Category Archives: Fort Scott

HBCAT partners with Chamber to help small business owners apply for loan and grant funding

For five years, Susan and Eddie Townley sold antiques, vintage finds, and home decor in booths at markets in Louisburg and Overland Park. This year, they were ready to open their own business in a historic building in downtown Fort Scott.

They just needed a bit of capital to seal the deal. And to get that capital, they had to prepare paperwork.

For help, they turned to The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s Center for Economic Growth. And on Nov. 2, their dreams were realized when the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce cut the ribbon on Be the Light Boutique at 12 N. Main, just across the street from the Fort Scott National Historic Site.

The boutique, which is open Thursday through Sunday, provides shoppers in Fort Scott as well as visitors to the area with a choice of unique clothing, home decor, antiques, and vintage finds.

“We are so excited for them because we have been with them step by step since the beginning of their business endeavor,” said HBCAT Executive Director Rachel Carpenter.

As a result of assistance from the HBCAT’s Center for Economic Growth, the Townleys were able to apply to the Fort Scott Chamber for an e-community loan, an initiative started by Network Kansas in 2019.

“Network Kansas provides us funding that we can then loan out to businesses for start-up, expansion, or any other type of needs they have,” explained Lindsay Madison, Chamber president. “A business will work with the staff at The HBCAT and another of their partners, the Pittsburg State University Small Business Development Center, to determine cash flow projections, market research reports, and other documents.”

The applicant then makes a brief presentation to the loan committee and awaits approval or a request to go back to the drawing board. If approved, the applicant might receive anywhere from $5,000 to $45,000 at 4 percent interest for 10 years.

For Be the Light Boutique, it was a critical piece of new business ownership.

“We needed funds to purchase some final inventory and provide a cash flow to continue with improvements to a building built in 1895,” Susan said. “My husband and I have done all the work on it to date.”

“The HBCAT helped us develop a business plan and loan documents that would serve as a basis for all of these grants,” she said. “We gave them our information, and they assisted with the creation of it. It was a beautiful thing.”

For more information on e-community loans, visit fortscott.com/e-community

About The HBCAT

The mission of The HBCAT is to increase access to healthy food and physical activity, promote commercial tobacco cessation, enhance quality of life and encourage economic growth. The problems of health inequity and social injustice are complex in nature and inextricably linked to key economic indicators. A healthy workforce is a prerequisite for economic success in any industry and in all cities.

Learn more at HBCAT.org. Find HBCAT on Facebook at facebook.com/HealthyBBCo/

Fort Scott, Government

Unapproved Minutes of the City of Fort Scott Special Meeting on November 13

November 15, 2023 Submitted Story Leave a comment

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Unapproved Minutes of November 13, 2023 Special Meeting

The special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held November 13, 2023 at 5:30PM in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners T. Van Hoecke, K. Harrington, E. Woellhof, and M. Guns were present with Mayor M. Wells.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND INVOCATION: T. VanHoecke led the Pledge of Allegiance and said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Ben Hart/BakerTilly Finance Advisor to the City (by telephone).

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

SESSION #1 – T. VanHoecke moved that the City Commission recess in to an Executive Session to discuss personnel matters pursuant to the personnel matters of non-elected personnel exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1). In that meeting will be the (5) City Commissioners, the City Attorney, Ben Hart/City Financial Advisor (by telephone). They will recess into the City Manager’s office for (25) minutes and will resume the meeting in the Commission room at 5:57PM. M. Guns seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO RECESS IN TO EXECUTIVE SESSION AND RETURN AT 5:57PM.

VanHoecke moved that the City Commission come out of Executive Session. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO COME OUT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION

SESSION #2 – T. VanHoecke moved that the City Commission recess in to an Executive Session to discuss personnel matters pursuant to the personnel matters of non-elected personnel exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1). In that meeting will be the (5) City Commissioners, the City Attorney, Ben Hart/City Financial Advisor (by telephone). They will recess into the City Manager’s office for (20) minutes and will resume the meeting in the Commission room at 6:19PM. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO RECESS IN TO EXECUTIVE SESSION AND RETURN AT 6:19PM.

VanHoecke moved that the City Commission come out of Executive Session. M. Guns seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO COME OUT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION.

SESSION #3 – T. VanHoecke moved that the City Commission recess into an Executive Session to discuss personnel matters pursuant to the personnel matters of non-elected personnel exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1). In that meeting will be the (5) City Commissioners, City Attorney, City Manager, and Ben Hart/City Financial Advisor (by telephone). They will recess into the City Manager’s office for (30) minutes and will resume the meeting in the Commission room at 6:50PM. M. Guns seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION AND RETURN AT 6:50PM.

Wells moved that the City Commission come out of Executive Session. T. VanHoecke seconded. T. VanHoecke, E. Woellhof, M. Guns and M. Wells voted aye. K. Harrington was absent for the vote.

Harrinton returned to the meeting.

APPROVED TO COME OUT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION.

SESSION #4 – T. VanHoecke moved that the City Commission recess into an Executive Session to discuss personnel matters pursuant to the personnel matters of non-elected personnel exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1). In that meeting will be the (5) City Commissioners, City Attorney, City Manager, and Ben Hart/City Financial Advisor (by telephone). They will recess into the City Manager’s office for (15) minutes and will resume the meeting in the Commission room at 7:26PM. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION AND RETURN AT 7:26PM.

VanHoecke moved that the City Commission come out of Executive Session. M. Guns seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO COME OUT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION.

Wells stated that as a result of the sessions this evening, the Commission directs its Counsel to draw up a contract to be voted on at the November 21, 2023 City Commission meeting.

VanHoecke moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:28PM. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

MEETING ADJOURNED AT 7:28PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

Submitted by:

Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

Fort Scott, Government

Unapproved Minutes of the Fort Scott City Commission for November 7

November 15, 2023 Submitted Story Leave a comment

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Unapproved Minutes of November 7, 2023 Regular Meeting

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held November 7, 2023 at 6:00PM in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners T. Van Hoecke, K. Harrington, E. Woellhof, and M. Guns were present with Mayor M. Wells.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND INVOCATION: M. Wells led the Pledge of Allegiance and said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Jason Dickman/Earles Engineering, Jason Pickert/Chief of Police, Diane Striler, Rachel Carpenter, Lindsey McNeil, Kylie Paulsen, Angela Simon, Nate Lyons, Bailey Lyons, Dwight Sprouls, Robert Harrington, Jody Hoener, Darrell Pulliam

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA:

Harrington moved to approve the amended agenda submitted prior to the meeting. M. Guns seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED THE AMENDED AGENDA

CONSENT AGENDA:

Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1347-A – $736,392.66
Request to Pay – Sprouls Construction, Inc. – 22-031B – Fort Scott Pavilion Project – Payment Application No. 2 – $48,978.00
Request to Pay – Bennet, Inc. – 23-005B – Infantry Substation Sanitary Sewer Relation Project – Change Order No. 1 – Soil management support from PPB Enviro-Solutions ($22,000.00) and additional requested work for Splash Pad future restroom infrastructure ($40,000.00) – $62,000.00
Request to Pay – Bennett, Inc. – 22-306 – CDBG Sanitary Sewer Project – Pay Application No. 5 – $105,259.50

VanHoecke moved to approve the Consent Agenda. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED THE CONSENT AGENDA.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Diane Striler – request to establish a Common Consumption Ordinance for the City and to be ready for Christmas on the Bricks beginning November 30, 2023.

VanHoecke moved to approve the City to establish a Common Consumption Area Ordinance for the Downtown Historic District, extending that area to include Holmtown Pub and Riverfront Park, and the exclusion of all federal buildings, the Creativity Museum and the boundary of the median in Skubitz Plaza as indicated on the map submitted for the period of (1) year. K. Harrington seconded. E. Woellhof, M. Guns, T. VanHoecke and K. Harrington voted aye. M. Wells voted nay.

APPROVED THE CITY TO ESTABLISH A COMMON CONSUMPTION AREA ORDINANCE FOR THE DOWNTOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT, EXTENDING THAT AREA TO INCLUDE HOLMTOWN PUB AND RIVERFRONT PARK, AND THE EXCLUSION OF ALL FEDERAL BUILDINGS, THE CREATIVITY MUSEUM AND THE BOUNDARY OF THE MEDIAN IN SKUBITZ PLAZA AS INDICATED ON THE MAP SUBMITTED FOR THE PERIOD OF (1) YEAR.

OLD BUSINESS:

Consideration of Demolition Bids (Bid No. 2-2023) – 4 S. National and 10 S. National –

Guns moved to accept the bid of $94,396.00 for the demolition of the structures on 4 S. National and 10 S. National. E. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO ACCEPT THE BID OF $94,396.00 FOR THE DEMOLITION OF THE STRUCTURES ON 4 S. NATIONAL AND 10 S. NATIONAL.

Consideration of Housing Development – Patrick Wood: Tabled from 10/17/2023. P. Wood asked the City for incentives that are required for his grant application for his development of (6) duplexes.

Wells moved to approved up to $85,000.00 of in-kind work including water, sewer, demo and associated dump fees, dirt work, site work, waiving of permits, expediting permits from the City and expediting services from the City and will go out for a Zero Dollar IRB Bond for the development. M. Guns seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED UP TO $85,000.00 OF IN-KIND WORK INCLUDING WATER, SEWER, DEMO AND ASSOCIATED DUMP FEES, DIRT WORK, SITE WORK, WAIVING OF PERMITS, EXPEDITING PERMITS FROM THE CITY AND EXPEDITING SERVICES FROM THE CITY AND WILL GO OUT FOR A ZERO DOLLAR IRB BOND FOR THE DEVELOPMENT.

APPEARANCES:

Rachel Carpenter, Kylie Paulsen and Lindsey McNeil addressed the Commission to increase the awareness of issues in the community, encourage collaboration through all sectors, educate the community on the role of Community Health Workers and resources available through the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT) and Local Health Equity Action Team (LHEAT) and introduce the implementation the grant program Communities Organizing to Promote Equity (COPE).

The agenda’s order of Appearances was amended by request.

Bailey Lyons and Meredith Tucker addressed the Commission on behalf of the Splash Pad Committee to request permission to work with the City and Earles Engineering for their upcoming projects in 2024. The Committee received grants from the Timken Foundation ($85,000.00) and Walmart ($20,000.00) to be used for shade structures and construction of an ADA-compliant restroom.

Matkin was directed by the Commission to work with the Splash Pad Committee.

Rachel French, Bailey Lyons, Angel Simon and Nate Lyons addressed the Commission to request that the City enter into a Memo of Understanding (MOU) with Eighteen65, LLC and provide a financial subsidy of $100,000.00 ($50,000.00) per building at 10 and 12 S. Main to support the renovation and operation of the kitchen incubator program. Jody Hoener (HBCAT) and Robert Harrington (REDI) spoke in support of the project.

Guns moved to approve $100,000.00 to Eighteen65 as the physical agent for funds to be used by the Kitchen Collaborative, that an invoice and updates be provided to the Commission. K. Harrington seconded. K. Harrington, M. Guns, T. VanHoecke and M. Wells voted aye. E. Woellhoff voted nay.

APPROVED $100,000.00 TO EIGHTEEN65 AS THE PHYSICAL AGENT FOR FUNDS TO BE USED BY THE KITCHEN COLLABORATIVE, THAT AN INVOICE AND UPDATES BE PROVIDED TO THE COMMISSION.

Rachel French – Certificate of Appropriateness for The Christian Learning Center at 6 S. Main and 8 S. Main – Recommended by the Design Review Board on 11/6/2023.

Harrington moved to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness submitted and recommended by the Design Review Board on 11/6/2023 for 6 S. Main and 8 S. Main. E. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVE THE CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS SUBMITTED AND RECOMMENDED BY THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD ON 11/6/2023.

Kendall Schoenrock (not present) – Certificate of Appropriateness for DCF Parking Lot at 4 S. and 10 S. National. The Design Review Board recommended option K-8 to amend the current Lease Agreement he has with the City that would address concerns regarding diagonal parking.

Guns moved to approve the amendment to the parking lot lease agreement to reflect option K8 that was recommended by the Design Review Board on 11/6/2023. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVE THE AMENDMENT TO THE PARKING LOT LEASE AGREEMENT TO REFLECT OPTION K8 THAT WAS RECOMMENDED BY THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD ON 11/6/2023.

Harrington moved to accept the Certificate of Appropriateness for the building plans for the future DCF building to occupy 4 S. and 10 S. Main submitted to and recommended by the Design Review Board on 11/6/2023. T. VanHoecke seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO ACCEPT THE CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS FOR THE BUILDING PLANS FOR THE FUTURE DCF BUILDING TO OCCUPY 4 S. AND 10 S. MAIN SUBMITTED TO AND RECOMMENDED BY THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD ON 11/6/2023.

NEW BUSINESS:

Consideration of Interview Room recording system and case management software – $11,467.00 – J. Pickert requested that the Commission approve the system as it was budgeted.

VanHoecke moved to approve the purchase of the interview room recording system and case management software for law enforcement for $11,467.00. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED THE PURCHASE OF THE INTERVIEW ROOM RECORDING SYSTEM AND CASE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT FOR $11,467.00.

Consideration of reappointment of Frank Halsey to Parks Advisory Board Recommended by the Parks Advisory Board on 10/26/2023 –

Harrington moved to reappoint Frank Halsey, as recommended by the board on 10/26/2023, for another (3) year term on the Park Advisory Board. T. VanHoecke seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO REAPPOINT FRANK HALSEY, AS RECOMMENDED BY THE BOARD ON 10/26/2023, FOR ANOTHER (3) YEAR TERM ON THE PARK ADVISORY BOARD.

Consideration to accept contract with Hofer & Hofer for the Gunn Park Shower House and Restroom –

The Parks Advisory Board recommended to the Commission to approve the proposal/contract with Hofer & Hofer for a shower house ($87,283.00) and restroom facility ($41,900.00) at Gunn Park on 10/26/2023. It was understood by the board and the Commission that the City’s sewer work would not be complete by April and waste would need to be manually removed until the necessary infrastructure could be completed. The money would come from the Parks Fund.

VanHoecke moved to accept the proposal/contract from Hofer & Hofer for the shower house ($87,283.00) and the restroom for ($41,900.00).
Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO ACCEPT THE PROPOSAL/CONTRACT FROM HOFER & HOFER FOR THE SHOWER HOUSE ($87,283.00) AND THE RESTROOM FOR ($41,900.00).

Consideration to accept a bid for (22) window replacements for Shelter houses 2 and 6 as recommended by the Parks Advisory Board on 10/26/2023 – Three quotes were supplied: 1) D&J Glass (224 State St) for $12,514.83; 2) Peerless (not stated) and 3) Home Depot for $8976.00.

VanHoecke moved to table the decision until 11/21/2023. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO TABLE THE DECISION UNTIL 11/21/2023.

VanHoecke requested that the Agenda order be changed to bring Item K next due to the length of the meeting.

Consideration to approve and pay Sprouls Construction – Project 22-031B – Fort Scott Pavilion – Change Order No. 1 – Increased cost of foundation piers for $16,000.00 –

VanHoecke moved to approve Change Order No. 1 for the Fort Scott Pavilion (Project No. 22-031B) to pay Sprouls Construction $16,000.00. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 FOR THE FORT SCOTT PAVILION (PROJECT NO. 22-031B) TO PAY SPROULS CONSTRUCTION $16,000.00.

Consideration of Lake Fort Scott boat ramp bids – One bid from Marberry Concrete was submitted. K. Harrington confirmed that the Lake Advisory Board was in favor of the repair. B. Matkin confirmed the money would come from the Lake Fund.

VanHoecke moved to proceed with the proposal from Marberry Concrete for $66,750.00. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO PROCEED WITH THE PROPOSAL FROM MARBERRY CONCRETE FOR $66,750.00.

Guns left the room.

Guns returned to the meeting.

E Woellhof left the room.

Consideration of City Employee holiday bonus of $150.00 submitted by B. Matkin – Funds to come from the individual departments.

VanHoecke moved to approve the 2023 city employee holiday bonus for $150.00. M. Guns seconded. M. Guns, T. VanHoecke, K. Harrington, M. Wells voted aye. E. Woellhof not present for the vote.

APPROVED THE 2023 CITY EMPLOYEE HOLIDAY BONUS OF $150.00.

Consideration of the 2024 City of Fort Scott Holiday Schedule –

Woellhof returned to the meeting.

Wells moved to table the decision of the 2024 City of Fort Scott Holiday Schedule to the 11/21/2023 meeting. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO TABLE THE DECISION OF THE 2024 CITY OF FORT SCOTT HOLIDAY SCHEDULE TO THE 11/21/2023 MEETING.

Consideration of Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID) proposal with Gilmore & Bell – M. Guns motioned to move forward with the creation of Reinvestment Housing Incentive Districts and Downtown Second-Story Reinvestment Housing Incentive Districts. E. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE CREATION OF REINVESTMENT HOUSING INCENTIVE DISTRICTS AND DOWNTOWN SECOND-STORY REINVESTMENT HOUSING INCENTIVE DISTRICTS.

Consideration of South Industrial Park Waterline Project Inspection Proposal by Earles Engineering & Inspection for $76,383.00 –

Harrington moved to approve Earles Engineering & Inspection’s proposal of $76,383.00, to come from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) Fund, for the inspection of the South Industrial Park Waterline project. T. VanHoecke seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED EARLES ENGINEERING & INSPECTION’S PROPOSAL OF $76,383.00, TO COME FROM THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT (ARPA) FUND, FOR THE INSPECTION OF THE SOUTH INDUSTRIAL PARK WATERLINE PROJECT.

Consideration to accept the resignation of City Manager Brad Matkin –

VanHoecke moved to table the decision of the 12/19/2023 City Commission meeting. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO TABLE THE DECISION TO ACCEPT THE RESIGNATION OF CITY MANAGER BRAD MATKIN TO THE 12/19/2023 CITY COMMISSION MEETING.

Consideration of a Tourism Rubric – T. VanHoecke moved to table the decision on the submitted Tourism Rubric until 11/21/2023 and that Commissioners send their recommendations to the City Manager for consideration. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO TABLE THE DECISION ON THE SUBMITTED TOURISM RUBRIC UNTIL 11/21/2023 AND THAT COMMISSIONERS SEND THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE CITY MANAGER FOR CONSIDERATION.

VanHoecke moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:07PM. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

MEETING ADJOURNED AT 10:07PM

Next Meeting:

WORK SESSION – Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at 5:00PM – Small Business Incentive Program

REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING – Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at 6:00PM

Submitted by:

Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

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

Bigfoot Is Coming To Town

November 14, 2023 Loretta George Leave a comment

From left, Thug 1, Doctor Virus, Thug 2, News Announcer, Mrs. Claus, Santa, Bigfoot, Ben II, Jordan, Grace and Ben I. Submitted photo.

“I love the anticipation of Christmas,” AllenTwitchell, Fort Scott Community College’s Theatre Director said in a press release. “Tis indeed the season for memories, for family, for giving, for the promise of snow and a new year, and it is my pleasure to celebrate it with the community on Nov. 16 this year.”

“The gift we present at 7 p.m. that day in the Ellis Family Fine Arts Center is called “Santa ‘Claws’ Is Coming to Town,” the second installment of a three-part trilogy featuring Bigfoot as a central character and written by me because at my previous academic place of employment, the costume closet contained an idle Bigfoot costume,” he said.

“And, for the fifth year, Walmart of Fort Scott is graciously supplying Christmas candy to be distributed by the cast in the lobby following the show,” he said.

“I believe in the power of the arts to bring us together,” Twitchell said. “The theater also provides a palatable platform from which to confront social issues and hopefully inspire positive change. Also, the community supports us with their tax dollars and we want to give back in the form of inexpensive (free) entertainment options.”

About the play

“In part one of the trilogy, “A Very Hairy Christmas,” Bigfoot is pursued by the dreaded Darth Hunter and his henchmen, Dim and Dimmer, but with the aid of three youngsters (Ben, Jordan and Grace) and an ace reporter (Ben’s dad), he escapes the clutches of the evil villain and learns the story of Christmas and then everybody sings.”

“In this year’s offering, Darth Hunter’s demented brother, Doctor Virus, plots to kill Christmas by addicting Santa Claus to a video game and forcing him to miss the midnight deadline for delivering the first present to a select family in Fort Scott, thereby activating the “Santa Clause” and canceling Christmas…as negotiated by the reindeer union during its most-recent contract talks,” he said. “Again, Bigfoot and the kids endeavor to come to the rescue and chaos ensues…along with more singing.”

“Part three, All I Want for Christmas is Bigfoot’s Teeth, performed at FSCC on two prior occasions, unites the two previous “bad guys” with their even-more-sinister sister, Noella DeVile, intent on capturing Bigfoot and extracting his teeth for their magical properties, which include keeping her young and beautiful,” Twitchel said. “Spoiler alert: She is unsuccessful and everybody sings.”

The cast: Clint LaFollette, Will Holliday, Braxton Ferrell, Gia Dickey, Heidi Clevenger, Josh Smith, Nick Shelton, Isaiah Subbert, Ivy Swearingen and Christina King. The singing director is Chris Goddard. Joshua Ramsey and Zach Loper provide tech support. “And, of course, Santa makes an appearance,” he said.

“If this doesn’t sound like fun to you, just come for the candy,” he said.

“In any event, let us be the first to wish you, “Merry Christmas – and a Happy Thanksgiving,” he said.

Twitchel is in his seventh year as FSCC’s theater instructor.

“Sharing my passion for live theater with students and young people is my motivation, as well as doing what I can to ensure they leave here not only as better students but as better people,” he said.

Upcoming events on the FSCC Campus:

FSCC cheer and dance squad is sponsoring a Little Greyhounds Cheer Clinic for youngsters in kindergarten -eighth grade from 2 to 5 p.m. Nov. 19 in Arnold Arena. The cost for the clinic is $25. Contact Allee Morillo, head cheer and dance coach, at (913) 230-8869 to register or for answers to questions.

The FSCC Library Book Club meets next Wednesday (Nov. 15) in the library commons area. The featured topic is Women in Science and Diversity and the select book is “Lessons in Chemistry.” Contact Susie Arvidson at [email protected] for more information.

Spring and summer enrollment is open at FSCC.

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Schools

Chamber Coffee to be hosted by USD-234 on November 16

November 14, 2023 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Chamber Coffee to be hosted by USD-234

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee event this Thursday, November 16th at 8 a.m. hosted by USD-234 at Fort Scott High School, 1005 S. Main St. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served. Attendees are asked to enter through the main entrance facing Main Street.

Fort Scott city school district was originally organized in 1865 as District No. 55 and the first school opened in the fall of 1865. By 1892 there were eleven school buildings in Bourbon County. In Kansas, the unified school districts developed after legislation passed in 1962 that was intended to reduce the number of rural school districts.

Today the USD-234 school district serves approximately 1,871 students from Pre-K to 12^th grade. The mission statement for the district is that USD-234 will lead in the success of each student in becoming independent, responsible, and productive global citizens. The vision statement for the district is that USD-234 will provide an exemplary education for all.

Join us this Thursday to hear about the current and upcoming programs that are happening at the High School this year. Contact the Chamber at (620) 223-3566 for more information.

***

Fort Scott, Schools

USD 234 Board of Ed. Highlights from November 13 Meeting

November 14, 2023 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Unified School District 234

424 South Main

Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697

www.usd234.org

620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760

DESTRY BROWN

Superintendent

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

NEWS RELEASE

Monday, November 13, 2023

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, November 13, 2023, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.

President David Stewart opened the meeting.

The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:

Board Minutes

10/9/2023 Regular Meeting
10/30/2023 Special Board Meeting

Financials-Cash Flow Report

Check Register

Payroll – October 20, 2023 – $1,669,587.26

Activity Fund accounts

USD 234 Gifts

FSHS Art Club Fundraising

FSHS Extended Trip Spring Break 2025

FSHS Swimming Fundraising

FSHS Wrestling Fundraising

FSHS Baseball Fundraising

USD 234 Licensed Tiger Team Members of the Month are as follows:

Rachelle Thomas is in her 21^st year of teaching but this is her first year with Special Education. Tonya thanked Rachelle for her willingness to step up and become a leader for the Eugene Ware Special Education department.
Stephanie Flanner has been the Behavior Consultant at Fort Scott School District for two- and one-half years. She has been recognized for her ability to help the students even if that is riding the bus to school with them in the mornings. Tonya stated that Stephanie is bringing innovative ideas to her that will help staff and students.
Tonya Barnes recognized Rick Scholes. He is in his 12^th year with USD 234 as the School Psychologist. Rick is always supportive of teachers and immensely helpful with paperwork and meetings. He is hard working and very ready to help the students

Classified Tiger Team Members of the Month was Bryce Daly. Superintendent Brown recognized Bryce for his behind-the-scenes work as District Technology Coordinator. He is willing to work nights and weekends to make sure that the school network is on track. Bryce was thanked for his hard work and being willing to step in wherever needed

Eugene Ware recognized four outstanding students:

Elsie Fields and Jace Marbery represented the Leadership Club Team from Eugene Ware. Elsie reported on the annual food drive going on this week and will be donated to our local Beacon. The winning class will receive ice cream bars. Jace explained about Wreaths Across America. The students decorate paper wreaths with a Veteran’s name and displayed in the school. Each wreath is $1, and all money is donated to Diane Tucker who then buys wreaths for the National Cemetery.

Leah Pommier and Audrey McNutt explained about enrichment projects that are being done at Eugene Ware. They reported about their shop where they are selling several school supplies. These students are learning to use Canva to help create parent newsletters.

Superintendent Destry Brown did not present at this time.

Assistant Superintendent Dalaina Smith updated the Board on first- and second-year teacher meetings. She reported that we are seeing great participation and leadership from these teachers. December will start winter testing and teachers are using the data from previous reports. Seeing the students using the latest programs has been encouraging.

Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, presented the Board with a printed report.

Superintendent Brown explained about early payroll as well as ESSER reports that are due for the State.

Superintendent Brown discussed the new requirements for the nonresident student policy. A public hearing was set for December.

Superintendent Brown and the Board looked at the district map and discussed a possible change in “at large” voting. This will be discussed further and would be brought to a public vote at a later date

The board went into an executive session for possible purchase of property.

The board approved the following items:

Personnel Report following

The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.

The board went into an executive session for Superintendent Evaluation.

President Stewart adjourned the meeting.

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT

November 13, 2023

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

Whitney Heckman – Middle School Secretary

Rosemary Harris – Middle School Science/Social Studies Teacher

Langdon Giddons – Helpdesk Technician

EMPLOYMENT:

Certified Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:

Sierra Alford – High School English Teacher – 2024 Spring Semester

Classified Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:

Lynette Emmerson – Middle School Secretary

Rhonda Perkinson – Middle School Paraprofessional

Brenda Holt – High School Paraprofessional

Gavin Davis – Eugene Ware Paraprofessional

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Fall Extravaganza is November 20

November 14, 2023 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Join FSHS Tiger Swimming for the

Annual Fall Extravaganza at FSMS!

Come shop holiday crafts/goodies, eat good food, mingle with friends, and enjoy raffle items!

Washington Workshop will be serving a pulled pork dinner for $10.00 which includes:

Pulled Pork Sandwich

Chips

Drink

Homemade Dessert

See below the list of vendors that will be at there and start your Christmas list now!

Monday, November 20th

5-8pm

Fort Scott Middle School

Help Tiger Swimming as they raise money to attend the 2024 Summer Olympic Trials!

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

Fort Scott, Government

FS City Commission Meets This Evening at 5:30 p.m.

November 13, 2023 Submitted Story Leave a comment

The City Commission will hold a Special Meeting tonight, November 13, 2023, 5:30PM at City Hall. It is anticipated to recess in Executive Session pursuant to the personnel matters of non-elected personnel exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1).

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

U234 Board of Education Agenda for November 13

November 11, 2023 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Unified School District 234

424 South Main

Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697

www.usd234.org

620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760

DESTRY BROWN

Superintendent

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

November 13, 2023 – 5:30 P.M.

PUBLIC AGENDA

1.0 Call Meeting to Order David Stewart, President

2.0 Flag Salute

3.0 Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)

4.0 Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)

4.1 Board Minutes

10/09/2023 Regular Board Meeting
10/30/2023 Special Board Meeting

4.2 Financials-Cash Flow Report

4.3 Check Register

4.4 Payroll –October 20, 2023 – $1,669,587.26

4.5 Activity Fund accounts

4.6 USD 234 Gifts

4.7 FSHS Art Club Fundraising

4.8 FSHS Extended Trip Spring Break 2025

4.9 FSHS Swimming Fundraising

4.10 FSHS Wrestling Fundraising

4.11 FSHS Baseball Fundraising

5.0 Recognitions (Information/Discussion Item)

5.1 Student Recognition

5.2 Employee Recognition

6.0 Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)

6.1 Superintendent’s Report

6.2 Assistant Superintendent’s Report

6.3 Special Education Director’s Report

6.4 Finance Director’s Report

7.0 Old Business

7.1 Enrollment of Nonresident Students Policy

7.2 Changing Method of Board of Education Method of Elections and Voting Plan (Discussion

Only)

8.0 New Business

8.1 Possible purchase of Property (Discussion Item)

Enter Executive Session – Preliminary discussion of the acquisition of property.

9.0 Public Forum

10.0 Other Business – Personnel Matters

10.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)

10.2 Exit Executive Session

10.3 Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)

10.4. Enter Executive Session – Superintendent Evaluation

10.5 Exit Executive Session

11.0 Adjourn Meeting David Stewart, President

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

What’s Happening in Fort Scott November 10 Issue

November 11, 2023 Submitted Story Leave a comment

What’s Happening in Fort Scott! November 10th Weekly Newsletter

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

________________

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Daily Guided Tours: 10am & 1pm

Special activities all this weekend! See link below.

Visit your National Park!

Trolley Tours of Fort Scott

50-minute narrated historical tour

Every Friday & Saturday on the hour

Fridays 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm

Saturdays 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm

$6 adults, $4 12 & under, leaves from the Chamber

BINGO hosted by the American Legion Post 25 every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month unless it falls on a holiday. Doors open at 6pm and Bingo starts at 7pm at Memorial Hall.

Pizza Republic Wednesdays – 10% of sales go to FSHS Tiger Booster Club every Wednesday from 5pm to 9pm

Christmas on The Bricks T-Shirt and Sweatshirt Orders NOW until November 10th, Adult Sizes only-unisex sizing, click here for pricing and to order!

Candlelight Tour Tickets are on sale NOW, contact FS National Historic Site 620-223-0310 to purchase!

Dolly Hollyday Christmas Light Trolley Tours 12/8-12/23, tickets are $8/adult or $5/kids or reserve the Trolley for your friends and family for $125! Contact the Chamber 620-223-3566 to reserve your spot!

11/7-9&11 ~ FSHS Performing Arts Presents Guys and Dolls, a musical fable of Broadway, $8/adults and $6/students & children, click here for tickets and more information!

11/10 ~ US Marine Core Birthday Celebration at Pizza Republic, all are welcome, official

cake cutting ceremony will begin at 7pm, click here for more info!

11/10 ~ Vienna Boys Choir at Fort Scott Community College, 7:00pm, tickets are $45 with general admission seating, click here for more info and to order tickets!

11/11 ~ Bake Sale Fundraiser at First Southern Baptist Church, 7:00am-6:00pm, all proceeds go to building fund.

11/11 ~ Veterans Day Program at National Cemetery No. 1, 11am, organized by the VFW. All are welcome to the VFW after the ceremony for ham & beans!

11/11 ~ Veteran’s Day Appreciation at Fort Scott Munitions, all Veteran’s will receive a free box of ammo with no purchase necessary, 10am-6pm

11/11 ~ Outlaw Jim and the Whiskey Benders at Pizza Republic, a concert to celebrate Veterans

and their sacrifices made for our freedom, $5 cover charge, 8-10pm, click here for more info!

11/10-11/12 ~ Veterans Day Appreciation Special at Kansas Rocks Recreation Park, all military personnel/active or veteran/first responders can come out and ride at NO CHARGE with ID card, click here for more info!

11/12 ~ St. Anne’s Altar Society Fall Festival Turkey Dinner and Kennedy Gym, adults $10.00 children 11 & under are free, come out and enjoy the feast and fellowship, 4-6pm, click here for more info!

11/14-15 ~ SEK Housing Conference in Independence, all welcome to attend! Click here for info.

11/15 ~ Paint Party at Papa Don’s hosted by 2 Southern Ladies, $35 per person, 6-8pm, click here for more information.

11/16 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by USD234 at Fort Scott High School, 1005 S. Main, 8am

11/16 ~ Bourbon County Senior Citizen Health Fair presented by HBCAT at the Scott View Apartments in the Conference Room, 9am-12pm, click here for more information!

11/16 ~ The Fort Scott Community College Theatre Department presents “Santa ‘Claws’ is Coming to Town”, admission is free as a holiday gift to the community, 7pm, see flyer below for more info!

11/18 ~ Almost KISS Tribute Band LIVE at Memorial Hall, 7pm, click here for tickets!

11/19 ~ 27th Turkey Shoot at BRCC, K-8th + a partner, fee:$2.00 per team, see flyer below.

11/18-25 ~ Annual Key Warehouse Sale, one week only, NOT ON THANKSGIVING, closeouts on men’s, ladies, and kids apparel, click here for hours and more information!

11/20 ~ FSMS Extravaganza sponsored by the FSHS Swim Team, 5-8pm, see below for the list of vendors that will be at this event!

11/20 ~ Washington Workshop Pulled Pork Dinner at Fall Extravaganza, $10, pulled pork/chips/drink/homemade dessert, 5-8pm

11/21 ~ Holiday Sweets Auction hosted by Fort Scott Presbyterian Village, come out and get your desserts for Thanksgiving, 5:30pm, if you plan on donating baked goods or other food items please bring them to the Village before 3pm that Tuesday, click here for more info!

11/23 ~ NO Chamber Coffee – Happy Thanksgiving!

11/23 ~ Community Thanksgiving Dinner at the Elk’s Lodge, 11:30am-1:30pm, free will donation, click here for more information!

11/29 ~ Crooner’s Tree Lighting, doors/kitchen/bar open at 5pm, live music, tree lighting & champagne toast at 7pm, make reservations at fscrooners.com, click here for more info!

11/30 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Sunshine Boutique, 18 E. Wall., 8am

11/30 ~ “Candy Land Christmas” parade hosted by Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, 6pm

SAVE THE DATE!

12/1-12/3 ~ First Annual Christmas on the Bricks in Fort Scott Downtown Historic District, horse-drawn carriage rides/candlelight tours at the Fort/gingerbread house making contest/Christmas paint party at Pizza Republic/Floral Centerpiece Making Class at Sunshine Boutique and SO MUCH MORE! Click here for a complete listing of activities that will be happening that weekend!

12/16 ~ Wreaths Across America Ceremony at Fort Scott National Historic Site, 10am-11:00am, click here for more info.

_________

SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!

Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!

Click here for Chamber member

specialty shopping & other retail in

Downtown & other areas of the community.

Fort Scott Area

Chamber of Commerce

620-223-3566

[email protected]

fortscott.com

In This Issue

Calendar of Events

Special Event Features

THANK YOU Chamber Champion members!!

Chamber Highlights

Click here for our

Membership Directory.

We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?

Click here for info.

Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?

Seeking a job/career?

We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.

Many opportunities available!

Housing needs?

Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.

Click here for our rental listing.

Holiday Open House Shopping Event Downtown and Around, continues Friday & Saturday the 10th & 11th!

U.S.M.C Birthday Celebration at Pizza Republic!

And, Outlaw Jim & the Whiskey Benders Sat. Night!

Kansas Rocks Veterans Day Appreciation Special November 10th through November 12th!

Christmas on the Bricks memorabilia sweatshirts & t-shirts are now on sale, pre-order by Nov. 10th!

Santa Claws is Coming to Town!

27th Annual Turkey Shoot @ BRCC!

…

Fort Scott, Schools, Sports, Youth

2023 Fall Extravaganza is November 20: Shopping To Support the Swim Team

November 10, 2023 Loretta George Leave a comment

The annual 2023 Fall Extravaganza is Monday, November 20 from 5-8 p.m. at the Fort Scott Middle School. The event began in 2009.

“Fort Scott High School Swimming is sponsoring the event,” said Madeline Martin, the swim coach for both boys and girls teams.
“The purpose of the event is to help our swimmers raise money to attend the 2024 Summer Olympic Swim Trials as well as bring an opportunity to town to support local businesses.”

“We have 56 booth spaces this year, a few more than last year in addition to several new vendors,” Martin said.

On Facebook: https://fb.me/e/NkwvKmyf

Below is a list of vendors for the event:

About FSHS Swim Teams

“We have 11 boys coming out this year through our cooperative agreement with Frontenac and Pittsburg (school districts),” Martin said. “This girl’s season I am planning on 15+ girls from our COOP with Pittsburg, Frontenac, Arma, Colgan, and Humboldt ( school districts).”

The swim team practices from Monday-Friday in Pittsburg at the YMCA.

“Boys swimming has been active in Fort Scott since the winter of 2019 and then girl’s season began the spring of ’20 but was cut short due to COVID,” she said. “Angie Kemmerer began coaching the team and this will be my third year as swim coach.”

The money raised from booths at the Fall Extravaganza will allow the student-athletes to go to the Summer Olympics in Indianapolis, Indiana in June 2024.

“We are going to be spectators at the Summer Olympics,” she said. “The kids are excited to go watch some of their favorite athletes in person and watch a high-level competition in person.”