Tag Archives: featured

Fort Scott, Jobs

Youth Services Supervisor at Fort Scott’s Library: Mackenzie Kaemmer

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Mackenzie Kaemmer. Submitted photo.

Mackenzie Kaemmer, 26, is the new Youth Services Supervisor at Fort Scott Public Library.

“The beginning of my journey here at the Fort Scott Public Library has now begun, I could not be more grateful for this opportunity,” she said. “A big part of my position will be planning, scheduling, and coordinating regular and special programs for preschool, elementary children, and teens. There are many exciting programs underway; once active, such programs and services will be posted on the library website, and Facebook page, and displayed in the library. We are currently taking part in a program, Grow your Heart with Reading, in which everybody can try to win a festive Grinch tree or a giant snuggly Grinch by reading a book or donating items to our local pantry. Every contribution will get your name into the drawing on December 20th!”

Kaemmer with the Grinch Tree at the Fort Scott Public Library. Submitted photo.

 

Her job responsibilities are to acquire new materials and remove or discard unneeded items for youth, catalog library materials, plan regular and special programs for preschool, elementary
children and teens, participate in the statewide summer reading program for youth, outreach to area schools, preschools, and daycare facilities,  develop book displays and other art forms in the children’s area, create publicity flyers for youth programs, assist patrons,  instruct youth and parents on how to use the internet at the library, assist with the library’s website and social media, spearhead new library technology, maintain program statistics and submit monthly reports to the director.

Kaemmer attended Pittsburg State University and received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with an Emphasis in Developmental Disabilities.

“Prior to university, I spent a summer as an instructional assistant at Kansas State School for the Blind (KSSB),” she said. “During my time at Pittsburg State University, I was the head graduate assistant for the University Testing Center. Under this, I was also given the opportunity to instruct a college-level General Psychology course.”

 

She hails from Overland Park, Kansas, and attributes her family—parents Bobby and Suzanne Kaemmer and siblings Kassidi, Cody, and Cooper—with helping her along life’s way.

 

“Before attending college, I knew I wanted a profession in which the directive was to provide aid for the community; I knew I wanted to help others. Growing up I underwent around ten surgeries, while there were plenty of hardships there was also time to reflect. I wanted to apply my experiences and what they have taught me towards spreading such lessons to others in hopes of enabling a better experience and strengthening an optimistic outlook on the past, present, and future.”

 

About The Library

The Fort Scott Public Library is open Monday through Friday 9:00 am-6:00 pm and Saturday from 9:00 am-2:00 pm; holidays may differ.

“On November 27th we close at 12:00 pm, and we are closed on November 28th, 29th and 30th. We will reopen as normal on Monday, December 2nd at 9:00 am,” she said.

Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Avenue.

 

Bourbon County, Food, Fort Scott, Youth

The Beacon Sees An Increase In Local Families In Need

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The Beacon is located at 525 E. Sixth Street, Fort Scott. Submitted photo. Ashley Heathman, assistant director, David Gillen, director, and Destiny Holderfield, food administrator.

 The Beacon is an interfaith, not-for-profit network in Bourbon County that has been in existence for 40 years. They assist community residents with food, utilities, and other necessities during times of need.

“We are dedicated to providing an efficient link between churches, civic groups, and other service organizations to those in need,” according to Dave Gillen, the director.

This time of year, the community gears up to give gifts and food to those who need it.

“The Adopt-A-Family program is a project that The Beacon takes great pride in,” said Gillen. “We help local Bourbon County families bring Christmas to their homes. After the application is filled out, we make the families available for the public and organizations to come in and ‘adopt’.  They then purchase gifts for the children and The Beacon puts together a rather large holiday meal package for the family. The children’s Christmas gifts are purchased, wrapped, and tagged with the family number and dropped off at Community Christian Church, where we sort into the proper family group.”

Those who want to adopt a family can come to The Beacon, 525 E. Sixth, on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Friday from 9  a.m. to 1 p.m. to pick the family they want to adopt or call 620-223-6869.

Community Christian Church, 1919 S. Horton is where the Adopt A Family gifts are sorted and distributed.

There is an increase in the number of local families in need this year.

 “This year we have 112 families, which includes 290 children that will be up for ‘adoption.’These families are current Beacon clients or families needing help in Bourbon County. Last year we had 77 families for the Adopt-A-Child program so we had a major increase in local families in need this year.”

“This program could not be possible without the help of individuals, businesses, organizations, and our local fire department,” he said. “It takes many volunteers to transfer and sort food from The Beacon to the Community Christian Church gym.” 

“The Beacon also helps supply food items for the Elk’s Christmas Basket that is delivered the Sunday before Christmas,” he said.

“We are very busy this time of year with food and toy donations, sign-up, and just everyday activities,” he said. “We average about 25 to 30 families a day for food distribution and do some financial assistance to help residents of Bourbon County. The Beacon celebrated our 40th year helping Bourbon County this year. “

“We are dedicated to providing an efficient link between churches, civic groups, and other service organizations to those in need.“

Business

Walgreens To Close January 22nd

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Walgreens has announced that the Fort Scott store will close on January 22nd. Employees say they weren’t given a reason for the closure other than it was a decision made by corporate.

In October, Walgreens announced they would be closing 1,200 stores without specifying which stores would be affected. The Pittsburg store will remain open.

 

Fort Scott, Schools, Youth

Fall Extravaganza To Benefit FSHS’s FFA Program: Find Those Holiday Gifts Here

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Submitted graphic.
Monday, November 25 is the annual Fall Extravaganza, put together this year by the Fort Scott FFA Chapter as a fundraiser.
The event is at the Fort Scott Middle School from 5-8 p.m.
Fort Scott Middle School, 1105 E. 12th.

“The event started in 2009 by the Fort Scott Middle School VIPs to raise money to support the middle school,” said Sydney Cullison, Fort Scott High School FFA Advisor.

The event is where local businesses or crafty individuals showcase and sell their products and the students running the event get some money for their cause, it’s a win-win proposition.

Cullison said “The last couple of years the event was coordinated by the Fort Scott High School Swim Team to raise money for uniforms. This year, the Fort Scott FFA Chapter took over the planning of the event.”

The chapter officers are in a class called Ag Leadership and have been planning this event with the help of Cullison.

Much work has been done by the students and teacher leading up to this event: They must determine how much to charge for booth spaces, make an application form, collect payments from vendors, create a vendor layout map, create flyers and do social media advertising for the event.
Thus far 55 vendors are coming and will have a 10-foot by 10-foot booth space for $25.
The proceeds from the event will pay for the annual FFA membership dues for the 2024-25 school year, which are roughly $1,300 and are covered by the FFA Chapter.
The Fort Scott FFA group in 2023. Submitted photo.
“In 2021, the FFA chapter moved to an affiliate membership model meaning any student enrolled in an agriculture course is automatically an FFA member,” Cullison said. “The affiliate model allows all students to participate in FFA events to further skills learned in the classroom without paying an individual membership fee of $15. “
The Fort Scott High School FFA program has 106 students in grades 9-12.
The National FFA Organization’s mission is to help students develop their potential for leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.
Bourbon County, Entertainment, Food, Youth

Christmas in the Park In Uniontown on Sunday, November 24

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Uniontown’s Park is the site of the 2nd Annual Christmas in the Park.

The 2nd Annual Christmas in the Park in downtown Uniontown is this Sunday, November 24 from 3 to 5 p.m.

Decorating the park and putting up lights starts at 1 p.m.

“The purpose of the event is to make the park beautiful for Christmas, bring the community together, and have some fun,” said Mary Pemberton, a spokesperson for the Uniontown Ruritian.

“Everyone is welcome,” she said. “Come help light up the park for Christmas!”

Christmas light donations are welcome and can be left at Bandera Stone, 103 Third Street, on the north side of the park, by Friday, November 22.

The Larry Jurgensen family poses next to their decorated tree in the 2023 contest. Submitted photo.

Christmas trees will be decorated, and a contest will be held. Everyone in the park at 5:30 p.m. will vote for their favorite.

 

The Barnstormers 4-H Club members pose next to the decorated tree in last year’s contest. Submitted photo.

The Baptist Church youth group will be caroling during the event, to add some Christmas cheer.

There will be a chili feed with dessert and drink for a free-will donation. The proceeds will help support Christmas in the Park.

The chili feed will be from 4-6 p.m. in the community building on the east side of the park.

A bingo game, with proceeds to the Old Settlers Day 2025,  from 3-5 p.m.

A cornhole board will be available to play, as well as the pickleball court.

A special guest will be Santa Claus who will visit with children from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the gazebo in the middle of the park.

 

 

 

 

Church news, Fort Scott

Dedication Of The Newly Built Catholic Church Is November 23

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Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church will be dedicated on November 23.

The Catholic Church members persevered and will dedicate the new church building soon, following the devastating fire that destroyed the former building in August 2022.

St. Mary’s Catholic Church fire on August 29, 2022. Courtesy of Stephen Toal.

To view the information on the fire:

Fire at Fort Scott’s Catholic Church Causes Extensive Damage

“We are having our first mass, a dedication mass, on Saturday, Nov 23 at 10 am,” said Mark McCoy, chairman of the church building committee. This mass is for parish members.

“The new church is looking beautiful and is in the same image and likeness of our previous church,” McCoy said

The regular mass services will begin on November 23 at 5:30 pm,
on Sunday, November 24 at 8 am and 10 am.

The members have been praying a special prayer each time they have services,  for God’s guidance in the building of the church.

The prayer the Catholic Church has been praying during the church rebuild. Submitted photo.

“Having this prayer written by one of the rebuild committees was our first step,” McCoy said. “After each mass, since the fire and at gatherings and meetings, we have said that prayer.”

“Our parish members gave their time, talents and treasures to help with the rebuild.” McCoy said.

The artifacts of the church were all able to be brought back from the ashes, even the stained glass windows, McCoy said.

The cornerstone of the new Catholic Church in Fort Scott, states the church was established in 1860 and dedicated in 2024.

 

Restoration of the Artifacts

The professional restorer of the artifacts, Robert Elliot of Wichita, underestimated the time and cost of the restoration and started a donations account to meet the costs of time and labor of the years-long restoration.

Currently, $41,000 has been raised of the $65,000 restoration project, according to the GoFundMe page that Elliot set up.

“He wasn’t able to analyze all the depth of restoration or the artifacts at that time,” McCoy said in a prior interview. “We are so appreciative of the work he has taken on.”

 

One of the Stations of the Cross, following the devastating fire. Submitted photo.

When all of the stations and statues arrived at his studio, they were able to assess their condition and begin to comprehend the immense task they had undertaken, Elliot said in a prior interview.

All of the money allocated to the project was to cover the cost of labor, materials, studio rent, and insurance, he said.

One of the Stations of the Cross that was fully restored. Submitted photo.
“The Stations of the Cross and statues are completed and safely delivered and installed at the church,” Elliot said. “We succeeded in restoring every station and statue, restoring them to their original beauty and beyond.”
Elliot said a team of 34 artists, painters, apprentices, volunteers, and others helped with the 20-month project.
“We had four primary artists: Mary Francis Skinner – sculptor, painter; Kathy Faulkner – painter, researcher; Ian Snyder – painter; and myself, director/project manager, restorer, painter.
Three secondary painters: Leo and Jael Keesling, and Anna Gabriel
Two first assistant apprentices: Hector and Michael Ibarra
Four paid apprentices: John Suffield, Matan and Gabe Umbarger, Madi Brunke
Two former parishioners from MoQA, Fort Scott volunteers: Jane Clark and Pat Lowrance
Three Wichita State University Interns: Tiffany Tucker, Haylee Vu and Marshall Woodie
Three Bishop Carroll Catholic High School volunteer apprentices: Landon Whiterock and Luke Ramsick, and Amara Erwin
One homeschool high school age volunteer apprentice: Micheala Ferguson
Four Concordia AcademyHigh School volunteer apprentices: Sarah Lovett, Esther Postier, Amara Garfield, and Ryan Harms
Six volunteers: Roberta Sheahan, Maria Rice, John Killian, Kenna Alderson, Naphtali Garfield, and Sarah Erwin
One paid helper: Spencer Hoff
Our mold maker: Dan Ochs
In total, we had 34 people working on the project over the course of 20 months,” he said.
“We are still requesting donations until the end of the year to help offset our deficit at gofund.me/95a83e95 or directly to Mary Queen of Angels Church earmarked Stations and Statues Fund,” he said.

 

The stained glass window of Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church.
Bourbon County, Food, Fort Scott, Youth

Pioneer Kiwanis Chili Feed Fundraiser Is Today November 19: Supporting Community Children

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The 36th annual Kiwanis Pioneers Chili Feed is today, November 19th at the First United Methodist Church at 301 South National in Fort Scott.

A meal of the Pioneer’s signature chili, (the same recipe prepared since the chili feed’s inception) with crackers and a homemade cinnamon roll will be served from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

A free-will donation (suggested minimum $8.00 donation per meal) will be collected at the door.

“All of the funds raised stay in Bourbon County,” stated
Kiwanis Pioneer President Kelley Collins. “The annual fundraiser will be drive-through only. Pick-ups will be available under the canopy of the First United Methodist Church on the National Avenue side of the church. Please take care not to block private driveways as you are waiting in line for service.”

Deliveries will be available for orders of ten or more by calling 620-224-0563 during serving hours.

This is the Kiwanis Pioneers major fundraiser for the year.

In keeping with the Kiwanis motto of  Improving the world one child and one community at a time, the Pioneers support more than 40 community projects including college scholarships, Court Appointed Special Advocates (for children),  the Backpack food program,
Fort Scott High School Key Club, Head Start, the Beacon, foster children, Feeding Families in His Name, Care to Share,
and school reading and arts programs.

 

About Pioneer Kiwanis

They are a service organization helping the children of Bourbon County.

Recently they completed a project for the local Head Start Program that involved Fort Scott Community College Construction Trades class members.

Head Start Fort Scott now has two new picnic tables for picnics and art classes at their site at 409 S. Judson.

A recent project of the Pioneer KiwanisPictured are (seated) front row from left, Pioneer Kiwanis members Kelley Collins and Vickie Chaplin; SEK-CAP Child and Family Development Educator Janice Durbin and Marie Wheeler, cook; middle row (seated) Maggie Brenner and Marlene Braker (standing) of the Pioneer Kiwanis; back row from left, Fort Scott Community College construction trades instructor Jason Johnson and students.

Members of the Pioneer Kiwanis club, SEK-CAP representatives, students in Fort Scott High School’s construction trades program, and their instructor pose for a photo, above, during the presentation of the two picnic tables to the SEK-CAP Head Start program this month.

 

 

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas

Hope For The Holidays: Honoring Those Who Have Died

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“Hope for the Holidays” is  December 3 from 6 to 7 pm at the Cheney Witt Funeral Home, 201 S Main Street, provided by Mt. Carmel Hospice.
Cheney Witt Funeral Home, 201 S. Main, taken from its website.
“The event honors those patients we have served and cared for over the last year who have passed,” said Mt. Carmel Hospice Chaplain Jeff Feagins. “It is also open to anyone in the community who has lost a loved one they would like to honor.”
Mt. Carmel Hospice offices are located at 2322 S Main Street at the Community Health Center of Southeast location.
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas at Fort Scott, 2322 S. Main.
“Mount Carmel Hospice takes its name to honor the legacy of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Wichita, who were early pioneers in healthcare and founders of Mount Carmel Hospital in Pittsburg in 1902,” he said.
Jeff Feagins, Mt. Carmel Hospice Chaplain and Bereavement Coordinator. Submitted photo.
“The holidays can be a difficult time for families and friends remembering a lost loved one,” Feagins said. “This service can provide a time to honor and remember those we’ve lost. We want to strive to help people through the grieving process. There will be a time of worship, prayer, and a message of hope, to help people having a difficult time grieving the loss of a loved one.”
Services Provided by Mt. Carmel Hospice
The mission of the Mt. Carmel Hospice team is to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of both patients and their family members at the end of life by providing care wherever the patient calls home.  Services include:
RN Case Manager
Social Work Services
Medications
Medical Equipment and Supplies
Chaplain Services
Hospice Aid Services
Therapy Services
Volunteer Services
Short-Term Inpatient Care
Short-term Respite Care
Bereavement Counseling
Feagins explains the chaplain services he provides:
“My first task is to understand the patient/family’s current spiritual needs,” Feagins said. “I am there to listen and provide spiritual guidance. Spiritual care may include:  offering companionship, talking about life, values, fears, hopes or dreams, difficult health decisions, ways to find hope and purpose, honoring or healing relationships, giving or asking for forgiveness, letting go of anger, hurt or past wrongs, the meaning of life and what happens after death. The care plan can also include prayer, talking about faith, and reading scripture.  I also offer grief support for the family after their loved one passes away. This includes phone calls, visits, and mailings throughout the next 13 months. I also offer a monthly grief support group called Grief Unveiled throughout the year.”
 
Church news, Fort Scott, History

First Presbyterian Church Celebrates 165th Anniversary Nov. 17

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The current First Presbyterian Church building is at  308 S. Crawford. Submitted photo.

The First Presbyterian Church is celebrating 165 years in the Fort Scott community.

“A special worship service will be held Sunday, November 17 at 10:30 a.m. at the church, with a celebration fellowship in the parlor afterward,” said Pastor Sarah Gengler.

Pastor Sarah Gengler. Submitted photo.

“Through the years, First Presbyterian has been blessed with 11 installed pastors, as well as two installed associate pastors,” Gengler said.

The current congregation members were deeply committed to continuing worship and ministry outreach while searching for a new pastor recently, according to information provided by Gengler. Twenty-three different members volunteered at least once, to preach a sermon during their Sunday morning worship. On February 1, 2024, the congregation gratefully welcomed their newest pastor, Rev. Sarah Gengler. Rev. Gengler has been in ministry for 10 years and moved here from Minnesota.

Currently, there are 134 members and worship service is 10:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings.

Pastor Gengler provided some of the outreaches of the church:

  • “First Presbyterian Church volunteers to cook and serve a meal for the Feeding Families Program at the Methodist church on the 4th Wednesday of every month.

  • There are two different adult Faith Formation classes beginning at 9:15 and 9:30 a.m. As well as “Waffles and Jesus” in the Zimmerman Hall dining room at 9:15 a.m., where a hot breakfast is prepared by church volunteers, and then class is held for children grades Kindergarten through 9th.

  • “The church co-hosts Vacation Bible School each summer with First United Methodist Church

  • “We hold a friendly competition between us and First United Methodist Church each year to see who can raise the most pounds of food for the Beacon Food Pantry.

  • “The Presbyterian Women’s organization directs a long-ago gift known as the Hack Memorial Fund, which helps those with the greatest need in Fort Scott. Included in the scope of this ministry are assistance with utilities, rent, and some medical and dental needs, all requests are received and recommended through the Beacon, Bourbon County’s food pantry.”

 

“The church remains active in the community,” she said. “Members are hosting two special showings of The Greatest Christmas Pageant Ever at Fort Scott Cinema. Saturday at 1 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tell them First Presbyterian sent you!”

“The church will be holding a community-wide service of remembrance called Blue Christmas on Sunday, Dec. 8,” she said. “People are invited to join us at 2 p.m. for a time devoted to remembering those we love, and whose loss is felt more deeply this time of year.”

 

History of the church, provided by Pastor Gengler:

In the summer of 1859, a church-planting Presbyterian missionary, the Reverend Alexander Taylor Rankin of Buffalo, New York, was sent to Kansas by the Presbyterian General Assembly, according to information provided by Gengler. He officially organized the First Presbyterian Church on November 17th, 1859, with three members. In the first few years after its inception members met in each other’s homes for worship. Reverend George C. Irvin became the first installed pastor in 1865. The foundation for the first church was laid in 1864, where the present-day Cheney-Witt Carriage House now stands at the southeast corner of Third and Main. The church building was completed in 1865.

The first building of the First Presbyterian Church was at Third and Main Street. Submitted photo.

In 1888 the second church was constructed on the current property at 308 S. Crawford St., to accommodate the growing congregation.

By early 1920’s the congregation again recognized that it needed more space. The 1888 building was razed and the third church was built, laying its corner stone in 1924. The 100-year-old building was added to the National Register
of Historic Places in 2008.

The second building of the First Presbyterian Church was located at the current site, 308 S. Crawford. Submitted photo.

The First Presbyterian Church has participated in many different ministries over the years, including youth groups, sewing groups, Presbyterian Women, the Methodists’ Feeding Families program, the Beacon Food Pantry, Sunday Serve events where congregation members completed service projects in the community, and Vacation Bible School, according to information provided by Gengler.

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Church news

Grief Share Offers Encouragement Through the Holidays, Starting Dec. 3

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Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church is once again hosting a non-denominational event to help those grieving the loss of a loved one this holiday season.

The Surviving the Holidays Grief Share event is Tuesday,  December 3 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the church at 705 S. Holbrook St.

The architect’s rendition of the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church is nearing rebuild completion following a devastating fire two years ago. Submitted graphic.
  A book is provided, as well as lunch for each one attending.  There is no cost.

Laura Meeks is the facilitator.

“What I have experienced through GriefShare is the comfort of a journey with others,” she said.  “The root meaning of comfort is to call alongside, to speak tenderly, to speak to the heart, to give encouragement.  This program is a blessing to us.”

“The purpose of attending the December 5, two-hour Surviving the Holidays is to connect with a small group of others who are grieving the loss of a loved one, who may be facing this holiday season feeling hurt and sad,” Meeks said.  “They face social gatherings, holiday cheer, and traditions enjoyed with their loved ones.  This loss may be recent or years ago, but the holiday season is a painful reminder that a loved one is missing.”

“GriefShare Surviving the Holidays is a professionally developed path to help provide a comforting place with others who are also on this path of grieving during Thanksgiving and Christmas,” she said. “This nationally recognized program contains three components including a 35-minute video, small group discussion, and a personal reflection guided through a workbook.”

GriefShare is facilitated by area leaders who follow structured training to help bring reassurance, practical advice from national professionals, and guidance to find a way forward through the season. Information about content is easily found through griefshare.org

Past participants in GriefShare ‘s 13 sessions are also encouraged to attend this focused session.

“My involvement began two years ago when I was encouraged to receive training by Father Yancey Burgess who had GriefShare at his former Kansas parish,” Meeks said.  “His suggestion was to host a non-denominational group. Since then, our community has hosted GriefShare with two of the offerings being held at Mary Queen of Angels.  One last year was a 13-week session on Tuesday mornings and the other session is being held now as a 13-week program over this year meeting the last Monday of each month.”

“The one evening each month Grief Share is going well now with twelve participants,” she said.

 

On January 7, 2025, the third 13-week session at Mary Queen of Angels will be held each Tuesday morning from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

 

Bourbon County, Fort Scott Community College

Fort Scott Community College Hosts a Women’s Self-Defense Class This Evening, Nov. 13

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Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton, will host a Women’s Self-Defense Class. this evening Wednesday, November 13, from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM in the gym area of Arnold Arena.

Arnold Arena on the campus of Fort Scott Community College.

Jill Leiker, Kansas City, will be the instructor.

“This is the same instructor that came to Fort Scott in 2019 and was sponsored by the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office,” said Vanessa Poyner, FSCC Dean of Students and a criminal justice instructor.

Vanessa Poyner. Submitted photo.

“I wanted to offer this to our female students, but decided it is needed for everyone,” she said. “It’s part of the safety and well-being initiative.”

“We have invited junior high and senior high students along with the FSCC students,” she said. “I’ve been told that we’ll have some from Presbyterian Villiage (an assisted living facility).”

A waiver will need to be signed for everyone under 18, by a parent, she said.

This is a FREE event for all FSCC female students/employees, and community members over the age of 12.

The class is provided by The Ali Kemp Educational (T.A.K.E.) Foundation™

The tragic murder of his daughter spurred Roger Kemp and his wife to action.

Ali Kemp was 19 years old in 2004 when she was raped and murdered in Leawood, a Kansas City suburb. Her father, Roger then helped facilitate a self-defense class for females that continues to this day.

To see a story on a prior class in Fort Scott:

Female Self Defense Class Coming To Fort Scott

 

For more information on being a participant or a sponsor of the event, contact Vanessa Poyner [email protected] (620) 223-2700 ext. 3500

Fort Scott, Schools

District Teachers of the Year Will Visit Fort Scott on December 3

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A group of award-winning teachers will visit Fort Scott in December, with two local teachers bringing attention to innovative ideas the local school district has in place.

“These Kansas educators are quite accomplished and the event is about sharing information and ideas for better education,” according to Jackson Tough, City of Fort Scott Public Relations and Tourism Director.

“Fort Scott was chosen as a location to tour because of Fort Scott teachers Sara Jackman and Amy Harper,” he said.

Amy Harper and Sara Jackman. Submitted photo.

Jackman was chosen District Teacher of the Year last year and 2024 is her service year. Harper was selected in 2023 and last year was her service year.

“Fort Scott is one district that participates in the program, not many in our area do,” Jackman said. “A school district committee votes on the yearly winner.  Once chosen, you compete at the state level for Kansas Teacher of the Year. That was held in Topeka in April. Starting in September the nominees are put into groups that tour each other’s schools looking for innovative ideas that we can use in our districts. We also work on bringing attention to the positive things going on in our district”

The goal is to learn from each other and share best practices from award-winning teachers to implement in schools.

Teachers will be visiting each of the Fort Scott schools.

“The group will be meeting with teachers and learning about some of our programs including Computer Aided Manufacturing, CAM, taught by Dr. Laubenstein, Tiger Times taught by Erica Clark, Tiger Threads taught by Morgan Sage and our art, welding, and automotive programs taught by Chris Griffeths, Michael Casner, and Ryan Miller respectively,” she said.

“The teachers will also tour Fort Scott’s Historic Downtown District, the Fort Scott National Historic Site, and have lunch,” Tough said.  “A breakfast will be prepared by the new Kitchen Collective and snacks prepared by the Fort Scott High School FACS class.”

 

The visiting educators will be in Fort Scott on December 3 from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

 

The teachers, all of whom won their respective district teacher of the year awards:

  • Michelle Weltz is a high school English teacher from Spring Hill
  • Jason Werner is a second-grade teacher from Turner School District in KCK
  • Catherine Leake is a sixth-grade math teacher from Nickerson
  • Michelle Ernst is a high school English teacher from Nickerson High School
  • Karen Withers is a middle school social studies teacher from the Shawnee Heights district
  • Mallory Koger is a second-grade teacher in the Santa Fe Trail district, and
  • Kelsey Mann is a preschool teacher from Junction City

For more information please contact Sara Jackman at USD 234, [email protected].