Category Archives: Youth

Splashpad Bash: May 18 at the New Downtown Pavilion

The Hello Summer Luau is May 18 at the new pavilion on North National Avenue. Submitted graphic.

The City of Fort is sponsoring a community event at the new Fort Scott Pavilion on North National Avenue, next to the new splash pad, on Saturday, May 18.

“The purpose of the event is to promote drug and alcohol (prevention) awareness while kicking off the summer for the grand opening of the Pavilion and the Splash Pad- which will be open the day of the event,” said Mary Wyatt, Planning, Housing, and Community Development Director  for the City of Fort Scott.

“The City of Fort Scott is sponsoring the event and is using the Drug and Alcohol Tax Fund which goes to spread awareness to the youth (and adults) to pay for the expenses, plus there are local businesses handing out free stuff and selling their items at the event,” said City Manager Brad Matkin.

“We are in the beginning stages of the project, and currently putting together a committee for the event,” Wyatt said. “After the committee’s first meeting, we will have more details and specifics confirmed that we can share, and will start reaching out to vendors (mostly, if not all, local) to determine their availability. It is the City of Fort Scott’s goal to help provide a safe and fun family-friendly event to start off the summer together as a community.”
There will be live music, vendors, and free activities for the kids Matkin said.

“The vendors will be starting at 3 pm with the bands starting at 6:30 pm,” said Matkin.

 

The northern end of the Gathering Place is seen from National Avenue and Stanton Street. The splash pad is behind the pavilion to the left in this photo.

“The plan is to have the splash pad open,” for this bash, Bailey Lyons, one of the committee members of the splash pad said.

The Gathering Place is the venue of the new pavilion and splash pad on North National Avenue at Old Fort Boulevard. Here are the rules for the splash pad.

“The Hello Summer bash will feature Beach Boys tunes under the pavilion from the live tribute band, Surfin’ USA,” Matkin said.

“Surfin’ USA features seven musicians from the Kansas City area. Their collective dedication to quality musicianship and soaring harmonies will be on full display as they are committed to accurately recreating the music of The Beach Boys,” according to https://www.surfinusashow.com/

Before Sufin’ USA, Vinyl Revival will be playing at 6:30 p.m. at the pavilion.

“Comprised of six professional musicians near the Kansas City area, members of Vinyl Revival have opened for artists such as: Little River Band, Doobie Brothers, Eddie Money, Atlanta Rhythm Section, Firefall, Badfinger, The Guess Who, Joe Bonamassa, Blood Sweat & Tears, Ozark Mountain Daredevils, Edgar Winter, Pure Prairie League, The Romantics, and Peter Frampton,” according to   https://vinylrevivalkc.com/

 

To view prior articles on the two new additions to downtown Fort Scott:

A new Downton Pavilion Is In the Works For Fort Scott

Construction of the Downtown Splash Pad Is Moving Forward

 

Looking northeast from National Avenue and Old Fort Boulevard.  The splash pad is in back of the pavilion.

Turn Babysitting in to a Business

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 [email protected] or call 620-625-8620.

 

USD 234 Board of Education Met on February 13

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.

 

Scout Pinewood Derby is February 17: Come and Cheer Them On

Robert Needham shows his race car. Submitted photo.
The Fort Scott Scout Pinewood Derby event is on February 17, at 6 p.m. at Memorial Hall, 1 East Third.

The schedule for February 17  is as follows:

5 to 6 p.m. Check-in and registration.

6 to 6:30 Scout races.
6:30 to 7 Scout awards.
7:30 to 8 Corporate Races.
8 to whenever… Grudge Races.
“The Pinewood Derby has been an annual event for many years for scouts, and it’s one of the highlights of their year,” said Scoutmaster Seth Needham. “Three years ago, we decided to make it a community event and invite local businesses and organizations to attend. It’s been a huge success, and it’s a lot of fun.”
James Gooderl won the Sportsmanship Award last year, and also the Grand Champion for a faster car. Submitted photo.
The purpose of the event is twofold, Needham said.
“First, more people come to our derby. The scouts work hard on their cars, so this allows more people to come and cheer them on, the kids love it…and a chance to see what scouts is about. Local business people show up, as well as the Police Department, Fire Department, and the Sheriff’s Office. The kids look up to those guys, so it’s a big deal for the scouts to see them come cheer them on.”
Petyon Golden helps set up flags for Flag Day at the Fort Scott National Historic Site. Submitted photo.
“Second, it’s a fundraiser for us,” Needham said. “Companies pay $25 to enter the race, which gets them a pinewood derby car kit and gets them entered for the race. We use that money for a variety of things, but it mostly goes to trophies and the cost of putting on the derby. Any extra money we raise helps cover membership dues.”
“When I first started doing this, I talked to a lot of people in the community about participating,” he said. “Over and over, I heard the same thing;  ‘I still have my trophy from pinewood derby from when I was in scouts’. It’s something that they held onto for years. Our pack used to do much smaller trophies due to the cost, but with the addition of the corporate derby, we can hand out nice trophies that the scouts will keep for a long time”.
“We give out trophies for 1st place for each Den, as well as Grand Champion and Reserve Champion,” Needham said. “My favorite trophy is the Sportsmanship Trophy… it goes to the scout who shows the best sportsmanship throughout the event…Factors in deciding who wins this trophy…(are) helping your fellow scouts build their cars, cheering on your friend (even when you’re competing against them), helping set up, building their car versus buying one online, and much more. It’s my absolute favorite trophy for the night. And honestly, we probably couldn’t have afforded to add this trophy without the addition of the corporate derby.
John Pommier won first place in the Lion’s Division (KIndergartners), the first year for scouts) last year. “I LOVE this photo because he is SO happy to win,” Needham said.
“The grudge races are a new addition,” he said. “After the main races, the teams can go to the pit area and make modifications to their cars and then challenge other racers to a race. So if the sheriff and the police department want to see who has the fastest car, they can settle the dispute on the track. Each race costs $5, and the challenger pays the entry fee.”
James Gooderl, left, being presented with the Sportsmanship Award from Seth Needham. Camren Lamb is also pictured. Camren won Reserve Champion last year. Submitted photo.

After the races, there is a lock-in at Presbyterian Church for the kids..an overnight race-themed evening of games, crafts, and movies.

The Scouts meet on Tuesdays at the First Presbyterian Church. Once the weather gets nicer, they usually meet at Riverfront Park. “It’s a good park to meet at because there is a lot of open space for the kids to explore, and the gazebo to do our lessons,” he said.

“The Scout program is open to any child in grades kindergarten through 5th grade. After 5th grade, they move up to the Troop, which is the older kids.”

Needham has been the Cubmaster for three years.
“I love it. I enjoy seeing the kids learn the importance of helping other people, doing their best no matter what, and being creative,” he said. “My favorite part of Scouts is our community events, whether that is the Pinewood Derby, or taking the kids for a walk downtown to pick up trash. We also help with flags at the Old Fort on Flag Day, participate in parades, and usually try to spend at least one day a year doing a project at a local park. Oh, and we also go camping and go on hikes.”
Upcoming Events
The Blue and Gold banquet is in May, where awards for the year are received. Each Den has adventure requirements throughout the year, as well as electives they can participate in.
At the banquet, they receive belt buckles for these activities. There is also a “Cross-Over” for 5th-grade students choosing to continue in the Scout program by joining the Troop.
“We have a wooden bridge that we set up, and they walk across it to symbolize they are crossing over into the troop,” Needham said. “I don’t know how old the bridge is, but it’s been around for many years and has signatures of previous scouts who crossed over. There are a lot of names on that bridge from people in our area.”

For the first time a, Soapbox Derby race will be held on June 1.

“I’m excited,” Needham said. It will be a fundraiser, with money raised to send Scouts to Camp Arrowhead, in Missouri, this summer. “It’s a wonderful camp, and it should be a lot of fun.”
Other summer outdoor activities: include a scout swim at Fort Scott Aquatic Center for one night; a  Beach Bash at Fort Scott Lake which is one of the kids’ favorite activities;  and also hikes and camping.

Children and Traumatic Events

Jennifer Terrell, K-State Extension Agent

Natural disasters, family changes such as divorce, death, serious injury, or community violence can be traumatic for both children and adults. Everyone needs time to process the traumatic events. Children often experience disasters differently than adults and they need to have developmentally appropriate explanations of them.

 

Children can experience the effects of disasters months and years after the events. Some will express the effects outwardly through behaviors. Others will focus internally on their own thoughts and emotions. Keep in mind that neither response is preferable to the other, and both can have negative effects on a child’s development.

 

Parents and other trusted adults need to be prepared to address questions and responses to the disaster. It is okay to struggle to figure out what to say when a disaster occurs. Finding the appropriate words when children are not coping well is also challenging. Here are some things you can do to help a child’s sense of well-being from Dr. Wiles and Dr. Kiss of K-State Research and Extension:

  • Reassure the child that you are still together, and that you will be there to help for as long as you can.
  • Return to pre-disaster routines to the extent possible. This helps children feel more secure and safe.
  • Make sure you are taking care of yourself. It can be difficult to care for your own child when you are not coping well.
  • Talk with your child about your feelings about the disaster. When appropriate let them know about plans for recovery.
  • Let children know that experiencing intense and unpredictable responses to disastrous events is natural and normal. Although the behaviors are difficult to manage, it is important to keep patient and mindful. Validating their sometimes hard to understand feelings of anger and sadness provides children with meaningful support.
  • When your role allows, hold and comfort the child. There is no substitute for the warmth, protection, and feeling of safety experienced in the arms of loved ones.
  • Create an emergency plan, and let your children know that you have a plan in case the situation ever happens again. Letting children help plan for emergencies can reduce anxiety they feel about the uncertainty of a future disaster.
  • When possible, help others who are coping with disasters. Volunteer, provide childcare to volunteers, send food, encouraging letters, and toys or other items to help other families recovering from a disaster.
  • Encourage children to draw, write, or tell stories about their experiences.

 

Children and adults experience and adjust to disasters in a variety of ways. It is up to everyone in a community to recognize negative effects, help children cope with disasters, and take care of children and themselves in the aftermath of traumatic events. While the passage of time can help, there is no substitute for patient, caring, honest, and supportive adults helping children who are recovering from traumatic events in their lives.

 

For more information on Youth Development or 4-H, contact Jennifer K. Terrell, District 4-H Youth Development Agent – Southwind Extension District at 620-223-3720 or [email protected].

Barnstormers 4-H Club Minutes of January 10

The Barnstormers 4-H club called their monthly meeting to order on
January 10th at 6:30 p.m.  The roll call was, “What is one of your New Year’s resolutions?”.  21 members were present along with 12 parents and 1 guest.  Pam Speers then came up to talk about plant science.
Next the Secretary minutes and treasures’ report were read and
approved.  A thank you card for Producers Coop donation to the club was passed around and signed by all members.  Jack Endicott gave a talk on his Gettysburg mini Lego set with some historical facts.  At 6:51 p.m. Emery Ellis made a motion to adjourn the meeting and Easton Karleskint seconded.  Maggie Swank had a fun game prepared for all to enjoy after adjournment.
Jewel Endicott
Barnstormers 4-H Secretary
Jack Endicott
Barnstormers 4-H Reporter

Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas Scholarship Applications Due March 31

Logo

Applications for our many Scholarship funds through the CFSEK Scholarship Program are available now. Many thanks to the individuals, businesses, and organizations for establishing these funds to create opportunities for advanced learning.

Applications are due March 31st, 2024!

Register and apply for a scholarship online.

Learn about our CFSEK Scholarship Program on our website.

For any questions, contact Sherri via our website

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FSHS Thespians Perform “Arsenic and Old Lace”

The Fort Scott High School Thespians perform the dark comedy “Arsenic and Old Lace” at 7 p.m. on Feb. 8, 9, and 10 at the FSHS Auditorium.

 

Dramatists Play Service describes the play this way, “Drama critic Mortimer Brewster’s engagement announcement is upended when he discovers a corpse in his elderly aunts’ window seat. Mortimer rushes to tell Abby and Martha before they stumble upon the body themselves, only to learn that the two old women aren’t just aware of the dead man in their parlor, they killed him! Between his aunts’ penchant for poisoning wine, a brother who thinks he’s Teddy Roosevelt, and another brother using plastic surgery to hide from the police—not to mention Mortimer’s own hesitancy about marriage—it’ll be a miracle if Mortimer makes it to his wedding. “Arsenic and Old Lace” is a classic black comedy about the only thing more deadly than poison: family.”

 

The Brewster sisters are played by senior Jaedyn Lewis and junior Emma Guns with the role of Mortimer being played by senior Jericho Jones. Major supporting roles are played by senior Regen Wells and juniors Cooper George, Kaiden Clary, and Mykael Lewis.

 

Tickets for performances are $7 for adults and $5 for students and children. Tickets are available at fortscotthighschool.ludus.com or at the door. All tickets are reserved seating. Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime.

 

The show is directed by FSHS Theatre Director Angie Bin and FSHS Thespian alum Mesa Jones is Assistant Director.

Stop Sex Trafficking Event This Evening

Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office

and E3 Ranch Foundation…..

STOP Trafficking Project!

BeAlert® is the awareness and prevention strategy of The Stop

Trafficking Project® to end domestic minor sex trafficking

(DMST)before it starts by disrupting the exploitation of vulnerability.

THIS ADULT ONLY COMMUNITY PRESENTATION FOCUSES ON

THE ROLE OF “LIFE ONLINE” FOR STUDENTS

The Who – caring adults invited to attend:

  • Law enforcement
  • Firefighter’s and EMT’s
  • Medical professionals
  • Counselors
  • Faith community leaders
  • School personnel
  • Parents, guardians, and all other adult family members

The What – educate and empower caring adults in our community:

  • Students are enamored with social media and “life online”
  • Name apps and provide practical advice to guide caring adults
  • Unpack vulnerabilities that can be exploited: loneliness, isolation, depression,

suicide, sexting, sextortion, pornography, cyberbullying, exploitation, sexual exploitation, and domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST)

The How – the approach: Fast-moving Power Point presentation designed for maximum

impact

The presenter – an active abolitionist: Has command of the topic and speaks with

energy that grabs and keeps the attention of attendees.

The presentation – fast paced with appropriate images and videos:

  • Provide insight into the role of technology in exploiting vulnerabilities
  • Identify the demand in this high demand business of sexual exploitation
  • Provide the option to engage with the BeAlert® Strategy, the Stop Trafficking App,

and the “top ten practical steps” for adults to keep students safer

LOCATION: FSCC ELLIS FINE ARTS CENTER, 2108 Horton St.

SPONSORS: E3 RANCH FOUNDATION & BBCO SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT

DATE: WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31ST

TIME: 6 PM

OTHER DETAILS: NO CHILDREN PLEASE

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: SHANDA STEWART 620-215-2681

One image & three words will change you paradigm!

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

Southwind Judging Teams Earn National Recognition 

Left to right: Brady Hurt, Carly Dreher, Tate Crystal, Kyser Nemecek, Emery Yoho, Reegan McDaniel, Jade Parrish, Carla Nemecek

 

A team of 4-H members from southeast Kansas has won the national livestock judging title, scoring a four-point win over Oklahoma at the Western National 4-H Roundup in Denver.

 

The Southwind Extension District team tallied 2,546 points in contests that involved judging cattle, goats, sheep, swine and oral reasons. Kyser Nemecek and Reegan McDaniel led the team individually, scoring 864 and 850 points for second and fifth place, respectively.

 

Oklahoma was the national runner-up with 2,542 points, and Texas was third at 2,536. Twenty-six teams and ninety-seven youth from across the US were entered in the national competition. The Kansas 4-H team placed second in goat, sheep and swine judging; and third in cattle and reasons. Its’ combined total, however, was good enough for the overall team title.

 

In addition to Nemecek (Iola) and McDaniel (Fort Scott), team members include Tate Crystal (Fort Scott) and Emery Yoho (Yates Center).

 

The team continues to be coached by Carla Nemecek. Brady Hurt and Carly Dreher, former members of the Southwind livestock team and Jade Parrish a current Kansas State University student served as assistant coaches for the contest.

 

The Southwind team had previously won the Kansas state championship in 4-H livestock judging. The win at the Western National 4-H Roundup qualifies them for an opportunity to travel to Scotland and England this summer, June 18 – July 3, 2024.

The contests are only a small piece of the international trip that will include agriculture seminars and opportunities to enhance leadership skills through interaction with the citizens of the UK and Ireland. The trip is limited to only nine American teams each year, and these Southeast Kansas youth will be the third team from the Southwind District in 19 years to earn the honor. In 2019 the Southwind team of Jillian Keller, Haydon Schaaf, Brody Nemecek and Clay Brillhart made the trip over the pond, and in 2005 a Neosho County 4-H team – Ryan Page, Trent Page, Clem Neely and Bailey Shaw were able to participate in the Scotland contest.

Although exciting, this opportunity comes with a price tag of about $6500 per person to attend. Fundraising efforts will soon be underway to send these youth on an international trip of a lifetime. Should you be interested in investing in this unique 4-H opportunity, please contact the Southwind Extension District at 620.365.2242.

 

 

New Business: Country Club Kids Daycare

Jessie Combs. Submitted photo.
Jessie Combs, 27, opened her business, Country Club Kids Daycare in Fontana, KS in 2020. Then re-opened her business in Fort Scott when she moved here in October 2023.
She provides child daycare services for children ages six weeks to five years old, for Fort Scott families and the surrounding areas.

The business hours of operation are from 7 a.m . to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The daycare is located on South Broadway  Street in Fort Scott.

In her care currently are her three children and three daycare children (2 full-time, 1 part-time).

“I have 1 full-time and 1 part-time opening for toddlers (18 mos-5 yr),” she said.

She is the only employee and is licensed for up to 10 children.

To contact the business, email  [email protected]

Combs began the business initially to stay home with her own three children. “I enjoy being able to serve the community and working with children,” she said.

She graduated from K-State in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology.
Following graduation she worked in scientific research, helping to characterize pharmaceuticals to prepare them for U.S. Food and Drug Administration clinical trials, she said.
“I’m also a Certified Nurse Assistant,” she said.
“I got my daycare license in April 2020 in Miami County and in October 2023 in Bourbon County,” she said.
To earn a daycare license in Kansas contact your local Kansas Department of Health and Environment office to get started.
“There’s an online application, fingerprints, background check, health and wellness checks, a small fee, and licensing will come to inspect your daycare for compliance,” she said. “There are also classes you must take to become licensed including being Pediatric CPR and First Aid certified and child development and daycare specific classes required.”
Submitted graphic.

Applications for 2024 Boys State of Kansas Session Open

 

January 9, 2024 — The American Legion Boys State of Kansas is accepting applications for its 2024 session. The event is set to be held Sunday, June 2, through Saturday, June 8, at Kansas State University in Manhattan. This will be the program’s 32nd consecutive session at KSU and 86th overall.

Traditionally, Kansas Boys State is for individuals who will complete their junior year of high school in the spring just prior to the start of each session. However, the ALBSK program will again expand the pool of applicants for this year’s session to include those who will complete their sophomore year of high school this spring.

 

The American Legion Boys State of Kansas program provides a relevant, interactive, problem-solving experience in leadership and teamwork that develops self-identity, promotes mutual respect and instills civic responsibility to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to community, state and nation. Boys State is a “learning by doing” political exercise that simulates elections, political parties and government at the state, county and local levels, providing opportunities to lead under pressure, showcasing character and working effectively within a team. It’s also an opportunity to gain pride and respect for government, and the price paid by members of the military to preserve democracy.

The cost to attend the Boys State of Kansas program is $375; however, in many instances, sponsors pay the majority of the fees, with the delegate or his family paying $50. Those wishing to attend the 2024 session should visit ksbstate.org to apply. The deadline to apply for the 2024 program is Tuesday, April 30; applications are accepted after that date, but on a space-available basis.

 

Potential sponsors, such as American Legion posts, civic organizations, businesses, clubs and interested individuals should visit ksbstate.org/sponsor-a-delegate. Questions? Contact the ALBSK at [email protected] or (785) 550-6492.

 

For information about the 2024 American Legion Auxiliary Sunflower Girls State, which will be held Sunday, June 2, through Friday, June 8, at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, visit ksgirlsstate.org.

— #KSBoysState —

 

The American Legion Boys State of Kansas is an interactive simulation that teaches high school seniors-to-be the value of democracy and civic duty. Participants form mock governments and campaign for positions at the city, county and state levels. After the elections, participants find out firsthand the difficult decisions made daily by those in government through a series of challenging simulations. Delegates, nominated to attend by their high school counselors and other influential people in their lives, are sponsored by American Legion posts and various civic organizations from across the state. All delegates demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities in student government, athletics and/or other activities.

The Boys State program was founded by Legionnaires Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card in Illinois in 1935, and was first held in Kansas two years later in Wichita. The Kansas program moved to the University of Kansas in Lawrence in 1963 and remained there until 1991. The following year, it moved to its current location at Kansas State University in Manhattan. For more information about the American Legion Boys State of Kansas, visit ksbstate.org.