Tag Archives: featured

Bourbon County, Schools

UHS 2020 Graduation: July 11

Leave a comment

 

Luke George is valedictorian for the class of UHS 2020.
Liberty Franks is salutatorian for the class of UHS 2020.
Uniontown High School personnel are working to provide an in-person graduation ceremony for its’ 2020 seniors.
The UHS Class of 2020 Graduation Ceremony will take place on Saturday, July 11 at 2:00 pm in the WBE gymnasium.
Mike Reith, Principal at Uniontown High School, recently posted a notice to the families of 2020 seniors on social media.

 

“When Governor Kelly modified the Reopen Kansas plan, it caused us to need to move our graduation date scheduled for June 21. The seniors who participated in the graduation ceremony discussion Zoom session with me wanted to set a date in each of the three summer months. The second date was originally set for Sunday, July 12, but I realized that for some families and situations, a Saturday graduation might be preferable. So I gave the seniors and families an option to vote for either July 11 or July 12.  The result of that vote was to have the ceremony on Saturday, July 11.”

 

Reith answered questions in an email interview with fortscott.biz:

 

 

Will there be a limit on how many family members can attend the ceremony?

“Currently, we are not planning to limit attendance. It is a small class, so we feel we can structure the gymnasium for proper social-distancing while still being able to accommodate for all who plan to attend.”

 

 

Will social distancing be maintained?

“We have been advised by Rebecca Johnson, SEK Multi-County Health Departments Administrator, to follow the ‘Phase Out’ recommendations of Governor Kelly’s Reopen Kansas plan, which we were planning to do already. Graduates will be spaced 6 feet apart. We will encourage all those who plan to attend to use proper hygiene and stay home if they feel sick. We will advise those who may be at a higher risk due to their health situation to strongly consider staying home, but we will leave that decision up to them. We will structure the facility so that families can sit together, but different family groups will be social-distanced. We will make hand-sanitizer readily available, and we will encourage attendees to wear masks if they choose.”

 

 

Who will be the speakers?

” Speakers are Valedictorian – Luke George, Salutatorian – Libby Franks, Inspirational Speaker – Mrs. Alicia Jackson (chosen by the Class of 2020).” Jackson is a teacher at UHS.

The Class of  Uniontown High School 2020 has 19 students”
Donavan Beerbower, Kord Bowen, Makenzie Brown, Alissa Button, Cheyanne Carpenter, Morgan Coulter, Ty Davidson, Colt Eck, Libby Franks, Luke George, Dalton.Graham, Jacquie Hampton, Matthew Harclerode, Breleigh Harris, Kolby Martinez, Sivanah McAnulty, Shelby Morillo, Gavin Ross, Lauren Shinn.

The following are photos of the class.

Donovan Beerbower
Kord Bowen
Makenzie Brown
Alissa Button
Cheyanne Carpenter
Morgan Coulter
Ty Davidson
Colt Eck
Liberty Franks
Luke George
Dalton Graham
Jacquelyn Hampton
Matthew Harclerode
Breleigh Harris
Kolby Martinez
Sivanah McAnulty
Shelby Morilla
Gavin Ross
Lauren Shinn

 

Entertainment, Fort Scott

Vehicle Cruise: Social Distancing Fun

Leave a comment
Photo courtesy of Carissa Bowman.
Some local residents have planned activities that provide fun for the town and also some nostalgia in cruising National Avenue this Friday, June 5.
The Fort Scott Cruise Night Facebook Group is promoting what they are calling an “Honorary Good Ol Days Cruise.”
“This is not an event sponsored by the city,” Julie Norris, who along with Rachel Cunningham-Fields are the planners, said.  ” It was scheduled purely for fun since Good Ol Days had to be canceled this year due to COVID 19.”
The COVID 19 pandemic precautions include social distancing of 6 feet from nearby people and taking other measures to help stop the spread of the virus that has circled the world and killed over 100,000  American people, according to the Center For Disease Control.
The cruise allows people to maintain social distancing while remaining in their cars.
“Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend,” she said. ” We will be cruising National, just like the “Good Ol Days”.”
The cruise starts at  6 PM Friday night, June 5.
“Our annual Good Ol Days is something we look forward to every year,” Norris said.  “Although we WILL NOT be able to attend, (because of precautions of the pandemic) what better way to honor it, than to CRUISE!”
“So get your hot rod out, work on that car you’ve been meaning to finish, get the motorcycle ready, and Celebrate Good Ol Days on June 5th by cruising,” she said.  “Our lives may look a little different, but we can still come together, and not gather! “
“A small town is a place we choose to be,” she said.  ” A place we raise our kids, find peace in, or retire in. A place we call home.”
There will be several spots to eat along the way, including vendors,  so save some money for supper.
Bourbon County, Elections, Government

Incumbents Will Have Contenders in Most Bourbon County Election Races

Leave a comment

 

The filing deadline for Bourbon County residents vying for a political position was noon, June 1, 2020.

The  primary election will be  August 4, 2020 and the general election will be  November 3, 2020

Due to COVID-19,  Bourbon County election officials will make the voting process as safe as possible and will have safety measures in place for voters and poll workers, according to an email from Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

There are contenders to incumbents in the county commissioners, the county clerk, the county treasurer and county sheriff positions.

Following is the list of those running and  was provided by the county clerk.

County Commission, District 2

Jeffrey Fischer, 2093 Justice Ln, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-223-6633, Republican is the incumbent

Jim Harris, 2302 Jayhawk Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-224-0230, Republican

Sparky (Don) Schroeder, 2309 Kansas Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-215-3344, [email protected], Republican

No Democratic candidates filed

County Commission, District 3

Clifton Beth, 2236 215th, Fort Scott, KS 66701, Republican

Phillip G Hoyt, 2422 242nd Terrace, Fulton, KS 66738, 225-335-9927, [email protected], Democratic

Joshua Jackson, 2451 Hwy 7, Mapleton, KS 66754, Republican

Leroy “Nick” Ruhl, 313 Jefferson Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-224-8172, Republican is the incumbent

County Clerk

Nick Graham, 404 Hill Street, Uniontown, KS 66779, 620-875-5059, [email protected], Republican

Kendell Dawn Mason, 2 S Eddy, Fort Scott, KS 66701, Republican is the incumbent.

Bobby “Bob” Reed, 2191 Ironwood Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-224-8137, Republican

No Democratic candidates filed

County Treasurer

Patty Love, 901 Shepherd St., Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-215-1189, [email protected], Republican is the incumbent

Mike Mason, 978 60th Street, Uniontown, KS 66779, 620-224-6183, [email protected], Republican

Shaunn Pytlowany, 906 South Eddy St, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-224-9168, Republican

No Democratic candidates filed

County Register of Deeds

Lora Holdridge, 1814 Richards Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-215-4585, [email protected], Republican

No Democratic candidates filed

County Attorney

Jacqie Spradling, PO Box 576, Spring Hill, KS 66083, Republican is the incumbent.

No Democratic candidates filed

County Sheriff

Derick Burke, 348 225th Street, Garland, KS 66741, Republican

Mike Feagins, 1964 Justice Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-223-3402, [email protected], Democratic

Bill Martin, 502 Meadow Ln, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-215-1882, Republican is the incumbent.

Craig A Rice, 1932 Maple Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-223-1381, Republican

Julie Saker, 2495 Locust Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-768-9260, Democratic

Township Trustee-Drywood

Richard Cullison, Jr, 506 260th, Garland, KS 66741, 620-224-6160, Republican

No Democratic candidates filed

Township Trustee- Franklin

No Republican or Democratic Candidates filed

Township Trustee-Freedom

Janice Seested, 2330 215th St., Fort Scott, KS 66701, Republican

No Democratic candidates filed

Township Trustee-Marion

Steve Geiger, 1121 Hwy 3, Uniontown, KS 66779, Republican

No Democratic candidates filed

Township Trustee-Marmaton

David Duffey, 1201 Locust Rd, Redfield, KS 66769, 620-228-1779, [email protected], Republican

No Democratic candidates filed

Township Trustee-Millcreek

Yvonne Beck, 1821 159th Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-829-5442, Republican

No Democratic candidates filed

Township Trustee-Osage

No Republican or Democratic Candidates filed

Township Trustee-Pawnee

Karen A Endicott-Coyan, 1635 Fern Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-547-2571, [email protected], Republican

No Democratic candidates filed

Township Trustee-Scott

Jim Sackett, 2019 Maple Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-215-5537, [email protected], Republican

No Democratic candidates filed

Township Trustee-Timberhill

Dan Laughlin, 2275 105th St., Mapleton, KS 66754, 620-743-3441, Republican

No Democratic candidates filed

Township Trustee –Walnut

No Republican or Democratic Candidates filed

Township Treasurer- Drywood

No Republican or Democratic Candidates filed

Township Treasurer – Franklin

No Republican or Democratic Candidates filed

Township Treasurer-Freedom

Karen A Paddock, 608 W Cedar St., Fulton, KS 66738, 620-224-9379, Republican

No Democratic candidates filed

Township Treasurer-Marion

Rex Wilson, 905 Clay St., Bronson, KS 66716, 620-939-4750, Republican

No Democratic candidates filed

Township Treasurer-Marmaton

Wilma K Graham, 102 W 4th, Redfield, KS 66769, 620-756-4436, Democratic

No Republican candidates filed

Township Treasurer-Millcreek

Betty L Graham, 1458 Tomahawk Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-224-6072, Democratic

No Republican candidates filed

Township Treasurer-Osage

Kathleen Valentine, 2638 Tomahawk Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-857-4133, Republican

No Democratic candidates filed

Township Treasurer-Pawnee

Sharon Middleton, 1374 Eagle Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-215-4894, Democratic

No Republican candidates filed

Township Treasurer-Scott

Harold Rogers, 2189 Ironwood Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-223-1329, [email protected], Republican

No Democratic candidates filed

Township Treasurer-Timberhill

David Scharenberg, 1045 Yale Rd, Mapleton, KS 66754, 620-224-8932, Republican

No Democratic candidates filed

Township Treasurer- Walnut

No Republican or Democratic Candidates filed

Democratic Committeeman-1st Ward

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeeman-2nd Ward

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeeman-3rd Ward

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeeman-4th Ward

Jeff Sweetser, 1012 S National Ave, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-224-2282, [email protected]

Democratic Committeeman-5th Ward

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeeman-6th Ward

Dwight Moore, 801 Fairway Dr, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-341-3074, [email protected]

Democratic Committeeman-7th Ward

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeeman-Drywood

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeeman-Franklin

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeeman-Freedom

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeeman-Marion

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeeman-Marmaton

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeeman-Millcreek

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeeman-Osage

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeeman-Pawnee

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeeman-North Scott

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeeman-South Scott

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeeman-Timberhill

Clinton L Walker, 1999 105th St, Mapleton, KS 66754, 620-743-0114

Democratic Committeeman-Walnut

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeewoman-1st Ward

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeewoman-2nd Ward

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeewoman-3rd Ward

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeewoman-4th Ward

Kate Emmett-Sweetser, 1012 S National Ave, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-224-2282, [email protected]

Democratic Committeewoman-5th Ward

Carol Ann MacArthur, 702 S Crawford St., Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-215-1505, [email protected]

Democratic Committeewoman-6th Ward

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeewoman-7th Ward

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeewoman-Drywood

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeewoman-Franklin

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeewoman-Freedom

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeewoman-Marion

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeewoman-Marmaton

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeewoman-Millcreek

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeewoman-Osage

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeewoman-Pawnee

Shirley J Palmer, 1862 Eagle Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-704-1934, [email protected]

Democratic Committeewoman-North Scott

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeewoman-South Scott

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeewoman-Timberhill

No Candidate filed

Democratic Committeewoman-Walnut

No Candidate filed

Republican Committeeman-1st Ward

William Michaud, 7 N Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 785-213-7745, [email protected]

Republican Committeeman-2nd Ward

No Candidate filed

Republican Committeeman-3rd Ward

Todd McDermed, 110 S Broadway, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-215-4364, [email protected]

Republican Committeeman-4th Ward

No Candidate filed

Republican Committeeman-5th Ward

Shane A Walker, 1123 Burke Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-224-7272, [email protected]

Republican Committeeman-6th Ward

No Candidate filed

Republican Committeeman-7th Ward

Glenn Rash, 906 Emmert, Fort Scott, KS 66701 620-719-7502, [email protected]

Republican Committeeman-Drywood

Larry Shead, 2468 Cavalry Rd, Garland, KS 66741, 620-215-2396, [email protected]

Republican Committeeman-Franklin

Lynne D Oharah, 2120 95th St., Uniontown, KS 66779, 620-215-3120, [email protected]

Republican Committeeman-Freedom

Lawrence Paddock, 608 Cedar Street, Fulton, KS 66738, 620-224-1381, [email protected]

Republican Committeeman-Marion

Lafe W Wilson, 924 Jayhawk Rd, Uniontown, KS 66779, 620-654-8231, [email protected]

Republican Committeeman-Marmaton

Charles Robison, 1761 Locust Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-215-3755, [email protected]

Republican Committeeman-Millcreek

No Candidate filed

Republican Committeeman-Osage

Marvin Creager, 2141 245th, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-857-4158, [email protected]

Republican Committeeman-Pawnee

Kevin D Wagner, 390 130th Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-215-2174, [email protected]

Republican Committeeman-North Scott

Bill Lalman, 2047 Native Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-224-9218

Republican Committeeman-South Scott

Larry G Martin, 2141 Ironwood Dr, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-224-4300

Republican Committeeman-Timberhill

Dan Laughlin, 2275 105th, Mapleton, KS 66754, 620-743-3441

Republican Committeeman-Walnut

Jason L Sutterby, 148 Hwy 39, Savonburg, KS 66772, 620-224-7495, [email protected]

Republican Committeewoman-1st Ward

Jennifer Michaud, 7 N Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 785-230-7010, [email protected]

Republican Committeewoman-2nd Ward

No Candidate filed

Republican Committeewoman-3rd Ward

No Candidate filed

Republican Committeewoman-4th Ward

No Candidate filed

Republican Committeewoman-5th Ward

Jana R Walker, 1123 Burke Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-224-7272, [email protected]

Republican Committeewoman-6th Ward

Rhonda Dunn, 420 Rosemary Lane, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-224-1186, [email protected]

Republican Committeewoman-7th Ward

Patty Love, 901 Shepherd St., Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-223-3800 x-192, [email protected]

Republican Committeewoman-Drywood

Vickie Shead, 2468 Cavalry Rd, Garland, KS 66741, 620-224-4149, [email protected]

Republican Committeewoman-Franklin

No Candidate filed

Republican Committeewoman-Freedom

Janice Seested, 2330 215th St., Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-857-4768

Republican Committeewoman-Marion

Linda S Wilson, 924 Jayhawk Rd, Uniontown, KS 66779, 620-654-7413, [email protected]

Republican Committeewoman-Marmaton

Celena (CJ) Robison, 1761 Locust Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-215-0816, [email protected]

Republican Committeewoman-Millcreek

No Candidate filed

Republican Committeewoman-Osage

Carol Creager, 2141 245th, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-857-4158, [email protected]

Republican Committeewoman-Pawnee

Rachel M Wagner, 390 130th, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-547-2233, [email protected]

Republican Committeewoman-North Scott

Glenda Lalman, 2047 Native Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-223-3805

Republican Committeewoman-South Scott

Debra M Martin, 2141 Ironwood Dr, Fort Scott, KS 66701, 620-224-6846, [email protected]

Republican Committeewoman-Timberhill

Jan Laughlin, 2275 105th Street, Mapleton, KS 66754, 620-743-3441, [email protected]

Republican Committeewoman-Walnut

Rebecca Sutterby, 148 Highway 39, Savonburg, KS 66772, 620-224-7495, [email protected]

 

Bourbon County, Food, Fort Scott

The Beacon Food Pantry Reorganizes Staffing

Leave a comment
The Beacon is located at 525 E. Sixth Street, Fort Scott.

 

Dave Gillen is the food pantry administrator for the Beacon. Photo by Carol MacArthur.

On Monday, June 1, 2020, David Gillen assumed full management of the operation as Beacon Food Pantry Administrator. The new assistant administrator is Patty Mowen. Both are knowledgeable of the operation, and both consider this organization their “mission.” according to the press release submitted by Carol MacArthur, board chairwoman.

Beacon Assistant Director Patty Mowen. Submitted photo.

At this time, no one but the staff is allowed inside the building, according to the press release.

Food orders are called in, filled, and picked up at the back dock of the building at 525 E. Sixth. This practice may become permanent, according to the press release.

Financial requests may be called in at this time as well.

People may call The Beacon and ask for David Gillen, for inquiries, MacArthur said. The phone number is 620-223- 6869.

Improvements in the facility have already been made by Gillen and volunteers.

Office equipment is being updated as needed as well to improve service to clients.

The Beacon, Inc., in existence for almost forty years, began as churches in the community came together to serve the needs of Fort Scott and Bourbon County.

They have provided those struggling in the community as a food pantry and in offering financial assistance, dominantly through the efforts of community-related donations.

Currently, the organization provides food, financial assistance, and referrals to other service organizations.

“People have been so generous with funds and donations,” MacArthur said. ” But we have had difficulty procuring large amounts of food (during the pandemic),”

“The community has been wonderful,” she said.

The Beacon is located at 525 E. Sixth Street, Fort Scott, Ks. 66701, and is open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, with one exception.

On the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, the Beacon is closed during the day and is open instead from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

 

Entertainment, Fort Scott

Fort Scott Independence Day Celebration: July 3

1 Comment
Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton is the site of the annual Independence Day fireworks event.

In a year that is seeing a reduction in public gatherings there will be a community celebration this year: Independence Day.

The Fort Scott Elk’s Lodge has coordinated the community fireworks display to celebrate America’s Independence for the past 25 years or more and has a goal this year of $7,000 to cover the costs.

“I think this year after all everyone has been dealing with during the pandemic, everyone will be ready for some good old fashion 4th of July fun,” Bill Brittain, with the Elks organization, said.

“The public can watch from their cars or from anywhere in the community you can see them,” Brittain said.   “A lot of people do line up on Horton Street to be close and many sit in or on their cars from the Bourbon County Fairgrounds as well but again they can be seen from many parts of the community.”

The event is July 3.

“The city of Fort Scott moved this event to July 3rd a few years ago from the 4th so we have them shot on the 3rd,” Brittain said.

“Our (fireworks) company we deal with for this,  sets up behind Fort Scott Community College by the ball fields to actually shoot them off,” he said. “Nobody is allowed back there during this time or while setting them up!”

“I might add it takes the entire community to make this happen,” Brittain said.  “The city and county also help with this financially. We have corporate sponsors that help with this and other charitable events we do throughout the year. The public can help with this by playing in the golf tournament as well.”

 

 

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Sidewalk Sale This Saturday, May 30, As Merchants Reopen

Leave a comment

 

The weather looks good for Saturday,  a perfect day to get out and shop Fort Scott.

 

This Saturday, May 30, eleven retail stores have signed up to be a part of the Merchant Madness Sidewalk Sale, hosted by the  Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce.

 

The event will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and participating stores will be marked with purple balloons, according to Rita Schroeder, the Chamber’s administrative assistant.

 

Those who have signed up: include Bids & Dibs, Books & Grannies (inside), Heidrick’s True Value/Nancy’s Gift Corner, Fort Scott Gun & Pawn, Hedgehog.INK (inside),  J & W Sports Shop, Main St. Gallery & Gifts, Mayco Ace Hardware, Ruddick’s Furniture, Sunshine Boutique, Iron Star (inside) and Treasure Hunt Flea Market.

 

 

In light of the COVID 19 Pandemic, most businesses will have hand sanitizer available before touching items in the sale.

 

However, bringing one’s own sanitizer is a good option while shopping.

 

Hedgehog.INK is asking all who enter their store to wear masks as well.

 

Social distancing is in force in the county for all public events.

 

For more information:  620-223-3566 or
Lindsay Madison, President & CEO, [email protected] 

or Rita Schroeder, Administrative Assistant, [email protected]

 

 

COVID-19, Fort Scott Community College, Government

FSCC Is Adapting Due to COVID 19 Pandemic

Leave a comment
Fort Scott Community College President Alysia Johnston.
Fort Scott Community College employees have been working on how to provide an education safely to all involved during the pandemic that has played havoc across the world.
“We have been working with local, regional, and state health officials to determine how best to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 for our students, employees, and community,” President Alysia Johnston said.  “We want to meet the unique needs of our students while keeping everyone safe.”
Schedules have been changed.
“The June summer schedule has been changed to an all-online format with the exception of John Deere,” she said.  “The classes will be split so there are not more than 10 students at one time.”
Adam Borth. Submitted photo.
“Currently, John Deere has two classrooms and a total of 15 students will be on campus in June,” Adam Borth, vice president of academic affairs, said. ” This will allow us to utilize both classrooms and appropriate distancing requirements. We will also be cleaning and sanitizing surfaces to exceed recommendations. We are hoping and planning for all of our technical classes to begin in August 2020, just as they did in 2019. While we prepare for this, we also will likely need to be prepared to have quite a bit of hands-on training in the first portion of the classes, should we need to go back online again. Our plan, at this time, is face to face courses for fall.”
“We are looking at a possible change to our fall calendar schedule that would have students finish the fall semester before Thanksgiving,” Johnston said.  “We believe this would help mitigate the spread of the pandemic as we would not be bringing students back once again from a wide geographical area.”

“We are discussing the idea of moving our start date up for fall classes, to begin on August 10,”  Borth,  said.

 

 

“We have tentatively set the commencement ceremony for Saturday, November 21, 2020 for graduates from spring 2020, summer 2020, and fall 2020,” he said.

 

 

“This would allow us to end the week of Thanksgiving, and hopefully minimize exposure during the fall semester. Our spring 2021 semester has not changed at this point, although this could change, given the fluidity of this situation,” Borth said.

 

 

“We are still evaluating courses which begin in July, and will continue to do so while the situation evolves,” he said. “The primary changes will be the amount of students in a classroom at any given time. We will ensure 15 occupants are in a classroom during this phase of reopening, and also ensure social distancing is occurring. This may mean significant changes to how our courses are scheduled by the time August rolls around.”

 

Some students will be tested for COVID 19.
“We plan on bringing back some student-athletes in July and have been working with Community Health Center of SEK to perform COVID-19 testing for the students,” Johnston said. ” We have procedures and protocols in place if someone tests positive for COVID-19. We are extremely grateful to CHC of SEK for working with us to establish best practices and administering the tests at no cost to the college or students.”
Budgets are revisited.
“We are currently developing the 2021 fiscal budget and analyzing available data and information to determine the best budgeting solutions,” she said. ” We know our state funding will be lower and we are making adjustments – keeping in mind the critical needs of students and all stakeholders must be met.”
Safety is a priority.
“Making sure students, employees and the community are safe is our greatest concern and we are working every day on best practices to make sure we meet all our stakeholder’s needs,” Johnston said.
On-campus classes for the fall semester are planned for students.
“The students, faculty, and the staff have done an amazing job adapting to online classes and working remotely,” she said. “However, we are all looking forward to having students on campus for the fall semester.”
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, COVID-19, Health Care

Antibody Testing For COVID 19 Available Through CHC/SEK

Leave a comment
Sliding fee discounts and financial assistance is available to eligible patients, as stated on the front door of the CHC/SEK Clinic in Fort Scott.

 

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas now offers COVID-19 antibody testing through QUEST Laboratories, according to Robert Poole, Communication and Marketing Director, in a press release.

 

Antibody testing is useful for research and specific virus investigations or epidemiologic studies. CHC/SEK shares testing results with its state and federal partners, according to the press release.

 

Put simply, the body makes antibodies to fend off germs and other harmful substances. And this process is part of the body’s immune response, according to dictionary.com.

 

The antibody test requires a physician’s order and looks for antibodies in persons who may have had, and have recovered from COVID-19, according to the press release.

 

Individuals wanting this antibody testing should discuss their concerns and what their results might mean with their doctor.

 

Laboratory orders can be accepted from physicians outside of the organization for this test, for example, a college student might have a primary care physician in another city.

 

COVID-19 antibody tests require a blood draw.

 

Testing is available at either the CHC/SEK Walk in-In Care, 1624 S. National, or the medical clinic at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd.

 

 

A positive result does not guarantee immunity from the virus.  Whether you test positive or negative, you should still take preventative measures to protect yourself and others from the virus.

 

 

The cost of the COVID-19 antibody testing is being covered by the federal government, however, patients may incur an office visit fee depending on their insurance and income status.

 

 

Other points from the press release:

 

  • The science of COVID-19 testing is evolving, and test accuracy is not perfect. However, testing for antibodies can help identify people who have likely been exposed to the COVID-19 and have mounted an immune response to the virus.

 

  • The timing of the test is important. It typically takes 1 to 3 weeks after someone becomes infected with COVID-19 for their body to make antibodies; some people may take longer to develop antibodies.

 

  • It is unknown if people with antibodies have immunity and are protected from becoming sick with COVID-19 again. It is also not known how long those antibodies will last.

 

  • Antibody tests are not used to diagnose someone as being currently sick with COVID-19. To see if you have a current infection, you need a viral test that checks respiratory samples, such as a swab from inside your nose.

 

  • Whether you test positive or negative for COVID-19, you should still take preventative measures to protect yourself and others from the virus.

The CHC/SEK locations in Fort Scott

Walk-in Care, 1624 S. National Ave.:

Monday-Sunday: 7:00 am-7:00 pm
Phone Number: (620)223-8428
Fax Number: (620)223-5011

——–

Fort Scott Medical Clinic, 403 Woodland Hills Blvd.:

Monday-Thursday: 8:00 am-6:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am-5:00 pm
Phone Number: (620)223-8040
Fax Number: (620)223-8002

Pharmacy at the medical clinic:

Monday-Friday: 8:00 am-6:30 pm
Saturday: 8:30 am-12:30 pm

 

 

 

 

 

 

COVID-19, Food, Fort Scott

Christian Ministries Team Up to Distribute Food Tomorrow, May 23

Leave a comment
Allen Schellack, director of Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries.

Three Christian ministries are working together to bring food to those affected by the COVID 19 Pandemic.

 

Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries, Fort Scott Church of the  Nazarene, and Convoy of Hope will be having a food distribution event, Saturday, May 23, from 10 AM to 2 PM at Fort Scott Nazarene, 1728 S Horton.

 

Convoy of Hope is providing the food, the church is providing the distribution place and some volunteers and Allen Schellack, director of Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries, is providing the coordination of the food distribution.

 

The Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene is located at 1728 S. Horton. People should enter off of Horton Street and will pick up food under the canopy on the south side of the church.

 

Food distributed (while supplies last) will include potatoes, bread, eggs, produce, and bottled juice and tea, according to Allen Schellack, director.

Schellack recently completed a Convoy of Hope Zoom training and  on May 20 he was told that food to distribute would be available on May 23.,

Schellack with his son, Dustin, will be picking up the food from the Convoy of Hope hub site in Webb City, MO.

Volunteers are needed on May 23 to help direct traffic for the event, unpack the food, and hand out the food, Schellack said.

Volunteers can call Schellack to schedule a work time at 620-223-2212.

There are no income guidelines to receive the food, nor registration requirements.

“We hope to make this the first of many more events,” Schellack said.

“This is a community event and our vision is to have more churches involved to help serve the community,” he said.

 

Convoy of Hope is a faith-based organization with a driving passion to feed the world through children’s feeding initiatives, community outreaches, disaster response and partner resourcing, according to its’ Facebook page.

Schellack is a member of the Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene and members are supporting this outreach as volunteers and allowing the church to be the distribution point.

The mission of Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries is to
 alleviate suffering caused by poverty, and issues relating to poverty, and promote family values through partnership with local and state agencies.
The FSCM Outreach Center is located on the second floor of The Bourbon County Senior Citizens Center, 26 N. Main and was founded in 2014, with Schellack at the director.
Fort Scott, Schools

Reyna Valenzuela: New Fort Scott High School English Teacher

Leave a comment
Reyna Valenzuela. Submitted photo.

Reyna Valenzuela, 21, was hired as a Fort Scott High School English Teacher for 2020-21.

She graduated from Pittsburg High School in 2016 and from Pittsburg State University with a Bachelor’s  Degree in English Education in May 2020 and will be starting a Master’s in English Literature in the fall.

 

“I worked at St. Mary’s Colgan as a YES Tutor for a year and a half, following that I worked for two years on campus as a writing center consultant,” she said.  “I also did my internship through PSU at Northeast High School as well as completed my student teaching at Northeast.”

 

Valenzuela was born in Fort Hood, Texas and has lived in Arma, KS since she was three-years-old.

 

Her interests include reading, Greek Mythology, British Literature, watching YouTube, and Netflix, her cat,  and hanging out with her family.

 

In addition, she loves softball, baseball, and football.

 

“So I look forward to cheering students on at their games in the future,” she said.

 

Becoming a teacher was a realization for Valenzuela.

 

” I wasn’t always sure what I wanted to do, I switched my dream career a lot when I was younger,” she said. “Eventually though, after watching my mom become a teacher and having an amazing AP Literature teacher during my senior year of high school, I realized that this was the field for me. I wanted to have the chance to make a difference in a student’s life as my mom, Tina Valenzuela, and my AP Literature teacher, Mrs. Johnson, did in mine. Because of this, I’ve worked hard through college to learn as much as I could so I could become a successful educator who makes a difference and helps her students in positive ways.”

 

“Seeing how much they both loved to teach and how they put everything they had into the classroom was incredibly inspiring and I don’t think I would have come this far without them,” she said.

 

The best part of teaching for her are the students, she said.

 

“Getting to know them, watching them grow, and succeed, they are the reason I want to teach so I guess it only makes sense they are the best part of teaching.”

 

Some of the challenges of teaching is continuing to learn and grow as a teacher “so that you are still providing students the most effective methods of learning is what I would consider one of the greatest challenges in teaching; because as humans we like routine, and so making sure that you’re constantly changing and evolving is something that can be a struggle, but it’s worth it, in the end, to watch students grow,” she said.

Fort Scott

Fort Scott Lightning Strike Caught on Camera

Leave a comment
Lightning strike. iphoto.

On  Friday, May 15, 2020, Kansas Gas Service responded to a gas odor call after a report of a lightning strike that damaged two structures in the 600 block of S. National, according to a press release from KGS.

Fort Scott Fire Department and Fort Scott Police Department had National Avenue blocked off between 6th  Street and 7th Street that morning as a result of the gas leak, according to Aimee Moore, who lives in the block that was affected.

Moore had cameras on her house that caught the lightning strike. They are included at the end of this feature.

KGS technicians performed inspections and turned the gas off at two properties until the customers completed necessary repairs to the customer-owned equipment, Dawn Tripp, KGS Media Relations said on Monday afternoon.

 

“Kansas Gas came out and shut off the gas line before removing the meter,”  Moore, said.  Stoughton Inc. completed the repairs and ran the pressure test.  Fort Scott Code Enforcement personnel gave the okay and  Moore waited until KGS put the meter back and turned it on.

 

As a reminder, if you smell natural gas or have a natural gas emergency, leave the area immediately. Then call 911 and Kansas Gas Service at 888-482-4950.

 

Moore submitted the following information and links to the recent lightning strike in Fort Scott.

 

“Friday, May 15, 2020, at 9:37  a.m., lightning struck Dr. Steve Mitchell’s office at 624 South National Ave and caused a gas leak,” she said.

“The current traveled through our electrical lines and also caused arcing to blow out our gas line at 612 S National Ave.,” Moore said. “Pictures fell off of our wall and also at the florist next to us, Flowers by LeeAnn.”

 

Moore submitted the following links of the lightning strikes.

 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/y0t90f4mse9mzzg/cam1_05-15-2020__09-37-05_09-37-43__Back%20Yard%201.mp4?dl=0

 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/rtq3gfiphmd0xh7/cam4_05-15-2020__09-37-00_09-38-59__Driveway%204.mp4?dl=0

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Schools

DaVolt Assumes Duties of Principal at Christian Heights School

Leave a comment
Larry Davolt is the new principal of Fort Scott Christian Heights. Submitted photo

Larry Davolt, 53, will be the new principal at Fort Scott Christian Heights School, effective June 1.

“I have been the secondary science teacher at FSCH for 28 years,” Davolt said. ” I have also taught math and Bible classes.”

The principal position is responsible for the day to day operations of the school, he said.

In addition to 28 years of experience is in the classroom, Davolt also pastored a rural church for 15 years, he said.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Pittsburg State University and completed some graduate work through the Institute for Creation Research, and is currently working online for a master’s degree in school leadership.

Davolt’s hometown is Independence, KS.
He has been married for 32 years, has three grown children, and seven grandkids.

His hobbies are working on cars and houses.

In addition, for the last five years, he has worked part-time for Mercy/Bourbon County Emergency Medical Service.

For Davolt, seeing the way God uses former students to make a difference in society, is the greatest part of teaching.

His greatest challenge?

“Following a legend,” he said, referring to Terry Chance, who is retiring. ” I have worked with Mr. Chance for all of my teaching career, I know the excellent job he has done, and the difficulty of the position.”