Danea Esslinger is the new Uniontown City Clerk, as of December 5.
Esslinger has been on the Uniontown City Council for 13 years and lived in Uniontown for 29 years. Both of her children, Breanna and Brenton, graduated from Uniontown High School. She is the daughter of David DeWayne and Deana Fuhrman of Bronson.
Danae Esslinger. Submitted photo.
She graduated from Garnett High School and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, with an emphasis in management from Pittsburg State University.
Recently, the council has had difficulty finding a new clerk to replace Sally Johnson who wants to retire from that position.
That’s when Esslinger decided to apply for the job.
At last month’s Uniontown City Council Special meeting, she resigned from her council position and applied for the job.
“I am wanting to do some things that make the city even better,” Esslinger said.
Duties of the Clerk
From a prior interview with Sally Johnson, retiring city clerk, she told of the duties of the Uniontown City Clerk.
“The Clerk position entails performing all duties as defined by Kansas State Statute and City Ordinances: receive and disperse monetary funds and maintain financial records; complete various administrative reports; grant applications & administration; prepare, mail and apply payments of monthly customer utility billing; assist residents via phone or walk-in; attend and record minutes of all city council meetings, write monthly community newsletter; maintain city website; other duties as required.”
New Treasurer
Sally Johnson is retiring as Uniontown’s City Clerk.
Sally Johnson is the new treasurer of the council, following the resignation of Charlene Bolinger, which was effective Nov. 13.
This part-time job is to “do bank reconciliation and make sure the clerk is getting things done correctly,” Johnson said.
Mackenzie Kaemmer, 26, is the new Youth Services Supervisor at Fort Scott Public Library.
“The beginning of my journey here at the Fort Scott Public Library has now begun, I could not be more grateful for this opportunity,” she said. “A big part of my position will be planning, scheduling, and coordinating regular and special programs for preschool, elementary children, and teens. There are many exciting programs underway; once active, such programs and services will be posted on the library website, and Facebook page, and displayed in the library. We are currently taking part in a program, Grow your Heart with Reading, in which everybody can try to win a festive Grinch tree or a giant snuggly Grinch by reading a book or donating items to our local pantry. Every contribution will get your name into the drawing on December 20th!”
Kaemmer with the Grinch Tree at the Fort Scott Public Library. Submitted photo.
Her job responsibilities are to acquire new materials and remove or discard unneeded items for youth, catalog library materials, plan regular and special programs for preschool, elementary
children and teens, participate in the statewide summer reading program for youth, outreach to area schools, preschools, and daycare facilities, develop book displays and other art forms in the children’s area, create publicity flyers for youth programs, assist patrons, instruct youth and parents on how to use the internet at the library, assist with the library’s website and social media, spearhead new library technology, maintain program statistics and submit monthly reports to the director.
Kaemmer attended Pittsburg State University and received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with an Emphasis in Developmental Disabilities.
“Prior to university, I spent a summer as an instructional assistant at Kansas State School for the Blind (KSSB),” she said. “During my time at Pittsburg State University, I was the head graduate assistant for the University Testing Center. Under this, I was also given the opportunity to instruct a college-level General Psychology course.”
She hails from Overland Park, Kansas, and attributes her family—parents Bobby and Suzanne Kaemmer and siblings Kassidi, Cody, and Cooper—with helping her along life’s way.
“Before attending college, I knew I wanted a profession in which the directive was to provide aid for the community; I knew I wanted to help others. Growing up I underwent around ten surgeries, while there were plenty of hardships there was also time to reflect. I wanted to apply my experiences and what they have taught me towards spreading such lessons to others in hopes of enabling a better experience and strengthening an optimistic outlook on the past, present, and future.”
About The Library
The Fort Scott Public Library is open Monday through Friday 9:00 am-6:00 pm and Saturday from 9:00 am-2:00 pm; holidays may differ.
“On November 27th we close at 12:00 pm, and we are closed on November 28th, 29th and 30th. We will reopen as normal on Monday, December 2nd at 9:00 am,” she said.
Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Avenue.
Natalie Peitsmeyer is a new Park Guide at Fort Scott National Historic Site. She began employment in this month.
She is a 30-year retired science teacher.
“During that time, I taught life and physical science classes (grades 8-12). Prior to teaching, I was a lifeguard, swim instructor, and summer day camp counselor,” she said.
She attended the University of Colorado at Denver and completed a bachelor’s degree in biology, a Master’s in Secondary Science Education, and a Doctorate in Leadership for Equity in Education.
With the new Park Ranger title, comes a variety of duties.
“I open the buildings and exhibits for visitor access. In the visitor center, I provide information about navigating around the National Park site, as well as history significant to the National Park site.”
“I have always loved National Parks,” she said. ” I grew up in an Air Force family and was fortunate to have lived in a variety of places such as Florida, Okinawa and Colorado. I love the outdoors and appreciate uncovering history. The history of Fort Scott National Historic Site is unique to no other National Park. I look forward to sharing its stories, researching its history, visiting with visitors, developing lessons and tours.”
Filling Vacant Positions Has Been Ongoing
Carl Brenner.
“We had an advertisement to fill our two vacant Park Ranger positions that closed last Friday,” said Carl Brenner. Program Manager for Interpretation and Resource Management
Fort Scott National Historic Site (www.nps.gov/fosc)
“We are hoping to have them onboarded before Rob (Holmes New FSNHS Ranger: Robert Holmes) leaves in January. Our goal with Natalie and Rob here is that we will be able to have the buildings open seven days a week once she is trained in the next week or so.”
Robert Holmes, a Fort Scott National Historic Site Ranger. Submitted photo.
Robert Holmes is a new Park Ranger at Fort Scott National Historic Site.
“We had an advertisement to fill our two vacant Park Ranger positions that closed last Friday,” said Carl Brenner Program Manager for Interpretation and Resource Management for
Fort Scott National Historic Site (www.nps.gov/fosc).”We are hoping to have them onboarded before Rob leaves in January.”
Holmes is here on a temporary assignment.
“While I am here, I will be a supervisory ranger working to hire and train new staff members for the park as well as all being part of all of the daily operations, educational programs, and special events.”
“Since I am here for a detail (temporary assignment) and not as a permanent staff member, I arrived on the 23rd of September and will be here until sometime around the middle of January,” he said.
“I have worked with the National Park Service for almost nine years; at the Springfield Armory National Historic Site, Minuteman National Historical Park, Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial, the National Mall and Memorial Parks, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, and Kings Mountain National Military Park.
He earned his education from Lycoming College, with a Bachelor of Arts, and from Villanova University, with a Master of Arts Degree.
Holmes is doing this temporary assignment to gain experience and travel to the Midwest.
“I applied for the detail at Fort Scott NHS because I have not done a lot of this sort of work in the past, so I wanted to get the experience. I also like forts and had never been to this part of the country before,” he said.
Fort Scott National Historic Site
Ongoing Construction Projects
The park has had several construction projects this year.
Carl Brenner.
“Our roofing project is complete, though they have a couple more gutters to install,” Brenner said. Our fire suppression system replacement is almost complete and far ahead of schedule. They began in February and were expected to work for a year and a half. Nine months later they are working on the final building.”
“After the remaining elements of touch-up, a lot of cleaning, and bringing the museum objects back to the park and resetting the displays, the final buildings should reopen.”
“We are hoping that the West Infantry Barracks and theatre will reopen by early November and Officer’s Quarters #1 will be reopened in early 2025. These are estimates. The Dragoon Barracks rehabilitation has just begun. This rehabilitation is due to a water line break that released approximately 1,500 gallons of water into the building. Currently, we do not have an estimate for the completion of the work, fabrication and installation of the new exhibits, and reopening of the remaining portions of the building.”
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland encourages jobseekers and employers searching for talent to take part in the final Virtual Statewide Job Fair of the year, hosted by KANSASWORKS, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 25.
“The reliable and resourceful Kansas workforce is attracting a record number of companies to our state,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “And having so many new jobs is creating opportunities for Kansas jobseekers looking to take the next jump in their professional careers.”
The Virtual Statewide Job Fair portal features helpful information such as a jobseeker training video, a list of participating employers, and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as employers might request to engage in a video interview.
Candidates can participate through any digital device. Any individual with a disability may request accommodations by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.
Registration is required to participate in virtual job fairs, regardless of previous participation. To register, click here.
About KANSASWORKS:
KANSASWORKS links businesses, job candidates and educational institutions to ensure that employers can find skilled workers. Services are provided to employers and job candidates through the state’s 27 workforce centers, online or virtual services KANSASWORKS is completely free for all Kansans to use. Learn more at KANSASWORKS.com. State employment opportunities can be found at jobs.ks.gov.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland is encouraging both jobseekers and employers searching for new talent to participate in the August Virtual Statewide Job Fair. Hosted by KANSASWORKS, the job fair will be from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 21.
“Over the last five years, Kansas has been very strategic and purposeful when it comes to growing our economy. We are one of the top states for economic development and we’re bringing more jobs to our state than ever before,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “There is no better time than right now to explore the many career opportunities spread out across the state.”
The Virtual Statewide Job Fair portal features helpful information such as a jobseekers training video, a list of participating employers and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professional, as employers may request to engage in a video interview.
Candidates can participate through any digital device. Any individual with a disability may request accommodations by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.
Registration is required to participate in the virtual job fairs, regardless of previous participation. To register, click here.
About KANSASWORKS:
KANSASWORKS links businesses, job candidates and educational institutions to ensure that employers can find skilled workers. Services are provided to employers and job candidates through the state’s 27 workforce centers, online or virtual services KANSASWORKS is completely free for all Kansans to use. Learn more at KANSASWORKS.com. State employment opportunities can be found at jobs.ks.gov.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
Liza Erwin, 29, is the new Fort Scott Community College Athletic Director, with an office in the Arnold Arena building.
She began duties on May 23.
Erwin earned a Master of Education Sports Management from the University of Arkansas, and a Bachelor of Science Recreation Administration and Leadership Studies from Pittsburg State University.
She is entering year 12 in intercollegiate athletics, with varied experiences.
“I most recently won a National Championship and Big Ten Championship at Northwestern University. Before Northwestern I worked at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in Championship Operations, Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) a Division II Conference Office in Kansas City, The University of Arkansas in the Office of Student-Athlete Success, and at Pittsburg State University.”
Her professional accomplishments:
– Winning the 2023 DI Women’s Lacrosse National Championship with Northwestern University Lacrosse.
– Winning the 2023 Big Ten Women’s Lacrosse Tournament
– Winning the 2023 Big Ten Women’s Lacrosse Regular Season
– 2023 IWLCA Coaching Staff of the Year
– 2022 DI Women’s Lacrosse National Semifinalist
– Executed First NCAA Championship to Return post Covid-19 Pandemic Shutdown
– Executed first Neutral Site MIAA Volleyball Tournament
-Secured First Corporate Sponsorship for MIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament
– Chair of the Student-Athlete Experience Committee at the University of Arkansas
The duties of the current FSCC Athletic Director position are to lead the department she said.
About the college:
FSCC offers more than 35 fields of study, ensuring every student finds their passion. Earn credits to transfer to a four-year institution or pursue an associate degree or certificate, according to the college website.
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.”
PITTSBURG — Applications for the PSU Nurse Practitioner Residency Program are open. The program is a partnership between Pittsburg State University and the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, providing a guided transition into a practitioner role.
To apply for the 2024-2025 nurse practitioner residency, visit CHC/SEK’s careers page at https://chcsek.org/careers/.
During the residency, participants will receive a full salary and benefits while receiving shoulder-to-shoulder training from CHC/SEK’s nurse practitioners and physician preceptors. Qualifications include a Kansas APRN license, Family Nurse Practitioner National Certification from AANP or ANCC, and a primary care NP Graduate from an accredited nursing program.
The 12-month rural NP Residency will begin September 9, 2024. The residents will expand their clinical knowledge and skills to become proficient in primary care services as they develop their own rural patient panel and transition to NP practice.
Opportunities for didactic and clinical experiences in primary care and specialty rotations will be available. Residents will have the required components and the ability to customize their residency.
Upon completion, residents will receive recognition from the PSU Irene Ransom Bradley School of Nursing and receive a certificate.
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) is a mission-focused, patient-owned, federally qualified health center (FQHC), Kansas not-for-profit corporation, and a recognized 501(c)(3) public charity. CHC/SEK provides quality, affordable, and accessible healthcare for everyone, regardless of income or insurance status. CHC/SEK has 39 registered sites in Kansas and Oklahoma, providing approximately 60 services, including walk-in care, primary care, women’s health, mammography and prenatal care, pediatrics, school-based health services, vaccinations, dental care, behavioral health and addiction treatment, and chronic disease management. To learn more, visit www.chcsek.org.
Terry Mayfield, 51, is the new Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations, who will start duties on July 1. His office will be in the USD 234 District Central Office.
Mayfield earned a Bachelor of Science in Education – Social Studies from Missouri Southern State College 1996, a Masters in Education – Secondary School Administration from University of Central Missouri 2004, and an Education Specialist – Superintendency from University of Central Missouri 2008.
“I spent nine years as a social studies teacher and coach and 19 years in school administration – four years as a building principal and 15 years as superintendent – the last eight years I have spent as the superintendent of the Drexel R-IV School District in Drexel, MO.,” he said.
His duties include:
Oversee all business operations in the district.
Collaborate with the superintendent to prepare, manage and oversee the district budget.
Provide financial data to the superintendent and board of education.
Prepare and analyze bid documents.
Oversee health insurance and other employee benefits.
Manage district investments of funds.
Manage bond and lease purchase payments.
Oversee grant funds and reporting.
Oversee operations departments; food service, transportation, maintenance and technology.
What is the best part of being in education for you?
The best part about being in education is the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with students and staff and to witness their personal and professional growth. Watching students develop confidence, skills, and a passion for learning is incredibly rewarding. Similarly, supporting colleagues as they advance in their careers and achieve their goals creates a collaborative and dynamic work environment. These connections and the positive impact on others’ lives make education a uniquely fulfilling field, fostering a sense of community and continuous development for everyone involved. Seeing the long-term successes of former students and colleagues further highlights the profound and lasting influence educators have on shaping futures.
What are some challenges?
Challenges in education today include providing all students with the skills they need for future success and supporting teachers and staff in a demanding profession. The day-to-day pressures of teaching, meeting diverse student needs, and staying current with educational practices can be overwhelming. It’s crucial to recognize and address these challenges to foster a supportive environment for both students and educators.
Contact info:
District Central Office Phone: 620-223-0800, 620-223-2760
Chris Garzone, 54, is the new principal at Winfield Scott Elementary School in Fort Scott as of August 1. He was hired as the assistant principal last year.
Garzone earned a Master of Arts Degree in Educational Leadership from Pittsburg State University and next year will be his 30th year in education. For twenty of those years, he was an administrator.
Garzone’s duties: ” Besides the day-to-day responsibilities of being a principal, I am responsible for the educational experience of all the students at Winfield Scott Elementary School. I provide support and guidance for all staff and promote a positive culture within the building.”
“The best part of being in education is experiencing growth in student behavior and learning. A challenge would be not having enough time throughout the day to address the needs of all staff and students. Winfield Scott has an amazing staff that cares about their students. I look forward to continuing as an administrator at this school,” he said.
Sara Sutton from the Fort Scott Community College website.
The recent administration shifts at Fort Scott Community College have not been easy.
FSCC President Dr. Jason Kegler was put on paid administrative leave on May 20 and Sara Sutton was promoted to interim president. No reason was given by the college trustees for putting Kegler on leave.
Sutton was selected by the FSCC Board of Trustees to be the interim president, on May 23.
At that same meeting, the trustees resolved to suspend men’s golf and women’s golf, e-sports, and flag football and will honor those student scholarships for the 2024-25 school year, they announced.
Sutton began duties as the new interim president on May 24.
Sutton has been an instructor at the college since 2018, then promoted to vice president in February 2024.
Sutton earned an Associate of Science degree from Fort Scott Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from Kansas State University, a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education, and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Pittsburg State University, and was appointed as the FSCC Vice President of Career and Technical Education and Workforce Development in February 2024. Sutton was to begin her official duties in the role on July 1, 2024, according to the college website.
Her duties have now shifted to leadership of the community college.
“This transition has had its challenges to navigate,” she said. “The change in leadership on Friday, May 24th not only brought about my Interim role but also a new athletic director.”
Liza Erwin is the newly appointed FSCC Athletic Director.
“With the board’s decision to suspend the three sports programs, the new athletic director had to properly inform the National Junior College Athletic Association of the changes and then gain access to the Letter of Intent (LOI) system,” she said. “That did not take place until early in the following week. Then, it was a series of approvals with all LOI’s released by Saturday, June 1st from FSCC.”
“The Athletic Director was in contact with coaches and personally contacted each student,” Sutton said. “While we wish this process was faster on our end, we were at the mercy of the challenges of the transition of a new Athletic Director and Interim President all in the same time frame. We tried our best to complete the release in a timely manner so students could move forward.”
“All students who were impacted by these changes have been given the opportunity to be on scholarship next school year,” she said. “Those who have paid any fees for the 2024-2025 school year and wish to not attend FSCC will be refunded.
“This decision was not taken lightly and the educational future of those impacted is important to Fort Scott Community College,” Sutton said.
The Vote Here sign sits in front of the north wing of the Bourbon County Courthouse, 210 S. National in 2018.
The Bourbon County Primary Election Day will be on August 6.
“Early voting will begin on July 29, to give everybody a week to come in early to vote,” Bourbon County Clerk Jennifer Hawkins said.
Five Bourbon County Government officials are seeking re-election this year.
And there is a shift in elected personnel.
Patty Love, the current Bourbon County Treasurer, has decided to retire and will not seek re-election this year, according to Hawkins.
“After much consideration, I have decided to run for Bourbon County Treasurer,” she said. “I spent five years working in the Treasurer’s Office and feel my knowledge and experience are needed in that office.”
Love, Hawkins, and Bourbon County Chief Financial Officer Susan Walker have worked closely on county issues over the past few years, Hawkins said.
“We are making great progress within the organization, as evident by the good audits, however; I feel there is still more to accomplish, and I can help accomplish this by being Treasurer,” she said.
“Susan Walker, CFO, has played an integral part in my success as County Clerk and I feel she would be an excellent Clerk as she has 20 years of experience in human resources and municipal finance and government,” Hawkins said.
“Many do not know that Susan is a Certified Municipal Clerk through Wichita State University,” Hawkins said. “Given how well our offices have worked in the past I feel this will make for a smooth transition. Our plans are to create policies and procedures to ensure financial controls are in place for future elected officials.”
“By working together and developing policies and procedures there will be checks and balances in place and the need for a Chief Financial Officer can be eliminated potentially saving the wages of the CFO or reallocating the wages to other needs,” Hawkins said.
The following are the other incumbents and their challengers, with a short explanation of the duties of the office.
Commissioners
All three of the commissioner seats are up for re-election.
The current three County Commissioners, Clifton Beth (District 3), Jim Harris ( District 2), and Brandon Whisenhunt (District 1) have thrown their hat in the ring to serve again.
Those running against them are Clinton Walker, David Beerbower, Steven Houston, and Leroy Kruger.
The county commissioners are the chief elected officials of the county, according to the county’s website. They set policies and procedures for running the courthouse and set the budgets for all Bourbon County departments.
County Attorney
Tiara McElroy is not running again for Bourbon County Attorney and James Crux has filed for that position.
The county attorney is the prosecuting attorney for the county.
Register of Deeds
Register of Deeds Lora Holdridge has filed for the position again and no one filed to run against her.
The register of deeds keeps and records all deeds to property located in the county, according to the county’s website. He/She maintains military discharge records and school records as well.
County Treasurer
Jennifer Hawkins and Michael Hoyt are running for county treasurer. Hawkins is the current Bourbon County Clerk.
According to the county’s website, the county treasurer collects and distributes all real and personal property taxes and is an agent for the Kansas Division of Vehicles for vehicle and title registrations.
County Clerk
Susan Walker, the current Bourbon County Finance Director, has filed for the Bourbon County Clerk position.
The county clerk is the county’s chief election officer who maintains voter registration and conducts all elections in the county, according to the county’s website. He/she sets the tax roll and keeps records for the county as Freedom of Information Officer.
Sheriff
Sheriff Bill Martin filed to run again and is being challenged by Nelson Blythe.
The county sheriff is the chief law enforcement officer of the county, according to the county’s website.
To view all the state and other county filings provided the county clerk:
