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Category Archives: Fort Scott
Local Museum Receives Grant
GORDON PARKS MUSEUM RECEIVES INTERACTIVE TECHNOLOGY WITH YOUTH ACTIVITIES GRANT BY THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF SOUTHEAST KANSAS
Fort Scott, KS- A grant from the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas helped support the purchase of interactive technology for youth and young adults. This includes a tablet kiosk with a stand and software. The tablet can also be used by any visitors of any age.
“We are very thankful to be part of this grant. The interactive technology tablet helps the museum to engage visitors in different ways, especially the youth and young adults. This offers a more modern approach to learning, viewing, and appreciating the collection and works of Gordon Parks. We want to help to keep the Gordon Parks legacy alive and well for generations to come.” said Kirk Sharp, Executive Director of the Gordon Parks Museum.
The Interactive Museum Display will allow the visitors to view photos, videos, interviews, music, create a drawing/painting, interactive trivia quiz game and much more…
The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas hosts individual charitable funds, created by donors who have a passion for giving back to their community. Grants from the funds assist people throughout Southeast Kansas and many charities beyond Kansas. Call the Foundation, 620 231 8897 with questions about the Community Foundation and its many services available for donors. www.southeastkansas.org
GORDON PARKS MUSEUM RECEIVES INTERACTIVE TECHNOLOGY WITH YOUTH ACTIVITES GRANT BY THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF SOUTHEAST KANSAS
Fort Scott, KS- A grant from the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas helped support the purchase of interactive technology for youth and young adults. This includes a tablet kiosk with a stand and software. The tablet can also be used by any visitors of any age.
“We are very thankful to be part of this grant. The interactive technology tablet helps the museum to engage visitors in different ways, especially the youth and young adults. This offers a more modern approach to learning, viewing, and appreciating the collection and works of Gordon Parks. We want to help to keep the Gordon Parks legacy alive and well for generations to come.” said Kirk Sharp, Executive Director of the Gordon Parks Museum.
The Interactive Museum Display will allow the visitors to view photos, videos, interviews, music, create a drawing/painting, interactive trivia quiz game and much more…
The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas hosts individual charitable funds, created by donors who have a passion for giving back to their community. Grants from the funds assist people throughout Southeast Kansas and many charities beyond Kansas. Call the Foundation, 620 231 8897 with questions about the Community Foundation and its many services available for donors. www.southeastkansas.org
USD 234 BOE Minutes of June 8
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met virtually on Monday, June 8, 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 – May 20, 2020 – $1,402,646.19
D. Financial Report
E. Activity Fund Accounts
F. Gift Lists
G. 2020-21 Fundraisers
H. 2020-21 Extended Trips
I. 2020-21 Site Council Members
Administrators from each building gave individual school reports in addition to Site Council reports.
Superintendent Ted Hessong reported on the Return-to-School Committee, a book study on Breaking with Tradition, July 10 guidance from KSDE, Extended School Year (ESY), KSHSAA summer conditioning, installation of bleachers, and plans for high school graduation on August 1.
Gina Shelton, Business Manager, discussed property tax receipts, CARES money, remote work, and food service.
Board members reviewed the last day enrollment count. In addition, the board approved the following items:
· Roof payment
· Property/Casualty/Boiler Insurance for the 2020-21 school year
· Pre-Funding Early Retirement from the 2019-20 budget
· Purchase of an activity bus
· Summer Camps
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:
A. Retirement of Billie Young, high school kitchen manager, effective June 20, 2020
B. Resignation of Sandra Beth, middle school paraprofessional, effective at the end of the 2019-20 school year
C. Transfer of Cheryl Marsh, interim high school kitchen manager, to the position of high school kitchen manager for the 2020-21 school year
D. Transfer of Brenda Hathaway, interim high school 6.5-hour ticket clerk, to the position of high school 6.5-hour ticket clerk for the 2020-21 school year
E. Transfer of Ginger Hueston, Winfield Scott 6.5-hour cook, to high school 6.5 hour cook for the 2020-21 school year
F. Employment of central office classified staff for the 2020-21 school year
G. Employment of a technology classified employee for the 2020-21 school year
H. Employment of food service classified employees for the 2020-21 school year
I. Employment of transportation classified employees for the 2020-21 school year
J. Employment of maintenance/custodial classified employees for the 2020-21 school year
K. Employment of high school classified employees for the 2020-21 school year
L. Employment of middle school classified employees for the 2020-21 school year
M. Employment of Eugene Ware classified employees for the 2020-21 school year
N. Employment of Winfield Scott classified employees for the 2020-21 school year
O. Employment of Fort Scott Preschool Center classified employees for the 2020-21 school year
P. Resignation of Stuart Troutman as high school freshman boys’ assistant basketball coach, effective at the end of the 2019-20 school year
Q. Resignation of Sara Jackman as a high school assistant girls’ softball coach, effective at the end of the 2019-20 school year
R. Resignation of Jeff Armstrong as high school boys’ head track coach, effective at the end of the 2019-20 school year
S. Employment of high school supplemental employees for the 2020-21 school year
T. Employment of middle school supplemental employees for the 2020-21 school year
U. Employment of Eugene Ware supplemental employees for the 2020-21 school year
V. Employment of Winfield Scott supplemental employees for the 2020-21 school year
The board adjourned.
Vehicle Cruise: Social Distancing Fun
Some local residents have planned activities that provide fun for the town and also some nostalgia in cruising National Avenue this Friday, June 5.
The Fort Scott Cruise Night Facebook Group is promoting what they are calling an “Honorary Good Ol Days Cruise.”
“This is not an event sponsored by the city,” Julie Norris, who along with Rachel Cunningham-Fields are the planners, said. ” It was scheduled purely for fun since Good Ol Days had to be canceled this year due to COVID 19.”
The COVID 19 pandemic precautions include social distancing of 6 feet from nearby people and taking other measures to help stop the spread of the virus that has circled the world and killed over 100,000 American people, according to the Center For Disease Control.
The cruise allows people to maintain social distancing while remaining in their cars.
“Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend,” she said. ” We will be cruising National, just like the “Good Ol Days”.”
The cruise starts at 6 PM Friday night, June 5.
“Our annual Good Ol Days is something we look forward to every year,” Norris said. “Although we WILL NOT be able to attend, (because of precautions of the pandemic) what better way to honor it, than to CRUISE!”
“So get your hot rod out, work on that car you’ve been meaning to finish, get the motorcycle ready, and Celebrate Good Ol Days on June 5th by cruising,” she said. “Our lives may look a little different, but we can still come together, and not gather! “
“A small town is a place we choose to be,” she said. ” A place we raise our kids, find peace in, or retire in. A place we call home.”
There will be several spots to eat along the way, including vendors, so save some money for supper.
FS Town-Wide Garage Sale June 12-13
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Old Fort Auto Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting June 4
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Tucker Awarded 2020 Best of Fort Scott Awards
Stewart Realty Company is pleased to announce that Diann Tucker, owner/broker, has been selected as the recipient for the 2020 Best of Fort Scott Awards in the category of Real Estate Agency.
This designation and the plaque presentation were created to honor and generate public recognition of the achievements and positive contributions of businesses and organizations in and around Fort Scott.
The mission of this award recognition is to raise the profile of exemplary companies and entrepreneurs among the business community and general public.
Selection as a 2020 Award Winner is determined by the marketing success of an organization in the local community within a specific category. The award program uses empirical data supplied by independent third-parties as input into the award algorithm, and is not based on nominations, voting, contests or surveys.
Diann Tucker was also inducted as a 2019 award winner from Trademark Women of Distinction for demonstrating dedication, leadership, and professional ethics in her community.
The award committee stated that “ Her compassion and expertise has helped set the standard in the local real estate industry as a dedicated professional. The personal touch she adds to her relationship with everyone she does business with is her way of helping people make real estate choices that change lives. Her proven track record of quality service has made her mark on local business integrity.”
Congratulations to Diann Tucker and Stewart Realty for this Best of 2020 Fort Scott award in the field of Real Estate.
FS Golf Advisory Board Will Meet June 12
The Golf Course Advisory Board will meet on Friday, June 12th, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. at Woodland Hills Golf Course, 2414 S. Horton. The meeting will take place in the clubhouse.
The Golf Course Advisory Board meeting will not be open to the public at this time due to the limited number of 15 allowed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This meeting will be made available via the City’s Facebook at City of Fort Scott.
FS Street Advisory Board Will Meet June 9
The Street Advisory Board will meet on Tuesday, June 9th, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. at the City Commission Meeting Room at 123 S. Main Street.
The Street Advisory Board meeting will not be open to the public at this time due to the limited number of 15 allowed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This meeting will be made available via the City’s you tube channel at City of Fort Scott.
Fort Scott and Bourbon County To Receive Grants to Rebuild Economies and Support Families
66 Kansas cities and counties to receive Community Development
Block Grants to support coronavirus response
Editors note: Both The City of Fort Scott and Bourbon County Commission will receive $132,000.
Governor Laura Kelly announced today the award of nearly $9 million in Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Response Supplement (CDBG-CV) funds to 66 Kansas communities.
“Kansans have faced unprecedented challenges during the past few months due to COVID-19,” Governor Kelly said. “Our communities need relief – and they need it now. I’m pleased to announce additional resources to help Kansans navigate through the recovery process. These grants will help our communities rebuild their economies and support Kansas families.”
Grants were available in two categories – Economic Development and Meal Programs. Economic Development grants provide communities with funding to help local businesses retain jobs for low-to-moderate income people by covering working capital expenses such as inventory, wages and utilities. Meal Program grants can be directed toward organizations such as Meals on Wheels, local food banks or to support organizations providing meals for children affected by the loss of school meal programs.
“The COVID-19 crisis has left many communities searching for resources to support their residents and businesses,” Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The CDBG-CV award provides cities and counties the ability to determine where the greatest need in their community lies and to provide some relief as we move into the recovery phase of the crisis.”
CDBG funds are one of Commerce’s primary tools in supporting the state’s small, predominantly rural communities. CDBG-CV grants are part of the state’s allocation from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and are designed to help Kansas communities respond to the needs of their residents and businesses during the reopening phase of the state.
The following communities are recipients of CDBG-CV awards.
| Recipient | Award Amount |
| Abilene | $132,000 |
| Allen County | $132,000 |
| Anderson County | $132,000 |
| Atchison | $132,000 |
| Baldwin City | $132,000 |
| Beloit | $132,000 |
| Bourbon County | $132,000 |
| Chanute | $132,000 |
| Cherokee County | $169,200 |
| Cimarron | $132,000 |
| Clay County | $132,000 |
| Cloud County | $132,000 |
| Coffeyville | $167,000 |
| Crawford County | $132,000 |
| Derby | $132,000 |
| Dodge City | $132,000 |
| Ellsworth | $132,000 |
| Ellsworth County | $132,000 |
| Emporia | $167,000 |
| Eudora | $132,000 |
| Eureka | $167,000 |
| Fort Scott | $132,000 |
| Franklin County | $132,000 |
| Garden City | $132,000 |
| Garnett | $132,000 |
| Girard | $169,200 |
| Gove County | $132,000 |
| Graham County | $167,000 |
| Harper | $152,000 |
| Horton | $167,000 |
| Hoxie | $173,600 |
| Hutchinson | $132,000 |
| Independence | $167,000 |
| Jackson County | $132,000 |
| Jewell County | $132,000 |
| Junction City | $167,000 |
| Labette County | $132,000 |
| Liberal | $132,000 |
| Linn County | $132,000 |
| Louisburg | $132,000 |
| Marion County | $167,000 |
| Marquette | $66,000 |
| Marshall County | $132,000 |
| McPherson | $132,000 |
| Mitchell County | $132,000 |
| Montgomery County | $132,000 |
| Mulvane | $132,000 |
| Neosho County | $169,200 |
| Oberlin | $80,600 |
| Osborne County | $132,000 |
| Ottawa | $132,000 |
| Parsons | $132,000 |
| Phillips County | $132,000 |
| Pittsburg | $170,300 |
| Pleasanton | $132,000 |
| Reno County | $132,000 |
| Russell County | $173,600 |
| Scott County | $132,000 |
| Sheridan County | $132,000 |
| Sherman County | $132,000 |
| Smith County | $132,000 |
| Thomas County | $132,000 |
| Unified Greeley County | $55,000 |
| Wallace County | $132,000 |
| Wilson | $77,000 |
| Wilson County | $132,000 |
To date, the Department of Commerce has received 106 award applications totaling more than $32 million. Applications were processed on a first-come, first-served basis. While all funds for this round of CDBG-CV have been awarded, the Department of Commerce expects to receive approximately $7 million in additional funding in a second round of CDBG funds through the CARES Act. More information will be announced as it’s made available from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
For more information on the Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Response Supplement program visit www.kansascommerce.gov/cdbg-cv/.
For current information on COVID-19 in Kansas, go to covid.ks.gov/.
FS Golf Advisory Board Meets June 12
The Golf Course Advisory Board will meet on Friday, June 12th, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. at Woodland Hills Golf Course, 2414 S. Horton. The meeting will take place in the clubhouse. This meeting is open to the public.
The Beacon Food Pantry Reorganizes Staffing
On Monday, June 1, 2020, David Gillen assumed full management of the operation as Beacon Food Pantry Administrator. The new assistant administrator is Patty Mowen. Both are knowledgeable of the operation, and both consider this organization their “mission.” according to the press release submitted by Carol MacArthur, board chairwoman.
At this time, no one but the staff is allowed inside the building, according to the press release.
Food orders are called in, filled, and picked up at the back dock of the building at 525 E. Sixth. This practice may become permanent, according to the press release.
Financial requests may be called in at this time as well.
People may call The Beacon and ask for David Gillen, for inquiries, MacArthur said. The phone number is 620-223- 6869.
Improvements in the facility have already been made by Gillen and volunteers.
Office equipment is being updated as needed as well to improve service to clients.
The Beacon, Inc., in existence for almost forty years, began as churches in the community came together to serve the needs of Fort Scott and Bourbon County.
They have provided those struggling in the community as a food pantry and in offering financial assistance, dominantly through the efforts of community-related donations.
Currently, the organization provides food, financial assistance, and referrals to other service organizations.
“People have been so generous with funds and donations,” MacArthur said. ” But we have had difficulty procuring large amounts of food (during the pandemic),”
“The community has been wonderful,” she said.
The Beacon is located at 525 E. Sixth Street, Fort Scott, Ks. 66701, and is open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, with one exception.
On the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, the Beacon is closed during the day and is open instead from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.