Category Archives: Fort Scott

Fort Scott, Schools

FSHS Art Teacher Ellen Kendrick Retires After 34 Years

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Ellen Kendrick. Submitted photo.

 Ellen Kendrick, visual arts teacher at Fort Scott High School for 34 years, is retiring.

When Kendrick was in college, she took a couple of education classes out of curiosity.

“Through these classes, I came to realize that much of my childhood frustration with my own education was with the manner in which it was disseminated,” she said. ” I made a promise to myself that if I ever had the chance, I would invest in my community by being the teacher that I wish I had. I believe I was personally suited to the profession of teaching because I came of age in an era when professions weren’t chosen for the amount of money they made, but for the good that they put back into communities. I believe in the power of education and in the children that I have been given the opportunity to teach throughout my career.”

Several people inspired her to teach.

“My mom taught for 25 years and was passionate about what she did,” Kendrick said. ” I also had an amazing eighth-grade teacher, his name was Paul McClain. He was a caring and compassionate person who came into my life and taught me what a good teacher looks like. I will always be grateful for that year. Not least was Fred Campbell who saw something in me, made this job possible, and hired me to do what I love, which is to teach photography and art. I will always be grateful for the opportunity that he gave me.”

 

Kendrick said the greatest part of teaching is the students.

 

The greatest challenge has always been dealing with different personalities and varying levels of support for the things that she thought her students needed, she said.

 

“I would say, however, the biggest challenge has been the last month, (school closure because of the pandemic),” she said. “It is a strange way to end a career, and I mourn the loss of the last month.”

 

Kendrick has been involved with her husband, John, in the Echoes of the Trail, a cowboy poetry gathering and also encouraged her students  and sons to be involved in the community, she said.

 

Retiring was a hard decision to make, she said.  “Because it is a career where you get to start over fresh every year. For the first time in thirty years, I really like the direction of where things are going, but I could end up being 85 and still teaching. I made the decision, and I’m going to do it.”

 

Kendrick earned a Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in Ceramics from Colorado State University, graduate hours from Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, NY, Master of Arts in Photography from Pittsburg State University.

 

Her hometown is Kansas City, MO, where she graduated from Winnetonka High School.

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

The Beacon Is Here to Help: Donations Needed

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Gary Murrell, director of the Beacon.

The Beacon, a local helping agency,  is continuing to serve the community. And although they are currently serving the same number of people, the current medical/financial crisis in America and the world will likely increase the need for free food and financial assistance.

 

Donations of food and money are welcome at this time, Director Gary Murrell said. Financial donations can be sent to The Beacon, 525 E. Sixth, Fort Scott, 66701. For more information call 620-223-6869.

Paying of Bills Urged

Murrell urges people to continue paying their utility and rent bills, even though the bills may have been deferred because of the crisis.

“If you stop paying your bills, they will be so large at the end of this there is little we can do,” Murrell said.

 

Changes In Food Items

Murrell said that there have been questions about food received from The Beacon recently.

“If you get food from us, you may not get what we have given in the past. It’s because we don’t have it,” Murrell said. “We don’t have bread and eggs. We are doing the best we can with purchasing.”

 

New Procedures In Place

As of March 16, The Beacon put a new procedure in place for obtaining food, if one is eligible.

To minimize spread of the virus, the public is not allowed in the building at 525 E. Sixth, until further notice.

Also when picking up items, individuals must call ahead to arrange it.

Eligible individuals are to call the Beacon with their name and when they would like to pick up their food order.  The order will then be filled between normal business hours of 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday and will picked up off the back deck of the building.

 

 

History of The Beacon

The Beacon organization was established in 1985 to serve Bourbon County residents in need.

It is funded by donations from churches, civic organizations, schools, businesses and individuals.

Also, each year the Beacon applies for various grants to help with food and monetary assistance.

They serve approximately 960 individuals a month and if a person is on food stamps, they are automatically eligible, according to Murrell.

In addition to food packages, The Beacon provides non-food items like blankets, toiletries, laundry powder, and diapers.

 

To receive assistance, individuals must be willing to share information about their current income levels and proof of Bourbon County residency. Families in crisis are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Fort Scott

Cub Scouts Meet Digitally

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Submitted by Cynthia Goebel

Asst. Leader William Gooderl, James Gooderl, Cameron Lamb, Leah Pommier, and Leader Melanie Lamb. Submitted photo. This photo was taken at the Blue and Gold Dinner on March 2. It was their last meeting.

 

I am thankful to be part of such a great pack of Cub Scouts and I enjoy watching them grow in character, skill and compassion.

They have worked hard this year and continue to work hard as we meet digitally from our homes.

Cub Scout parents and families are active in their Scout’s development and are currently meeting through group text messaging to complete team scout, team family and individual requirements for advancement.

This week our Tiger Scouts (1st grade) read about teams in our community that serve and protect us.

We would like to send out a thank you to all health care workers, pastors, police and sheriff officers, firefighters, teachers, food service workers and everyone else who is working together to keep us all safe and healthy.

Along with committing to chores within their family teams, our Tiger Scouts have also taken responsibility as part of our team community to research and share information that could be helpful for people in our community at this time.

Here are the results of that research:

  • Churches are available to help meet physical and spiritual needs
  • Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries can help with utility assistance, hygiene supplies and other emergency needs. Call 620-223-2212
  • Any child 1 year of age to 18 years of age can receive a free meal from 10-11 am Monday through Friday by driving through at any of the 4 public school buildings. The child must be present. Also, buses will be delivering meals. Please see Facebook USD 234 for delivery routes.
  • Meals on Wheels delivers meals to seniors over 60. Call 620-223-0750
  • The Beacon provides food and other items. Call 620-223-6869
  • Fort Scott Washateria is open regular hours. Curbside drop off is available at no extra charge. You can stay in your car while they wash your laundry. 620-644-9834
  • Many local restaurants, farmers and producers are still providing food and services but have new procedures so call ahead or look them up on Facebook.
  • Be prepared by making an emergency plan with your family. www.ready.gov/plan has steps and forms to help you make an emergency preparedness plan.
  • Be prepared by making a home emergency kit. www.ready.gov/kit tells what you should put in a home emergency kit.
  • Stay calm by being prepared and following the plan. Including a Bible or children’s book in your emergency kit can also help the family stay calm.
  • Work together, even if by distance, and think of others. We are stronger together. Ration what you can and share if you have excess. Fresh air, sunshine and exercise are still good for boosting health and there is no rule against going out in our yards.

I am so proud of each of our Cub Scouts and of all the people in our community who have sacrificed and worked for the good of others. I pray that we will continue to stand strong together in patience, humility, reverence and in the hope of God’s grace and mercy.

Research compiled by Leah Pommier and Camren Lamb
Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott Commission Minutes of March 31

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes are unapproved until 4/7/20

Minutes of March 31, 2020 Regular Meeting #6

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held March 31st, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners K. Allen, P. Allen, R. Nichols, and L. Watts were present with Mayor J. Mitchell presiding.

INVOCATION: There was no invocation given.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: There was no audience in attendance other than a very few City staff.

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: None

APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of March 10th, 2020.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1259-A totaling $726,100.29.

  1. Approval of Pay Request #7 – Crossland Construction – River Intake Structure Project – $177,321.49.

  1. Request to Pay – Struckel Electric – $8,814.09 – Electric Vault Project – Airport

  1. Request to Pay #3 – Schneider Electric – $353,530.09 – Energy Audit Project

  1. Approval of 3RK – Certificate of Pay Request #3 – MIH Housing Grant – $22,599.52.

  1. Quit Claim Deed – City of Fort Scott to Margaret P. Cummings-3 ½” of alley

  1. February 2020 Financials

Commissioner Pete Allen made a motion to have the Charlesworth Associates invoice pulled out from the Consent Agenda. Lindsey Watts seconded. All voted aye.

REMOVED CHARLESWORTH ASSOCIATES INVOICE FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA.

R. Nichols moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Lindsey Watts seconded. R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Mitchell voted aye. K. Allen and P. Allen voted no. Motion carried 3-2.

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.

Discussion was then held on the Charlesworth Associates invoice.

City Manager explained to the Commission that Mr. Charlesworth is an insurance consultant and seeks the best coverage and price for the City’s automobile, and property and casualty insurance. He is paid $6,000 per year to perform this service. He said he could have Mr. Charlesworth come and appear before them at a later meeting.

K. Allen said he would like to invite all local insurance companies to a meeting with Mr. Charlesworth and the Commission at City Hall.

R. Nichols said that this gentleman found the City significant savings to the City. The local agents were involved in this a couple of years ago. We should have him come here and discuss what he does with the City Commission.

Susan Bancroft said that the City has a contract with him and we need to approve this payment. You can opt out of this contract but this invoice needs to be paid. There is a process to opt out of the contract and it would need to be followed.

Lindsey Watts moved to approve the payment to Charlesworth Associates in the amount of $500.00. K. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED THE PAYMENT TO CHARLESWORTH ASSOCIATES IN THE AMOUNT OF $500.00.

APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE: None

B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 5 minute

limit per citizen) – None

  1. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None

CONSIDERATION:

  1. Consideration to increase pool fees – City Manager said that he realized that this is probably not a good time to discuss increasing pool fees, but we have been planning on this for some time. City Staff is willing to hold off on this for this year. It is a tough time right now.

Mayor Mitchell said that with the COVID 19 and school being out now, weather permitting, we could open early. She thinks we should wait a year before looking at this increase. We don’t even know if we can open this year.

L. Watts said that she has heard that maybe this isn’t the best time to look at this increase.

Susan Bancroft said that there were three rates to be increased. The single pass is currently $65.00, and the recommendation was to increase to $75.00. The family pass was $150.00, and the recommendation was to increase to $175.00. The pool party rate was $100.00 per hour and the recommendation is to increase to $150.00 per hour. We are subsidizing about $80.00 for every pool party that is held currently. It is revenue and time after hours to have the pool parties. Susan said that revenues were down last year probably due to a very wet summer. She is also looking at internal controls at the pool.

Discussion was held regarding the times and hours and season of the pool.

No action was taken by the City Commission on this item.

  1. Consideration of painting/resurfacing Aquatic Center bids – Robert Uhler, Community Development Director, informed the Commission that bids were taken for the repainting and resurfacing of the pool. There were four bids received: Fort Dem Enterprises of Wichita, Kansas in the amount of $23,041.00; Insco Industries of Shawnee, Kansas in the amount of $31,140.00; Red Leaf Corporation of Fort Scott, Kansas in the amount of $32,349.00; and H2 Painting of Fort Scott, Kansas in the amount of $69,750.00. He asked for approval for the low bid of $23,041.00 from Fort Dem Enterprises.

Discussion was held regarding if this is a necessary project.

Robert said that it has not been repainted or resurfaced for six years now.

Discussion was held regarding the bids and if the low bidder had been called and checked out.

Robert said he has not done that yet.

It was the Commission’s consensus to table this item until the April 7th, 2020 meeting so Robert can check into the low bidder.

  1. Consideration to accept engineering proposal from Zingre’ & Associates for roof replacement at Wastewater Treatment Plant – Michael Mix, Public Utilities Director, informed the Commission that the roof at the Waste Water Treatment Plant is actively leaking and needs replaced. It is approximately 30 years old. He asked for approval for the architectural services in the amount of $5,950.00 from Zingre’ & Associates for him to draw up specifications for the roof replacement.

Discussion was held regarding if this roof needs an architectural drawing.

Pete Allen moved to approve the amount of $5,950.00 from Zingre’ & Associates to draw up specifications for the roof replacement at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Lindsey Watts seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED THE AMOUNT OF $5,950.00 FROM ZINGRE’ & ASSOCIATES TO DRAW UP SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE ROOF REPLACEMENT AT THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT.

  1. Consideration of bids for repairs to the Water Treatment Plant from fire – Michael Mix, Public Utilities Director, informed the Commission that bids were taken for the fire restoration at the Water Treatment Plant. This is being paid for by insurance funds. This was bid in four separate bids. The first was Contract for Cleaning Work. There were two bids received with the low bid from Home Center Construction of Pittsburg, Kansas in the amount of $28,405.00; and Insco Industries of Shawnee, Kansas in the amount of $62,850.00. The second was for Masonry Restoration and Coatings. There were two bids received with the low bid from Home Center Construction of Pittsburg, Kansas in the amount of $31,160.00 and Insco Industries of Shawnee, Kansas in the amount of $38,010.00. The third item is for Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Work. There were two bids received. The low bid was from Home Center Construction of Pittsburg, Kansas in the amount of $32,315.00. The next bid was from CDL Electric of Fort Scott, Kansas in the amount of $43,310.00. The fourth item is for Window and Door Replacement. There were two bids received. The low bid is from Buildet, LLC of Nevada, Missouri in the amount of $45,000.00 and the next bid was from Home Center Construction of Pittsburg, Kansas in the amount of $51,250.00. He asked for approval of the low bid for each item as recommended by Zingre’ & Associates.

L. Watts moved to approve the low bid on all four items for the fire restoration at the Water Treatment Plant. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED LOW BIDS ON ALL FOUR ITEMS FOR THE FIRE RESTORATION AT THE WATER TREATMENT PLANT.

K. Allen brought up the topic of the replacement for the truck at the Water Treatment Plant from the fire and if it can be talked about.

City Manager said that it was scheduled for the next agenda. He asked if they would approve up to $15,000 to replace this truck.

K. Allen said he didn’t believe we needed to spend $15,000 and we can get a better deal than that. He said that he has a lot of sites that he looks at for vehicles and thinks he can find a good deal for the City. He asked for approval for he and Michael to work together to find a truck.

Kevin Allen moved to allocate $10,000 to replace the truck at the Water Treatment Plant. Randy Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO ALLOCATE $10,000 TO REPLACE THE TRUCK AT THE WATER TREATMENT PLANT TO BE PAID WITH INSURANCE FUNDS.

  1. Consideration of 2020 Budget changes – Susan Bancroft, Director of Finance, asked the Commission to approve the recommended changes from the budget work session that she brought before them. This will decrease the budget to increase cash reserves. Departments internally will cut their budgets by 15% and utilities will cut their budget by 10%. We are unsure of what the revenues will be. Property tax could take a 15% cut and come in late. Sales tax could be cut by 25%. She asked that reductions be considered as discussed during the budget meeting.

P. Allen said that we need to work with the County and see what we can do to combine some of our services. He recommended a meeting with the County be set up.

K. Allen said that he would set up a meeting with the County. He will talk to the County Commission and determine if a meeting can be scheduled.

Lindsey Watts made a motion to approve the recommended 2020 budget changes. JoLynne Mitchell seconded. K. Allen, R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Mitchell voted aye. P. Allen abstained. Motion carried 4-1.

APPROVED THE 2020 RECOMMENDED BUDGET CHANGES.

  1. Consideration of Resolution No. 9-2020 declaring a local State of Emergency and temporarily expanding the authority of the City Manager – Susan Bancroft, Director of Finance asked that consideration of the resolution be heard first before the ordinance. This resolution would give authority to the City Manager to make decisions to shut down facilities due to the COVID-19. This would also allow the City to move to once a month meetings instead of twice a month. This declares a State of Emergency for the local government.

City Clerk read the resolution to the City Commission.

Discussion was held regarding this resolution.

City Manager said that a lot of cities are doing this due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Randy Nichols moved to approve this resolution. Lindsey Watts seconded.

More discussion was held regarding this resolution.

Lindsey Watts withdrew her second to the motion.

The majority of the Commissioners decided they were available to attend a meeting and there was not a need for this.

The motion died for lack of a second.

  1. Consideration of Ordinance No. 3559 – Ordinance appropriating the amounts for each fund in the budget for the remainder of 2020 – Susan Bancroft said that this item can be removed from the agenda. This ordinance would allow the City to pay our bills if the Commission isn’t able to meet. She said that this ordinance can be changed from for the remainder of 2020 to whenever the Governor rescinds her Executive Order for the COVID-19.

This will be tabled until the April 7th, 2020 meeting when the Ordinance will be brought back before them with the changed wording.

  1. Consideration of approval of Fort Scott CDBG Small Business Relief Loan Fund Program – Rachel Pruitt, Economic Development Director, informed the Commission of new grant opportunities. She wanted to update them on what is going on in the Federal and State level with COVID-19. There was a new Executive Order issued today by the Governor in reference to unemployment benefits. The waiting periods have been lifted temporarily, and actively seeking work is not applicable at this time. This is from Executive Order #17. There is a website www.getkansasbenefits.gov if you are trying to apply for unemployment. She updated them on K.D.H.E. numbers for the COVID-19 virus. She recommended people work through their banks on any loans they are considering.

The City has received up to $260,709.35 for a CDBG Revolving Loan Fund directed towards small businesses with the highest risk of closing and/or laying off workers as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this program is to retain existing jobs. If approved, there is a notice to publish the public notice announcing the availability of funds. Once we receive applications, she will send them to the State who will authorize them in a 48 to 72 hour timeframe. It is a short application. There is a maximum of $10,000 per business. This is defined as staff salaries and wages, purchase of inventory, utilities, rent, insurance payments, etc. Loans will be considered on a case by case basis. Loans are to stimulate job retention, not new hires. The business must have at least one full time equivalent low/moderate income employee. Owners are not counted as employees. Part-time employees can add up to this full time equivalent. A letter from the company/business must be attached attesting that the company’s cash flow is impacted due to significant changes in operation due to COVID-19. The business is either shut down or will be shut down due to COVID-19. No collateral is necessary, and no matching funds are necessary. Loan terms are forgivable if a business complies with required receipts or other proof to verify funding was used appropriately, and if the business is open for a period of twelve months. The twelve-month timeframe does not begin until at the Executive Order by the Governor has been rescinded. Proof of payment by copies of invoices, receipts, and payroll must be supplied. No outstanding debts prior to March 15th, 2020 qualify. Businesses with outstanding Ad Valorem tax obligations will not qualify.

Discussion was held regarding the amount of applications the City could receive and reducing the amount given so more could apply.

Discussion was held regarding if the City Commission should approve these applications first or not.

R. Nichols said that the State will decide who receives these loans. It would be very awkward to pick and choose who would get it as the City Commission.

Rachel said that the State has the authority to approve these applications and not the City.

R. Nichols moved to approve the Fort Scott CDBG Small Business Relief Loan Fund Program as presented. J. Mitchell seconded. R. Nichols, L. Watts, and J. Mitchell voted aye. K. Allen abstained. P. Allen voted no. Motion carried 3-1-1.

APPROVED THE FORT SCOTT CDBG SMALL BUSINESS RELIEF LOAN FUND PROGRAM.

COMMISSION/STAFF:

  1. Director Updates: None

B. City Commission:

Randy Nichols – Thanked all the individuals who are working hard with the COVID-19 pandemic. He thanked them all for working together for the betterment of the City and County.

Pete Allen – Pete asked if a decision had been made to have a meeting with the County.

City Manager said he would reach out to Lynne Oharah, Chairman, and set up a meeting.

Kevin Allen said that every quarter we need to meet with the School Board and College Board. Kevin said that he would talk to Lynne Oharah and get a meeting set up.

Randy Nichols asked that an agenda be made so we stay on topic.

Kevin Allen – He said that he thinks this Coronavirus has brought the City and County together.

He said he would like to see an Executive Development committee that is active. Steve Buerge has done a lot for this community. This committee needs to be aggressive.

The City and County need to join their efforts together.

He asked their opinion on the stop signs on National from the last meeting and if they need to be kept or removed.

Lindsey Watts said they needed to be kept. This was a huge part of the Smart Growth meetings for accessibility and walkability.

Pete Allen said that they are a nuisance and need to be removed.

Kevin asked about the school zone on Margrave and their thoughts.

Lindsey Watts said it could be shortened and the length is excessive currently.

Discussion was held regarding the expense to move the lights and signage.

Kevin said that he suggested a 20 mph sign be put up in the area that it would apply to and the hours around 10th Street.

Chief Travis Shelton said that this is a long school zone. He thinks maybe it incorporated the Middle School and Fort Scott Christian Heights when it was installed. Travis said that he could talk to the school officials and get their opinion also.

Kevin Allen made a motion to have Travis Shelton study this area and look at signage in this area. Randy Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO HAVE TRAVIS SHELTON STUDY THE SCHOOL ZONE AREA ON MARGRAVE STREET AND DETERMINE SIGNAGE IN A ONE BLOCK AREA.

His last item was the Fire Marshal. He was supposed to be at this meeting to talk about the code footprint. Has he been spoken to?

Kevin said he got an email saying he couldn’t attend. He wants to know if it is mandated by the State to have a code footprint.

City Manager said that he will check more on this subject.

Lindsey Watts – Nothing to report.

JoLynne Mitchell – Nothing to report.

C. City Manager: Nothing to report.

ADJOURNMENT:

Lindsay Watts moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:32 p.m. Kevin Allen seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 8:32 P.M.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on April 7th, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.

RECORDED BY:

DIANE K. CLAY

CITY CLERK

Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott Commission Agenda for April 7

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AGENDA

FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

FORT SCOTT CITY HALL

COMMISSION ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN

APRIL 7, 2020

6:00 P.M.

I. ROLL CALL:

K. ALLEN P. ALLEN NICHOLS WATTS MITCHELL

II. FLAG SALUTE:

III. INVOCATION: None

IV. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:

Fair Housing Month Proclamation – April

National Safe Digging Month Proclamation – April

National Service Recognition Day Proclamation – April 7, 2020

National Library Week Proclamation – April 19-25, 2020

National Library Workers Day Proclamation – April 21st, 2020

V. CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of March 31st, 2020.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1260-A totaling $736,063.92.

  1. Quit Claim Deed – City of Fort Scott to Margaret P. Cummings-3 ½” of alley (Amended legal description)

VI. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. 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: None

VII. CONSIDERATION:

  1. Donation of Lunette Blair Blockhouse to the National Parks Service

  1. Consideration of painting/resurfacing Aquatic Center bids

  1. Consideration of Resolution No. 9-2020 declaring a local State of Emergency and temporarily expanding the authority of the City Manager

  1. Consideration of Ordinance No. 3559 – Ordinance appropriating the amounts for each fund in the budget until the Governor rescinds her Executive Order

  1. Consideration of Request for Qualifications for a City Engineering firm.

  1. Consideration of Charter Ordinance relating to the filling of vacancies in elected public offices

VIII. COMMENTS:

  1. Director Updates: None
  1. Commission:
  1. City Manager:

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

X. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: ROLL CALL

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott

Fort Scott Public Library Newsletter for April 2020

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Fort Scott Public Library Newsletter
April 2020

The Library Is Closed

The library will remain closed until the government and library administration deem it safe to reopen.
This edition of our newsletter will summarize some of the options available to you while the library is closed.
If you don’t want to receive future editions of the newsletter, you can unsubscribe by emailing the library at either [email protected] or [email protected].

Information about Physical Items

Library Items That Are Already Checked Out

Everything already checked out when we closed the library on March 16th has been renewed with a new due date of April 15th. We will extend that date as necessary, so don’t worry about overdue items.

If you want to return items, feel free to use our bookdrop, located near the 2nd Street entrance.
If you want to keep items until we reopen, that is absolutely fine with us.

Library Items That Are On Hold

If you weren’t able to pick up your holds before we closed, don’t worry. We will still have them here for you to pick up when we open.

If you have placed holds on items that aren’t here yet, those holds have been temporarily suspended. When we reopen, you will still have your spot on the holds list.
If you have tried to place holds since we closed, you have probably discovered you couldn’t do it. Until the library world is back to normal, you can’t place holds using your login. If you email us at either [email protected] or [email protected], we will place a hold for you on any items. These holds will also be temporarily suspended until we reopen.

Information about Digital Resources

Digital Only Accounts/I don’t have a library card

We have created a new type of account for people who don’t already have library cards. Go to our catalog www.seknfind.org and create a new account under the “Log in to your account” prompt. Be sure to pay attention to the password you are assigned. (We encourage you to log in and change the password to something more easily remembered.)

We will adjust these accounts daily so that you will have access to digital resources. If you would like access sooner, first create the account, then send an email to either [email protected] or [email protected] with your name and email address.
When we adjust the accounts, we will send you an email with your account number and information about setting up your accounts with hoopla and Sunflower eLibrary.

I have a library card but I need help with digital resources

First look below and see if anything here helps. If you still have any problems getting set up, please email me at either [email protected] or [email protected]. Include your name and account number plus a description of the problem.
You’ll need your library card number, your pin/password, and the email address you used when you signed up for your library card.
Anytime a site asks for your card number or account number, it means the entire 14 digit number. Ignore the spaces when entering it.
When you first set up an account with hoopla, it will ask you for your email and a password. Use the email you used for your FSPL account and create your own password. The next screen will ask for your library, library card number, and pin/password; your pin/password is the last 4 digits of your card number, or if you’ve changed it, use the pin/password that you changed it to. Hoopla has a limit of 15 items checked out per month. Usually it will send you an email near the end of the month if you have checkouts remaining.
Hoopla also has a new category of items that don’t count against your 15 item limit. These can be found by searching “Bonus Borrows”.
When you first set up an account with Sunflower eLibrary, you will need to choose Fort Scott Public Library and enter your FSPL account number and your pin/password. If you have an Amazon account, you can link eligible checkouts to it and read them on an Amazon Kindle reader enabled device.
Hoopla and Sunflower eLibrary (Overdrive) both have apps that you can download to a mobile device. The websites should direct you to the apps.

What if I want a Kansas Library eCard?
Kansas Library eCards provide access to ebooks, databases, and other resources through the State Library of Kansas. If you need us to set you up, send an email with your name, including middle initial, and your birthdate to [email protected] or [email protected], and we will get your account created for you.
You will need the Kansas Library eCard to access ebooks, but many of the databases are available without logging in if you are using the Internet in Kansas. You can experiment by going to https://kslib.info/ and clicking the “Online Resources” link.

Links to Digital Resources

Download ebooks, audiobooks, comics, TV episodes, movies, music, and more. You will need your library card login and the email address associated with it.

Download ebooks and audiobooks. You will need your library card login.

 
 
 
Download ebooks and audiobooks from the State Library of Kansas. You will need a Kansas Library eCard.

State Library of Kansas Online Resources

Search databases, learn a language, repair your vehicle, and much more! Some resources available without logging in if you are located in Kansas; otherwise, you will need a Kansas Library eCard.

Story Time

 Miss Val is planning some virtual story times this month!
 See our library Facebook page for the latest on her plans. She has been busily researching and planning this, so you know it will be AWESOME!

We Miss You and Hope to See You Soon. Be Well.
Fort Scott Public Library
201 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, Kansas 66701
620-223-2882
fortscott.mykansaslibrary.org/
Business, Fort Scott, Government, Jobs

Emergency Response Loans In Fort Scott

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Rachel Pruitt

Rachel Pruitt, Fort Scott’s Economic Director, gave a press release that details loans to local businesses who are struggling financially.

The Kansas Department of Commerce CDBG Program has drastically changed the requirements of the Revolving Loan Fund program, according to information provided by Pruitt.

The City of Fort Scott is encouraging immediate use of the Revolving Loan Fund to support the working capital needs of businesses in Fort Scott, she noted.

The City’s CDBG Revolving Loan Fund has up to $260,000 directed towards small businesses with the highest risk of closing and/or laying off workers as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The purpose of this program is to retain existing jobs.

There is a maximum of up to $10,000 per business to stimulate job retention.

Employers are asked on the following forms to fill out a job certification form for each employee being retained.

To view the details, click below:

Emergency Response CDBG Revolving Loan Application

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Schools

U234 Food Service Routes For Week of April 6

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USD 234 FS Week of April 6th – Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
FOOD SERVICE ROUTES (UPDATED 04/02/20)

BUSES WILL STOP AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS. BUSES WILL BE AT EACH-IN TOWN LOCATION FOR 10 MINUTES AND THEN MOVE TO THE NEXT LOCATION.

ROUTE D AND ROUTE E WILL DISTRIBUTE MEALS AT EACH STOP AND KEEP MOVING.

USD 234 will be doing three (3) distributions the week of April 6th
Children will receive the same amount of meals for the week but will pick them up over 3 days.

Monday – Child will receive 2 meals per child

Tuesday – Child will receive 4 meals per child

Wednesday – Child will receive 4 meals per child

ROUTE A
1. St. Mary’s– 10:00 am
2. 8th & Burke– 10:15 am
3. 4th & Couch– 10:30 am
4. 5th & Judson– 10:45 am
5. Wall & Judson– 11:00 am

ROUTE B
1. 8th & Wilson – 10:00 am
2. 5th & Wilson – 10:15 am
3. 2nd & Andrick – 10:30 am
4. 1st & Cameron – 10:45 am
5. Pine & Caldwell – 11:00 am

ROUTE C
1. Emmert & Beach– 10:00 am
2. 1900 Margrave (Church of Christ)– 10:15 am
3. 15th & Ransom– 10:30 am
4. 17th & Crawford– 10:45 am
5. 19th & Huntington (CCC)– 11:00 am

ROUTE D
1. Devon Fire Station – 10:05 am
2. Fulton Community Center – 10:30 am
3. Hammond Community Center – 10:45 am

ROUTE E
1. Indian & 187th Terr. (Airport)– 10:00 am
2. 69hwy & Deer (Faith Church)– 10:25 am
3. Jayhawk & 240th– 10:50 am

Register using Google Form: USD 234 COVID-19 Food Service.

Form can be found at www.usd234.org or call 620-223-0800. You must register for each day you want USD 234 to provide meals.

*There will be NO distributions on Thursday or Friday

*Please maintain social distancing recommendations of 6 feet between individuals.

SCHOOL DRIVE THRU PICK UP

10:00 am – 11:00 am
High school- 9th street*
Eugene Ware- 4th street*

*Please remain in your vehicle and maintain social distancing recommendations of 6 feet between individuals.

*There will not be pick up at the Middle School or Winfield Scott

DROP OFF INCLUDES BREAKFAST AND LUNCH. CHILD MUST BE PRESENT TO RECEIVE MEALS.

IF YOU HAVE DIETARY RESTICTIONS, PLEASE NOTIFY THE BUS ATTENDANT.

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Jobs

Need A Source of Income? Jobs Are Available

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North Main Street, downtown Fort Scott.

With the loss of jobs due to the pandemic in the country, many people are looking for sources of income after losing their jobs.

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce has put together a list of available local jobs.

RETAIL

TRACTOR SUPPLY 2420 S. Main St.

Store Team Member

WAL-MART~ Ft. Scott

General Maintenance

Caps 1 & 2 team Members

Cashiers

FOOD INDUSTRY

DOMINO’S ~ www.jobs.dominos.com

Customer Service Rep

Delivery Driver’s

ARBY’S~ Ft. Scott

Crew Members

McDonald’s ~ 2224 S. Main St.

Assistant Manager

Crew Person

PIZZA HUT ~ 1810 S. Main St.

Team Member

Assistant Restaurant Manager

Delivery Driver

Restaurant General Manager

WENDY’S~ 2000 S. Main St.

Crew Member

Assistant General Manager

Restaurant Manager

TACO BELL~ 2305 S. Main St.

General Manager

Crew Member

Shift Leaders

SUBWAY~ 1715 S. National Ave.

Sandwich Artist

DAIRY QUEEN~ Ft. Scott

Shift Leader

MANUFACTURING

CAPSTONE LOGISTICS www.capstone.jobs

Warehouse Associate

LABCONCO Corp.~ 2500 Liberty Bell Rd

Mechanical Assembly

EXTRUSIONS, INC.~ 2401 S. Main St.

Manufacturing Positions

PEERLESS PRODUCTS ~ 2403 S. Main St.

Production (entry level) Assembler

Second Shift Saw Operator

CNC Operator – 2nd shift

Field Service Technician

Janitorial

Thermal Labor

MID-CONTINENTAL ~ 401 E. Hudson St.

Construction Laborers

Brick/Stone Mason

Apprentice

UTILITIES SAFETY & DESIGN, INC.

Natural Gas Technician – travel, on-call.

$15-$20 pay range

Apply on Indeed or USDI out of Wichita

ASSOCIATED WHOLESALE GROCERS

Case Picker/Warehouse

Stack Station Operator

Loader

WARD-KRAFT~ 2401 Cooper St.

Production Member

CUSTOMER SERVICE/SALES/CLERICAL

WARD-KRAFT~ 2401 Cooper St.

Data Entry/ CSR

COBALT MEDPLANS ~ 2801 S. Horton St.

Claims Examiner

Customer Service Representative

DFC – State of Kansas

Child Protection Specialist

KEY INDUSTRIES, INC. www.keyapparel.com

Direct Business Sales to Business

LANDMARK NATIONAL BANK ~ Ft. Scott

Full-Time Teller – South Branch

Commercial Banking Loan Assistant

FIRST SOURCE TRANSACTION SERVICE

F/T Claims Examiner

F/T Data Entry

BRIGGS AUTO GROUP, FT. SCOTT

Receptionist/Administrative Assistant

UMB Financial Corporation

Personal Banker I

Rent-A-Center – Ft. Scott

Customer Account Rep

E3 Ranch – Ft. Scott, KS

Digital Marketing Coordinator, Social

Media, Email, Social Media

TFI FAMILY SERVICES- Ft. Scott, KS

Adoption Accelerator

T-ROC– Ft. Scott, KS

Wireless Specialist (F/T) Feeder

CASH To GO– Ft. Scott, KS

Office Manager

MISCELLANEOUS

RAILCREW XPRESS ~ Lenexa, KS

Professional Drivers

RUSSELL CELLULAR ~ Ft. Scott

Wireless Retail Sales Associate

HEALTHCARE

MEDICALODGES~medicalodges.jobs.net

HCBS Supervisor – Home Health

Home Health Aide – PCS

Certified Nursing Assistant

PRESBYTERIAN VILLIAGE ~

2401 S. Horton

PRN & CAN

PRN – Sining Service Assist. Dietary Aide

RN

PRN

PRN & CMA

PRN – Housekeeping/Laundry Supervisor

CHC/SEK ~ Fort Scott

Registration Clerk/Primary Care

Tri-Valley Development Services ~ 4305 Campbell

Residential Services Specialist

Day Services Specialist (DSS)

INTEGRITY HOME & HOSPICE CARE IntegrityHC.com/employment.jobs

Home Health RN Case Mgr $2500 Bonus

Hospice RN Case Manager

Hospice Rn/PRN

Hospice RN Part Time

Home Health PRN/RN

R1 RCM– Ft. Scott (PRN)

Patient Registration Rep.

Business, Fort Scott, Government

Public Hearing Notice Economic Development Applications

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The City of Fort Scott is posting this notice for the purpose of considering
applications to be submitted under the CDBG Local Revolving Loan Emergency Response for the effects of COVID 19 on local businesses.

The funds will be used for working capital such as: salaries, wages, inventory, utilities, rent, insurance payments, etc., and must retain LMI (low to moderate income) jobs. The estimated fund amounts available will be over $265,000.

Program and application information may be found at fscity.org. Contact Rachel Pruitt for additional details at [email protected]

Church news, Fort Scott

Community Christian Joins First Methodist Church In Feeding Local Families That Need A Meal

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Community Christian Church, across from Fort Scott Community College on Horton Street. File photo.

Members of Community Christian Church, 1919 S. Horton, will be feeding families in need as a drive-by.

The first meal offering was last night.

“We served 159 people last night,” Gayle Sackett, a member of Community Christian Church said.

Community Christian Church members prepare the to-go boxes for the free meal offered the community on March 30. Submitted photo.
“We will be serving on Monday night from 5 to 6 pm.  Everyone is welcome. Enter the church parking lot across from Fort Scott Community College. Drive along the south side of the building then turn left. No need to get out of your car. We will hand your meal through your car window.”

Names will be taken of anyone eating a meal, she said.

Community Christian Church members prepare for the drive-by recipients on March 30. Submitted photo.

The church members believe there is a need for families currently, with many people losing jobs, she said.

“There is a greater need, right now,” Sackett said.

 

“It’s the same principle as the Feeding Families In His Name,” she said.

Feeding Families In His Name, a ministry of the First Methodist Church has been offering a free meal on Wednesday evenings for nine years, Jean Tucker, coordinator, said.

First United Methodist Church, 301 S. National. File photo.

“When Gayle Sackett called me, the group wanted to go under Feeding Families umbrella,” Tucker said. “I am so excited they are doing this.”

FFIHN is a 501 3c organization that receives food commodities from the Department of Agriculture and goes through the Department of Children and Families.

“CCC is using our commodities, they will augment that with other donations,” Tucker said.

First Methodist Church is located at Third and National Avenue.

Access to the free Wednesday evening meal is behind the church in the alley between Main and National Avenue. That meal is from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

There, individuals and families will be served to-go boxes.

Tucker wanted to thank the volunteers that help.

“We have a very dedicated group of volunteers,” she said. “Just a few come to cook.”

The need for meals is increasing, as evidenced by the number of people who have received free meals in March at the Methodist Church.

“Two weeks ago it was 180 people, last week 210, this week we are planning for 230,” Tucker said.

 

 

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott, Schools

Craw-Kan Provides Internet Service in Designated Areas For Students Going Online

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Zach Adams, Craw-Kan Telephone Cooperative Marketing Manager.
Craw-Kan Telephone Cooperative, Girard, is giving several area high school students and staff who may not have internet connectivity at home, a place where they can connect for free.
This is an effort to help with aiding students and staff in online school work as physical access to schools has been shut down due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Zach Adams, Craw-Kan Marketing Manager said.
As of March 30, Craw-Kan has hotspots located at LaRoche Baseball Complex in Fort Scott’s  Industrial Park, south of the city and the new Fort Scott Central office building, located south of Family Video on National Avenue and in Uniontownon on the north side of the town square.
The Craw-Kan Central Office Building on South National Avenue. Photo courtesy of Craw-Kan.
“We have plans to add additional wifi hotspots to other rural Bourbon county communities this week as wifi equipment becomes available,” he said.  “The  SSID (name) of the wifi connection that you will see on your device will be  ‘Craw-Kan Free WIFI’ .”
To view a map of the free hot spots click below:
The LaRoche Baseball Complex in Fort Scott’s Industrial Park, located just off HWY. 69 south of the city. Photo courtesy of Craw-Kan.
“This map is the go-to,” Adams said. More hot spots will be added.
“Craw-Kan deployed a large number of our staff last week to bring as many wifi hotspots online across our very large service area,” Adams said.  “As of March 30, 2020, we had 24 different hotspots available in about 10 or so school districts across Southeast Kansas and a couple in Southwest Missouri.”
The Craw-Kan building on the north side of Uniontown’s square. Photo courtesy of Craw-Kan.
“They are fully open public wifi hotspots and no password is required,” he said.
One has to be near the hot spot to use it.
“While we are using high power outdoor wifi transmitters, you must still be within range to use the internet at one of these hotspots,” Adams said. “The range of these radios differs by locations, however, most reach a 150 – 300 ft radius around the hotspot.  Basically they are designed to be drive-up/walk-up access and we do ask that anyone using the hot spot exercises proper caution and maintains social distancing guidelines recommended by the State of Kansas. “
“While we implemented this program to assist in online education, the general public would be allowed to access these wifi hotspots for other uses,” he said. “However, we do reserve the right to block traffic that would be considered abuse at our discretion.  This is not designed for people to sit in their cars and watch Tiger King on Netflix or stream all the Star Wars movies on Disney +.  We will be monitoring traffic/bandwidth usage and can block usage by service (or individual device) if needed to maintain the integrity of the connection for student educational usage.”

 

Bourbon County Local News