Category Archives: Fort Scott

Business, Fort Scott

Happy Kids Daycare and Preschool Opens

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Taken from the business Facebook page. Lindsay Knopp and Afton Brown.
 Lindsay Knopp  and Afton Brown are the new owners of Happy Kids Daycare and Preschool, INC. at 1502 Scott Avenue, the former New Generations building.
The business provides daycare for children ages two weeks and up.
“We are pretty much full,  with a waiting list of 50-plus,” Knopp said.
“We… have our normal daycare settings and preschool during the school months and then daycare and summer program during the summer months,”  Brown said.
The hours of operation will be 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Currently in the preschool there are 37 students, Knopp said. “This includes the USD 234 (students).  They lease a space to serve more preschool age kids and the majority of those students are also served in our daycare the other half of the day.  In daycare we currently have around 60.”

“We are still waiting on our license, but we signed on the building June 16th,” Knopp said.

To contact the business call (620) 223-1506 or email:
The Happy Days Daycare and Preschool people mover sits outside the facility. Taken from the business Facebook page.

 

 

Fort Scott, Schools

New U234 Educators: Bethany Anderson, Kim Carpenter, Chad Ruddick

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This is a series of features on the 26 new educators in Fort Scott.

School begins today for the district.

Bethany Anderson. Submitted photo.

Bethany Anderson, 23, will be teaching English at Fort Scott High School.

She earned her education at Emporia State University and has taught English at Lawrence High School.

Her hometown is Sterling, KS.

“My dad was my high school principal, now is a professor in the teaching department at Sterling College,” she said. “My mom is a school nurse where I did my student teaching.”

Outside of school she works at a coffee shop during the summers in Kansas City. She is in a sand volleyball league on Sunday and Friday nights. “I also really love playing tennis and reading books in my free time. On Wednesday nights I serve at my church for the high school youth program. I love being busy,” she said.

“I absolutely love English and it’s one of my biggest passions, but my first passion is loving kids well and building those relationships. That’s something I learned from my dad who has been in education for about 25 years. He taught me how to invest in kids first and then focus on the subject I teach. I think that has to be my favorite part of teaching, is the relationships I have built with the kids.”

“There are also some major challenges I have faced already in my short time teaching… hardships with administration support and feeling as if the kids weren’t a first priority in some decisions being made. It has also been an eye opener that there is a lot more that goes into teaching that they don’t mention in college or even during student teaching. I am excited to be apart of a smaller district where I already feel valued as an educator.”

 

Kim Carpenter. Submitted photo.

Kim Carpenter is an incoming 5th-grade teacher at Eugene Ware Elementary School.

Before returning to college to earn her B.Ed. from Pittsburg State University when her youngest child was in kindergarten, she worked at Winfield Scott Elementary as a paraprofessional and teacher’s aide. Having four children of her own while working in an educational setting made teaching seem like a natural career choice for her. Carpenter earned her M.Ed. ion Curriculum and Instruction from William Woods University in 2014. She taught 14 years as an elementary teacher from Nevada, MO.

 

Carpenter’s hometown is Fort Scott.

Her daughter Jana and husband Michael and their two sons Randy and Liam call Fort Scott home, as well at her son Jon and wife Rachel and their daughter, Evelyn. Her son Kyle and his wife Anna live in Erie and her daughter Kelsey and her husband Drew reside in Bentonville, AR.

When Carpenter isn’t spending time with her family, she enjoys camping, hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking. Apart from spending time in nature, she loves crafting, researching her family history, and going to flea markets. She is actively involved at her church, Faith Church.

Carpenter can’t say that any one teacher inspired her to become a teacher, but she has been blessed to have been impacted by many top-notch educators. Some of the most memorable include Don Miller, Fred Campbell, Jr., Barbara Albright, Joyce Sinn, Jean and Jack Gilmore, Connie Neil, and Pat Lamb to name a few.

She says the best part of teaching is building relationships with each new group of students who come through her classroom. Her philosophy is “relationships first and everything else will follow.”

Carpenter says there are many challenges educators face today. While there are so many things outside of our control, she says we can focus on the areas where they can have the most impact while still having fun.

 

Chad Ruddick, 39,  will teach 11th grade English at FSHS.
He earned a Bachelors Degree in Pre-law from Pittsburg State University, a Master’s in Criminal Justice and a Master’s in Teaching  from PSU,  and a Specialist of Education in Educational Admin. from William Woods University.
Ruddick taught 10 years at North Middle School in Joplin, MO; one year at Chetopa High School, and five years at Pittsburg Community Middle School.
His hometown is Scammon, KS.
He and his wife Jennifer have  two children: Hayden (16 year old son) and Lily (13 year old daughter).
Outside of teaching he enjoys hunting, fishing, video games, woodworking, volunteering as a cook/chef for local organizations feeding those in need, and volunteer work with families in need.
He became a  teacher accidentally, he said.
“After attending law school, I began working as an Outreach Coordinator with the Alzheimer’s Association.  In an attempt to be better in that role, I began taking teaching courses through PSU.  When my office closed in December of 2007, I focused on finishing my Master’s in Teaching and focused on teaching secondary English.  What began as a two year plan has led me to 15 beautiful years in the classroom.”
Many have inspired him over the years, he said.  “My parents and family have inspired me to be a better teacher, and man.  However, I truly feel like the students and families we serve have had a tremendous amount of influence on my desire to keep teaching while becoming better at the things I wish to improve on.  Knowing I am helping those who need me is the driving force that fuels success in my life.”
“The best part of teaching for me is helping students and families.  Whether it’s the struggling student who finally connects the dots, or the family that finds success outside the classroom, the best part of teaching is serving those in our communities.”
There are some challenges.
“We face many challenges in the classroom in 2022.  The evolution of technology has greatly enhanced our ability to help students, but keeping up with the technology can be a hustle.  Teachers must continue to step up their game to stay relevant and provide 21st Century skills to our students.  On a larger scale, dwindling economics impacts our families in the southeast Kansas area and directly affects our students in the classroom.  It takes a village to educate and raise our young people.  Fort Scott does a great job of reaching our families, so I feel fortunate to be a part of the high school team!”

 

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

USD 234 Special Meeting for Budget Hearings on August 22

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NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF
BOARD OF EDUCATION
August 17,2022
A special meeting o f the Board of Education, Unified School District No. 234, Bourbon County, Kansas, is hereby called to be held at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, the twenty-second day of August, 2022, at the Board of Education Office.

The purpose of the meeting is a Revenue Neutral Tax Rate Hearing at 5:30 p.m.; approval of Resolution 22- 07 – Expressing the Property Taxation Policy of USD 234 Fort Scott with Respect to
Exceeding the Revenue Neutral Tax Rate for Financing the Annual Budget for 2022-23;
a Budget Hearing at 5:45 p.m.; adoption of the 2022-23 Budget; approval of Resolution 22-08 – Local Option Budget Percentage; approval of the revised 1,1l6 hour calendar for
the 2022-23 school year; approval of a MOU with Greenbush for an interim special education director; an executive session pursuant to the non-elected personnel exception under KOMA; and approval of the Personnel Report.


By order of the President of the Board of Education of Unified School District No. 234, Bourbon County, Kansas.

1.0
2.0
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BOARD OF EDUCATION SPECIAL MEETING
AUGUST 22, 2022 – 5:30 P.M.
AGENDA SUMMARY
Call Meeting to Order
Flag Salute
Open the Revenue Neutral Tax Rate Hearing (Action ltem)
3.1 Close the Revenue Neutral Tax Rate Hearing (Action ltem)
3.2 Approval of Resolution 22-07 – Expressing the Property Taxation Policy of USD 234
Fort Scott with Respect to Exceeding the Revenue Neutral Tax Rate for Financing the
Annual Budget for 2022-23 (Action Item)
5:45 p.m. Open the Budget Hearing (Action Item)
4.1 Close the Budget Hearing (Action ltem)
4.2 Adoption of the 2022-23 Budget (Action Item)
4.3 Adopt Resolution 22-08 – Local Option Budget Percentage (Action Item)
Approve revised 1,116-hour calendar for the 202243 school year (Action ltem)
Approve MOU with Greenbush for an interim special education director (Action Item)
Personnel Matters
7.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)
7.2 Exit Executive Session
7.3 Approval of Personnel Report (Action ltem)
Adjourn Meeting
5.0
6.0
7.0
8.0
Unified School District 234

Business, Fort Scott

New Exterior Building Cleaning Service Is Offered

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Jake Province. Submitted photo.

Local resident Jake Province, started Influx Services, a building exterior cleaning service in late May of this year.

“We provide house washing, pressure washing, exterior cleaning, and restoration services,” Province said. “We provide … driveway and concrete cleaning, deck and fence cleaning, and restoration services such as oil and rust stain removal.”

Service to other businesses are offered by Province as well.

“We also offer all services to commercial clients,” Province said. “We offer reasonable prices, professional service, and use appropriate cleaning techniques to prevent damage to your home or building.”

“I started this business because I’ve lived in Fort Scott and the
surrounding areas for most of my life, and like all of us, I want to
see it grow and improve,” he said. “Providing quality pressure washing, house washing, and exterior cleaning to the people of the town at reasonable prices is my way of giving back, and I hope to see my efforts cause more people to appreciate the town and the local businesses here.”

A before and after cleaning services. Submitted photo.

The business serves Fort Scott and all surrounding areas.

Those interested in residential or commercial cleaning can get a free
quote by calling (620) 407-3008,
or emailing [email protected]m

A before and after home driveway cleaning. Submitted photo.
Fort Scott, Schools

New FSMS Teachers: David Heidrick, Janet Fairbanks, Samantha Short

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This is part of a series featuring the 26 new educators in USD 234. School starts on August 18.

David Heidrick. Submitted photo.

David Heidrik is a new  seventh- grade Special Education teacher at Fort Scott Middle School.

This is his 11th year as an  educator, all of those in special education.

“I spent 8 years at Prairie View as a middle school resource room teacher and I will hold the same position here,” he said.

“I am married with two boys,” he said.  “My wife , Luisa, is from Peru and we met at Pittsburg State University. Our boys are Matt, age 6,  and Jacob, age 3.”

He has a variety of interests outside of school.

“I am into athletics, I practice Jiu Jitsu, I have a garden, and I study ancient history among other hobbies,” he said.

Janet Fairbanks. Submitted photo.
Janet Fairbanks has been hired to teach sixth grade history.
She earned a bachelors degree from Pittsburg State University in elementary education, certified to teach K-9 .
“I retired from teaching almost two years ago,” she said. “I taught in Osawatomie for 26 years. I have taught elementary physical education, elementary librarian, fourth grade, fifth grade, and even did elementary music.”
She moved to Fort Scott last May.
” I spend most of my free time with my  four married kids and 15 grandkids going to ball games and enjoying all of the different activities that they participate in.”
“Even though I have loved retirement, I miss the classroom! I decided I can do what I love, teaching, and I can also travel with my female companion, Blue, a mini Aussie. I do plan on traveling to all 50 states with her, maybe even get her on a plane to Hawaii!”
“I am looking forward to teaching In Fort Scott. The staff that I have met while substituting last year are pretty awesome! I am pretty excited to join the team at the middle school.”
Samantha Short. Submitted photo.

Samantha Short, 53 is a new Fort Scott Middle School Spanish teacher and remedial English teacher.

She graduated from Nevada High School in 1987.Then earned her bachelors, masters and specialist degrees from Pittsburg State University.

She taught Spanish in the Nevada School District for the last 28 years and just retired this year.

Nevada is her hometown since 1975.

She has been married for 31 years and has three children and two grandchildren. Katlyn is a 6th grade teacher in Nevada; Colton, lives in Connecticut and is an engineer for a company; and Hallie will be a senior at Pittsburg State University studying Construction Management.

“I love spending time with my family, working on our cattle farm, and traveling,” she said.

“I became a teacher because I had such a bad 4th-grade experience that I hoped to make sure that other students didn’t have the same bad year that I did. I hoped to make a difference in their lives.”

“The best part of teaching for me is being with the kids and learning all about them,” she said.

“I have found that the biggest challenge is keeping kids engaged in the learning process. They are so overstimulated with everything that they have to entertain them, that class can be boring, so you need to switch topics pretty often to keep their attention.”

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

The Friday Night Free Concert: Rick Hite

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Ralph Carlson introduces the Friday Night Concert musicians May 2019.

This week’s Friday Night Concert will be presented by local musician Rick Hite who sings and plays guitar, and performs a variety of music including Country, Folk, Bluegrass, Gospel, and Oldies.

 

“Hite began singing in church at the age of 5 and has been playing guitar since age 9,” concert-series organizer Ralph Carlson said. “He has played The White Horse Saloon in Black Mountain, North Carolina, Jekyll Island, Georgia, the Mildred Store, VFW, the Eagles, Elks, Old  Settler’s Picnic, and various local venues. We’re pleased to welcome Rick Hite back to the park pavilion. Come out and join your friends for an enjoyable evening of music.”

 

The concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Heritage Park Pavilion at First and Main streets. The shows, sponsored by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, are free and open to the public. Dave Oas and Jim Butler provide the sound each week. Due to limited seating, attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.

 

In the event of rain, the concert will be moved to the Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall Street.

 

Fort Scott, Government

FS City Commission Minutes of August 4

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 

         Minutes of August 4th, 2022                       Regular Meeting #16

 

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held August 4th, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

 

ROLL CALL:

 

Commissioners J. Jones, T. Van Hoecke, S. Walker, and M. Wells were present with Mayor K. Harrington.

 

INVOCATION: Bill Downey, Sergeant, Fort Scott Police Department, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

 

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE:  Travis Shelton, Dave Bruner, Lisa Lewis, Rob Harrington, Jackson Tough, Susan Bancroft, Patty LaRoche, Jason Dickman, Michael Hoyt, Destry Brown, Bill Downey, Jr., Ray Babb, James Brackett, Pete Allen, Amanda Goltra, and representing the press, Tammy Helm, Fort Scott Tribune.

 

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:  None

 

CONSENT AGENDA:

 

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of July 19th, 2022 and special meeting of July 26th, 2022.

 

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1317-A totaling $378,639.54.

 

  1. Request to Pay – Nuss & Farmer, P.A. – (June) – $892.50

 

  1. Request to Pay – J. Richardson Construction – $47,383.81 – 17th & Eddy Project

 

  1. Wells moved to approve the Consent Agenda. S. Walker seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.

 

Public Comment:

(Sign up required.  Comments on any topic not on the agenda and limited to  5 minutes per person, at Commission discretion)

 

Michael Hoyt – Mr. Hoyt said he wished to make two comments.  The first comment is that he commended Kelley Zellner, City Manager, in providing him budget work session documents.  He will have comments at the budget hearing for the Commission.

 

His second comment was concerning the petition for the ladder fire truck to have this go to a public vote.  There were 525 signatures on the petition, and he considers this voter suppression as this did not go to a vote of the public.   This had nothing to do with financing of the fire truck.  He said that the grant money should have been used to pay off the pumper truck and not purchased the ladder truck.

 

Old Business:

 

  1. Consideration for the demolition of 722 S. Heylman Street (progress report) – Bill Downey, Codes Manager, passed out photos of the demolition. There has been no progress made on this structure.

 

  1. Van Hoecke moved to award the bid in the amount of $1,800.00 to Dave’s Demolition. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO AWARD THE DEMOLITION BID IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,800.00 TO DAVE’S DEMOLITION FOR THE PROPERTY AT 722 S. HEYLMAN.

 

Appearances:

 

Patty LaRoche – Lake Advisory Board Report – Mrs. LaRoche said that the Lake Advisory Board met on July 9th, 2022 and made the following recommendations to the City Commission:

 

Approved to recommend to the City Commission a guideline for the future sales of City-owned property at the lake which includes the following policies and procedures:

 

  1. Smart Growth Coordination with the Lake Advisory Board to determine which lots are to be sold.
  2. Deed Restrictions such that:
  3. Any lots sold by the City of Fort Scott are to be used solely for single family residential use, whether year round or seasonal, as are related garages or outbuildings. All commercial, industrial, retail, and multi-family housing uses are prohibited.  The property may also not be subdivided in any way without the express approval of the City of Fort Scott City Commission.  These property and findings on purchaser and successors or assigns of the purchaser.
  4. Must be a stick frame home.
  5. Accurate survey of lots.
  6. Market analysis and timing recommendations.
  7. Sale Structure, which deals with how the lots would be sold (auction, listing, etc.).
  8. Listing, sale, and title document preparation.
  9. Document review by City Attorney.
  10. Document acceptance by the City Attorney and buying parties, including realtors, etc.
  11. Sale review by the City Commission.
  12. Sale Acceptance by the seller and buyer.

 

The Lake Advisory Board understands it is important to be aware that Lake Fort Scott is the emergency water supply for the City of Fort Scott.  We also understand that the City has a responsibility to its water source to do the things that pertain to monitoring and ensuring that the water source is clean, which is the bathymetric survey and the evaluation of water quality.  Given the importance of those issues to the citizens of Fort Scott, and to ensure an adequate and safe water supply in the case of drought, the Lake Advisory Board recommends the following to be funded in the next budget cycle.

 

Recommendation to the City Commission that the bathymetric survey the water course, wetlands, and lake evaluation and the water quality study should happen under the next budget cycle and be funded by any source other than the Lake fund.

 

It is also their recommendation that these studies be completed by surrounding universities as course work as they have been in the past.

 

Aaron Foxworth – Tacos & Tailgates Temporary Street Closure Request – J. Jones said that this is the Tacos and Tailgates event to be held on September 3rd, 2022 at Riverfront Park.  He asked that it be blocked off for a truck show from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. They will use the River Loop road section.

 

  1. Jones moved to approve the temporary street closure request for Riverfront Park on September 3rd, 2022 for Aaron Foxworth for the Tacos and Tailgates event. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

 

approved the temporary street closure request for Riverfront Park on September 3rd, 2022 for Aaron Foxworth for the Tacos and Tailgates event.   

 

Rob Harrington – Visioning Session for Bourbon County R.E.D.I. – 8/23/2022 – Mr. Harrington stated that in Proverbs 29, it states “where there is no vision, the people perish”.  He announced that Bourbon County R.E.D.I. is hosting a visioning session for all Bourbon County entities.  This will include cities in Bourbon County as well as all school districts, the college, and the County.  This will be held on April 23rd, 2022 at 5:30 p.m.  There will be a meal served to all elected officials.  Discussion on moving the county forward will be held.  He invited all City Commissioners to attend this event to be held at the River Room.

 

Public Hearing – None

 

New Business:

 

  1. Consideration of a Change in Zoning from C-2 (Commercial) to C-3 (Commercial) for property at 6 E. 13th Street and Conditional Use permit to allow a small animal hospital – Bill Downey, Codes Manager, informed the Commission that the Planning Commission met on July 11th, 2022 and voted unanimously to approve this zoning change and Conditional Use Permit. The property has been purchased by Amanda Goltra, DMV, who will open and operate a small animal hospital.

 

  1. Jones moved to approve Ordinance No. 3614 changing the zoning from C-2 to C-3 and the Conditional Use Permit to allow a small animal hospital at 6 E. 13th Street. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3614 CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATIONS OR DISTRICTS OF CERTAIN LANDS LOCATED IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS, UNDER THE AUTHORITY GRANTED BY K.S.A. 1973 SUPP. 12-708 – CHANGE OF ZONING FROM C-2 (COMMERCIAL) TO C-3 (COMMERCIAL) AND A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO OPERATE A SMALL ANIMAL HOSPITAL FOR THE PROPERTY AT 6 E. 13TH STREET.

 

  1. Consideration of a Change in Zoning from C-2 (Commercial) to C-3 (Commercial) for property at 2204 S. Main – GO Car Wash – Approval of lot split – Bill Downey, Codes Manager, informed the Commission that the Planning Commission met on July 11th, 2022 and voted unanimously to approve this zoning change at 2204 S. Main Street as well as the lot split.

 

Fred Merrill, GO Car Wash representative stated that there is 7 acres they have purchased between Dollar Tree and Sekan Printing.   He said that they will use a shared entrance with Dollar Tree.  Mr. Merrill said that the car wash will use 1.2 acres of the property with remainder for expansion of 5.8 acres behind it.

 

  1. Van Hoecke moved to approve the zoning change from C-2 to C-3 and also the Lot Split for the property at 2204 S. Main Street. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3615 CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATIONS OR DISTRICTS OF CERTAIN LANDS LOCATED IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS, UNDER THE AUTHORITY GRANTED BY K.S.A. 1973 SUPP. 12-708 – CHANGE OF ZONING FROM C-2 (COMMERCIAL) TO C-3 (COMMERCIAL) FOR THE PROPERTY AT 2204 S. MAIN STREET – GO CAR WASH

 

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3616 CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATIONS OR DISTRICTS OF CERTAIN LANDS LOCATED IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS, UNDER THE AUTHORITY GRANTED BY K.S.A. 1973 SUPP. 12-708 – LOT SPLIT AT 2204 S. MAIN STREET – GO CAR WASH – CONSISTING OF ONE PARCEL OF 5.9 ACRES AND ONE PARCEL OF 1.2 ACRES.

 

  1. Consideration of a Change in Zoning from C-2 (Commercial) to C-3 (Commercial) for property at 12th & Clark Streets – Bill Downey, Codes Manager, informed the Commission that the Planning Commission met on July 11th, 2022 and voted unanimously to approve this zoning change at 12th & Clark Streets. The prospective owner would like to build a mechanic shop at this location.

 

  1. Wells moved to approved Ordinance No. 3617 changing the zoning from C-2 to C-3 for the property at 12th & Clark Streets. S. Walker seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3617 CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATIONS OR DISTRICTS OF CERTAIN LANDS LOCATED IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS, UNDER THE AUTHORITY GRANTED BY K.S.A. 1973 SUPP. 12-708 – CHANGE OF ZONING FROM C-2 (COMMERCIAL) TO C-3 (COMMERCIAL) FOR THE PROPERTY AT 12th & CLARK STREETS.

 

  1. Ordinance filling a vacancy in office of City Commissioner – Ordinance No. 3618 – City Manager said that this Ordinance pertains to the vacancy in the office of City Commissioner.

 

Discussion was held to table this until the next meeting so they can review it more.

 

  1. Van Hoecke moved to table Ordinance No. 3618 until the August 16th, 2022 meeting. S. Walker seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO TABLE ORDINANCE NO. 3618 UNTIL THE AUGUST 16TH, 2022 MEETING.

 

  1. Consideration of Resolution No. 32-2022 – Convention and Tourism Resolution in accordance with Charter Ordinance No. 34 – City Manager said that this Resolution will work in conjunction with Charter Ordinance No.34 concerning the oversight of the Convention and Tourism Committee with Bourbon County R.E.D.I. providing that oversight.

 

  1. Wells moved to approve Resolution No. 32-2022. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 32-2022 OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT HEREBY ESTABLISHING BY THE POWER OF CHARTER ORDINANCE NO. 34 THE OVERSIGHT OF THE COMMITTEE TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS CONCERNING THE PROGRAMS AND EXPENDITURES FOR PROMOTION OF CONVENTIONS AND TOURISM WHICH SHALL BE AUTHORIZED BY THIS RESOLUTION.

 

  1. Approval of Budget Hearing Date and Revenue Neutral Hearing Date – August 23, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. – City Manager asked about changing the budget hearing date due to the Visioning Session which will be held that same night.

 

  1. Van Hoecke moved to approve to hold the budget hearing and the revenue neutral hearing on September 14th, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO HOLD BUDGET HEARING AND REVENUE NEUTRAL HEARING ON SEPTEMBER 14TH, 2022 AT 5:00 P.M. AT CITY HALL.

 

Reports and Comments:

  1. City Manager Comments:

 

  1. Consideration of Memorandum of Understanding for School Resource Officers – City Manager stated that he is working with USD #234 on a Memorandum of Understanding for the School Resource Officer(s) position.

 

Josh Jones welcomed Destry Brown, Superintendent, to the Commission meeting.

 

  1. Dispatch Equipment Service & Operational Responsibility – City Manager shared with the Commission that he received a letter from the Bourbon County Commission regarding Dispatch equipment service and operational responsibility.

 

  1. Director Comments: None

 

  1. Engineering Firm Comments: Jason Dickman gave an update on the following projects:

 

  1. CDBG Sewer Project – ongoing project
  2. Horton Street project – surveying will start next week
  3. 17th & Eddy – under construction
  4. KDOT Access Road – Permit was received – will bid out soon
  5. South Industrial Park Waterline – moving forward
  6. State Revolving Loan Fund – In the first steps in submitting this application to the State

 

  1. Wells asked about the steps to Memorial Hall.

 

Jason stated that the got the plans from the contractor in Pittsburg and will talk with him next week.

 

Discussion was held on costs for bathrooms at Lake Fort Scott and estimated costs.

 

  1. Commissioners Reports and Comments:

 

  1. Wells – Matthew thanked all City staff and Evergy personnel who worked the large power outage from the lightning strike on Wednesday, August 3rd. He thanked all who were involved. He also thanked Buck Run Community Center staff who opened up a cooling facility so residents would have a place to go and get cool and sleep.

 

He also stated that the Fort Scott National Historic Site has issues with the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team proposed location for the pavilion.  Rob Harrington is the City’s representative on this committee.

 

  1. Van Hoecke – Tim read from the City adopted Code of Procedures which states that the meeting agenda should usually go out on the Wednesday before the following Tuesday meeting. He said that he regretted that the meeting could not be held on August 2nd, 2022.

 

Tim also echoed Matthew’s comments to all who were involved with the power outage.

 

  1. Jones – Josh read from the Code of Ethics which was also adopted by the Commission that states the City Clerk may fix deadlines for the agenda so that it may be timely compiled and distributed.

 

Josh thanked Kelley for heading up the team with Evergy and the City on the outage and all working together.

 

  1. Walker – Shane thanked Kelley also for heading up the City staff on the outage.

 

Shane thanked Stephen Toal for his painting at the Water Plant on the way to Gunn Park.  He urged citizens to go and look.

 

  1. City Attorney Reports and Comments: Nothing to report.

 

Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for Executive Sessions)

 

  1. Walker moved to recess into Executive Session for personnel matters of attorney/client privilege exception in reference to possible litigation in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(2) until 7:29 p.m. This will include City Commissioners, City Attorney, and City Manager. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.

 

  1. Van Hoecke moved to come out of Executive Session at 7:29 p.m. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

 

Adjournment:

 

  1. Jones moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:30 p.m. T. Van Hoecke seconded.  All voted aye.

 

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 7:30 P.M.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Diane K. Clay, M.M.C.

City Clerk

Fort Scott, Government

Minutes of FS City Commission from August 2

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 

         Minutes of August 2nd, 2022                       Regular Meeting #15

 

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held August 2nd, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

 

ROLL CALL:

 

Commissioners J. Jones, T. Van Hoecke, S. Walker, and M. Wells were present with Mayor K. Harrington.

 

INVOCATION: Matthew Wells, City Commissioner, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

 

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE:  Steve Anthony, Pete Allen, Travis Shelton, Dave Bruner, Fred C. Merrill, Eric Goltra, Lori Brackett, Peter Brackett, Ray Babb, James Brackett, Mark McCoy, Bill Downey, Carl Brenner, Jason Dickman, Lisa Lewis, and Kevin Allen.

 

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:  None

 

ADDITIONS TO AGENDA:  None

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

 

  1. Harrington moved to recess into Executive Session for personnel matters of non-elected personnel exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1) until 6:19 p.m. This will include City Commissioners and City Attorney. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

 

  1. Van Hoecke moved to come out of Executive Session at 6:19 p.m. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

 

CONSENT AGENDA:

 

  1. Wells moved to only approve Item B of the Consent Agenda for the Appropriation Ordinance No. 1317-A. K. Harrington seconded.

 

  1. Wells amended his motion to approve Item B of the Consent Agenda totaling $178,384.50, which is the payroll section of the Appropriation Ordinance. This is due to the fact that the agenda packet came out on Monday in lieu of Friday. K. Harrington seconded.  T. Van Hoecke, S. Walker, M. Wells, and K. Harrington voted aye.  J. Jones voted no.  Motion carried 4-1.

 

APPROVED ITEM B OF THE CONSENT AGENDA TOTALING $178,384.50 WHICH IS THE PAYROLL SECTION OF THE APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE.

 

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of July 19th, 2022 and special meeting of July 26th, 2022.

 

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1317-A totaling $378,639.54.

 

  1. Request to Pay – Nuss & Farmer, P.A. – (June) – $892.50

 

  1. Request to Pay – J. Richardson Construction – $47,383.81 – 17th & Eddy Project

 

Public Comment:

(Sign up required.  Comments on any topic not on the agenda and limited to  5 minutes per person, at Commission discretion)

 

Steve Anthony – Steve announced that the Special Olympics Golf Tournament held this last weekend raised $32,000.  It is scheduled for July 29th, 2022 next year.

 

  1. Harrington discussed rescheduling this meeting so they can have time to review the agenda packet. They will meet on Thursday, August 4th, 2022 at 6:00 p.m.

 

  1. Harrington moved to postpone the meeting until August 4th, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. T. Van Hoecke seconded. T. Van Hoecke, S. Walker, M. Wells, and K. Harrington voted aye.  J. Jones voted no.  Motion carried 4-1.

 

APPROVED TO POSTPONE THE CITY COMMISSION MEETING UNTIL AUGUST 4TH, 2022 AT 6:00 P.M.

 

Adjournment:

 

  1. Harrington moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:30 p.m. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.

 

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 6:30 P.M.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Diane K. Clay, M.M.C.

City Clerk

Fort Scott, Government

FS City Commission Agenda for August 16

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR
MEETING OF
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION MEETING ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
AUGUST 16, 2022
6:00 P.M.

 

  1. Roll Call:

 

  1. Jones  T. Van Hoecke      S. Walker      M. Wells          K. Harrington
  2.      Flag Salute/Invocation:
  • Proclamations/Recognitions:  Recognition of Steve Anthony and Ben Cole – Special Olympics Golf Tournament

 

  1. Consent Agenda:
  2. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of August 2nd, 2022 and postponed meeting of August 4th, 2022.

 

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1318-A totaling $459,765.60.

 

  1. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering, Inc.

Plan Review – GO Car Wash                                       $  288.00

City Engineer (April)                                                   $4,120.00

City Engineer (July)                                                   $4,120.00

Phase II Design -Wastewater                                     $15,417.50

South Industrial Park Waterline Project                    $ 5,116.55

Sanitary Sewer Project                                              $13,330.00

Cooper Street Inspection                                            $5,202.00

TOTAL        $47,594.05

 

  1. Request to pay – Nuss & Farmer, P.A. (July) – $455.00

 

  1. Request to Pay – Olsson Associates – $2,200.00 – Rehabilitate Runway & Taxiway Project Engineering

 

  1. July financials

 

  1. Public Comment:

(Sign up required.  Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at Commission discretion)

 

  1. Old Business:

 

  1. Consideration of Ordinance filling a vacancy in office of City Commissioner – Ordinance No. 3618

 

  • Appearances: Kelly Perry – Perry’s Pork Rinds – Request of use of City parking area – Motorcycle Poker Run – 9/10/2022

 

Terry Sercer – 2021 Audit Presentation

 

  • Public Hearing: None

 

  1. New Business:

 

  1. D.O.T. Project U-2455-01 – Approval of Grant Agreement – $949,000.00 – Horton Street Project
  2. Consideration of Adoption of Ordinance No. 3619 – Standard Traffic Ordinance
  3. Consideration of Adoption of Ordinance No. 3620 – Uniform Public Offense Code
  4. Discussion of Credit Card fees for customers

 

  1.    Reports and Comments:
  2. City Manager Comments:

 

  1. Director Reports:

 

  1. Commissioners Reports and Comments:
  2.   City Attorney Reports and Comments:
  3. Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for Executive Sessions)

XII.          Adjournment:

 

 

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening in Fort Scott Newsletter

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott!
August 12th Weekly Newsletter
Wind down your summer in Fort Scott…
share with your friends & family!
UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS
________________
TROLLEY TOURS,
ON THE HOUR FROM THE CHAMBER!
Friday 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm
Saturday 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm
$6 adults, $4 children 12 & under
50-minute narrated tour of Historic Fort Scott!
The Lavender Patch’s Hours
Friday-Monday from 9am-1pm
Fort Scott National Historic Site
Daily Tours: 10am & 1pm
8/12 ~ Friday Night Concert in the Park featuring the Church of Christ with acappella hymns and gospel songs, 7-8pm, Heritage Park Pavilion, 1st & Main. Bring a lawn chair due to limited seating.
8/12 ~ Game Night at the Museum of Creativity, 8-11pm, click here for more info.
8/13 ~ Farmers’ Market, 8am to noon at Skubitz Plaza in front of the Fort
8/13 ~ Bourbon County Carpool Tour – National Cemetery, Guided Carpool Tour in your own personal vehicle, click here for more info.
8/13 ~ Woodland Hills 1-Person Scramble, Woodland Hills Golf Course
8/13 ~ The Lavender Patch open 9am to 1pm, 2376 Locust Rd., click here for their website.
8/13 ~ Care to Share Bike Run, Registration will be from 8:30-10:30am at 5 Corners, click here for more info., there will be live music and an auction at Sharky’s in the evening, come out & enjoy!
8/13 ~ Cruise In for a for a Saturday night with fellow antique & classic car enthusiasts, former Price Chopper parking lot, click here for info.
8/16 ~ Back to School Bash at Better in Bourbon Boutique, Downtown Fort Scott, 4-7pm, click here for info.
8/17 ~ FSCC Business Expo, 8:30am-11:30am, see flyer below ~ businesses are requested to register for a booth to welcome students & promote your business!
8/17 ~ Farewell reception for Joy Miller of the Southwind Extension District, come & go 1-3pm, 210 S. National Ave. Room 13
8/17 ~ Congressman Jake LaTurner open office hours at the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, 231 E. Wall St., 3-4pm
8/18 ~ DEADLINE to complete survey for the Chamber Blue Health Insurance offering to be effective 1/1/23. Click here for survey.
8/18 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by the Museum of Creativity, 102 S. National Ave., 8am
8/18 ~ Bread Basics Class, Southwind Extension District, 6pm, click here for more info.
8/18 ~ Ladies Craft Night at the Museum of Creativity, 6-8pm, click here for info.
8/19 ~ Sewing Class at Museum of Creativity, 10am-noon, click here for info.
8/19 ~ Retirement Celebration for Ann Stark, come & go at Atkins Insurance Agency, 2-4pm, click here for more info.
8/19 ~ Paint Party at Dry Wood Creek Cafe, 6-9pm, “The Hayfield” scene, click here for info.
8/20 ~ Splashpad Golf Tournament, 8am, click here for more info.
8/20 ~ Dragoon Charge for Wreaths Across America, click here for info.
SAVE THE DATE:
8/31 ~ Bourbon County Job Fair, hosted by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce and Southeast KANSASWORKS, INC., 10am-2pm, Employers can click here to register a booth.
9/9-9/10 ~ Fall Town-wide Garage Sale
9/17-9/18 ~ Marmaton Massacre Mountain Bike Festival in Gunn Park, click here for flyer.
9/17-9/18 ~ 4×4 Mud Run, click here for flyer.
_____________
SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!
Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!
Clickhere for Chamber member
specialty shopping & other retail in
Downtown & other areas of the community.
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue
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?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
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.
Chamber Blue Deadline August 18th
Housing Survey NOW ACTIVE for Bourbon County
Click graphic below or here to take survey!
Your response is valuable and needed!
BOURBON COUNTY CARPOOL HISTORY TOUR
THIS TOUR LOCATION: NATIONAL CEMETERY
CLICK GRAPHIC BELOW TO RESERVE A SPOT!
FSCC Business Expo is great opportunity to welcome students and promote your business!
Farewell Receptions Next Week
Joy Miller of Southwind Extension District
Ann Stark of Atkins Insurance Agency
Splashpad Golf Tournament Fundraiser at Woodland Hills Enter your team today!
…

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Fort Scott, Schools

New Teachers at Winfield Scott: Suzan Durnell and Vangie Korinke

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This is part of a series featuring the 26 new educators in USD 234. The first day of classes is August 18.

Suzan Durnell. Submitted photo.

Suzan Durnell, 53, is a new elementary instructional coach who works with teachers and students at both Winfield Scott and Eugene Ware Elementary Schools in Fort Scott.

She holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree from College of the Ozarks, a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Missouri State University, and a Master’s Degree in Library Science and Information Services from University of Central Missouri.

Durnell taught fifth and sixth grades in Galena, MO, second grade in Aurora, MO, then third, second,  and K-5th library skills (including reading and technology). In her 30 years of teaching she worked as a trainer for the Missouri Reading Initiative providing professional development and instructional coaching.

“I was raised in Vandalia, Missouri, graduated from Greenfield, Missouri, and have raised my own family in El Dorado Springs, Missouri. I claim each of these places as a hometown!”

Her husband, Mike will be teaching high school math at Fort Scott High School. They have been married for 31 years and recently moved to Nevada. They have two grown daughters. Jenna and her husband Quade live in Nixa, Missouri, where she works as a CPA, and Quade works as a Family Nurse Practitioner in Springfield, Missouri. Tessa and her husband, Kip, live in Hays, Kansas, where she works as an autism specialist and Kip teaches and coaches at Hays High School.

“My passion is education,” she said. “I have been fortunate to work in a field I love for all these years. I’m excited to extend my career in Fort Scott.”

“My father (a teacher, coach, principal, then superintendent) inspired my love of school,” she said. “My fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Forgy, made teaching something I aspired to do.”

“The best part of teaching is the joy,” she said. “It might be joy in teaching a fun topic, joy in watching a student grasp a concept, joy in creating a community of learners, joy in play, or joy in working with talented colleagues. There’s always something that reminds me how very important the field of education is every day.”

“For me, it is a challenge to remain knowledgeable about how kids learn best. We’re learning more and more about the developing brain and how best to approach teaching. To make that even more challenging, kids’ brains are changing as they’re exposed to more technology than ever before. I feel responsible to stay on top of the most recent developments, and that’s hard to do.”

Vangie Korinke. Submitted photo.
Vangie Korinke, 40, is a new first-grade teacher at Winfield Scott.
She earned her Bachelors of Science in Sociology and Master of Arts in Teaching.
She has been a substitute teacher, and paraprofessional.  This will be her first year as a classroom teacher.
Her hometown was Pleasanton, Kansas until she was 14 and Bethany, Oklahoma following that.
She has been married to husband Matt for 17 years, and they have three kids Dawson (15), Brody(13), and Lila (9).

Outside of teaching she loves baking, shopping, coffee with friends, walking, and family time.  And she said her family enjoys being involved in their church, Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene.

“Teaching is actually my second career to pursue,” she said.  “I was an adoption specialist after receiving my bachelors in sociology in 2004.  As a mom of school ages kids, I saw firsthand what a difference teachers can make in children’s lives.  My kids had some great teachers who really inspired me to want to be that difference for other students.  I’ve always admired my sister-in-law, Cristin Stark who has been an elementary teacher for years.  I started sharing this new dream with her and she was a huge support during my journey to get here.”

“Several  people have inspired me along my journey of becoming a teacher, she said.  “But there are two people in particular who influenced me the most.  My dad always saw the good in everyone and insisted there was always hope.  I have seen seen so many students struggle in different ways.  My dad inspired me to want to help others believe in themselves and this is true with students as well. The second person who strongly influenced me was my son’s second grade teacher, Kirstie (Cox) Dwyer.  She has a gift and made my son believe he could, and so he did. It completely changed his path academically.”
The best part of teaching for her is encouraging students and cheering them on until they too believe in themselves. “And obviously it is amazing to be a part of helping them make gains and witnessing their growth,” she said. One of the challenges of teaching is finding ways to reach students with different learning styles and needs.