Tag Archives: featured

New USD 234 Preschool Teacher: Theresa Hurd

This is part of a series telling about the new teachers in our community.

Theresa Hurd is a new preschool teacher for USD 234.

Name: Theresa Hurd.

Title: Preschool teacher for USD 234

Experience: Taught preschool with Head Start for 13 years.

Education: In 2003, I graduated from Pittsburg State University with my Bachelors in Family and Consumer Science with an Emphasis in Early Childhood Development. This past summer I was accepted into the Teacher Apprentice Program at Wichita State University. I am currently taking online courses to earn my teachers license and certification for Special Education.

Family:  “My family has been a huge support to me.” Husband, Doug,  and ten-year-old daughter, Elsie who will be starting 5th grade.

Affiliations: Attends the Fort Scott Nazarene Church.

“I feel that I was called to teach. I want to have a positive impact on children and their families. For me, teaching can be challenging, rewarding and so much fun!”

New Playground Equipment At Winfield Scott Elementary

Jayton Johnson, 2 years old, and his sister, Joci Johnson, 6, play on the new musical instrument equipment at the Winfield Scott Elementary School east playground on Monday.

New playground equipment was installed at the school last week with a $10,000 grant from a Pathways to a Healthy Kansas grant.

Two handicapped accessible swings, musical instruments, soccer goals and a comet spinner were added to the school’s playgrounds.

Most of the additions were to the east playground.

In addition, a smaller grant from Blue Cross/Blue Shield was awarded for stencils, paint and some playground games, according to information provided by the school.

This evening, August 21, is the school’s open house from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Ryan Metcalf: New Winfield Scott Focus Room Teacher

This is a series of features on new teachers in our community.
Ryan Metcalf is the new Focus Room Teacher at Winfield Scott Elementary School.
Name: Ryan Metcalf
Title of position: Focus Room Teacher
Education: BS Physical Education and Recreation, Masters in Health and Human Performance from Pittsburg State University.
Experience: Six years teaching Physical Education, Recreation, Exercise Science, and General Education Courses at the college level with Pittsburg State University, Fort Scott Community College, and Crowder Colleg; K-8 Physical Education, 5-8 Science, and 5-6 Health last year for Westphalia Elementary.
Age: 32
Family: His wife, Courtney and he have two kids Emma, 3, and Mason, 1.
Affiliations:
Kansas Recreation and Parks Association, Kansas Association for Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance.
Why did you choose education as a career?
“Kids! Elementary students are the best group of people to work with! These kids are ready to learn and seeing them understand new material because of you is a great feeling. “
What is the first on your list of priorities for the position?
“Get to know the kids.  Find out what their struggles are and how I can help them improve.”

Dane Cummings: New Ag Teacher/FFA Sponsor At FSHS

This is a series featuring new teachers in our community.

Dane Cummings is the new Fort Scott High School Agriculture Teacher and FFA Sponsor.

Name: Dane Cummings

Position: Agriculture Teacher/FFA sponsor
Experience: First Year
Age: 24
Family:  Roy Cummings and DeAnn Cambers
Affiliations: KAAE, KNEA, ACTE.
Why did you choose education as a career?
” Wanting to share my passion for agriculture with young people and being involved with the community and giving back to this community.”
What is the first priority in this new position?
“To familiarize  myself with the students and the curriculum to make sure that my students are having success and getting the most from each class.”

Curtis Horton: New Fort Scott Scott High School Social Studies Teacher

This is part of a series of new teachers in our community.

Curtis Horton is the new social studies teacher at Fort Scott High School.

Name: Curtis Horton

Title:  High school social studies teacher
Education: Masters of Education
Experience 27 years
Age 48
Family: Wife, Cetra,  a son C.J., and daughter, Carley.

Affiliations Coaching football, basketball, and track.

Amber Malone: New Third-Grade Teacher At Eugene Ware Elementary

This is a part of a series featuring the new teachers in our community.

Amber Malone is a new third-grade teacher at Eugene Ware Elementary School.

Name:   Amber Malone
Title of position: Third-grade teacher
Education: Graduated from Pittsburg State University.
Experience:  Taught ten years in Missouri, but this is her first year in Kansas.
Age:   35
Family:   Married with three sons.
Why did you choose education as a career?
 ” I was one of those people who always knew what they wanted to be when they grew up.  My mom was a teacher and I wanted to fill that role as well.   As I went through the school system, I had several teachers that made a huge impact on my learning and helped mold me to whom I am now.   I want to be that same positive person that shows children they are worth every drop of blood, sweat, and tears.  “
What is the first on your list of priorities for the position?
 ” My first priority is to smile at each child that comes into my classroom.  Building a relationship with each of them will make this year more successful!  My goal is to let them know I care about them and how hard I’m going to work to make each day, the best day yet!”

Haley Troutman: New Third-Grade Teacher at Eugene Ware Elementary

This is part of a series of new teachers in the community.

Haley Troutman is a new third-grade teacher at Eugene Ware Elementary School.

Name: Haley Troutman

Title of Position: 3rd Grade Teacher

Education: Graduated Uniontown High School, 2010, earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Science (psychology) from K-State, 2014 and is currently earning a Master of Arts in teaching K-6 at K-State, anticipated graduation is May 2019.

Age: 26

Family: Married to Stuart Troutman, three children: Molly (6), Sadie (3), and Jett (4 months).

Why did you choose education as a career:

“I chose education to impact the lives of children, encouraging them to be well-rounded, productive members of society. It is my hope to help them become the best individuals and students that they possibly can be. I love children and want my students to know that they always have a safe place in our classroom – an environment where they will be loved, nurtured, and encouraged.”

What is the first on your list of priorities for this position :

“I am looking forward to meeting all of my students and their families. Although I have already met my 3rd-grade team, I am excited to connect on a deeper level, building relationships with each of them. A priority I have for my classroom this year is implementing goal setting, both personal and academic. I anticipate an exciting year!”

New FSHS Forensic/Debate Teacher: Angella Curran

This is part of a series featuring new teachers in our community.

Angella Curran is the new Fort Scott High School Speech and Debate/Forensics teacher.

Name: Angella Curran

Title of position: High School Speech and Debate/Forensics

Education: BA Communications, MA Teaching, both from Pitt State

Experience: Six  years in Lamar, MO, four years in Frontenac, KS

Age: 35

Family: Son, age 13, attends PCMS

Affiliations: National Speech and Debate Association, Women Helping Women of Pittsburg, KS.

Why did you choose education as a career?

“I worked for AmeriCorps in 2004 and was placed as a tutor in an inner-city Baltimore school.  I immediately connected with the students and decided that was the path I wanted to take once I returned to college.”

 

What is the first on your list of priorities for the position?

“My first priority is to build relationships with students and continue building the already amazing Debate and Forensics team.”

Fort Scott Memorabilia At A Microbrewery Inspires A Beer

Fort Scott Indian Maiden created circa 1869.

Memorabilia is coming out of storage and at least one piece has inspired a new beer.

“We will be unveiling the Fort Scott Indian Princess, Friday, August 24 at 4 p.m.,” according to an email from Barbara Ritter, owner of The Boiler Room Brewhaus.  “We will also be featuring a namesake beer that has locally sourced peaches.”

“It’s a cream ale, conditioned with peaches beer,” said Bryan Ritter, the brewer.

The wooden Indian is on loan from the Historic Preservation Association, along with other memorabilia, such as old Fort Scott High School and railroad items, for the public to view.

The microbrewery is located at the corner of National Avenue and Wall Street, at 10 S. National.

According to information provided to the Brewhaus from the HPA below, the Indian maiden was in front of a tobacco store on North Main Street in Fort Scott, circa 1869. The store was owned by Frank Boyle, who was the city’s mayor from 1871-72.

A photograph of the piece written by Jane Rodewald in 1990 on the Indian Maiden, that was at one time displayed in the Ralph Richards Museum. The statute is now displayed at the Boiler Room Brewhaus.
The brewer of Boiler Room Brewhaus, Bryan Ritter, has produced a special ale in honor of the wooden Indian, called Fort Princess Cream Ale.
The Boiler Room Brewhaus is located at 10 S. National.

Hours for the microbrewery are Thursday-Friday from 4-10 p.m.

Saturdays from 2 to 10 p.m. and Sundays from 2 to 7 p.m.

Contact them at 620-644-5032.

For additional information on the business, click on the links below:

Boiler Room Brewhaus Expands Into Historic Downtowner Hotel

Liquor By The Drink: On The November Ballot in Bourbon County

 

The Beacon Has A New Director

Gary Murrell. Submitted photo by Carol MacArthur.

Gary Murrell has pastored churches for 38 years in Kansas, Missouri, and Louisiana through the Church of God, headquartered in Anderson, Indiana.

As of August 7, he is now the director of the Beacon, a helping agency in Fort Scott.

“Through ministry, you help people in various ways,” Murrell said. “I feel comfortable in that….this is an opportunity to help people.”

“This is a  great opportunity to grow myself and the Beacon,” he said.

“The Beacon serves Bourbon County with food and clothes, to help those that qualify. The community is welcome to come by and get to know the Beacon.”

The agency is located at 525 E. Sixth St. on the city’s east side and is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.

To donate food, clothing or money, contact the agency at 223-6869.

The Murrell’s are Bourbon County transplants.

In 2014, Gary and wife, Fannie, purchased the Perry property, near Redfield.

They have two daughters, Hanna Malveaux, Fort Scott, and Rachael Woosley, Chandler, Arizona, and six grandchildren.

 

Sara Jackman: New FSHS Social Studies Teacher

This is part of a series of profiles about the new teachers in our community.
Sara Jackman is the new Fort Scott High School Social Studies Teacher.
Name: Sara Jackman
Title of position: High School Social Studies Teacher
Education: BSE from Emporia State University
Experience: 15 years
Age: 37
Family: Husband Jay
Affiliations: Kansas National Education Association
Why did you choose education as a career?
“I enjoy working with students and seeing them grow.”
What is the first on your list of priorities for the position?
“Get to know my students and coworkers.”

Gearing Up For FSCC Fall Semester by Briana Blandamer

As summer comes to a close, the staff and students here at FSCC are gearing up for the Fall 2018 semester.

Beginning in mid-July, the volleyball and football athletes began their summer camps and practices, working hard to prepare for this year’s season.

Greyhound Volleyball will begin their season with a tournament, Friday, August 24th playing at 3 pm and 7 pm. They will continue into Saturday with games at 11 am and 3 pm.

FSCC Football will kick off their season on August 25th at 3 pm at Highland Community College. Come to support our Greyhounds!

Aside from athletics, students planning to live in Greyhound and Boileau Hall began move-ins through to Friday. Weekend move-ins are permitted by appointment only. If you are a new student moving into a dorm room, stop by the Business Office and they can give you further instructions.

The students are not the only ones looking forward to this semester at FSCC. The staff and their families had a meet-and-greet, company picnic on Tuesday evening to welcome new staff members to their team and get ready for this school year. You can find articles about our new staff members here at fortscott.biz.

As school begins on Monday, August 20th, Fort Scott’s Director of Student Activities, Kassie Fugate-Cate, has organized ‘Welcome Week!’

To begin the week there are Pastries and Drinks in Bailey Hall from 7:30 am to 10 am on both Monday and Tuesday!

Campus maps, Student Survival Guides, and assistance will be provided. Feel free to ask anyone for help finding a classroom or to get your questions answered.

On Tuesday the 21st, there will be an Activities Expo in Bailey Hall from 11 am to 12 pm. Stop by to find out all the clubs and activities FSCC has to offer!

Wednesday is the Business Expo from 9 am to 11:30 am to check out some of our local businesses.

Thursday the 23rd there are FREE snow cones and student volleyball on the north side of Burris Hall from 5 to 7 pm. This event is sponsored by Christians on Campus. Everyone is welcome!!

Don’t forget to pick up your ‘Welcome Week!’ pamphlet for a list of these activities and some coupons!

Enrollment will continue through August 24th, so be sure to get that taken care of! Let’s enjoy a new semester here at FSCC!

GO Greyhounds!

For more details, click here:

Welcome Week broc18

Briana Blandamer, FortScott.Biz intern, whose focus is Fort Scott Community College.