Obituary

Obituary of Richard Singmaster

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Glen Richard “Rick” Singmaster, 74, of Arcadia, Kansas, passed away on April 13, 2020 at his home.

He was born March 19, 1946 in Fort Scott the son of Donald “Reece” and Luetta “June” Kitchen Singmaster.

Rick was a member of the Fort Scott High School graduating class of 1964. He married Phyllis Cullop in 1965 and from this union, a son was born. They later divorced. In 1985, he married Carol Jenkerson, and they lived a full and happy life together.

Rick was self-employed for most of his life, turning his passion for astronomy into a successful business, Starmaster Telescopes. In addition to astronomy, he had a great love for music, fast cars, motorcycles, and his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Carol, of the home, son Barry Rice and wife, Lynn, 2 daughters, Nicole Conner and husband, Russell, and Sylvia Stapleton and husband, Austin, all of Fort Scott, 7 grandchildren, Stephanie Rice, Madilyn Conner, Megan Conner, Alex Rice, Macey Conner, Donnie Stapleton and Reece Stapleton, sister, Judy Barrow and husband, Ron of Leawood, Kansas, brother, Gary Singmaster of Fort Scott, several nieces, nephews and extended family as well as, many friends in the amateur astronomy community.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Reece and June Singmaster, his beloved brother, Donnie Singmaster, an infant brother, William Singmaster, and a sister-in-law, Margie Singmaster.

Private burial will take place at Clarksburg Cemetery, and a celebration of life will be announced and held at a later date.

The family suggests memorials to the Leukemia Foundation in memory of his brother, Donnie Singmaster.

Donations may be sent to or left in the care of, the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, P.O. Box 309, 15 W. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Fort Scott, Schools

USD 234 Implements Continuous Learning Plans

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Ted Hessong

Continuous Learning plans at USD234 were started the week of March 30, Superintendent Ted Hessong said.

“Each building rolled their plans out gradually throughout the week,” Hessong said.

“Since school buildings are closed for the remainder of the school year (following stay-at-home orders during the pandemic), school districts needed to come up with a way to provide continuous learning for our students to help them not only academically but also socially,” he said.

” Our principals worked with their Building Leadership Teams using the Continuous Learning Plans guidance from the Kansas Department of Education (KSDE),” he said. ” KSDE collaborated with teachers from all across the state of Kansas to help create these guidance documents to assist school districts. After meeting with their leadership teams, they then worked with the rest of their staff to create the Continuous Learning Plans.”

 

“Most of the teachers are teaching from home,” Hessong said. “We do have a few staff members who are working from their classrooms to provide Continuous Learning to our students.”

 

Each school building’s personnel contacted every student to see what they needed to be able to participate in Continuous Learning, he said and based on the feedback each received from the students, the staff worked to provide the necessary materials to be able to participate.

 

Grading for the new plan will be different.

” With the implementation of our Continuous Learning plans each building is handling grades a little different,” Hessong said. “Each building is keeping in mind what is in the best interest of our students during these uncharted waters of what school looks like today. Our teachers and administrators are demonstrating grace and understanding for all students to do what is best for our students.”

Hessong is thankful, he said.

“I want to thank all of our staff for their help to implement our Continuous Learning plans and our foodservice and support staff in providing meals for the students in our communities. With the assistance of our communities, the county, Kansas State Department of Education, Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Southeast Kansas  Health Department it has allowed our school district to navigate these uncharted waters to make the most of this health crisis.”

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

U234 Minutes of April 2

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Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met virtually on Monday, April 2, for their regular monthly meeting.

President David Stewart opened the meeting.  The board approved the official agenda.  The board also approved the consent agenda as follows:

 

A.    Minutes

B.    Bills and Claims

C.    Payroll – March 13, 2020 – $1,414,782.30

D.    Financial Report

E.     Bond Proceeds Reconciliation

F.     Activity Fund Accounts

G.    Parent/Teacher Conference Attendance

H.    Point of Information – May Employee Recognition to be held at a later date due to COVET-19

 

Stephanie George, KNEA President, presented a report.  Administrators from each

building shared information with board members.

Superintendent Ted Hessong commended staff throughout the district for their hard work throughout the pandemic, reported on the Continuous Learning Plan, and shared special education information.

Gina Shelton, Business Manager, shared information on employee pay, current business practices, and bond closure.

Board members approved the following items:

·       KASB Adoption Agreement and Legal Assistance Fund Contract and Renewal Payment

·       Price increase for adult lunch and breakfast meals for the 2020-21 school year

·       Roof payments

·       Purchase of two buses

·       Door bids

·       Sale of old high school weight racks

The board also acknowledged receipt of the 2020-21 negotiations lists.

Board members shared comments and then went into executive session to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel and returned to open meeting.  The board then went into executive session to discuss matters relating to employer-employee negotiations and returned to open meeting.

The board approved the following employment matters:

A.    Non-renewal of Don Parsons, high school English teacher, effective at the end of the 2019-20 school year

B.    Resignation of Jamie Patterson, preschool paraprofessional, effective April 6, 2020

C.    Transfer of Brandon Boyd, Eugene Ware physical education teacher, to Eugene Ware Assistant Principal for the 2020-21 school year

D.    Transfer of Pauline Sweyko, high school paraprofessional, to high school special education teacher for the 2020-21 school year

E.     Transfer of Matt Glades, high school teacher aide (ISS), to high school technology teacher for the 2020-21 school year

F.     Transfer of Sabrina Keating, Winfield Scott first grade teacher, to Eugene Ware fourth grade teacher for the 2020-21 school year

G.    Transfer of Brenda Hill, elementary instructional coach, to Eugene Ware fifth grade teacher for the 2020-21 school year

H.    Work agreement change for Debbie West, high school secretary, from a 10-month position to a 12-month position for the 2020-21 school year

I.      Employment of Clint Heffern as a high school social science/physical education teacher for the 2020-21 school year

J.      Employment of Carissa Bowman as a high school FACS teacher for the 2020-21 school year

K.    Employment of Pam Hutchison as a high school teachers’ aide for the 2020-21 school year

L.     Employment of Fort Scott High School licensed personnel for the 2020-21 school year

M.   Employment of Fort Scott Middle School licensed personnel for the 2020-21 school year

N.    Employment of Eugene Ware Elementary School licensed personnel for the 2020-21 school year

O.    Employment of Winfield Scott Elementary School licensed personnel for the 2020-21 school year

P.     Employment of Fort Scott Preschool Center licensed personnel for the 2020-21 school year

Q.    Employment of special education licensed personnel for the 2020-21 school year

R.    Employment of Clint Heffern as head high school boys’ basketball coach for the 2020-21 school year

S.     Employment of Melissa Miller as elementary instructional coach for the 2020-21 school year

T.     Employment of Shelly Sanborn as a middle school special education teacher for the 2020-21 school year

 

The board adjourned.

 

Bourbon County, Jobs

Bandera Stone Seeks Employee

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Bandera Stone, Inc. has immediate employment available at our Redfield KS facility.

Experience in stone fabrication helpful but not necessary – we will provide training.

This is an outdoor type work environment and the ability to perform physical labor is required.

Full time positions with competitive pay rate plus benefits including health/life/disability insurance, retirement plan, vacation & holidays.

For more information & to apply call 620-223-3920 or email [email protected].

 

Government, Kansas

Motor Carriers Relief

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Governor Kelly announces executive order extending relief to motor carriers during COVID-19 pandemic

 

Governor Laura Kelly today issued a new executive order as part of her administration’s comprehensive response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Executive Order #20-22 will extend temporary relief for motor carriers from certain rules and regulations. It is an extension of motor carrier rules and regulations put in place by Executive Order #20-09.

 

“As this public health crisis evolves, our teams are constantly adapting and developing methods to mitigate the impact of the coronavirus,” Kelly said. “The executive orders issued today will ease the burden on the workers who are critical to our state’s response capabilities.”

 

The order lifts certain weight restrictions and permitting requirements to allow needed medical supplies, food shipments and other items to move through Kansas as quickly as possible. These exceptions apply only to motor carriers actively participating in COVID-19 response effort.

 

To view E.O. #20-22, click here.

 

Opinion

U.S. Congressman Roger Marshall, OP ED

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Community Colleges Assisting Communities in Times of Need

America isn’t great because she has streets made of gold or monarchies in high castles. America is great because in times of crisis and need, her people rise to the occasion, respond with acts of compassion and individuals do just as much as the state to defeat the enemy and ensure the wellbeing of others. As our country continues to battle this virus and we experience the height of its impact, stories of helping others, giving back and servant leadership abound. One of the pillars of my life has always been community and now, more than ever, our community leaders are stepping up to make a difference.

I recently held a Zoom call with presidents from Kansas’ 19 community colleges. Earlier this spring, with only a few days’ notice, these colleges were all forced to take their classes online, shut down classrooms, residents halls and dining facilities and help students safely return home. The loss of revenue these colleges has accumulated thus far is in the millions. But the message from the presidents on our call wasn’t one of anger and despair. Instead each of these colleges have found their own way to give back to their communities, help those in need and retool their resources and services to become assets and lifelines. As a community college graduate, I could not be more proud of these college and their commitments to their communities.

One president on the call said it best, “When others take the victims’ approach, we take the victors approach and look for ways to help.” Nearly all of the colleges on the call had donated personal protective equipment and medical equipment – including ventilators – from their classes to their local hospitals. Others had opened their residential halls to medical professionals and first responders who need a place, away from their homes and families, to rest between shifts or offered rooms to the hospital in the event multiple residents needed to be quarantined and isolated.

The schools are doing all this while rewriting class syllabi and transitioning classes – including those that require hands-on instruction – online. Their staff remains on payroll and most have committed to paying employees through the end of the school year. In most communities, college administration is now part of daily planning and response calls and every president on our call was more than ready to help their communities however possible.

In this difficult time, it is easy to get wrapped up in the bad news and hardships we are all facings. But my call with these college presidents reminded me just how powerful individuals and community leaders can be. These men and women have done this without asking anything in return or seeking the applause they deserve. I encourage you to follow their Facebook page – Kansas Association of Community College Trustees – to learn for yourself the many ways these colleges are helping their communities. I want to thank President Alysia Johnston and all of the staff at Fort Scott Community College for their tireless work on behalf of their students and the community. Keep up the great work.

U.S. Congressman Roger Marshall, M.D.

Government, Kansas

Governor Kelly announces most recent appointments

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Since March, Governor Laura Kelly has made appointments to various boards, councils and committees while also coordinating emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

“My administration has been working diligently over the past month to ensure Kansans have the information and resources they need in order to stay safe during these trying times,” Kelly said.

 

This announcement includes 44 appointments across 19 different boards made by the governor in recent weeks.

 

“I am committed to keeping government working for all Kansans, and that includes continuing the essential appointments process,” Kelly said. “These appointments have been made with the same level of scrutiny and certainty as always, and I have no doubt these individuals will be great additions to their respective boards and help keep our state running as it should.”

 

Below are the appointments made by Governor Kelly.

Appointment is subject to Senate confirmation. *

 

State Board of Technical Professions

The board is charged with protecting the health, safety and welfare of Kansans by registering and licensing technical professionals to ensure that only qualified persons carry out the practice of engineering, architecture, land surveying, landscape architecture and geology in the state.

  • Bonnie Limbird, Prairie Village

 

State Building Advisory Commission

The commission evaluates and selects firms to be interviewed by user agencies for Capitol improvement projects; collects and maintains current data on construction costs; establishes criteria and procedures to evaluate the qualification and performance of contractors providing architectural, engineering or construction services; develops and adopts standards for the inspection and acceptance of Capitol improvement projects; reviews state agencies’ yearly Capitol improvement project requests; and files an advice report with the budget director.

  • Fran Hug, Topeka

 

State Use Law Committee

The Committee’s purpose is to advise the director of purchases on issues surrounding the purchase of products and services provided by blind or disabled persons.

  • Representative Jan Kessinger, Overland Park
  • Shelby Fry, Topeka
  • Robert Tabor, Lawrence
  • Senator Oletha Faust-Goudeau, Wichita (reappointment)

 

Kansas Sports Hall of Fame

The purpose of the board is to provide oversight to the Hall of Fame and provide ideas for awareness, education, needed legislation and fundraising.

  • Ann Gaffigan, Olathe

 

Kansas Guardianship Program Board of Directors

The Kansas Guardianship Program Board of Directors is a partnership involving the state of Kansas and its citizen volunteers to assist certain adults legally determined to be unable to manage for themselves. Members shall have knowledge and interest in issues related to guardianship, conservatorship and the needs of disabled adults.

  • Sherrie Watkins, Kansas City

 

Kansas Statewide Independent Living Council

The purpose of the Council is to develop a State Plan through external input, which ensures independent living for Kansans; advocate for the accomplishment of the State Plan objectives; monitor, review and evaluate the implementation of the plan; and to be a statewide catalyst for independent living.

  • Teresa Beaudry, Deerfield
  • Ray Petty, Lawrence

 

Kansas Board of Healing Arts

The purpose of the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts is the regulation of 11 healthcare professions and to ensure that these healthcare professionals meet and maintain certain qualifications to protect the public from incompetent practice, unprofessional conduct and other proscribed behavior by individuals who have been credentialed to practice in Kansas.

  • Dr. Stephanie Suber, Lawrence

 

Kansas Advisory Committee on Trauma

The ACT is advisory to the Secretary of Health and Environment on the development and implementations of a statewide trauma system.

  • Dr. Wael Khreiss, Topeka
  • Dr. Stepheny Berry, Leawood
  • Carol Perry, Topeka (reappointment)
  • Jane Kemmerer, Jewell (reappointment)

 

Kansas State Board of Tax Appeals*

The board’s mission is to impartially resolve disputes between taxpayers and taxing authorities. It also reviews tax exemption decisions made by local governments and grievances resulting from technical errors, and corrects tax inequities.

  • Robert Marx, Fairway

 

Kansas Propane Education Research Council

The purpose of the council is to develop programs and projects to enhance consumer and employee safety and training; provide research and development to improve existing propane technology; and to increase efficiency of propane use.

  • Rob Northcutt, El Dorado
  • Lewis Creek, Meriden
  • Richard Mentzer, Yates Center
  • Edward Barrett, Pratt

 

Kansas Credit Union Council

The purpose of the council is to supervise and regulate credit unions across Kansas.

  • Michael Augustine, Olathe
  • Charles Bullock, Wichita
  • Kirsten Flory, Baldwin City

 

Kansas Banking Board*

The mission of the Kansas Banking Board is to prudently, equitably, ethically and efficiently administer all its statutorily delegated powers and duties so as to promote competitiveness, financial stability, safe and sound banking practices, protection of Kansas consumers and public confidence in the state-chartered banking industry.

  • Mary Ann Berry, Goddard
  • Lea Tatum-Haskell, Topeka

 

Governor’s Behavioral Health Services Planning Council

The Governor’s Behavioral Health Services Planning Council advises the Governor on adult, adolescent, and children services issues.

  • Elijah Redington, Newton
  • Savannah Hunsucker, Walton
  • Ashely Grill, Overland Park
  • Dr. Sherrie Vaughn, Topeka

 

Employment First Oversight Committee

The Commission makes annual recommendations to the Governor, Legislature, and state agencies on strategies to increase the rate of competitive integrated employment for Kansans with disabilities.

  • Joseph Scarlett, Overland Park

 

Kansas Water Authority

The water authority advises the governor, the Legislature and the director of the Kansas Water Office (KWO) on water policy issues — including the approval of the Kansas Water Plan and revisions, federal contracts, administration regulations and legislation proposed by the KWO.

  • Dr. Jean Steiner, Manhattan

 

Kansas Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency

The purpose of the Advisory Group is to determine, advocate for and promote the best interests of juveniles in Kansas.

  • Dr. April Terry, Hays

 

Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission*

The purpose of the Commission is to protect the integrity of the racing and gaming industry through enforcement of Kansas laws.

  • David Moses, Wichita (reappointment)
  • Larry Turnquist, Salina (reappointment)

 

Civil Service Board*

The State Civil Board hears appeals from classified state employees with permanent status under the Kansas civil service act as well as applicants for classified positions who are entitled by law and regulation to appeal to the Board.

  • Tom Wright, Topeka

 

Kansas Volunteer Commission

The Commission prepares a national service plan for the state; ensures outreach to diverse community-based agencies; and administers certain grant programs.

  • Brittany Crabtree, Topeka
  • Ginger Williams, Lenexa,
  • Marcee Binder, Pittsburg
  • Dr. Emily Riner, Lecompton
  • Ralph G. Costilla, Wichita
  • Dr. Joe Marlow, Olathe (reappointment)
  • Amy Pinger, Topeka (reappointment)
  • Shelby Ostrom, Overland Park (reappointment)
  • Breanna Monk, Wichita (reappointment)

 

For more information on the appointments, please visit https://governor.kansas.gov/

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda April 14

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: April 14, 2020

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

MEETING HELD IN THE EOC WITH NO PUBLIC ATTENDANCE (PUBLIC ATTENDANCE VIA FACEBOOK LIVE)

9:00 – 9:15 Discuss a committee for the renewal of the hard surface road sales tax

9:15 – 9:30 Discuss finance options for dump truck

9:30 – 9:45 Open Hay bids-was scheduled to be open 4/7/2020

9:45 – 10:00 Clint Anderson-Vehicle

10:00 – 10:15 Open porch bids-was scheduled to be opened 3/24/2020

10:30 – 10:45 Jody Hoener-Bourbon County’s goal to facilitate an effective path forward and our work to build infrastructure needed to move from phase one to phase twoof the covid 19 pandemic reopening roadmap

10:45-11:00 Volunteer work and work comp

11:00 – 11:15 Executive Session – Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel

11:15 – 11:30 Executive Session – Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship

11:30 – 12:00 Open meeting numerous administrative issues

12:00 – 1:30 Lunch

1:30 – 1:45 Jacqie Spradling – Personnel Salary

1:45 – 2:00 Will Wallace Non-elected personnel

Area News

Child Abuse Prevention Training Online

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The month of April has shaped up to be a unique one: we’re observing Child Abuse Prevention Month mostly from the comfort of our own homes. As our communities continue to press pause and participate in social distancing, we’re encouraging you to take things One Day at a Time. While the current COVID-19 has dramatically impacted life as we know it, protecting kids doesn’t have to be an overwhelming process—in fact, there are protective measures we can take that can come as easy as taking a deep breath.

During this month it is important, now more than ever, to help people understand that safe, stable, and nurturing relationships and environments are necessary to ensure that children thrive. Everybody plays a part in preventing child abuse and neglect – everyone can make great childhoods happen. Small discreet actions can make a big difference in a child’s life—and a parent’s as well.

Kansas Children’s Service League (KCSL) is pleased to announce the Darkness to Light Stewards of Children child sexual abuse prevention training is now available online, for Kansas residents, through a grant administered by the Office of the Kansas Attorney General. This is a free 2.0 hour training.

 

Registration spaces are first-come-first-serve. You are encouraged to forward this opportunity to other PARENTS, EDUCATION and CHILD CARE professionals, and COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS who work with children, churches, school staff, and area agencies.

Contact KCSL ([email protected]) with any questions or for directions on how to access the training opportunity.

We look forward to discussing steps we can take together to help keep kids safe!

Need local resources? Call any day, any time for FREE. We’re here to connect you to resources, answer any questions or just be a listening ear.

Government, Kansas

  KDA Marketing and Promotions Advisory Board Meets April 17

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Agriculture Marketing and Promotions Advisory Board to Meet Via Conference Call April 17

 

MANHATTAN, Kan. —   The Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Marketing and Promotions Advisory Board will meet at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, April 17. This is a regularly scheduled board meeting that will be held via conference call.

 

The mission of the KDA Agricultural Marketing, Advocacy and Outreach Team is to serve all Kansans through innovative programming and delivering solutions designed to create an environment that facilitates growth and expansion in agriculture while increasing pride in and awareness of the state’s largest industry — agriculture.

 

The meeting is open to the public. To request a copy of the agenda or directions on how to participate in the conference call, please contact Kerry Wefald, agriculture marketing director, at 785-564-6758 or [email protected].

 

Persons who require special accommodations must make their needs known at least two days prior to the meeting.

###

 

WHO:            KDA Marketing and Promotions Advisory Board

 

WHAT:          Regular Board Meeting

 

WHEN:          10:00 a.m. on April 17, 2020
Obituary

Obituary of Phyllis Norris

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Phyllis Norris, 88, of Fort Scott, passed away at her home Saturday morning, April 11, 2020. She was born March 11, 1932, in Liberty, Kansas, the daughter of Archibald Warren and Hazel Johanna (Johnson) Austin.

She married Claude Wayne Norris on September 24, 1950, in Cherryvale, Kansas, he preceded her in death on April 30, 2017.

Phyllis attended the Mercy School of Nursing and later worked at the Newman-Young Clinic from 1959 to 1997. She was a member of the Church of Christ.

She is survived by a daughter, Jonni Stanton, and husband, Steve, two sons, Mike Norris and wife, Kathy, and Phillip Norris and wife, Debbie all of Fort Scott, a sister-in-law, Joycelyn Malone and husband, Keith, grandchildren, Jerod Stanton, Lindsey Gulager, Linda Cabuay, Lisa Davis, Megan Vincent and Andy Norris, and 12 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, Claude, she was preceded in death by her parents.

Phyllis was cremated per her wishes.

Memorial services will be held at a later date under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made in Phyllis’s name to The Beacon, Inc. contributions may be sent to, or left in the care of, the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home at P.O. Box 309, 15 W. Wall Street, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701

The family encourages friends to sign Phyllis’s memorial book at the funeral home. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Bourbon County Local News