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Category Archives: Fort Scott
Downtown Meet and Greet: Much Is Happening In Fort Scott
Kathy and Tracy Dancer, owners of Cohn’s Cafe, 110 S. Main, hosted the quarterly Fort Scott Downtown Meet and Greet on July 9.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce sponsors quarterly events to learn/tell of happenings in the downtown historic district.
Lindsay Madison, the Chamber’s executive director, told of the following upcoming events:
- July 13 sidewalk sales-11 stores participating with a Business Bingo, Riggs Chiropractic offering free screenings, and the Bourbon County Democrats with a booth.
- August 2-4 is the annual sales tax holiday weekend in Fort Scott.
- September 12 is the Fall Fest from 5-8 p.m.
- October 26 is the annual Halloween Parade at 11 a.m.
- November 7-9 the Holiday Open House with the main kickoff on Thursday from 5-8 p.m.
- December 5 is the Christmas Parade at 6 p.m. with the theme “A Storybook Christmas.”
- December 6-7 stores are open late for Christmas on the Bricks.
- New seasonal downtown light pole banners are being ordered featuring local veterans. The banners will be posted on Memorial Day, July 4th, and Veterans Day at a cost of $300 and the family gets the banner at the end. 30 banners have sold, so far.
- There are a few ad spaces available on the Downtown Directory Sign on North Main Street, $100 per year.
- The Chamber Golf Classic is this Friday, July 12. Raffle items and gift cards are welcome for this fundraiser for the Chamber.
- There will be an Election Candidate Forum on Thursday, July 25 at the Fort Scott High School Auditorium with a meet and greet at 5:30 p.m. and the forum at 6 p.m.
- Several business grants are available: e-community with 6% for 10 yrs., $5,000 to $50,000; Grow KS: maximum $100,000+, 4% for 5 yrs., 6% for 10 years; USDA REAP grant for energy efficiency and solar projects (the last round of grants deadline is Sept. 30); and HEAL Grants for downtown businesses.
Superintendent of Fort Scot National Historic Site Jill Jarworski said the fire suppression project is 50 % complete, the Blair House will soon have new siding, the infantry barracks will be renovated, three HVAC units will be replaced, there will soon be more accessibility at the Fort, Candlelight Tours are in the planning stages, the Naturalization Ceremony will be Sept. 20 this year, there is an app “Sunflower Summer” for 3-4th grade students is free and features Kansas attractions.
Downtown Trolley Tours has a new driver, Steve Allmond, with Friday tours on the hour starting at 11 a.m. and ending at 2 p.m.; Saturday hours start at 10 a.m. on the hours. There is a wheelchair lift available and at least 6 persons minimum.
Merita Meech announced her inaugural Jim Meech Agri-Medical Foundation event at Sharkey’s Third Floor on July 27, from 6-8 p.m. She has a web link for the event to help farmers/ranchers in the first 30 days following a crisis.
There will be a craft event at the River Room Event Center at Oak and National Avenue on July 27 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Fort Scott City representative Mary Wyatt said a new name for the golf course will be announced on August 15, a grant has been applied for Memorial Hall, KDOT recently awarded the city money for East National Avenue and the Third Street Park project is nearing completion.
Regional Economic Development Inc. Director Rob Harrington told of the Freeman Hospital opening in April 2025 at the former Mercy site. The health system is going through the Federal licensing process. At the August 2 Chamber Coffee, Kansas Renewal Institute and REDI will give tours of the newly renovated emergency department facility. REDI is having its annual gala on August 3 at the Liberty Theater with a live and online auction to provide scholarships for local high school students. He said in 2025, there will be many construction workers (solar energy) in the county that will need housing, and possibly be shopping and attending events in the county. He encourages welcome packets for them and “they will bring in a huge amount of sales tax.”
Open Mortgage, at Wall and National, has merged and will be getting a new name.
A new business, House of Cottonwood Candles,, there is opening in the former Common Ground building at 116 S. Main.
Jerry Witt, Riverfront Authority Chair, said that Riverfront Park will soon have some new features.
Two Fort Scott Community College Basketball Coaches attending said they are recruiting for the new season.
Konantz Cheney has a new website and can be followed on Facebook.
Madison said she and staff continually get compliments about the downtown area and thanked the downtown businesses.
In June 2025, there will be the all-school Fort Scott High School Reunion events.
The Bourbon County Fair starts next week and Meech encouraged all to walk through the fair and appreciate the effort the FFA and 4H youth have done throughout the year.
Free Friday Night Concert: Backside of the Moon on July 12
On Friday evening, July 12, the band Backside of the Moon will perform for the Chamber of Commerce concert series.
The band plays a variety of music and includes some comedy in their
performance. Members of Backside of the Moon are Larry Snow, Judy Snow, Don Brubaker, and Pat Briant.
This is a very talented group which is based in Mound City. The concert at the pavilion park begins at 7 p.m.
Because seating is limited, you are encouraged to bring a lawn
chair.
In case of hot or rainy weather, the concert will be held at the Common Ground Coffee Shop.
News Release of the July 8 U234 Board of Education Meeting
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
NEWS RELEASE
Monday, July 8, 2024
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, July 8, 2024, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.
President David Stewart opened the meeting.
The Board voted for David Stewart to remain as Board President and Stewart Gulager to remain Board Vice-President.
The board approved the official agenda and the consent agenda as follows:
Board Minutes
06/03/24 Minutes
06/10/24 Board Minutes
Financials – Cash Flow Report
Check Register
Payroll – June 20, 2024 -$2,128,270.84
Activity Funds Accounts
USD 234 Gifts
Appoint Terry Mayfield as Deputy Board Clerk
HS Extended Trip Forms 24-25
HS Fundraising Applications 24-25
Resolution 24-01 – Destruction of Records
Resolution 24-02 – Waiver of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
Resolution 24-03 – Rescinding Policy Statements found in Board Minutes
Resolution 24-04 – Establish Home Rule by Board of Education
Designation of Banks for deposit of school funds
Set fees for copying records
10 cents per page for employees
10 cents per page for alumni
15 cents per page for non-employees
20 cents per page for color copies
Mileage reimbursement – current state mileage rate
For information only – as of 07/01/24 – 67 cents
2024-25 School Fees
Recreation Commission Board Member Term
Designation of newspaper for official school publications – Fort Scott Tribune
Offices for the 2024-25 School Year
KASB Government Relations Network Representative – Board President
Food Service Hearing Officer/Compliance Coordinator for Federal
Anti-Discrimination Laws – Terry Mayfield
Title VI, Title VII, and Title IX of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act/Coordinator/Point of Contact for Child – Destry Brown
Welfare Agencies/District Foster Care Liaison/Freedom of Information Officer – Haley Jones
Food Service Program Representative – Robin Button
Clerk – Candace Jobe
KPERS Representative/KiCS Designated Representative Member – Angela Robinson
Treasurer – Rhonda Dawson
LCP Coordinator/Coordinator for Homeless Children/ 504 Coordinator – Destry Brown
Fort Scott High School Attendance Officer – Jeff Johnson
Fort Scott Middle School Attendance Officer – Matt Harris
Eugene Ware Attendance Officer – Brandon Boyd
Winfield Scott Attendance Officer – Nicole Gilmore
Bourbon County Ready Board – vacant
June 2024 KASB Policy Updates
Superintendent Destry Brown reported on the SAFE Schools grant that will help update security cameras, district radios, and provide additional AEDs. Also, he clarified information about the new Preschool Building.
Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield updated the board on cross training and job descriptions within the district office. He explained the processes for his position and how he planned to bring information to the Board in the future. Lastly, he gave an update about closing the 23-24 school year budget.
Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, reported on finances coming in for the upcoming school year. She explained about updating Special Education manuals that need to
be completed this next year
The board approved the following items:
- Workers Compensation Renewal 2024-25
- KiCS Property, Casualty, Insurance 2024-25
- 2024-25 Emergency Operations Procedures
- Dates set for Budget Presentation, Revenue Neutral Hearing & Budget Hearing
- Resolution 24-05 Revenue Neutral Declaration to the Bourbon County Clerk
- ERate Order
There was none present for public forum.
The board went into executive session for negotiations/salary discussions.
The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.
President Stewart adjourned the meeting
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED
July 8, 2024
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
Colvin, Angela – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Middle School
Geneva, Nancy – Resignation – Food Service
Wilson, Kerrie – Resignation – Receptionist/District Admin Assistant – Board Office
TRANSFER:
Dawson, Jamie – School Psychologist Para
Endicott, Jencyn – Preschool Para
EMPLOYMENT:
Certified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:
Rainey, Taylor – Special Education Teacher – KRI
Stewart, Mya – .5 Speech Para & .5 OT Para
Classified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:
Matkin, Tammy -Receptionist/District Admin Assistant – Board Office
Thurston, Jordan – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
Chamber Coffee Hosted By Walmart on July 11
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Award Winning Daryl Mosley Will Perform at the 1st Southern Baptist Church on Saturday, July 13
BEE Better Health Club Is Now In Fort Scott
BEE Better Health Club has moved locations.
Wesley DeHaven, 24, is the owner and coach of the business and last year in June he opened the fitness center on his family’s farm.
On June 10, 2024, he opened the fitness center at 212 E. 1st in Fort Scott.
The BEE Better Health Club is a group fitness studio for women.
“I’m a certified group fitness instructor through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. I worked at a CrossFit gym where I began my weight-loss journey and began coaching women’s Boot Camp classes. I’ve been working with clients and coaching classes since November 2022,” he said.
“I was initially located southeast of town in a garage on the family farm. The initial plan was to always get in town and be easily accessible to provide my services,” he said.
“As a fat loss and body recomposition coach, all group fitness members receive nutrition coaching,” he said. “I also offer one-on-one coaching services. I run what I call a hybrid model, in-person and remote which makes it easy for me to work with work schedules. In terms of products, I am an authorized retailer for 1st Phorm a supplement company. The most loved products are protein bars, high-protein meat sticks, and protein powders. “
“Inside group fitness we have 16 members and I have another 12 that I currently work with one-to-one,” he said.
Current class times are 7 AM and 5:30 PM.
Text or call DeHaven at (620) 644-8150 or visti the Facebook page: The BEE Better Health Club
City of Fort Scott Begins Flushing of Chlorine from Fire Hydrants Starting July 15
Press release for 2024 Flushing/Burnout
Who: City of Fort Scott Water Utility
What: Is initiating our flushing/ free Chlorine burnout program for the year.
When: Starting on Monday July 15th and lasting approximately 2 weeks.
Where: City of Fort Scott – and Bourbon County Rural water districts.
Why: In order to maintain water quality. If this maintenance is not performed in the water distribution system, the water will eventually lose all of its disinfection residual, which could cause the utility of incur disinfectant residual violations from KDHE.
The Fort Scott Water Utility has commenced the annual flushing program along with a free chlorine burnout of the water distribution system. This burnout is a part of necessary maintenance of the distribution system which will help maintain the disinfection residual levels required by KDHE. During this flushing and free chlorine burnout, the disinfectant used in our distribution system will be changed from chloramines to free chlorine which is a stronger and faster-acting disinfectant. Flushing and chlorine burnouts are routine distribution system maintenance conducted by utilities with chloramine disinfection.
There are two common types of chlorine used in water treatment for disinfection purposes, combined chlorine (or chloramines) and free chlorine.
A benefit of using chloramines is that they will retain disinfection residual longer in the distribution system and they do not lend themselves in promoting taste, or a “chlorine” taste in the water.
Except during a burnout in the summertime, the City of Fort Scott Water Treatment Plant uses chloramines to disinfect the finished water before entering the distribution system.
However, chloramines are not as strong of a disinfectant as free chlorine, and it can allow certain types of nitrifying bacteria to grow in the distribution system. These natural occurring bacteria feed on the ammonia found in our finished water. These bacteria are nonpathogenic – they are not a health concern.
Nitrifying bacteria which naturally grow in any distribution system when using chloramines can become prolific in warm summer temperatures. They will eventually cause water quality to degrade in the warmer summer months. Also, heat alone is a major factor that will cause disinfectant residuals to dissipate.
Surface water systems across the State do an annual or biannual free chlorine burnouts. The term burnout is commonly used because free chlorine is a much more powerful disinfectant than combined chlorine. Free chlorine will oxidize nitrifying bacteria and keep it in check.
Fire hydrants will be utilized to allow flushing of the system to help remove sediment from the pipes and distribute the change in disinfectant. Customers may notice city personnel flushing fire hydrants throughout the city during this period. This free chlorine is pulled through the distribution system by flushing the entire system through fire hydrants, and overflowing water towers.
Occasionally during this process customers may temporarily experience low pressures, taste or odors, discolored water, or even some sediment in their water.
During the flushing and burnout, you may notice that your tap water tastes different than normal. This is because most people cannot smell or taste combined chlorine in the water, however most people can smell and taste free chlorine in the water.\
It could also affect the taste of fountain drinks. If you find the chlorine taste unpleasant, it can be helpful to leave an uncovered pitcher of water sit overnight. This will allow some of the chlorine to evaporate and could help improve taste during this time.
The burnout process normally takes two weeks after which we can return to the combined chlorine residual and the excellent tasting water of which we are accustomed. We are extremely fortunate to have such a quality water supply available to us. Quality water helps promote quality life. Much of the rest of the world is not as fortunate as we are in water supply and water quality.
If you have any questions, concerns, or comments please contact Scott Flater at the Water Treatment Plant at 223-5160 between 8:00 A.M. and 4:30 P.M., Monday through Friday.
Downtown Meet and Greet July 9 at 110 S. Main
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Horton Street Update
Update on Horton Street: Wick and Hecker, a contractor working for the City of Fort Scott, has started on the Horton Street Project. I will try to give you updates weekly so you can be aware of the street closures or happenings with the project.
7/8/2024 – Water and Sewer work will be started from 8th street to 18th street. Wick and Hecker will be placing barricades in area that work is being done on. Unless road is completely torn up, residents will still have access to their residence, and the street will more than likely be open after 6:00pm each night during the water and sewer work.
This is coming from the project manager at Wick and Hecker.
Thank you for your patience, this is going to be a long process but it will be very nice once completed.
Brad Matkin
City Manager
City of Fort Scott
Fort Scott, Kansas 66701
620-223-0550 ext. 210
Vehicle Fire On South Main
At approximately 1:26 pm on July 6, the Fort Scott Fire Department was dispatched to Citizens Bank, 2207 S. Main, parking lot for a report of a vehicle on fire.
FSFD arrived on scene to find a Chevrolet truck with heavy flames and smoke from the engine and interior compartment.
Fire crews worked quickly to extinguish the fire and the fire was under control within 5 minutes. The extent of the fire was major and the vehicle is a total loss. Fire crews remained on scene to extinguish hot spots inside the vehicle as well as the engine compartment.
Upon investigating the owners stated they were having issues with the fuel lines and were taking the vehicle to Briggs. It is believed the fire was a direct result of this issue as the area of origin was the engine compartment and spread through the fire wall into the interior.
Fire crews cleared the scene and went back in service.
New FSCC Dean of Students: Vanessa Poyner
Vanessa Poyner, 46, is the new Fort Scott Community College Dean of Students as of June 11. Her office is located in the Student Services office of Bailey Hall.
Poyner earned her Associate of Science from Fort Scott Community College, then a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration from Missouri Southern State University and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration from the University of Cincinnati.
“With 18 years of experience as the Criminal Justice Instructor at Fort Scott Community College, I have always been very student-centered and driven to assist students both in and out of the classroom in achieving their life goals,” she said.
“As the Dean of Students at Fort Scott Community College, I oversee the Student Services departments, which include admissions, the registrar, advising, TRIO, student housing, and student activities,” she said.” In addition to these responsibilities, I serve as the TITLE IX Coordinator on campus, ensuring compliance and addressing issues related to Title IX. I am also dedicated to playing a vital role as the student advocate, supporting and championing the needs and interests of our students.”