Category Archives: Jobs

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott, Jobs

Express Employment Professionals: Help With Recruiting Employees

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Kai Runnells, Express Employment Professionals Business Developer in her office at 119 S. Main, June 2019.

All across America, unemployment is low.

Nationally, total nonfarm payroll employment went up in May 2019 with approximately 75,000 jobs, and the unemployment rate remained at 3.6 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/empsit.pdfon June 9. Employment continued to trend up in professional and business services and in health care.

 

In Bourbon County, the unemployment rate is 4.1 percent, according to the website https://klic.dol.ks.gov/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/uploads/Map%20April%202019%20LAUS.jpg

 

A recent business opened an office in Fort Scott to help other businesses find suitable employees in this era where job seekers have diminished.

 

In April 2019, Express Employment Professionals opened an office in Fort Scott at 119 S. Main.  The franchise is based out of Independence,  since 2004.

The location of Express Employment Professionals, in between Fort Scott City Hall and  Crooner’s Lounge on Main Street.

“The staff and company provide businesses with their workforce needs,” Kai Rannells, business developer with EEP and the local representative, said. Rannells can be reached at 620-644-5050.

“There is a small fee for businesses,” she said. “This covers payroll burden liability. (The fee) varies on types of jobs.”

Because of the low employment rate, candidates without jobs need more coaching, Rannells said.

“Businesses are afraid of what it could cost to train and then retain employees,” she said. “That cost will fall on us. When a company brings in a new employee it costs a fair amount of money and if the employee doesn’t end up lasting, they are out that amount.”

EEP provides temporary or contract staff and do temporary to hire staffing.

“That’s where they start out temporary, and after probation is met, the company is able to hire them as a permanent employee,” Rannells said. “A lot of companies do that to make sure it’s a good fit for their team. We also do direct hires and professional searches.”

“We like to focus on helping people find the right candidate and job seekers find good careers,” she said.

“If someone is looking for a job, we do interviews to see what company would be a good fit of those hiring and we try to place them,” Rannells said. “It is a free service for job seekers.”

For more information about the services and EEP: https://www.expresspros.com/

Government, Jobs, Kansas

Ribbon Cutting For Job Program At Women’s Correctional Facility

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Women’s correctional facility to hold ribbon cutting for coding program

Students to receive special message from Jason Jones, alumni graduate of The Last Mile program

 

Topeka Correctional Facility will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony Tuesday, June 11, to celebrate the female offenders who have reached the halfway point in the inaugural coding class at 9 a.m.

 

Keynote Speaker, Secretary of Commerce, David Toland, will recognize the benefits of preparing more people for in-demand tech jobs, which aids business recruitment efforts. State officials and business leaders as well as business leaders from the tech industry will take part in the ceremony that will feature a tour of the classroom and facility.

 

Jason Jones is lead virtual instructor for the San Francisco-based, non-profit The Last Mile (TLM) which is partnering with the Kansas Department of Corrections and its education contractor, Greenbush, to bring the program to Topeka Correctional Facility. Jason will bring a message of inspiration, since he has been in the same situation as the students only one year ago and is now succeeding post-release.

 

The 15 women in the program’s first 12-month class are learning HTML, CCS and JavaScript to help them gain access to high-demand jobs upon release. Beyond technical skills, students also are learning business soft skills, including teamwork and communication.

 

“The Last Mile is proud to provide our coding program to the women at Topeka Correctional facility in partnership with KDOC and Greenbush,” said Chris Redlitz, TLM co-founder. “The Last Mile graduates will return to their communities with marketable skills, new opportunities and renewed hope for the future.”

WHO:        Topeka Correctional Facility staff and inmates, Acting Secretary of Corrections Charles (Chuck) Simmons, Secretary of Commerce David Toland, Greenbush Associate Executive Director Stacie Clarkson, The Last Mile (TLM) Co-founder Chris Redlitz and TLM Lead Virtual Instructor Jason Jones. State officials and business leaders from the tech industry also will take part.

 

WHAT:     Ribbon cutting ceremony for The Last Mile’s coding and technology training program at Topeka Correctional Facility

 

WHEN:     Tuesday, June 11, 2019 at 9 a.m.

 

WHERE:  Topeka Correctional Facility, 815 S.E. Rice Road

 

Media are welcome to attend. Please note that all attendees will pass through a metal detector. Cash over $50, mobile phones, tobacco products and weapons are prohibited.

 

Topeka Correctional Facility, the state’s only correctional facility for women, has a population of 920.

 

About The Last Mile

The Last Mile (TLM) is a non-profit founded in 2010 at San Quentin to address the societal impact of incarceration as a drain on human and fiscal resources. TLM is the first full stack coding program inside US prisons. Its mission is to provide marketable skills that result in gainful employment and core belief is that having a job is the key to successful reentry and breaking the cycle of incarceration. TLM currently operates facilities in California, Indiana, Kansas and Oklahoma.

 

The program provides computer coding training to prepare its students for release into today’s high-tech environment. There is a projected shortage of nearly 1 million software engineering jobs by 2020. TLM graduates will be well positioned to qualify for many of these technology related jobs. To learn more visit: thelastmile.org

Bourbon County, Jobs

Older Worker, Disabilities/Discouraged, Ex Offenders Job Focus Groups April 24: Get $ To Attend

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Job Seeker Focus Groups Participants Wanted
TOMORROW, April 24th at
Fort Scott Community College
Hosted by Wichita State University’s Public Policy and Management Center, in coordination with
Southeast KANSASWORKS
Wichita State University’s Public Policy and Management Center will host
Job Seeker Focus Groups
at Fort Scott Community College on
April 24th.
These sessions are in coordination with Southeast KANSASWORKS. The purpose of the focus groups is to gain feedback from individuals seeking employment who have barriers in finding a job or changing/advancing in their career.
There will be three sessions targeting the following audiences:
  • older workers
  • individuals with disabilities or those who are discouraged in their job search
  • ex-offenders
We are interested in learning about the participants’ job search, both successes and challenges. The focus groups will last approximately 90 minutes.
Focus group discussion will center on searching for a job, improving computer skills, using technology, interviewing with employers, dealing with challenges in getting to work, training at work, and more!
Refreshments will be served, and attendees will receive a $25 gift card for participating.
Seating is limited!
WHEN:
8:30am- Older Workers
Registration: https://bit.ly/2YJg8cS
10:30am- Job Seekers with Disabilities and those who are Discouraged
Registration: https://bit.ly/2FSoYxw
2:00pm- Ex Offenders
Registration: https://bit.ly/2Uypedn
WHERE:
Fort Scott Community College
Administration Building- Greyhound Room
2108 South Horton
Fort Scott, Kansas 66701
QUESTIONS?
Please call 316-978-6419
for more information
Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Jobs

Youth Summer Jobs At The Fort

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Summer Youth Employment Opportunity at Fort Scott National Historic Site

Youth Conservation Corps program

FORT SCOTT, Kan. – Fort Scott National Historic Site is looking for 6 energetic and outgoing teens to participate in our 2019 summer Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) program running Tuesday through Saturday from June 18 through August 10. This eight-week long program is for young people between the ages of 15 and 18 years of age. Shifts start at 8 a.m. and end at 5 p.m. with a one hour lunch. Salary is the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.

For more information and to download your application, go to www.nps.gov/fosc/learn/kidsyouth/ycc.htm, or pick up an application from the Fort’s Visitor Center. Applications must be received by the park on/or before Friday, May 10, 2019, to be considered. You may hand deliver your completed application back to the Visitor Center or mail to:

Fort Scott National Historic Site
ATTN: YCC Coordinator
PO Box 918
Fort Scott, KS 66701

No previous experience is required, but a willingness and ability to work in a physically active outdoor program, get along well with others, and maintain a positive attitude are essential for success. YCC participants will learn teamwork and leadership while working in a variety of weather and conditions, participating in resource education, recreation, and NPS and other agency career orientation activities. Activities may include: ranger-led programs, Living History programs, being guest speakers, enrollee and staff presentations, assisting field rangers and/or scientists, and trips to other parks, businesses, and throughout the area. Enrollees will also spend time completing projects which may include: fence and bench building; repairing/rehabilitating historic structures; general maintenance work; painting/staining; and exotic plant control.

Business, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Jobs

Job Fair AT FSCC April 2

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REMINDER:
The Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce’s
2019 Spring Job Fair
is TOMORROW,
April 2nd from 10am to 2pm
at the FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center
The Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
is hosting the
2019Spring Job Fair
TOMORROW, April 2nd from 10am-2pm
at the FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center,
2108 S. Horton, in Fort Scott
                              
      The Job Fair gives employers the opportunity to recruit students and community applicants
from the Fort Scott area and beyond for both part-time and full-time positions.
Job seekers are encouraged to dress for success, bring copies of a resume, and be prepared to connect with employers.
Attendees may enter a drawing for a door prize of $50 in Chamber Bucks that may be used at over 60 Chamber member businesses.
See flyer below for a full listing of employers and positions
Contact the Chamber for more information
at 620-223-3566 or
Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Jobs

Seventy-five Jobs Are Available in Fort Scott

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Submitted by Rachel Pruitt, Fort Scott’s Economic Development Director. The City and Chamber do the research by calling the employers, according to Pruitt.

Rachel Pruitt, Fort Scott’s Economic Development Director says the city has seen job growth in the last decade.

She provided the above graph to demonstrate that growth.

“The graph represents the job growth Fort Scott has seen since 2010,” she said.  “The data is collected by the City and Chamber by contacting each of the employers.  The City anticipates the growth to continue given there are over 75 current openings within the community.”

” The City and Chamber do the research by calling the employers,” according to Pruitt.

 

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is working to help fill  job openings by sponsoring the 2019 Spring Job Fair on Tuesday, April 2 from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. at the Ellis Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton Street.

 

“Employers of any size seeking employees are encouraged to reserve a booth,” according to a press release from the Chamber. “The job fair will give business owners the opportunity to recruit both students and community members for seasonal, part-time and full-time positions. This event is also an opportunity for employers to network with each other and to promote their company to the public.”

An employer booth at the job fair is $50 for Chamber members or $90 for non-Chamber members.

Lunch, if desired, is $10 per person.

To register, or for more information, contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at 620-223-3566 or visit fortscott.com.

Job fair informaiton submitted by Monica Walden, Administrative Assistant of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce which is located at 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS  66701.

Business, Fort Scott, Jobs

Grand Opening of Gordman’s March 20 at 5:30 p.m.

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Gordmans Department Store, 2400 S. Main, Fort Scott.

GORDMANS INVITES FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY TO GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION
Retailer to Donate $1,000 to Fort Scott High School

FORT SCOTT, Kan. (March 18, 2019) – Home décor retailer Gordmans, a division of Stage Stores, will debut a new department store in Fort Scott with a Grand Opening Celebration beginning with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20 at 2400 S. Main Street. Gordmans offers bigger deals and smaller prices every day.

The new Fort Scott store is part of an exciting Gordmans Grand Opening Tour Celebration, which includes 38 brand new Gordmans stores opening this March across the country, and 67 current Gordmans stores joining in to celebrate Gordmans’ growth. In addition, Stage Stores plans to open an additional 36 new Gordmans stores in Summer 2019, which will total 141 Gordmans by end of 2019. Gordmans offers incredible deals on name brand merchandise and trend-right home décor, making the retailer a treasure trove of fun and unique finds.

At the Fort Scott Gordmans Grand Opening Celebration, guests will enjoy:

  • Free Gift Plus Shopping Cards: The first 100 guests in line at the Grand Opening Celebration will receive a free gift and an opportunity to win a $50 gift card or $5 shopping card.
  • Rewards Galore: Gordmans guests who enroll in Style Circle Rewards will enjoy incredible payback rewards, double-double points, a birthday gift and more.
  • Gordmans Credit Card Savings: Gordmans’ guests who apply and are approved for a Gordmans credit card will receive 20 percent off their first day’s purchases.

In addition, as part of Gordmans’ commitment to Fort Scott, the retailer will donate $1,000 to Fort Scott High School.

Interview opportunities with Gordmans’ store manager will be available during the event and upon request (subject to availability).

Gordmans’ Fort Scott Store Details:

2400 S. Main Street

Fort Scott, KS 66701

(620) 223-1498

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Participants:

  • Melinda Goff, Store Manager, Gordmans
  • Jeanie Parker, Mayor, City of Fort Scott
  • Roberta Lewis, Student Council Sponsor, Fort Scott High School

About Stage Stores

Stage Stores, Inc. is a leading retailer of trend-right, name-brand values for apparel, accessories, cosmetics, footwear and home goods. At the end of March 2019, the Company will operate in 42 states through 690 BEALLS, GOODY’S, PALAIS ROYAL, PEEBLES, and STAGE specialty department stores and 105 GORDMANS off-price stores, as well as an e-commerce website at www.stage.com.


Business, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Health Care, Jobs

Community Health Center Update From Krista Postai

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Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd.

 

The past month has been busy for the new Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas staff’s move to the former Mercy Hospital Clinic.

“As expected, we had a few glitches with technology but believe we have internet and phone systems now working well…so thanks to everyone for their patience,” said Krista Postai, CEO for CHC/SEK.

The east entrance to the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas states that the center provides services regardless of ability to pay. Sliding fee discounts and financial assistance is available to eligible patients.

“Patients have been great about getting us signed consents to transfer records – so great, in fact, that we are backlogged….but working through the stack as fast as possible.”

“We also have been very appreciate for all the kindness we’ve been shown…many folks have gone above and beyond.”

“We did get mammography back up and running and are now working at restoring wound care services.”

“We’ve also approached three organizations about the possibility of offering cancer care in Fort Scott to replace the Cancer Center of Kansas who closed their clinic with minimal notice. We’ve had some interest but no commitments.”

 

“As in the past, we are providing comprehensive primary care including obstetrics. Dr. Burke is now on staff at Via Christi and doing deliveries; Dr. Seals is also doing deliveries at Via Christi and Nevada Medical Center.”

 

“With the addition of the new clinics, CHC/SEK now employs about 420 – about 40 of these are in the Ft. Scott clinics and about 30 staff are in Arma, Pleasanton and Mound City. We still have openings to fill in registration and nursing, as well as behavioral health where we are looking for a LSCSW or a psychologist (PHD),” Postai said.

 

“Convenient Care – now Walk-In Care – transitioned Feb. 1; the main clinic on Feb. 4.

“The pharmacy will formally transfer to our ownership April 1. In the interim, Mercy continues to operate it and have contracted with us for the 340B drug discount program which makes it possible for us to provide medications at very low cost for those who are uninsured or have limited finances.

 

“As we’ve mentioned in the past, our lease in the hospital building is for two years so we continue to explore long-range options. We will need about 20,000 sq. ft. which will allow us to offer more services including dental and behavioral health. Expect to have a decision on the direction we’ll take by May 1.”

 

“We are working to recruit a pediatrician to Ft. Scott and have interviewed one candidate; also interviewed a dentist with an interest in returning to the area.”

 

“Phone numbers remain the same. Hours of operation have expanded at the main clinic to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday.”

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas east entrance door states the hours of operation and the phone number of the medical provider on call.

Introducing the Chief Executive Officer of CHC/SEK:

Krista Postai. Submitted photo.

Postai, an original founder and former board member of CHC/SEK. She serves as Chief Executive Officer, according to the CHC/SEK website.

Prior to joining the organization in November 2004, she was vice president of planning and development at Mt. Carmel Regional Medical Center. During her 23 years with Mt. Carmel, she was instrumental in the development of several key programs including the regional cancer center, the $17.5 million outpatient expansion completed in 2004, the creation of a physician recruitment and retention program and several mission-directed services including CareVan (a transportation service), Congregational Health Ministry, and the Wesley House Dental Clinic. She served as secretary to the Mount Carmel Foundation and as liaison to the Mt. Carmel Auxiliary.

She attended Pittsburg State University and is a graduate of Kansas University in Lawrence with a Bachelor’s of Science.

 

Business, Fort Scott, Jobs

Walmart Remodels for Beer Sales and Online Grocery Shopping

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Mike Mulrey, superintendent for JRJ Construction, Texas, watches on Monday morning as plumbers install a drain in preparation for the coolers that will be installed in Walmart for new beer coolers. A hole was dug in the floor of the area for the plumbers to install the pipes for the drain.

Customers may have noticed some bare grocery shelves at a local store.

Walmart at 2500 S. Main is reconfiguring the grocery section to “make it flow better,” said Steve, the assistant manager.

Beer Sales

A recent law has precipitated changes in the beer/liquor section of the store.

“The state law changed and effective April 1, we will carry up to six-percent beer,” Steve said. “Hopefully in the future liquor will be added.”

Former Gov. Sam Brownback signed a law in 2017 allowing the sale of higher percentage alcohol beer in grocery and convenience stores to start in 2019, according to a Wichita Eagle newspaper feature story on April 18, 2017.

It’s a significant shift in the way the state regulates alcoholic beverages, according to the Eagle story. The bill was proposed as a compromise between big stores and liquor stores in response to changes in alcohol laws in neighboring Colorado and Oklahoma.

Online Grocery Shopping

“Part of the remodel is for our online grocery that will start,” Steve said. “I don’t have an exact date right now. There is pre-work going on.”

Approximately six more employees will be hired to work in that new section, he said.

The new service will target young customers, Steve said.

“You can order groceries then when you arrive we bring it out to your vehicle. We do the shopping,” he said.

Fort Scott Walmart Employees 160-plus People

Currently, there are 160 employees at Walmart in Fort Scott.

That doesn’t include the pharmacy.

“Pharmacy is a separate entity,” Steve said. “Eyewear is staffed by the pharmacy. That’s why if somebody needs help, we can’t just send someone from the store to help.”