Tag Archives: featured

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Clerk Resigns

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Kendell Mason. Submitted photo.

Kendell Mason, the Bourbon County Clerk, resigned this week.

“I sent my notice of resignation to the governor and to the Republican party on August 23rd,” Mason said. “September 13th will be my last day with Bourbon County.”

Mason was appointed as Bourbon County Clerk in October of 2012 and then elected in November of 2012, 2016 and 2020, she said.

“There are many reasons I have decided to leave, but it is time for me to do something different,” Mason said.  “I am going to work for the Southeast Kansas Health Department, located in Fort Scott,  and I am very excited to have this opportunity.”

“I would like to thank everyone that has supported me over the years,” she said. “I have an excellent staff of two full-time employees and one-part time employee.  I appreciate their loyalty and commitment and couldn’t have done this job without their help.”

“Doretta Neville is my deputy and will be filling in until a replacement has been appointed by the Republican party and then approved by the governor,” Mason said.

Mason explained some of the duties of the position:

“Some of the main duties are all aspects of elections, setting the property tax levies on all property in Bourbon County, calculating budgets for approximately 30 taxing entities, doing Homestead Taxes for Kansas residents, and completing state abstracts.   The list of duties for this job is endless and requires constant multitasking and keeping up with the laws and statutes that govern this position.  This job takes years of experience to learn.”

The process to select a new clerk is underway.

The Republican party will meet on September 9.  at 6 p.m. at the Empress Event Center, 7. N. Main for the purpose of selecting a new county clerk, Mark McCoy, the Bourbon County Republican Party Chairman, said.

Interested parties should send their resumes to Mark McCoy at  2138 Jayhawk Rd., Ft. Scott, KS, 66701 no later than Sept 6, he said.

The Bourbon County Courthouse, 210 S. National Avenue, Fort Scott.
Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

New Realtor Added to Lyons Realty Group: Chelsea Harrison

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Chelsea Harrison, 28, is a new realtor at Lyons Realty Group.
Originally from Frontenac,  in 2012 she moved to Fort Scott and fell in love with the community, she said.
She started a career in health care and worked for the Mercy Physicians Group, transitioning to Mercy Emergency Room until the closure of the hospital.
“Up until recently, I held a position at the office of Dr. Katrina Burke,” she said.
She decided on a career change after renovating a home.
“My interest in real estate started when my fiance and I purchased our first home and did a full renovation on the property,” she said. “It was such a rewarding experience to be able to create our own space and watch it transition into our family home”
“My fiance and I have two boys, 4 and 6 years old,” Harrison said.
” I fell in love with the idea of getting to help other clients and families find their dream homes,” Harrison said.
“I was immediately drawn to Lyons Realty Group for that reason,” she said. “Upon meeting with Bailey, it became clear that the mission of Lyons Realty Group was to truly serve the client and give them the best possible experience when purchasing or selling their home, which made it a great fit for me.”
“After working in health care for the last 10 years, I am truly excited to be able to serve the community of Fort Scott and surrounding areas in a new way,” she said.
Lyons’ Realty Group, taken from its Facebook page.
Contact Harrison at the Lyons Realty Group office:  620.266.9448 or her cell phone: 620.249.9825, or her email:
 chelsea@lyonsrealtygrp.com
Bourbon County, Schools

New Teachers At USD 235: April Stock, Linda Rogers and Stephanie Defebaugh

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This is part of a series of features on new educators in the Uniontown district. USD 235 School District starts school on August 26.

April Stock, center, with her family. Submitted photo.
April Stock, 35, is a new first-grade teacher at West Bourbon Elementary School, Uniontown.
Stock earned her  Master of Science in Elementary Education from Fort Hays State University.
“This will be my first year as a classroom teacher but I have been lucky enough to be a para and work with the amazing special education teacher and be a part of the great team of paraprofessionals at West Bourbon Elementary!” she said.
She is married to Kolby Stock and has three  children, Klara (13), Kyson (10), and Kort (8).
“I have wanted to be an elementary teacher ever since I was in the first grade and I wanted to be just like my first-grade teacher,” she said.  “I have been blessed with being a stay-at-home mom for many years and now that my children are all in school, I decided it was time for me to pursue teaching.”

 

“The best part of teaching is getting to spark the curiosity and creativity inside of students and instill within them a desire to learn and seek out knowledge,” Stock said.  “I enjoy connecting with each student to see just what each of their individual needs are so that I can provide them with what is necessary for them to learn.”

 

Linda Rogers. Submitted photo.

Linda (Ramsey) Rogers will be teaching reading and math for 1st and 2nd-grade students at West Bourbon Elementary School.

She graduated from Uniontown High School in 1974, Pittsburg State University in Elementary Education in 1979, and received a master’s degree in 1987.

She and her husband, Harold, have been married for 31 years and have two sons, and Harold’s married daughters have given them seven grandchildren, she said.

“Most of my career was spent in second grade for USD 234, Fort Scott,” she said.  “I’ve also taught 1st, 4th, 5th, and 6th grade, for a total of 39 years.”

For the past two years, she has substituted for USD 235 in Uniontown.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of teaching for me is working with children; to see their progress and watch them take pride in their accomplishments,” Rogers said.  “Education is a tough job, but being a part of something that will impact the future of our community, our nation, and our world makes this profession extremely rewarding.”
In her spare time she is involved in her church and crafting.
“This summer and last, I’ve helped with Feeding Families In His Name Ministry every Monday,  through Community Christian Church, and also led a women’s Bible study on Sunday mornings.  For the past 2 1/2 years, I’ve learned how to quilt, and have become addicted!”
Stephanie Defebaugh. Submitted photo.
Stephanie Defebaugh, 29, will teach preschool at USD 235.
She graduated from Pittsburg State University after receiving her associates degree at Coffeyville Community College.
Defebaugh has taught the last three years in Iola as a kindergarten teacher.
She has been married for five years to her husband, Andrew and has a son, Blaine, who is four years old and a daughter, Kendall, who will turn one this month.
She pursued her career because of a teacher she had.
“I had a wonderful and patient teacher who was able to identify my learning struggles and helped me overcome them. I would like to pay that forward to others.”
“One of the basic human needs is belonging, and teaching can provide that,” she said. Teaching plays a vital role, alongside the families, in shaping young children of our community and nation. Plus, I enjoy coloring with them.”
“Teaching is a tough job, but it is one where you can make the most impact in another person’s life,” Defebaugh said. “The challenges we, as teachers, face is different by the day, so you have to make sure you have a Plan Z as A-Y may not work.”
In her spare time, she has been playing one of her husband’s past times, golf.
“I am enjoying it more than I thought,” she said.  “I also enjoy watching baseball.”

 

 

Bourbon County, COVID-19, Government, Schools

USD235 Starts School: Masks Recommended, New Teachers, New Consession Area

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Bret Howard, Superintendent of USD 235. Submitted. photo.

Uniontown USD 235 has teacher in-service  Aug. 23-25 with an open house from 4-6 p.m. on Aug. 25

The first day of school is Thursday, August 26.

New teachers this year are Linda Rogers who will be teaching first/second grade, April Stock who will teach fifth grade and Stephanie Defebaugh who will teach pre-kindergarten.

The USD 235 Board of Education passed in a 6 to 1 vote,  its 2021-22 Operational Guidelines on Monday, August 9.  The approved guidelines may be accessed on the link https://5il.co/wxj7

“Masks will be highly recommended but not required inside all USD 235 buildings,” Superintendent Bret Howard said.  “Masks will be required on all school-provided transportation.  A federal mandate on all public transportation was enacted over the summer that includes school busses and school vehicles.”

New this year is a restroom and concession area.

The former restroom and concession area, in the old superintendent’s office south of the football field, now houses the Girard Medical Center Clinic in Uniontown.

The district is working on replacing the restrooms/concession facility.

“There will be a concession stand and bathroom built on the northwest side of the home football bleachers,” Howard said.  “We have taken the fence down and will be starting construction soon.”

 

 

 

Business, Fort Scott, Government

Coon Rentals Purchases 17 S. Main

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17 S. Main, January 2021.

The building known for years as the Kress Building has been sold to Coon Rentals LLC.

History

The building at 17 S. Main most recently housed a grocery store that had been a recipient of SPARK money, which was federal money given to the state who gave the money to local governments to help businesses during the pandemic.

BAJA Investments had purchased the building, remodeled it, purchased supplies and equipment, and opened a grocery store called The  Star Emporium Downtown General Store in January 2021 and closed in May 2021, citing not enough business.

BAJA Investments had received a $450,000 grant from SPARK to provide a downtown grocery store.

To learn more about the SPARK program: https://covid.ks.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/SPARK-Overview-06.16.20.pdf

“They (BAJA) did give it an effort,” he said. “And if the traffic would have been there…but it wasn’t. He had all the receipts, there was accountability for this.”

Coon Rentals LLC paid $158,000 for the building in an auction last week.

“When that business failed, the county had two options,” Bourbon County Commissioner Lynne Oharah said. “Let the business go into bankruptcy, which would have taken over a year. Or sell the property and it goes back on the county tax rolls.”

“We are in the process of closing on the property,” he said.

To see prior stories on the business:

Star Emporium Downtown General Store to Open Next Week

Star Emporium Closes in Downtown Fort Scott

Robert and Kimberly Coon. Submitted photo.

New Owners

“Coon Rentals LLC will manage and maintain the building for its new tenants, soon to come,” Robert Coon said. Coon who with his wife, Kimberly, owns the business.

“There have been so many negative vibes regarding the grant the previous business there had, but I don’t think anyone thought of the greatness of it: federal money came to Kansas, to Bourbon County,” Coon said. “Then the grant was used partly to revitalize a building. In the process, lots of small local businesses received some of those funds to work on the building. That’s economic development at its finest.”

“I also think the current (Bourbon County) commissioners should be applauded for salvaging the situation with the building,” Coon said. “Commissioners had a decision to make regarding acquiring the building and redistribution to avoid lots of issues.”

A1 Towing and Moving, Fort Scott, move shelving into the new grocery store, at 17  S. Main on November 4, 2020.

“We have three businesses, A1 Towing, A1 Bill Bonds, and Coon Rentals LLC, ” Coon said. “None require a storefront.”

“We are going to lease that building to a business,” He said. “That agreement is in process. They will operate in the whole downstairs portion of the building.”

“We are going to remodel the upstairs and have more professional businesses there,” he said.

 

Bourbon County, Business

Door Dash Comes To Bourbon County

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A national restaurant food delivery service that operates in 4,000 cities, has started in Bourbon County.

Door Dash launched its local delivery service on August 17.

Three Fort Scott restaurants so far are involved with the service: Taco Bell, McDonald’s, and Hot Wok Restaurants.

Cathy Ramirez is a Door Dash Driver in Bourbon County. She started working about 3-4 years ago in the Topeka Door Dash service.

“The first day they were taking orders in Bourbon County was yesterday,” Ramirez said.

Door Dash Driver’s hours are flexible.

“We pick up things, primarily restaurant food,” she said. “My hours are about 6-7 a.m. until dark.”

All orders are done online.

“The food is paid for online before we get it,” Ramirez said.

“The Door Dash Drivers app sends us the order through our smartphone,” she said. “We accept or decline the order. I believe Door Dash notifies the customer that the order has been assigned.”

“We sometimes pick up things from Walgreen’s (Drug Store) to deliver,” she said.

Cost includes the cost of the food plus a Door Dash fee, Ramirez said.  “You can give a tip or not.”

The fee depends on how far the food has to go, she said.

To be a Door Dash Driver, one must be at least 18 years old, have a vehicle, driver’s license, Social Security Number, and consent to a background check, according to https://www.doordash.com

 

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Lyons Featured in Top Agent Magazine

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Bailey Lyons. Submitted photo.

Local realtor, Bailey Lyons, was recently featured in the August 2021 edition of Top Agent Magazine.

Lyons has been a realtor for three years in Bourbon County and launched her own real estate business at the beginning of 2021.

Her business has grown over the years from repeat business and word-of-mouth introductions of friends, family, and neighbors, she said.

The real estate market is strong right now, Lyons said.  “You can strip that down to basic economics. Supply is low, driven by the historically low number of active listings, contrasted by incredibly high demand, thanks in part to low interest rates.”

Lyons Realty Group’s new office is at 8 E. Wall St., in the recently restored Tribune Building. The office is part of the LaRoche family’s investment in the block of storefronts at Wall and National Avenue.

She can be reached via phone at (620)266-9448, or email at [email protected].

Katie Hueston is the business’s office administrator and Chelsea Harrison is a recently added real estate agent.

To view the magazine article: BAILEY LYONS

“Top Agent Magazine is the premier real estate magazine featuring the foremost real estate agents, mortgage professionals, and affiliates in the USA, Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, according to a Top Agent Magazine press release. Top Agent Magazine features the top producing and most accomplished professionals in the real estate industry, offering an in-depth look at their careers and providing a blueprint for their success.

“To be considered for a feature in Top Agent Magazine all professionals must go through a nomination and interview process, according to the press release.

“ALL Candidates are then evaluated based upon production, professionalism, as well as industry and community involvement.

“It is considered a privilege to be nominated as it speaks to a certain success level all real estate agents strive for. Top Agent has set itself apart as a trusted source of real estate information and inspiration.

“Bailey Lyons is a stellar example of the kind of prominent leaders of real estate we are proud to feature in Top Agent Magazine, according to the press release.

“Information on nominations receiving this recognition can be found online at http://www.topagentmagazine.com/nominate-a-real-estate-agent-to-be-featured/

“It is an honor to be recognized with so many outstanding agents who are at the top of their game,” Lyons said in the press release. “I appreciate Top Agent Magazine selecting me for a feature. More importantly, though, I appreciate my wonderful clients, family, friends, and the Lyons Realty Group team for all of their support and encouragement. I love what I do every day, and I hope it always shows in my efforts.”

For more information email her at [email protected], or visit lyonsrealtygrp.com.

 

Fort Scott, Government

FS City Starts Class Action Lawsuit Against Hulu and Netflix

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Fort Scott City Hall.

The City of Fort Scott recently authorized a class action lawsuit, Fort Scott Versus Hulu and Netflix, for failing to pay a video franchise fee under KSA12-2022, according to a contingency agreement provided by the city. The document had no date on it, but agrees the law firm cover the expenses of the lawsuit and will receive 33% of any amounts recovered as their lawyer fees.

“No case has been filed, only hiring an attorney to move forward,” said Fort Scott City Attorney Bob Farmer.

Michael  Fleming, with Kapke Willerth, LLC, a law firm from Lee’s Summit, MO, and former Fort Scott City Manager Jeremy Frazier signed the document.
Fleming is the attorney representing Fort Scott, he said in an email interview.
 Fleming responded to the following questions:

What is the purpose of this lawsuit?

“To recover money owed by Netflix and Hulu for failing to pay the franchise fee in the past and to ensure that it is paid in the future.”

What benefit will it be to the people of Fort Scott?

“Pay for the use of public right of way and property easements within the city, offset city operating costs, and offset additional personal property taxes.”

Is there a timeline?

“Not yet. At some point, a judge will issue a scheduling order and pick a trial setting. Until then, the timeline remains up in the air.”

To view the document:

DOC081221-08122021075122(1)

 

 

 

COVID-19, Fort Scott, Government, Schools

USD 234 Students Start Aug. 19: Masks Are Required

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Ted Hessong. Submitted photo.
This week USD 234 students will start school on August 19.
Today and tomorrow are professional development days for teachers, followed by a work/plan day on August 18.
There is mandatory wearing of masks guidelines in the district due to the recent surge in the COVID-19 virus in the county.
There are three new USD 234 Teachers hired in July and August:
Johnna Walls, who will teach 4th grade,  Justin Robinson who will teach middle school and high school band and Carlee Campbell-McCullough who will teach preschool.

Below are the USD 234 – Fort Scott School Operations Guidelines for school year 2021 – 2022, provided by Superintendent Ted Hessong:

Masking
● Mandatory masking of K-12 students and staff starting August 16th while indoors. USD 234 School Board reevaluate at monthly board meetings
● Federal order – masking on buses or other group modes of transportation
● Masks will be available for students and staff
Hygiene Measures
● Hand washing emphasis will continue
● Hand sanitizer will be available in all classrooms
● Social distancing (3 feet) when possible
● Cover coughs and sneezes
● STAY HOME WHEN FEELING ILL (2 or more symptoms)
○ 100.0 ℉ = Must be fever free w/o medication for 24 hours to
return to school
○ No attendance based incentives
● Signage will be present
Cleaning of Facilities
● Cleaning regimens and protocols are established
● Cleaning solutions that are rated to eliminate COVID will be used
● All classrooms and buses will have cleaning supplies
Contract Tracing and
Quarantines
● Contact tracing and quarantines will be done in cooperation with Bourbon County Health Department
○ Positive or symptomatic = 10 day isolation
○ Close Contact at school (3 feet more than 15 minutes)
■ High risk – unmitigated = 10 day quarantine
■ Low risk – mitigated = do not have to quarantine
● Staff and students who are vaccinated (must have proof) and
asymptomatic will not have to quarantine if they are a close contact.
Diagnostic Screening and Testing
● Screening and testing options are available to parents from the Bourbon County Health Department and Community Health Center. Over the counter COVID-19 test kits will not be accepted as valid.
Vaccinations to school communities
● Vaccination opportunities are available to students, parents, and staff from the Bourbon County Health Department, Community Health Center, Walmart, or Walgreens. CHC has vaccinations for students 12 years of age and older.
● Vaccinations were made available to all staff last Spring
Accommodations for children with disabilities
● Students with an IEP, 504 Plan, and other documented student supports will have all appropriate accommodations and supports made available to them.
Coordination with state and local officials
● USD 234 School Board will consider all state and local health guidance.
Continuity of Services
● Academic needs will be met through continued full-time, in-person
instruction. Summer learning opportunities were offered. Virtual learning opportunities are available.
● Social, emotional, and mental health needs will be met through social and emotional curriculum and counselors.
● Student health and food service needs will be available for all students. All students will have access to free breakfast and lunch daily as well as school nursing services.
● The USD 234 Operations Guidelines could be changed at any time, with school board approval, to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Updated: Aug 9, 2021
Fort Scott, Government

McCoy Signs Agreement With City As New Interim City Manager

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Mark McCoy. Submitted photo.

On August 10, local retired businessman Mark McCoy signed a contract with the City of Fort Scott to become its interim city manager, following the sudden resignation of Fort Scott City Manager Jeremy Frazier on August 3 after serving just six months.

The agreement states that McCoy is appointed by the city commission to be responsible for the administration and affairs of the city and perform duties as allowed by law and will work with the commission on its goals and objectives, according to information provided by the city.

McCoy will be employed month to month and started on August 10, 2021.

The city agrees to pay McCoy $9 per hour for up to 40 hours per week.

McCoy will receive no benefits, vacation or sick leave.

He will receive a vehicle allowance of $500 per month in lieu of mileage reimbursement.

To view the original document:

DOC081221-08122021075456

At a special city commission meeting on Aug. 5, Mark McCoy’s name was suggested for the interim city manager position, by Mayor Josh Jones. At that time the city commission asked him to consider taking the position.

McCoy has 46 years of business experience as a manager, supervisor, business development consultant, director, and owner in the McDonald’s Restaurant system, retiring in 2019.
He has been involved in the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees, Mercy Health Foundation, Kiwanis, SEK Multi-County Health Board, Highway 69 Project, Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, and the Knights of Columbus.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber of Commerce Clean-Up Day This Friday, August 13

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May be an image of text that says 'IN SEARCH OF EQUIPMENT for the Fort Scott Downtown Spring Clean New late! ០០¡ FRIDAY AUGUST 13th 3-6pm We still need a few more: Brushes & Rollers, Hand Clippers, Loppers, Weed Eaters, Leaf Blowers, Ladders, Rakes, & Shovels Please label any equipment with your name and phone number so we can get them back to you. *Can be dropped off at Lyons Realty Group, 8 E Wall.'

An event is slated for this Friday to spruce up Fort Scott’s downtown area and donated tools are still appreciated.

“The Downtown Clean-Up Event is scheduled for Friday, August 13 from 3-6 p.m.,” Bailey Lyons, chairman of the Downtown Committee of the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, said.
There is a need for paintbrushes and rollers, hand clippers, loppers, weed eaters, leaf blowers, ladders, rakes, and shovels. These can be dropped off, with label and phone number on them, at Lyons Realty Group Office at 8 E. Wall.
Volunteers are asked to gather on August 13 at 2:45 p.m. at Lyons Realty Group at 8 E Wall, where materials, supplies, instructions will be distributed.

The committee has planned and reworked the event twice now because of inclement weather, Lyons said.  “We are hopeful that the third time’s the charm and we can get this done for the community!”

The committee is expecting  350-375 volunteers, she said.
Because of the large number of volunteers, several other public areas in town will be worked on.
“Due to the overwhelming pledge of volunteers, we will also complete various projects in the areas of Buck Run, and Gunn Park shelter houses and trails,” Lyons said.
Lyons said they are “extremely grateful to everyone helping, and everyone on the committee is humbled and blown away by the response.”
The Downtown Committee is eager to partner with Fort Scott Community College, which Lyons said is sending FSCC Student-Athletes to help with the cause.
In addition to FSCC, volunteers are expected from The City of Fort Scott, Kiwanis, Rotary, FFA, Good Neighbor Action Team, numerous local businesses, a group of local contractors, and many individuals and families.
“The committee has worked diligently to organize all logistics, materials, and volunteers, and can’t wait to see it all play out,” Lyons said.  “Our projects are spread throughout the historic downtown area and will include re-striping parking spaces and crosswalks, mulching and planting various beds, painting light posts and signposts, painting curbs, and painting the Chamber & Visitor Center sign, among other things. In addition, there are groups of local artists that will be painting two wall murals downtown throughout the day.”
“An event of this scale does not happen without the time, effort, and donations from a ton of individuals and organizations,” Lyons said, “The majority of the event costs were offset by a grant from our local Fort Scott Elks Lodge, which the committee was thrilled to receive. Many of the materials not covered by the grant were provided by The City of Fort Scott, who has been wonderful to collaborate with.”
A free meal will be provided to the volunteers from area businesses.
“All volunteers will be fed dinner upon completion of the work, courtesy of E3, with contributions from Bids & Dibs, and  Lyons Realty Group, ” Lyons said.  “Each volunteer will also receive a free t-shirt, compliments of MyOneStop.”
 “We wish to extend a sincere thank you to every person that has supported these efforts,” Lyons said on behalf of the committee. “This grew into a much larger event than originally planned, and the community pride has been undeniable. We hope that the impact is positive and quite noticeable. It’s amazing what can happen when people join together!”
“MyOneStop, a local marketing, and printing company is sending over their videographer and photographer to document the event,” Rachel French, a clean-up committee member said. “They will be creating a video to share with the City of Fort Scott to use as they see fit. MyOneStop is happy to donate its time and services to such an awesome event.”
Members of the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Downtown Committee,  include Lyons (who is the chairwoman, Lyons Realty Group), John Crain (Crain Insurance Agency), French (WK Holdings) and Angela Simon (Bids & Dibs/ Angie Dawn’s), supported by Chamber President/CEO Lindsay Madison.
The Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Downtown Committee 2021. Submitted photo.
COVID-19, Fort Scott Community College

FSCC Starts New Year With Normal Schedule, And COVID-19 Guidelines, Vaccine Clinic

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Adam Borth. Submitted photo.

Community schools are opening for the fall semester beginning this week. All are grappling with the newest surge of COVID-19 cases in the county and in the nation.

The first day of classes is August 12, with in-service for teachers yesterday at Fort Scott Community College.

“We are really looking forward to getting started this semester,” Adam Borth, FSCC Vice President of Academic Affairs said. “It is always exciting to see the students coming back or beginning college for the first time.”

“Most classes (offered) remain the same, however, we have added another section of welding during the afternoon,” he said.  “We continue to review our programs and determine what course revisions are needed. At this point, we are trying to keep things fairly consistent while exploring options for new programs.”

They have hired new full-time instructors for this year: Sara Holder in nursing, Rachel Stauffer in biology, Kim Boyer in English, Brandon Fisher in welding, and  Ashley Page in communications.

 

 COVID-19 prevention policies

“Fort Scott Community College has updated our guidance for COVID-19 mitigation,” Borth said. “We will review the guidance every two weeks, or more frequently as needed.”

“Unvaccinated individuals are expected to wear masks on campus, while instructors have the discretion whether or not to require masks within their classroom or offices, where space is limited.

“Instructors will utilize the college Learning Management System (Blackboard) to provide students in quarantine and isolation course material; providing synchronous lectures via Zoom is not required.

“At this time, individuals who are vaccinated, not experiencing symptoms, and in close contact with someone who is positive do not need to quarantine.

“Individuals who test positive must isolate, regardless of vaccination status, and unvaccinated individuals who are a close contact of a positive case and notified by a health professional (e.g. health department) must quarantine.”

“We will have a no-charge COVID-19 vaccination clinic on Tuesday, August 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in Bailey Hall,  which is open to the public,” Borth said.

The west side of the former Mercy Hospital was leased starting in 2020 for FSCC students’ housing, and also for 2021. The facility is located on Horton, south of the college.

FSCC is still housing students at the former Mercy building on the west side.

“We are currently housing students in the (former Mercy) building and plan to do so during the fall semester at a minimum,” he said. “We are tenants in a monthly lease agreement, so plans can always be modified in that scenario.”

Fort Scott Community College

“The first day of classes is August 12 and the last day for students during the fall semester is December 10,” Borth said. “We are closed the full week of Thanksgiving.  We resume classes on January 12, with Spring Break scheduled for March 14-18. Classes end for the spring semester on May 13, with graduation being Saturday, May 14.”