Fish kill was observed this week at the Fort Scott Community College campus lake.
Walkers around Fort Scott Community College campus lake have noticed many dead fish.
A call with photos of the fish to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks gave the answer.
“The fish that are in the picture are gizzard shad,” said Lucas Kowalewski, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Fisheries-Region 2 Supervisor. “Gizzard shad are very sensitive to cold water conditions and it is very common in waterbodies where they are present to see winter-time kills. Especially in extended periods of extreme cold and periods where water temperatures fluctuate rapidly up and down (which we have experienced both this winter). ”
“That species is very common to see in the wintertime,” he said. “We are on the northern edge of their species distribution. They are very sensitive to cold.”
“This process can be important for other species, such as blue catfish, which will feed heavily on these winter die-offs of gizzard shad on our larger reservoirs, and I have seen migrating bald eagles key in on waterbodies where this is occurring,” he said. Leaving them for the birds and raccoons will clean them up, in time. If the smell gets bad, you might clean them up, but leaving them is OK, too.”
When there are fish kills, biologists look at two things.
Is it one species or multiple?
“If it’s one, is it something specific about that species at this time of year?” he said. “Or is it illness or disease?”
“If multiple species, is it something going on in the environment?” he said. “For example in summer there are low dissolved oxygen fish kills, due to weather patterns and dying plant materials.”
A Gizzard Shad fish kill at Fort Scott Community College lake on February 15, 2024, is the result of fluctuating weather, said a Kansas Fish Biologist.
The agenda was amended due to an error under the consent agenda for Resolution No. 6-2024. The wrong address was submitted from the Codes Inspector.
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR
MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM – 123 SOUTH MAIN ST.
February 20, 2024 – 6:00 P.M.
Call to Order
Roll Call – M. Guns, M. Wells, T. VanHoecke, D. Olson, T. Dancer
III. Pledge of Allegiance
Invocation
Approval of Agenda
Consent Agenda:
Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1354-A – $772,929.91
Request to Pay – Invoice #17109 – Project No. 23430 – South Industrial Park Waterline Extension – Earles Engineering and Inspection – Inspection Fees – $10,596.05
Consideration of Resolution No. 6-2024 – RESOLUTION AND NOTICE OFHEARING WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 314 W. WALL ST. – L. Kruger/Codes
Consideration of Resolution No. 7-2024 – RESOLUTION AND NOTICE OFHEARING WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 110 W. OAK ST. – L. Kruger/Codes
Consideration of Resolution No. 8-2024 – RESOLUTION AND NOTICE OF HEARING WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 1801 E. WALL ST. – L. Kruger/Codes
January Financials
VII. Public Comment:Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at the Commission’s discretion.
VIII. Appearances:
Mary Wyatt – Grant Update requested by M. Guns
Cory Bryars/Care to Share – Temporary Street Closure and Temporary Park Closure for Fort Fest 2024
Diane Striler – Ice Skating Rink
Deb Needleman – Repairs to Senior Citizens’ Building
Kendall Schoenrock – DCF Building Update
Old Business:
Suggested Street Advisory Board Ordinance Changes – D. Olson
SEKLS Library Board Charter Ordinance – M. Wells
New Business:
Public Hearings:
RESOLUTION NO. 9-2024 A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 922 E. WALL ST. – Codes Department
RESOLUTION NO. 10-2024 A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 515 S. HEYLMAN – Codes Department
Action Items:
Consideration to purchase (4) Dura Tracker Portable Flow Monitors with sensors and applicable cipher, software and training for Wastewater Collections System – B. Lemke
Consideration to purchase Lexipol Policy Writing Service for Police Department – $14,126.40 – J. Pickert
Consideration to purchase wide-area batwing mower for Woodland Hills Golf Course – M. Wyatt and D. Fowler
Consideration to purchase (3) skid steers for Streets, Wastewater and Water Distribution Departments – T. Coffman
Consideration of Change Order No. 4 – Project No. 21-074 – 17th St. andEddy St. Drainage Improvements Phase I – J. Richardson Construction –Final Measured Quantities – Decrease of $3,320.00.
Request to Pay – Project No. 21-074 – 17th St. and Eddy St. Drainage Improvements Phase I – J. Richardson Construction – FINAL withCertificate of Substantial Completion $14,453.15
Consideration of Change Order No. 1 – Gunn Park Shower House andRestroom – Hofer-Hofer & Associates – Creation of footing for stabilization – additional cost of $2,640.00.
Consideration of Quit Claims Deed – William L. Brittain and Michelle M.Brittain – B. Farmer
Consideration to renew Arnold Schofield’s term to Design Review Board
A business that provides personalized print services opened an office in August 2023 at 201 E. National, Fort Scott.
Global Print Brokers. Submitted photo.Darrin Gauthier. Submitted photo.
Global Print Brokers owner is James Stewart Gulager and there are two other employees: Darrin Gauthier and Paul Studyvin.
Stewart Gulager, from his Facebook page.
“We specialize in a variety of products, including stock products for forms, labels, and more promotional,” Darrin Gauthier said. “Our goal is to offer our clients the best of the best when it comes to print solutions, and we have the expertise to provide the best cost evaluations to ensure that your business operates smoothly. Reach out today to learn more about how we can help your business thrive.”
Paul Studyvin. Submitted photo.
“The business was started to help the end user find a better product and save them money in the process,” Gauthier said.
“We provide all kinds of custom printed forms and labels,” Gauthier said. “Along with supplying stock forms and labels. We also help out on promotional and plastic items.”
Forms they provide with some examples:
Pressure Seal
Integrated Labels
Joined Webs
NCR products
Cutsheets
Multi-Part forms
Medical / Lab / Pharmacy Forms
Letterhead
Envelopes
Business/Appointment Cards
Custom printed
Stock
Many more products
Labels:
Shipping Labels
Roll labels
Static cling label
Decal
Stickers
Tire
Industrial Labels
Window Labels
Water bottle labels
Asset tags
Many other items
Plastics:
Gift Cards
Loyalty cards
Mailers
Key tags / any other combination
Etc
Promotional items:
Pens
Signs
Rugs
Tents
Banners
Posters
Mugs
etc.
Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
The business phone is 913-285-5774
To reach the staff: Stewart Gulager – 620-215-4464; Darrin Gauthier – 620-215-6298; and Paul Studyvin – 620-215-2523.
Barbed Wire and Rose Vintage Market owner Rosemary Harris. Submitted photo.
Rosemary Harris opened Barbed Wire and Roses Vintage Market, 18 N. Main Ste. A on January 30, 2021.
The Barbed Wire and Roses Vintage Market, 18 N. Main, Suite A.. Submitted photo.
“Barbed Wire and Roses Vintage Market was started because I love vintage, antique, and collectible items and through the store, they can find new life and purpose and can go back out into the world,” Harris said. “I love when someone finds an item in the store that they have been looking for and share their story about it. I also felt that our historic downtown area was the perfect location for opening a vintage/antique store.”
The shop provides Fort Scott and the surrounding areas a place to go for furniture, home décor, collectibles, and fun and unique items. “We also have people coming into the store looking for specific items and we try to help people locate those items whenever we can,” she said. “Our vendors and consignment items bring a variety of products into the store for our customers and friends to choose from.”
A variety of one-of-a-kind articles are found in Barbed Wire and Roses Vintage Market. Submitted photo.
Conversations are started over some items.
“Toys and home décor bring back lots of fond memories,” she said. “Many customers enjoy reminiscing over items in the store their grandparents or other family members had when they were growing up and visiting their homes. We love when our shoppers share their stories and memories about cherished collections or mementos they have.”
” We hope to keep providing Fort Scott and the surrounding area with a fun place to shop and continue to be a part of our downtown shopping district,” Harris said. “We are excited to be celebrating our third year in business. We are celebrating our 3-year anniversary with sales throughout the store and treats for the month of February.”
Some merchandise in the shop. Submitted photo.
Contact information: the store number is 620-224-7764 and it can be found on Facebook at Barbed Wire and Roses Vintage Market
Tiger Team Members of the Month was the Fort Scott SPED Department Speech Team.
Speech Team – Danette Popp, Christie Smith, Afton Hyer, Liz Underwood, Jodi Brown Michelle Lisica, Mikiah Anderson, Shelly Yocham
Liz Underwood, Winfield Scott, Michelle Lisica, Eugene Ware, and Shelly Yocham, Eugene Ware, are in their first year as Speech Paras for the district. Mikiah Anderson is in her third year with Preschool.
Afton Hyer, Winfield Scott, has been Speech Therapist for the district the last six years and a total of twelve years.
Christie Smith, Eugene Ware, is in her second year with USD 234 and twenty-five years altogether.
Danette Popp, Preschool, has been with the district for twenty-six years and a Speech Therapist for thirty years.
Jodi Brown just started part time with Fort Scott this year and a Speech Therapist for the last twenty years.
Attending through Zoom was Tessa Alumbaugh, she is in her first year with Fort Scott as a Tele-therapist and has been a Speech Therapist for almost eleven years.
Mrs. Barnes recognized each of the team by congratulating them for being flexible and always willing to do whatever it takes to help and support the students.
Mrs. Barnes also recognized three Winfield Scott Paraprofessionals, Rachel Pommier, Francis Torres, and Laurie Bollinger. Mr. Garzone and teachers at Winfield Scott spoke very highly of these three Paras. They are positive and willing to work hard and be available for the students.
Chris Garzone – Assistant Principal Laurie Bollinger, Francis Torres, Rachel Pommier – Winfield Scott Paras
Superintendent Destry Brown reported about the Preschool grant that the district did not receive, but that we will apply for the next round soon. Several students at the High School have requested to start Zero Reasons Why program which is to help “remove the stigma of mental health and prevent teen suicide.” These students are extremely excited to get this started in our District. Mr. Brown also spoke out the KSDE Audit that was finished this last week.
Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, gave a summary of the Speech team and their caseloads. She reported on upcoming training that she will be involved with during the end of this month. Also, Mrs. Barnes gave information on Medicaid reimbursements and deadlines for those reports.
Travis Laver, School Finance Consultant through Greenbush, came to update the Board on the District Finances. He explained about Senate Bill 386 that could potentially effect Fort Scott School District. Also, he was able to give guidance on Preschool enrollment and other options for the district. Travis thanked the district for being helpful and easy to work with during this time. He also is waiting for results from the KSDE audit to know final numbers.
Robin Button, Food Service Director, presented to the Board information about the Free Lunch Program that is District Wide this year. We have seen an increase in student participation in most buildings. She was able to explain the process for school reimbursement from various programs.
Superintendent Brown went over the contract from Hight Jackson for the remodel of the Preschool Building. Going forward the district will be able to do dirt and drainage work. An estimate of this summer was given before the final drawings from the architect would be completed.
As a discussion item, Superintendent Brown brought to the Board the rough draft of a new cell phone policy to be implemented. They were provided with a list of what that policy could potentially look like in the future, including times, devices, as well as disciplinary actions. There will be further discussion on this policy.
The board approved the following items:
Hight Jackson Fort Scott Preschool Contract
The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.
President Stewart adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT
February 12, 2024
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
Bergmann, Mark – Resignation – English Teacher – High School
Crapson, Sydney – Resignation – 1st Grade Teacher – Winfield Scott
Hall, Dakota – Resignation – Assistant Wrestling Coach
Yarick, Gail – Resignation – Business Manager
TRANSFERS/REASSIGNMENTS/LEAVE OF ABSENCE:
For the 2023-24 school year:
Lee, Becky – From Food Service to Full – Time Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
EMPLOYMENT:
Certified Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:
Cosens, Jayci – 7th Grade Social Studies – Middle School 2024-25
Hampton, Breanna – 6th Grade ELA – Middle School 2024-25
Hastings, Nicolette – Adaptive Special Education Teacher – High School – 2024-25
Oxholm, Chris – Adaptive Special Education Teacher – High School – 2024-25
Payne, Melissa – 6th Grade ELA – Middle School -2024-25
Classified Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:
Black, Carla – Part Time Paraprofessional – High School
Claypool, Kaitlyn – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware
Endicott, Jencyn – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
Graham, Jenna – Paraprofessional – Middle School
Uhler, Laurie – Paraprofessional – Middle School
Supplemental Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:
Jones, Madi – Assistant Track Coach – High School
Myers, Brent – Assistant Track Coach – High School
Robertson, Tom – Head Boys Golf Coach FSHS
The Board moved to extend Administrator Contracts as presented.
Hosted by the Gordon Parks Museum and the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes at the Gordon Parks Museum
2108 South Horton
The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes and the Gordon Parks Museum will be having a combined Chamber Coffee in honor of Black History Month and the Unsung Hero and Black Musician James Reese Europe. The Lowell Milken Center and the Gordon Parks Museum is asking the community to join them at 11:00am on February 15th for a special event which includes a soup lunch, the FSHS Jazz Band, Speaker Lem Sheppard, and a cakewalk! Join us this Thursday for nourishment, not only for your morning caffeine but for your brain as well!
Robert Needham shows his race car. Submitted photo.
The Fort Scott Scout Pinewood Derby event is on February 17, at 6 p.m. at Memorial Hall, 1 East Third.
The schedule for February 17 is as follows:
5 to 6 p.m. Check-in and registration.
6 to 6:30 Scout races.
6:30 to 7 Scout awards.
7:30 to 8 Corporate Races.
8 to whenever… Grudge Races.
“The Pinewood Derby has been an annual event for many years for scouts, and it’s one of the highlights of their year,” said Scoutmaster Seth Needham. “Three years ago, we decided to make it a community event and invite local businesses and organizations to attend. It’s been a huge success, and it’s a lot of fun.”
James Gooderl won the Sportsmanship Award last year, and also the Grand Champion for a faster car. Submitted photo.
The purpose of the event is twofold, Needham said.
“First, more people come to our derby. The scouts work hard on their cars, so this allows more people to come and cheer them on, the kids love it…and a chance to see what scouts is about. Local business people show up, as well as the Police Department, Fire Department, and the Sheriff’s Office. The kids look up to those guys, so it’s a big deal for the scouts to see them come cheer them on.”
Petyon Golden helps set up flags for Flag Day at the Fort Scott National Historic Site. Submitted photo.
“Second, it’s a fundraiser for us,” Needham said. “Companies pay $25 to enter the race, which gets them a pinewood derby car kit and gets them entered for the race. We use that money for a variety of things, but it mostly goes to trophies and the cost of putting on the derby. Any extra money we raise helps cover membership dues.”
“When I first started doing this, I talked to a lot of people in the community about participating,” he said. “Over and over, I heard the same thing; ‘I still have my trophy from pinewood derby from when I was in scouts’. It’s something that they held onto for years. Our pack used to do much smaller trophies due to the cost, but with the addition of the corporate derby, we can hand out nice trophies that the scouts will keep for a long time”.
“We give out trophies for 1st place for each Den, as well as Grand Champion and Reserve Champion,” Needham said. “My favorite trophy is the Sportsmanship Trophy… it goes to the scout who shows the best sportsmanship throughout the event…Factors in deciding who wins this trophy…(are) helping your fellow scouts build their cars, cheering on your friend (even when you’re competing against them), helping set up, building their car versus buying one online, and much more. It’s my absolute favorite trophy for the night. And honestly, we probably couldn’t have afforded to add this trophy without the addition of the corporate derby.
John Pommier won first place in the Lion’s Division (KIndergartners), the first year for scouts) last year. “I LOVE this photo because he is SO happy to win,” Needham said.
“The grudge races are a new addition,” he said. “After the main races, the teams can go to the pit area and make modifications to their cars and then challenge other racers to a race. So if the sheriff and the police department want to see who has the fastest car, they can settle the dispute on the track. Each race costs $5, and the challenger pays the entry fee.”
James Gooderl, left, being presented with the Sportsmanship Award from Seth Needham. Camren Lamb is also pictured. Camren won Reserve Champion last year. Submitted photo.
After the races, there is a lock-in at Presbyterian Church for the kids..an overnight race-themed evening of games, crafts, and movies.
The Scouts meet on Tuesdays at the First Presbyterian Church. Once the weather gets nicer, they usually meet at Riverfront Park. “It’s a good park to meet at because there is a lot of open space for the kids to explore, and the gazebo to do our lessons,” he said.
“The Scout program is open to any child in grades kindergarten through 5th grade. After 5th grade, they move up to the Troop, which is the older kids.”
Needham has been the Cubmaster for three years.
“I love it. I enjoy seeing the kids learn the importance of helping other people, doing their best no matter what, and being creative,” he said. “My favorite part of Scouts is our community events, whether that is the Pinewood Derby, or taking the kids for a walk downtown to pick up trash. We also help with flags at the Old Fort on Flag Day, participate in parades, and usually try to spend at least one day a year doing a project at a local park. Oh, and we also go camping and go on hikes.”
Upcoming Events
The Blue and Gold banquet is in May, where awards for the year are received. Each Den has adventure requirements throughout the year, as well as electives they can participate in.
At the banquet, they receive belt buckles for these activities. There is also a “Cross-Over” for 5th-grade students choosing to continue in the Scout program by joining the Troop.
“We have a wooden bridge that we set up, and they walk across it to symbolize they are crossing over into the troop,” Needham said. “I don’t know how old the bridge is, but it’s been around for many years and has signatures of previous scouts who crossed over. There are a lot of names on that bridge from people in our area.”
For the first time a, Soapbox Derby race will be held on June 1.
“I’m excited,” Needham said. It will be a fundraiser, with money raised to send Scouts to Camp Arrowhead, in Missouri, this summer. “It’s a wonderful camp, and it should be a lot of fun.”
Other summer outdoor activities: include a scout swim at Fort Scott Aquatic Center for one night; a Beach Bash at Fort Scott Lake which is one of the kids’ favorite activities; and also hikes and camping.
In her first two years at the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, Rachel Carpenter has helped lead many transformational projects.
From the downtown arch project and park improvements in Fort Scott to the countywide child care coalition, Carpenter has been instrumental in bringing positive, impactful change to Southeast Kansas.
For that work and her leadership throughout Bourbon County, Carpenter has been named the new HBCAT Executive Director.
“We are so proud to have Rachel on our team and now as our Executive Director,” HBCAT President Jody Love said. “She works tirelessly to build wealth and economic stability in all her efforts, recruiting individuals to use our services and working with community health workers on self-sustainability. She is passionate about building healthier, thriving people and communities.
“We believe people deserve access to opportunity. We believe we should have a choice and a say in our own health and welfare. We make that happen through our unique programming, and Rachel is such a wonderful partner in that mission.”
Carpenter, who leads the Local Health Equity Action Team (LHEAT) and Center for Economic Growth, said she is excited for this elevated role at HBCAT.
“I spearhead the LHEAT, which is a coalition that informs the work that we do at HBCAT,” she said. “Our LHEAT has been successful in bringing in free county-wide transportation and launching two laundry programs. The LHEAT received the KDADS Introductory Grant ($30,000) that focuses on building coalition capacity to develop youth drug prevention strategies.”
Carpenter also leads the Bourbon County Childcare (BC3) which is comprised of early childhood professionals and support organizations.
“The BC3 coalition received the Childcare Community Partnership Grant ($48,500) that went toward child care providers to purchase capacity building items, and to bring more in-person training to Bourbon County,” she said.
“I implemented the HBCAT Grant program that awarded a total of $194,000 to 31 businesses in Bourbon County with a capital infusion of $1.5 million,” she said. “The grant program focuses on Farmer/Ranchers, Restaurants/Food Retail, and Minority, Low-Income, or Women Owned Start-Ups. The Center for Economic Growth Program has a success rate of 74.3 percent.
“I love being able to meet people and hear about their goals,” she said. “It is so fulfilling to be able to connect them to resources and opportunities so that they can thrive in Bourbon County”
For more information on HBCAT and its services, visit https://hbcat.org/
There are (2) open positions for the Fort Scott Public Library. The function of the Library Board is to review requests in reference to the library. These are (4) year terms and the board meets the second Tuesday of each month. These are voluntary positions and board are not compensated. Please send your Letter of Interest to the City Clerk at [email protected] (or City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701) by Friday, March 1, 2024, and be sure to include your contact information.
All submitted letters will be presented to the Library Board for consideration. The board will then make a recommendation to the City Commission for approval. All letters will be posted on www.fscity.org , as they are included in the City Commission Agenda Packet and are a matter of public record (contact information will be redacted).
For further information or questions about the position, please contact Jennifer Gun-Fowler, Fort Scott Public Library Director at (620) 223-2882.
