FSHS swimmers faced their toughest competition of the year last night when they competed at Blue Valley West, last year’s 6A State Championship team.
The 200 Yard Medley Relay consisting of Oliver Witt (FS), Bobby Kemmerer (FS), Noah Ryan (Parsons HS) and Anthony Posher (Parsons HS) swam a state consideration time of 1.56.58 and placed 5th overall.
Oliver Witt took 6th in the 100-yard butterfly (1.05.08) and 7th in the 100-yard backstroke with a best time of 1.08.50.
Bobby Kemmerer finished 9th in the 50 Free (23.91) and 5th in the 100 Backstroke with a best time of 1.03.46 and two-state consideration times.
Their next meet will be on Tuesday in Coffeyville.
West Bourbon Elementary School was recognized by from left: Secretary Norman, WBE PE InstructorJackie Hall, Miranda Steele, Candice McField.
2020 Kansas Health Champions Announced
WICHITA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Governor’s Council on Fitness (GCOF) presented the 2020 Kansas Health Champion Awards during a luncheon at the Community Health Promotion Summit today, Thursday, January 30.
The Health Champion Award was developed by the Governor’s Council on Fitness to recognize and promote exemplary contributions to fitness in Kansas. Those recognized include an individual and organization, as well as honorable mentions in each category.
Individual Health Champion: Andy Fry, Topeka
Organizational Health Champion: Redemption Plus, Lenexa
Individual Honorable Mention: Jim Blackwell, Hoisington
Organizational Honorable Mention: West Bourbon Elementary School, Uniontown
“Eligible nominees include volunteers, schools, communities, employers, media organizations and policy makers that put forth exceptional efforts to model, encourage and promote fitness in Kansas,” said Candice McField, GCOF Awards Chair. “The winners were selected from the nominations of several worthy candidates in each category.”
This is the seventh year for these awards.
“Congratulations to these individuals and organizations for being exceptional in their efforts to model, encourage and promote fitness in Kansas,” said KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman.
Health Champions
Andy Fry of Topeka serves in a volunteer capacity as the President of the Topeka Community Cycle Projects. Andy has planned events around cycling and has written and received several thousands of dollars’ worth of grants and additional monies through fundraising to support local bike and pedestrian activities. He has led different community groups and boards and is one of the most vocal advocates on the city and state level for bike and pedestrian-related issues. These are just a few of the many accomplishments over the last 10 years.
Jenny Kramer, State Bike and Pedestrian Coordinator at Kansas Department of Transportation, who nominated Fry said, “The work Andy does will continue to have ripple and long-lasting effects. Andy and his like-minded friends, and the decision-makers he has influenced, have made Topeka a place that people want to live and work.”
Redemption Plus a merchandising company in Lenexa, is described as a “a one-of-a-kind organization where enthusiastic, caring people can lead full lives by bridging their professional and personal worlds.” Through their Wellness Platform, employees can participate in education as well as personal, group and company-wide challenges. They offer daily healthy meals, stretching and meditation plus a variety of workout options throughout the week with special classes. They even let their vendors know they are a health and wellness-oriented company and ask that they not send unhealthy treats.
Julie Annett, Wellness Crusader (Director) of Redemption Plus, says one employee who joined them from another company has been positively impacted by the organizational efforts around health and wellness after losing 30 pounds and gaining higher levels of job satisfaction. Brittany Stucky, Culture Champion for the business, adds “it’s about serving customers to the best of my ability while also being able to be committed to myself and my family.”
Honorable Mentions
Jim Blackwell of Hoisington understands that where a person lives and works influences their health. Jim is a proponent of healthy living, is very visible in the community and always models and participates in the policies and programs that support health and fitness. Jim’s approach to improve health disparities is to find innovative ways to shrink the gaps. He supports efforts to build a safe and walkable environment. Most recently he led an initiative to fill a sidewalk gap around the high school which created another community walking loop and provides easy access to the grocery store.
“Jim’s desire for these projects comes from wanting to cultivate health and wellness not only for the hospital staff but for the entire community,” said Karla Crissman who nominated Jim. “His strong commitment to health and wellness has changed the trajectory of health in our community for generations to come.”
West Bourbon Elementary School in Uniontown is challenging students to be healthy movers for life. Faculty in the school help make physical activity become something more than just a class. Activities throughout the school include morning fitness activities, brain breaks and fitness equipment. In September, 98 parents took part in an event called Take Your Parent to PE Week, the third year of the program. Through this program, students are taught about healthy habits, including development of a personal fitness plan.
Jackie Hall, Physical Education teacher at the school, in her nomination shared, “I am very proud how our school and district are committed to helping our students, as well as the community, maintain and create healthy habits for life.”
The Uniontown Eagles competed against the Marmaton Valley Wildcats and the Osawatomie Trojans in the final game of the Mid-Season Tournament on January 25. The girls fought for 3rd place in the tournament and the boys played in the championship game.
The girls Varsity won against Moran 33-25, taking 3rd place in the tournament. Danielle Howard and Karleigh Schoenberger each scored 11 points; Howard also had 8 steals and 5 assists, and Schoenberger had 5 rebounds. Gwenyth Fry had 6 rebounds and 7 points. “Tonight was a good example of a hard-fought rivalry game. We knew coming in to this one that it would be a battle. It wasn’t pretty, but it was a win.” Alie Fuhrman commented, “We didn’t play to our full potential, but we still pulled through.”
The boys lost against Osawatomie 49-51, leaving them the runners-up in the tournament. Luke George had 10 rebounds, all of them defensive, and 6 assists. Jake Harvey led in points, accumulating 16; he also had 9 rebounds. Clay Sutterby followed with 10 points and 5 rebounds. Drew Perry and Cade Goodridge each had 2 steals. “I am proud of our team,” said Coach Hays. “Not many would have picked us to be playing for the tournament Championship. It was a great game. Osawatomie has a talented team. Congrats to them on winning the tournament.”
Media Advisory: 2020 Kansas Health Champions to be Awarded
WICHITA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Governor’s Council on Fitness (GCOF) will recognize the 2020 Kansas Health Champions at a luncheon Thursday, January 30 at 11:30 a.m. in Wichita. The awards will be held at the Drury Inn and Suites, 400 W. Douglas Ave in room 132. All media are invited to attend. Award winners will be available for interviews in room 105 following the presentation’s conclusion, estimated to be at 12:45 p.m.
The Health Champion Award was developed by the Governor’s Council on Fitness to recognize and promote exemplary contributions to fitness in Kansas. This is the seventh year for these awards. Those recognized include an individual and organization, as well as honorable mentions in each category.
2020 winners include:
Individual Health Champion: Andy Fry, Topeka
Organizational Health Champion: Redemption Plus, Lenexa
Individual Honorable Mention: Jim Blackwell, Hoisington
Organizational Honorable Mention: West Bourbon Elementary School, Uniontown
Award winners will make brief remarks.
Presenters scheduled include Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, GCOF Chair Miranda Steele and GCOF Awards Chair Candice McField.
From left: Lanie Jackson, Icysis Reeder, Michaela Morrell, Karlee Hereford, Jackson Montgomery, Lillian Jackson, Madi Davis, and Javon Steadman.Submitted photo.
Frontenac hosted the Southeast Kansas Music Educator’s Association Elementary Honor Choir on Saturday,
January 18, 2020.
Jason Sickel, 2017 Kansas Teacher of the Year, was the clinician for the 141-person choir.
Fifth-graders Lanie Jackson, Lillian Jackson, Jackson Montgomery, Icysis Reeder, Madi Davis, Karlee Hereford, Michaela Morrell, and Javon Steadman were nominated by Eugene Ware Elementary Music Educator MJ Harper to perform.
Students worked outside of class during the fall semester to prepare and memorize four pieces of music.
During the afternoon concert, Mary Jo Harper was awarded Outstanding Elementary Music Educator for Southeast Kansas Music Educators Association.
Bobbie Kemmerer, left and Oliver Witt. Submitted photo.
Fort Scott Tigers were back in the pool competing in Winfield last Thursday, January 16 and in Osawatomie last night, January 22.
Oliver Witt and Bobby Kemmerer continue to put up competitive times and race against the clock for a state-qualifying time.
In Osawatomie their 200 Free Relay made their laps count and earned a state-qualifying time of 1.38.61. However, since not all four members of the relay attend the same high school the time will not qualify them for state. At the state swim meet relays can only contain four members from the same high school. Since many high school teams co-op for boys swimming, it is not unusual for a relay to swim a qualifying time and not be able to compete in the state meet.
This relay consisted of Kemmerer and Witt from Fort Scott High School, Josh Slansky from Chanute High School and Anthony Pousher from Parsons High School.
The next meet will be at Blue Valley West next Thursday, January 30 at 4:00 p.m.
Results for Winfield Meet
Oliver Witt: 3rd in the 200 medley relay, 4th in the 200 free relay, Individual Medley 2nd in heat 8th overall, 6th in the 100 freestyle
Bobby Kemmerer: 3rd in the 200 medley relay, 4th in the 200 free relay, Individual Medley 1st in heat 6th overall (state consideration time), 5th 50 freestyle
Results Osawatomie Meet
Bobby Kemmerer & Oliver Witt: 200 Medley Relay 1st (state consideration time), 200 free relay (State Qualifying Time)
Bobby Kemmerer: 1st in the 50 Free (state consideration time), 2nd in the 100 Backstroke
Oliver Witt: 3rd in the 50 Free, 2nd in the 100 Butterfly (both races swam a best time)
Lindsay Madison is the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Executive Director.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce has been working to encourage entrepreneurship and matching skills to local employers’ needs in 2019, according to information provided during the Jan. 9 Chamber coffee.
Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center, 321 E. Wall
Two new programs were added to the community this year: Bourbon County E-Community and Work Ready Community. The focus of the two is enhancing local economic development through entrepreneurship and workforce development.
Loans for Businesses Through Entrepreneur Community
Bourbon County E-Community provides access to funds, which are locally administered through the Chamber. These loans included start-up businesses as well as existing business purchases or expenses. The funds are accessed through NetWork Kansas, whose mission statement is to promote an entrepreneurial environment throughout the state that connects entrepreneurs and small business owners with expertise, education, and economic resources.
Those who have received these loans in Fort Scott from July 1 to Dec. 31:
Smallville Crossfit, an E-Community Loan of $40,000.
Luther’s BBQ, an E-Community Loan of $45,000.
Smallville Crossfit, a start-up loan of $25,000.
Lulther’s BBQ, a start-up loan of $30,000.
Margo’s LLC (a salon and spa), an E-Community Load of $39,000.
Other events in support of E-Community: a luncheon to educate on the loan program, an entrepreneur appreciation luncheon, a semi-monthly local newspaper ad promoting the loans, and planning for a Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge, in partnership with Fort Scott High School (judging for the challenge will be March 11, 2020.)
Work Ready Community
Work Ready Community is a nation-wide program to aid matching people to a job that needs their skills and preparing people to have the skills that employers need.
Work Ready Communities is working at the grassroots level to make the country more competitive and closing the skills gap that threatens to paralyze the U.S. economy, according to its website. They do this by providing a community-based framework.
Bourbon County became a Work Ready Community in Sept. 2019.
A group of 10 people from Bourbon County, USD 234, USD235, Fort Scott Community College, the City of Uniontown and local employers attended a Work Ready Community Workshop in August 2019.
Kansas initiated an initiative for high school juniors to take the Work Keys test and earn certification. The certification is to improve hiring and employee retention, help provide employees who have the skills needed and help students attain success in landing a career.
To view the Chamber leadership this year,click below:
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met on Monday, January 13, at the Board of Education office for their regular monthly meeting.
President David Stewart opened the meeting. The board approved the official agenda. The board also approved the consent agenda as follows:
Minutes
Bills and Claims
Payroll – December 19, 2019 – $1,400,799.51
Financial Report
Bond Proceeds Reconciliation
Activity Fund Accounts
Gary Elliott, with Benchmark, Inc., gave a roof projects update to the board. Stephanie
George, KNEA President, presented a report.
Superintendent Ted Hessong welcomed the new board members and shared the following information:
January 6 professional development day activities
State Debate Tournament at Fort Scott High School and Fort Scott Middle School on January 17
Accreditation information
Advocacy in Action, Greenbush Superintendent Forum, BOLD training, Council of Superintendents meetings
Legislative information
Gina Shelton, Business Manager, discussed roof bids.
Board members approved the following items:
Roof payment
Election of officers and meeting dates to take place at the July 2020 organizational board meeting
Employee Physical Activity policy
Board members shared comments and then went into executive session to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel and returned to open meeting. The board then went into executive session to discuss matters relating to employer-employee negotiations. The board returned to open meeting and approved the following employment items:
Retirement of Marge Madison, high school treasurer/secretary, effective June 30, 2020
Retirement of Vicki Kruger, middle school paraprofessional, effective January 7, 2020
Leave of absence request from Angela Christy, Winfield Scott paraprofessional
Employment of Tyler Bell as high school assistant wrestling coach for the 2019-20 school
THANK YOU to those businesses and individuals who have already committed to volunteering or donating items.
Please click here to emailDiana with times you can work or items you can donate. Monetary donations also welcome, made payable to the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, and we can purchase items needed.
Physical items or monetary donations may be dropped off at the Chamber through 5 pm Thursday.
Contact Lindsay Madison at the Chamber with any questions, 620-223-3566, or [email protected].
Photo from L to R: Logan Geiger, Maddie Ard, Clay Brillhart, Braden Griffiths and Coach Scott Sutton.
The Uniontown FFA Meat Evaluation team recently brought home 4th place honors at the National Western Roundup Meat Evaluation contest held in Fort Collins, Colorado. Uniontown earned the opportunity to represent the state of Kansas in the contest with their state runner-up finish this past May.
The contest consisted of placing classes, beef grading, retail identification, questions, meat formulation problems and a written exam. After completing all of the above on Saturday, January 11th on the campus of Colorado State University, the team ranked 3rd in Beef Grading, 4th in Placings, 6th in Retail Identification and 4th overall.
Clay Brillhart led the team individually with a 7th place finish overall. He also ranked 8th in the placing category and 8th in the retail identification division. Maddie Ard finished 17th overall, Braden Griffiths was 5th in Beef Grading and ranked 21st overall, and Logan Geiger ranked 24th in Retail Identification. The team is coached by Uniontown FFA Advisor Scott Sutton.
The Fort Scott High School Thespian Troupe #7365 attended the annual KS State Thespian Festival on Jan. 9-11 in Wichita.
Twenty-six students attended three days of theatre-related workshops, competitions, and performances accompanied by FSHS Thespian Director Angie Bin and FSHS English teacher Don Parsons.
Ashanti (Bell) Green, Jenna Stockstill, and Mesa Jones pose with their Superior Rating medals qualifying them to compete at the International Thespian Festival.
The following students competed in Individual Events and received Superior Ratings qualifying them to compete at the International Thespian Festival in Indiana in June: Senior Mesa Jones and sophomore Jenna Stockstill qualified in Musical Solo and junior Ashanti (Bell) Green qualified in Monologue.
Mesa Jones served as a State Thespian Officer for KS.
FSHS also once again received the Gold Honor Troupe Award, the highest honor given, for their performances, community involvement, and participation. Jones was recognized for serving this past year as a State Thespian Officer. She was one of five student officers from across the state elected to plan and facilitate this year’s festival.
Seniors Mackenzie Peoples and Wendy Monahan pose with their college audition call-back lists.
Two FSHS seniors auditioned for all of the colleges in attendance. Wendy Monahan received call-backs from 15 colleges and Mackenzie Peoples was called back by 9 colleges.
Other students who competed in Individual Events included senior Dominic Cannon with junior Sage Hill and Monahan with junior Amber Russo in Duet Acting; and Peoples and sophomore Christina Ramirez in Musical Solo. All FSHS attendees also competed in Improvisational Acting, Speed Charades, Creative Costuming, or Theatre Quiz Bowl.
Left to right (top row): Angie Bin, Tailynn Harding, Jacob Ham, Italeigh Harding, Sierra Long, Amber Russo, Wendy Monahan, Christina King, Levi Bin, Daniel Watson. (Middle row): Carlee Studyvin, Alexis Williams, Israel Carreno, Kaitlyn Hanks, Olivia Wilterding, Christina Ramirez, Mackenzie Peoples, Avery Dorsey, Justin Stevens. (Front row): Troupe #7365 officers: Ashanti Green, Zaria Byrd, Alexa Bukowski, Dominic Cannon, Jenna Stockstill, Mesa Jones, Sage Hill.
Bin taught workshops entitled “Unlocking the Mystery of Immersive Theatre” and “Let’s Play! Building Your Theatre Program Among Kids” throughout the weekend.
The FSHS spring theatre season kicks off with auditions for the play “Radium Girls” by D.W. Gregory on Jan. 13 and 14. Performances are at 7 p.m. on Feb. 27-29 in the FSHS Auditorium.
Last night at the swim meet in Emporia, Fort Scott High School swimmers Oliver Witt and Bobby Kemmerer are not only counting laps, but making those laps count.
Bobby took 1st place in both the 50 free (23.91) and the 100 breaststroke(1.09.82) swimming 2 state consideration times.
Oliver Witt took 2nd in the 100 free (55.48) and 5th in the 50 free (25.16) earning person best times in both races.
Both boys are making a splash and building a tradition one stroke at a time.
