The latest out of Fort Scott and the No Mercy series. Big thanks to Dawn Swisher-Anderson, who allowed me to interview her wise and well-spoken kids. Both Susan Glossip and Dawn told me last week that they did not buy a membership.
This Friday night, September 20th, the Christian Strings from Mound City will perform at the downtown Heritage Park Pavilion.
The concert will include old gospel pieces as well as a few
old American bluegrass and patriotic sings.
The group includes 10 or 11 women who play dulcimers and a couple of women playing guitars.
This is definitely one you don’t want to miss.
Since space is limited, please bring a lawn chair.
The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held September 3rd, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas.
ROLL CALL:
Commissioners Adamson, Bartelsmeyer, Mitchell and Nichols were present with Mayor Parker presiding.
INVOCATION: Pastor Ian Johnson, Community Christian Church, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.
AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Robert Uhler, Rachel Pruitt, Traci Reed, Lindsay Watts, Deb McCoy, Clayton Miller, Travis Shelton, Deb Needleman, Dave Bruner, Janet Davis, Dana Davis, Geoff Clark, Sky Clark, Nancy Van Etten, Kate Sweetser, Jerald Mitchell, Rhonda Dunn, John Bartelsmeyer, Patrick Wood, Colleen Murrin, Jean Reeves, Ian Johnson, Carson Felt, Carla Felt, Pete Allen, Kevin Allen, Max Fanning, Chip Moore, Kevin Russell, and representing the press, Jason Silvers of the Fort Scott Tribune.
PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:
Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of August 20th, 2019.
Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1245-A totaling $178,037.95.
Mitchell moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.
APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:
APPEARANCE: None
B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute
limit per citizen) – Nancy Van Etten – She passed out information to the Commission regarding Lake Fort Scott. She said she was a lake property owner. They had a lake meeting in August with about 90 people there. That’s a lot of involvement in our community with City and County people both there. Some of the issues are being addressed regarding safety on the lake and the road condition issues. I think tonight you will be voting on the formation of a Lake Advisory Committee. Those are good steps. The biggest concern is the proposed condominiums on 195th Street. Most people are not in agreement with this development. People started asking where the zoning ordinances are. Becky Howard was here recently and visited with the Commission. She has been doing research and attending County Commission meetings and she has also been keeping Robert (Uhler) updated. She handed them an ordinance that specifically deals with Lake Fort Scott. This ordinance sounds like the City is responsible for zoning at the lake. She thinks the ordinance is still in effect.
Mayor Parker thanked her for her comments.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Bartelsmeyer moved to open the Budget Public Hearing at 6:07 p.m. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.
OPENED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:07 P.M.
6:00 p.m. – 2020 Budget Hearing – Adoption of 2020 Budget – Rhonda Dunn, Finance Director, informed the Commission that the budget for 2020 is before them for final approval.
There were no comments from the audience.
Nichols moved to approve the 2020 budget. Parker seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED 2020 BUDGET.
Bartelsmeyer moved to close the Budget Public Hearing at 6:08 p.m. Mitchell seconded. All voted aye.
CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:08 P.M.
Mitchell moved to open the Public Hearing at 6:17 p.m. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.
OPENED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:17 P.M.
6:15 p.m. – Resolution 16-2019 Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 505 S. Ransom Street – Robert Uhler, Community Development Director, informed the Commission that the home owner is actually demolishing this structure by himself. It is taking him quite a while to do this. He asked for permission to give him 30 days to either finish demolishing the house or for the City to demolish it.
Bartelsmeyer moved to approve to give the home owner 30 days to either finish demolishing the structure or the City will take bids to demolish it. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 16-2019 DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 505 S. RANSOM STREET. STRUCTURE MUST BE BROUGHT UP TO 2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE BY OCTOBER 11TH, 2019 OR DEMOLITION PROCEEDINGS WILL BEGIN.
6:15 p.m. – Resolution 17-2019 Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 1012 S. Crawford Street – Robert Uhler, Community Development Director, informed the Commission that the City has been working on this structure to have improvements made on it since 2008. There is no one living there. He asked for 30 days for the property owner to either repair or remove the structure.
Tommy More said that he is the owner of the house. He is working with a group out of Kansas City to repair or remove this structure. He has had some family issues with his inlaws passing away so that has slowed the repairs down.
Mitchell moved to give the property owner 30 days to either finish repairing the structure or demolish it. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 17-2019 DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 1012 S. CRAWFORD STREET. STRUCTURE MUST BE BROUGHT UP TO 2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE BY OCTOBER 11TH, 2019 OR DEMOLITION PROCEEDINGS WILL BEGIN.
6:15 p.m. – Resolution 18-2019 Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure located at 517 S. Clark Street – Robert Uhler, Community Development Director, informed the Commission that this structure is in bad need of repair. He has had no contact from the property owner regarding this structure. He asked for 30 days for the property owner to either repair or remove this structure.
Nichols moved to give the property owner 30 days to either repair or remove this structure and accessory structure. Mitchell seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 18-2019 DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AND ACCESSORY STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 517 S. CLARK STREET. STRUCTURE MUST BE BROUGHT UP TO 2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE BY OCTOBER 11TH, 2019 OR DEMOLITION PROCEEDINGS WILL BEGIN.
6:15 p.m. – Resolution 19-2019 Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure located at 706 S. Clark Street – Robert Uhler, Community Development Director, informed the Commission that this structure is in bad need of repair. He has had no contact from the property owner regarding this structure. He asked for 30 days for the property owner to either repair or remove this structure.
Mitchell moved to give the property owner 30 days to either repair or remove this structure and accessory structure. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 19-2019 DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 706 S. CLARK STREET. STRUCTURE MUST BE BROUGHT UP TO 2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE BY OCTOBER 11TH, 2019 OR DEMOLITION PROCEEDINGS WILL BEGIN.
Bartelsmeyer moved to close the Public Hearing at 6:26 p.m. Mitchell seconded. All voted aye.
CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:26 P.M.
Update on 15 S. Crawford – Robert Uhler, Community Development Director, informed the Commission that this house has been before them before and the owners were present and asked for time to repair the structure. The structure has not had much progress done on it. His recommendation is to proceed with the demolition of this structure.
Mitchell moved to close the Public Hearing at 6:57 p.m. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.
City Manager said that we will visit with our attorney also about this before the demolition is awarded.
CONSIDERATION:
Selection of Voting and Alternate Delegates for League of Kansas Municipalities Annual Voting Meeting – 3 voting – 3 alternate – Diane Clay, City Clerk, informed the Commissioners of the staff that would be attending the League Annual Meeting. She said that voting and alternate delegates for the Annual League of Kansas Municipalities meeting need to be selected:
Voting Alternate
Dave Martin Rachel Pruitt
Diane Clay Robert Uhler
Deb Needleman Travis Shelton
Bartelsmeyer moved to approve the voting and alternate delegates. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED VOTING AND ALTERNATE DELEGATES FOR THE ANNUAL LEAGUE OF KANSAS MUNICIPALITIES MEETING TO BE HELD OCTOBER 13-14, 2019.
Lake Fort Scott Advisory Board Committee – Creation of Ordinance No. 3550 – City Manager informed the Commission that this ordinance is for the formation of a Lake Fort Scott Advisory Board Committee. One suggestion made by Robert Uhler is that one of the five members who are residents of Lake Fort Scott be that each type of lake owner be represented – full time resident and a part time resident and one resident on each side of the lake. He and Robert have a conference call set up with another city that has a lake with some of the same issues. This will hopefully get everyone to the same table and discuss issues. Letters of interest will be taken for this committee and be brought back before the Commission.
Nichols moved to approve Ordinance No. 3550. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED ORDINANCE NO 3550 ESTABLISHING A LAKE FORT SCOTT ADVISORY BOARD, PROVIDING FOR THE APPOINTMENT AND TERMS OF THE MEMBERS THEREOF, AND DEFINING THEIR DUTIES.
COMMISSION/STAFF:
Director Updates: Rachel Pruitt – Rachel informed the Board that she is presenting a draft of a program she has presented to the County. This is a Lease to Purchase Property Tax Relief Program. The mission of the project is to help business owners transition into paying the full amount of property taxes. This will be presented to USD 234, Fort Scott Community College, and again to Bourbon County. This program was developed with instead of zero abatement of property taxes, it would start at year one with 10% of the property owner paying the property taxes and then year two it would be 20% and so forth. The City of Parsons has a similar program in effect. This program would be only for commercial or industrial property and not residential. It would be to assist businesses wanting to expand. More information will be forthcoming. This is just for City businesses.
City Commission:
Bartelsmeyer – Nothing to report.
Mitchell – Thanked Nancy for her research and comments tonight and said she is glad to serve on the Lake Advisory Committee as the City’s representative.
Nichols – Remarked that despite all of various opinions in the community, we should look beyond that and look at the various communities with the mass shootings and the hurricane in the Bahamas, and that puts our community in a good place. It is a very good place to live. We should assist them and keep them in our prayers.
Adamson – Nothing to report.
Parker – Remarked that even though there are issues going on in our town, we do not have any major catastrophes going on. We are truly blessed.
City Manager:
Parks in Historic District – City Manager said that there has been some problems with our City parks in the historic district with loitering and littering. He had an ordinance drafted which will prohibit the Heritage Park at 1st and Main and Riverfront Park to both be alcohol free and smoke free. When an event occurs there and alcohol is requested, it can be waived for that event. Riverfront Park has also requested this be in place. This will come before them for consideration at the next meeting.
Resignation of Finance Director – City Manager said that Rhonda Dunn has given her resignation as Finance Director. She will be going to work for E3 and be their accountant. The City wishes her the best. She will continue to work through the month of September for the City.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mitchell moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:42 p.m. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.
ADJOURNED MEETING AT 6:42 P.M.
The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on September 17th, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.
RECORDED BY:
DIANE K. CLAY
CITY CLERK
AGENDA
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
FORT SCOTT CITY HALL
COMMISSION ROOM
123 SOUTH MAIN
SEPTEMBER 17, 2019
6:00 P.M.
I. ROLL CALL:
ADAMSON BARTELSMEYER MITCHELL NICHOLS PARKER
II. FLAG SALUTE:
III. INVOCATION: Pastor Virgil Peck, First Church of the Nazarene
IV. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: Laura Ingalls Wilder Proclamation
V. CONSENT AGENDA:
Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of September 3rd, 2019.
Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1246-A totaling $260,336.14.
Certificate of Appropriateness – Sign at 120 E. Wall – Stutesman Action Realty
VII. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:
APPEARANCE: Tom Havron, Fort Scott Community College – Request to close 1000 block of Main Street – September 21st, 2019 in conjunction with 100th Anniversary of FSCC
B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute limit per citizen)
C. PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS: None
VIII. CONSIDERATION:
Consideration of 4 way stop at 6th & Margrave
IX. 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
X. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: ROLL CALL
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Save the date!! 16th Annual Gordon Parks Celebration – Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the film “The Learning Tree” – Thursday, October 3rd, FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton (See flyer below) Karole Graham, Stephen Perry and S. Pearl Sharp, cast members in “The Learning Tree” film by Gordon Parks, will receive “Gordon Parks Choice of Weapons Award” at the annual celebration this October 3-5, 2019 in Fort Scott, Kansas. The celebration is in honor of Fort Scott native Gordon Parks, noted photographer, writer, musician, and filmmaker. This year’s celebration is a special one as we will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Gordon Parks-directed film The Learning Tree that was filmed in Fort Scott |
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Save the date!! The Fort Scott Writing Festival & Author Fair – Saturday, October 19, 9am-3:30pm, at The Lowell Milken Center For Unsung Heroes, 1 S. Main St. (See flyer below) Activities:
8:30am – 8:50am Registration and Refreshments 8:50am – 9:00am Welcome 9:00am – 12:00pm Writing Workshops with experienced, published authors – 50 min. break-out sessions **Registration required** 12:00pm – 1:30pm Lunch Break and set up for Authors’ Fair 1:30pm – 3:30pm Authors’ Fair and mini-workshops **Free to the public** (Multiple authors will be set-up to market, sign and share their writing journey with participants.) $35 per participant by October 15th, late registration $45.
High School and College students FREE w/current student ID Registration available in person at the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, Hedgehog.INK Book Store, or online HERE |
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13-14
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It’s time for the Fall Town-wide Garage Sale presented by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce: Friday and Saturday, September 13th and 14th (See flyer below)
The official garage sale maps will be available at the Chamber, 5 Corners Mini-Mart, Bids & Dibs, Casey’s, Don’s Smoke Shop, and Pete’s (all 4 locations)
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| 13-14 |
Weekly Livestock Sale at Fort Scott Livestock Market. Starting at 10am on both Fridays & Saturdays
Fridays: Cows, Pairs, Big Bulls
Saturdays: Stocker & Feeder Cattle, followed by any cows
& bulls that come in late Friday & Saturday. Cafe open both sale days. You don’t have to be a buyer, just to come watch the sale and visit the cafe!
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| 13 |
Fort Scott High School Activity Fair – Free fun for all ages prior to the first home football game! FSHS front/west lawn, 1005 S. Main, 5:30-6:30pm (See flyer below) Free games, face painting, prizes, food and fun, hosted by various FSHS clubs, sports & activities Any organization/business that would like to donate food, beverages, or prizes may contact FSHS Senior Lauren Madison by phone or text at 620-215-0802 or email [email protected] |
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13
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Friday Night Concert in the Park – Heritage Park Pavilion, 1st & Main, 7pm Friday Night Concert in the Park – Sponsored by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce This Friday Night Concert will feature three sets (and a brief open mic period):
#1 – Steve Fortenberry -traditional, gospel & light classical #2 – Rob Hunt and friends – gospel & hymns #3 – A bluegrass/gospel group Come early and bring a lawn chair as seating is limited. In the event of bad weather we will move to The Common Grounds Coffee Shop The concerts are organized by Ralph Carlson. If you or someone you know is interested in performing, contact Ralph at [email protected] |
| 14 |
2019 Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation Fall Golf Classic
4-Person Scramble – Saturday, September 14th at Woodland Hills Golf Course, 2414 S. Horton in Fort Scott (See flyer below)
$200 per team includes green fees, cart & lunch. Deadline to enter is September 6th This fundraiser will help the Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation to support programs for our neighbors with intellectual/developmental disabilities in Allen, Bourbon, Neosho, and Woodson counties For more information, contact Tricia at 620-431-7401, ext. 230 or [email protected]
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| 14 |
Farmer’s Market – Skubitz Plaza (in front of the historic fort) Saturday Mornings, 8:00am – 12:00pm
Fort Scott Farmers’ Market is a farmer driven and run market. The farmers work hard to produce the very finest produce available. We also provide a great venue for community organizations to promote their mission and raise funds We are focused on fresh locally produce farm products
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| 14 |
DOWNTOWN – MERCHANT MADNESS SIDEWALK SALE! Saturday, September 14, 2019, 9am-5pm (See flyer below) Special drawings at each retailer! Shop local, shop Fort Scott! 11 participating stores including:
BIDS & DIBS CONSIGNMENT & RETAIL BOUTIQUE; BOOKS & GRANNIES (INSIDE SALE); COUNTRY CUPBOARD; HEDGEHOG.INK BOOK STORE & MORE; IRON STAR ANTIQUES & SUCH; J & W SPORTS SHOP; MAIN STREET GALLERY & GIFTS; MAYCO ACE HARDWARE; SUNSHINE BOUTIQUE; TRADER DAVE’S ANTIQUES & MORE; TREASURE HUNT FLEA MARKET
While you are out and about for the Fall Town-wide Garage Sale & the Art in the Yard Festival at Bobbi Kemna’s, stop downtown and see what drawings & discounts the Downtown merchants have for you during this sidewalk sale! The trolley leaves from Boiler Room Brewhaus at Wall
& National Downtown to go to the Art Festival and returns on the half-hour
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| 14 |
Sidewalk Book Sale at Hedgehog.INK – 16 S. Main,
9am-5pm (See flyer below) Bags of books for sale: $4/small, $8/large |
| 14 | “Art In The Yard” hosted by Bobbi Kemna – 1366 215th St., just north of Fort Scott (known as Old 69 Hwy.), 9am-5pm (See flyer and trolley schedule flyer below)”Art In The Yard”, hosted by Bobbi Kemna, will feature all forms of art (no crafts) – paintings, pottery, jewelry, metal art, fabric art Live music, BBQ, FSHS Thespians selling beverages, dessert table, kettle corn Ride “Dolly the Trolley” shuttle for FREE from Boiler Room Brewhaus (10 S. National Ave.) to event and back |
| 14 | Storytime at Hedgehog.INK – 16 S. Main, 10:30am (held the second Saturday of each month) (See flyer below)
Storytime and special activity. This month: disco/rap with Jaymie & Kenzie Murphy |
| 15 | Louk Family Outing (30 players) at Woodland Hills Golf Course – 2414 S. Horton (time to be determined) |
| 15 | Team Trivia at the Boiler Room Brewhaus – 10 S. National, 3-5pmExciting, fun and challenging team trivia. Put your team together (maximum of 8 teams, maximum of 5 members on a team) $5 per person. Cash prizes for winning team. Pre-register at the tap room |
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16
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Chamber Board Meeting – Papa Don’s, 10 N. Main St., 12-1pm
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| 16 | Maker Monday for kids & teens – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave., 4-5pm |
| 16 | Community Book Club – This month’s meeting will be held at Sylvia Trujillo’s home: 500 Sunset Dr., 7-8pm
This month’s book is “The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern. For more info, email Sara Coon at [email protected] |
| 17 |
Retailer’s Roundtable Meeting with the Chamber of Commerce – Lowell Milken Center, 1 S. Main St., 8:30-9:30am “Retailer’s Roundtable” for Downtown Businesses who sell merchandise –
to share ideas on events, promotions, etc., in an effort to increase foot traffic Downtown. This is intended to be a smaller group focused on retail. Then at the Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greets, we can share ideas that have been discussed in the Retailer’s group Not much of a prepared agenda at this first meeting, just sharing of ideas and reviewing upcoming events scheduled in Downtown. So, bring any ideas you may have – looking ahead over the next quarter, six months, year. Can be from a small little promotion type thing that all it takes is some advertising & promotion, to a bigger event that we would need to recruit a committee or service club to take on. Since we only have an hour, we will probably try and stay somewhat focused on the time frame of now through first quarter 2020 |
| 17-18 |
Story Time, hosted by the Fort Scott Public Library –
201 S. National, 10-11am Join Miss Val and other local families for a themed story time, featuring 2-3 books read aloud, songs or fingerplays, craft, and snack, along with a play table for before and after the stories. All story times welcome any age children and teens
Some themes are based around seasons, holidays, and annual events, while others are chosen by regular attendees
For more information, visit www.fortscott.mykansaslibrary.org
Enjoy stories, songs, crafts, and snacks related to our theme in the downstairs event room. Hope you can come. Tell your friends!
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| 17 | T.O.P.S Meetings held weekly on Tuesdays at Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Ave., 10:30am |
| 17 | Fort Scott Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room, 2108 S. Horton, 12-1pm |
| 17 | Community Bingo at Country Place Senior Living (3rd Tuesday of every month) – 820 S. Horton, 2-4pm
Residents and the public are invited the 3rd Tuesday of each month for Community Bingo at Country Place Senior Living Visit our website here: http://www.countryplaceliving.com/ |
| 17 | Farmer’s Market – Skubitz Plaza (in front of the historic fort)
Tuesday evenings, 4-6pm Fort Scott Farmers’ Market is a farmer driven and run market. The farmers work hard to produce the very finest produce available. We also provide a great venue for community organizations to promote their mission and raise funds. We are focused on fresh locally produce farm products |
| 17 | City Commission Meeting – City Hall, 123 S. Main, 6-7pm |
| 18 | Rotary Meeting – Presbyterian Church, 308 S. Crawford St., 12-1pm |
| 18 |
Adult Coloring Program – Fort Scott Public Library,
201 S. National Ave., 2-4pm
Join us in the library events room for a relaxing afternoon of coloring and conversation. Library provides coloring pages, pens and pencils, and snacks. Bring your own beverage of choice (no alcohol, please)
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| 18 |
TAG – Teen Advisory Group – Fort Scott Public Library –
201 S. National, 4:15-5:15pm Join Teen Advisory Group members in the library events room. This event is exclusively for middle and high school students. We have meetings weekly, including a games & snacks night, community service project, book club meeting, and craft night each month. Members can help the library develop programs, displays, and book collections that better serve teens! Make a difference in your community while having fun at TAG! Each meeting includes food, drinks, and a good time with your fellow teens. See you at TAG, and bring your friends!
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19
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Join us for the weekly Chamber Coffee of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce and a celebration at Lowell Milken Center at 8am. This week’s Chamber Coffee is being hosted by The Lowell Milken Center For Unsung Heroes in honor of the 20 year anniversary of the Irena Sendler Project. (See flyer below for more info)
Location: 1 S. Main St.
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| 19 | Horticultural services at the Bourbon County Courthouse every Thursday – 210 S. National, 9am-3:30pm (See flyer below)
Krista Harding, Horticulture Agent for the Southwind Extension District, has office hours at the Extension office inside the Bourbon County Courthouse every Thursday. In an effort to better serve residents of Fort Scott and the surrounding communities, Krista is there weekly to answer questions and offer advice on lawn and gardens, trees and shrubs, flowers and insect. Bring your spotted leaves, strange looking insects or wilted flowers and let her help you! This a free service and is available to all community members. Questions? Call 620-223-3720 |
| 19 | KSU Beef Stocker Field Day (See flyer below)
Join us as we celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the KSU Beef Stocker Field Day. The program will include the latest practical information to help you make the most of significant changes occurring in the beef industry. We’ll offer management tips to help you optimize your stocker operation and provide greater flexibility in the future. Registration is $25 per participant if you register on or before September 10th. Late registration is $35. A CAB Natural Prime Ribeye lunch from Niman Ranch will be provided. For more information, contact Louis Schreiner at 785-532-1267. For the brochure and registration form, click HERE To register online, click HERE |
| 19 | Pioneer Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room, 12pm-1pm |
| 19 |
The Lowell Milken Center For Unsung Heroes invites you to a book signing event celebrating the 20th Anniversary of “Life in a Jar: The Irena Sendler Project” on Thursday, September 19th from 3:30-5:30 p.m. (See flyer below) Author of the book “Mommy, Who Was Irena Sendler?” Cathy Werling, along with characters from the book Megan & Blair Felt, will be there to sign autographs. The book will be available for purchase and refreshments will be served Cathy Werling is a retired Fort Scott elementary teacher and author of: For more information, call |
| 19 | Thursday Card Players – Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Ave., 6-9pm
Free weekly event to anyone that wants to play cards, drink coffee, eat snacks, and socialize |
| 19 |
A Star is Born, or Died – Boiler Room Brewhaus,
2 S. National Ave., 7-9pm Join Boiler Room Brewhaus on Thursday evenings from
7-9pm for karaoke fun. Cheer on your favorite local star! |
| 20-21 |
Weekly Livestock Sale at Fort Scott Livestock Market. Starting at 10am on both Fridays & Saturdays
Fridays: Cows, Pairs, Big Bulls
Saturdays: Stocker & Feeder Cattle, followed by any cows
& bulls that come in late Friday & Saturday. Cafe open both sale days. You don’t have to be a buyer, just to come watch the sale and visit the cafe!
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| 20 |
Citizenship Ceremony – Fort Scott National Historic Site,
1 Old Fort Blvd., 10:30am Citizenship Ceremony – reflect on the privileges of U.S. Citizenship as you witness new citizens take the oath of allegiance to their newly adopted country The United States District Court for the District of Kansas will hold a special naturalization ceremony at the Fort Scott National Historic Site in Fort Scott, Kansas on Friday, September 20, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. The Honorable Teresa J. James, United Stated Magistrate Judge for the District of Kansas, will preside over the ceremony on the grounds of the Fort. The ceremony features musical performances from the Fort Scott High School band, orchestra and choir, and an address from a local distinguished citizen. The Pittsburg State University ROTC will present the colors Approximately 100 applicants will be naturalized at the ceremony, which is open to the public. In case of rain or other inclement weather, the ceremony will be held at Fort Scott Memorial Hall |
| 20 | Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the FSCC Agriculture Building Expansion – 2108 S. Horton, 4pm (See flyer below)
Refreshments provided by FSCC Collegiate Farm Bureau. We’d like to thank our generous donors for making this happen: the Boileau family and the Cleaver family Questions? Contact Sara Sutton or Blake Davis at |
| 20 | Fort Scott Community College 100th Anniversary Celebration Banquet – 2108 S. Horton, 6:30pm (See flyer below)
FSCC would like to invite EVERYONE to the Centennial Celebration dinner (Sept. 20th) and the Centennial Tailgate Party (Sept. 21st) to celebrate our 100 years of excellence!! The dinner will be $10.00 per person and reservations can be made over the phone by call 620.223.2700 ext. 0 or online by going to fortscott.edu/celebration. Seating is limited for the dinner on September 20th, so get your ticket soon! The tailgate party will start at 4:30 at Frary Field with free hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, etc. No reservation needed, just show up and help us celebrate this momentous occasion. For more info on the upcoming centennial events, click http://www.fortscott.edu/article/07172019-812am/Join-Centennial-Celebration |
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20
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Friday Night Concert in the Park – Heritage Park Pavilion, 1st & Main, 7pm Friday Night Concert in the Park – Sponsored by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce This Friday Night Concert will feature “Christian Strings” (local area dulcimer players), gospel and hymns directed by local Marilyn Adcock
The concerts are organized by Ralph Carlson. If you or someone you know is interested in performing, contact Ralph at [email protected]
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| 20 | 80’s Party at Boiler Room Brewhaus featuring live music by “80 & Out” – 10 S. National, 7-10pm (See flyer below)
Live music by 80 & Out, plus a costume contest and more! $5 cover charge. |
Kansas Department for Children and Families Awards New Family Preservation Grants
Three agencies awarded grants for four catchment areas
With the goal of providing vulnerable families access to strong evidence-based programs, Governor Laura Kelly today announced new grantees for the state’s family preservation program.
“At the beginning of my administration I canceled previously awarded family preservation grants because of the lack of transparency,” Kelly said. “Today, I am pleased to say that the Department for Children and Families with assistance from the Department of Administration have chosen well qualified partners to assist in our efforts to strengthen families.”
“I am excited that these new grantees include familiar faces and new partners,” Department for Children and Families Secretary Laura Howard said. “DCF looks forward to working together to reduce risk and safety concerns for children and keep Kansas families together.”
Family preservation is a voluntary service provided to families with a child at risk of entering foster care. It includes both short term case management services and intensive in-home services. The program also may serve pregnant women using substances to help the mother find and maintain substance use treatment.
Beginning Jan. 1, three grantees will manage the four DCF regions.
“We’re beyond honored and grateful to grow our partnership with the State of Kansas across the DCF East region,” Cornerstones of Care president and CEO Denise Cross said. “We strongly believe in prevention services and will work closely with children, families and community partners through a trauma-informed philosophy. Together, we can keep children safe and families together.”
“Given DCCCA’s experience with family services, expertise in substance abuse programming, ability to engage communities and our mission of improving lives, these family preservation grants allow us to combine our strengths,” DCCCA CEO Lori Alvarado said. “Our ultimate goal is to strengthen families and support them to nurture their children, which helps reduce the number of children in care.”
“TFI Family Services is honored to be selected as the provider for family preservation services in the west region,” TFI CEO Michael Patrick said. “We are excited that our TFI caseworkers and therapists will have the opportunity to serve some of our most at-risk families and ensure they remain safely together as a family.”
In order to maintain transparency throughout the process, DCF partnered with the Department of Administration to use a traditional request for proposal process that included:
In total, DCF received two proposals for the west region, three proposals for the east region, four proposals for the Kansas City region and five proposals for the Wichita region.
The contract term awarded is Jan. 1, 2020 through June 30, 2024.
To report child abuse or neglect or to request services, please call the Kansas Protection Report Center at 1-800-922-5330.
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It all began 20 years ago, when an assignment from a local high school history teacher changed the lives of many people, including an unsung hero.
Irena Sendler was a Polish Catholic social worker, who risked her own life to rescue a significant number of Jewish children during WWII.
Her story was unknown to the public for 60 years until three high school students from Uniontown, Kansas uncovered its details in September of 1999 and shared Irena’s story with the world, according to a press release from the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes.
Sendler died in 2008 but not before meeting the teacher and three students who discovered her story.
Twenty years ago this week, Life in a Jar: the Irena Sendler Project was started by Uniontown High School students Elizabeth Cambers Hutton, Sabrina Coons Murphy, and Megan Stewart Felt in Norm
Conard’s high school history class, according to the press release.
Megan Felt has gone on to become the program director of the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, while the former history teacher, Norm Conard, has become the executive director.
Throughout the last 20 years, the play has been performed more than 375 times with more than 50 students involved in the project.
The performances have been all across the United States, Canada, and Poland.
The www.irenasendler.org website that the students created has had more than 50 million hits, according to the press release.
The center continues the encouragement of searching for unsung heroes.
A Celebration
The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes is pleased to announce the 20th Anniversary Commemoration of Life in a Jar: The Irena Sendler Project.
On September 19 from 3:30 –5:30 p.m. at the Lowell Milken Center, 1 South Main Street in Fort Scott, there will be a special book
signing for Mommy, Who Was Irena Sendler?
Even after the story became known, that emotional connection of Irena’s story continues to reach across generations, according to the press release.
Megan’s daughter, Blair, also learned a life-changing lesson from both the courage of Irena Sendler’s selfless acts and those of
her own mother’s determination to share Irena’s story, according to the press release.
The book, available in paperback for $9.95, can be purchased and signed by the author and two of the characters featured in the story, Felt and her 9-year-old daughter, Blair.
Their goal of making Irena Sendler’s story known to the world continues.
Life in a Jar: the Irena Sendler Project by Jack Mayer is also available during the book signing. This is the story of the students’ discovery of Irena Sendler and her efforts to save the Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto.
Cathy Werling, the author of Mommy, Who Was Irena Sendler? is an award-winning elementary educator from Fort Scott. Her passion for helping students develop positive character traits and seek out worthy role models led to her part-time work at the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes.
Through her series of books, four so far, about these humble heroes, Cathy hopes to inspire elementary children to realize that they, too,
have the power every day to make a difference in the lives of those around them.
About the Lowell Milken Center
The Lowell Milken Center is a non-profit 501 c (3) that works with students and educators within a range of diverse academic disciplines, to develop projects focused on unsung heroes. Once their projects are finished, the center advocates for the student’s unsung heroes by sharing them in its’ Hall of Unsung Heroes or the center’s website so people all over the world discover their individual influence and obligation to take actions that improve the lives of others.
The Hall of Unsung Heroes is located in Southeast Kansas and showcases some of the top projects developed in collaboration with the center.
These are the minutes of Unified School District 234, 424 South Main, Fort Scoft, KS 56701-2697, www.usd234.or
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-27 60
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met on Monday, September 9, 2019, at the Board of Education office for their regular monthly meeting.
President David Stewart opened the meeting. The board approved the olficial agenda
The board also approved the consent agenda as follows:
A. Minutes
B. Bills and Claims
C. Payroll – August 20, 2019 – $1,164,377.59
D. Financial Report
E. Bond Proceeds Reconciliation
F. Activity Fund Accounts
C. FSHS Band Fundraising Project
There were no public forum requests. Stephanie George, KNEA President, presented a report. Administmtors from each building shared reports with board members.
Superintendent Ted Hessong provided information on the following items:
o 4-year old preschool
o High Density Weighting
o ProfessionalDevelopment
o IEP Backpack transition
o Safe Routes to Schools Grant
o Council of Superintendents
Gina Shelton, Business Manager, reported on the new district match plan, the number of new staff members, and door bids that will go out next month.
Board members reviewed the first day enrollment count report.In addition, the board approved the following items
o Property sale of213 Scott Avenue to Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation
o Lease agreement between New Generation and USD 234
Agreement between USD 234 and FSCC for the use of Frary Field
Board members shared comments and then went into executive session to discuss school security matters. The board retumed to open meeting. Board members went into executive session to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel and retumed to open meeting.
The board approved the following employment items:
A. Retirement of Deb Kames, middle schooL/Winfield Scott gifted teacher, effective August 30,2019
B. Resignation of Tracy King, high school business teacher, effective July 9, 2019
C. Retirement of Dara Leaming, high school secretary, effective September 13,2019
D. Resignation of Danea Esslinger, high school paraprofessional, effective August 19, 2019
E. Resignation of Brianna Culbertson, high school teacher aide (Student Support Center), effective August 19,2019
F. Resignation of Wanita Tate, bus driver, effective September 6,2019
G. Adjustment in the Special Education/MlS 30-hour, l0-month classified position at the central oflice to a Special Education Secretaryllvledicaid Billing Clerk 40-hour, 12-
month classified position at the central offrce for the 2019-20 school year
H. Addition of a gifted paraprofessional for the 2019-20 school year
I. Addition of a I .5-hour per day custodial position at New Generation
J. Addition of two preschool paraprofessional positions for the 2019-20 school year
K. Addition of a Winfield Scott paraprofessional position for the 2019-20 school year
L. Adjustment in the high school preschool l0-month custodian position to a l2-month position for the 2019-20 school year
M. Transfer ofJason Young, high school ISS teacher aide, to high school Student Support Center teacher aide for the 2019-20 school year
N. Transfer of Allen Davis, l2-month Eugene Ware/middle school custodian , to a 12-month middle school custodian for the 2019-20 school year
O. Transfer of Fred Judy, 4-hour preschool custodian, to a 1 .5-hour New Generation custodian for the 2019-20 school year
P. Transfer of Diana Heckman, high school teacher aide, to high school secretary for the 2019-20 school year
Q. Contract adjustment for Jered McKay, Eugene Ware focus room teacher, to Eugene Ware behavior therapist for the 2019-20 school year
R. Contract adjustment for Andrea Heckman, preschool teacher, to a long-term substitute teacher for the 2019-20 school year
S. Contract adjustment for Bo Graham, high school strength conditioning and credit recovery teacher/middle school weight training teacher to a long-term substitute
teacher at the high school only for the 2019-20 school year
T. Contract adjustrnent for Elizabeth Lyon, Winfield Scott focus room teacher, to a longterm substitute teacher for the 201 9-20 school year
U. Employment of Thomas Russell as a high school paraprofessional for the 2019-20 school year
V. Employment of Bobbie Yoakam as a preschool paraprofessional for the 2019-20 school year
W. Employment of Shawn O’Brien as central office payroll clerk secretary for the 2019-20 school year
X. Employment of Judy Welch as a preschool bus driver for the 2019-20 school year
Y. Employment ofJoyce Earp as a Eugene Ware 6.5-hour cook for the 2019-20 school year
Z. Employment of Joie Moore as a high school 6.5-hour cook for the 201 9-20 school year
AA. Employment of Robert Jackson as a l2-month high schooVpreschool custodian for the 201 9-20 school year
BB. Employment of Tanya Lockwood as a 12-month high school custodian for the 2019-20 school year
CC. Employment of Terry Barrager as a l0-month Winfield Scott/Eugene Ware custodian for the 2019-20 school year
DD. Resigration of Nicole Pellett as a middle school eighth grade team leader, effective August 20, 2019
EE. Resignation of Alicia Hansen as a middle school track coach, effective August 28, 2019
FF. Employment of Angie Kemmerer as middle school scholars bowl sponsor for the 2019- 20 school year
GG. Employment of Kenny Hudiburg as a high school assistant girls’ tennis coach for the 2019-20 school year
HH. Employment of Jared Martin as a high school winter conditioning coach for the 2019- 20 school year
II. Employment of Alicia Hansen as the middle school eighth grade team leader for the 2019-20 school year
JJ. Employment of Eugene Ware team leaders for the 2019-20 school year
KK. Employment of high school team leaders for the 20 1 9-20 school year
The board adjourned.
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 Slime returns to Maker Monday! September 16, 4 – 5 pm.
Make pudding, fluffy, glitter, borax, and many other kinds of slime!
Enjoy snacks & water and work as a family at this free program. Kids 2nd grade and below must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
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Contact information:
