Category Archives: Uncategorized

Kansas State Park Annual Permits and 2025 Campsite Reservations Coming Soon  

 

TOPEKA – Are you eyeing a cozy cabin by the water, aiming to complete your Kansas State Park bucket list, or breaking in a new tent? Mark these important dates for purchasing annual park permits and reserving campsites at Kansas State Parks on your calendar.

Starting December 9, 2024, annual permits for visiting and camping at Kansas State Parks will be available for purchase online and at state park offices.

  • Annual State Park Vehicle Permits that cover unlimited entry to all Kansas State Parks through December 31, 2025, at a cost of:
  • $25 for a standard annual vehicle permit, available for residents and non-residents
  • $13.75 for senior/disabled Kansas residents
  • Unconventional Vehicle Permit: $52.50 (for UTVs and golf carts, allowed on improved roads and parking areas only, and available only at state park offices)
  • Annual State Park Camping Permits that cover all daily camping fees (utility fees still apply) at all Kansas State Parks through December 31, 2025*, at a cost of:
  • $202.50 if purchased before April 1 or after September 30
  • $252.50 if purchased between April 1 and September 30
  • 14-Night State Park Camping Permits that cover daily camping fees (utility fees still apply) on a total of 14 nights at Kansas State Parks for $112.50.

Camping permits do not cover additional daily utility fees or prime site fees, and valid state park vehicle permits are also required. You must be 18 or older to rent a campsite or cabin at Kansas State Parks.

*All campers are limited to 14 consecutive days and a five-day absence is required before returning to the park to camp again.

In addition to these state park permits, reservations for campsites during the prime season (April 1 through October 31) at Kansas State Parks will open on:

  • December 13, 2024, at 12 p.m. CST for: Cedar Bluff, Cheney, Clinton, Eisenhower, Hillsdale, Kanopolis, Meade, Milford, Pomona, Perry, Sandhills, and Tuttle Creek state parks.
  • December 20, 2024, at 12 p.m. CST for: Crawford, Cross Timbers, El Dorado, Elk City, Fall River, Glen Elder, Historic Lake Scott, Lovewell, Prairie Dog, Webster, and Wilson state parks.

For those planning to visit Kansas State Parks during holiday weekends, please note these minimum stay requirements for campsite and cabin reservations:

  • Campsites:
    • Memorial Day Weekend: 4-night minimum including May 22-25, 2025
    • July 4th Weekend: 3-night minimum including July 3-5, 2025
    • Labor Day Weekend: 3-night minimum including August 29-31, 2025
  • Cabins:
    • Memorial Day Weekend: 3-night minimum including May 23-25, 2025
    • July 4th Weekend: 2-night minimum including July 4-5, 2025
    • Labor Day Weekend: 3-night minimum including August 29-31, 2025

To improve your chances of reserving a campsite on your preferred dates, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks recommends the following tips:

  1. Familiarize yourself with CampItKS.com or ReserveAmerica.com in advance of the December opening dates.
  2. Ensure your login information is current, with a complete profile, or create an account if you’re new to these platforms.
  3. Download the CampItKS mobile app for easy access on the go.
  4. Set reminders for state park permit sales and campsite reservation dates.

For a complete list of Kansas State Parks, including maps and available amenities, visit ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks.

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Alvin Elwood Pellett Obituary

Alvin Elwood Pellett, aged 94, passed away on September 6, 2024, in Decatur, Texas. Born on July 25, 1930, Alvin affectionately known as Al, was raised on a farm, and learned the value of hard work early in life.

His strength and determination were evident when he played football at Ft. Scott Junior College. His athletic prowess continued in the Air Force, where he also served in Vietnam as a reconnaissance analyst. His commitment to his country was a significant part of his identity and remained a source of pride throughout his life. Al was not only a veteran but also an avid sports fan, often spending time with fellow veterans at the VFW, where he forged many lasting friendships.

In retirement, he and his beloved wife, Brenda, settled in Rhome, Texas, enjoying a quieter life together.

Alvin is survived by his wife, Brenda Pellett, his son, Daniel Pellett, and his daughter, Bari Gaylor.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Pellett Jr. and Bertha Pellett, his brothers Harlan and Loren Pellett, and his sister Eloyce Parker.

A service to honor Alvin’s life will be held at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, September 26th at the Cheney Witt Funeral Chapel.

Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery where the United States Air Force Honor Guard will provide military honors.

Instead of flowers, contributions may be made to the V.F.W., an organization that was very dear to Alvin’s heart. Donations may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

FRIENDS OF FSNHS ANNUAL MEETING AND PROGRAM OPEN TO ALL

 

The public is invited to attend the 2024 Annual Meeting of the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site (FSNHS) being held Monday, September 16 at the Herbert House, 512 S Judson in Fort Scott, KS.  The meeting will feature a program “The Greatest Test of Courage: A Story of WWII and the Philippines”, presented by Ronda Hassig.  It begins at 6 pm.  Light appetizer refreshments will be served.

Ronda Hassig.Submitted photo.

Join us to learn about the Friends work on behalf of FSNHS and a little known WWII story in one of Fort Scott premier historic homes.

The Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site is a non-profit organization established in partnership with the National Park Service to support and promote the preservation and interpretation of FSNHS.

The Herbert House, is now owned by Ronda and Rob Hassig. Submitted photo.

U234 Board of Education Met Last Evening

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, September 09, 2024

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, September 09, 2024, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.

President David Stewart opened the meeting.

 

The Revenue Neutral Hearing was held at 5:30 PM, none were present during public forum.

The Budget Hearing was held at 5:45 PM, none were present during public forum.

The Board approved –

Resolution 24-08- Exceeding the Revenue Neutral Tax Rate

Resolution 24-09- Make a local option percentage in an among of 33% for the 24-25 school year.

The Board approved the 2024-25 Budget with consideration of the Needs Assessment.

 

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

Board Minutes

  1.       08/12/24 Minutes

Financials – Cash Flow Report

Check Register

Payroll – August 20, 2024 – $1,872,640.99

Activity Funds Accounts

USD 234 Gifts

KASB August Update

KASB Voting Delegate 2024-25 – David Stewart

MOU with SEK Mental Health for Mental Health Intervention Program

MOU with Community Health Center of SEK for random drug screening of students

 

The Board went into an executive session for personnel matters.

 

Tiger of Members of the month were Jannah Farrington and Billi Jo Shoemaker. Jannah is in her 14th year of teaching and Billi Jo is in her second with SPED and 23rd year with the district. Both were recognized for their hard work during the ESY summer program. Jannah was the coordinator and Billi Jo helped with the elementary students. Both were a key part in the success of this summer program in which the children had a wonderful experience.

 

Superintendent Destry Brown reported on an upcoming Board Member training to be held later this month.

 

Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided the Board with a shared sheet.

 

Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, updated the Board on several training opportunities that will be coming soon. She also commended the SPED staff for their accomplishment with Indicator 11 and informed about the evaluations last year and number of IEP placements.

 

Danny Brown, Board Member, adjourned the meeting.

 

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED

September 09, 2024

 

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

Craig, Alicia – Van Driver Resignation

Hensley, Charlie – Resignation – Transportation Director

Lopp, Kylie – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

Mishler, Kelsei – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Middle School

Stepps, Abby – Supplemental Resignation – Leadership Club

 

LEAVE OF ABSENCE:

 

Mills, Lacy

 

EMPLOYMENT:

 

Classified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:

 

Heenan, Kristen – Paraprofessional – High School

Newman, Ronna – Substitute Paraprofessional – High School

Skaggs, Gwen – Paraprofessional – Middle School

 

Supplemental Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:

 

Corbitt, Cheyenne – Intramural Supplemental

Dennigan, Dennis – Morning Gym Supervision

Jones, Taylor – Musical Music Director

Nelson, Andrew – Guided Coalition

Oxholm, Chris – Assistant Wrestling

Spears, Tiffinie – Leadership Club

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BRICKSTREET BBQ TO BE FEATURED ON AMERICA’S BEST RESTAURANTS

 

FORT SCOTT:  – Local restaurant Brickstreet BBQ will be hosting a visit from America’s Best Restaurants (ABR) in early July 2024.

 

America’s Best Restaurants, a national media and marketing company focusing on bringing attention to local, independently-owned restaurants, will bring its ABR Roadshow to the restaurant on July 1st.  Popular dishes will be highlighted, along with an extensive on-camera interview with owners Alex and Carissa Bowman about the restaurant’s special place in the community. The episode will be aired extensively on social media channels at a later date.

The Bowmans opened Brickstreet BBQ in 2023, offering hickory-smoked meats, sides, salads and sandwiches in a welcoming, unique environment.

 

The idea for offering barbecue to the Fort Scott community stemmed not only from a lack of that particular cuisine in the area, but also a desire to “do something” with the historic building it is located in.

 

Known as the H.L. Stout building and built in 1911, the brick building with a two-story vestibule has been the home of everything from a patent medicine manufacturer to car dealerships to a cafeteria, with a skating rink on the second floor and a bowling alley in the basement, according to a 2009 article in the Fort Scott Tribune.

“It was kind of like  – we need to do something with that building,” Carissa says.  “It really was just kind of a gut feeling. We didn’t even know we wanted to do barbecue at that time. We just knew something needed to happen here.”

Popular menu items that may be featured on the episode include the burnt ends (“They are to die for” notes Carissa), ribs, and  the Brickstreet tacos, a choice of meat topped with fiesta corn, pico di gallo and apple slaw.

“They’re a good one that everybody loves because it’s just a lot of different flavors that are very unique but work together,” explains Carissa.

 

One aspect of running the business that the Bowmans are most proud of is the family that they’ve created within the four walls.

“We’ve been really working hard, coaching our staff and employees on just encouraging them to be their best selves,” Alex notes, adding that they want their employees to network, gain skills, and connect with customers. “This isn’t just a job. This is an opportunity to grow.”

America’s Best Restaurants will be filming on location on Monday July 1st from 9 am to noon CST. The press is invited to attend. The restaurant’s finished episode premiere date will be announced on their Facebook page and will be featured on America’s Best Restaurants’ website.

 

Restaurants featured on the ABR Roadshow are selected based on their customer reviews, menu items, social media presence, and level of involvement with their community. They are found through customer nominations, internal vetting or by a restaurant applying to be featured at www.americasbestrestaurants.com.

 

About Brickstreet BBQ: Open Tuesday through Sunday, Brickstreet BBQ is located at 3 W Oak St, Fort Scott KS 66701. Telephone is (620) 224-2425.  For more information visit ‘Brickstreet BBQ’ on Facebook.

 

About ABR: With offices in Florence, KY and Las Vegas, America’s Best Restaurants is a national media and restaurant marketing company that travels the country telling the stories and highlighting the unique food of locally owned independent restaurants as part of their ABR Roadshow. Restaurants are featured not only on ABR’s Restaurant Network of social media channels and website, but also each individual establishment’s Facebook page. With over 1300 episodes filmed, America’s Best Restaurants is the premier marketing agency for restaurant owners and operators to have their story broadcast coast-to-coast. Visit AmericasBestRestaurants.com to learn more and to view the episodes and profiles of hundreds of America’s Best Restaurants!