In preparation for the coming Christmas season, the Fort Scott Middle School will host their annual VIP Fall Extravaganza Monday evening, providing an opportunity for the community to shop from a variety of vendors while helping raise funds for the middle school.

“It’s a family event,” organizer Stephanie George said of the extravaganza, which will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. and will include childcare provided by the Fort Scott Community College volleyball team.

In the USD 234 Board of Education meeting held Monday evening, George said the event is full of vendors, with 57 signed up, and she even had to turn some away because there is no more space. George added the event has spread from just local vendors to include others from Nevada and Junction City, for example.

“Now I just need lots of shoppers to come,” George said.

Some of the participating vendors include Pampered Chef, LuLaRoe Clothing, Thirty-One Gifts, Tourtillott Creations, Scentsy, Miller Feed & Farm, Gold Canyon, Briggs of Fort Scott, Care to Share and a number of other vendors selling clothes, food items, crafts and other goods.

Many vendors will also be holding raffles to give items away, with tickets costing $0.25 each. Briggs of Fort Scott also donated $150 that will be given away as two $75 prizes to employees of the school district who enter into the drawing at the extravaganza.

Submitted by Fort Scott Community College

Going into last Saturday night’s game against the Hutchinson Community College Blue Dragons, Fort Scott Community College linebacker Dominic Cizauskas needed to accumulate 30 tackles in the last two games of the season to break the FSCC single-season tackle record.

Because Cizauskas had averaged more than 17 tackles per game in his last three games, it appeared this record was in reach. Instead of making Greyhound fans wait until the final game of the season to break the record, Cizauskas had one of the best single-game defensive performances in Greyhound history. During the game, he accumulated 34 tackles and intercepted a pass early in the first quarter to become the record holder, surpassing Lavonte David, former ‘Hound and current NFL All-Pro football player for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Adding the 34 tackles from last Saturday’s game, Cizauskas currently has 131 tackles for the season, exceeding the previous record of 125 take-downs set by David in 2009 during the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) National Championship game. With one game left against top-ranked Garden City Community College this Saturday, Cizauskas will look to add to his tackle record and help the Greyhounds upset the Broncbusters.

When Cizauskas, a 6’2”, 242-pound freshman from Mukwonago, Wis., first arrived at FSCC in the spring of 2016, there was a buzz across the campus. Cizauskas was a highly-touted, explosive player with a high motor and the ‘Hounds hoped he could be a game-changer on the defensive side of the ball. Cizauskas has fulfilled these expectations.

According to Craig Richardson, FSCC linebacker coach, Cizauskas has grown into a smarter and better football player over the course of the season.

“His football IQ continues to grow every day. When he first came to the team, he would rely on pure athleticism,” said Richardson. “Now his understanding of the game and preparation puts him in a position to be successful. His success over the last several weeks is a credit to his dedication.”

Richardson says he has been impressed with Cizauskas’ performance and believes his work ethic puts him in a class with past Greyhound greats.

“Dominic is a tough, hard-working, blue-collar kid who makes plays that make you scratch your head wondering, ‘Did he really do that?’” said Richardson. “His motor never stops. He dominates games by utilizing proper technique and good reads to make up for his size and speed.”

In addition to his role as a linebacker, Cizauskas also plays on all of the Greyhounds’ special team units. He has averaged 13.1 tackles per game this season, with three forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries. Two of his pick-ups were returned for touchdowns in a 34-29 victory on the road against Ellsworth Community College.

Currently, Dominic is ranked in the top four players for several NJCAA defensive statistic categories:

• Tackles (#2, with 131 tackles)
• Fumble recoveries (#3, with 4 fumble recoveries)
• Average tackles per game (#4 with 13.1 tackles per game)

The NJCAA has taken notice of Cizauskas’ efforts, naming him the Defensive Player of the Week twice in the last three weeks. He was also recognized by the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference twice in the past three weeks as conference Defensive Player of the Week.

Cizauskas and the ‘Hounds will finish their 2016 football campaign this weekend at 1:00 p.m. in Garden City, Kan., where they will play the NJCCA #1 ranked Garden City Community College Broncbusters.

FSCC single-season tackle leaders:

1. Dominic Cizauskas                Current (2016)            131 tackles
2. Lavonte David                       2009                            125 tackles
3. Gabe Loyd                             2014                            119 tackles
4. Matt Glades                           2007                            113 tackles
5. Lucian Antoine                      2007                            112 tackles

FSCC all-time career tackle leaders:

1. Gabe Loyd                             2014-15                       225 tackles
2. Lavonte David                       2008-09                       218 tackles
3. Matt Glades                           2006-07                       186 tackles
4. Lucian Antoine                      2006-07                       162 tackles
5. Horace Hubbard                    2007-08                       153 tackles

 

Submitted by Fort Scott Community College

Fort Scott Community College is pleased to announce that Dr. Laura Meeks will serve as FSCC Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs beginning November 21.

“I’m thrilled that Dr. Meeks will be working with us over the next several months,” said Alysia Johnston, FSCC President. “FSCC will greatly benefit from the knowledge, experience and expertise that she brings.”

Dr. Meeks has more than 30 years of experience in higher education administration. She recently returned to Fort Scott after retiring as the President of Eastern Gateway Community College in Steubenville, Ohio, where she served for 16 years. Before her tenure at EGCC, she served as President of Fort Scott Community College for eight years.

Dr. Meeks holds a doctor of philosophy degree in curriculum and instruction from Kansas State University. She also holds an educational specialist degree and master’s degree from Pittsburg State University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota.

“I am honored to be returning to FSCC and I will do my best to serve the College until the new vice president is identified,” said Dr. Meeks. “I have a lot of respect for President Alysia Johnston and I am looking forward to working with her as well as the faculty and staff.”

Dr. Meeks continued, “I have great confidence in the leadership and the mission of FSCC. The administration, faculty and staff truly have a passion for teaching students and helping them succeed.”

Fort Scott Community College will host a welcome reception for Dr. Meeks at 3:00 pm on Monday, November 21 at the Danny & Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center, 2108 South Horton in Fort Scott. The event will be open to the public. For more information, please call 620-223-2700 or visit fortscott.edu.

 

Submitted by Fort Scott Community College

The Fort Scott Community College Meats Judging Team won first place at the High Plains Intercollegiate Meat Judging Contest held on October 30, in Friona, Texas. Additionally, the team placed second in beef grading, second in lamb judging, first in pork judging, second in beef judging, first in total beef, first in total placings and second in the total questions division.

FSCC will host a reception to celebrate the team’s success at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 17, in the Heritage Room of the FSCC Dick Hedges Administration Building, located at 2108 South Horton Street in Fort Scott.

“The team worked hard throughout the year, trying to master the process that would land them the big win. We challenged each other more than any other team I have coached—in the end, that left the students more comfortable in their situation,” said Jenilee Martin, FSCC Meats Judging Coach. “Although the national contest would be challenging, the students went in with level heads. This allowed them to calmly place the classes at hand, which ultimately put them on top. I couldn’t be more proud of the students and their successes!”

Originally from Jasper, Mo., Martin served as a member of the FSCC Meats Judging Team in 2010, which was coached by Ryan Edgecomb. Over the last seven years, FSCC has claimed four of the national championship titles and two reserve national titles.

The 2016 team includes sophomores Peyton Barrett from Winchester, Kan.; Adam Lattin from Independence, Kan.; Chad McKibben from Lamar, Mo.; and Katie Thoden from Paola, Kan. At the national contest, Thoden placed first in pork judging, first in beef judging, second in total placings, first in total questions and first place individual overall. Barrett placed second in beef grading, fifth in lamb judging, fourth in pork judging, first in total placings and fourth place overall. Lattin placed fourth in lamb judging, fifth in beef judging, third in total placings and ninth place overall. McKibben placed first in beef grading and thirteenth place overall.

Two students received All-American Team honors—Thoden was named to the first team and Barrett was named to the second team.

“The All-American Award is perhaps the most prestigious award of the year because it honors the top eight performers in the classroom and in the cooler,” said Martin.

Additionally, McKibben was selected by his peers to receive the Rachel Hamilton Memorial Spirit Award for the team. This award was established to honor a member of each team whose winning approach exemplifies Hamilton’s love of meats judging.

Throughout the season, the team also competed in five other events including the National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colo.; Southwestern Stock Show in Fort Worth, Texas; Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo in Houston, Texas; Beef Empire Days in Garden City, Kan.; and The American Royal in Omaha, Neb.

For more information, please contact Martin at 620-223-2700, ext. 3540.

Auditions for a children’s community theatre production of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” are from 6 to 8 p.m., November 14 or 15, at the Beaux Arts Centre, 102 S. National, in Fort Scott.

The play, written by Barbara Robinson, is based on the classic children’s book of the same name.

“In this hilarious Christmas classic, a couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant is faced with casting the Herdman kids—probably the most inventively awful kids in history. You won’t believe the mayhem – and the fun – when the Herdmans collide with the Christmas story head on!” according to publisher Samuel French.

Auditions are open to kids in grades kindergarten through 12, and no preparation is necessary to audition.  Rehearsals are on Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. and Monday through Thursday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.  Performances are December 10 and 11, at the Beaux Arts Centre.

The performances are a fundraiser for the Fort Scott High School students traveling to New York City for a Broadway tour and workshops over Spring Break.  There is a $30 performance fee per actor to offset production costs.

The production is directed by Angie Bin, current FSHS Drama Director and former FSCC Children’s Theatre Director. The high school students are also seeking local business sponsorship to help fund the production.  Interested parties and anyone with questions about auditions may contact Bin at 620-719-9622 or at [email protected].

The Fort Scott Community College women’s basketball team’s strong start to the season continued Tuesday evening with a narrow win over the State Fair Community College Roadrunners.

The Lady Greyhounds (4-0) remain undefeated in coach Jeff Tadtman’s first season at FSCC after a 59-56 win over the Lady Roadrunners (1-2), despite trailing SFCC by one point at halftime. But stronger defense as well as good shooting gave the ‘Hounds a ten point lead in the fourth quarter, only for the Roadrunners to battle their way back to within two points in the last nine seconds of the game.

Sophomore Jordyn Danzer led all players with 16 points for the ‘Hounds, making seven of seven free throws, while sophomore Natalia Ready added 14 points, including two back-to-back three pointers at the beginning of the final quarter.

But while the girls found success, the men’s team dropped their second game in a row. Although coming to within seven points late in the game, the ‘Hounds eventually lost to the Roadrunners, 78-56.

Roadrunners’ sophomore Willie Jimerson, Jr., led his team and the entire game with 27 points, while the Roadrunners finished with more than a 50 percent field goal average. The ‘Hounds made just 29 percent of their shots.

Freshman Tyler Zinn led the Greyhounds with 17 points, while freshman Chrision Wilburn added 13 points.

See FSCC’s sports page at their website for more details of the teams and their schedules, including upcoming weekend games, at http://www.fsgreyhounds.com/landing/index.

Submitted by Fort Scott Community College

Veterans Day Events

In honor of Veterans Day, Fort Scott Community College will host a Veterans Day Walk at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, November 11, at the FSCC Lake, 2108 South Horton Street in Fort Scott.

“We welcome students, faculty, staff and community members to walk a lap or more around the lake to honor past and present veterans,” said Robert Goltra, FSCC Vice President of Students.

FSCC President’s Ambassadors will walk continuously from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. for those who are unable. Free coffee and donuts will be served to event attendees.

Additionally, FSCC will display photos of veterans on its Veterans Wall of Honor beginning Monday, November 7. The Wall of Honor will be located in Bailey Hall on the FSCC Campus. Community members are encouraged to bring photos for the display to the FSCC Student Services office, also located in Bailey Hall. Photos may be retrieved in the afternoon on Friday, November 11.

For more information, please call Robert Goltra at 620-223-2700, ext. 3500.

Phi Theta Kappa Induction Ceremony

On Friday, November 11, The Fort Scott Community College Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (Alpha Theta Omega Chapter) will induct 44 new students during a candle-lighting ceremony. The ceremony will begin at 3:00 p.m. at the Danny & Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center, located at 2108 South Horton in Fort Scott.

“As the new advisor of Phi Theta Kappa here at Fort Scott Community College, I am looking forward to the upcoming year,” said Susie Arvidson, FSCC Director of Library Services and Phi Theta Kappa Advisor. “The students are excited to begin planning events involving local and regional fellowship, as well as local service activities. My hope is that the students will be wonderful role models for future members, have a great time serving others and add to their own experiences.”

The fall 2016 inductees are: William Baker, Jacob Blevins, Bailie Brown, Sirena Bruner, Theodore Chambers, Maddison Christian, Reba Colin, Cara Comstock, Ashlee Corns, Chelsea Cox, Zachary Gudenkauf, Meghan Guss, James Harrison, Shelby Hutchison, Michael Jenkins, Kevin Land II, Kady LaPorte, Justin Logan, Ryan Malone, Samantha Milburn, Jackalynn Neher, Jennah  Ohlde, Merecedes Pankau, Lindy Pettibon, Taylor Remington, Jada Robinson, Matthew Schick, Taylor Schilling, Cody Schlesener, Kim Schwab, Ashlee Setina, Dacey Simpson, Aubrey Smith, Elizabeth Staton-Johnson, Grant Swickhamer, Sarah Townsend, Michalyn Trimble, Mackenzie Tynon, Emily White, Harrison Whitworth and Mackay Williams.

Phi Theta Kappa, an international honor society, recognizes the academic achievements of two-year college students. The honor society focuses on four hallmarks at the local, regional and international levels: leadership, service, scholarship and fellowship. Students who have completed 12 credit hours and earned a 3.5 GPA or higher are invited to join Phi Theta Kappa.

For more information, please call Susie Arvidson at 620-223-2700, ext. 3441.

The Fort Scott USD 234 debate teams once again walked away from a weekend tournament in Coffeyville with excellent results and another first place finish.

Teams Joe Adams and Isabella Provence, and Seth Cross and Zach Humble completed the weekend undefeated. Instead of facing each other in the finals, the teams walked away as co-champions.

Rebekah Sweyko and Darby Toth were undefeated in the preliminary rounds but lost to Pittsburg in the quarterfinals in a split decision. Chloe Studyvin and Dalton Womeldorff also lost to a Pittsburg team in the quarterfinals.

In the novice division, Levi Bin and Carlee Studyvin finished in 5th place, Caleb Hopkins and Connor Mason in 7^th, and three teams tied for 8^th, including Kaden Kiwan and Conner Parker, Emma Faith Humble and Brooklyn Lyons, and Madi Toth and Mark Adams.

“This was a difficult weekend for novice because all were trying new cases,” coach Amber Toth said. “And all of them walk away with at least two wins.”

Midwest Health and Performance, which just recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony, hosted the Second Annual Day of the Lifting Dead competition Saturday in conjunction with CrossFit, drawing participants from around Kansas and neighboring states.

“We’ve easily doubled,” facility owner Jared Martin said of the size of the competition over last year. “There’s no way we would’ve fit this many people in our old facility.”

While 18 people competed in 2015, about 35 came this year, with local competitors participating as well as those who traveled in from other Kansas cities and even Missouri and Arkansas.

The event included bench presses, squats, strict presses and rowing competitions throughout the day for anyone present. The events were judged by about 25 members of the Fort Scott Community College baseball team. Grant Hartman of Hartman Spine and Joint was also present for those who need physical attention.

The fitness center will hold an open house Thursday evening, 4:30-6:30 p.m., for those interested in learning about the workout classes available, including a beginners’ class which will start Monday evening.