Tag Archives: featured

Fort Scott, Schools

USD 234 New Teachers: Howell, Motley, Weddle

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This is part of a series of new teachers in USD 234 School District, Fort Scott. There are 22 new teachers and two new administrators in the district.

School starts for students on August 16.

There are five campuses in the district:

  • Fort Scott Preschool Center (serving pre-kindergarten students ages 3+)
  • Winfield Scott Elementary School (serving kindergarten through through second-grade students)
  • Eugene Ware Elementary School (serving third through fifth-grade students)
  • Fort Scott Middle School (serving sixth through eighth-grade students)
  • Fort Scott High School (serving ninth through twelfth-grade students)

The district has nearly two thousand students enrolled within the district and over 350+ staff members, according to its website.

Carolien Howell. Submitted photo.

Carolien Howell, 49, is a new second-grade teacher at Winfield Scott Elementary School.

She has a varied teaching experience.

  • First-grade teacher for 3 years at Grace Christian Academy in Saipan, Mariana Islands
  • PE/Art teacher for grades 1-5 for one year at Grace Christian Academy in Saipan, Mariana Islands
  • Third-grade teacher for 4 years at Grace Classical Academy, Springfield, MO
  • Fourth-grade teacher for 1 year at Polk County Christian School, Bolivar, MO
  • Substitute teacher in Wyoming elementary schools for 2 years.
  • Substitute teacher at Meadowlark and George Nettels Elementary Schools for 3 years.

She is involved in her church, Family Life Assembly of God in Pittsburg as a pre-kindergarten teacher,  works with youth Sunday School, life group leader and host, and on the refreshments team.

Her husband, Bill Howell,  works as the director of Family and Children’s Services at Crawford County Mental Health and they have been married for 27 years.

They have two sons. Liam, 14 years old, attending Pittsburg High School as a freshman, and Karsten,12, a 7th grader at Pittsburg Community Middle School.

“The rest of my family lives in the Netherlands, which is where I am from,” she said.

“I think that the best part of being an educator is seeing the growth in the students,” she said.

There are many challenges to being an educator, she said.

“One of the biggest challenges is managing and helping all the students when there are so many needs within the classroom.”

Aubri Motley. Submitted photo.

Aubri Motley, 28, will be a new special education teacher at Winfield Scott Elementary School.

” I graduated from Ottawa University with a bachelor of arts in elementary education and three years of experience as a para-educator in a school setting.”

She and her husband Levi have three children together and live on a small ranch with three dogs and a cat.

“From my experience as a para I think the best thing about being an educator is when you see the “aha moment” from a student because whatever they are learning is starting to click,” she said. “I am sure I will come across many challenges as a first-year educator but I am ready to tackle all of the challenges head-on.”

 

Codee Weddle and family. Submitted photo.
Codee Weddle, 25, is a new fourth-grade teacher at Eugene Ware Elementary School.
At Fort Scott Community College she earned an Associate in Science, from  Ottawa University and a Bachelor’s in Arts in Education.
She was a paraprofessional for five years at Winfield Scott Elementary School.
She is a member of Fort Scott Nazarene Church, and she and her husband, Dalton, have two sons Porter (3)  and Kallum (9 months).
“I love interacting with the kids and watching them feel excited about learning!” she said.
“A challenge I have had in the past is not being able to help more outside of school. Knowing what they go through and then expecting them to come to school as if everything is okay is heartbreaking.”

 

Fort Scott Community College, Jobs

New FSCC Athletic Director: Liza Erwin

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Liza Erwin. Photo by Kenny Felt.

Liza Erwin, 29, is the new Fort Scott Community College Athletic Director,  with an office in the Arnold Arena building.

She began duties on May 23.

Erwin earned a Master of Education Sports Management from the University of Arkansas,  and a  Bachelor of Science Recreation Administration and Leadership Studies from Pittsburg State University.

She is entering year 12 in intercollegiate athletics, with varied experiences.

“I most recently won a National Championship and Big Ten Championship at Northwestern University. Before Northwestern I worked at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in Championship Operations, Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) a Division II Conference Office in Kansas City, The University of Arkansas in the Office of Student-Athlete Success, and at Pittsburg State University.”

Her professional accomplishments:

– Winning the 2023 DI Women’s Lacrosse National Championship with Northwestern University Lacrosse.

– Winning the 2023 Big Ten Women’s Lacrosse Tournament

– Winning the 2023 Big Ten Women’s Lacrosse Regular Season

– 2023 IWLCA Coaching Staff of the Year

– 2022 DI Women’s Lacrosse National Semifinalist

– Executed First NCAA Championship to Return post Covid-19 Pandemic Shutdown

– Executed first Neutral Site MIAA Volleyball Tournament

-Secured First Corporate Sponsorship for MIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament

– Chair of the Student-Athlete Experience Committee at the University of Arkansas

The duties of the current FSCC Athletic Director position are to lead the department she said.

About the college:

FSCC offers more than 35 fields of study, ensuring every student finds their passion. Earn credits to transfer to a four-year institution or pursue an associate degree or certificate, according to the college website.

FSCC Main Campus

2108 South Horton
Fort Scott, KS
620-223-2700

FSCC John Deere Technology

2301 S. Horton St.
Fort Scott, KS
620-223-2700

FSCC Miami County Location

501 S. Hospital Dr.
Paola, KS
913-294-4178

Miami County Campus

FSCC Pittsburg Cosmetology

813 N. Broadway St.
Pittsburg, KS
620-231-3690

Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Technician Training Center

274 N. Industrial Dr.
Frontenac, KS
620-231-3819

FSCC Nursing Department

810 S. Burke St.
Fort Scott, KS
620-768-2908

Career and Technical Education Center of Crawford County (CTEC)

1301 E. 27th Terr.
Pittsburg, KS
620-232-5644

Crawford County Campus

Southeastern Technical Academy for Rural Students (STARS)

1701 Laurel St.
Pleasanton, KS 66075
913-352-8534

STARS Campus

Student Orientation is August 18, with classes starting on August 19.

To view current professional job openings: https://fortscott.edu/jobs/

Members of the FSCC Executive Team include:

Sara Sutton, Interim President

Missy Scott, Vice President of Finance and Operations

Sonia Gugnani, Vice President of Academic Affairs

Juley McDaniel, Director of Human Resources

Vanessa Poyner,  Dean of Students

Liza Erwin, Athletic Director

 

Art, Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Community College

First Production of Community Theatre Group: An Immersive Murder Mystery

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A group of like-minded Fort Scottians have banded together to do theatre in Bourbon County.
It all started with a social media suggestion.
“Bourbon Co Community Theatre came about based on a suggestion on Facebook for a community theatre in Fort Scott,'” said Angie Bin, who is the public relations person for the group. “Melissa Guns took that suggestion and ran with it, creating a list of interested individuals who met for the first time last summer.”
The group set about organizing.
They created a list of bylaws and a board and established its non-profit status. The current officers are President: Matthew Wells, Secretary: Sandy Abati, Treasurer: Danette Popp, Public Relations: Angie Bin, Production Coordinator: Katie Wells, and At-Large Board Members: Barbara Woodward, Eric Popp, and Regen Wells.

The first production is called  Holy Mother of Bingo! by Patrick Walsh and will be at 7 p.m. on Aug. 2 and 3 in the lobby of the Ellis Fine Arts Center at Fort Scott Community College. 2108 S. Horton.

Ellis Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton.

“The immersive murder mystery allows audience members to play five full rounds of Bingo with prizes donated by local businesses,” according to a press release from Bin.

“Pioneer Drama describes the show this way, “’An innocent bingo fundraiser at the Our Mother of Mercy church goes awry when parishioners mysteriously drop dead!” according to the press release.  “‘The evidence suggests well-calculated murders, but who is to blame?  Tensions rise as everyone begins identifying suspects.  Past feuds rear their heads as the members of the parish try to state their innocence one by one.  Who could be behind the elaborate spree?  The disgruntled choir director?  The magician turned youth minister?  The ex-convict that has recently turned to the power of prayer?  It couldn’t be one of the Cookie Cadets selling their beloved cookies!  Everyone’s a suspect…  even the audience in the zany comedy that takes interactive theatre to a whole new level!'”

Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for children and Senior Citizens. A purchase of an entire table of 7 or 8 gives audience members a discount of $2 on each adult ticket. Tickets are at bcct.ludus.com, at the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, or at the door, but seating is limited and advance purchase is suggested.

More information can be found on the Bourbon County Community Theatre Facebook page. BBCO Community Theatre, LLC is a non-profit community organization formed last year whose mission is to bring education, community, and culture to southeast Kansas through theatre.

The production is directed by Angie Bin along with Assistant Director Mark Bergmann. Bin is the drama teacher at Fort Scott High School.

“We wanted our first actual production to be a fun family-friendly show that would generate a lot of interest in the community, but also be a show that our very limited budget could afford,” Bin said.
They formed a committee to select their first production.
“We had a script-reading committee that read many murder mystery-themed plays and decided on Holy Mother of Bingo! as the best choice. It is a brand new play that just recently won the 2024 Shubert Fendrich Memorial Playwriting Contest. We have cast members ranging from elementary school to senior citizens.”
Bin praises the cast.
“Even though we have several adults who are in their very first production ever, this has been a stellar cast to work with,” she said. “Everyone has been so energetic and willing to help out the production of the show in so many ways.”
A live Bingo game will weave through the play.
“Cast members have been very proactive about meeting with local businesses to request donations for prizes for the live Bingo games that take place during the show and we have so many tremendous prizes from a very large number of local businesses,” Bin said.

Notable roles include the character of Father Ron Culpepper played by Ben Self, Sister Helen played by Katie Wells, Marabelle Manson portrayed by Regen Wells, and Detective Quinn played by Bradley Whitehead, she said.

One of the prizes for bingo during the murder mystery: cookies by Bree Spurgeon, owner of B-Licious Cookies LLC. from the theatre groups Facebook page.
The gift basket with a pink gnome is from Flowers by Leanna, another Bingo prize. Submitted photo.
A gift basket from After Effect Salo as a Bingo prize. Submitted photo.

 

Business, Fort Scott

20 N. Main is Renovated and Ready For Tenants

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A business space in Historic Downtown Fort Scott is available to rent.

In 2021, Sandra Davis and her husband Donald purchased the former J&W Sport Shop at 20 North Main and were there briefly before moving their businesses to the former Bartlesmeyer Jewelry Store at 1519 S. National in 2022.

20 N. Main is available for new tenants.

 

“Once we moved into 20 N. Main we realized that we were going to have to renovate quicker than anticipated,” she said. They moved their businesses to another location while renovating.

“We originally were renting 1519 S. National when we first moved in it, but we liked the building so much we purchased it and decided to make it our business location.”

1519 S. National.

The 20 N. Main location, in historic downtown Fort Scott, is now ready for new tenants, following renovations.

“The bottom floor is completely renovated and is ready for tenants,” she said. ” We intend to start on the upper floor soon by turning it into an apartment.  It will be an Airbnb or possibly a long-term rental.”

About the businesses

Sandra and Donald Davis.

The Davis’s have their two businesses under one roof.

“I’m Davis Accounting Inc. and his business is Donald D. Davis CPA PA.,”  she said. “We jointly own Professional Property Investors LLC which legally owns the buildings.”

Davis Accounting provides full-service bookkeeping and tax return preparation. She started in Arkansas in 2000 and moved to Fort Scott in 2004. Donald’s business formed in 1995.

“Between our two companies, we offer all aspects of bookkeeping; A/P, payroll, payroll taxation and reporting, Bank reconciliations and preparation of financial statements and tax returns,” she said.

Davis can be reached at 620.223.9777 or

[email protected]

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Food, Youth

HBCAT Receives Grant To Help With Food Insecurity

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The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team is located at 104 N. National Avenue, Fort Scott.

Last month, the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT) received a $55,000 grant per year over three years to help with food insecurity in Bourbon County.

Rachel Carpenter. Submitted photo.
“We will first need to develop a strategic plan by identifying the gaps within our local food system,” Rachel Carpenter, Executive Director of the HBCAT said. “We will be organizing a Food Summit within the next year where citizens can voice their needs. We also will leverage our partnerships and community members in our coalition, Local Health Equity Action Team, to implement any community changes. This grant also opens up opportunities to network with leaders addressing food insecurity across the State.”
She can be reached at 620-215-2562.
HBCAT is one of eight Kansas community coalitions to be funded to help launch a food secure initiative.
Consistent access to healthy food is important for children to thrive and part of the mission is to address food insecurity.

On June 4, the Kansas Food Action Network, a program of KC Healthy Kids,  announced the launch of the Food Secure Communities Initiative, which aims to end hunger in Kansas by addressing the policy, systems, and environmental barriers to food security, also known as “root causes., according to a press release.

The Food Secure Communities Initiative will put results in the hands of community members who are uniquely positioned to understand and address the root causes of food insecurity in their community, according to the release.

Kansas Food Action Network unveiled eight Kansas health and wellness coalitions selected as inaugural members of the Food Secure Communities Initiative. Each member will receive funding of $55,000 per year over three years, plus peer networking and strategic assistance.

Food Secure Communities Initiative Members

  • Bourbon County (Healthy Bourbon County Action Team)
  • Thomas County Thomas County Coalition)
  • Cowley County (RISE Cowley)
  • Harvey County (Healthy Harvey Coalition)
  • Lyon County (Healthier Lyon County)
  • Sedgwick County (Health and Wellness Coalition of Wichita)
  • Seward County (Liberal Area Coalition for Families)
  • Shawnee County (LiveWell Shawnee County)

The initiative will share best practices, resources, and strategies to advance food security at the local level.

The grant is from the Kansas Health Foundation and United Methodist Health Ministries Fund.

About Healthy Bourbon County Action Team

The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s mission is to increase access to healthy food and physical activity, promote commercial tobacco cessation, enhance quality of life and encourage economic growth. The problems of health inequity and social injustice are complex in nature and inextricably linked to key economic indicators. A healthy workforce is a prerequisite for economic success in any industry and in all cities, according to its website.

About KC Healthy Kids
Founded in 2005, KC Healthy Kids is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit dedicated to addressing the physical and mental health challenges impacting children in the Greater Kansas City area, including western Missouri and all of Kansas. Through food policy and local food initiatives, mental health support, and active community initiatives or advocacy, KC Healthy Kids and their partners promote health for thousands of local kids and their families. Find out
more at www.kchealthykids.org.

About Kansas Food Action Network
Kansas Food Action Network, a program of KC Healthy Kids, is committed to creating a Kansas where all residents have dependable access to food for an active, healthy and productive life. The network supports communities as they identify and address local food system priorities by offering support, resources and partnerships. As a result of their efforts, an estimated 73% of Kansans are represented by a local food council, the highest per capita rate in the United States.

Fort Scott, Schools

New Teachers in USD 234: Wilcoxen, Hastings

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This is part of a series of new teachers in USD 234 School District, Fort Scott. There are 22 new teachers and two new administrators in the district.

School starts for students on August 16.

There are five campuses in the district:

  • Fort Scott Preschool Center (serving pre-kindergarten students ages 3+)
  • Winfield Scott Elementary School (serving kindergarten through through second-graderade students)
  • Eugene Ware Elementary School (serving third through fifth-grade students)
  • Fort Scott Middle School (serving sixth through eighth-grade students)
  • Fort Scott High School (serving ninth through twelfth-grade students)

 

The district has nearly two thousand students enrolled within the district and over 350+ staff members, according to its website.

Travis Wilcoxen. Submitted photo.
Travis Wilcoxen, 31, is a new  7th Grade Special Education Teacher,  at Fort Scott Middle School.
He has a bachelor’s degree from Ozark Christian College and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Special Education.
This is his first year teaching.
“My family and I are active members of Community Christian Church, where I currently serve on the Mission’s Committee. I also serve on the board for the Bourbon County Coalition.”
His wife, Jenni, and he have been married for nine years and have two children. Jude, 6,  and Nora, almost 4 years old. They also have a Golden Retriever dog, Charles (Charlie) Barkley.
What is the best thing about being an educator?
“I don’t know yet. I can tell you that I am most excited to work with the students, their parents, and the other 7th-grade teachers. My goal is that my students come to school excited and ready to work hard.”
What is a challenge?
“I have no teaching experience to pull from. I know that this year will be full of learning for me as well. Balancing teaching, studying for my master’s, and still being a present husband and father will not be easy. Even so, bring it on!”
Nicky Hastings is the new Fort Scott High School Special Education Teacher.
She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Pittsburg State University and also a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Pittsburg State University.
She has 23 years experience in education.
“I have been married to Don for 34 years and have two daughters and a son and have eight grandchildren.
“The best thing about being an educator is watching the success of my students in life,” she said.
“My challenge is always trying to find the most useful way to connect to my students so I can help them in the best way so they will succeed.”
Bourbon County, Fair

Bourbon County Fair In Full Swing

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Youth engage in a game of cornhole on Tuesday afternoon at the Bourbon County Fair.

Judging continued at the Bourbon County Fair on Tuesday and in the evening,  sheep and goats were shown in the livestock arena.

Tabor Foster holds “C.J.” and Davina Foster holds “N.J.” two new kids that were born on their farm on July 4th.

The Vendor Mart at the Merchant Building is open from Tuesday through Thursday evening, from 5-8 p.m.

Julian and Dustin Carpenter man the family’s business booth in the Merchants Building at the fair. Emma Carpenter creates goat milk products from the Carpenter farm.

Wednesday starting at 8:30 a.m. judging of dairy cattle bucket calves, dairy cattle, dairy goats, beef cattle, and bucket calves will happen.

Owen Brown leads his sheep “Flair” to the wash area, in preparation for showing in the arena on Tuesday evening.

Thursday, a Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Coffee will take place in the Hubenett Pavilion at 8 a.m. followed by swine judging, Round Robin Showmanship, a public 4-H Fashion Revue at Fort Scott Community College and the Uniontown FFA Cornhole Tournament.

With this dress, Makiah Woods is a grand champion in the textile division. The fashion revue will be at 5:30 p.m. at the Fort Scott Community College Campus in the Round Room in Bailey Hall.

On Friday,  a livestock judging contest, and 4-H Club Barnyard Olympics are highlights.

Reegan McDaniel clips his cow, “Ralph” in preparation for the cattle show on Wednesday at 6 p.m.

Saturday is check-out and clean-up day at the fair.

Laura George and Terri Williams look over quilts in the Myers Building on Tuesday afternoon.
Dalayni Foulk is a grand champion in the welding division with this creation.

 

Bourbon County

Muddy Water Farm Receives Federal Grant to Insulate Their Shop: More REAP Funds Are Available

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The new insulation in the Muddy Water Farm shop. Submitted.

Last month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)  announced that it partnered with rural Kansans on clean energy projects to lower energy bills, expand access to clean energy, and create jobs in rural Kansas communities, according to a press release.

These investments are made through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), according to the press release. The REAP program helps agricultural producers and rural small business owners expand their use of wind, solar, geothermal, and small hydropower energy and make energy efficiency improvements. These innovations help them increase their income, grow their businesses, address climate change, and lower energy costs.

Last month’s REAP announcement includes projects in 38 other states and Puerto Rico.

In Bourbon County,  Muddy Water Farm’s Kevin Stark, Dave Carney, Brady Schindel and Mike Vandelogt were announced as the awardees of a $19,088 grant that has helped their farm/ranch business make energy-efficient improvements to its operations. The project is estimated to save 44,659 kilowatt hours per year, enough energy to power four homes, according to the press release.

The farm staff heard about the grant opportunity last summer, Stark said.

“We needed to make some improvements to our shop anyway,” he said. ” Improving the energy efficiency of the shop just made sense.  We were going to do it a step at a time over a few years but the grant helped us complete it all at once.”

They had help with the tedious grant process from Clint Morris with Cleaner Greener Energy, Parsons KS.

The grant money was used to add insulation to the shop and replace the shop doors with an insulated door, he said.

Since the installation, the farm’s utility bills have been lower.

“The working conditions in the shop are much better,” Stark said.  “Cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. ”

Muddy Water Farms LLC produces corn, soybeans, and wheat.

Daniel Zywietz, SEK Solar, Chanute, also helps with the grant process for this program.

The next round of grant application deadline is September 30.

Bourbon County, Schools

New Teachers at U235 School District: Shrewsbury, Harris

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There are two school districts in Bourbon County, USD 234, Fort Scott, and USD 235, Uniontown.

This is part of a series featuring new teachers in the districts.

Uniontown schools have enrollment for the 2024-25 year on July 25-26 and the first day of school is August 15.

Uniontown has four new teachers and one new principal.

The school has a new telephone number: 620.224.2350.

Caitlin Shrewsbury and family. Submitted photo.
Caitlin Shrewsbury, 31,  is a new third-grade teacher at West Bourbon Elementary School, Uniontown.
“I received my Bachelor’s of Science in Education at Pittsburg State University, as well as my Master’s of Science in elementary teaching,” she said. “I did my student teaching at WBE and I am now back in the very same classroom! I taught 3rd grade at Eugene Ware for 8 wonderful years.”
“I enjoy coaching my daughter’s t-ball team as well as teaching summer school for several years. My husband and I love to attend local fundraisers and charity events.”
Her husband, Weston, runs his own small cattle business and they have two daughters; Zaley (5) and Sway (2).
“The best thing about being an educator is the relationships you build with your students and colleagues. These relationships last a lifetime!”
“The biggest challenge I have seen lately is what they call teacher burnout. It is no easy job!”
Susan Harris. Submitted photo.

Susan Harris, Hepler,  will be the 7th and 8th-grade math and high school speech, debate/forensics teacher at Uniontown Junior High School for the 2024-25 school year.

Susan has a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Education, Speech, Drama, Forensics/Debate; a Master’s in K-12 Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL); and a Master’s in K-12 Special Education. She has endorsements in 5th-9th Math, English, Social Science, and Science. She just completed her 25th year of teaching.

Prior to her twenty-five years in education, she was a hair stylist for sixteen years, owning her own salon in Hepler until she and her husband, Brian, received a grant to attend college.

It was grant designated for farmers who were suffering through the farm crisis of the 80s and 90s.

It was challenging for her and her husband to manage a farming operation while raising their three children, attending college, and working, she said.

Harris’s response to any student who says they don’t think they can attend college is that they  “might surprise themselves at the challenges they can overcome.”

She says the best thing about being an educator is building up your students’ faith in their own abilities until they can overcome their own challenges.

Harris currently serves on the Hepler Library Executive Board; she was the teacher representative for the USD 101 Site Council; and she served as the local Vice-Chair and Chair of the ANW-Kansas-National Education Association (KNEA) where she attended many leadership trainings and Representative Assemblies in Topeka, Wichita, and Washington DC.

She has three children, eight grandchildren, “and one grandbaby angel.” She enjoys attending her grandchildren’s plays, and ball games, and ” just hanging out with them while they are young.”

Harris states that though she will miss her former students and co-workers, she is proud to say she is a Uniountown Eagle and looks forward to building relationships with her new students and co-workers.

Advertisements

AD: Rick James for KS State Representative District 4

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Rick James is a Republican candidate for the 4th district House of Representative, a position currently held by Trevor Jacobs. Trevor announced that he is not seeking another term.

Rick is passionate about protecting the conservative values of fellow Kansans. He understands that freedom is not merely a privilege but a birthright. He was raised in La Cygne, Kansas where he attended La Cygne elementary school and graduated from Prairie View High School in 1981. He entered the Marine Corps a few short days later serving a 30-year career. This career included serving in Desert Storm, Haiti, Iraqi Freedom, serving on embassy duty and as a Marine Drill instructor. He achieved the rank of Sergeant Major and was awarded the Bronze Star and Legion of Merit. He also obtained a bachelor’s and a master’s Degree from the American Military University.

There was never a doubt, that he would return to Eastern Kansas. He moved his family to a small farm near highway 69 in 2008 and completed his Marine Corps career at Richard Gebauer Base in Belton. He retired a decorated Marine in 2011.

Since retiring from the Marine Corps he opened two local businesses, Semper Fi Auction Services and Bravo Realty. The Marine Corps instilled a dedication to serving his community. In 2014 he ran for the district 1 Linn County Commissioner. He served 2 full terms from 2014-2022. He did not seek reelection for a third term because, he believes there should be term limits in government at all levels.

He has a personal interest in Kansas, he was a military leader and a small Business owner.  He has conservative views!! He believes in the right to bear arms, he is pro-life, he believes in a smaller government and reduced taxes.

Politicians represent the people they serve, and he takes that very seriously! He would appreciate your vote on August 6. Click here to follow him on Facebook.  Semper Fi and God Bless!

Paid for by Rick James for KS State Representative.

Bourbon County, Elections

Candidates For U.S. House of Representatives: Young, Tiffany, Schmidt

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This is a part of a series about the candidates on the Bourbon County August Primary Election ballot.

 

There are seven vying for the U.S. House of Representatives District 2 position.

Chad Young. Submitted photo.

Chad Young, 52, Lawrence is a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives District 2.
” I’m a business owner and started a non-profit organization working with Vets, troubled young men and women: teaching vocational skills, money management, the GED program, etc.”

1) What do you see as the primary role of a U.S. House Representative?

To serve the people of the United States. To put our country and the interior the people first. To stand strong for the Constitution and never back down against the tyrannical government.

2) For you, what is the most pressing issue in the U.S.  House of Representatives?

“Tyrannical government/big government controlling the people. Lowering taxes and shutting the border.”

Shawn Tiffany. Submitted photo.

Shawn Tiffany, 46, Council Grove, is a candidate for U.S. House of Representatives District 2.

He received a bachelor of science in aminal science, reproductive physiology from Kansas State University.

He is the owner and operator of Tiffany Cattle Company.

In his community, he has been President of the Kansas Livestock Association.

1) What do you see as the primary role of a U.S. House Representative?

“The primary role of the next representative for KS-02 will be to fight for the values and freedoms that are under attack by the D.C. swamp. I’m a cattleman, a family man, a business owner, and
a conservative outsider. I won’t get in line or take orders in Washington – I will fight for policies that are good for Kansans. Our next representative must be ready to stand against the Radical
Left and the RINOs who enable them.”

2) For you, what is the most pressing issue in the U.S. House of Representatives?

“After visiting the southern border last month, I believe the national security threat posed by our open southern border is the single biggest issue facing our nation right now. I have released a
plan on my campaign website to secure the border, which includes policies I will support in Congress like finishing the border wall, stopping amnesty, and ending benefits for illegal immigrants.
I’m willing to work with anyone to secure the border, but Democrats’ refusal to reverse the Biden administration’s open border policies shows they are not serious about securing our border. I will
fight to end Joe Biden’s abuse of our asylum process and work with President Trump to secure our border and get our nation back on track.”

Derek Schmidt. Submitted photo.

 

Derek Schmidt, 56,  lives in Independence.

His education:
● University of Kansas School of Law, Doctor of Juridical Science, 2015
● Georgetown University Law Center, Juris Doctor, 1996
● University of Leicester, Master of Arts in International Politics, 1993
● University of Kansas, Bachelor of Science in Journalism, 1990
● Independence Community College, 1986-1987
● Independence High School, graduated 1986

His experience:
Currently a partner at Husch Blackwell LLP, one of the top 100 law firms in the country. Prior to that, served 12 years as Kansas Attorney General from 2011-2023. Before being elected attorney general, served 10 years in the Kansas Senate, including six years as
Senate Majority Leader and four years as Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee.

“While serving in the Legislature, I worked in a small law firm in Independence, which also included serving as the city prosecutor. Earlier in my career, I was a staff member for a Kansas governor, a Kansas attorney general and two U.S. Senators.”

Community Involvement:
“I serve as a board member for the Kansas Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation, as well as Independence Industries, a local economic development organization. As attorney general, I served on the Executive Committee of the National Association of
Attorneys General for about 10 years, including one year as national president. I also served as a member of the Law Enforcement Advisory Council for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children for more than four years.

1) What do you see as the primary role of a U.S. House Representative?

First and foremost, the role of a Member of Congress is to represent the views of the constituents in the District. Our founding fathers designed the House of Representatives to be the part of the federal government that is closest to the people, but also limited its
powers – reserving much of the decision making to be done by the states and the people. If I am elected to serve, I will keep these principles in mind, and work every day to stay connected with the citizens of the Second District in representing them in
Washington.

2) For you, what is the most pressing issue in the U.S.House of Representatives?

Illegal Immigration – This is by far the top priority for our federal government. Our national security is endangered because we do not know who is coming into our country.
Our southern border is in a state of crisis due to the policies of the Biden administration.
We must immediately reimplement the policies from the Trump administration, including the Remain in Mexico policy, which I defended as Kansas Attorney Gen

To view the whole series on the candidates:

Candidates on the August Primary Ballot: County Treasurer

Candidates for Bourbon County Sheriff on the August Primary Ballot

Kansas August Primary Election Candidates: Kansas House of Representatives

Candidates for Bourbon County Commission on the August Ballot

Candidates on the August Primary Ballot: Walker, Holdridge, Crux

Kansas State Senator District 13 Candidates On The August 8 Ballot

Candidates for Bourbon County Commission In August 2024

 

Fort Scott Community College

FSCC New Vice President of Finance and Operations: Missy Scott

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Missy Scott. Submitted photo.

Missy Scott,  56, is the new Fort Scott Community College Vice President of Finance and Operations, as of May 24.

Her office is in the Dick Hedges Administrative Building.

She earned a Master of Business from Pittsburg State University, with a Concentration in Accounting, and also from P.S.U.  a Bachelor’s of Business Administration, Major in Accounting, and from Fort Scott Community College, an  Associate of Science degree.

Scott has five years in hospital accounting, three years in corporate accounting, and 16 years in banking.

The duties of the position are to provide financial leadership for the college as part of the executive team, ensure the short and long-term fiscal health of the college, monitor FSCC’s revenue and expenditures, develop both internal and public budgets, oversee the business office, as well as other ancillary departments, she said.

Members of the Executive team include:

Sara Sutton, Interim President

Missy Scott, Vice President of Finance and Operations

Sonia Gugnani, Vice President of Academic Affairs

Juley McDaniel, Director of Human Resources

Vanessa Poyner,  Dean of Students

Liza Erwin, Athletic Director