pandemic has changed the way students are taught across the world and locally as well.
USD 234 in Fort Scott started its’ continuous learning plan on March 30.
Fort Scott Middle School Sixth-Grade Reading and Language Arts Teacher Kathi Hall said the teachers met for several days over Zoom during that week to select essential subjects to be taught.
There would be digital learners and paper packets offered to the students for at-home learning, it was decided.
“We contacted each parent and found out the best way for their continuous learning through our Tiger Dens,” she said. “We started sending lessons on April 6.”
Tiger Dens is a social and emotional learning class that all the students have in middle school, she said.

Students who needed paper packets were because of no internet service, no device nor wanting to borrow one from the school, or their parents wanting them to only have paper packets, she said.
” I think this was one of the most challenging aspects of continuous learning because we as teachers didn’t have the opportunity…. to contact that student through their school email,” Hall said. “We do contact them through their parent’s phone or email to check-in!”
Teachers at FSMS continue to collaborate weekly and plan.
“Our teachers meet several times in the week in Zoom to connect, discuss any concerns or celebrations, and just continue to collaborate,” she said.
Teachers are available for their students and parents through their email or cell phone.
“Most of our teachers are teaching from home through their digital platforms such as Google Classroom, Zoom, and other educational apps that our staff agreed would be the best for the students,” Hall said. “We have had one or two teachers who have spotty or glitchy internet services because of where they reside so they will use their classroom.”
“When I think about the good that comes from our Covid19 situation and continuous learning with students not being in classrooms, there isn’t a whole lot of specifics that I can list as good.” she said. ” However, in any situation, you can find the good. I will say that one of the things that comes to mind is the way our school and district has pulled together as a strong unit.”
“Our lunch and transportation staff made a plan, organized it, looked it over for improvements once it was implemented, and then made it a better plan for our community to receive lunches in a safe and functional way,” Hall said.
“Our teachers and staff have pulled together in a tight organized way to make a plan to reach out to students and connect in a way no one has had to do before.”

“Our tech team has been working seamlessly in providing support, devices etc…for our district,” she said.
“For us at the middle school, our two principals have been on top of things supporting us and the parents/students in a way that feels amazing,” Hall said. “This is so different, new, and uncharted waters for everyone. Yet in a matter of days we begin to see the right decisions made and executed for everyone involved.”
“We definitely have challenges and I am speaking on behalf of our staff that this isn’t an ideal way to educate our students in a long term setting,” she said.
“One of the main challenges is student participation,” Hall said. “Students at the age that we teach, rely on accountability. Their young minds need interaction, sociability, and academic practice (sometimes guided practice).”
“As teachers, it is challenging not to see the faces of our students as well,” she said. “We love our jobs, we are in the profession to change children’s lives through academics, social, and emotional connections.”
“Another challenge we can’t overlook is there are fears and problems (concerning Covid19) in a student’s home with parents out of work, reduced hours, family sick or ill, etc,” Hall said. “The social and emotional well being of our students is a concern. For some students, the school was a safe haven to escape their home lives of whatever is going on that is out of the norm and their control.”
The district is providing learning opportunities for students, not focusing on grades.
“The students who are connected digitally are having feedback on their assignments,” she said. “The teachers are ‘grading the assignment’ and giving feedback through our Google Classroom or email. The paper packets will be looked at once they are turned in.”

Jimmy and Carolyn Tucker, Fort Scott, celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary this month. Carolyn Ann Hayward became the bride of James Paul Tucker, April 18, 1980, at the Bethel Freewill Baptist Church, El Dorado Springs, Missouri. The late Rev. Fidell Bridges and Rev. James D. Tucker, father of the groom, solemnized the marriage vows. Pianist and soloist Mike Jamison performed songs If, Wedding Song, and The Lord’s Prayer.
The couple has two married children, Mariam and Levi Self, and Aaron and Cynthia Tucker; also three granddaughters Lydia Mae, Felicity Ann, and Vivienne Hope Self.

Message Fort Scott Public Library through Facebook or email Miss Val at [email protected] before the start (10 am Tuesday) of storytime, and they will send you the link. The same link will be used for all future Zoom storytimes.

Jellybeans or other colorful foods
Alternatives to jellybeans include assorted berries and grapes, cereal, trail mix, M&M’s, Skittles, etc.

USD 234 continues to distribute food in the district to its students during this time of the COVID 19 pandemic, and parents are encouraged to fill out applications for free and reduced meals for the next school year.
“We do have two items that will be in addition next week,” Gina Shelton, USD 234 Business Manager/Board Clerk, said.
“First, on Tuesday, weather permitting, we will be distributing to kids books donated by Hedgehog INK and the (Fort Scott) Kiwanis,” Shelton said. “We know the importance of kids continuing to read and this way they have a ‘new to them’ book to keep their interest. We will be encouraging parents to read with their kids. What a beautiful gift to our kids.”
Please see the following Board openings:
This is for the newly formed Fort Scott Street Advisory Board Committee:
Seven (7) openings (Six (6) City residents – One (1) County resident in the three mile limit)
The function of the Fort Scott Street Advisory Board Committee is to provide suggestions to the City Manager and Governing Body regarding road improvement projects throughout the City of Fort Scott. When submitting your letter/email of interest, please provide any specific knowledge or training you have that would compliment you being a member of this board. If you have already submitted a letter of interest, you will be contacted by the Clerk for more information.
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. These 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 May 1st, 2020.


“Being with the kids every day, oftentimes you do see the good along with the bad that they experience as high school kids. It is challenging to see them experience the bad times because some of those bad times can be very difficult for the kids to navigate as high school kids. But, ultimately, a lot of those bad times help shape them into quality young adults in the future.”
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AGENDA
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
FORT SCOTT CITY HALL
COMMISSION ROOM
123 SOUTH MAIN
APRIL 21, 2020
6:00 P.M.
I. ROLL CALL:
K. ALLEN P. ALLEN NICHOLS WATTS MITCHELL
II. FLAG SALUTE
III. INVOCATION:
IV. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week – April 12-18, 2020
V. CONSENT AGENDA:
Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of April 7th, 2020.
Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1261-A totaling $495,579.32.
Resolution No. 10-2020 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 10 N. National Street – Public Hearing Date – June 2nd, 2020 – 6:15 p.m.
Request to Pay #8 – Crossland Heavy Contractors – $297,929.28 – River Intake Project
Change Request Proposal #11 – Crossland Heavy Contractors – $37,859.00 – River Intake Project – Pump #3 Rebuild
Approval of 3RK – Certificate of Pay Request #4 – MIH Housing Grant – $11,557.87.
March financials
VI. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:
APPEARANCE: None
B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 5 minute limit per citizen) Comments will not be taken during this meeting. If you have a topic to discuss not listed on the agenda, please contact a City Commissioner or send a written request to [email protected].
C. PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS: 6:00 p.m. De-annexation of property located at 1121 207th Street – Approval of Ordinance No. 3560
VII. CONSIDERATION:
Consideration to Hire a City Engineer
Consideration of Request to send out Request for Qualifications for City Engineer
Consideration of Approval of Salary Ordinance Number 3561
Consideration to repeal Ordinance No. 3556 and approve Ordinance No. 3562 establishing a Street Advisory Board
Consideration of appointments to Street Advisory Board (Six (6) City residents – One (1) County resident within 3 mile limit)
Consideration to reject bids – Machine Shed – Airport
Consideration to apply for 2020 CARES Act for Airport runway improvements funding
Consideration of approval of charter ordinance to fill a vacancy on the City Commission
VIII. COMMENTS:
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
I MOVE THAT THE CITY COMMISSION RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE
SESSION FOR ________________________________ IN ORDER TO
(see below justification)
DISCUSS ______________________________________. THE
EXECUTIVE SESSION WILL BE ___________ MINUTES AND THE OPEN
MEETING TO RESUME AT ________________.
Justifications for Executive Sessions:
Personnel matters of non-elected personnel
Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative or representatives of the body or agency
Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships
Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property
IX. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: ROLL CALL