Tag Archives: featured

FSCC: Outstanding Students and Alumni

FSCC Theatre Department Improv Troupe to Perform on May 9

The Fort Scott Community College Theatre Department invites the community to a performance by Amused to Death, the college’s comedy improvisational troupe. The performance is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 9, at the Danny & Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center. Featured theatre students include Paulette Hays, Courtney Millard, Jackie Neher, Seth Newkirk, Jared Oshel, Stephanie Rice, Linda Shinkle and Royce White. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, please call Lawrence Alford, FSCC Theatre Director, at 620-223-2700, ext. 3056.

FSCC names Cara Comstock 2017 Outstanding Sophomore

Fort Scott Community College is pleased to announce Cara Comstock has been selected as the 2017 Outstanding Sophomore. FSCC will host a reception to honor her at 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 11, in the meeting rooms of the Danny & Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center, 2108 South Horton Street, Fort Scott.

Photo Credit: FSCC

“Cara has gone above and beyond for FSCC. She has served as a great example for the students and President’s Ambassadors,” said Matt Glades, FSCC Director of Admissions. “We are very proud of her and look forward to seeing her succeed in her future endeavors.”

Comstock hails from Deerfield, Mo., and her parents are Charlie and Patty Comstock. She will graduate in May with an associate of general studies degree, and plans to transfer to Kansas State University to study agriculture education and animal science.

“I am very humbled to be selected as the 2017 Outstanding Sophomore. FSCC has many outstanding students, and I am honored to represent such a great class,” said Comstock. “I am extremely grateful for the opportunities that have been presented to me throughout my time FSCC, and am excited to build on the foundation that I was able to attain here as I further my education at Kansas State University.”

Comstock was named to the FSCC President’s Honor Roll in 2016. She has served as an admissions department work study student, supervisor of the president’s ambassadors, and a member of the collegiate farm bureau, phi theta kappa, livestock judging team, CAMP scholarship program, and TRIO student support services. She was named to the 2017 All-Kansas Academic Team, and received second place at the Young Farmers’ & Rancher’s Conference Discussion Meet and Quiz Bowl.

FSCC Names Timbi West 2017 Outstanding Alumna

Fort Scott Community College is pleased to announce Timbi West, APRN, FNP, has been selected as the 2017 Outstanding Alumna by the FSCC Alumni and Friends Board of Directors. FSCC will host a reception to honor West and Whitney Rogers, the 2017 Outstanding Young Alumna, at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 19, in the meeting rooms of the Danny & Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center. West will speak at the noon graduation ceremony on May 19.

Photo Credit: FSCC

West serves as a family nurse practitioner at the Charleston Rural Health Clinic and Schmitz Family Practice in Charleston, Ark. She is a veteran of the United States Army and Air Force. She graduated from FSCC in 1983 with a licensed practical nurse certificate and with an associate of science degree in nursing in 1984.

“I was only 17 when I attended FSCC and had no idea at the time what an impact the foundation would have on my future,” said West. “Every step of my life and career has been based on those early years spent at FSCC.”

While attending FSCC, West worked at Mercy Hospital Fort Scott as a nurse’s aide and licensed practical nurse.

She went on to attend Pittsburg State University from 1984 to 1985 and Wentworth Military Academy/Junior College from 1986 to 1987. She earned her bachelor of science degree in nursing from Missouri Southern State College in 1990, and master of science degree in nursing in 1994.

From 1984 to 1986, West served as a registered nurse at Mercy Hospital Fort Scott. West went on to serve as a charge nurse at Heartland Hospital until 1990. She served as a registered nurse, staff development assistant, and education committee chairperson at the Missouri Department of Mental Health from 1990 to 1991. West worked at the Missouri Department of Health, serving as case manager from 1991 to 1996, community health nurse from 1991 to 1993, public health coordinator from 1993 to 1994, and family nurse practitioner from 1994 to 1996. She also served as a clinical faculty preceptor for the University of Missouri from 1995 to 1996. From 1991 to 1995, she served in the U.S. Army Reserve as a first lieutenant and as a captain of the 188th Fighter Wing of the U.S. Air Force from 1997 to 1999. She served as a family nurse practitioner at the Northside Community Health Center from 1996 to 1999.

West is an active member of her church and community. She serves as a preceptor for nurse practitioner and nursing students and provides physical exams to student-athletes at local schools. She is also member of the Christian Women’s Job Corps Advisory Board, Kiwanis, American Legion, Bible Study Fellowship and University of Kansas Alumni Association. West resides in Charleston, Ark., with her husband, Jim. She has three children, Brad, Ellen and Clay.

FSCC Names Whitney Rogers 2017 Outstanding Young Alumna

Fort Scott Community College is pleased to announce Whitney Rogers has been selected as the 2017 Outstanding Young Alumna by the FSCC Alumni and Friends Board of Directors. FSCC will host a reception to honor Rogers and Timbi West, the 2017 Outstanding Alumna, at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 19, in the meeting rooms of the Danny & Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center. Rogers will speak at the 9 a.m. graduation ceremony on May 19.

Photo Credit: FSCC

Rogers is a fourth grade teacher at George Nettles Elementary School in Pittsburg, Kans. She earned her associate of science degree from FSCC in 1997.

“Although many years have passed since I attended there, Fort Scott Community College still holds a very dear place in my heart,” said Rogers. “The two years I attended there was the highlight of my college career.”

After graduating from FSCC, Rogers enrolled at Mid America Nazarene University to pursue her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and graduated summa cum laude in 1999. Rogers earned her master’s degree and certification in English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) from Pittsburg State University in 2008.

After graduating with her bachelor’s degree, Rogers went on to work at Mission Trail Elementary as a fourth grade teacher. From 2001 to 2003, she worked at Lusher Elementary as a fourth grade and second grade teacher. Rogers served as a kindergarten teacher at Eugene Ware Elementary from 2003 to 2006. From 2010 to 2012, she served as an adjunct instructor at Labette Community College. Since 2012, she has taught at George Nettles Elementary.

From 2005 to 2009, Rogers served on the FSCC Alumni and Friends Board.  She has participated in a variety of community service projects and coordinated supply drives to support the country of Haiti after it was devastated by an earthquake. She has written and worked on grants to receive thousands of dollars for classroom supplies to benefit her students. Rogers was invited to speak at the 2016 National Science Education Association Conference about STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) in the classroom. In 2016, she was one of only 32 other teachers in the U.S. selected to receive the Rural Community Trust grant to travel abroad for professional development. She traveled to Taiwan to learn how the schools teach math and science to bring that knowledge back to her classroom. She is an active member of the Pittsburg Nazarene Church, where her husband, Kyle, is the pastor. Rogers resides in Pittsburg, Kans., with her husband and three children, Noah, Grace and Luke.

FSCC May Schedule

Tuesday, May 9

FSCC Theatre Improv Performance, 7 p.m. at the Danny & Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center

Thursday, May 11

FSCC Outstanding Sophomore Celebration, 2 p.m. at the Danny & Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center

Saturday, May 13

FSCC Miami County Campus Celebration of Success, 2 p.m. at the Miami County Campus

Wednesday, May 17

FSCC Adult Basic Education Graduation, 6 p.m. at the Danny & Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center

Thursday, May 18

FSCC Nurse Recognition and Pinning Ceremony, 4 p.m. at the Danny & Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center

FSCC Athletics Department Banquet, 6:30 p.m. at the Danny & Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center

Friday, May 19

FSCC Graduation Ceremony, 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. at the Danny & Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center

FSCC Outstanding Alumna and Young Alumna Celebration, 10:30 a.m. at the Danny & Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center

 

Rolling out the Red Carpet: Prom 2017

More than 100 couples attended the Fort Scott High School prom Saturday evening, with the students walking the red carpet of the Hollywood theme in front of a crowd of family members and friends.

Students and their escorts drove up to the Middle School venue in a variety of vehicles, including sports cars, antique vehicles, tractors, the cab of a semi-truck, and even four-wheelers. Some students were escorted down the runway by dates, while others walked with grandparents or younger family members.

If you do not see your student in the following gallery, check our Facebook page. Please contact us if you are interested in seeing more photos.

Community Joins Together for Day of Prayer

A large number of community members, from a variety of positions and denominations, participated in the 66th annual National Day of Prayer Thursday morning at the Fort Scott Community College.

The Pioneer Kiwanis hosted the annual event while a number of churches and other organizations—including the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, the Fort Scott Ministerial Alliance and Cheney Witt Chapel—were involved in the event, which this year had the theme of “For Your Great Name’s Sake: Hear us…Forgive us…Heal us.”

“We come together—many different people, many different backgrounds—and yet we have in common, prayer,” Reverend Steve Cole of First United Methodist Church prayed during the invocation.

Cole also specifically prayed for people of the community impacted by the recent flooding, members of the military and their families and for Fort Scott.

Dick Hedges was the featured speaker, and spoke of the need for hope.

“I think all of us need hope in our loves,” Hedges said, sharing examples of people in history who had to renew their hope in order to continue their tasks, which greatly impacted future generations.

Hedge said hope is in the promises of God for the future, but each person is only guaranteed the present day. Because of that, Hedges encouraged those in attendance to live each day in a way that blesses others.

Patty LaRoche: A Tongue that Glorifies God

Talking to your grandchildren has to be one of the sweetest blessings on earth. This conversation? Not so much. My text to Logan, my college-student grandson, began with this: “Hi Logan. I’ve been thinking about you. How are things going?”

Within a few seconds, he responded: “Who tf is this?”

“Tf”? “TF”? Perhaps it was a typo. Yes, that’s it, and an embarrassing one at that. Cell phones are known to do that. An apology would be forthcoming. “Mammy,” I answered.

Within seconds I received his answer: “Whay T”

Perhaps his fingers were off by one key. I checked. They would have to be off by an entire keyboard for this to make sense. Maybe a friend had his phone. But why would he pick friends like this? My mind splattered into worry-overload. There was only one explanation. He’s on drugs. Oh, dear Lord!!! This sweet, Christian boy/man had succumbed to the temptation of the Colorado (i.e., marijuana is legal) state and was stupiding his brain cells.

I texted, “What???” and immediately received his answer: “Whats (sic) your name?”

He was too stoned to recognize his own grandmother. I needed a Xanax.

“Okay. Is this Logan Green?” my fingers groaned.

Answer: “no its not who tf is this this is logan Haughton.” (sic)

“Lord, have mercy,” I said aloud. I read this not a few times, and, having no clue who “logan Haughton” is, answered: “I am Logan Green’s grandmother. So sorry I bothered you. Obviously this is a wrong number because my grandson would never use tf.” Then, re-reading my critical, self-righteous remark, added, “God bless you.”

His answer was a shocker: “Its ok I was confused for a sec God bless you to.” (sic)

This conversation was not over. Now it was my turn. “You have made me curious. I have no idea how your number ended up in my phone book, but I appreciate your blessing. Do you normally answer with a “tf” response?”

“No,” he texted, “im (sic) a son of god! I was just really scared kida (sic) just because I didn’t know who was texting me”

“So you’re a Christian?”

“Yes.”

Now it was this grandmother’s turn to share some of her ageless wisdom. “Oh, I am so glad to hear that. Please know that everything you say and write needs to be a reflection of your love for the One who paid a great price for your (and my) sins. Never forget that.”

Logan’s reply? “Ok thank u for sharing that”…to which I responded, “I will pray for you, Logan Haughton, for the rest of your life.”

Our texts ended with Logan writing, “Thank you soo much.”

Once I made the correction in my contact list, I had a sweet text conversation with my real grandson, Logan Green.

He has no idea how close I came to jumping on a plane to Colorado to smack him upside his head.

Commission Takes Next Step for New Development

The Fort Scott City Commission unanimously approved an ordinance Tuesday evening that names the lot that formerly included Woods an enterprise zone, and thus eligible for Tax Increment Financing.

By the end of the year, a Price Chopper grocery store is expected to be open for business, with the possibility of retail or other commercial services also available on the lot, which has been unused since Woods closed in November.

“We still have a lot of work to do, but this is the first step,” said Kim Bell, the city’s bond attorney.

Bell said upcoming actions will include creating the TIF district, approving a general plan, and then providing 30 days for other tax entities to express their concern if they believe the TIF district would have adverse effects. Another public hearing is scheduled to be held on June 20, when more specific plans will be presented before work begins on the building.

The TIF bond, believed to be the first of its kind in Bourbon County, serves as an incentive for new development, allowing the investors to waive tax increases for a set period of time as they make improvements to the property.

This project is expected to cost about $9.5 million, with the investors hoping to receive about $1.8 million back over 20 years of TIF incentive. In a previous meeting with the Bourbon County Commission, Economic Development Director Rachel Pruitt said they project the company would receive that amount after only nine years.

Because the TIF waives tax increases, the city and county would not lose any money, but will benefit from that increase in revenue after the incentive comes to an end.

 

Hilderbrand Named LaTurner’s Senate Replacement

Representatives of the Republican Parties of Senate District 13 elected Richard Hilderbrand of Galena in Cherokee County to replace former Senator Jake LaTurner, who was sworn in as the state treasurer April 26.

Photo Credit: Deb Martin

“I think it’s important for all of District 13 to have representation,” Hilderbrand said during a Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce event April 27. “I will work hard for you guys, too, to represent you guys and to represent your values.”

Hilderbrand garnered the needed majority of ballots on the very first vote Sunday afternoon, receiving 52 of the 92 ballots. Others considered for nomination included Terry Calloway, who received 24 votes, Dale Coomes with 11, and Todd Biggs with five votes.

All four district counties, including Cherokee, Crawford, Labette and Bourbon counties, were represented at the convention of delegates held in Pittsburg Sunday afternoon. Bourbon County Republican Party Chairperson Randall Readinger conducted the convention.

Hilderbrand reported to Topeka to be sworn in on Monday, immediately participating in the legislative session that began that same morning. That seat will be up for election again in a special election to be held in November of 2018, before joining the normal cycle with a general election in 2020.

Heavy Rains Lead to Flooding Across County

While some residents experienced soggy yards and full ditches over the weekend, other areas of Bourbon County suffered from flooding as the Marmaton River and other bodies of water overflowed their banks.

Heavy rains continued consistently Friday evening into Sunday, leading to flash flood warnings and a number of road closures. Other public areas including Gunn Park, Second Street Park and the Riverfront Park were also closed as they were submerged.

Emergency Management Director William Wallis said the state contacted him a number of times over the weekend to make sure the county was not experiencing any major emergencies due to the rainfall. While the Marmaton River reached 43.2 feet Sunday afternoon, well above the 38 foot flood stage, Wallis said he did not personally hear of any emergencies or rescues in the county outside of normal dispatch calls.

“Just a lot of water in a lot of places,” Wallis said.

Wallis said the National Weather Service calculates the flood levels will still be at about 40.7 feet Monday, but then will drop drastically to approximately 26 feet by Tuesday.

To see other photos of flooded areas submitted by our readers, visit our Facebook page.

While East and Southeast Kansas received several inches of rain over the weekend, West Kansas received heavy snowfall.

Course Welcomes Golfers with Warmer Weather

With the arrival of spring-like temperatures, the Woodland Hills Golf Course is prepared for an increase in golfers and events and features a number of changes and improvements accomplished in recent months.

About six years ago, the city of Fort Scott purchased the golf course from the owners, who were no longer able to keep it up themselves. At that time, City Manager Dave Martin was new to his position and faced an unpopular decision concerning the course.

Martin said at a Chamber of Commerce event Thursday morning that some residents encouraged the city to invest in the course while others urged them to stay out of such an endeavor. From the beginning, Martin said the city knew it could not only be the city involved, but the entire community invested.

Because of the community support, the golf course has been able to make a number of improvements as it provides further recreational options for the city. In just the past year the golf course has constructed a new clubhouse, employed a professional in Shannon O’Neil as the director, leased new golf carts, created a new website and are now beginning the process of building a new golf cart shed.

“We’re definitely going in the right direction,” O’Neil said. “We have good momentum right now and it’s just one step at a time.”

Rates are $12 for individuals Monday-Thursday, and $14 for individuals over the weekend. The course has more than a dozen employees, including some high school students who hold part-time jobs.

Throughout the year, the course provides a location for tournaments, both for out-of-town and for local high school teams. A number of fundraising tournaments are also held at the course. Upcoming events include the Elks Lodge Spring Golf Tournament Saturday to raise funding for fireworks, the Second Annual Mercy Health Foundation Tournament on June 10, one hosted by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce on July 28, and a number of other scrambles held on specific weekends over the summer.