Category Archives: Jobs

Jobs, K-State Extension, Youth

Turn Babysitting in to a Business

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Cassidy Lutz
K-State Research and Extension 
Family and Consumer Science Agent 
Southwind District 
211 W. Butler 
Yates Center, KS 66783
620-625-8620

K-State Research and Extension Southwind District – Family and Consumer Science Agent

Turn Babysitting in to a Business

School breaks are the perfect times for pre-teens and teenagers to earn some extra money by getting a job and with schools out for spring break and summer vacation, there will be an influx of parents seeking childcare. These two factors provide youth with a wonderful job opportunity – babysitting!

Youth work experiences provide many benefits. Personal growth that results from early work experiences help youth build their soft skills, which are character traits and interpersonal skills needed for all jobs throughout life. It also helps build their resume and leads to higher-paying future jobs.

Babysitting can be a fun way for young adults to earn money fast! Here are some other benefits:

  • Enhancing communication skills – By working for parents, sitters learn communication skills that will carry over to all other lines of work in the future. Caregivers must build strong relationships with families to show they are reliable and can be trusted to take care of young children. Working with young children also requires leadership, conflict management, and problem-solving skills that many places of employment look for in candidates.
  • Gaining valuable work experience – Experience in childcare can be beneficial for both the sitter’s personal and professional life. If they are considering pursuing a career involving young children, this provides them with first-hand experience of what that might look like on a day-to-day basis. It is also great for personal development as it prepares them for future parenting and caregiving roles. If they have a younger sibling at home that they watch on occasion, it also makes them more aware of how to care for and interact with them to create positive experiences.
  • Earning potential and flexibility – Babysitting jobs offer a source of income that is wonderful for students who want a job but might not be able to take on a 40-hour work week. Sitters have the control to make their work schedule and take on as many or as few jobs as they wish to, depending on their capabilities, prior obligations, and drive to work.
  • Building a sense of responsibility and empathy – Taking care of someone else’s child requires both of these skills. Sitters must prioritize the safety and well-being of the child(ren) in their care while also considering the child(ren)’s wants and needs. This balancing act helps build character and develops essential life skills for the provider.

To empower young entrepreneurs with the essential skills needed to become a babysitter, the Southwind Extension District is hosting clinics for youth ages 12-18. Topics of focus will include leadership skills, job readiness, child safety, and cooking skills and nutrition. There will also be hands-on CPR and First Aid training. For more information on dates, location, and times, visit our website at https://www.southwind.k-state.edu/ or contact Cassidy Lutz at celutz@ksu.edu or call 620-625-8620.

 

Fort Scott, Government, Jobs, Schools, Youth

USD 234 Board of Education Met on February 13

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Unified School District 234

424 South Main

Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697

www.usd234.org

620-223-0800   Fax 620-223-2760

 

 

DESTRY BROWN                                                                                                                                                        

Superintendent                                                                                                                                            

 

 

 

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

NEWS RELEASE

Monday, February 12, 2024

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, February 12, 2024, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.

 

President David Stewart opened the meeting.

 

The board appointed Joe Wimmer as board member for the next two years.

 

The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:

Board Minutes

01/08/24 Board Minutes

Financials-Cash Flow Report

Check Register

Payroll – January 19, 2024 – $1,662,919.06

Activity Fund accounts

USD 234 Gifts

Resolution 23-15 KMIP Signers

FSHS Baseball Extended Trip – March 13-15, 2024

 

Tiger Team Members of the Month was the Fort Scott SPED Department Speech Team.

Speech Team – Danette Popp, Christie Smith, Afton Hyer, Liz Underwood, Jodi Brown
Michelle Lisica, Mikiah Anderson, Shelly Yocham

Liz Underwood, Winfield Scott, Michelle Lisica, Eugene Ware, and Shelly Yocham, Eugene Ware, are in their first year as Speech Paras for the district. Mikiah Anderson is in her third year with Preschool.

Afton Hyer, Winfield Scott, has been Speech Therapist for the district the last six years and a total of twelve years.

Christie Smith, Eugene Ware, is in her second year with USD 234 and twenty-five years altogether.

Danette Popp, Preschool, has been with the district for twenty-six years and a Speech Therapist for thirty years.

Jodi Brown just started part time with Fort Scott this year and a Speech Therapist for the last twenty years.

Attending through Zoom was Tessa Alumbaugh, she is in her first year with Fort Scott as a Tele-therapist and has been a Speech Therapist for almost eleven years.

Mrs. Barnes recognized each of the team by congratulating them for being flexible and always willing to do whatever it takes to help and support the students.

Mrs. Barnes also recognized three Winfield Scott Paraprofessionals, Rachel Pommier, Francis Torres, and Laurie Bollinger. Mr. Garzone and teachers at Winfield Scott spoke very highly of these three Paras. They are positive and willing to work hard and be available for the students.

Chris Garzone – Assistant Principal
Laurie Bollinger, Francis Torres, Rachel Pommier – Winfield Scott Paras

 

Superintendent Destry Brown reported about the Preschool grant that the district did not receive, but that we will apply for the next round soon. Several students at the High School have requested to start Zero Reasons Why program which is to help “remove the stigma of mental health and prevent teen suicide.”  These students are extremely excited to get this started in our District. Mr. Brown also spoke out the KSDE Audit that was finished this last week.

Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, gave a summary of the Speech team and their caseloads. She reported on upcoming training that she will be involved with during the end of this month. Also, Mrs. Barnes gave information on Medicaid reimbursements and deadlines for those reports.

Travis Laver, School Finance Consultant through Greenbush, came to update the Board on the District Finances. He explained about Senate Bill 386 that could potentially effect Fort Scott School District. Also, he was able to give guidance on Preschool enrollment and other options for the district. Travis thanked the district for being helpful and easy to work with during this time. He also is waiting for results from the KSDE audit to know final numbers.

Robin Button, Food Service Director, presented to the Board information about the Free Lunch Program that is District Wide this year. We have seen an increase in student participation in most buildings. She was able to explain the process for school reimbursement from various programs.

Superintendent Brown went over the contract from Hight Jackson for the remodel of the Preschool Building. Going forward the district will be able to do dirt and drainage work. An estimate of this summer was given before the final drawings from the architect would be completed.

 

As a discussion item, Superintendent Brown brought to the Board the rough draft of a new cell phone policy to be implemented. They were provided with a list of what that policy could potentially look like in the future, including times, devices, as well as disciplinary actions. There will be further discussion on this policy.

The board approved the following items:

  • Hight Jackson Fort Scott Preschool Contract

 

The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.

 

President Stewart adjourned the meeting.

 

 

 

 

 

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT

 

February 12, 2024

 

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

 

Bergmann, Mark – Resignation – English Teacher – High School

Crapson, Sydney – Resignation – 1st Grade Teacher – Winfield Scott

Hall, Dakota – Resignation – Assistant Wrestling Coach

Yarick, Gail – Resignation – Business Manager

 

TRANSFERS/REASSIGNMENTS/LEAVE OF ABSENCE:

For the 2023-24 school year:

Lee, Becky – From Food Service to Full – Time Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

 

EMPLOYMENT:

Certified Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:

 

Cosens, Jayci – 7th Grade Social Studies – Middle School 2024-25

Hampton, Breanna – 6th Grade ELA – Middle School 2024-25

Hastings, Nicolette – Adaptive Special Education Teacher – High School – 2024-25

Oxholm, Chris – Adaptive Special Education Teacher – High School – 2024-25

Payne, Melissa – 6th Grade ELA – Middle School -2024-25

 

Classified Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:

Black, Carla – Part Time Paraprofessional – High School

Claypool, Kaitlyn – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

Endicott, Jencyn – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

Graham, Jenna – Paraprofessional – Middle School

Uhler, Laurie – Paraprofessional – Middle School

 

Supplemental Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:

Jones, Madi – Assistant Track Coach – High School

Myers, Brent – Assistant Track Coach – High School

Robertson, Tom – Head Boys Golf Coach FSHS

 

 

The Board moved to extend Administrator Contracts as presented.

 

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Jobs

Need A Job? FS/Bourbon County Job Fair is February 22

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Fort Scott – Bourbon County

JOB FAIR

Hosted by KANSASWORKS with co-sponsors

Bourbon County REDI, Fort Scott Area Chamber, & HBCAT

Now taking registrations for employer booths!

Employers interested in having a booth

can click here to register online.

Click here for a printable copy of the Job Fair flyer if

you can post it to help us promote the event.

The event will take place

Thursday, February 22nd from 2:30-5pm.

Early Access for Veteran’s at 2:00pm

The Legacy Building

401 Woodland Hills Blvd

ALL job seekers welcome ~ ALL types of jobs available!

KANSASWORKS will be onsite at the Job Fair to provide resources and any assistance to employers or job seekers!

The deadline to register for an employer booth is

February 19th.

Over 31 booths ranging from employers, recruiters, and community resources.

Peerless Products

Pittsburg Community Schools – USD250

Diamond Pet Foods

Jakes fireworks

SEK-CAP, Inc.

Labconco Corporation

Niece Products SBDC

Key Industries, Inc..

Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center & Ashley Clinic

Cobalt MedPlans

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas

Medicalodges, Inc.

HBCAT

Unique Metal Fabrication, INC

Archer Daniels Midland

Kansas Army National Guard

Iconex

Kendall Packaging

US Army Active/Reserves

MFA Incorporated

City of Fort Scott

REDI

KANSASWORKS Southeast

Murphy Family Ventures

USD 235-Uniontown

USD 234

US Navy

CHC/SEK. Tobacco Cessation Program

WardKraft Inc

Walmart

Contact the Chamber for more info. or any questions:

620-223-3566 or information@fortscott.com
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Jobs

Carpenter named HBCAT Executive Director

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Rachel Carpenter. Submitted photo.

In her first two years at the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, Rachel Carpenter has helped lead many transformational projects.

From the downtown arch project and park improvements in Fort Scott to the countywide child care coalition, Carpenter has been instrumental in bringing positive, impactful change to Southeast Kansas.

For that work and her leadership throughout Bourbon County, Carpenter has been named the new HBCAT Executive Director.

“We are so proud to have Rachel on our team and now as our Executive Director,” HBCAT President Jody Love said. “She works tirelessly to build wealth and economic stability in all her efforts, recruiting individuals to use our services and working with community health workers on self-sustainability. She is passionate about building healthier, thriving people and communities.

“We believe people deserve access to opportunity. We believe we should have a choice and a say in our own health and welfare. We make that happen through our unique programming, and Rachel is such a wonderful partner in that mission.”

Carpenter, who leads the Local Health Equity Action Team (LHEAT) and Center for Economic Growth, said she is excited for this elevated role at HBCAT.

“I spearhead the LHEAT, which is a coalition that informs the work that we do at HBCAT,” she said. “Our LHEAT has been successful in bringing in free county-wide transportation and launching two laundry programs. The LHEAT received the KDADS Introductory Grant ($30,000) that focuses on building coalition capacity to develop youth drug prevention strategies.”

Carpenter also leads the Bourbon County Childcare (BC3) which is comprised of early childhood professionals and support organizations.

“The BC3 coalition received the Childcare Community Partnership Grant ($48,500) that went toward child care providers to purchase capacity building items, and to bring more in-person training to Bourbon County,” she said.

“I implemented the HBCAT Grant program that awarded a total of $194,000 to 31 businesses in Bourbon County with a capital infusion of $1.5 million,” she said. “The grant program focuses on Farmer/Ranchers, Restaurants/Food Retail, and Minority, Low-Income, or Women Owned Start-Ups. The Center for Economic Growth Program has a success rate of 74.3 percent.

“I love being able to meet people and hear about their goals,” she said. “It is so fulfilling to be able to connect them to resources and opportunities so that they can thrive in Bourbon County”

For more information on HBCAT and its services, visit https://hbcat.org/

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Jobs

FS-Bourbon County Job Fair February 22

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Fort Scott – Bourbon County

JOB FAIR

Hosted by KANSASWORKS with co-sponsors

Bourbon County REDI, Fort Scott Area Chamber, & HBCAT

Now taking registrations for employer booths!

Employers interested in having a booth

can click here to register online.

Click here for a printable copy of the Job Fair flyer if

you can post it to help us promote the event.

The event will take place

Thursday, February 22nd from 2:30-5pm.

Early Access for Veteran’s at 2:00pm

The Legacy Building

401 Woodland Hills Blvd

ALL job seekers welcome ~ ALL types of jobs available!

KANSASWORKS will be onsite at the Job Fair to provide resources and any assistance to employers or job seekers!

The deadline to register for an employer booth is

February 19th.

Contact the Chamber for more info. or any questions:

620-223-3566 or information@fortscott.com
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott, Jobs

 Valu Merchandisers Company (VMC) Fort Scott Closing Operations

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Value Merchandisers Company is located at 4805 Campbell Dr. in Fort Scott’s Industrial Park. This is a 2017 photo of the building.

January 8, 2024

Due to the completion of the state-of-the-art All-In-One (AIO) Distribution Hub in Hernando, Miss., we will be closing operations at our Valu Merchandisers Company (VMC) facility located in Fort Scott, Kan.

We will transition the majority of VMC Fort Scott’s inventory and shipments to the AIO and expect the transition to be
completed by the end of March 2024.

Our employees at this facility have worked hard and done an excellent job providing retailers with the best variety of quality Health & Beauty Care (HBC), General Merchandise (GM) and Specialty Foods (SF) at the lowest cost to drive sales since the facility was built in 1995.

This was not an easy decision, and we sincerely appreciate
the dedication the employees here have shown.
We are committed to helping all impacted employees through their transition to other opportunities, including potential opportunities within AWG.

Emile Breaux, Senior Vice President, Chief Sales & Support Officer, AWG

ABOUT ASSOCIATED WHOLESALE GROCERS, INC.:
Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. (AWG) is the nation’s largest cooperative food wholesaler to independently owned
supermarkets, serving 1,100 member companies and more than 3,400 locations throughout 31 states from 9 wholesale
Divisions.

Fort Scott, Health Care, Jobs

Emmerson Retires From Long-Term Health Care Career

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Lynette Emmerson. Submitted photo.

Lynette Emmerson has been a licensed long-term care administrator in the community for almost thirty years.

“After both of my parents passed away this past year and after becoming a grandparent for the first time, I re-evaluated my priorities,” she said. “With the help of my family, I realized I can look for a career in which I have less pressure and responsibility.  I prayed about it and God opened a door. I have the opportunity to spend more time with my growing family, which includes a daughter-in-law, granddaughter, and a future son-in-law.”

As of January 2, 2024, Emmerson will be a new secretary at Fort Scott Middle School.

She has been at Medicalodge, Fort Scott, for the past nine-and-a-half years.

The best part of her job is helping people.
“Whether it is our residents, families, or staff,” she said. “I love to help people find resources.  I especially loved hands-on care and spending time with so many residents over the years.”
“The challenges: being responsible for the decisions and actions staff make and working in a job in which I am on-call continuously because in healthcare you are never closed for business.”
Through the decades, there have been changes in long-term care.

Emmerson noted that long-term care residents in nursing homes need a higher level of staffing and experienced nurses than when she first started her career.

“Hospitals are not admitting or keeping people as long anymore so skilled nursing facilities must be prepared to provide that kind of care,” she said.

Another difference, is “Over the years, residents have been referred to us from all over the region from Kansas City to Wichita to Joplin while in the beginning, it was more local- Fort Scott and the surrounding communities.”

“Also, less of the workforce seems to want to work in long-term care so it is very important to recruit and retain staff who love caring for the elderly and individuals who need long-term care,” she said.

Fort Scott, Jobs

Ashley Heathman Is the New Assistant Director at the Beacon

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Ashley Heathman. Submitted photo.
Ashley Heathman, 32, started her new job as assistant director at The Beacon in May 2023.
“The Beacon is a not-for-profit food bank that helps families and individuals facing food insecurity, ” she said. “We also do some financial assistance to help pay utilities and certain necessities.”
“I answer the phones, process The Beacon applications, and help our members find other resources,” she said. “Along with day-to-day activities to keep The Beacon running smoothly.”
She and Beacon Director David Gillen are the only employees of the helping organization.
“The best thing about my career is being able to help families in need and seeing the relief on their faces when they realize you care!”  Healthman said. “The most challenging aspect of this position is not being able to do more to help in certain situations, but we do the best we can!”
Heathman is currently in the process of getting an associate’s degree at Fort Scott Community College for business management.
“I have worked in health care most of my life which really prepared me for this position, as opposite as they are, you need a big heart to fulfill the duties in both career paths.”
Business, Fort Scott, Jobs

Timken to Close Operations in Fort Scott In 2025

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Timken is located in Fort Scott’s Industrial Park on the city’s south side.

The Timken LLC Plant at 4505 Campbell Road in Fort Scott’s Industrial Park will close in 2025, according to a press release from Timken Media Relations Spokesman Scott Schroeder.

“Today, we notified employees at our belts facility in Fort Scott, Kan., that we will be gradually winding down operations there and plan to close the plant in 2025,” he said. “While difficult, we’re making this change to streamline our operations and restructure our manufacturing footprint to better compete in a global market.”

“We will provide support to help those employees affected by this change, including on-site counseling, benefits planning and retention and severance pay. We wanted to be transparent and provide as much time as possible so employees can plan for their future,” he said.

“We’re committed to providing at least 60 days notice before an employee’s last day,” he said.

Approximately 155 employees work at Timken’s  Fort Scott facility.

Timken engineers and manufactures bearings and industrial motion products…to help global industries operate more efficiently, according to the Timken website.

 

Ascension Via Christi, Bourbon County, Jobs

Employees of Ascension Via Christi in Fort Scott Are Offered Employment Assistance

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

KANSASWORKS Southeast…..

If you are an employee being affected by the upcoming Ascension Via Christi Emergency Department closing in Fort Scott, KS and would like assistance finding new employment, please contact Southeast KANSASWORKS at (620) 231-4250. We offer a wide range of services, including job placement assistance, training opportunities, and career counseling all at no-cost!

We operate a satellite office in Fort Scott in the HBCAT Building located at 104 N. National Ave. We are open M – F, 8:30am to 4:30pm (closed for lunch 1pm to 2pm). Stop by and see us or call (620) 951-3565.

Click here for their Facebook page!

~Check out the Job Seek Resource flyer below! For Career Searching in the Fort Scott Area, this is a GREAT way to see what is available in the community!~
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Fort Scott, Fort Scott Community College, Jobs

FSCC New Nursing Instructor: Sara Holder

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Sara Holder and her family. Submitted photo.

Sara Holder is a new nursing instructor at Fort Scott Community College’s Nursing Department. This is Holder’s first semester of teaching.

Her nursing experience includes emergency room, same-day surgery, and a school nurse position.

Holder graduated from William Jewell College in 1999.

She became an educator “through encouragement from friends and family,” she said. “They supported and encouraged me to make a difference in the lives of students in this community.”

“I am Inspired by all the excellent nurses I have worked with over the years,” she said. “I want to teach nursing students to be like them.”

The best part of teaching for her is encouraging students to become safe, compassionate, caring nurses.

The greatest challenge is the transition from expert at the bedside to classroom instructor, she said.

The Fort Scott Community Nursing Department is located at 810 Burke.

The Fort Scott Community College Nursing Department offers students an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing for students who have completed prerequisite courses and four semesters of nursing courses. Graduates are eligible to take the national licensing exam for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN) and to apply for state licensure as a registered nurse. Our program prepares students for beginning staff nursing positions and delivering nursing care to individuals and groups as members of a healthcare team to promote health and wellness.

Holder has been married to Bret for 24 years,  and is Mom to Jet, a Marine and sophomore Razorback; and Kate, a freshman Razorback. “Woo Pig!”

In her spare time she enjoys providing hospitality for others,  she said. “From our home to our restaurant, Pizza Republic, and this nursing department. I live to serve God, our family and friends, fellow military families, our staff, and nursing students.”

Her hometown is Kansas City, Missouri.

About the Nursing Program

The Fort Scott Community Nursing Department is located at 810 S. Burke.

The Fort Scott Community College Nursing Department offers students an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing for students who have completed prerequisite courses and four semesters of nursing courses, according to the department’s website. Graduates are eligible to take the national licensing exam for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN) and to apply for state licensure as a registered nurse. The program prepares students for beginning staff nursing positions and delivering nursing care to individuals and groups as members of a healthcare team to promote health and wellness.

 

 

 

 

 

Government, Jobs

Building Workforce Through Apprenticeship Grants

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Governor Kelly Announces Recipients of More than $500K in Registered Apprenticeship Grants

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced a total of $528,478 has been awarded by the Kansas Department of Commerce to eight entities across the state for projects that will attract and retain employees and build the state workforce through registered apprenticeships.

“Last year, I created the Office of Registered Apprenticeship to dramatically scale up our state’s efforts to train Kansas workers with the skills needed to succeed in today’s modern economy,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Apprenticeships are a win for both workers and businesses, which is why my administration will continue to invest in them.”

The Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship received total funding requests of $3.3 million from 16 applicants. Applicants identified a variety of project needs related to registered apprenticeships, such as technical instruction, outreach, staffing, partnerships, and administrative costs. Awardees are required to provide a dollar-for-dollar match, and projects must be completed by September 30, 2024.

“Unions, higher education partners, and other economic development groups have accepted the challenge to modernize the registered apprenticeship ecosystem,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Benefits will be felt throughout the economy, with Kansas workers and their families being the biggest winners.”

Grant awardees include:

  • Dodge City Economic Development Council received $45,000 for capacity building and direct business outreach
  • Greater Kansas City Laborers Training, Joint Apprenticeship Training Council received $36,000 for a Spanish-speaking instructor
  • Ironworkers Joint Apprenticeship & Training Trust in Wichita received $29,956 for training equipment including a forklift trainer
  • Kansas Farm Bureau (statewide) received $90,000 for capacity building and direct business outreach
  • Kansas State Council of SHRM (statewide) received $62,160 for capacity building and direct business outreach
  • Plumbers and Pipefitters Training of Kansas, United Association 441 (UA441) in Wichita received $100,000 for HVAC training equipment, capacity building, and direct business outreach
  • Topeka Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 226 (IBEW 226), in partnership with Hutchinson Community College, received $66,885 for training equipment and related technical instruction
  • Wichita Electrical Industry Training Fund, IBEW 271 received $98,476 for capacity building and direct business outreach

“Registered apprenticeships give Kansas workers the skills and experience they need to compete in the modern economy,” Director of Apprenticeship and Internship Shonda Anderson said. “These grants will help connect those skilled workers with good-paying jobs in an increasing number of occupations.”

“This investment in our mission will empower us to provide additional training to our current apprentices as well as attract additional apprentices to our program,” UA441 Vice President John Clark said.

To learn more about the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship, click here.

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