Tag Archives: featured

Fort Scott, Government

Horton Street Repair Begins In July

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Sixth and Horton, June 2024.

Starting in July,  Fort Scott residents will begin to see workers repairing Horton Street between Sixth and 18th Streets, according to Ben Wicker, Heck and Wicker, Inc. Project Estimator, the contractor.

The project will include new roadway pavement, new sidewalks, and new Americans with Disabilities Act ramps.

The start date for the project is July 8, 2024, with some traffic control setup beginning the week prior, according to Jason Dick, PE, Project Manager/Junior Partner, Earles Engineering and Inspection, Inc.

“The project goal is two-fold:

  1. Improve pedestrian/bicycle access from 6th  and National Avenue to and along Horton Street to Fort Scott Community College.
  2. Improve the roadway conditions with full-depth pavement replacement on Horton from 8th to 6th Streets and a 3” mill & overlay on Horton from 18th to 8th Streets,” said Dickman.

“The project will be funded through the Kansas Department of Transportation’s (KDOT’s) Cost Share program for a grant of $949,000 to assist with participating roadway construction costs. Remaining project costs through construction will come from City (of Fort Scott) funds,” Dickman said.

The estimated cost to complete is just over $2 million, Dickman said.

The anticipated construction completion date is currently based on 230 calendar days or the end of February 2025.

“The plan is to maintain local access as much as possible on Horton Street, but some work will require detouring to Burke and Crawford Streets primarily to travel from 18th Street and to the north. An alternate route may also include Osbun, Lowman, and Holbrook Streets to access areas between 18th and 6th Streets,” Dickman said.

Heck and Wicker, Inc., Parsons will be the contractor, and subcontractors are Emery Sapp & Sons, Cornerstone, Heartland Traffic, Dustrol, Wicker said.

Heck and Wicker’s contract with the city of Fort Scott is in the amount of $1,875,681.17, Wicker said.

 

Church news, Youth

Mom and Son Team Up to Create a Family Church Camp

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Camren shows the itinerary of the activities of the church camp he and his mom are planning. Submitted photo.

Camren Lamb, 10, and his mom, Melanie Lamb are teaming up to facilitate a family church camp next month.

They had been planning the camp together but didn’t have a sight secured yet.

“Then Ralph Carlson offered his private land, pond, and cabin for the church camp and said, ‘I can’t think of a better use for it,'” Melanie said.

Last year Camren raised money for purchasing a Vacation Bible School kit to create a church camp for families. He did this by selling his art and playing his guitar for tips at his booth at the Fort Scott Farmer’s Market which hosted the  Children’s Business Fair.

The Lambs purchased an Answers in Genesis Vacation Bible School kit with money from his sales and tips.

For four days and three nights, July 15-18,  Camren and Melanie will lead groups in Bible lessons, games, crafts, songs, Scripture memorization, snacks, and a Bible verse treasure hunt.

In addition, there will be kayaking, canoeing, water balloon fun, campfire, and devotions.

“Some of his friends will help,” Melanie said. “He is looking forward to leading the groups.”

Camren said, “It’s good to be with friends in nature.”

There are a few openings left for families, Melanie said.

Melanie said each family must bring their tent, food, and necessities.

The campsite and activities are provided.

The cabin at the Carlson property has water and there is an outhouse.

For more information contact Melanie at 620.215.3449.

Camren Lamb displays his vacation Bible school kit that he and his mom are turning into a family church camp event.

 

 

Fort Scott, Government

Kathryn Salsbury Is The New Fort Scott City Commissioner

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Kathryn Salsbury. Submitted photo.
Kathryn Salsbury, 54, is the new Fort Scott City Commissioner selected to fill Melissa Guns spot.
“I think that this town that I love so much, our town, is at a crossroads,” she said. “We need to find a path forward that honors our history, makes the best use of our resources, fosters economic stability, and secures necessary resources such as healthcare.
Strategic adaptation and purposeful preservation. There are a lot of moving parts and variables to most decisions, with a degree of impact to many of us.”
“We have a lot of great people in place now,” Salsbury said. “I hope that my education and work experience prove helpful in ensuring Fort Scott thrives.”
Salsbury attended Washburn School of Law and earned a Juris Doctorate, a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Justice Studies from Pittsburg State University, an associate degree and CNA certificate from Fort Scott Community College, became a certified paralegal from Johnson County Community College and studied business at Missouri Baptist University.
Her career has been in the following areas: Director of Risk Management, Multi-line claims manager, Licensed Casualty Adjuster, retail management, stockbroker, ordinance interpretation and tracking for California municipalities.
She has been involved in the Rotary Club, Mt. Carmel Fund Board of Directors, and various USD234 events,  she said.

“My family has been in Fort Scott since the early 1950s,” she said. “My grandparents, and their parents, moved here from Wisconsin. My grandparents owned Floyd’s Donuts for around 40 years. I returned to Fort Scott after earning my law degree to continue raising my four boys.”
Downtown Fort Scott, looking north on Main Street. City Hall is on the right.
Business, Food, Fort Scott

New Restaurant Opens in July

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The Bowman family is opening another restaurant, west of their Brickstreet BBQ and calling it Outpost 13 West.

The facade of the new Southwestern-grill restaurant Outpost 13  West.

They opened Brickstreet BBQ in May 2023 and the restaurant has become popular with residents.

To view the story of that opening: Brickstreet BBQ Opens

The Bowman family now owns three restaurants in the historic downtown Fort Scott area.

“We love food!” Carissa Bowman said.  “AND it’s another opportunity to continue to grow our community through restoring a historic downtown building and generating more jobs.”

Carissa, Alex, Cindy, and John Bowman are the owners of Outpost 13 West. Carissa and Alex own Brickstreet BBQ.

Carissa and Alex Bowman, submitted photo.

“John and Cindy own Nu Grille (across the street from Brickstreet),” Carissa said. “They are Alex’s parents; my in-laws. Alex manages Nu Grille currently.”

Cindy and John Bowman. Submitted photo.

The new restaurant will feature Southwestern cuisine.

“You can build your own taco, burrito, bowl, salad or nacho,” Carissa said.

They plan to open the new venture at the end of July, she said.

The building is currenlty being remodeled by the Bowman family.
City permits are posted on the windows of Outpost 13 West.

The new restaurant is at 13 W. Oak St.

Special Recognition of the Brickstreet Restaurant

Brickstreet BBQ is located at the corner of Oak Street and National Avenue on Fort Scott’s northside.  The new Outpost 13 West is to the left, behind Brickstreet in this photo. The River Room Event Center is located on the second floor.

Brickstreet has been chosen to be featured on America’s Best Restaurants Roadshow:   https://americasbestrestaurants.com/

” We’re being featured in one of their episodes,” Carissa said. “Filming will take place on July 1st.”
“We hope this builds relationships with the public and surrounding areas to bring people not only to our business but Fort Scott as a whole,” she said. “We want to continue to create a positive image of Brickstreet so we can build our brand and keep growing!”
Uncategorized

American Revolutionary War Exhibit at Memorial Hall until June 15

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Memorial Hall steps are cordoned off because of mortar falling from over the steps. Visitors should enter through the south entrance on Third Street.

The local Daughters of the Revolution, Molly Foster Berry Chapter, has set up a traveling exhibit on the American Revolutionary War at Memorial Hall, Third and National Avenue. There is no admission.

One of the information banners.  Submitted photo.

Until June 15, the exhibit can be viewed by entering the south door, across the street from the Methodist Church from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.It is a self-guided tour. The Chapter members are sitting in shifts at the exhibit.

“Our chapter is about promoting patriotism,” Barbara Ritter, spokeswoman for the group said.

The American Revolution Experience Exhibit comprises 12 roll-up, graphic banners, each measuring 7’ high by 3’ wide,  and three kiosks, comprised of  IPads and stands,  according to its website.

Submitted photo of a banner.

The American Revolution Experience will travel across the U.S. introducing visitors to a cast of historical characters with diverse experiences throughout the conflict and the places they visited on their journey, according to http://www.battlefields.org/american-revolution-experience-traveling-exhibit-tour

A submitted photo of one of the banners.

About the Local Chapter

The Molly Foster Berry chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution was organized on October 19, 1911.  The chapter is named after its first regent, Miss Frances Hall’s Revolutionary War ancestor, Samuel Berry’s wife.  Members, called Daughters, are direct descendants of a Revolutionary War Patriot.
This chapter, along with the American Legion, was instrumental in raising funds for the Memorial Hall. Because of this fundraising, a special suite in the hall was given for their use forever.
“D.A.R members are active women passionate about community service, preserving American History, educating children as well as honoring and supporting those who serve our nation,” Ritter said.

The Daughters of the American Revolution will celebrate nation-wide the 250th Anniversary of the Revolutionary War in 2026.

“We would like to get together with other civic organizations to plan out activities for this event,” Ritter said. “The nation celebrated in 1976 with many activities.

If anyone is interested in more information,  contact her at [email protected], or 913.636.4892

Highlights of what this chapter has done since its inception:
They started a Red Cross Chapter Unit in which they knitted socks and over 130 sweaters to donate to the men in service, donated
 money and goods to be distributed to newly arriving immigrants on Ellis Island, were charged with the care of the Block House, which is now part of the Fort Scott National Historic Site, recognized Bourbon County good citizens, planted trees, donated bedding, beds and food to the Goodlander Home, distributed American Flags and donated books to the library.
“And more recently a Vietnam Veteran Ceremony, recognizing our Bourbon County Vietnam Veterans with a certificate, lapel pin and dinner,” Ritter said.
Currently, the group has 26 members, two associate members and two awaiting documentation.
One of the 12 banners in the exhibit. Submitted photo.

 

 

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Health Care

New 10 Patient Hospital with Emergency Department Will Open in 2025 in Fort Scott

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Paula Baker and Renee Denton of Freeman Health Systems visit with Bourbon County Commissioner Clifton Beth at the press conference on June 13.

The former Fort Scott Mercy Hospital will be used once again for hospital operations.

Today, Paula Baker, CEO of Freeman Health System announced that they will be operating 10 in-patient hospital beds at the site and will open an emergency department as well.

Paula Baker speaks to the press and the crowd that showed up to hear an announcement about health care in the county today.

“If treated in the E.R., you will be treated right here (in the hospital section),” she told a crowd that gathered at the former hospital.

There will also be an outpatient lab, radiology, CAT scans available to the public, and an on-site pharmacy.

There will be six bays in the emergency department and 365-day coverage, 24 hours a day.

A licensed physician and emergency-trained staff will be employed,  which will total approximately 70 employees, according to Renee Denton, Chief Operating Officer at Freeman Neosho Hospital, who is helping in this project.

Baker said they have to be licensed by the State of Kansas and that process is long and complex, but they hope to be open by April 1, 2025.

There will be clear separation between Freeman’s hospital bed unit and the Kansas Renewal Institute which also operates in the former Mercy Hospital building, Denton said. Freeman will use the former birthing wing of the hospital.

Baker said they have been working with local city and county entities to make this happen and Bourbon County Commissioner Clifton Beth spoke to the crowd as well as Baker.

She commended Beth and County Commissioner Jim Harris.

“They have worked to get this together and they care,” she said.

Clifton Beth speaks to the crowd at the former Mercy Hospital Emergency Department on June 13.

Beth said the process to reopen a hospital began about five years ago and thanked the sales tax committee that recently spearheaded a May 20234 vote that will produce some money for the project. In addition, he thanked the voters for supporting the tax.

Also helping in the process were present and former county commissioners, Fort Scott City Commissioners,  health agencies, the Bourbon County E.M.S., and Kansas Renewal Institute personnel, Beth said.

“We have been in communication with Kansas on the licensure entities, they have committed to help us expedite the licensure,” Denton said.

 

 

 

 

Fort Scott, Schools

New Fort Scott School Administrators: Gilmore and Johnson

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Nicole Gilmore. Submitted photo.
Nicole Gilmore. 31, is the new Winfield Scott Elementary School Assistant Principal in Fort Scott.

Gilmore earned Building Principal Certification from Pittsburg State University in 2023, Master of Social Work from the University of Washington-Seattle in 2016, and Bachelor of Social Work and Bachelor of General Studies in Political Science from the University of Kansas in 2015.

For the past six years, she has been a School Social Worker with the SEK Interlocal #637 at The Learning Center in Girard, KS, which is a day school program across 13 school districts in Southeast Kansas for K-12 students with significant emotional and behavioral disabilities.
“I additionally have experience as an Adjunct Instructor through the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare for the past four years and as the Colorguard Instructor at Pittsburg High School for seven years.”
“Previously, I have had clinical experience in child welfare and medical settings, along with working internationally in schools with the Peace Corps in Thailand,” she said. “I have had administrative experience in nonprofits through tasks such as quality assurance, planning and public policy, grant writing, and data analysis.”

She will start her duties on  August 1.

“I have been actively working with Mr. Garzone, the new principal of Winfield Scott, as well as teachers in the building already! I was fortunate enough to attend the Missouri School-Wide Positive Behavioral Supports Conference in Osage Beach this summer (June 3-5) and we are excited to start implementing some of the ideas that we learned while attending!”

“As an assistant principal, I will support the principal and co-lead in all academic programming.
” I will assist in overseeing daily activities, committees, meetings, and school operations,” she said. “I will work collaboratively in the planning of school needs, alongside students, families, staff, and community stakeholders.”
“The best part of being in education is building relationships with students, staff, and families,” she said. “I love to see students grow and develop over time, with the knowledge and skills that they’ve learned while at school, and that we can do it because we work in partnership with each other. I’m excited to work with the K-2 students, specifically, because that is often where they start to develop a hate or love relationship with the school, and the staff at Winfield Scott has a huge role in that! I believe that we have fantastic teachers in the Winfield Scott building, who will foster that love of learning, and I’ll be here to help augment and magnify all the great things they do every single day!”
“Some challenges include having limited resources and funding, as well as the ever-growing need for additional personnel,” she said. “There is a teacher shortage across the United States today, not just isolated to Fort Scott, but there is a significant need to not only attract but focus on retaining and growing our teachers here. Additionally, with the increase in behavioral and emotional challenges, our teachers and support staff need help in navigating appropriate ways to respond and how to work with community partners such as SEKMHC (Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center) to implement quality wraparound services that meet the needs of the student and their family.”
Her  email is [email protected]
Jeff Johnson. Submitted photo.
Jeff Johnson, 34, is the new assistant principal
at  Fort Scott High School.

 

At Pittsburg State University he earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in 2013 and majored in Biology. Also from
Pittsburg State, he earned a Master of Science in Educational Leadership in 2018.

Johnson has worked 11 years at Pittsburg High School as a science teacher, coach (football and basketball), and administrator and was an assistant principal for the last four years at Pittsburg High School.

He officially starts on August 1.
Johnson’s duties are safety and security for staff and students, student and staff supervision, instructional leadership, student support services, student discipline, and extracurricular activities.
What is the best part of being in education for you?
“It is working alongside amazing educators and the opportunity to positively impact students’ lives and help them reach their full potential.”
What are some challenges?
“Some challenges include meeting diverse student needs and finding solutions for staffing needs.”

“I am a proud graduate of USD 234 and I am excited to be a Tiger again! ” he said.

Contact info: [email protected]

 

Art, Bourbon County, Entertainment

Uniontown Mural Depicts Vignettes of The Wizard of Oz and Local Books

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The mural on the east side of Bandera Stone  Inc. in Uniontown.

A mural on the side of a Uniontown business makes the downtown area more attractive and pays homage to local history.

Don and Mary Pemberton own  Bandera Stone Inc., a rock quarry business in the county.

“Bandera flagstone has been quarried near Redfield off and on since the mid-1800’s and the company name Bandera Stone carries on that history,” she said.

“Bandera Stone Inc. had outgrown its office space, and needed to expand and add a showroom,” Mary Pemberton said.  She and her husband Don own the business.

“We liked this brick building on the Uniontown square and wanted to save it,” she said. ” I always planned on having a mural painted on one side as part of the remodel.”

“In March of 2023, my office assistant, Ashley, encouraged me to apply for the Rural Mural Grant awarded by the Kansas Office of Rural Prosperity to promote tourism to small communities,” she said.  “The City of Uniontown agreed to sponsor my application and we were awarded a grant that covered about 1/3 of the cost of the mural.  Bandera Stone, Inc. funded the other 2/3 of the total cost.”

She selected Danyell Miles, Fort Scott, after talking with a few artists.

“She has painted several murals around Fort Scott and Pittsburg, so I knew the quality of her work. I wanted the mural to have some local and state significance, yet be fun and a nice backdrop for selfies. The design Danyell put together is all of that!  With her mother, Flo Tanner, helping her, Danyell began painting in June 2023 and finished in August 2023, working two or three evenings each week to avoid the daytime heat.”

The artist is Danyell Miles, assisted by her mother, Flo Tanner as depicted by this sign on the mural.

“Everything on the mural has a meaning and was designed so visitors who know a little about Bourbon County, and take a few minutes to really look, will find ‘hidden’ relevance in the various elements,” she said.

“The Eagle represents the local Uniontown High School mascot; a nod to local and state aviation history is the hot air balloon and banner which is being pulled by Amelia Earhart’s airplane; Wizard of Oz characters are one of the first things most people think of about Kansas – as are tornados.  Danyell had the brilliant idea of using ‘tornado debris’ to incorporate a number of local and Kansas items: the books are all authored by Bourbon County residents,  a Missouri-Pacific railroad engine reminds that Bourbon County used to be a rail hub, a box turtle, fishing, farming, and even a windmill to signify the future.  Also prominently displayed in the debris is ‘Life in a Jar’, the UHS History Day project that inspired a book and movie and brought the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes to Fort Scott!”

Pemberton added a 3D element by making a basket that ” people can stand in when taking a picture with the hot air balloon. The colorful balloon with the Uniontown banner makes for a very nice and memorable ‘hometown’ or ‘travels’ photo.”

” Next time you are near Uniontown, stop by 103 Third Street on the north side of the park square and see the mural, take a picture, view the fossil collection in the Bandera Stone Inc. window displays and if you’d like, step inside the showroom to see the transformation of a piece of Uniontown history which most people remember as a former cafe,” she said.

 

Bandera Stone is on the square in Uniontown. The basket at the bottom of the balloon is for people to stand in for a photo opportunity.

The following local authors/books are depicted on the mural: The Greatest Test of Courage by Ronda Hassig; Historic Reflections of Bourbon County by Fred Campbell Jr. and Don Miller; Murder and Mayhem by Brian Allen; Life in a Jar; Why Did Grandpa Cry? by Cathy Werling; A Little Faith Lift by Patty LaRoche; A Kansas Sunset by Joyce Love, Our Duty by Gerri Hilgar; The Moffet Street Gang by Kay Large; Legends of Bourbon County by Judy Marshall; Fort Scott Now and Then by D. Miller, A Schofield, F. Campbell, and D. Banwart and The Learning Tree by Gordon Parks.

 

Area News, Bourbon County, Fort Scott, K-State Extension

New K-State Extension Agent: Lonnie Mengarelli

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K-State Extension Crops and Natural Resources Agent. Lonnie Mengarelli. Submitted photo.
 Lonnie Mengarelli, 35, is the new Kansas State University Southwind District Crops and Natural Resources Agent.
His office is in Fort Scott, but the district covers Allen, Bourbon, Neosho, and Woodson counties.
He replaced Chad Guthrie and began his duties on May 13, 2024.
Mengarelli is a 2008 Girard High School graduate, who earned a Bachelor of Science from K-State in 2013, majoring in Agricultural Technology Management with two minors: agronomy and animal science.
His background: from November 2021- May 2024 he was an agronomist for Producer Cooperative Association in Girard, making herbicide and fertilizer recommendations for producers.
From  June 2013 to November 2021  he worked for K-State at the Southeast Research and Extension Center in Parsons,  doing small plot row crop research,  in charge of crop variety trials (corn, soybean, grain sorghum, wheat, and oil seed sunflower), and the field lead for the crop production studies under Dr. Gretchen Sassenrath researching soil health and cover crop studies.
He grew up on farm northeast of Girard raising Angus influence cattle.
“I put up hay all summer long including alfalfa, fescue, sedan grass, and prairie hay,” he said. “My father was the fourth agent in Crawford County so I was heavily involved in county fair preparations and extension events.”
His duties for this position: “Being the first person-to-person contact for all row crop production, rangeland, and wildlife questions. I will help with weed identification and control, crop pest control, and consulting on management practices to help improve ag production. I will also be heavily involved in the Bourbon County Fair assisting with the 4-h shows and projects.”
He lives in Hepler, Kansas with his wife Hannah (high school sweethearts) and four kids: Heidi (10), Avery (8), Emery (8), and Heston (6).
‘We’ve been happily married 12 years and own our 160-acre Charolais-influenced cow/calf operation,” he said.
Outside of work, he has many hobbies.
“They include working on my antique trucks and tractors and going to support my kids in all their activities. When not at work I enjoy helping family on their farms from operating equipment to turning wrenches and working with livestock. I am the Fire Chief for the Hepler Rural Fire Department. Also, I am an active member of the Hepler Ruritan Club. I serve as beef project leader for the Bone Creek 4H club in Crawford County.  In the spring I volunteer to run field events such as shot put and discus at Girard High/Middle School track meets. “
Mengarelli’s office is in the Bourbon County Courthouse, 210 S. National Avenue.
Mengarelli can be reached at
Office: 1-620-223-3720
Cell: 1-620-238-0532
Church news, Youth

Local V.B.S. Dates In The Community for 2024

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If your church has a Vacation Bible School this summer, please send the name and address of the church, the date of VBS and times, the age group of children invited, and the theme of the VBS. The following are Vacation Bible Schools for this summer that have been submitted.

 

Rinehart Christian Church; 9443 S 900 Rd, Richards, MO 64778
With a Theme-“Circus theme. Big Show, Big Faith, Bigger God, Rinehart Christian Church will have their V.B.S. from June 9-12 (Sunday-Wednesday evenings); 6-8:30 p.m. “We feed everyone at 6, including parents who bring their kids and don’t want to make another trip back to pick them up…so they stay for the evening.”
First Baptist Church
The First Baptist Church, 123 Scott is hosting a One Day Vacation Bible School on Saturday, June 15 from 9:30 a.m. -1 p.m.  Lunch will be provided.  Children ages 5-12 are welcome to attend!

First Presbyterian and First United Methodist Combine Efforts

Denise Needham is the VBS director for the First Presbyterian and First United Methodist Church team.

This year our VBS is being hosted by the First United Methodist Church at 301 S National Ave in Fort Scott Ks. From June 17th to 21st, 5:30 pm to 8 pm. Free Dinner provided.

Our theme is “Just like me: Digging in and Growing Deep”

“Free for children going into Kindergarten through 5th grade. Join us in a garden full of wonder and love!”

Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene

Fort Scott Nazarene church, 1728 Horton St. Fort Scott,  will have their VBS from June 24th-27th from 6:00-8:30 pm. with a
Scuba theme
See their website fsn. life or our Facebook page for more info.

Uniontown First Missionary Baptist Church

The Uniontown Baptist Church will have its VBS with the theme of God’s Backyard Bible Camp ‘Under the Stars’ on July 22-26, from  9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. for ages 4 through 5th grade.
Each child can fill a Samaritan’s Purse Christmas Shoebox to send to a child overseas.  The school includes game time and bounce houses.
Bethel Community Baptist Church
Submitted graphic.

VBS K5-6th grade:
Church name: Bethel Community Baptist Church
Address: 1397 155th St, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: Wednesday, July 31st-Sunday, August 4th.
Time: 9am-noon.
Theme: On a mission for the Lord

Submitted graphic.

VBS 7th-12th grade:
Church name: Bethel Community Baptist Church
Address: 1397 155th St, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: Monday, August 5th-Thurs. August 8th.
Time: 6:30-9:00 pm.
Theme: Teen Challange

Exercise, Fort Scott, Youth

Eight-Year-Old Donates Bike to Gunn Park Trails

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Marie Seaver presents a child’s bike to Frank Halsey of Gunn Park Trails. Submitted photo.

8-year-old Marlie Seaver donated her 20” bike to  mountain bike enthusiast Frank Halsey. Halsey founded Gunn Park Trails, a bike trail system in Fort Scott’s largest park.

“The bike is a 20” Guardian that her parents Josh and Melinda Seaver bought her last fall,” Halsey said.  “The company, Guardian Bikes, as seen on the 2017 episode of Shark Tank, teamed with Mark Cuban, has a trade-in policy that requires the old bike to be donated to a charitable organization that promotes bike riding and biking safety.  The Seaver family knew of Gunn Park Trails and reached out to me.”

“My husband Josh and I had tried for quite awhile to teach Marlie to ride a bike,” Melinda Seavers said. ” Finally after trying other bikes we did some research and found a company called Guardian Bikes online. They have great reviews and an amazing 365-day guarantee on all of their bikes. ”

“If your kid won’t ride it, can’t ride it, if it’s too big, if it’s too small they will refund your purchase or allow you to exchange for the correct size (which we did) and allow you to donate the original bike to a nonprofit of your choice,” she said “Last fall we purchased the bike for Marlie and she learned to ride it with no problems the very same day! After this winter when we got the bike out for her to ride this Spring it was too small for her. We contacted Guardian Bikes and they said to locate a charity we would like to donate to.”

“My husband and I used to be next door neighbors with Frank Halsey and we have followed along with his journey in creating and maintaining the Gunn Park Trails. I contacted him to find out if the bike would be useful to his project in any way to raffle or raise money for the trails or any of the many events they would be hosting in the future. ”

“He said there is an organization called NICA (National Interscholastic Cycling Association) that was coming to help with the cleanup efforts of the trails after the recent flood in April canceled their event and damaged many parts of the trails. It sounded like the perfect fit for Marlie to donate her bike to since she really loved the bike and wanted it to go to a good cause here in Fort Scott. We met Frank at the Gunn Park Trails sign early this week to take a picture to send to Guardian Bikes to show them where our bike was donated.”

“I’m not sure what Frank and the NICA will decide is the best way to use the bike for their efforts but we were happy they could benefit from it in some way,” she said.

Frank Halsey has the idea to raffle the bike off at a future event to help fund the maintenance of the trails.

About The Trails

According to Frank Halsey, Gunn Park Trails was started in 2009, by him and his “bunch of misfit volunteers.”

Today there are approximately 8.5 miles of mountain bike trails, ranging from easy to difficult.  These trails are maintained by volunteers, and attract visitors from all over, including the Annual Marmaton Massacre Festival.

They are also trying to develop a more complete skills park and pump track on the property immediately before entering the park.  Additional funding is being sought to make this more permanent.

 

 

 

Fort Scott, Jobs, Schools

New Administrators at USD 234, Fort Scott School District: Mayfield and Garzone

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Terry Mayfield. Submitted photo.

Terry Mayfield, 51, is the new Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations, who will start duties on July 1. His office will be in the USD 234 District Central Office.

Mayfield earned a Bachelor of Science in Education – Social Studies from Missouri Southern State College 1996, a Masters in Education – Secondary School Administration from University of Central Missouri 2004, and an Education Specialist – Superintendency from University of Central Missouri 2008.

“I spent nine years as a social studies teacher and coach and 19 years in school administration – four years as a building principal and 15 years as superintendent – the last eight years I have spent as the superintendent of the Drexel R-IV School District in Drexel, MO.,” he said.

His duties include:

  • Oversee all business operations in the district.
  • Collaborate with the superintendent to prepare, manage and oversee the district budget.
  • Provide financial data to the superintendent and board of education.
  • Prepare and analyze bid documents.
  • Oversee health insurance and other employee benefits.
  • Manage district investments of funds.
  • Manage bond and lease purchase payments.
  • Oversee grant funds and reporting.
  • Oversee operations departments; food service, transportation, maintenance and technology.

What is the best part of being in education for you?

The best part about being in education is the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with students and staff and to witness their personal and professional growth. Watching students develop confidence, skills, and a passion for learning is incredibly rewarding. Similarly, supporting colleagues as they advance in their careers and achieve their goals creates a collaborative and dynamic work environment. These connections and the positive impact on others’ lives make education a uniquely fulfilling field, fostering a sense of community and continuous development for everyone involved. Seeing the long-term successes of former students and colleagues further highlights the profound and lasting influence educators have on shaping futures.

What are some challenges?

Challenges in education today include providing all students with the skills they need for future success and supporting teachers and staff in a demanding profession. The day-to-day pressures of teaching, meeting diverse student needs, and staying current with educational practices can be overwhelming. It’s crucial to recognize and address these challenges to foster a supportive environment for both students and educators.

Contact info:

District Central Office Phone: 620-223-0800, 620-223-2760

Email Address: [email protected]

Chris Garzone. Submitted photo.
Chris Garzone, 54, is the new principal at Winfield Scott Elementary School in Fort Scott as of August 1. He was hired as the assistant principal last year.

Garzone earned a Master of Arts Degree in Educational Leadership from Pittsburg State University and next year will be his 30th year in education. For twenty of those years, he was an administrator.

Garzone’s duties: ” Besides the day-to-day responsibilities of being a principal, I am responsible for the educational experience of all the students at Winfield Scott Elementary School. I provide support and guidance for all staff and promote a positive culture within the building.”
“The best part of being in education is experiencing growth in student behavior and learning. A challenge would be not having enough time throughout the day to address the needs of all staff and students. Winfield Scott has an amazing staff that cares about their students. I look forward to continuing as an administrator at this school,” he said.

Contact info: [email protected] 620-223-0450