Tag Archives: featured

New WBE Part-Time Principal: Anita Lightcap

Anita Lightcap is the new part-time West Bourbon Elementary School Principal in Uniontown.

“I started at WBE the first week of August,” she said. “I work Thursday and Friday and every other Wednesday. Mr. Tracy Smith works Monday and Tuesday and every other Wednesday.”

West Bourbon Elementary School, Uniontown, KS

She retired in July 2021 from Tahlequah Public Schools in Tahlequah, Oklahoma as the Executive Director of Elementary Education. Tahlequah is a 6A school district and home to the Cherokee Nation.

Lightcap received her bachelor’s degree from St. Mary of the Plains in Dodge City and a master’s from Arkansas State University.

She taught school in Dodge City USD 443 at the high school level and the elementary level before returning to her hometown of Tahlequah to finish her career.

“I believe the best thing about a career in education is knowing that you are helping educate the leaders of tomorrow,” she said. “Few things in life compare to seeing a child’s eyes light up in that moment that they understand a concept that’s being taught.”

Another great thing is “helping students see themselves as learners and having a growth mindset, believing that they can improve through effort and persistence,” she said.

The greatest challenge in education is meeting the needs of all students with the available resources, she said.

Lightcap lives just outside Kincaid.

New Bo Co Undersheriff: Kevin Davidson

Kevin Davidson, 50, will step into new duties officially as the Bourbon County Undersheriff on September 18.

As the next in line, under Bourbon County Sheriff Bill Martin, Davidson’s duties are monitoring the day-to-day activities of the sheriff’s office, along with scheduling of personnel.

“Generally, keeping the train on the track,” he said.

There are currently 19 employees in the sheriff’s office.

Davidson enjoys “getting to make a difference in the community, bringing a positive attitude in law enforcement. Trying to make the community a safe place for our kids.”

He became a narcotics detective in October 2021.

He says he works with some good colleagues, and they “have been able to eliminate a lot of narcotics in the community. Recently they helped take out 10,000 fentanyl pills in Crawford County that had connections to coming back to Bourbon County.”

Davidson’s office is at the Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center, 293 E. 20th, Fort Scott. The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office phone number is 620 223-1440.

The jail is known as the Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center, Fort Scott.

He graduated from Pleasanton High School, attended Highland Junior College where he played football, and attended Pittsburg State University for a period.

Davidson has been in law enforcement since June 2014 at the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office, then the Fort Scott Police Department, then returned to the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office.

He has five children.

Davidson is replacing Ben Cole as the undersheriff.

 

 

 

 

Nance Shifts Careers as of Sept. 15

Ginger Nance. 2023. Submitted photo.

Ginger Nance has been the Executive Director at the Fort Scott Presbyterian Village for 20 years.

“My last working day at the Village is scheduled for Sept 15th as I will be retiring… and shifting my focus to care for others in a new, different career way,” she said.

Presbyterian Village, 2401 S. Horton, Fort Scott.

The executive director’s job entailed leading and directing all operations of the site: budgeting, marketing, fundraising, staffing, resident care, dining and environmental services, policy and regulations, and “extending a helping hand to anyone in need,” she said.

“The very best thing about the job, hands down, is that it gives me the ability to make lasting, meaningful, relationships with people from all walks of life,” she said.  “Getting the chance to meet new people and rekindle relationships with others whom I’ve known since childhood is wonderful!”

A challenge for Nance was the pandemic.

“As with any occupation, there are always challenges,” Nance said.  “One of the biggest challenges during my career was managing all the issues surrounding the COVID pandemic in senior living.  Probably my best and my worst attribute, at the same time, is that I care so much about our seniors and the families that we serve.”

During these years of COVID, the state and federal governments set many extreme restrictions to protect the resident’s lives.

“For a long period during the pandemic, senior living organizations were mandated to not allow people to enter the building for any reason,” she said. “This was heartbreaking to all!  We worked as a team and included the families in trying to come up with solutions so they could still be involved and active in their loved ones’ lives.”

” For the first time in senior living, we learned to use Facetime…and sent out weekly communication updates to family members.”

“We created visiting areas with glass separations that were heated using amplified microphones for the hearing impaired. We set up the spaces so they could enjoy a meal together, a cup of hot chocolate, or whatever they desired to do during their visits.”

“I have never been more challenged, yet so very proud, of the amazing team that we have at the Presbyterian Village!” Nance said. Before the pandemic, during the pandemic, and every day since it ended, I am reminded of how fortunate Fort Scott is to have the Presbyterian Village in our community, as I watch the team at the Village care for our seniors. Their care and commitment go far beyond receiving a paycheck. I’m so very thankful that I could be part of such a great team for so many years.”

New Career

Nance feels the time is now to step out in faith in a new career to help people differently.

She has had conversations with senior citizens living in their homes, isolated, feeling helpless, because their physical condition wouldn’t allow them to get outside or even move about easily in their own homes.

“Often the senior would express… that one of the biggest barriers to the idea of making a move to downsize and either move to a smaller, more manageable home, or an assisted living was the idea that they didn’t even know where to begin,” she said.

They didn’t know how to go about downsizing their belongings and/or selling their home, which would stop them, due to fear or physical inability, she said.

“I understand their fears and their concerns and I would like to be available to help people through this process in a kind, patient, understanding way, always keeping them in the driver’s seat every step of the way,” she said.

“For this reason, I am currently offering my services as a ‘Rightsizing Specialist,’ to help seniors and other adults with these types of issues they are facing,” she said.

Services she will offer the community is downsizing, upsizing, or simply “right-sizing” to find a home that meets the current needs of their life.

“We all know that one shoe doesn’t fit all and my goal is to offer my assistance on an individualized basis for each person,” she said.  “The options: live auction, estate/tag sales, private sales to individuals,  charity donations, assistance with packing, boxing, and the moving process, as well as assistance with buying and selling your home, if desired.”

She is licensed in both Kansas and Missouri and recently joined the Stutesman’s Action Realty team, with offices located in Fort Scott, Nevada, and Lamar, Missouri.

“I very much want to remain active in my hometown, where my family roots are, and I want to continue to build lasting relationships with people from all walks of life,” she said. “The passion I have to help others is the fuel that continues to drive me as I work to build a new business line to offer to our community.  If you know someone who could benefit from my help, please give me a call, and let’s talk (620) 224-6173.”

 

 

HBCAT Grant: Hulbert’s Jewelry LLC

This is part of a series featuring the grant recipients of the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s Center For Economic Growth in their latest grant cycle.

This grant cycle, they awarded grants to nine area businesses.
The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team Grant Program is funded by the Patterson Family Foundation and is a collaborative effort through partnerships with the Kansas Small Business Development Center at Pittsburg State and Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce.
Wyatt and Krysta Hulbert. Submitted photo.
Hulbert’s Jewelry, LLC,(doing business as Bartelsmeyer Jewelry) owners, Wyatt and Krysta Hulbert became owners of the local jewelry story in historic downtown Fort Scott on July 5, 2023.
Bartelsmeyer Jewelry is located at 22 N. Main, Fort Scott.

Krysta noted however,  that the jewelry store has been a part of Fort Scott’s history since 1904.

“Wyatt and I are thrilled and honored to be able to continue the tradition of this long-standing business in downtown Fort Scott, Kansas,” she said. “We are dedicated to upholding the same commitment to quality customer service, and craftsmanship, to ensure that the store will endure through another generation. We hope to have the support of the whole community as we step into a new and exciting future!”

Wyatt and Krysta Hulbert with some congratulation cookies received after taking over ownership of the jewelry store. Submitted photo.

“At Bartelsmeyer Jewelry, I have been the familiar face that greets you at the door for the last 13 years working for John and Cindy Bartelsmeyer,” Krysta said. “I truly enjoy my job and have had the amazing opportunity to develop many wonderful relationships with the people in my community because of working at Bartelsmeyer Jewelry. As John and Cindy started to consider retirement, I began discussing the possibility of buying the jewelry store with my husband Wyatt.”

It took about a year to finalize the sale to the Hulberts.

“At Bartelsmeyer Jewelry, you will find a curated collection of new gold and silver jewelry, from delicate necklaces, earrings, and bracelets to bold statement pieces and permanent jewelry,” she said. “We carry a wide array of estate jewelry, and our designs encompass a range of styles to suit every taste. We also have a sparkling selection of engagement rings and diamond jewelry, as well as a Custom Design Program that can make your unique vision into a tangible, one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry.”
Submitted photo.
They also provide maintenance of jewelry.
“The store’s jewelry repair service encompasses everything from minor fixes to intricate restorations.” she said. “We offer ring repair, sizing, and soldering; stone setting and tightening; prong re-tipping; watch repair and battery replacement, jewelry appraisal services, and customized engraving.”
They also buy and sell gold and silver jewelry, coins, and bullion.
“We were so excited to be selected as one of the grant recipients!” she said. “We will be using the grant money for some much-needed tool and equipment updates, including a specialized diamond tester that will help us distinguish lab-grown diamonds from naturally mined diamonds. This will allow us to offer peace of mind to our customers as we dive into a new era in the diamond market.”
The jewelry store address is 22 North Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Contact info: Store Phone: 620-223-2070, Store Website: www.bartelsmeyerjewelry.com, Store E-mail: [email protected]

Skubitz Plaza Mural Completed

Ist Kansas Colored Infantry Regiment mural. August,2023.

The local historic depiction of the 1st Kansas Colored Infantry Regiment is completed.

The mural faces the Fort Scott National Historic Site, the place of the mustering of the regiment during the American Civil War.

St. Louis artist Cbabi Bayoc worked on the mural for a week in August with temperatures over 100 degrees.

The new mural was created by Cbabi Bayoc, pictured here in a submitted photo.

“The project took six days to complete,” Bayoc said in an interview. “I started spray painting the sketch on Monday and made final touches on it Saturday afternoon. The only long day was Wednesday which was crucial in getting it done on schedule.”

He worked from afternoon to evening because of the location of the mural on the north side of the building. That week of August 2023 the community experienced over 100 degrees daily.

“The heat was a definite factor,” Bayoc said. “It cut my days shorter than I am used to spending on murals of this scale. Also the rail and the steps made for some interesting body maneuvering to get the soldier on the left and the banner bottom middle done.”

Bayoc describes his work and its meaning.

“I chose the soldier with the flag because black folks always hoped going to battle for the country would gain their rights and respect as citizens,” he said. “The ad (To Arms! To Arms!) was crucial because putting guns in the hands of black soldiers was crucial to the (Civil War/slavery) times and foreshadowed their being the first regiment to see battle. I like the line created by the rifle and what it adds to the design. Their name and regiment number flank the left side and of course, elements from the battalion flag provide the backdrop.”

 Fort Scott left a good impression on the artist from St. Louis.

“The folks we interacted with were warm and inviting,” he said. “My wife and I thought the downtown was gorgeous. We look forward to returning in October.”
The revealing and acknowledging of the mural will be during the annual Gordon Parks Museum Celebration the first weekend in October.
To learn more about that event:
 

The public is invited to join the “Free To Serve” mural unveiling on Friday, October 6 from 4 to 4:30 p.m.

This is in honor and tribute to the regiment’s sacrifice and willingness to serve during the Civil War.
The mural is located at the north downtown building at 9 South Main St, near Skubitz Plaza, facing the Fort.

“We will veil the mural before out-of-town guests arrive for the Gordon Parks celebration for a more grand reveal, but until then the mural is available to be photographed,” Rachel French, coordinator of the project for the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Downtown Division said.

 

The Kansas Department of Commerce Office of Rural Prosperity awarded funding for the project, along with several local benefactors.

Uniontown’s Old Settlers Picnic Is Today

The 117th Old Settlers Picnic continues today with a kid’s carnival, lunch, games, and car show.

Here are some moments caught before the parade:

The kid’s carnival area is being set up by Old Settlers Picnic volunteers.
Vendors fill the Uniontown Park Square.
Cars and other vehicles gather at the West Bourbon Elementary School parking lot for a car show. Winners are announced at 2 p.m. today.
Children begin to line up for the children’s parade, which is a half hour before the regular parade.

Onlookers line the streets of Uniontown Square before the parade begins.
The children’s parade was at 10:30 a.m.
Uniontown Cheerleaders gather to walk in the parade at the staging area in the high school football parking lot.
Football boys wait at the staging area for the parade.
The Fort Scott Community College parade entry waits at the staging area for the parade.
Uniontown High footballers wait on their float for the parade to begin.
The class of 1973 waits on the back of Steve William’s trailer, in line for the parade.

Undersheriff Cole Is Leaving Law Enforcement

Ben Cole. Submitted photo.

Ben Cole has been the Undersheriff for Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office for 10 years.

Before that, he worked at the Fort Scott Police Department for five years.

He is leaving law enforcement on September 8.

As undersheriff, Cole was responsible for the day-to-day operation of the department, reviewing all criminal reports, assisting with investigations, and supervising 16 personnel including deputies and support staff.

His colleagues are the best part of the job for Cole.

“The people that worked for me,” he said. “They have always been so supportive, easy to work with, and ALWAYS willing to go above and beyond to help grow this department. I will for sure miss them all. I have had the pleasure of meeting several great sheriffs across the state at different conferences and so not seeing them or being able to pick their brains, or being involved in the law enforcement activities, I will miss that as well.”

“Law enforcement has changed so much in the last 15 years and the challenge has always been keeping up with new laws and new ways to solve crimes that take place within our community,” he said. “And keeping staff, as no one wants to get into law enforcement because of the way society is and what they see on TV. And sometimes the pay is not worth the risk that we all take in law enforcement.”

Cole will continue coaching golf.

“I am going to continue to be the assistant golf coach at Fort Scott Community College,” he said. “I will find something else to do to keep me busy, but for now just going to relax and play more golf.”

Cole’s official last day will be September 15.
“My last day in the office will be September 8th but will still be available to the newly appointed undersheriff for questions up and until the 15th,” he said.
Kevin Davidson was promoted from detective to undersheriff, he said.

 

Ribbon Cutting/Grand Opening of Maker Space: A Place to Enhance Artistic Talents

 

The Bowman family of eight live in the Museum of Creativity at 102 S. National.

Jonathon and Lorina Bowman moved to Fort Scott with their six kids and started a venture called the Museum of Creativity which offers games, crafts, Barbie exhibits, legos, model trains, and more for youth and all ages. They live on the top floor of the multi-story building.

There is also a retail store on-site with ready-to-make craft kits and all kinds of “fun items,” Lorina said.

Today, August 31, there will be a  grand opening and ribbon cutting for a Maker Space in the museum at 5:30 p.m.

“One of our main goals has always been to provide more opportunities for all ages to get creative by learning new skills and enhancing each individual’s talents,” Lorinda said.

“We know how frustrating it can be to take over the dining room table to get crafty,” she said. “Using our space minimizes that need and allows the table to be used for its intended purpose.”

Cost for using the Maker Space will be included in the museum entrance fee which is $2/child and $1/adult.

Parents are asked to please stay in the space with their children.

“The main wall will have a large array of craft supplies and tools ready to be put to good use,” she said. “To assist in future purchases of materials so we can keep everything stocked up, we will have a donation jar for anyone who wants to contribute to that cause.”
“For your convenience, we will also have a wall with a variety of preassembled craft kits (in all different skill levels) for sale,” she said. “After purchasing a kit, you can choose to use our room to create it or if you have what you need to complete it at home, you can grab it to go.”
“Please join us in our ribbon cutting where we will finally open this space up for all to use,” she said. “All guests will get a tour of the possibilities this room can provide. This event will be free but please let us know if you are planning to attend!”
“We will have refreshments available,” she said. “The Chamber of Commerce will begin the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5:30 p.m.
Our featured projects for the evening will be to make bracelets and sensory bottles.”
For more info:
[email protected]
Or text – 209-204-9743Ribon  Or follow them on their Facebook page.
View their Facebook page for a lemonade fundraiser for children with cancer and another event called September Service Stretch.

 

Maker Space Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting at Museum of Creativity

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to the evening ribbon-cutting event to celebrate the grand opening of the new Maker Space, according to a press release from the chamber.

Remarks and the cutting of the ribbon will take place at 5:30 p.m. while guests are welcome to come and go from 5 to 8 p.m., according to the press release.

Refreshments will be available along with craft kits to purchase.  Featured projects for the evening will be bracelets and sensory bottles to assemble for those interested.

 

HBCAT Grant: Bee Better Health Club

This is part of a series featuring the grant recipients of the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s Center For Economic Growth in their latest grant cycle.

This grant cycle, they awarded grants to nine area businesses.
The Heathly Bourbon County Action Team Grant Program is funded by the Patterson Family Foundation and is a collaborative effort through partnerships with the Kansas Small Business Development Center at Pittsburg State and Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce.
The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team located at 104 N. National.
Wesley Haven. Submitted photo.
The BEE Better Health Club owner, Wesley DeHaven started his business on June 19, 2023.
“I started a health club because I recognized how much diet and exercise can benefit one’s life in a positive manner,” DeHaven said.
“I provide group fitness classes for all ranging from 1st graders all the way up to seniors within the community, nutrition coaching, and affordable personal training services.”

He is currently in the process of getting multiple certificates from the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

He currently has the club at  2542 Hackberry Rd. Fort Scott,  with plans to build closer to town in the future.

“The grant money will used to install electrical, plumbing, and bracing in the walls for various types of equipment,” he said.
Members performing “Seated Knees to Chest” during an ab finisher. From left to right: Paulette Albright, Rhonda Bowles, Wilma Hibdon, Joe’ Fritter, Kaleb Bailey, Sondra Newton, Estevan Deboer, Ellie Trim, Dani Vonfeldt.

 

Contact info:
Facebook: @The BEE Better Health Club Instagram: @beebetter.hc
Phone #: (620) 644-8150

 

Pictured are from left: Ellie Trim, Dani Vonfeldt, Sondra Newton, Kaleb Bailey, Wilma Hibdon, Joe’ Fritter, Estevan Deboer, Paulette Albright, Rhonda Bowles   with a  range from 18-81 years of age.

HBCAT Grant: Brickstreet Barbecue

This is part of a series featuring the grant recipients of the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s Center For Economic Growth in their latest grant cycle.

The Heathly Bourbon County Action Team Grant Program is funded by the Patterson Family Foundation and is a collaborative effort through partnerships with the Kansas Small Business Development Center at Pittsburg State and Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce.
Carissa and Alex Bowman. Submitted photo.
Brickstreet Barbecue, owned by Carissa and Alex Bowman, has received a grant from the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team.

The Bowmans opened Brickstreet in May 2023.

“We wanted an opportunity to bring barbecue food to the community,” Carissa said. “We provide great barbecue. We employ about 40 people.”
Submitted photo. from left: Carissa Bowman (owner) Doug Willard (Pit-master) Alex Bowman (owner) and Hannah Beerbower ( general manager),
 The restaurant is located at 3 W. Oak St.  Fort Scott just off North National Avenue. Contact info 620-224-2425.
Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. everyday except Friday and Saturday, when they are open until 9 p.m.
“We will be using this grant money to help cover a portion of the cost of our smoker and kitchen equipment,” she said.
A recent menu at Brickstreet. Submitted photo.
Brickstreet BBQ is located at the corner of Oak Street and National Avenue on Fort Scott’s northside. The River Room Event Center is located on the second floor.

New in Riverfront Park: Labyrinth In Memory of Allen Warren

Jackie Warren at the memorial , a labyrinth path, at Riverfront Park for her late husband, Allen Warren. Her husband was on the Riverfront Authority Board until his recent death. Jackie and Allen  volunteered labor and equipment to help construct the park, according to Jerry Witt. Submitted photo.
The Belltown Trail in Riverfront Park continues to be popular, even though Fort Scott is under a heat advisory, according to Jerry Witt.  “Many exercise enthusiasts continue to walk the trail under the shade of the tree lined path.”
“A lot of people use the park,” he said.
Witt is chairman of a board called the Riverfront Authority  that has been improving the park on North National Avenue in Fort Scott since 2005.
There is a new addition to the park added this summer.
The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation awarded a $1,500 grant to construct a labyrinth path, according to Witt. A labyrinth concrete pad has been completed next to the west side of the half-mile Belltown Trail.  A labyrinth is a complex and circuitous path that leads from a beginning point to a center.
“It was Allen Warren’s idea to construct a labyrinth path in Riverfront Park,” he said.  “He met with his Methodist minister, Christopher Eshelman, and Riverfront staff to talk about the possibilities of this being placed in Riverfront Park. But before the final plans were in place, Allen passed away.”
For the many hours of volunteer labor and use of his tractor equipment donated to the park construction,  Witt decided to go ahead with the project and dedicate the labyrinth to Allen’s memory.
“The 24 ft. by 24 ft. concrete pad structure can be used by citizens to walk it’s path for meditation or just as a playful path for exercise,” Witt said. ” A plaque to honor Allen will be placed by the structure.”
History of Riverfront Park
Members of Fort Scott Bourbon County Riverfront Authority discuss updates on construction projects at Riverfront Park in 2017. From left clockwise: Dan Magee, Bob Love, Allen Warren, Jerry Witt and Jeff Sweetser.

The park began as an outshoot of a town wide visioning event in 2005, when citizens wanted to develop the Marmaton River as an asset to the community.

“Dean Mann saw the vision of a riverfront park and he was the original chairman, until he retired several years ago,” Witt said.

The Fort Scott Bourbon County Riverfront Authority was formed in April 2007, with approval from then Kansas Governor Sebelius.

Their mission was to purchase and develop land along the river to create a park and they also created a master plan.

“We had to have property owners buy in to the vision of the park,” Witt said. “Most donated land to the Riverfront Park.” That process took years.

The Belltown Trail information kiosk at Riverfront Park.

Since then the following has been put in the park: a lighted walkway, parking spaces, an observation deck at rivers edge, a pavilion and a loop drive on the south side of the river which goes under Hwy. 69.

Riverfront Park’s overlook structure in 2021.

Local artist Stephan Toal has beautified the inside of the underpass with historical murals.

Murals by Stephen Toal. Submitted photo.

The Fort Scott Garden Club has planted and maintained a flower garden on the south side, with the Fort Scott Fire Department watering it. The City of Fort Scott put in a facility in the southwest part of the trail for people to fill their water bottles.

“The city has plans to build a walkway from the north side of the bridge to the Bell Town Trail, probably this fall,” Witt said.

Paul Ballou, who works for the city helps maintain the park and does “a great job,” Witt said.

The park has been used for weddings, business meetings on nice days,  car shows and many other events..

“There will be a festival in the park on Sept. 30,” Witt said. “It will be all day and feature Bluegass music and a car show.”

To reserve the pavilion, one must call the city offices at 223-0550.

Members of the Riverfront Authority at the ribbon cutting of the  pavilion in 2018. From left Allen Warren, Arnold Schofield, Danny Magee, Jerry Witt, Dean Mann and Betty Boyko.

Current members of the Riverfront Authority board: Penny Barnes, Dan Magee, Bob Love, Arnold Schofield, Jeff Sweetser and Witt. Mann remains an ex-officio member, and Kate Sweetser is a part of the group as well, Witt said.

 

New FS Educators: Self and Forkner

This is part of a series featuring the new teachers at Fort Scott’s School District.
There are 20 new teachers this year.
Karen Self. Submitted photo.
Karen Self, 56, is a new English teacher at Fort Scott High School.
“As a child we had a basement that had a chalkboard and desks that we purchased from the three-room grade school that had closed its doors in our rural neighborhood,” she said.  “Mrs. Green…. my 5th grade teacher, let me choose anything I wanted from the pile of going-to-be-thrown-away textbooks.  I took those books home and devoured them.  I played teacher…for hours at a time, reading and exploring these old textbooks and trying to get my siblings to play along.  Today, I am taking that next step into my childhood dream.
Creating an atmosphere of safety and peace when chaos abounds,  like so many incredible educators did for me throughout my school years, is a passion for me.”
“I have substituted in USD 234 in the last few years, but most of my experience comes from raising, nurturing and advocating for my  children,” Self said. “I also volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children in foster care for 6 years.”

For her education she attended Missouri Southern State University, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Butler County Community College, and finished her secondary education degree taking night classes at Newman University, Wichita.

She has 10 children ranging from 16-35 years of age and  6 grandchildren, 6 months to 13 years of age.

In her spare time she loves to read and write, among other interests.
“I am fascinated by British TV, British accents and London,” she said.  “For the last decade I have explored writing and hope to one day write a book about the beautiful life lived by my lovely daughter, P.J., who succumbed to the ravages of muscular dystrophy and left this earth in 2011.  My favorite pastime of all time is spending time with my children and grandchildren.”
“I love that moment when the look of confusion or frustration on a student’s face is replaced with the ‘aha’ delight of catching the inspiration of learning something for the first time,” she said.
Julie Forkner, is a new Fort Scott Preschool Interventionist.
She earned a BS in Elementary Education and Early Childhood and has taught for 38 years.
“I enjoy small children and building relationships with families and helping shape the future and making a positive difference in kid’s life’s!” she said. She also enjoys getting to know  other teachers, too.
A challenge for her will be starting in a new district and a new environment and learning how things work, she said.
She has two children: a daughter, Mandy married to Steven,  is a Kindergarten teacher in Exeter, MO. She has two grandchildren: Kaylor, 5-years-old and  Kruz, 1 1/2. Her son Austin is a professional motocross racer in Murrieta CA. and will get married in October to Rylee.
In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her grandkids, traveling, watching her son race.
Her hometown is Moundville, MO.