Category Archives: Fort Scott

Fort Scott, Schools

USD234 Minutes of Sept. 9

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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.

Fort Scott, Schools, Sports

FSMS Sweeps In Volleyball

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8th graders Kamdyn Farrell attacks the ball set by Keegan Yarick.
The Fort Scott Middle School Tiger Volleyball teams swept Jayhawk Linn at home on Tuesday night.
7B  27-25, 25-9
7A  25-8, 25-15
8B  25-12, 23-25, 15-8
8A  25-22, 25-10
Standouts for the 7th grade were B team-Graycyn Brown had 10 serves with 8 of those ACE serves. A Team-Hadley Forester-15 aerves with 10 of those ACE serves and one kill-Allie Brown with 2 kills.
8th grade stat leaders for the night were, Carsen Wunderly with 13 aces followed by Lauren Hull with 8 for the A team.  Leaders for the B Team were Brylie Schaub with 13 aces followed by Jadyn Messer with 8 and Hannah Peck with 6 for the night.  During our intersquad “C” match Delaney Faulk led the way with 6 aces followed by Delani Weddle, Lauren Orgen, Anna Hall, and Brittany McClure with 4 aces each.
Submitted by Angie Kemmerer
Fort Scott

Fort Scott Public Library Sept. Newsletter

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Fort Scott Public Library Newsletter
September 2019

Welcome

We hope you enjoy the Fort Scott Public Library newsletter. You are receiving it because you provided us with your email address for library notifications. If you don’t want to receive future editions, you can unsubscribe using the link in this newsletter, or email the library [email protected], and we will remove your address from the list.
Previous editions of this newsletter are available on our website: fortscott.mykansaslibrary.org

Programs and information for Adults

 

Coloring for Adults
Wednesdays at the Library from 2:00-4:00

We supply coloring pages, pens and pencils, and snacks. You’re welcome to bring your own supplies and projects, if you prefer.

Ongoing Book Sale
We have a shelf and 2 carts of books for sale downstairs ALL the time!
Paperback     $0.25
Hardback    $0.50
Other Items   $1.00 (or as marked)

Download ebooks, audiobooks, comics, TV episodes, movies, music, and more. All you need is your library card login and a valid email address. Ask us if you need assistance.

Download ebooks and audiobooks. All you need is your library card login. Ask us if you need assistance.

 
 
 
Download ebooks and audiobooks from the State Library of Kansas. All you need is a Kansas Library eCard. Ask us if you need assistance.

For Kids

Storytime
Join Miss Val for Storytime on Tues. or Wed. at 10 am weekly for a themed children’s program! Storytime features stories, crafts, snacks, singing, and sometimes, special guests, all centered around seasonal themes or ideas from attendees. The program is free and open to all ages! Each event also features a play and coloring table, which families with energetic little ones or special needs children find especially helpful. Join us and see for yourself! Upcoming themes: Mermaids, Food, Toy Stories, Llamas, Music, Fish, Fall, and Halloween.
Tell us your child’s theme ideas here.
 
Miss Val is always seeking volunteers to help with programs and prep. Interested? Contact her at [email protected].

 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
Join our free early literacy program and steer your baby or preschooler toward academic success! Studies show that children who are read to from an early age develop better vocabulary, make more connections in their brains, and form the needed skills to read by themselves much quicker than their average peers who are not read to. Sign up by stopping in at the library for your first reading log, welcome letter, and other paperwork. Take a look at our awesome readers here.
           
Attention: 1,000 Books Graduates! 
Plan to attend our first-ever 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Graduation Party on September 27, 5 – 5:30 pm.
Graduates who have reached 1,000 or more books read before kindergarten will receive certificates, goodie bags, snacks, and will make a craft. All past or current participant families are welcome to attend, and will receive a goodie bag, snack, and be invited to read a book together as a group. Join us in congratulating and celebrating these amazing accomplishments in early literacy!

For Families

Celebrate the beginning of a new school year with fellow homeschool families at our 2nd Annual Back to Homeschool Party!
September 30, 2 – 3 pm.
Enjoy snacks & drinks while participating in activities for kids & teens at this free program. Parents will discuss curriculum and schedules for the upcoming year.
WE NEED A HOMESCHOOL PARENT TO LEAD THE DISCUSSION OR ACT AS GUEST SPEAKER. INTERESTED? Email [email protected].
                     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.

TAG for Teens & Tweens

Middle & High School Students, come on Wednesdays at 4:15 p.m. for a free program just for you! Help us shape the program for the upcoming months by suggesting new group names and joining in a vote on September 11. An ongoing reading challenge began last week and will run through the end of next May. Reading prizes and books will be awarded for every 500 pages of reading. The August & September meetings will run as follows:
September 11, 4:15-5 pm: Monster Mash-Up Sewing at the Library
September 18, 4-6 pm: Games & Snacks Night at the Library
September 25, 4:15-5 pm: Book Club at the Keyhole
October 2, 4:15-5 pm: Community Service (Have a project for us?)
October 9, 4:15-5 pm: Mini Pumpkin Painting at the Library
October 16, 4-6 pm: Games & Snacks Night at the Library
October 23, 4:15-5 pm: Book Club at the Keyhole
October 30, 4-5 pm: Halloween Party at the Library
Need a ride from public school to TAG? Parents or guardians, call Joe Allen at 223-0800 to arrange bus transportation for your student.

New books–Adult Fiction

A dangerous man
by Robert Crais

Rescuing a bank teller from an abduction attempt, Joe Pike tackles the most perilous case of his career when the would-be kidnappers are found murdered and the bank teller goes missing. By the best-selling author of The Wanted

Bark of night
by David Rosenfelt

Rescuing a dog who was abandoned at a veterinarian’s office by a stranger, defense lawyer Andy Carpenter searches for answers upon learning that the dog’s real owner has been found murdered. By the award-nominated author of Deck the Hounds

…
Fort Scott, Government

Burton Harding: New FS City Attorney

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Burton Harding in a 2013 photo from Linn County News.
 Burton Harding, 37, is the new attorney for the City of Fort Scott.
His duties are providing legal assistance to the Fort Scott City Commissioners.
Harding was educated at the University of Kansas Law School
 and has practiced law for 10 years.
He and his wife have two children.
Burton’s date of hire for the City of Fort Scott was May 1, 2019.
Harding’s familiarity with Fort Scott helped with procuring the job.
“Of the applicants that applied for this position, we felt Burton was the one who had the most familiarity with Fort Scott and would be committed to represent the City’s legal interests and provide legal counsel to the commission and staff,” Deb Needleman, Fort Scott Human Resources Director said.
His office is located in Mound City.
“Just as our previous city attorney worked out of his own office within his legal firm, so does Burton,” Needleman said.  “Burton’s office is in Mound City but he is in Fort Scott several days a week and meets with staff as needed….just as the previous city attorney did.”

Contact information:

Harding Law Firm, L.L.C.
223 Main St.
P.O. Box 216
Mound City, KS 66056
Ph: 913-795-2285
Fort Scott, Police, Schools

Police Escort Visitor Out of High School In Sept. 3 Incident

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Fort Scott High School.

An unwanted visitor entered Fort Scott High School on Sept. 3.

“We did have a person in the building at the high school early, before school started, Tuesday, September 3rd,” USD 234 Superintendent Ted Hessong, said.

The person was stopped by a high school teacher who asked why the person was in the building, he said.

” One of our custodians made sure the students in the building stayed away from the person while the teacher questioned him about being in the building,” Hessong said. “The custodian also contacted another employee of ours who was headed to the high school to assist with the situation, just in case additional support was needed. This employee contacted local law enforcement to also possibly assist with the situation. Police officers escorted the person out of the building, without incident.”

The high school staff followed the plan of approaching anyone who is in the building, who is not identified as checking in the office first, to see if they need help or to direct them back to the school office to check-in, he said.

 

“I want to commend our high school teacher, custodian, program director, and local law enforcement for managing the situation to make sure everyone was safe in the building,” Hessong said.

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee At Stutesman’s Realty Sept. 12

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WEEKLY CHAMBER COFFEE REMINDER
Join us for Chamber Coffee and a
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Hosted by:
Stutesman’s Action Realty
Location:

120 E. Wall St.
Thursday, September 12, 2019  at 8:00 a.m.
Chamber members and guests are encouraged to attend for networking, community announcements, and to learn about the hosting business or organization.
Members may pay $1 to make an announcement about an upcoming event, special/sale/discount, or news of any kind.
Upcoming Coffees:
September 19 – Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes (1 S. Main St.)
September 26 – Diehl Banwart Bolton CPA’s P.A. (70th Anniversary)
October 3 – Gordon Parks Museum (16th Annual Gordon Parks Celebration, celebrating the 50th Anniversary of “The Learning Tree”)
October 10 – McDonald’s (2224 S. Main St.)
Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Several Musicians Featured At Friday Night Concert in the Park

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The Free Friday Night Concert will feature three different sets.

Steve Fortenberry on the guitar,  does special stylings on his solo guitar and plays traditional, gospel and light classical pieces.

“I am really looking forward to hearing some of his new creations on the guitar,” said Ralph Carlson, event coordinator.

Rob Hunt and friends will be performing a mix of gospel and hymns. “Rob has performed for us before and is an outstanding keyboard player,” Carlson said.

“In addition, I have not quite concluded booking a bluegrass and gospel group who you have heard before and is well-liked,” he said. ” I believe we will have a good show for you. I plan to have a brief open mike period for anyone who would like to play and or sing.”

In the event of bad weather, the event will move inside to the Common Grounds Coffee Shop. Come early and bring a lawn chair as seating is limited. Heritage Park is located at 1st and Main street in downtown Fort Scott, at 7 p.m.

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Fort Scott Town-Wide Garage Sale Sept. 13-14

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Submitted by: Lindsay Madison, Executive Director, [email protected]
Monica Walden, Administrative Assistant, [email protected]
Phone: (620) 223-3566

FORT SCOTT – Mark your calendars for the Fall Town-wide Garage Sale this Friday and Saturday, September 13th and 14th. Now is the time to get your garage sale on the map.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce encourages residents in Fort Scott to do your fall cleaning and make room for something new. Garage sales may be registered through the Chamber by 1 pm, Wednesday, September 11th for only $10. The registration fee lists your sale on the official garage sale map and enables the Chamber to advertise the sale throughout the region on the radio, newspaper, social media and the Chamber website.
Garage sales may be registered in person at the Chamber office, located at 231 E. Wall Street or by phone using debit or credit card by calling (620) 223-3566.
The official garage sale maps will be available to shoppers this Thursday evening from the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce and the following locations: 5 Corners Mini-Mart, Bids & Dibs, Casey’s, Don’s Smoke Shop, and all four Pete’s locations.
***

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Community College

FSCC Celebrates 100 Years

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A public program to start the Fort Scott Community College Centennial Celebration was one of speeches, a prayer and a song on Monday morning at the Ellis Arts Center on the campus.

Students, guests and the public were invited to hear the experiences of former students and teachers, then eat a quick hot dog lunch and some cake and cookies in celebration of the community college’s 100th year.

Speakers were  FSCC President Alysia Johnston who welcomed the crowd and introduced Kansas Senator Caryn Tyson. Tyson then presented the college with a commendation from the Kansas Senate for its’ 100 years of serving the community.

The speakers at the Centennial Celebration were FSCC Vice President of Student Services Janet Fancher, retired FSCC instructor Jack Gilmore; Mark Muller, FSCC Class of 1979; Tyson; retired FSCC instructor Marcel Normand; Gina Findley Shelton, class of 1999; Jim Barrows, class of 1968 and Johnston. A letter read by Fancher from  Esther Anne (Weeks) Sewell, class of 1941, who is 96 years old.

Additionally, FSCC Class of 2013 Taylor Bailey produced an introductory video, narrated by Tyler Covey, class of 2019. FSCC President’s Ambassador Hannah Reel led the flag salute and Dusty Drake, lead minister at Community Christian Church, said the closing prayer.

FSCC President Alysia Johnston, left, receives the commendation for the school of 100 years of continuous education in the county from Kansas Senator Caryn Tyson, right.
The speakers at the Centennial Celebration from left: FSCC Vice President of Student Services Janet Fancher, retired FSCC instructor Jack Gilmore; Mark Muller, FSCC Class of 1979; Kansas Senator Caryn Tyson; retired FSCC instructor Marcel Normand; Gina Findley Shelton, class of 1999; Jim Barrows, class of 1968 and FSCC President Alysia Johnston. Not pictured is Esther Anne (Weeks) Sewell.

Following the program and lunch, the crowd was asked to stop by the tree planted in honor of the celebration near the front of the building, where a fly-by drone took an aerial photo of the group.

Some of the students, faculty and guests who stayed to be a part of the aerial picture taken by a drone, to commemorate the celebration.
A tree was planted in front of the Ellis Arts Center in commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of FSCC.
The plaque placed in front of the tree planted at the Ellis Art Center. John Bartelsmeyer, Kenny Blake and Stewart Gulager helped to provide the plaque to the college.

During the welcome FSCC President Alysia Johnston told the audience that the school was established in 1919 and is the oldest continuous public community college in Kansas.

FSCC President Alysia Johnston welcomes students, faculty, guests and the public to the Centennial Celebration program Monday morning at the Ellis Arts Center.

The school, established in 1919, was originally located at the Fort Scott High School building until 1967 when it moved to the 150-acre current site, and 200 students started classes. At this time, FSCC also began offering classes in Paola, according to information provided by the college.

In 1973 the administration building was completed and was later named the Dick Hedges Administration Building.

In 1982, Arnold Arena was completed, with one side a rodeo arena and the other a basketball gym, weight training area, athletic dressing rooms, classrooms, a computer lab and athletic offices. Arnold Arena just completed a renovation of the gym in Sept. 2019.

In 1986, the college acquired the cosmetology school from Pittsburg State University and N. Jack Burris Hall was completed in  1989.

A dormitory was opened in 2002 and named  Chester Boileau Hall.

In 2004, FSCC purchased and renovated the former Sisters of Mercy Convent on Burke Street for the nursing program. Also in 2004, the college remodeled a wing of the former Miami
County Hospital in Paola, which then became the FSCC Miami County Campus.

The Gordon Park Museum and Center of Diversity also was established in 2004 at FSCC to honor Fort Scott native Gordon Parks, a photographer, writer, poet, musician and filmmaker.

The Danny And Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center was opened in 2009 which included a 600-seat theater, community meeting rooms, the Gordon Parks Museum the Kathy Ellis Academic Hall.

The Kansas National Guard Armory was purchased in 2010 and houses the John Deer technician program and the welding program.

The cosmetology department moved to a newly remodeled space in 2014 on campus and the rodeo program opened a new rodeo building.

This year, an addition to the Burris Hall which was provided by donations from the Chester Boileau and Lonnie Cleaver estates, opened with new offices, classrooms, bathrooms, and a trophy display area for the FSCC Livestock and Meat’s Judging Teams awards.

There will be a banquet on Sept. 20 as part of the continuing celebration, and a tailgate party with free food at the Greyhound Football Game, Sept. 21 at 7 p.m.

For more information: 620-223-2700.

 

 

 

 

 

Fort Scott, Schools

FSHS Activity Fair Sept. 13 at 5:30 p.m.

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Submitted by:
Lauren Madison, FSHS Senior, [email protected]

 

FSHS ACTIVITY FAIR PRIOR TO FOOTBALL GAME

The first Fort Scott High School home football game will take place this Friday, September 13th vs. Paola at 7 p.m. Prior to the game, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., various FSHS clubs, sports and activities will be hosting an Activity Fair.

The event will take place on the front/west lawn of the high school at 1005 S. Main St. where high school students will host free activities for all ages. There will be games, face painting, prizes, food and fun. All ages are welcome to attend and share the Tiger spirit.