Category Archives: Youth

Kansas Renewal Institute Repurposes Mercy Hospital

 

KRI President of Operations Joe Tinervin, MSW, stands in the intake room’s doorway near the former hospital’s west entrance.

The western part and administration portion of the former Fort Scott Mercy Hospital is in the process of renovation.

Kansas Renewal Institute, located at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd. is a behavioral healthcare center specializing in treating adults and adolescents. The building has approximately 120,000 square feet.

JG Healthcare Solutions is the parent company that owns K.R.I.

The institute administrators e are Jonathan Gross, Chief Executive Officer; T.J. Denning, Chief Operating Officer, Erik Engebretson, Chief Financial Officer, Joe Tinervin, President of Operations and and Mike Sharpmack, Executive Director.

Kansas Renewal Institute President of Operations Joe Tinervin stands in the southern hall of the former Mercy Hospital.

This group of men has worked together at Universal Health Services, Acadia Healthcare, and most recently Discovery Behavioral Health.

“We worked for years together, but towards the end of our time at Discovery, we said we could do this ourselves, help a lot of people and have fun along the way,” Tinervin said.

“The whole idea is to provide safe, effective care that promotes successful outcomes,” he said. “We hope to have a staff environment where people love to come to work.”

K.R.I. will open with 82 licensed beds across four units. The State of Kansas has told Tinervin that the licensure process will be finished by April 15.

Joe Tinervin shows a patient room that is being made ready for patients.

There is a 50-bed adolescent psychiatric residential treatment facility,  with two units, one for males, and one for females.

K.R. I. President of Operations Joe TInervin gives a tour on March 26, 2024, of the new facility. This is a portion of the adolescent unit.

These units are located in the former maternity unit and adjacent hall on the north wing of the building.

The former maternity unit will be used for adolescent residential services at K.R.I. Joe Tinervin stands at the door between that unit and the hall. To the left is one of the many contractors working inside the building in anticipation of the April opening of the facility.

In addition, there are 32 beds in two units for adults: one for adult residential services and one for detoxification services.

This is a wing of the adult residential services unit at K.R.I., down the hall to the left is the detox unit. Work is still being done to prepare for the opening of the institute in April 2024.

The detox unit is located in the former intensive care area of the hospital with the adult residential services in the hall just adjacent.

The former Intensive care unit of Mercy Hospital is now the detox unit of Kansas Recovery Institute.
A view of the two corridors in the former waiting room of the emergency department at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd. in  March 2024. The steps in the middle lead down to the cafeteria which will be for residents only, and won’t be open to the community.

“We have thrown a significant amount into the renovation so far,” Tinervin said. “Flooring, paint, equipment,  and furniture,” he said.

“It’s all happening right now as we get the units ready to go,” he said.

“The State of Kansas has a significant waitlist,” he said. “We will be servicing residents from all over Kansas, not just southeast Kansas.”

“The state was here last week, and licensure might take until April 15,” he said.

“Our job is to reintegrate people back into their home communities,” he said. “If someone is from another place, they will return.”

“We are not opening with an outpatient level of care…only residential,” Tinervin said. “When and if we build an outpatient level of care, patients from the Fort Scott area will be able to commute for services while those who live outside of the Fort Scott area will be transitioning home and will have the opportunity to participate in KRI Outpatient services remotely through a virtual telehealth platform.”

In the administrative portion of the K.R. I. is this multi-purpose room which is currently being used for training employees and will be used for classrooms for residential adolescents in the future. Pictured is a training session.

K.R.I. will be collaborating with USD 234.

 

“We are excited about the partnership we are developing with Unified School District 234,” Tinervin said.  “As part of this partnership, Unified School District 234 is committed to providing general and special education services to KRI residents within school age. These services will be provided on-site at Kansas Renewal Institute and the programming provided will be individualized according to the educational needs and levels of each student served at the KRI.”

 

To view job opportunities at KRI:

AD: Kansas Recovery Institute Is Hiring For All Positions

This is the reception desk of the Kansas Recovery Institute at 401 Woodland Hills.

Once licensure arrives, people can make appointments at 620-644-1195 and they will also take walk-ins, Tinervin said.

The KRI Team photo, taken last Thursday at the end of orientation. Back Row from left to right: Joe Tinervin, President of Operations; Christopher Edwards, BHT; Lori Storm, Lead Case Manager; Dylan Pike, Nurse; Mark Steward, BHT Supervisor; Mike Sharpmack, Executive Director; Jay Abbott, Director of Quality Improvement and Risk Management; Jaymie Murphy, Nurse
Front Row from left to right: Sheila Guinn-Peters, Admissions; Sheila Nami, Admissions; Pamela Johnson, Nurse; Mary Wilson, CMA; Candice Wyatt, BHT; Jessica Whitley, BHT; Tracy Serna, BHT Lead; JoDanna Simon, DON; Makenzie Brown, BHT; Stefani Brown, Nurse; and Jessica Allison, Clinical Director
*acronym key: BHT: Behavioral Health Technician; DON: Director of Nursing; CMT: Certified Medical Technician. Submitted photo.

 

The K.R.I. website: www.kansasrenewal.com

401 Woodland Hills Blvd.

Also housed at 401-405 Woodland Hills Blvd.: Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center, Ashley (Medical) Clinic, Care to Share (cancer family support group), I Am Rehab( physical therapy/fitness center), Regional Economic Development Inc., and Diamonds In The Marketplace ( a beauty salon).

FSHS Tiger Newsletter

This newly released NPS youth conservation corps recruitment video features FSHS Tiger students Stewart Davenport, Elsie Hurd, Bryson Morrell, Adelynn Nolan, Aiden Sigafoos and Kiara Thompson.

Join the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC)
Join the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC)

Ever wondered what the Youth Conservation Corps Program (YCC) is all about? Check out this short video to hear from the youth and staff themselves on their YCC experience. From historic preservation to trail maintenance, the arts to living history, and more, see what you could do as a YCC member and beyond!

Outgoing link icon nps.gov
👉SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINES IN APRIL!👈
👉TIGER SPRING GOLF, SWIM, TENNIS👈
TIGER PRIDE!

March 18th: Each year at the State Basketball tournaments, KSHSAA appoints a special committee to evaluate and rate each school based on the team, its coaches, cheerleaders, school cheering section and fans, both adult and non-high school followers. A rating system is used and a certain score must be reached to receive an award.

Teams that make it to the semifinal rounds are eligible to receive a plaque. Teams that do not advance past the first round are eligible to receive a certificate.

KSHSAA announced the winners last week and Fort Scott High School received both a plaque for the Girls Basketball team and a certificate for the Boys Basketball team! This is a tremendous accomplishment and a great reflection of our school and community!

KSHSAA sent us a copy of the rating sheets and they were filled with positive comments about all involved at State: cheerleaders, student section, the players on the floor, coaching staffs, adult fans and also mentioned were our Band that performed Wednesday and Thursday and our Orchestra that performed Thursday.

Thank you to all involved in making the week in Salina a special time and for representing our school and community in such a positive manner. So much to be proud of! Tiger Pride was on full display in Salina!

–Jeff DeLaTorre, FSHS Athletic/Activities Director

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4AN7fvxZis
👉THREE-PEAT!!!👈
"MARCH"ing ON!
👉Future Business Leaders!👈
The Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge at FSHS on March 5th required students to conceptualize a business, including a plan for that business and a tradeshow-style presentation. These students then presented their business to local business leaders who served as judges for the challenge.Here are the prize-winning owners/businesses:

1st ($1,000) – Jasper Anderson – Fresh Start

2nd ($750) – Kaylie Dinneen – EmpowHer

3rd ($500) – Ivy Lee – Little Town Decor

Judges Choice Tradeshow ($250) – Ivy Lee – Little Town Decor

Additionally, the tradeshow was open to the public to attend and vote:

Community Choice Tradeshow ($250) – Ella Regan & Camrie Hunziker

Thank you all who attended!

from left: Lindsay Madison, judge; Josh Jones, judge; Jasper Anderson, creator of Fresh Start cleaning and grand prize winner; Deb McKenney, judge; Carissa Bowman, judge; Katie Casper, judge

Future Farmers!
FUTURE OFFICERS

The FSHS Chapter announces the 2024-25 FFA Officer Team:

President: Dakota Hazelbaker

Vice-President: Blaiton Terry

Secretary: Gracin Pitts

Treasurer: Jaidyn Crumby

Reporter: Raylee Cowan

Sentinel: Teegan Stiles

Parliamentarian: Kaden Cannon

Historian: Treyton Valentine

👉FSHS Math Team Victories Add Up!👈

front row, from left: Landon McDaniel; Elsa Bishop; Adelynn Nolan; Caroline Barnes; Nick Davis; Savanna Cunningham; Jayden Newman

back row, from left: Molly Claypool (behind Elsa); Zaida Summers; Raj Gugnani; Cody Geiger; Rylan Miller; Sypher Cannon; Daetyn Fowler; Ben Phillips 😂; Aden Koppa

not pictured: Joy Self

Several of our FSHS students participated in the Allen Community College Math Competition on Tuesday, March 19th. This year, ACC decided to recognize the top two students from the sophomore, junior and senior levels and FSHS had TWO students ranked!

Nick Davis was in the top two seniors and Joy Self was in the top two juniors.

The ACC math competition included around 220 students from 11 schools. This is a great honor for both Nick and Joy. They are each being awarded with a free 3-5 credit course from ACC for the next academic year!

Future Health Professionals!

front row, from left: Jasmine James; Eden Haught; Hattie Jackson; Kathryn Williams

back row, from left: Delani Weddle; Cadence Hunziker; Luci Dunkeson; Caitlynn Tate; Tiffany Salazar

As members of the newly-formed FSHS Chapter of HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America), these students attended the “Inspiring Women in Healthcare” conference in Pittsburg on March 20th.

Area professionals provided information and answered questions about their respective fields, encouraging those interested to consider a career in healthcare.

–submitted by HOSA sponsor and FSHS Health Sciences teacher Julie Heatherly

A FOUR-PEAT QUALIFIER AND A FIRST AT STATE!

A round of applause and tip of the hat for Lady Tiger Wrestlers Gabby Rusk and Kenna Miles! In her fourth and final season, Gabby celebrated 100 career wins and is the first girls’ wrestler to qualify for state all four seasons! Kenna, a sophomore, captured the first girls state wrestling championship in school history!

In last month’s Tiger Newsletter, we shared that senior Jasper Allison celebrated 150 career wins in his four years as a standout Tiger wrestler. Jasper finished as runner-up at the Class 4A State Wrestling Championships in Salina. Congratulations, Jasper!

2024-2025 FSHS SPIRIT SQUAD MEMBERS CHOSEN
Tryouts for Tiger Dance & Cheer teams were held the week of March 18th.2024-25 Tiger Dance Team

Seniors: Kendal Armstrong; Graycyn Brown; Kinsley Brown; Abbie Eastwood; Annabelle Gorman

Juniors: Jozie Fisher; Bryleigh Hymer

Sophomores: Kodi Casper; Lillian Jackson; Sydnee Lane; Riley Marchiano

Freshmen: Laurali Clark; Gianna Gorman; Ahlonna Johnson

2024-25 Tiger Cheer Team

Seniors: Maddi Cook; Jaidyn Crumby; Jocelyn Fess; Cadence Hunziker;

Emersyn Logue; Emilly Moore

Juniors: Sadie Claypool; Kinley Dillow; Anna Farrington; Katlyn Parker

Sophomores: Molly Claypool; Camrie Hunziker; Gabby Majors; Jerri Smith

👉Headed to Des Moines!👈

March 25th: Tigers had a great showing at this NSDA National Qualifier. Only two can qualify per event and both Lincoln-Douglas debate qualifiers are from FSHS: Annelise Hall, senior, and Grace Walker, sophomore! The team’s other LD debater, freshman Joseph Moberg, is second alternate. Also, due to shifts in entries, Regen Wells will represent Fort Scott at Nationals in Senate Debate. The Tigers are Nationals-bound with one more qualifier to go!

–Tyler Slinkard, FSHS Debate/Forensics

pictured: Grace Walker, left; Annelise Hall, right

ALL-SEK!
BASKETBALL!

Congratulations to these Tiger/Lady Tiger Basketball players who earned All-SEK League honors!

First Team: Keegan Yarick (unanimous); Rocco Loffredo

Second Team: Allie Brown; Kylee Comstock; Dierks Kegler

Honorable Mention: Abbie Gorman; Dub Chipman

Children in the Garden

Jennifer Terrell, K-State Extension Agent

 

 

Children thrive when outdoors. It provides them the opportunity to observe, explore, and interact with their surroundings.

 

Like other forms of nature therapy, gardening decreases stress by increasing our connection to the natural world around us. It prompts kids to tune in to the changing seasons and weather conditions, teaches mindfulness and promotes physical activity and healthy eating. Add to that the development of confidence, a strong work ethic, and the ability to accept that some things are beyond our control, and it’s no surprise that growing things can result in a growth mindset!

 

Children can be involved in all stages of gardening from designing the garden space to tending the plants. What’s great about gardening is the ability to adapt how children help depending on their age and ability. A few gardening activities could include: germinating seeds, preparing soil, labeling plants, watering produce, pulling weeds, gathering produce, and tasting the produce.

 

While engaging in gardening activities, it is important to set limits with children. Talk with them about the difference between a weed or new plant growth. Discuss the importance of watering and caring for plants. For example, offer a watering can for young children to assist with watering duties.  Children need guidance to learn about their surroundings while having fun.

 

Don’t forget, gardening is a sensory experience. Call attention to the tactile feeling of the soil, the warmth of the sun, the sounds of the birds, the smell of the flowers, and the taste of fresh-picked produce. Each of these senses will be engaged while outdoors in the garden. Take advantage of these teachable moments to explore the world around them.

 

The hard work children put into the garden can be showcased at the local county fair as well. There are opportunities in both the open class and 4-H divisions to submit an exhibit. K-State Research and Extension has great resources to assist with learning more about gardening and selecting items for judging.

 

For more information, reach out to Jennifer Terrell, 4-H Youth Development Agent for K-State Research and Extension – Southwind District by email at [email protected] or by phone 620-223-3720.

Update on Uniontown Teacher Accused of Felony With A Student

Breanna Hampton Taylor, taken from the USD235 website.

Breanna Janise Hampton Taylor was arrested on February 25, 2024, by the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office for unlawful sexual relations of a teacher with a student 16 + years of age, according to Bourbon County District Court Documents.

This was Taylor’s first year of teaching.

The offense date was February 17 and was outside the school environment, according to a press release from the school.

Taylor, who in court documents is now using her maiden name, Hampton, was arrested on February 25, and a $10,000 bond was posted on February 29. The case is listed as pending.

Her first appearance hearing was February 29, and her next court date, a preliminary examination, is March 28.

In the State of Kansas VS Breanna Janise Hampton, the prosecuting attorney is Bourbon County Attorney Tiana McElroy and the defense attorney is Geoffrey Clark.

Mark Ward is the judicial officer.

Hampton is being charged a Level 5 Person Felony in violation of K.S.A. 21-5572 ((a)(9)) and (b)(2).

The penalty range is a minimum of 31 months to a maximum of 136 months in prison and/or fines of up to $300,000 and 24 months post-release supervision.

The presumption of innocence in a criminal case is considered a due process of the law:

To view the  USD 235 press release on February 25, about the arrest:

Uniontown Teacher Arrested for Allegation of Inappropriate Conduct Towards a Student

 

Easter Egg Hunters Are Invited To Gunn Park This Saturday

Egg hunters begin their search at the Fort Scott Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt, on April 1, 2023. Submitted photo.

The Fort Scott Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt is this Saturday, March 23 at 11 a.m. sharp at Gunn Park Shelter #2. The event is for children preschool through fifth grade, with participants bringing their own Easter baskets to gather the goodies in.

The Kiwanis-sponsored event is always the Saturday before the Easter weekend.

“We recommend people get there at 10:30 a.m.,” Kiwanis President John Crain said. There is always a crowd and it may take a while to get to the child’s age-designated area.

“It’s over at 11:07,” said event coordinator Bob Eckles with a chuckle.

The Easter bunny in the 2009 egg hunt.

The Easter Bunny will be there, so parents can get a snapshot of their children with him.

“Kiwanis packs the goodies on Thursday at 6 p.m. before the event,” Eckles said. “We get help from the Key Club at the high school.”

They usually spend several hundred dollars on candy, but this year “Candy is more expensive, especially chocolate,” Eckles said.

In some of the eggs are coupons from local businesses: Hedgehog Book Store, Dairy Queen Restaurant, McDonalds Restaurant, NuGrille and Flowers By Leanna.

Cash donations for the event are from: R and R Equipment; Diehl, Fletcher and Banwart CPA;Don’s Spirits and Wines; Merle Humphrey Insurance and Photography; Iron Star Antiques; Big Sugar Lumber; Bids and Dibs Consignment and Walmart.

 

Teaching Kids About Money Management

Amanda Clasen- Community Vitality Agent    

March 2024

 

The Southwind Extension District just finished hosting our first Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge in Allen County with the partnership with Humboldt High School, Allen County E-Communities and NetWork Kansas. A part of this event is students learning the importance of developing a business plan, learning how to make a profit off of their business and product as well as marketing their product to be successful. After completing this event, the participants were awarded cash prizes for their work and efforts and it got me thinking, I wonder how many of these youth will continue the entrepreneurship path in life and what money management skills have they developed through this project?

Money Management must be learned and practiced in everyday home and family life to prepare children for real life situations. Think of how day-to-day activities and errands that you are already completing in your already busy life, to incorporate “lessons” on money management skills for youth.  Making or earning money for a job is the way most adults get money to spend, but think about what youth need to know to be successful in their money management. The following are examples of ways to incorporate learning into daily life lessons.

Things a 5 year old should know:

  1. A dime is worth more than a nickel even though it is smaller. Also that coins can be exchanged for “fun” things.
  2. Toys that are seen on the cereal box or on TV won’t always be flashy and look or work as well at home as they are advertised.
  3. Saving money can be fun when they know they can use it to buy something later.
  4. Asking for something they want, doesn’t mean they will always get what they want.

Things a 10 year old should know is obviously different from a younger and older Siblings. Below are examples of those teaching lessons.

  1. They should be able to navigate a grocery store with a cart and list to help shop for a budget friendly grocery trip.
  2. They should have a savings account in a real bank. They should learn that although you can withdrawal from that account, it won’t be the same cash and coins that they put in.

A 16 year old is often the age looking to be hired by local business and able to work outside of the family and friends circle to gain a paycheck. A few things they should know when coming to earning money:

  1. They should have a reasonable idea of the family finances.
  2. They should know how to write a check and balance a checking account.
  3. They should save half of everything they hear from a job for any major high school expenses such as a class ring or trip.

Adults may work 40 hours or sometimes more each week to bring home a paycheck to live on. Youth should be able to  find small jobs from their parents or neighbors to earn money for those burning “needs” and “wants”. Those jobs can take as little as 10 minutes for as much as hours to complete. Paid jobs at home are usually things beyond those a child is expected to do as part of the family. Make sure to be on the look out for a job that neighbors, grandparents, friends are willing to pay for. Think of other ways your child can earn money from their hobbies, for example, sell jewelry, show adults how to use a computer application or setting up a new cellphone.

For more information please contact Amanda Clasen, Community Vitality Agent, at [email protected] or at any Southwind Extension office.

FSHS Floriculture Students Start New Venture Selling Products They Make

Fort Scott High School Floriculture Teacher Sydney Cullison’s students plan to create and sell some of the products they have learned to make.

“Students in floriculture are looking to create Easter-themed centerpiece arrangements,” she said. “This is a learning experience for students and each arrangement may vary slightly.”

This is a sample of a floral arrangement the students made. Submitted photo.

This is the first year for floriculture in FSHS.

“Our source of flowers is Flowers By Leanna,” she said. “She sells them wholesale to us. We have done a workshop there with her.”

“It’s the first time we’ve ever sold arrangements,” Cullison said. “We are testing the waters.”

“We plan to make corsages and boutonnieres,” she said.

“We are lucky to have several floral shops in town, some rural towns don’t, but we want to give the kids the experiences at the same time,” she said.

“The proceeds will be used for future floriculture things,” she said.

Orders for the Easter arrangements are due by March 17.

Each arrangement is $30. Flowers to be possibly included are: white easter lilies, tulips, stock, carnations, static, and leather leaf in a 5.5″ tall tin bucket with ribbon.

Cash or Check to Fort Scott FFA. Venmo @Sydney-Cullison

Delivery inside city limits is available for $5.

Pick up at FSHS Ag Shop.

Delivery and pick up on March 27 by 4 p.m.

Order Link: https://forms.gle/FjGKkCZYwtoD5P4K8

Left to right: Dakota Hazelbaker, Jaidyn Crumby, Blaiton Terry, Bradley Hicks. Submitted photo.

Sydney Cullison has taught agriculture at FSHS for three years and is also the FFA Advisor. She graduated from FSHS in 2015.

Sydney Cullison. Submitted photo.

St.Martin’s Academy Rugby Players: David VS Goliath Story

The St. Martin’s Academy Rugby Team.Top, from left to right: Finn Burch, Prosper Owen, Will Van De Ryt, Robbie Ritson, Joseph Moleski (Captain), Benedict Sullivan (Co-Captain), Berkely Nordhus, Ben Walsh, Colin Egger.
Bottom, from left to right: Sam Egger, Ben Skinner, Patrick Mulholland, Peter McDonald, Ethan Blakie, Liam Pluta. Submitted photo.

Saint Martin’s Academy is a Catholic boarding school for boys that combines classical academics with a practical work program on a sustainable farm. and is located southwest of Fort Scott.

It seems they have some athletes as well.

“We are the reigning Kansas State Rugby Champions, ” said school headmaster Daniel Kerr. ” Currently, we are ranked #9 in the country for all schools of any size according to the Goff Rugby Report.”

Saint Martin’s Academy rugby players, the Kingfishers, beat the Thomas Aquinas Saints, Overland Park, who had won state the previous 14 years in a row in May 2023.
We are currently 9-1, having already defeated three reigning state champions: Missouri Champion SLUH (St. Louis University High School) by a score of 34-17; Pennsylvania Champs Gregory the Great by a score of 47-3; Tennessee Champs Germantown by a score of 44-7,” Kerr said.  “We will play reigning Oklahoma State Champs Bixby on March 16th on our home field.  Our one loss was to the #3 ranked Club Team, Woodlands by a score of 8-15.”
“We received … an invitation this year, a couple of weeks ago, from the governing body of USA Rugby and will be headed to Elkhart, Indiana to compete against the best teams in the country from May 23rd-25th,” Kerr said.  “Nearly all the teams there will be from schools with several thousand students.  For us to be in that league having only 68  students total is an extraordinary accomplishment.  Most of the teams will have more boys in their rugby program than we have in our entire school body.  It’s a true Hoosiers story – David vs. Goliath.”
The athletes ages are from 14-18, and are all students at St. Martin’s.

“To be a rugby player at St. Martin’s Academy is to be part of something larger than yourself,” said Coach John Prezzia.  “It’s to be a band of brothers; a small group of young men united in the forge of intense battle amongst each other, where they are truly, ‘ironing sharpening iron’. This creates a bond amongst them that is so tight, that every one of them is completely willing to sacrifice all of himself for the sake of each brother next to him, and the team as a whole”

“This unity of purpose and toughness is how we continually punch above our weight, and with only 68 boys total enrolled at the school, we can compete with the very best teams in the country,” he said. “We have just been invited to the National Tournament…and are currently in the planning and fundraising phase. The boys have worked unbelievably hard to get to this level, and are incredibly excited to compete with the best.”

We got the invite last Tuesday, and when I announced it to the boys, they just about brought the house down with their hooting and hollering,” Prezzia said. “It was a pretty special way to kick off this journey to try and bring a Rugby National Title back to Fort Scott.”

 

The St. Martin’s Academy Rugby Team prays before playing. Submitted.
John Prezzia has been the head coach of the Kingfishers, since 2022.
He was the assistant rugby coach at Gregory the Great Academy in Elmhurst, PA before taking the helm as head coach for the Kingfishers in 2022, Kerr said.
Prezzia is a native of Pittsburg, PA, where he wrestled collegiately for Wisconsin.  He and his wife Michaela were married last summer and are expecting their first child in April.
About Rugby:
“Rugby, a “barbarian’s sport played by gentlemen”, was invented in Rugby, England in 1823 when William Webb Ellis picked up a soccer ball and ran with it,” Kerr said.  “It is the progenitor of American football.  For example, the name ‘touchdown’ comes from the rule in rugby where you have to physically touch the ball down in the endzone for the score to count.  Rugby combines the fluidity and continuous play of soccer with the physicality and roughness of American football.  There are 15 players on the field and like soccer, they play both offense and defense as the ball changes possession.  Like American football, the aim is to carry the ball across the opponents goal line and touch the ball down in the opponents end-zone or ‘try zone’.  A ‘touchdown’ is called a ‘try’ in Rugby.  A try is worth 5 points and the subsequent conversion kick is worth 2 points.”

Four Christian Learning Center Students Win $1,000 Scholarships Each In Solar Competition

A Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative sponsored team from Christian Learning Center in Fort Scott was named Grand Champion at the first-ever SunPowered Student Challenge held Feb. 5 in Topeka. Eleven teams from across the state competed at the event. Pictured from left to right: Science teacher (and Heartland member) Scott Cain, Ethan Hill, Ryan Koch, James Kobernat, and Sam Love. Submitted photo.

Scott Cain is a Science and Math teacher at Christian Learning Center, Fort Scott.

Recently, a team of boys that he taught won the top prize at the first-ever SunPowered Student Challenge, a statewide solar energy competition founded by the Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative, Ten80 Education, and Pitsco Education.

Sam Love (16), Ethan Hill (17), James Kobernat (17), and Ryan Koch (18) were the students who were a part of the CLC team, each winning a $1,000 scholarship.

Sam’s parents are Kelly and Jason Love, Fort Scott; Ethan’s parents are Garrett and Kaleigh Hill, Nevada, MO; Jame’s parents are Dan and Amy Kobernat, Fort Scott; and Ryan’s parents are Jason and Holly Koch, Uniontown.

 

From left, Christian Learning Center students Ryan Koch, Sam Love, Ethan Hill, and James Kobernat work on their strategy for optimizing solar production during the first-ever SunPowered Student Challenge, held Feb. 5 in Topeka. The CLC team was named the Overall Champion at the event.

Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative sponsored the team.

The boys were taught in a curriculum before the competition: how to wire circuits in series and in parallel, how types of circuits affect amps and volts, how to evaluate a site for optimal placement of solar panels, how to use latitude, time of year, and nearby obstacles, such as trees to angle solar panels for maximum output, how to consider the day-time usage of a household to calculate number of panels, where they should be located, and cost of installation.

“The competition involved several categories of scoring, said teacher Scott Cain.  “The highest total point scored was the winner.”

What the students were judged on:

  1. Skills challenges: a problem to solve and calculate.
  2. A slideshow presentation to a panel talking about what they had learned through the process of the semester and the curriculum
  3. Branding and Curb Appeal (how the teams constructed house looked, the matching t-shirts, etc.)
  4. A cooperative challenge solving a problem with other teams
  5. Keeping a logbook of the curriculum
  6.  Given daytime household usage and criteria of a house’s location, etc.,  the team designed a mount of the proper type of solar cells to reach a desired output, while maintaining a given range of volts.
Christian Learning Center.

About the private school, taken from its website:

The Christian Learning Center (CLC) was founded in 2000, by Mr. Harold Kraft. 

MISSION STATEMENT
“To educate and encourage students to live a Christ-centered life; to impart necessary skills to meet the demands of an ever-changing world; and to develop mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical strengths so that each child may live up to his or her God-given talents in the surroundings of a stable, Christian school environment.”

We fulfill this mission by assisting Christian parents in performing their Biblical responsibility to “train up a child in the way he should go” and “bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Proverbs 22:6, Ephesians 6:4).  All subjects are taught from a Biblical worldview.  “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7).

Youth Trade Show Is Today at the Fort Scott High School Gym at 11:30 a.m.

CHAMBER INVITES COMMUNITY TO THE

YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP CHALLENGE TRADESHOW EXHIBIT

Stop by the FSHS Aux Gym TODAY,

Tuesday, March 5th, between 11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

Come check out the different business plans conceived by students as part of the competition organized

by the Chamber. These students have worked hard over the last semester-plus on all aspects of their business concepts and your attendance and support would be appreciated!

COME VOTE FOR THE COMMUNITY CHOICE

TRADESHOW EXHIBIT ~ CASH PRIZE!

Click here for the FB event.

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces the fifth annual Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC) in partnership with NetWork Kansas and Fort Scott High School. Twenty-nine students of the high school Business and Entrepreneurship classes have prepared startup business plans as either individuals or groups and will compete for cash prizes to be judged on Tuesday, March 5th, 2024. The community is invited to a public tradeshow exhibit from 11:30am to 12:45pm that day to view the creative business plans in support of the students and place a vote for the Community Choice award.

Mrs. Morgan Sage at the high school has incorporated YEC into the curriculum for the stated classes. Therefore, the students have been working on their business concepts since last semester including four components of a business plan, elevator pitch, formal presentation, and a tradeshow exhibit. A judging panel selected by the Chamber and a representative of NetWork Kansas pre-judge the first three components, and the competition culminates with the public tradeshow. Cash prizes totaling up to $3,000 will be presented for first, second, and third place overall and the Community Choice award at 1:30pm following the tradeshow after the final scores are tallied.

The Chamber organizes the program in association with NetWork Kansas E-Community Partnership and Bourbon County is one of many communities across Kansas to host a competition. The local overall winner will advance to the state-wide Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge to be held April 16th in Manhattan.

Contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce for more information at 620-223-3566 or [email protected].

Thank you to our Chamber Champions for their support!
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

Youth Volunteerism Grants Available

Get Busy Livin’ Foundation Announces 2024 Youth Volunteer Grant Cycle

 

The Dylan Meier Get Busy Livin’ (GBL) Foundation has been awarding funds for projects aimed at youth volunteerism as part of the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK) Grant Program since 2016. Since then, 50 grants totaling $26,000 have been awarded to Southeast Kansas nonprofits for youth volunteerism projects.

 

These projects keep Dylan’s spirit of adventure, fitness, curiosity, generosity, and a daily zest for life experiences alive and thriving. The GBL Foundation is determined to “break down the boundaries that keep people from living life to the fullest, whether those boundaries be social, economic or imaginary.”

 

Last year, the GBL Foundation awarded $4,000 in grant funds to eight nonprofit organizations across Southeast Kansas.

 

“We are thrilled to announce the kickoff of the 2024 GBL Youth Volunteer Grant Cycle,” said Devin Gorman, CFSEK Executive Director. “These grants are not just about funding projects; they’re about fostering Dylan’s legacy and empowering youth volunteerism in our communities. Through volunteering, we hope young hearts are ignited to embrace adventure, curiosity, and the joy of giving back.”

 

Don’t forget the 2024 GBL 5K, Friendship Walk & Kid Fest on April 27th at Hutchinson Field.

 

CFSEK is pleased to be the host agency for the Get Busy Livin’ Foundation Fund and is proud to assist them in the granting of these awards.

 

For more information on the GBL Foundation, visit SoutheastKansas.org/GBL.

 

If you have an interest in establishing a grantmaking fund, please contact CFSEK at 620-231-8897.

 

 

YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP CHALLENGE TRADESHOW EXHIBIT is March 5

CHAMBER INVITES COMMUNITY TO THE

YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP CHALLENGE TRADESHOW EXHIBIT

Stop by the FSHS Aux Gym

Tuesday, March 5th between 11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

Come check out the different business plans conceived by students as part of the competition organized

by the Chamber. These students have worked hard over the last semester-plus on all aspects of their business concepts and your attendance and support would be appreciated!

COME VOTE FOR THE COMMUNITY CHOICE

TRADESHOW EXHIBIT ~ CASH PRIZE!

Click here for the FB event.

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces the fifth annual Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC) in partnership with NetWork Kansas and Fort Scott High School. Twenty-nine students of the high school Business and Entrepreneurship classes have prepared startup business plans as either individuals or groups and will compete for cash prizes to be judged on Tuesday, March 5th, 2024. The community is invited to a public tradeshow exhibit from 11:30am to 12:45pm that day to view the creative business plans in support of the students and place a vote for the Community Choice award.

Mrs. Morgan Sage at the high school has incorporated YEC into the curriculum for the stated classes. Therefore, the students have been working on their business concepts since last semester including four components of a business plan, elevator pitch, formal presentation, and a tradeshow exhibit. A judging panel selected by the Chamber and a representative of NetWork Kansas pre-judge the first three components, and the competition culminates with the public tradeshow. Cash prizes totaling up to $3,000 will be presented for first, second, and third place overall and the Community Choice award at 1:30pm following the tradeshow after the final scores are tallied.

The Chamber organizes the program in association with NetWork Kansas E-Community Partnership and Bourbon County is one of many communities across Kansas to host a competition. The local overall winner will advance to the state-wide Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge to be held April 16th in Manhattan.

Contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce for more information at 620-223-3566 or [email protected].

Thank you to our Chamber Champions for their support!
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