Category Archives: Jobs

Ben Cole has been the Undersheriff for Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office for 10 years.

Before that, he worked at the Fort Scott Police Department for five years.

He is leaving law enforcement on September 8.

As undersheriff, Cole was responsible for the day-to-day operation of the department, reviewing all criminal reports, assisting with investigations, and supervising 16 personnel including deputies and support staff.

His colleagues are the best part of the job for Cole.

“The people that worked for me,” he said. “They have always been so supportive, easy to work with, and ALWAYS willing to go above and beyond to help grow this department. I will for sure miss them all. I have had the pleasure of meeting several great sheriffs across the state at different conferences and so not seeing them or being able to pick their brains, or being involved in the law enforcement activities, I will miss that as well.”

“Law enforcement has changed so much in the last 15 years and the challenge has always been keeping up with new laws and new ways to solve crimes that take place within our community,” he said. “And keeping staff, as no one wants to get into law enforcement because of the way society is and what they see on TV. And sometimes the pay is not worth the risk that we all take in law enforcement.”

Cole will continue coaching golf.

“I am going to continue to be the assistant golf coach at Fort Scott Community College,” he said. “I will find something else to do to keep me busy, but for now just going to relax and play more golf.”

Cole’s official last day will be September 15.

“My last day in the office will be September 8th but will still be available to the newly appointed undersheriff for questions up and until the 15th,” he said.

Kevin Davidson was promoted from detective to undersheriff, he said.

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott National Historic Site, History, Jobs

Labors and Leisure on the Frontier: Labor Day Weekend at Fort Scott National Historic Site

August 30, 2023 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Fort Scott Kan. – Saturday, September 2 through Monday, September 4, 2022, Fort Scott National Historic Site will take you on an exploration of the labors and leisure on an 1840s frontier post. Throughout Labor Day weekend enjoy live music, historic yard games, and a variety of living history demonstrations, and interpretive programs. Visit with soldiers, officer’s wives, laundresses, the post Sutler and find out about the labors of the fort and some of the leisure activities. All programs are free and open to the public. And enjoy ice cream, while it lasts, on Saturday at 11:30 am courtesy of the Friends of Fort Scott NHS, Inc.

On Saturday and Sunday, volunteer Katelyn Dancer will be playing the violin on Officer’s Row and volunteer Mathew Wells will be playing the guitar on the porch of the Dragoon’s Barracks. Monday September 4 at 11:00 am, the Prairie Sunflower Strings will be presenting a concert of folk music out on the parade ground.

Guided Fort Tours will be offered daily at 10 am and 1 pm. Ranger Charles will be presenting a program about Native American storytelling at 11 am on Saturday and Sunday.

Fort Scott National Historic Site’s, a unit of the National Park Service, exhibit areas and visitor center are open daily from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The park grounds are open daily from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset. To find out more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.

-NPS-

NPS Photos credit: C. Brenner

Government, Jobs, Kansas

Kansas to Develop Strategy to Expand Apprenticeships for Youths

July 31, 2023 Submitted Story Leave a comment

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that Kansas has been selected to participate in the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) Policy Academy to Advance Youth Apprenticeship. Through the Policy Academy, Kansas will develop a strategy to expand apprenticeship opportunities to youth ages 16 and older to help them build the skills needed for the modern workforce.

“My administration has focused on apprenticeships as a way to build the Kansas workforce in a way that is both pro-business and pro-worker,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Now, we are furthering our efforts by developing a plan to ensure more of our high school students graduate with the skills they need to get good-paying jobs that don’t require a four-year degree.”

With Kansas’ unemployment rate at 2.8% and a surge in economic development activity that continues creating new jobs, the state is pursuing multiple avenues to build up the pipeline of prospective workers. Apprenticeship is one proven method of developing home-grown talent.

“Expanding the apprenticeship pipeline to include younger Kansans is a logical next step to support our historic growth,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship is developing top-tier talent that makes it easier for businesses to invest in our rural communities.”

Youth apprenticeship is defined as a structured, work-based learning program that supports high-quality outcomes for young people and employers include:

Paid, on-the-job learning under the supervision of skilled employee mentors
Related classroom-based instruction
Ongoing assessment against established skills and competency standards
Industry-recognized credentialing and postsecondary credits

“With more than 160,000 high school students across the state, Kansas youth apprenticeship has significant potential,” said Shonda Anderson, Director of Apprenticeship and Internship for the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship. “The Policy Academy will support Governor Kelly’s focus on improving employment opportunities for young adults, especially in rural parts of the state.”

The Policy Academy to Advance Youth Apprenticeship officially kicks off in Washington, D.C., in August when teams from six states convene for a day of learning and action-planning with state peers, federal leaders, and national subject matter experts.

“From my perspective, this collaboration between unions, industries and educators across multiple sectors to engage young people in Registered Apprenticeship opportunities is exciting,” John Nave, Executive Vice-President of Kansas AFL-CIO, said. “I believe this strengthens the economic prosperity in Kansas now and for generations to come.”

The Kansas team includes officials from the Governor’s Office, Kansas Office of Apprenticeship, Kansas Apprenticeship Council, Kansas Department of Education, Wichita Plumbers and Pipefitters Union, IBEW 304, Kansas AFL-CIO and other stakeholders representing education and industry. To see a list of members of the Kansas Youth Apprenticeship Collaborative, or to find out more about Youth Apprenticeship in Kansas, click here.

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Fort Scott, Jobs, Schools

Newly Created Position in USD 234: Haley Jones

July 26, 2023 Loretta George Leave a comment

Haley Jones, 28, is the new USD 234 Board of Education Administrative Assistant/Communications Coordinator, as of July 5.

The position is a combination of administrative assistant and communications coordinator, which is a new feature to the board.

“As administrative assistant, I perform various clerical tasks, take phone calls, filing, organizing calendars, and greeting those who visit the board,” Jones said. “With the communications coordinator position, I create/send out any important information or updates for our school district- via email, social media, texts, and our website. As well as reaching out to those in our community who are able to be of assistance in helping spread the word for us. I will continue to grow in this position and learn/take on new responsibilities.”

Jones was a para-educator at Fort Scott High School in early 2020, and then in late 2020 worked as an insurance customer service rep for Cobalt MedPlans until July of 2023.

Jones graduated from FSHS in 2013 and then graduated from Fort Scott Community College with an Associates Degree in 2017.

Her family is boyfriend, Derek Houdashelt and children nine-year -old Aiden Houdshelt and 8-month-old Kash Houdashelt.

Government, Jobs, Kansas

KS Office of Apprenticeship Launches Initiative

July 25, 2023 Submitted Story Leave a comment

MeadowLARK Grant Program to Expand Apprenticeship Opportunities in Kansas

~~Kansas Office of Apprenticeship Receives More Than $6M to Modernize and Expand State’s Registered Apprenticeships~~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that the Kansas Office of Apprenticeship has launched the MeadowLARK — Leading Apprenticeship Results in Kansas — Initiative to expand the state’s Registered Apprenticeship opportunities further.

“MeadowLARK is an important tool that will be used to grow the state’s skilled workforce in rural and urban communities across multiple industries – further advancing Kansas’ economic growth,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “By continuing to work together, we are fostering a brighter, more resilient, and more prosperous future for all who call the Sunflower State home.”

Funding for MeadowLARK was delivered through a State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula (SAEF) grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, which provides targeted support to state Registered Apprenticeship Programs. A total of $6,331,847 was awarded to Kansas.

The Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship will utilize these funds to continue revolutionizing apprenticeship in Kansas. MeadowLARK will also greatly expand the office’s efforts by developing Multi-Employer Intermediaries focusing on high-demand, high-wage occupations to meet industry needs.

“Since it was established last year, the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship is making huge strides to expand the highest quality earn-and-learn opportunities across our state,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Through the MeadowLARK funding, the office will continue bringing together businesses, industries, labor, workforce boards, higher education systems, state departments, and other stakeholders, with one objective: Making Kansas a top 25 apprenticeship state by 2025.”

“MeadowLARK represents the latest and most significant opportunity for us to revolutionize how we develop and engage the workforce system and Multi-Employer Intermediaries.,” Shonda Anderson, Director of Apprenticeship and Internship for the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship, said. “With this model, we’re able to create easier pathways for businesses to grow their own workforce.”

In addition to modernization, MeadowLARK will invest nearly $5.7 million over the next three years to advance integration efforts with local Workforce Boards across Kansas and establish Statewide and Regional Multi-Employer Intermediaries.

The Statewide Multi-Employer Intermediaries include:

K-12 Teacher Educator Registered Apprenticeship with the Kansas Department of Education
Justice Involved Registered Apprenticeship with local Kansas WorkforceONE

Statewide Multi-Employer Intermediaries convene and ease the development of Registered Apprenticeship programs for specific employers.

“This Registered Apprenticeship program is a critical step toward addressing the teacher shortage here in Kansas,” Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson said. “These additional grant funds will help ease the financial hurdle many aspiring educators face on their way to earning a college degree and enable us to expand the program.”

Local Workforce Boards such as Kansas WorkforceONE will convene opportunities for populations with barriers to employment.

“Kansas WorkforceONE is excited about the opportunities that the MeadowLARK grant will provide us,” said Deb Scheibler, Executive Director at Kansas WorkforceONE. “We can use this to expand Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeship opportunities across central and western Kansas for some of our most vulnerable populations.”

The Regional Multi-Employer Intermediaries include:

Wichita-based health economy occupations, advanced manufacturing, and other emerging industries with Workforce Alliance
Kansas City-based Youth Registered Apprenticeships with Workforce Partnerships
Workforce occupations will work with Southeast KANSASWORKS

For more information about the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship, click here.

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Bourbon County, Jobs, Schools, Youth

U235 Is Gearing Up for New School Year

July 24, 2023 Loretta George Leave a comment

This week marks the beginning of enrollment for the school year in U.S.D. 235.

Enrollment for Uniontown’s school district is two days:

Thursday, July 27th from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday, July 28th from noon to 7 p.m.

The district’s open house is August 15 from 4 to 6 p.m.

The first day of class for students is August 16.

New teachers in the district are Amanda Ostrander-preschool, Lakyn Rucker-first grade, Tyler Ericson-fourth grade, Jacy Walker-six grade, Alex Chesney-West Bourbon Elementary School Music, Ian Ballinger, high school social studies, Christal Martin-high school science student teacher, Abby Onelio, high school Spanish/,Multi-Tiered Systems of Support( she will work to support students struggling academically)and Carrie Sutcliffe-high school science.

Rebecca Sutterby is the new high school digital media contact and Nick Trim is the new School Resource Officer.

A series featuring new teachers for U235 started with new junior high/senior high principal Robert Onelio on July 17. Watch for profiles of the new teachers in the coming weeks.

To view Onelio’s feature:

New Uniontown Jr/Sr High Principal: Robert Onelio

Improving the District

“The district continues to consider bringing a bond to the voters for consideration,” said Superintendent Vance Eden. “We will start the strategic planning with the community this fall to try to establish some short and long-term, up to five year, goals. We’ll continue to work to improve ourselves as a district and support new hires as they join our team this fall.”

In May, the following retired from the district:

Rhonda Allen-elementary music, Jeanne Camac- jr/sr high counselor, Jean Cook-jr. high English and Language Arts, Betty Dennis-nurse, Amber Ericson-fourth grade, and Bonnie Rathbun-sixth grade.

Government, Jobs, Kansas

Virtual Job Fair to Showcase Hundreds of Available State Positions

July 20, 2023 Submitted Story Leave a comment

TOPEKA – Jobseekers are encouraged to attend the upcoming State of Kansas Agencies Virtual Job Fair from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 26. This virtual fair, hosted by KANSASWORKS, will focus on employment opportunities available within many of the state’s 98 government agencies. Currently, there are almost 800 vacancies across the state.

“The Department of Commerce alone has 28 openings, and we want to fill these positions with skilled and professional candidates looking to secure good-paying careers with great benefits,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “All of our agency jobs offer opportunities for individuals to make a true difference in the lives of individuals and communities by serving our great state.”

Registration is required to participate in the event, regardless of previous participation. The Virtual Job Fair portal features 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, but it is highly recommended to use a computer to be most effective during the job fairs. If a jobseeker does not have access to a personal computer, they are available at KANSASWORKS offices as well as local libraries throughout the state. Any individual with a disability may request accommodations by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.

To register for the July 26 State of Kansas Agencies Virtual Job Fair, 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 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

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Bourbon County, Jobs, Schools

New Uniontown Jr/Sr High Principal: Robert Onelio

July 17, 2023 Loretta George Leave a comment

Robert Onelio, 42, is the new junior/senior high principal at USD 235.

“I’ve always felt it was a calling to work in education” Onelio said. “It’s rewarding to see kids grow and learn but also over the years it’s even more rewarding to see former students succeed as adults!”

A challenge as an educator is ” nothing stays the same and you must find a balance between the tried and true and the new trends that come into education. All the while keeping in mind what is best for kids.”

He is married to Abby Onelio who is going to be working at Uniontown Junior/Senior High School as a Spanish Teacher. They have four children.

They will be commuting from their farm in Crawford County.

“As a family we are active in our church, 4H, and sports,” Onelio said. “Also, we enjoy traveling, camping, riding dirt bikes, and taking care of cows!”

He earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Pittsburg State University in 2004, and a Master of Science in School Leadership from Baker University in 2011.

Onelio has 18 years total in the field of education in Arkansas City Public Schools: six years as a World History teacher, five years as an assistant high school principal, five years as a head elementary principal and two years as head middle school principal.

Fort Scott, Jobs, Schools

Connie Billionis Retires From U234

July 14, 2023 Loretta George 1 Comment

Connie Billionis is retiring from USD 234 School District after 42 years.

USD 234 Board of Education Building, 424 S. Main

“I worked as a secretary at Fort Scott Middle School for 13 years,” Billionis said. “I then transferred to the USD 234 Board of Education (office) as Deputy Clerk and Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent for the remainder of my career for a total of 42 years.”

There have been many changes since she started over four decades ago.

“Changes in technology made a huge difference in how I performed my job,” she said. “I started out typing student schedules on an electric typewriter. Attendance was recorded by collecting absentee slips every hour at the middle school and recording the information by marking boxes by hand in large leather books. And now, everything is completed on laptops, using two or more screens. All state reports, documents, board policy, board of education agendas, etc. are accomplished using the internet through multiple programs.”

The best aspect of her job has been co-workers, teachers, and students.

“I have made life-long friendships and memories with lots of laughter and a few tears along the way,” she said. “I loved seeing students grow and change before they moved on to the high school. It was great when teachers would come into the office to share a student’s essay or a student’s success. At the board office, I truly enjoyed keeping track of calendar events, preparing board agendas for monthly and special meetings, and assisting teachers with their professional learning opportunities. It has been an honor to serve the students, faculty, and staff at USD 234.”

As with all of life, there have been challenges.

“One of the biggest challenges has been the changes with each administration,” Billionis said. “I was fortunate to work with eight different superintendents, and each one made a change in the working environment.”

She does have plans for retirement.

“I’m looking forward to spending more time with my husband, Gary. I love to be with my grandkids, and I have a great time outside in the garden,” she said. “Just having an opportunity to relax and enjoy God’s beautiful world will be a blessing. The hardest part of retirement will be missing the day-to-day interaction with my office friends.”

The retirement reception for Billionis is on Monday, July 17, at 4:30 p.m. at the Board of Education office.

Fort Scott, Jobs, Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

LMC Launches Professional Development Program

July 13, 2023 Submitted Story Leave a comment

The Lowell Milken Center is located at the corner of First and Wall Streets.

The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes is excited to announce the launch of a professional development program for educators working directly with K-12 students to foster the visual arts.

As a member of the LMC community, you may have heard some of the inspiring stories of the Unsung Heroes—diverse individuals from history and across varied disciplines who are largely unrecognized for their extraordinary contributions to society. The new ARTEFFECT Ambassadors program provides a framework for educators to learn from and alongside other high-level practitioners and be inspired and inspire others specifically through art-focused, project-based learning about the LMC Unsung Heroes.

We invite you to review the program offerings and apply if this opportunity seems right for you. The program runs online from October 18, 2023 to June 3, 2024. Ambassadors commit to participating in a series of online modules and completing a capstone project to make an impact on their schools and communities.

What are the benefits of being an ARTEFFECT Ambassador?

Participation in live online modules taught by seasoned art educators.
Strategies to develop instructional practice and learner-centered curriculum.
Peer-to-peer learning and meaningful dialogue on diverse issues in the field.
Advocate for art education and inspire leadership in the classroom and community.
Recognition in an official press release.
An unrestricted stipend of $1,250 and a Certificate of Participation.

Interested in learning more?

Review the ARTEFFECT Ambassadors Info Sheet for all the details.
Register to join the Open House webinar on Wed., August 16 @ 4:00-5:00 PM (PT) for a program overview and to ask any questions.
Submit your online application by Mon., September 18, 2023.

On behalf of the entire ARTEFFECT team, thank you for all the work you do as an educator! Feel free to email Toni Guglielmo, Director, ARTEFFECT, with any thoughts or questions at [email protected]. You are welcome to forward this email to a colleague who may be interested.

Copyright © 2023 Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you either subscribed on our website or expressed interest in receiving updates while visiting us.

Our mailing address is:

Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

1 South Main St

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Fort Scott, Jobs, Schools

New Assistant Prinicpal at Winfield Scott: Chris Garzone

July 10, 2023 Loretta George 2 Comments

Chris Garzone, 53, is the new Assistant Principal at Winfield Scott Elementary, Fort Scott, starting August 1.

Winfield Scott Elementary School, 316 W. 10th Street, Fort Scott.

From Prescott, Arizona, he attended Sterling College on a scholarship to play football and baseball and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health and Physical Education K-12.

Garzone chose a career in education because of the lasting impact teachers and coaches had in his life.

He is in his 28th year in education.

Those years include Gallup, New Mexico, at a small catholic school.

“I was the K-12 Physical Education teacher, taught 10th grade health, was the Athletic Director, and coached various sports.”

They moved to Fort Scott, where his wife Laura taught at St. Mary’s and he was hired at Nevada R5 Schools, teaching elementary physical education K-2 for one year, then taught health classes at Heartland Behavioral Health School for five years. He coached softball, baseball, football and basketball while in Nevada.

In 2005, he completed the Educational Leadership Program from Pittsburg State University and was hired as an assistant principal at Pittsburg Community Middle School.

After one year, he transferred to Pittsburg High School and was an assistant principal for 17 years.

“The best part of being an administrator is the relationships that have occurred between students, staff, the families and the community,” he said. “We are all on a team focused on doing what’s right for each individual child. Observing teachers and students having success inside and outside the classroom is very rewarding for me. I am a servant leader who places others’ needs above my own.”

“I accepted the Assistant Principal position at Winfield Scott because professionally it will be a good challenge for me, switching from secondary to elementary,” he said. “Fort Scott is an amazing community. My wife grew up here and this small town is a good place to live and be involved in.”

He is celebrating his 30th wedding anniversary with Laura Tuchscherer of Fort Scott this August, he said.

They have four children: Haley, a May 2023 Kansas University Graduate pursuing a masters degree in Public Health, with the intent on attending medical school; Austin, attending Pittsburg State University in the Automotive Certification Program; Molly, at PSU pursuing Elementary Education; Tyler, a junior at Fort Scott High School,who plans to play basketball for the Tigers.

“Our children have blessed our lives in so many ways,” he said.