Tag Archives: featured

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Community College, Sports

FSCC Hosts First Annual Night Golf on October 29

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Tom Havron, Fort Scott Community College Vice President of Student Affairs and Foundation Director, had the idea to hold a fall golf tournament.

Tom Havron is the FSCC Vice President of Student Affairs and Foundation Director. Submitted photos.

“I  thought it would be fun to do something a little different,” Havron said.  “I used to play night golf when I was a high school kid in Montana and we always had a great time.  After doing a little research, I thought we could make this a really special event.”

The event will be a fundraiser.

The Twilight Open Golf Night is a four-person scramble teeing off at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 29 at Woodland Hills Golf Course, just down Horton Street from the community college.

Woodland Hills Golf Course, 2414 S. Horton, Fort Scott.

“The proceeds will go towards establishing a new golf driving range on campus,” Havron said.  The short-term goal of the first annual Twilight Open Golf Night, set for Oct. 29 at Woodland Hills Golf Course in Fort Scott, is a design for long distances.”

Proceeds from the event, sponsored by Fort Scott Community College’s Foundation office,  will go directly to the creation of a driving range on the FSCC campus, Havron said.

Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton is the site of the annual Independence Day fireworks event.

“College golfers need a driving range to work on different shots they will see on courses across the state throughout the season,” said Jeff Tadtman, head golf coach for the Greyhounds. “It has been an obstacle we have faced since the start of the golf program in 2019. We hope a driving range on campus will appeal to potential recruits looking to continue their golf career.”

Jeff Tadtman. Submitted photo.

The presence of a range in “their own backyard” is an immediate advantage for college golfers, said Havron, but the plan includes eventually opening the facility to community members.

“I think the community would really love to have a place to go and hit some balls,” said Havron. “Woodland Hills is an excellent course and I believe they would also see the benefits of a driving range close to their course.”

The future driving range, which is to feature a ball machine, is to be maintained by the FSCC golf team, and will provide a venue for fund-raising opportunities, Havron said.

“We would love to also be able to provide the facility to our area high school teams for practice, as well,” he said. “Details on the course are still being investigated and may take a few fund-raisers to get up and going.”

The night of the golf scramble will also include food and a silent auction.

“I’m working on having some food available for people to have during the silent auction period,” Havron said.  “I will provide more information on this as soon as arrangements are finalized.”

“We will have FSCC staff and students assisting players throughout the round,” Havron said.  “We will also have headlamps so players can make their way safely around the course.  I have some other ideas which will provide safety features but make the event unique.  I’m going to hold that information so it is a surprise at the event.’

What about inclement weather?

“We always will concern ourselves with weather in Kansas, but we are hopeful,” Havron said. “In my opinion, there is no better time to live in Kansas than October.  The leaves will be turning and we hope the weather is kind to us.”

Cost of the event:

$500/team – this price includes cart and glow-in-the-dark ball

$475/team – with one cart included

$450/team – with no cart included

“To ensure safety and space between groups, we will be limited to the first 18 teams to RSVP,” Havron said.

For more information:

Tom Havron – 620-223-2700 ext. 5830 or

[email protected]

 

 

 

Church news, Fort Scott

Fire at Fort Scott’s Catholic Church Causes Extensive Damage

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A cross can be seen from the fallen timbers in the sanctuary of Mary Queen of Angels Church. Courtesy photo of Shane Walker.
Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church fire on August 29, 2022. Courtesy of Stephen Toal.
The Catholic church  fire damage to the sanctuary. Courtesy of Kenny Felt.

Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, 705 S. Holbrook, Fort Scott suffered extensive damage in a fire that started in late evening on August 29.

According to a press release from the FSFD, on Monday, August 29, 2022 at approximately 9:12 p.m. the Fort Scott Police Department and fire department, along with Bourbon County EMS responded to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fort Scott for a report of a fire.

When the units arrived the church was on fire with heavy smoke and flames emitting from the southeast corner of the structure.

The Fort Scott Fire Department, with assistance from Nevada Fire Department, Scott Township Fire Department, Bourbon County Rural District 3 Fire Department, and Arma Fire Department battled the blaze until the early morning hours today.

The cause of the fire is currently being investigated by the state fire marshal’s office, along with local fire investigators, according to the press release from Fire Chief Dave Bruner and the FSFD Public Information Office.

One Fort Scott Firefighter sustained a minor injury and he was treated and released from the Via Christi Emergency Department. No other injuries are known.

“Our hearts and prayers go out to the parishioners of St. Mary’s Church, and the members of our community who have been affected by this tragedy,” according to the release. “All official updates on this case will be posted to the Fort Scott Fire Department Facebook page, as well as the Facebook and Twitter accounts for the Fort Scott Police Department.”

Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church this morning, following the extensive fire last evening. Photo courtesy of Stephen Toal.
Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church. Courtesy of Shane Walker.
Inside the sanctuary of the Catholic Church this morning. Courtesy of Kenny Felt.
Inside structure damage from the fire. Courtesy of Shane Walker.
The Catholic Church fire as seen from the backside of the church. Courtesy of Sara Simonds.
People watch the fire at Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church on Monday evening, August 29. Photo courtesy of Stephen Toal.
Fort Scott Firefighters take a break during the fire at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Monday night. Courtesy photo by Stephen Toal.
St. Mary’s Catholic Church fire. Courtesy of Angie Bin.

The following was from the St. Mary’s School Facebook page this morning.

“We had a major fire at our church last night. Damage is extensive but all indications are that we will be able to rebuild. However, for safety reasons we will cancel school for today. We will work tomorrow to get information from professionals and develop a plan to return to school as soon as possible, hopefully on Wednesday. There is no faith community more devout, fierce, or resolute than ours. God will get us through this, stronger than ever!”

Bourbon County, Business, Entertainment, Food

Uniontown’s Old Settler’s Picnic and UHS Class Reunion This Weekend

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The annual Old Settler’s Picnic committee is gearing up for this weekend’s activities, with events for people of all ages. In addition, the Uniontown High School Alumni Association has planned events for Saturday.

On Labor Day, Sept. 5, “There will be new food trucks and vendor booths”,  Becky Shinn, Secretary-Treasurer of the committee said. The vendors will be scattered around the town square of the town of less than 300 people. The town doubles and sometimes triples in size for this annual event.

Also in the park on Labor Day will be the picnic offerings. In addition to the food trucks, the Uniontown High School FFA will be serving BBQ food, and the Methodist Church, a chicken dinner.

The announcer for this year’s event is Adelay Martin.

The children’s parade will line up starting at 9:50 a.m. on Sept. 5 on the east side of the town square and prizes will be awarded for best theme, decorated  bike, child costume, pet and battery operated toy. No gas powered vehicles are allowed in the children’s parade, which will start at 10:15 a.m.

Uniontown High School Cheerleaders board their float for the 2019 Old Settlers Picnic Parade.

The theme of the parade this year is “Back to the Old School Days”, and entries are invited to decorate their vehicles and hay wagons to showcase their organizations. There are prizes for best church float, best theme oriented float, school floats, All Terrain Vehicles (they must be clean and decorated), antique tractors and cars.

Horses are always welcome in the parade, but riders are asked to unload them at the rodeo arena, west of town on Hwy. 3. The horses be last in line up in the parade and are asked to line up at the Methodist Church.

The Uniontown High School Class of 1959 wait to board their float for the 2019 Old Settlers Picnic Parade on Labor Day, 2019.

Throughout the day there will be raffles with drawings for cash prizes.

The Dale Jackson Memorial Car Show will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the square.

For further info, click below.

Dale Jackson Memorial Car Show Sept. 5 in Uniontown

There is no baby contest this year.

For the kids is the traditional turtle race at 11:30 a.m., so be on the look out for a fast turtle! An egg toss competition, along with foot races and water races are planned for people from pre-kindergarten age to 100 years old on the south side of the square.

As is the tradition, there will be a recognition of the oldest man, oldest woman, longest married couple, former resident that traveled the farthest distance, and the resident who has had a Uniontown address the longest time.

May be an image of text that says 'Old Settler's Picnic HOSTED BY THE UHS CHEERLEADERS FEATURING TURTLES RACING, EGGS TOSSED WATER RACES, AND FOOT RACES! AGES: PREK-2ND -2ND 3RD-5TH 6TH-8TH -8TH FRESH-SENIOR 19-100 STARTIME 11:30 Let the Games Begin...'
Graphic from the Old Settler’s Picnic Facebook page.

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights at the Hwy. 3 arena, west of town, there will be rodeos to entertain. See the flyer above for more information.

At 10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 4, coffee, milk and donuts will start the fellowship time of the Community Church Service at 10:30 a.m., this year presented by the Uniontown Methodist Church. Please bring lawn chairs for the service.

As part of the family game night on Sunday evening, the UHS Cheerleaders will be hosting a 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament as a fundraiser. Additionally, there will be a bubble gum chewing contest, watermelon eating contest and cornhole contest, with events starting at 5:30 p.m.

May be an image of text that says 'D LET THE GAMES BEGIN! 3 ON 3 BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT A fundraising event for the UHS Cheerleaders SEPTEMBER 4TH AT CITY PARK. SIGN UP STARTS AT 5:30 $5.00 per person 3peope max team Games are minutes long Come out and enjoy 0 fun night of basketbal and other games!'
Graphic from the Old Settler’s Picnic Facebook page.

High School Reunion

This year the Uniontown High School alumni are having their reunion on Saturday, Sept. 3, in conjunction with Old Settler’s Picnic weekend celebration.

A “Welcome Back” Reception at the UHS Commons area at the high school is scheduled from 3-5 p.m. Cookies and drinks are provided as well as an opportunity to tour the school. All alumni, and current and retired faculty and staff are invited to attend.
All-School Reunion Alumni will host a party at Uniontown City Park from 6 p.m. to midnight, with a Disk Jockey presenting music and a food truck. Coolers of beverages are welcome, but no glass containers.
Fort Scott, Schools

New U234 Teacher: Dale Brauer

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This is part of a series featuring the 26 new educators in USD 234.

Dale and Ashleigh Brauer and children. Submitted photo.

Dale Brauer is a new 8th-grade math and Algebra 1 teacher at Fort Scott Middle School.

He earned an Associates of Science from Fort Scott Community College, Bachelors of Science in Education from Pittsburg State University and a Masters of Science in Educational Leadership from Pittsburg State University.

This is Brauer’s ninth year in education.

His hometown is Girard, Kansas.

His wife is from Fort Scott, Ashleigh Page Brauer, and they have three children.

“We raise our six year-old nephew Theodore Brauer, our
oldest son is 2 years-old, Maverick Brauer, and Macen, 2.5 months old.”
Brauer’s grandparents are Mary Diane and Derell Spencer, and his mom is Susan West. He has a brother Marcus Page and wife, Ashley, who work at Fort Scott Community College.

In his spare time he likes making items out of wood – cabinets, tables, kids toys, and spending time with his family.

A former teacher from his high school inspired him to take part in the profession of teaching, he said.

For Brauer, the best part of teaching is interacting with students.

Bourbon County, Entertainment

Dale Jackson Memorial Car Show Sept. 5 in Uniontown

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Dale Jackson was a car mechanic for many years in Uniontown. Event organizers are honoring him with a car show in conjunction with the annual Old Settler’s Picnic on Labor Day.

“We started the car show in 2019 to honor Dale Jackson and bring more people to the Old Settlers Picnic, an event that Dale contributed to for many years,” said car show organizer, Sara Roufs.

“I’m the main organizer but I have a great group of friends and family helping me put it all together,” she said. “I also need to give credit to Jeremy Lockwood, Garrett Knight and the Wasted Youth Car Club for helping get this car show started and making it a success.”

“Local businesses and organizations have sponsored the t-shirts, trophies, dash plaques and door prizes,” she said. “They have also contributed goody bag items that the first 50 car show registrants will receive.”

The Dale Jackson Memorial Car Show will be on Monday, Sept. 5 in Uniontown at the downtown square.

Cars, trucks and motorcycles are encouraged to enter, Roufs said.

The Old Settlers Picnic Parade is at 10:30 a.m. with line up at the high school starting at 10 a.m. for those vehicles wishing to be in the parade.

After the parade ends, vehicles will park at the town square.
The Car Show  will be from 11a.m. to 1 p.m.

To enter the show, register by noon at Uniontown Community Center, on the square’s east side in Uniontown. Registration fee $10. The first 50 to register will receive a dash plaque, she said.

“We will have four judges and 20 trophies to be awarded,” Roufs said. “A special crowd favorite trophy, sponsored by Ol’Boys Tire & Auto, will be awarded to whoever receives the most votes. Spectators may pay $1 to vote for their favorite entry. Vote by 1 p.m. inside the Uniontown Community Center. ”

The Crowd Favorite Award, submitted graphic.

“There will also be a raffle for a free full vehicle detail from Tip Top Detailing,” she said. “The car show participants enjoy supporting a good cause so anything left after the expenses of the car show will be donated to the Bourbon County Angels. They are a local organization that help Bourbon County families to ensure that every child in need receives something nice to open on Christmas morning.”

 

Trophies are ready for the award presentations. Submitted photo.

The trophy presentation will a be  at 1 p.m.

Vehicle classes:
-Best in Show
-Best of the 50s
-Best of the 60s
-Best of the 70s
-Best of the 80s
-Best of the 90s and up
-Best Hot Rod
-Best Street Rod
-Best Rat Rod
-Judges Choice (4 trophies)
Motorcycle classes:
-Best Motorcycle
-American Classic
-American Custom
-Metric Standard
-Metric Custom
-Best Trike

There will be t-shirts available for purchase this year thanks to Shirt Shack and these local sponsors:

Agricultural Engineering Associates
Bourbon Boy Bait Co
Brumback Engine & Machine
Cedar Ridge Management
Fort Scott Rides
Matt Russell Bulldozing
On Point Auto Sales
Perry’s Pork Rinds and Country Store
Roger’s Body Shop & Alignment Services
RHC Ron Hurd Construction
Tip Top Detailing
Union Station

 

Bourbon County, Youth

Fremar Foundation: Supporting Outstanding Local Artists

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Karen Fremar from the Fremar Foundation website.

A foundation that is located in Leawood, Kansas, has roots in and supports Bourbon County artists.

The Fremar Foundation was established in 2010 by Karen Fremar as a charitable organization and began giving scholarships in 2017.

Fremar’s parents were Fort Scott musicians who had a music studio starting in the 1950s through the 1970s. Fremar began her career as an accordian artist here.

Those students that have received Fremar scholarships, where they are studying and what their degree is:

2017– Mayson Lane, Oberlin College Conservatory/UMKC,
 Violin/Music/Health Science


2018 –  Brenna Bower, Pittsburg State University, Trumpet/Political
Science


2019 –Jezeriah Simpson, Baker University,  Art/Computer
Science


2020 – Levi Bin, Pittsburg State University,  Vocal Music/Theater/Automotive Technology

 

2020 Patrick Schmidt, Wichita State University,  Vocal Music/Music Education


2021 – Noah Martin, Ozark Christian College, Music and Worship


2022 – Laney Covey, Allen Community College,  Digital Media/Visual Illustration and Animation

To learn more about the foundation and the students they have awarded:https://fremarfoundation.org/

The mission of the foundation has evolved, said Fremar, chairwoman and president of the Fremar Foundation. “It is currently to recognize the achievements and enable talented high school students in the Fort Scott area to continue with their artistic studies at the college level.”

“Initially we wanted to bring outstanding accordion artists from all over the world to perform concerts in Kansas City,” she said. But the cost was to high.

So her thinking changed.

“I was thinking that I would rather spend time and raise funds to support and recognize local young artists in all disciplines to help them on their artistic journey,” Fremar said. ” While we champion outstanding accordion art, we are not exclusive and support all musicians and artists.”

Tax advisor, Carol Hill, and financial advisor, Jordan Witt, both of Fort Scott, helped the organization develop a program to present scholarships in the area.

“Jordan was president of the school board at that time, and said that there was really nothing to recognize and financially reward the efforts of these talented young people in the area,” she said.

The critical part of the scholarship program is to recognize the achievements of these young artists in their creative work in high school,  and encourage them to continue their art as they go into college and into life, she said.

“We find it thrilling to follow their careers, see their successes, and know that maybe we had some small part in recognizing and encouraging their talent and achievements,” she said.

“An added benefit is that Mayson Lane has now become a full-fledged member of Vivant! (the group of K.C. area musicians she performs with) and performs with us whenever possible.”

Annual Concert

Each year she spearheads a concert to provide more funds for the scholarships the foundation awards.

She is inviting people from Bourbon County to the concert at the Leawood United Methodist Church (near Ranchmart) at 3 p.m. on Sunday, August 28. The free concert will last about one hour and refreshments will follow. It’s at this time the audience can meet the scholarship recipients.

“The concert will be varied and fun… plus, we’ll feature some amazing musicians,” she said. “We would be grateful for donations to our scholarship program.”

“I arranged all the scores we perform together,” she said. “The musicians in Vivant! are top professionals in their field.”

This year’s recipient Laney Covey, Uniontown, will be featured, she said.

“Laney will… provide an art show in the lobby of her works,” she said. “Jezeriah Simpson… at Baker University, now in his fourth year of receiving our scholarships, will be there and be introduced.”

Fred and Margie Fremar, Karen’s parents who started a music studio in Fort Scott.

Photos on the foundation website show many recognizable names and faces.

Continue reading Fremar Foundation: Supporting Outstanding Local Artists →

Bourbon County, Schools

New Uniontown Jr/Sr High School Teachers: Zach Mason, Luke Davis

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Zach Mason. Submitted photo.

Zach Mason, 32, is a new junior/senior high physical education teacher at Uniontown.

He attended Fort Scott Community College, McPherson College, and Fort Hays University.

His teaching experience includes one year as a K-6 Special Education teacher at Dighton Elementary School, one year Special Education Para at St. John-Hudson Elementary School, and seven years K-12 Physical Education/Weights and Conditioning instructor at Crest Schools.

His hometown is Uniontown.

He and his wife, Megan Mason, have three daughters Markayla, Paxton, and Rory.

Outside of school he enjoys golf, softball, hunting, and spending time with family.

He wanted to become a teacher to help kids find the fun in staying active, he said. and his college track coach, Robert Spies, inspired him to teach.

The best part of teaching for Mason is  “Seeing kids progress and do things they might have thought they couldn’t do.”

What are the challenges?

“Trying to get kids to understand that running and lifting are not the only ways to stay physically active. He wants students to understand that exercise as simple as walking, golfing, and bowling have health benefits.”

Luke Davis has been hired by USD 235 to teach math at the junior high school.

“Since Luke Davis still needs to complete a semester of student teaching, Ed Ramsey will also be in the room with him during the first semester,” USD 235 Superintendent Vance Eden said. “Ed is a retired teacher who moved to Uniontown a year or two ago. Last year he was a substitute teacher and substitute bus driver for the district. Luke will be providing the majority of the instruction. Once Luke graduates in the fall, he would then be able to assume the full responsibilities as the teacher.”

Davis graduated from Uniontown High School, before attending Pittsburg State University.

 

Bourbon County, Schools

New Teachers at West Bourbon Elementary: Kaity Bradbury and Rhonda Foster

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This is a series on new educators in Bourbon County.

USD 235 has six new teachers and all new administrators: new elementary principal, new jr.and sr. high school principal and new superintendent. School starts on August 25.

Kaitlyn Bradbury and her family. Submitted photo.
Kaitlyn Bradbury, 33, is a new fifth-grade teacher at West Bourbon Elementary, Uniontown.
She earned a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education from  Pittsburg State University in 2010 and a Masters in Educational Leadership in 2014.
Previously Bradbury  has worked as a WBE-Title 1 Math teacher for two years and 4th-grade for four years from 2010-2016.
Her hometown is Uniontown.
She and her husband Tony have three girls Khloe (8), Laine (4), and Andie (1).
Outside of teaching her interests are gardening, spending time in New Mexico, volleyball officiating, and is a member of Dry Ridge Baptist Church.
Bradbury was born into a family of teachers, she said.
“Both of my parents taught at Uniontown, and our lives revolved around the activities that go along with being a teacher/administrator/coach.”
” My parents are quite inspiring to me. I know the positive impact that they made on their students, and I want to leave the same legacy that they did.”
“I love building a lifelong relationship with each of my students. It is rewarding to know that you helped make their school year memorable and that they had fun learning.”
A challenge she sees:  “The misconceptions that some of the public have about teachers and what is being taught seems to currently be a big challenge. I take pride in knowing that Uniontown is a district with great teachers, and we all work very hard to see that our students are excelling.”

Rhonda Foster, 61, is a new 4th and 5th grade Math and English Teacher at West Bourbon Elementary School.

She earned a BSE at Sterling College, and a Masters of Special Education  from Pittsburg State University.

She has two years experience in general education and five in special education. Her hometown is Moran.

She has two grown daughters and a 17 year-old granddaughter, a 15 year-old grandson and a 5-month-old granddaughter.

In her spare time she loves to bake, sew and crochet, as well as attending her grandchildren’s school activities.

In addition, “I help with Bible school and other church activities,” she said. “In the past I have been a 4-H leader.”

She started her career working as a para-educator and became interested so went back to school when her youngest child was in college.

” I just enjoy working in the school setting with both staff and students,” she said.

For Foster,  the best part of teaching is making connections with the students.

A challenge she has experienced in the past is staff shortages, she said.

 

To view prior stories on the new administrators:

Vance Eden: New U235 Super In The District

Business, Fort Scott

Happy Kids Daycare and Preschool Opens

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Taken from the business Facebook page. Lindsay Knopp and Afton Brown.
 Lindsay Knopp  and Afton Brown are the new owners of Happy Kids Daycare and Preschool, INC. at 1502 Scott Avenue, the former New Generations building.
The business provides daycare for children ages two weeks and up.
“We are pretty much full,  with a waiting list of 50-plus,” Knopp said.
“We… have our normal daycare settings and preschool during the school months and then daycare and summer program during the summer months,”  Brown said.
The hours of operation will be 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Currently in the preschool there are 37 students, Knopp said. “This includes the USD 234 (students).  They lease a space to serve more preschool age kids and the majority of those students are also served in our daycare the other half of the day.  In daycare we currently have around 60.”

“We are still waiting on our license, but we signed on the building June 16th,” Knopp said.

To contact the business call (620) 223-1506 or email:
The Happy Days Daycare and Preschool people mover sits outside the facility. Taken from the business Facebook page.

 

 

Fort Scott, Schools

New U234 Educators: Bethany Anderson, Kim Carpenter, Chad Ruddick

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This is a series of features on the 26 new educators in Fort Scott.

School begins today for the district.

Bethany Anderson. Submitted photo.

Bethany Anderson, 23, will be teaching English at Fort Scott High School.

She earned her education at Emporia State University and has taught English at Lawrence High School.

Her hometown is Sterling, KS.

“My dad was my high school principal, now is a professor in the teaching department at Sterling College,” she said. “My mom is a school nurse where I did my student teaching.”

Outside of school she works at a coffee shop during the summers in Kansas City. She is in a sand volleyball league on Sunday and Friday nights. “I also really love playing tennis and reading books in my free time. On Wednesday nights I serve at my church for the high school youth program. I love being busy,” she said.

“I absolutely love English and it’s one of my biggest passions, but my first passion is loving kids well and building those relationships. That’s something I learned from my dad who has been in education for about 25 years. He taught me how to invest in kids first and then focus on the subject I teach. I think that has to be my favorite part of teaching, is the relationships I have built with the kids.”

“There are also some major challenges I have faced already in my short time teaching… hardships with administration support and feeling as if the kids weren’t a first priority in some decisions being made. It has also been an eye opener that there is a lot more that goes into teaching that they don’t mention in college or even during student teaching. I am excited to be apart of a smaller district where I already feel valued as an educator.”

 

Kim Carpenter. Submitted photo.

Kim Carpenter is an incoming 5th-grade teacher at Eugene Ware Elementary School.

Before returning to college to earn her B.Ed. from Pittsburg State University when her youngest child was in kindergarten, she worked at Winfield Scott Elementary as a paraprofessional and teacher’s aide. Having four children of her own while working in an educational setting made teaching seem like a natural career choice for her. Carpenter earned her M.Ed. ion Curriculum and Instruction from William Woods University in 2014. She taught 14 years as an elementary teacher from Nevada, MO.

 

Carpenter’s hometown is Fort Scott.

Her daughter Jana and husband Michael and their two sons Randy and Liam call Fort Scott home, as well at her son Jon and wife Rachel and their daughter, Evelyn. Her son Kyle and his wife Anna live in Erie and her daughter Kelsey and her husband Drew reside in Bentonville, AR.

When Carpenter isn’t spending time with her family, she enjoys camping, hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking. Apart from spending time in nature, she loves crafting, researching her family history, and going to flea markets. She is actively involved at her church, Faith Church.

Carpenter can’t say that any one teacher inspired her to become a teacher, but she has been blessed to have been impacted by many top-notch educators. Some of the most memorable include Don Miller, Fred Campbell, Jr., Barbara Albright, Joyce Sinn, Jean and Jack Gilmore, Connie Neil, and Pat Lamb to name a few.

She says the best part of teaching is building relationships with each new group of students who come through her classroom. Her philosophy is “relationships first and everything else will follow.”

Carpenter says there are many challenges educators face today. While there are so many things outside of our control, she says we can focus on the areas where they can have the most impact while still having fun.

 

Chad Ruddick, 39,  will teach 11th grade English at FSHS.
He earned a Bachelors Degree in Pre-law from Pittsburg State University, a Master’s in Criminal Justice and a Master’s in Teaching  from PSU,  and a Specialist of Education in Educational Admin. from William Woods University.
Ruddick taught 10 years at North Middle School in Joplin, MO; one year at Chetopa High School, and five years at Pittsburg Community Middle School.
His hometown is Scammon, KS.
He and his wife Jennifer have  two children: Hayden (16 year old son) and Lily (13 year old daughter).
Outside of teaching he enjoys hunting, fishing, video games, woodworking, volunteering as a cook/chef for local organizations feeding those in need, and volunteer work with families in need.
He became a  teacher accidentally, he said.
“After attending law school, I began working as an Outreach Coordinator with the Alzheimer’s Association.  In an attempt to be better in that role, I began taking teaching courses through PSU.  When my office closed in December of 2007, I focused on finishing my Master’s in Teaching and focused on teaching secondary English.  What began as a two year plan has led me to 15 beautiful years in the classroom.”
Many have inspired him over the years, he said.  “My parents and family have inspired me to be a better teacher, and man.  However, I truly feel like the students and families we serve have had a tremendous amount of influence on my desire to keep teaching while becoming better at the things I wish to improve on.  Knowing I am helping those who need me is the driving force that fuels success in my life.”
“The best part of teaching for me is helping students and families.  Whether it’s the struggling student who finally connects the dots, or the family that finds success outside the classroom, the best part of teaching is serving those in our communities.”
There are some challenges.
“We face many challenges in the classroom in 2022.  The evolution of technology has greatly enhanced our ability to help students, but keeping up with the technology can be a hustle.  Teachers must continue to step up their game to stay relevant and provide 21st Century skills to our students.  On a larger scale, dwindling economics impacts our families in the southeast Kansas area and directly affects our students in the classroom.  It takes a village to educate and raise our young people.  Fort Scott does a great job of reaching our families, so I feel fortunate to be a part of the high school team!”

 

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Government, Health Care

CHC Update From Krista Postai

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Krista Postai. Submitted.

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas is moving forward on the renovation of the former Price Chopper building on South Main.

“We are waiting on (City of Fort Scott) building permits before moving forward on the Price Chopper building, so there is nothing major to report,” CEO and President of CHC/SEK Krista Postai, said. “Apparently, the engineer is on vacation.”

Update later in the day from Postai: “We were issued a temporary 90-day-permit yesterday and we’re back to work,” she said.

The land given CHC on the west side of the former Mercy building, which they had made plans to build a new facility on, is being given back to Bourbon County who owns the building.

“Regarding the land,” she said. “Which is basically the large parking lot behind the hospital plus the helipad, we were told by the county, it would be needed by whoever opted to assume responsibility for the hospital. Our Board agreed to exchange the land, which actually cost us about $125,000 in legal and platting fees, for our remaining rent on our clinic in the hospital. We do understand that was approved by the county commission and they would be in touch with us to finalize the agreement.”

“Once we have the transfer formalized, it will go to the CHC/SEK Board for final approval, Postai said. “It was suggested to us that there is another potential group interested in reopening the hospital now that Noble has moved on.”

Commissioner Beth Comment on The Former Mercy Building

Bourbon County Commissioner Clifton Beth said the county is “still trying to engage with several entities to do something with the building. We’ve been doing this for two years. I want to make sure we have an emergency room in Bourbon County and sustainable health care.”

Recent Mammogram Walk-In

“We had a record number of women get a mammogram at our Walk-In event from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on July 27th in Ft. Scott,” she said. “Ninety-one women over age 40  ‘walked in’ and received a 3D mammogram regardless of ability to pay. CHC/SEK continued the effort August 2 and 3rd at their Pittsburg clinic. The goal is to increase the number of women who have had mammograms in southeast Kansas – which falls far below the state and national averages.”

Jobs at CHC

The following are the current list of job openings in Fort Scott for CHC:

 

Business, Fort Scott

New Exterior Building Cleaning Service Is Offered

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Jake Province. Submitted photo.

Local resident Jake Province, started Influx Services, a building exterior cleaning service in late May of this year.

“We provide house washing, pressure washing, exterior cleaning, and restoration services,” Province said. “We provide … driveway and concrete cleaning, deck and fence cleaning, and restoration services such as oil and rust stain removal.”

Service to other businesses are offered by Province as well.

“We also offer all services to commercial clients,” Province said. “We offer reasonable prices, professional service, and use appropriate cleaning techniques to prevent damage to your home or building.”

“I started this business because I’ve lived in Fort Scott and the
surrounding areas for most of my life, and like all of us, I want to
see it grow and improve,” he said. “Providing quality pressure washing, house washing, and exterior cleaning to the people of the town at reasonable prices is my way of giving back, and I hope to see my efforts cause more people to appreciate the town and the local businesses here.”

A before and after cleaning services. Submitted photo.

The business serves Fort Scott and all surrounding areas.

Those interested in residential or commercial cleaning can get a free
quote by calling (620) 407-3008,
or emailing [email protected]m

A before and after home driveway cleaning. Submitted photo.