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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
First Presbyterian Church seeks to hire a part-time Office Director. This position directs the church office and handles accounting and payroll. Successful candidates will be organized, proficient in office and computer skills as well as desktop publishing; have experience in basic accounting, and a willingness to play a role in a congregation committed to serving our local community. Please submit a letter of interest, along with resume and references by email to [email protected].
Seasonal Park Ranger Position Available at Fort Scott National Historic Site
Fort Scott KS – Fort Scott National Historic Site is recruiting for a GS-05 Park Ranger temporary position Wednesday, February 13th, through Thursday, February 21st, for the summer of 2019. Application information can be found at www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/524354100. Additional park positions will be announced later this spring.
The Park Ranger serves as a front-line representative conducting independent research and developing original, thematic interpretive programs, and presenting interpretive, educational, and living history demonstrations/programs about the area’s cultural and natural resources to audiences ranging in size from 1-200, using a variety of props and techniques. The incumbent operates the park visitor center and ensures visitor safety. They are also responsible for opening and closing the site and basic resource protection tasks including exotic plant control and routine cleaning of museum objects and exhibit spaces. Other duties include making and maintaining interpretive products (such as signs and labels) and caring and accounting for interpretive props (such as living history clothing and equipment). They will work closely with park staff on critical special initiatives including website development, social media, and special events.
The GS-05 Park Ranger generally work a full-time 40-hour week, and is entitled to paid holidays. Holiday, evening, and weekend work is required. A driver’s license is recommended.
This position is expected to start in April and end in September.
For more information about the park in general, contact Fort Scott NHS at (620) 223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.
