Tag Archives: featured

Art, Bourbon County, Business, Youth

Young Entrepreneur: Devlin Cole

Leave a comment

This is part of a series featuring young entrepreneurs in our community.

Following the first set of stories on young entrepreneurs in our community, an anonymous donor  wrote fortscott.biz that he wanted to grant each one of the featured youth with $50.

To view the prior story: Young Entrepreneurs Series Spawns An Anonymous Benefactor

If you know of a child, under 18 years of age, that is creating products or providing services to sell to the public, please send their name and phone number to [email protected]

Fortscott.biz wants to  encourage the youth who are learning business by doing it.

Devlin Cole.

Devlin Cole, 15,  started a leather works business about a year ago,  called DRC Leatherworks.

He hand stamps and hand cuts leather to make bookmarks, rings, bracelets, key rings.

His grandmother, Vicki Waldron, owner of ViCon, a sewing business, and he both got interested at the same time, and he works out of her shop on Maple Road, rural Fort Scott. His sister, Mackenna, has encouraged him in his business, he said.

“I started sewing when young,” Cole said. “I like hands-on personalizing and being a craftsman on something that is personal.”

He is currently creating a stock pile of leather work articles for the Children’s Business Fair on September 30.

“I used (his leather) bookmarks at school, when reading and friends noticed and ordered a few,” he said.

At a recent band event, some of his friends helped Cole select a name for his business and he has been working on pricing, business logo and a business email.

Submitted graphic.

Belts are $10, keychains and pendants are $5, bookmarks are $7, rings are $3, and bracelets are $4.

“That is the prices I have thought of at the current moment not 100% sure on the belts due to leather costs but the rest is pretty set in stone,” he said.

At a recent Children’s Business Fair workshop, he developed a busniness plan and got all his ideas on paper, he said. Next was cash flow and payment options.

He will be selling, along with other young enrepreneurs, at the Fort Scott Farmers Market on September 30.

 

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott, Youth

Young Entrepreneur: Benjamin Shead

1 Comment

This is part of a series featuring young entrepreneurs in our community.

Following the first set of stories on young entrepreneurs in our community, an anonymous donor  wrote fortscott.biz that he wanted to grant each one of the featured youth with $50.

To view the prior story: Young Entrepreneurs Series Spawns An Anonymous Benefactor

If you know of a child, under 18 years of age, that is creating products or providing services to sell to the public, please send their name and phone number to [email protected]

Fortscott.biz wants to  encourage the youth who are learning business by doing it.

Benjamin Shead. Submitted photo.

Benjamin Shead,13, has an online tutoring  business.

“Some classes I have guided other students in are geometry, Latin, sixth grade math, formal logic, algebra 1 and 2,” he said.

“Most of my clients contact me through Facebook,” Benjamin said. “I also take students when my sister’s (Katy Shead) schedule is too busy.”

“I started tutoring when my sister’s schedule was getting packed with students,” he said. “This showed me that I enjoyed helping other people in their educational trouble areas.”

“I tutor so that I can revisit material that I enjoyed learning but am no longer being taught,”  he said. “Tutoring gives me the ability to experience a class again, this time on a deeper level, the level of teaching the material. I also enjoy finding new ways to explain a concept and tutoring gives me a purpose for the exploration of these ways.”

“One subject I really enjoy tutoring is Formal Logic,” Benjamin said. “It is awesome to learn how to explain proofs by comparing them to a hidden treasure or something else that the student understands better than proofs.”

“While it is a lot better for kids to be tutored, if they need it, across the school year, I sometimes help kids in last-minute cramming sessions for math and logic finals,” he said. “These sessions provide a last-minute review, and it gives kids confidence to try their best on this last assignment.”

Benjamin lives just outside the Fort Scott city limits with his sister, Katy and parents Mark and Haley Shead.

Benjamin Shead works on collatz conjecture. Submitted photo.

Benjamin submitted this photo of him working on a math problem called a collatz conjecture.

Here is his explanation of collatz conjecture:

“The collatz conjecture is a theory about mathematics which is believed to be true but no one has been able to prove yet,” Benjamin said. “It states that if any odd whole number is plugged into the formula (3n+1)/2, if any even number is divided by two, and every number is plugged back into one of these formulas, a formula will eventually reach one.”

 

 

 

Fort Scott, Schools

New U234 Teachers: Woods, Hendricks

Leave a comment
This is part of a series featuring the 20 new teachers in USD 234, Fort Scott.

Distict Events Taken From https://www.usd234.org/ :

August 15 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. is the Fort Scott High School Open House at 1005 S Main St, Fort Scott.

School starts on August 18

 
Nicolas Woods. Submitted photo.
Nicholas Woods, 25, is a new history teacher at Fort Scott High School, teaching world, American, and local history.
He graduated from Pittsburg State University and did his student teaching at Carl Junction. This is his first year teaching.
“My past teachers motivated me to be a teacher,” he said. “I liked school, but at times I struggled with learning. I want to be there for the students that struggled like I did. I believe I bring a different perspective that students can appreciate and learn from.”
“The best thing about teaching for me so far is seeing a student who was struggling succeed,” he said. “That could be as little as a student passing a test or as big as boosting their grade by two letters. You should always celebrate success.”
“I would say one of the biggest challenges in teaching for me is connecting with students,” he said. “I feel I connect with students/people easily, but as a teacher you are not going to reach every student. There will be students that don’t like your class or even you for that matter and no matter how hard you try you won’t change their mind. The best thing I can do is give all students the tools and guidance they need to succeed and hope for the best.”
Woods hometown is Fort Scott,  and he is a 2016 high school  graduate.

His uncle Donald Woods was a custodian for the high school for many years and owned a moving business and late aunt Joyce Woods was a grade school teacher at Winfield Scott for many years, he said.

Woods hobbies include golfing, fishing , and playing basketball.

Caleb Hendricks. Submitted photo.

Caleb Hendricks, 27, is a new Winfield Scott Physical Education Teacher and Fort Scott Middle School Assistant Girls Basketball Coach.

He has six years experience in education, with  three years as a certified teacher.

He earned his  bachelors degree from Fort Hays State University and his hometown is Sterling.

 

“Growing up some of the most rewarding experiences I had were as a camp counselor, coach, and youth group leader,” he said. “Working with kids and seeing their growth and accomplishment in different areas has always given me a sense of purpose.”

“The relationships that I have made with both students and staff over the years is definitely the best part of being in education. That’s really what it’s always been all about for me. Being in a position that allows me to coach and connect with kids in that element has always been a very important thing for me as well.”

A challenge for him is growing and adapting to how kids and the world are changing, he said.

“Finding new ways to connect and relate with kids can be challenging at times for sure,” he said. “Having worked with both elementary and  middle and high school ages, though, I feel like that has helped me better understand where kids are coming from and the different challenges they face. Then I feel like I’m in a better position to support them the best I can.”

He is married to Sarah Hendricks, who is a 4th Grade Teacher at Eugene Ware Elementary School and they have a 4 month-old son, Braxton.

His hobbies include football, Fantasy Football, golf, coaching, basketball, home improvement projects.

 

Bourbon County, Schools

New Uniontown Teachers: Ericson and Martin

Leave a comment
This is a part of a series of new teachers in Uniontown’s School District.
The district’s open house is August 15 from 4 to 6 p.m.
The first day of class for students is August 16.
Tyler Ericson. Submitted photo.

Tyler Ericson will teach 4th grade at West Bourbon Elementary, in Uniontown starting this school year.

“The thing I love about teaching is…relationships with each of my students,” she said. “How they can come to me about anything, and they will not be judged… whether it be in or outside of school. I love seeing children learn, but most importantly having fun and being engaged while doing it.”

“A challenge for me would be change,” she said. “…starting over from a whole new school district, a new grade, and new colleagues can be overwhelming. Teaching primary and now about to teach 4th grade, it will definitely be different, but in a good way. I am excited to see what West Bourbon has in store for me!”

She  said she looks forward to taking part in school community activities that plan to make community members feel welcomed, respected, trusted, heard, and needed, to help promote student success.

Ericson hales from a big family in Kansas City and Oklahoma, she said.  In addition, she and husband, Ethan, have two sons, Julian and Jamison, and one daughter Journee.

Ericson earned her A.A in Elementary Education,  at Labette Community College and a B.S. in Elementary  Education from Pittsburg State University.

She taught second grade at Winfield Scott Elementary last school year; first grade at Winfield Scott from February 2022 to May 2022; and was a special education paraprofessional at Uniontown High School from January 2018 to May 2019.

She was substitute teacher certified by the Kansas Department of Education from August 2019 to May 2020.

Ericson worked in Early Childhood Centers in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area from the age of 15 to 24.

Christal Martin. Submitted photo.
Christal Martin will teach high school science in grades 10-12.
She received a bachelors in science degree with an emphasis in nursing in 2008 from Pittsburg State University, and is currently finishing a master’s degree in secondary education from Western Governor’s University.
She has worked as a Uniontown Junior High At-Risk Aide for the past three years.

For Martin,  the best thing about working with children is “Building connections with students, and watching them academically succeed,” she said.

A challenge this year will be learning to navigate through everything as a new teacher, she said.

She is married to husband, Seth, and  they have two sons, Caden and Casen.

Fort Scott, Schools

New U234 Teachers: Singmaster and Feeback

Leave a comment

This is part of a series featuring the 20 new teachers in USD 234.

Distict Events Taken From https://www.usd234.org/ :

Aug 14 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. is the monthly board of education meeting at 424 S. Main, Fort Scott.
August 15 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. is the Fort Scott High School Open House at 1005 S Main St, Fort Scott.

School starts in the district on August 18.

 

Torrie Singmaster. Submitted photo.

Torrie Singmaster, 27,  is a new 6th grade math teacher at Fort Scott Middle School.

She earned her Bachelor of Arts in elementary education from Ottawa University and will graduate with a Master of Arts in Education with a focus in Curriculum and Instruction in May of 2024 from Ottawa University.

“I taught first grade at Winfield Scott Elementary for two years and one year at Humboldt Elementary School in fifth grade, she said.

“My favorite part of being a teacher is being able to watch students transform not only academically but personally as well,” Singmaster said. “I take pride in knowing that I can make a difference in the lives of my students.”

“After I became a mom, I wanted a career that would allow me to have more time with my kids,” she said. “I started subbing at the elementary school and immediately knew that education is the path I was supposed to take. I always enjoyed school growing up and that was due to the fact I had really amazing teachers along the way. I want to help students see their self-worth and be a safe place for all of my students to grow into the best versions of themselves.”

“The hardest part about being in education has been trying to figure out where I am the most successful as an educator,’ she said. “This will be the third different grade I have taught in my four years as a teacher. I was a para at the middle school for two years before getting my own classroom. I am beyond excited for the opportunity to transition to middle school and start this next journey in my career.”

She grew up in Fort Scott and she and husband Dakota, have two sons: William will be in first grade and Tyson will be starting preschool.

In their free time , they  enjoy golfing, playing cornhole, and driving RC cars and she also enjoys painting and doing projects.

Brennen Feeback. Submitted photo.
Brennen Feeback, 22, is a new special education teacher at Fort Scott High School.
“Growing up, I saw that the influence teachers could have on students’ lives, and I wanted to be someone that invested into these awesome students,” he said. “With my area of teaching, I think it is going to be really awesome to help each individual student find their different ways of success.”
“The biggest challenge that I will be facing is that this is my first year, but the group  (of educators)that I am going to be working with is very experienced and willing to help me,” he said.
Feeback graduated from Baker University this past May.
He grew up in Chanute, Kansas, but went to high school in Spring Hill. He just recently married his wife, Allisyn.
In his spare time he  likes watching “any sort of Missouri Tiger athletic activity, and doing any sort of activity that is outdoors,” he said.

 

Fort Scott, Schools

New U234 Teachers: Deatsch, Turner

Leave a comment

This is a series introducing the 20 new Fort Scott teachers.

Distict Events Taken From https://www.usd234.org/ :

August 12 from 4-6 p.m. there is a Core Communities Poverty Simulation :https://advanceboco.ticketspice.com/core-communities-poverty-simulationat 1105 E 12th St, Fort Scott
Aug 14 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. is the monthly board of education meeting at 424 S. Main, Fort Scott.
August 15 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. is the Fort Scott High School Open House at 1005 S Main St, Fort Scott.

School starts on August 18

Erin Deatsch. Submitted photo.
Erin Deatsch, 24, is a new kindergarten teacher at Winfield Scott Elementary School.
She taught for two years for Kansas City Kansas Public Schools as a kindergarten teacher.
Deatsch earned a BSE  from Emporia State University.
Her hometown Louisburg, Kansas.
“Teaching has always been what I wanted to do ever since I was a little girl,” she said.  “I was that friend that had the chalkboard and always wanted to play school. In high school I had some of the best educators who really cared about their students and I wanted to be that for someone someday.”
“In education sometimes you have students who have a rough home life,” she said. “Every child deserves a champion and someone who is consistently going to bat for them. I love being that person. Knowing I make a difference for these little kinderbabies (as I like to call my students). Watching them… from being shy and meek in their abilities to knowing what they are capable of and believing in themselves no matter how many mistakes that they may make.”
“The greatest challenge for teaching for me is the time management with my home life,” she said. “I want to do so much for my kiddos that I sometimes take work home and don’t spend as much time with my daughter as I would like. I want to be the best teacher I can be and do the most for my students but it takes a lot of preparation to be able to do that!”
She has a 2 year-old daughter, Eleanor.
In her spare time she “enjoys making memories with my loved ones by taking trips…and going to new places while my daughter competes in pageants! She loves them!”
Candy Turner, 43, is a new special education teacher at Fort Scott Preschool.
She has 17 years of working with children: five years teaching 4th grade in Nevada MO, five years working for Sek-Cap Head Start Birth- 5 year-olds, two years title math in Arma, three years teaching kindergarten, 1st grade at Pleasanton, two years at Galesburg teaching Kindergarten- 6th grade pull out.
In  2003 she earned a bachelors degree in Elementary Education  and in 2004 a masters in Early Childhood both from Pittsburg State University.
Her hometown is Fort Scott.
She has a son Landon, 16,  a junior at FSHS and a  daughter, London, an eighth grader at FSMS.
Outside of school, “I love watching my kids do what they love and spending time with my family.  I enjoy traveling and seeing new things.”
Her Aunt Mary Ann inspired her to be a teacher, she said.   “Over the years I wanted to be a teacher because I wanted to ensure that every child had an opportunity to learn at their full potential in a fun, safe, caring environment.”
The best thing about teaching is  “Seeing students learn new things and celebrating their progress with them.”
A challenge for her is “Saying goodbye at the end of the year,” she said. ” Each child I work with becomes part of my heart and family so when they move on I miss getting to see them every day.”
Fort Scott, Schools

New U234 Teachers: Krone, Rivera, Davenport

1 Comment

This part of a series of features on 20 new teachers at Fort Scott School District 234.

School starts August 18.

 

Jane Krone. Submitted photo.
Jane Krone, 54, is a new school counselor at Eugene Ware Elementary School.
She worked five years as a school counselor at an Emporia K-5 elementary school and   three years as a para educator prior to that.
Krone also worked in child welfare for 20 years and had a private practice for a time. 
“I worked in child welfare for two decades and, sadly, saw things that cannot be unseen,” she said. “I wanted to reach the children earlier, before they entered foster care to see if I could help them and their families with resources and skills.”
“I love, love, love working with students” Krone said. “I enjoy teaching coping and resiliency skills. I love to watch them learn and grow as individuals.”
Krone received a  bachelor’s degree in psychology with a sociology minor in 1994, a master’s degree in counseling in 1997and a school counseling endorsement in 2018.
She is originally from Emporia and graduated high school from Hartford.
She is married and has two adult sons.
Outside of school, she enjoy remodeling her house and coloring.
Additionally, “I like creating things out of pallet wood,” she said.
Jacqui Rivera. Submitted photo.

Jacqui Rivera, 25, is a new second grade teacher at Winfield Scott Elementary School.

Rivera spent three years working in early childhood,the past two years as a first grade teacher.

“I can remember wanting to be a teacher since elementary school,” she said. “I loved getting to help others.  I had several experiences throughout high school where I was able to… work with elementary students, I thought it was the best thing ever! I had several teachers throughout my schooling who inspired me, and I wanted to be a great educator just like them.”

“My students learn and grow so much throughout the year that I get to be their teacher,” she said. “The best part is watching them finally have that ‘ah ha’ moment when something that they struggled with clicks for them, like learning how to solve that tricky math problem, or read that difficult sentence.”

She  received a bachelors of science in elementary education from Emporia State University.

She and her fiance, Zach,  live in La Cygne with their  two dogs, and two cats.

Gardner is her hometown.

“I come from a big family, I am the youngest of six,” she said.  “I have four sisters and one brother…I have 13 nieces/nephews.”

“My hobbies include spending lots of time outside,” she said. “I love photography and spending time at the lake, we also do a lot of fishing! I enjoy reading and spending time with family and friends in my free time.”

Annyssa Davenport. Submitted photo.

Annyssa Davenport is a new special education teacher at Eugene Ware Elementary School.

She earned her bachelors degree in Human Development and Family Services from Kansas State University and a masters in Elementary Education Unified at Ottawa University.

“I started out as a para for our district, after I decided to go back and get my Masters, then I started subbing,” she said. “I was very thankful to get a job teaching kindergarten in December in Archie, MO after I completed student teaching.This is my first year as a special education teacher.”

Her favorite thing about teaching is ” watching kids succeed,” she said.

“I was born and raised in Fort Scott and have lived here for a majority of my life,” she said. “I’m engaged to Brandon West and we are expecting our first child this fall.”

 

 

Business, Fort Scott

Courtland Hotel: Working to Become Destination

1 Comment

 

The Courtland Hotel, 121 E. First.

The owners of the Courtland Hotel and Spa have worked to make the place a destination.

Frank and Cheryl Adamson own the 117 year old hotel at 121 E. First in Fort Scott’s Historic Downtown District.

Frank and Cheryl Adamson from her Facebook page.

“We are a destination for couples because we have the ability to provide multiple services at a given time, that sets us apart,” said Cheryl, who is a massage therapist at the hotel/spa.

Since the COVID-19 Pandemic ended, she has hired another massage therapist and two nail designers to make this service accessibility possible.

“We offer massages, manicures, pedicures for married couples, mother/daughters, girlfriends, etc.” she said. “It’s a destination to come and relax and enjoy the charm and history of Fort Scott.”

“We are the place to be and the place to stay because we are in the middle of everything,” she said. “Fort Scott restaurants and shopping are all within walking distance.”

The Courtland Spa door is west of the main door of the hotel at 121 E. First.

Adamson has been a massage therapist for 26 years.

Bobbie Brown tells about the Cryoskin Therapy in her massage therapy space at the Courtland Hotel. Pictured is the Cryoskin machine.
This is the pricing sheet for Cryoskin Therapy.

The Adamson’s added massage therapist Bobbie Brown in 2020. Brown offers Cryoskin, a therapy with massage that reduces fat and tightens skin.

Brown said she offers pain management, sports injuries, facials, and deep tissue massage as part of her therapies menu.

She received her education from Colorado University through U.S. Careers in 2019, and also training from the National Laser Institute in Dallas.

Her hours are Monday-Saturday by appointment. Text for an appointment to 620-704-4256.

Joy Kuns gives a client a pedicure on July 26. Submitted photo.

Joy Kuns, 23, started at the Courtland Spa in June 2023 as a nail artist.

One of Joy Kuns nail design. Submitted photo.

She graduated from Fort Scott School of Cosmetology School and has four years experience as a nail artist.

Kuns hours of operation are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with Wednesdays off.

To schedule an appointment with Kuns, call 620.215.6831.

The following graphic is the list of services and their costs, that both Kuns and Townsend offer.

Pricing for nail design services at the Courtland Spa.
Sandy Townsend works on a pedicure for a customer on July 26.

Sandy Townsend, 43, is a nail artist at the Courtland Spa, since May 2023.

She has 14 years cosmetology experience, and four years as a nail artist. She graduated from the B Street Design School of Cosmetology, Manhattan, KS.

Townsend is available for nail services Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 5 on Saturdays.

Contact her at 620.215.1433.

 

Bourbon County, Schools

New U235 Teachers: Sutterby and Sutcliffe

Leave a comment

This is part of a series profiling the new teachers in Uniontown School District USD 235.

The district’s open house is August 15 from 4 to 6 p.m.
The first day of class for students is August 16.

 

Rebessa Sutterby. Submitted photo.

Rebecca Sutterby will be teaching Digital Media Pathway Career and Technical Education classes at Uniontown High School:  Graphic Design Fundamentals, Digital Media Design and Production, 21st Century Journalism, Web Design, and Photo Imaging.

She earned bachelors degree in Graphic Arts and Web Design, and is currently working on a masters degree at Pittsburg State University to earn full teaching certification.

Sutterby has worked in the printing industry: logo design, typesetting, darkroom work, and plate burning, and has been the Uniontown elementary school secretary for the past five  years. She was also a professional cake artist for years-teaching classes,  doing demonstrations at cake conventions and  competed on Food Network Challenge and TLC’s Ultimate Cake-Off.

“I’ve done lots of different design work over the years,” she said. “I was actually on the yearbook staff as a student here at UHS, and I was also on the yearbook staff at PSU when I was a student there the first time. Most recently, I designed the 55 foot-long artwork on the WBE cafeteria windows and decals for several of our school vehicles.”

Three generations of her family have graduated from UHS.

Her parents graduated in 1970 and her husband and she graduated in 1992. Their sons graduated from Uniontown – in 2015, 2017, and 2021.

“I am a Uniontown Eagle to the core. I’m very excited to be here to teach our students about Graphic Design and help them put those skills to use in real life applications,” she said.

Carrie Sutcliffe. Submitted.
Carrie Sutcliffe is a new science teacher at Uniontown  who will teach Physical Science, Chemistry, Dual Credit Chemistry and Applied Biology and Chemistry.
She graduated Hume High School in Missouri in1988, and from the University of Central Missouri with a BSE in 1993, then a masters from UMKC in 2003.
Sutcliffe has 30 years teaching experience: three teaching Physical Science and Biology at Raymore Peculiar High School,  one year teaching GED classes, 26 years teaching 7-12 Science and was a Science Olympiad Coach at Hume.
“The best thing about teaching is interacting with students and encouraging them to do their best,” she said. “The challenges  that come with teaching are changing federal and state requirements.”

She is a member of Hume Christian Church, serves on Lawrence Cemetery Board and serves as a project leader in the County Line 4-H Club.

She lives on a small farm outside of Hume with husband, Tom, of 30 years and has three children, Derek, Megan and husband Cole Wooten and Tommy.
Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Understanding Poverty: Poverty Paradigm, August 12

Leave a comment
 CORE Community Bourbon County is sponsoring a poverty simulation event  on August 12 at 4 p.m. at the Fort Scott Middle School.
The Poverty Paradigm’s purpose: helping the community understand poverty.

“The mission of CORE Community Bourbon County is to overcome poverty in Bourbon County,” Jennifer Michaud, one of the advisory board members said. “Decreasing poverty will result in a better quality of life for our citizens and a healthier and more vibrant community.”

Jennifer Michaud. Submitted photo.

“We are bringing the Poverty Paradigm to town because we can’t begin to help our citizens overcome poverty if we do not understand it,” Michaud said.  “The Poverty Paradigm is a simulation that will allow the participants to understand what it is like to live in poverty.  By understanding poverty, we can then work with those who live it to empower them to overcome it as a community.”

“The target audience is ANYONE who would like to learn more about poverty in Bourbon County and how to overcome it,” Michaud said.  “This includes business leaders, educators, social workers, civic-minded individuals, faith communities, health care workers. In addition, this is for anyone who currently lives in poverty who is interested in overcoming it.”
Michaud is an educator herself, who teaches Spanish at  Fort Scott High School.
  ALL are invited and welcome.

The cost is $10 to participate.

“However, if individuals want to participate, but cannot afford the $10, then they can contact me directly.  We do NOT want cost to be prohibitive!” she said.

To contact Michaud: phone:  785-230-7010 or email
[email protected]
To learn more:
Fort Scott, Schools

New USD 234 Teachers: Woellhof, Fugate-Cate, Setina

1 Comment

This is part of a series featuring the 20 new teachers in the Fort Scott School District.

School starts August 18.

Beckie Woellhof. Sumitted photo.
Beckie Woellhof will be a new 4th Grade math teacher at Eugene Ware Elementary in Fort Scott.
She has taught for 13 years.
Woellhof graduated from Pittsburg State University in 2004.
“I grew up in and around Fort Scott and have lived in this area for most of my life,” she said. “I had some wonderful teachers when I was younger and they inspired me to be a teacher.”
For Woellhof,  getting to know her students is the best thing about being a teacher.
For her, challenges of teaching include “Finding a good work/life balance. As an educator, it is hard to turn off my teacher brain. I am always looking for new and engaging ideas for my classroom or creating things for my classroom at home. My kids often get drafted to help me.”
She and husband, Edwin, have four children.
In her spare time she loves to read and spend time with family and friends, she said.
Kassie Fugate-Cate. Submitted photo.
Kassie Fugate Cate, 33, will be a new special education teacher for Winfield Scott Elementary School.
“This will be a new adventure for me,” she said. “I have been a part of the district in different ways for about six years now. I’ve taught at the college level for about seven years and was a substitute teacher for the district last year.”
“I’ve been teaching at the collegiate for a while and never thought I would want to teach in K-12 until I started subbing for the district,” she said. “I really enjoyed being in the classroom and watching the light bulb go off when they understood what they were struggling with. Also, my son Kendrick was my inspiration to go into special education. He is autistic and I have learned so much from him.”
For her, the best thing about teaching is “Seeing the kids light up about learning and understanding the concepts. Also, being someone they can trust, support them, and push them to succeed. Being in education is all about student success and I look forward to making that happen for all my students.”
Instruction isn’t a challenge for her.
“It’s making sure that I teach them in a way they can understand and enjoy,” she said. “Then of course the paperwork that comes with special education is a little intimidating, but I’ve always enjoyed writing so it will be fun.”
Cate obtained a bachelor’s from Pittsburg State University in 2014 in communication. Then received a masters in strategic communication from Liberty University in 2018. She is currently working on another masters in education focusing on curriculum, instruction, and special education, with completion next summer.
She currently resides in Pittsburg, but is searching for a place in Fort Scott.
“I’ve been happily married to my husband Stephan  for 11 years and we have two beautiful children, Kendrick, in 5th grade at Eugene Ware and Katerina in 3rd grade at Eugene Ware,” she said.
“I enjoy helping out in the community and my church (Faith Church of Kansas),” she said. “I enjoy leading the elementary Parent Teacher Organization as president, it keeps me busy. I like going to the movies with my family and spending time with friends. Definitely a Netflix and chill type of person.”
Ashlee Setina. Submitted photo.
Ashlee Setina is the new Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher at Fort Scott High School.
This is her 4th year of teaching.
She went to college at Fort Scott Community College then Pittsburg State University.
Setina was motivated to become an educator by her Family and Consumer Science Teacher, who encouraged her to teach “because of my love and passion to help others achieve their goals.”
The best thing about teaching for her is “When a student finally learns the information and gets it 100%,” she said.
Her greatest challenge is “Being a young teacher because I do not have a lot of experience.”
Setina’s hometown is Arma.
“I enjoy fishing and hunting in my free time,” she said. “I love to cook and sew as well.”

 
 
Area News, K-State Extension

New K-State Agent and Newly Created Position: Amanda Clasen

Leave a comment
Amanda Clasen. Submitted photo.

Amanda Clasen, 35, is a new  K-State Research and Extension- Southwind District agent. She is serving Neosho, Woodson, Bourbon and Allen Counties. They have offices in Erie, Yates Center, Iola and Fort Scott.

Hers is a newly created position,  that started June 12, 2023.

“I am the Community Vitality Agent, helping local communities grow by helping identify local needs and highlight the bright spots within the community, as well as working with local collation groups to identify health, childcare and housing needs within our counties,” she said. “I can help local groups find grants for project funding as well as help in assisting with the writing of those grants. We are still expanding on programming for this position as it is a new position, so I am looking into possibly adding Youth Entrepreneurship similar to what Fort Scott currently offers to our other counties in the future.”

“I am housed out of the Erie Office, but travel to each office at least once a week,” she said.

Her contact info: email: [email protected]   or phone 620.244.3826

Clasen earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education- Pittsburg State University in 2011, and a Master’s Degree in Adaptive Special Education from P.S.U. in 2015.

“I was a special education preschool teacher for 11 years before taking this position,” she said.  “Along side of my teaching duties I served as a Family Engagement Coordinator for three years, helping write grants to provide events within the school to promote stronger parent/family relationships as well as including outside agencies opportunities  to share information with parents.”

She was born and raised in Linn, KS, a small rural town in north central Kansas, and currently lives in Erie with husband Mac and three sons, 10 years, 8 years and 3 years-old.

She has been involved in her community through  XI Delta PSI.

So far in this job, she is enjoying “Getting to network with local communities and members and see what fun and exciting projects that they have already completed and working towards,” she said. “There are so many hidden ‘gems’ in our small towns and I’m excited to continue to uncover them with getting to know community members.”

With any new job, the beginning can be challenging.

“With this being a new position, there is not currently not an established programming plan, so deciding what communities need or want for programming has been a struggle, but I’m excited to learn!” she said.