A double homicide is still under investigation in Fort Scott.
All the press releases are coming from the KBI, according to Fort Scott Police Chief Travis Shelton.
The following is a press release from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation’s Facebook page.
On Tuesday, Dec. 21, at approximately 7:40 p.m., the Fort Scott Police Department received a 911 call from a subject who came home to find a female family member had been shot.
When police officers arrived at 402 Main St. in Fort Scott, they located 48-year-old Melissa L. Mitchell who had died from a gunshot wound. They also discovered inside the home, 53-year-old Leonard D. Zimmerman, who had also been shot and was deceased. Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
At approximately 8:30 p.m. the Fort Scott Police Department requested KBI assistance. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team responded to Fort Scott.
The victims’ son, Dawson J. Mitchell, 23, of Fort Scott, was a person of interest and was wanted for questioning connected to this case.
Mitchell was arrested at approximately 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 22, near the intersection of 5th St. and Judson St. in Fort Scott.
He was arrested for theft of a firearm, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and unlawful possession of controlled substances.
He was then booked into the Bourbon County Jail.
Currently, Mitchell has not been charged related to the murders.
“Mitchell has not yet been arrested for the murders.” Melissa Underwood, KBI Communications Director, said. “Since he can be held on the other charges, I don’t think that is likely to happen quickly. Additionally, the decision on charges will likely come from the (Bourbon)County Attorney’s Office after we submit our case findings to them.”
The investigation is ongoing.
The jail is known as the Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center, Fort Scott.
Judy Earp lived 40 years in California and moved to Fort Scott in December 2019 because she fell in love with a Victorian home here.
She originally was from Lamar, MO, and looked there and in Nevada for just the right home to accommodate all of her Victorian furniture in her decision to return to the Mid-West.
When Earp found the house at 702 S. National Avenue, she found a space for an art studio.
“My art studio is in the basement,” she said.
During her California years, in her free time (she was a computer programmer and also sold real estate), she took art classes of all sorts, at Monterrey Peninsula Community College.
“The labs and all the equipment were fantastic (for all the art classes she took),” she said.
She started offering painting classes in Fort Scott in 2020 and found that the play area just outside her studio was perfect for the kid’s art classes she wanted to instruct.
The children need breaks sometimes, she said, and the space is perfect for that.
Next week she is offering a Winter Art Party for children ages five and up.
“Our next camp is from December 27 through December 31,” she said. “It has a winter theme. The cost is $125 for the entire week. I also offer two art parties for the kids on No School Days, one for USD 234 and one for St. Mary’s. These take place at my studio at 702 S. National. The cost is $25.”
No School Days are when students are not in class for one day, for teacher in-service, etc.
“My main goal is to share the joy of creating art with people of all ages and that we should all have fun while doing so,” Earp said.
“I offer different art events geared for different age groups,” she said. “During the summer and winter and spring breaks, I offer an art camp that is a week-long and we create five different paintings, all with a common theme.”
She also provides private art parties.
“Paint and Sip Parties are adult, also private parties,” she said. “I do women’s church groups.”
This past summer Earp offered a beach week, a red, white, and blue week and a farm week.
Judy Earp’s students during beach week in 2021. Submitted photo.
“I offer family-friendly art parties also, with paintings that are suitable for all ages,” she said. “We just had one at Papa Don’s this past Saturday. The cost is also $25.”
Students of the Family Paint and Pizza Art Party on Dec. 18, at Papa Don’s Pizza. Submitted photo.
“I also offer Paint & Sip Parties,” she said. “I will have two in January at Dry Wood Creek Cafe. We will be painting a Highland Cow. Both parties sold out within a few hours.”
Submitted photo.
“All parties include everything you need to complete and take home a painting,” she said. “I draw the picture on the canvas for you, supply the paint, brushes, easels and aprons. I also guide the artists every step of the way.”
Judy Howser and a friend show their art from a Fall Pathway Art Party in September. Submitted photo.
The best way for people to know immediately when a new class, camp or party is offered is to Like and follow Happy Snappy Art on Facebook, she said.
Brady and Emily Fink started a new business, Fink’s Pool Company, last month to provide swimming pool service, cleaning, and maintenance for Fort Scott and the surrounding communities.
The business also provides new construction of swimming pools.
“We realized there is a large demand for this business in our area and even further,” Emily said.
“We are currently the only two (employees) as we don’t have employees yet,” she said. “Brady and I will be tag-teaming most stuff in the field (service and new construction) while I also do most of the communication with customers and anything on the phone or social media.”
“Brady was a helicopter mechanic for four years when he served in the U.S. Navy at North Island Naval Base (California),” Emily said. “He then was a plumber for three years and for the past year he has been working and learning under The Pool Guy out of Nevada (MO).”
He is a 2012 graduate of Fort Scott High School.
Even though winter is not usually the season when people think about their swimming pools, the Fink’s wanted to get the word out for people to start planning.
They will be offering service, repair, and new construction in the southeast Kansas and southwest Missouri areas starting in 2022.
For more information call or text 620.215.0306.
A new pool cover that the Fink’s placed on a property this fall., which requires drilling concrete and placement. Submitted photo.
Rachel Pruitt started her business venture, a women and girls clothing shop, last month as a pop-up shop in the lobby of the Liberty Theatre at 113 S. Main.
The name of her business is Better in Bourbon.
On December 15 she moved the store to a permanent space at 13 N. Main.
“I want to give a heartfelt thank you to Jared Leek for the temporary use of the Liberty Theatre which was critical to a successful start,” Pruitt said
Better in Bourbon is now located at 13 N. Main. Submitted photo.
The store’s hours of operation are from 10 am until 6 pm weekdays, 9 am until 4 pm on Saturday, and on Sunday, from 1 pm until 5 pm, through Christmas.
In addition to women and tween-sized girl clothing, she sells accessories and gift items, with a price range of accessories under $15 and clothing under $50.
Products of Desert Bloom’s booth. Submitted photo.
When Leanne Leatherman heard that the Bourbon County Historical Preservation Association was not having its annual Stocking Stuffer Christmas event, she asked a fellow Bourbon County Fair Association member, Sue Reineke, about hosting a craft show and sale.
“She thought it would be a good idea, so the Jingle Bell Holiday Mart came to be,” Leatherman said. “This is our first year, but I hope it is the first of many. We may try to schedule it a little earlier in the month for next year.”
The two are also having conversations about having a swap meet or show once a month to allow local merchants a place to meet and sell their wares.
Leatherman and Reinecke are both vendors. Leatherman sells hand-crafted items, Reinecke sells goat milk soap and lotions from her farm.
Products of the vendor, Auntie Em’s. Submitted photo.
The sale will be Saturday, Dec. 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds 4-H Building on South Horton Street.
“It is a heated facility, with plenty of parking,” she said.
The Bourbon County 4-H Building on South Horton, across from Fort Scott Community College. Submitted photo.
“We are full this year with vendors,” Leatherman said.
Some of Lori Craig’s products. Submitted photo.
The following are the vendors who will be selling their wares on Dec. 18:
Locust Hill Lamancha’s Goat milk products
Sue Reinecke’s goat milk skin products. Submitted photo.
Paula’s This and That: hand made quilts, Young Living products
Products from Paula’s This and That booth. Submitted photo.
Auntie Em’s Closet: key chains, car freshies, hand warmers
Quill Fire Farm: crochet, mouse repellent bags, homemade play dough
A rural Hiattville youth, Mayla Foster, will have her first show, featuring ‘sensory handmade playdough. Look for her at the Quill Fire Farm booth. Submitted photo.
Flying P Ranch: jewelry
Happy little Candle Factory
Hunter’s Fashion: Paparazzi Jewelry
Desert Bloom Boutique: apparel, candles, car freshies
Tessie Tucker: Color Street Nails
CBF Candles
Blue Dog Winery
Miki Kraft: lots of hand-sewn items
Bathhouse Trading: soaps, bath bombs, etc.
Maid in Marmaton: jams
AKA Crafts and Design: apparel
Some of AKA’s products. Submitted photo.Courtney Lanham: tumblers
Courtney Lanham: tumblers
Michelle Lisica: laser-cut ornaments and items
Elk Creek Outpost: soaps, air fresheners, bath bombs, etc.
Some of Elk Creek’s products. Submitted photo.
For more information contact Leatherman at 620.224.6423.
The Rusty Spur Energy & Nutrition opened at 9 E. Wall on Dec. 14.
The owners are Kelly Perry and Chris Ames who is also the operator.
“We offer one-on-one health assessments for weight loss or muscle gain with our products,” Perry said. “Our products include vitamin-packed energy and calorie-burning teas that taste more like fruit drinks! We also provide complete meal replacement shakes full of protein and vitamins and minerals in over 60 flavors!
“We have had a team of other entrepreneurs; Haven, Ashtyn, and Greg, in Ft. Scott (at a different location) since August 2020 helping customers with healthy shakes and teas,” Kelly said. “Previous health coaches have moved from the area and we felt passionate about keeping such a niche business alive and well in Fort Scott! We hated to see it close when the others moved.”
Their passion stems from losing weight using the drinks they sell.
Both women have followed a number of fad diets and even resorted to surgical weight loss methods such as gastric bypass. Short term, they had a tremendous amount of success but eventually, the weight came back, Perry said.
Kelly Perry. Submitted photos.
During the 2020 pandemic, Perry had gained over 80 pounds of her surgical weight loss back when she walked into the Fort Scott nutrition shop desperate to lose the 80 pounds, she said.
She started the meal replacement shakes and within five months from December 2020 to May 2021, Perry lost all 80 pound swith shakes alone, she said.
Perry has maintained her weight loss and coached others to do the same, she said.
Chris Ames has had a very similar story.
Chris Ames. Submitted photo.
“After (weight-loss) surgery, her weight loss was not significant and she continued to be stagnant in weight loss,” Perry said. “She started on the protein meal replacement shakes and the rest is history. She is now a size smaller than she was in high school. She too is working to help others to be the best that they can be and fully embrace health and nutrition rather than think of it as yet another diet.”
“We’re passionate about helping people and we really like this job,” Perry said.
“Each of our energy drinks is all custom-made for exactly what you need as an individual, no two drinks are alike,” she said. “You won’t find one main price because all teas have customization to them.”
“We hope that by being downtown in such a beautiful area we will be able to reach more people and help them with their health goals,” Perry said.
They have products for children as well, she said.
“We also provide probiotics and added hydration for all ages, so if you have a child that is dehydrated or has bloating, cramping or even backed up in the bathroom, we have items that we can add to their drink to help their tummy,” she said.
The hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 5 PM and Saturday, 9 AM to 2 PM, Sunday after church from noon to 3 p.m.
The Rusty Spur, 9 E. Wall. The former dental office of Dr. Brown. Submitted photo.
The business can be contacted via Facebook Messenger, or Instagram or email [email protected]
On Sunday evening, November 7th, Nelson and his wife, Euna, were driving in a car east of Uniontown on Hwy. 54.
They struck a cow in the road.
“Nelson sustained minor injuries, however, Euna wasn’t as lucky,” Bourbon County Sheriff’s Deputy Trey Sharp said. “She was life-flighted to Kansas University Medical Center and has been there since the night of the accident. Nelson has been by her side throughout this whole time. We were told it may be up to a year before we will know the significance of her brain injury.”
“Nelson started his career with the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office and is currently working for the Linn County Sheriff’s Office,” Sheriff Bill Martin said. “Nelson has assisted the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office since he has been with Linn County. Deputies and support staff with the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office still consider Nelson as part of the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office family.”
The sheriff’s department has organized a benefit event to help defray the costs of the catastrophic accident to the Blythe family.
“Nelson and Euna have medical insurance, but we all know insurance will not always cover all medical bills,” Sharp said. “We also have to think about their everyday life and how they are going to pay their normal bills that come with life. Nelson has been off work since the night of the wreck, which creates financial stress. This event is simply to raise money for them to hopefully relieve some of the financial stress and so they can focus on helping Euna recover and come back home.”
The fundraising event is Friday, December 17th, 2021 from 6 pm – 11 pm at The Liberty Theater, downtown Fort Scott.
Following the event, either Nelson or a family member will be provided a check of the money that has been raised, Sharp said.
“Up to this point, we have had multiple different items donated to us and we are still gathering items as we speak,” Sharp said. “Organizing this event just shows us how a community will truly gather together to help someone in need. We have had people reach out to us who do not know us or Nelson, they just want to help. Some of the items we have are guns, grills, fire pits, certificates to different area businesses, sports memorabilia, and multiple different items. If you look at our Facebook page ‘Blythe Family Benefit’ it will show you every item we have had donated. We update the page daily.”
The rare gun was donated to raise funds for the Blythe family. Submitted photo.
“I would like to give a huge shout-out and thank you to Fort Scott Munitions,” Sharp said. “They have donated an extremely rare gun that has raised a tremendous amount of money so far. That gun is on an online raffle on their website. The link is also on our Facebook page as well.”
Latest News On Euna
“Euna has …been moved to a KU Med rehab center where she has made extreme strides throughout this recovery process,” Sharp said. “She still has a long road ahead of her. But the process she has made is nothing but a miracle. I had recently Facetimed her and Nelson. Euna was able to talk to me, she is sitting up, and is even walking with assistance.”
The Warming Hearts in Fort Scott Sleeping Pods will look similar to this one. Submitted photo.
A recent city commission meeting decision prompted action by a group of residents to help the community’s homeless population during the winter months.
Following the Fort Scott City Commission passing an ordinance to allow basic tents in designated camping areas for homeless people, the group of concerned citizens began conversations about helping the homeless in the wintertime.
The core group of Warming Hearts in Fort Scott, the name proposed for the group, is Tonya Cliffman, Anne Dare, and Sarah Maike.
“Our goal is to assist in winter with temporary shelter, clothing, basic essentials, and nutrition,” Tonya Cliffman, one of the organizers of the project, said. “We want to build relationships to provide basic needs in hopes we can move them into more traditional housing in the future.”.
Tonya Cliffman from her Facebook page.
To that end, work has begun on two sleeping pods which are four-foot by five-foot by eight-foot wooden structures. These are being constructed by a small group of men who are donating their skills for the project, she said.
“(Those sleeping in the pods) can sit up, but not stand up, that way their body heat will keep them warm,” she said. “It has no heat or water, just a wooden insulated structure.”
“They are $1,000 each,” she said. “We are building the first one now.”
They will complete two pods by the first of the year and as soon as they have an individual to utilize the pod, that person will use it for the whole winter, she said.
The group reached out to the owner of a vacant lot, a former mobile home park, Patrick Wood, who permitted use of the lot for the project pending approval by the City of Fort Scott. That approval came at the Dec. 7 commission meetings.
The area is located at 19th and Horton Streets, just north of Community Christian Church (CCC).
CCC already has programs in place to provide showers and basic hygiene needs, plus food and some clothing, she said.
“CCC is my home church,” Cliffman said. “This is not a CCC project but they are supporting us.”
The group set up a fund at CCC for receiving the donations to the project, she said. “This is for transparency, accountability, and stewardship. We felt that is a great partnership.”
Once the pods are in place, the individuals who will be using the sleeping pods will have portable latrines and trash service provided, she said, and be told of the regulations to sleep in the pods.
This initial part of the project will provide the sleeping pods until March 31, Cliffman said.
Cliffman was able to visit with 15 out of the 18 residents that are on the block where permission was given for the sleeping pods, she said.
“I know the Lord’s hand is on this,” Cliffman said. “Doors are opening: we’ve been blessed with a location and some donations to get started. I’m following the gifts the good Lord gave me to do this.”
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas has been busy, among other things, with hiring, getting their new building secured and equipment purchased, and of course giving COVID-19 Vaccines and tests.
They will be announcing a new pediatrician coming to Fort Scott soon, according to Krista Postai, CEO, once she has secured her Kansas license.
“She is a very skilled and personable young woman who we interviewed three years ago, just out of residency, and now has decided this would be a much better option than practicing in Missouri where she is now,” Postai said.
New Building Site Is Secured
CHC secured the parking lot by blocking off entrances at their new building as 2322 S. Main.
“We secured the parking lot of the Price Chopper building to reduce the wear and tear on the parking lot and reduce our liability,” Postai said. “Work on the interior will begin in earnest in early 2022 for completion by December 2022, so we can get moved before our lease expires.”
The Price Chopper building, 2322 S. Main.
New Equipment
“A new CT Scanner and X-ray equipment has been ordered for our new building and will be delivered once the space is ready,” she said. “We are now installing a CT Scanner at our Pittsburg clinic which will be ready to use in January.”
COVID-19 Self Test Kits Available To Employers, Organizations
“We have received thousands of Quidel brand home self-testing kits from the Health and Resource Administration Services Administration(HRSA) for COVID, that we will be distributing, free, through our clinics,” she said.
The mission of HRSA is to improve health outcomes and achieve health equity through access to quality services, a skilled health workforce, and innovative, high-value programs, according to https://www.hrsa.gov/about/strategic-plan/index.html
CHC sent 200 kits to Fort Scott Community College last week and will send a supply to local employers or organizations with a need to test to protect others, she said.
“Organizations needing kits, there are two tests to each kit, can request them by emailing [email protected] she said. “There are no tracking or reporting requirements although anyone testing positive is urged to get a confirmatory test through our clinics. The tests in the kits take about 15 minutes for results.”
Sliding fee discounts and financial assistance is available to eligible patients, as stated on the front door of the CHC/SEK Clinic in Fort Scott.
COVID Vaccine
“COVID is still very much with us, we have patients in the hospital in Pittsburg and had a COVID-related death (last) weekend,” Robert Poole, CHC Communications and Marketing Director said. “I know we are all COVID-19 information-fatigued, however as we go into the holidays and begin travels and visit family it’s important to be cautious and be safely vaccinated.”
“CHC/SEK just hit 58,000 vaccines delivered so far last Monday morning,” he said. “Our vaccine teams have been working tirelessly to protect our communities.”
“We have plenty of vaccines available today,” he said. “You can receive a shot in our walk-in clinics and we encourage our patients to schedule their COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters through our website. (chcsek.org) Scheduling your shots through the website helps us to allocate vaccines to the clinics that need them and group vaccinations together to minimize vaccine waste.”
CHC has Pfizer vaccines for children ages 5 through 17 years old.
“Children need protection from COVID-19 for their health and the health of their friends, siblings, parents, and grandparents,” he said. “The contagious Delta variant, emerging Omicron variant, and more in-person indoor activities means that COVID is still spreading and there is a risk for getting sick.”
For boosters, anyone 18 years or older can choose either a Pfizer or Moderna booster six months after their last dose. The wait is two months for anyone who received the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine to receive a booster.
For more information: 620.223.8040.
The front door of the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas at Fort Scott.
Students working on decorations for the Christmas In Gunn Park event. Submitted by FSHS Building Trades Teacher Michael Casner.
A local group of people who love the community gathered in Gunn Park in April 2021 and together envisioned a Christmas event that they hope will grow each year.
The event has new leadership this year with many family activities.
Gunn Park is the largest public park in Fort Scott and is located on the west side of the city, off of Park Avenue.
This year Christmas in Gunn Park is Saturday, Dec. 11, and Saturday, Dec. 18 from 5-8 p.m.
A living nativity, Santa Claus, a toy drive for local children, a chili feed, hot cocoa and coffee, kids crafts, a hayrack ride, trolley rides, music from local Fort Scott High School students, and some local vendors for shopping will provide a little something for everyone.
The event is free, Guns said.
“Goodwill donations are always welcome and will go towards expanding Christmas in Gunn Park next year,” she said. “We will be collecting new unwrapped toys for our “Fill the Truck Toy Drive” with donations going to Bourbon County Angels, Angel Gifts to fulfill Christmas wishes for kids in Bourbon County.”
“Everyone on the planning committee has a variety of reasons why they chose to join,” Melissa Guns, one of the organizers, said. “We want good things for Fort Scottians. We want to spread Christmas cheer and enrich the place we call home… Most of all, we want a place for both those who love Christmas …while offering a place for those who may struggle around the holiday season, a place to find a little peace and joy.”
Parking
Gunn Park will be closed for regular traffic during the event. Vehicles with handicap parking tags or window hangers will be allowed to drive into the park near the event.
Public parking is available on Burke Street in the Fort Scott Community College Nursing Building parking lot, north of the tall Fort Scott water tower, and also in the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas parking lot at Ninth and Horton Street.
Busses to and from the event will bring guests in and out of the park from the parking lots.
Those who have helped:
The planning committee consists of Craig Campbell, Doug Guns, Melissa Guns, Bailey Lyons, Shannon Johnson, Josh Jones, Tom Robertson, and Devin Tally.
Shelter houses are being decorated by Niece of Kansas, Inc. (Shelter 1), Kiwanis (Shelter 2), Shannon Johnson/Clark Street Lights (Shelter 3), Shaunn Pytlowany (Shelter 5), and Bourbon County Cars (Shelter 4).
Allison Leach, Danyell Miles, and Susan Carrillo are decorating a grand entrance to the park.
Fort Scott Community College Welding Program and Fort Scott High School Carpentry, Welding, and Art Programs have each created festive displays.
“Mike Miles’ display is sure to please, and Robert Coon, with A1 Towing, is also providing us with a display anyone who grew up in the ’80s is sure to get a kick out of,” Guns said.
Buck Run Community Center is providing activities for kids.
USD 234 and FSCC volunteers are helping with shuttling people to and from the park, and the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce is providing the town trolley for moving people through the park on event nights.
Matt Harvey with Fort Scott Auto is running a hayride with his trailer.
Additionally, USD 234 is allowing the Fort Scott Police and Fire Departments to use their kitchen to cook up over 200 pounds of high-quality ground beef purchased by the committee at a special rate made possible by The Butcher Block.
Ward Kraft Inc. has donated the rest of the chili ingredients for a meal that is sure to give us all some extra warmth, she said.
Dollar General has donated bowls and spoons.
Ward Kraft Inc. is also helping folks to stay warm with coffee and Kathy Reed has donated hot chocolate.
Angel Gifts will be the recipient of the “Fill the Truck Toy Drive” and they have volunteered to help along with FSCC Cheer Team.
Skitch Allen is donating additional port-a-potties for the events.
“Finally, the guys from Fort Scott’s Parks Department are in full swing to help us get the grounds ready and the electrical properly connected,” she said. “Jeff Allen also helped consult on the electrical.”
“These groups, along with the City of Fort Scott and a grant from the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation have helped to make this year’s Christmas in Gunn Park possible,” she said.
Melissa Guns, center, representing the Christmas in the Park organization, received the grant from the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation on November 12, 2021. At left is FSACF presenter Gregg Motley, and Carla Farmer, right.
The vendors for Dec. 11 are Blessed B Creations and Hope Designs by Neen. On Dec. 18, Sparkle R Jewelry, Paparazzi Jewelry will be a vendor.
5 – 8:30 p.m: Angel Gifts Toy Drive, chili feed, hot cocoa and coffee, a vendor shop, kids crafts, hayrack ride, trolley rides, a live Nativity scene by Bethel Community Church, vendors selling items.
The chili feed will be provided until all the chili is gone.
All other events run throughout the evening.
5:30-6 p.m. Music by the Fort Scott High School Orchestra
6- 6:15 pm Santa and a special guest arrive, tree lighting, and sponsor acknowledgments.
6:30 – 8:30 pm Pictures with Santa
6:15-6:45 pm Music by FSHS Jazz Band
7- 7:30 pm Music by FSHS Choir Ensemble
7:45 – 8:15 pm Combined music performance by FSHS Jazz Band and Choir
8:30- 8:45pm Event activities wrap-up
8:45 – 9 pm Final hayrack and trolley rides to busses
9 pm All bus runs to parking completed and park gates lock for the night.
Schedule for Dec. 18
5 – 8:30 pm Angel Gifts Toy Drive, hot cocoa and coffee, vendor shop, kids crafts, hayrack and trolley rides, and live Nativity scene by Bethel Community Church, vendors selling items.
5 pm – Until? Food Vendors – Butcher Block & Tres Polito Food Truck
5:30 – 8:30 pm Christmas music performance by Bourbon County Revival
6- 6:15 pm Santa and special guest arrive, tree lighting, sponsor acknowledgments.
6:30- 8:30 pm Pictures with Santa
8:30- 8:45 pm Event activities close
8:45 – 9 pm Final hayrack and trolley rides to busses
9 pm All bus runs to parking completed and park gates lock for the night.
Matt Glades, a Fort Scott Community College Alumni, encourages attendance for interested parties at the next board of trustees meeting, which is at 5 p.m. next Monday, December 13 at Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall.
He will be there to ask the trustees some questions about the discontinuance of the college’s football program last month.
“I have talked to at least one Greyhound football player from every decade going back to the 1960s and numerous community members,” Glades said. “There’s a lot of people sad and disappointed that the program is shut down and how it was done.”
“FSCC football has been around for almost 100 years and has impacted thousands of lives from the players to the community,” he said. “A lot of us were confused and frustrated that we didn’t even have an opportunity to speak on behalf of the program or donate to save it.”
“The alumni are asking for more transparency on concerns from the FSCC administration and the board of trustees, Glades said.
“Here are a few but not all of those concerns, he said:
How does the college plan to account for losing that many student-athletes who were living in the dorms, credit hours, etc?
Do they understand that this also affects local businesses and severs connections for a lot of people ranging from parts of the community to the alumni including four current NFL football players?
Why were the FSCC football alumni and community never made aware of the financial struggles of the program and were not allowed the opportunity to save it?
Why did the board feel compelled to add shutting down the program to the tail end of the board meeting instead of putting it on the original agenda?”
Kelley Zellner, currently the Fredonia City Manager, signed a contract on Dec. 3, 2021, to become the Fort Scott City Manager starting Jan. 4, 2022. He replaces interim City Manager Mark McCoy.
The contract is for $95,000
Zellner’s main duties are working with the Fort Scott City Commission and city staff, according to Brad Matkin, the human resource director for the city.
Brad Matkin. Submitted photo.
Zellner received a mini-masters of public administration, a Certified Public Administrator, from Wichita State University in Feb. 2020.
In the fall of 2021, he became a certified city clerk through the League of Municipalities.
Previously he earned a master’s of art in counseling from Friends University, Wichita, in 2001. In 1998 he received a bachelor of science degree in human resource management from Friends University.
Zellner has been the Fredonia City Administrator since 2018, the Valley Center Public Works Director from 2017-2018, and was the Conway Falls Chief of Police from 2013 to 2017.
His hometown is Howard, Kansas.
Fort Scott City Hall.
The following is the revised job description for the Fort Scott City Manager provided by Matkin:
“City of Fort Scott City Manager Job Description
SUMMARY
The City Manager oversees all administrative tasks necessary for city operations while implementing and overseeing policies set by a city’s mayor and commission. Hired by the City Commission, he/she supervises city departments, maintains the city budget, and represents the municipality in a variety of settings.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
Serves as Chief Administrator and Executive Officer of the City by directing the operations of all City departments through various department heads to achieve overall success in meeting the objectives and policies of the City Commission.
Appoints department heads and staff as necessary for the efficient and effective operation of the City.
Oversees the annual budget and submits estimates to authorized elected officials for approval.
Implements the policies and ordinances of the City Commission.
Research issues of importance to the city and advises the mayor and the commission on the best course of action.
External relations – responsible for hearing the concerns and requests of the community and bringing them to the commission. Must anticipate municipality needs and create programs to address them.
Represents the City at conferences and coordinates City activities with civic, business, and public organizations and keeps such organizations informed of City business and activities.
Develops, implements, and maintains long-range plans, goals, objectives, and policies for the City subject to approval by the City Commission.
Performs additional duties and tasks as needed or directed by the City Commission.
Advises the City Commission of financial conditions and current and future City needs
Continual contact with the governing body, the general public, and city employees is expected
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Manages directors who supervise the employees of the City. Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of these units. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Overall responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
QUALIFICATIONS
Must live within Bourbon County limits or be able to relocate within 6 months. Must be skilled in the following areas: Diplomacy, Ability to Delegate, Project Management, and People Skills.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s Degree (B.A.) in Public Administration, Political Science, Business Administration or Management; or four to ten years related management experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Master’s degree in public administration or Business Administration preferred.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business and government reports, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
REASONING ABILITY
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Must have a valid driver’s license that meets City driving history requirements.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment is an office environment with the exception of visiting employees in the field or citizens out in the community.
The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.”
