Fort Scott City Commission Agenda August 21

 

The agenda for the Fort Scott City Commission meeting Aug. 21 at 6 p.m. at city hall, 123 S. Main.

ROLL CALL:

ADAMSON BARTELSMEYER NICHOLS PARKER MITCHELL

II. FLAG SALUTE

III. INVOCATION: Pastor Paul Rooks, Grace Baptist Tabernacle

IV. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: None

V. CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of August 7th, 2018.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1221-A totaling $273,230.48.

VII. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE: Miriam Mix and Patience Richwine – FSHS Mentoring Program

Kevin Wagner, 2018 Wreath Ride

B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute limit per citizen)

C. PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS:

6:15 p.m. Update on alleged unsafe and dangerous structure located at 1914 E. Wall Street (On July 17th was continued for 30 days)

VIII. CONSIDERATION:

  1. Discussion of 13 N. Holbrook demolition

  1. Consideration of fencing ordinances in downtown historic district

  1. Selection of Voting and Alternate Delegates for League of Kansas Municipalities Annual Voting Meeting – 3 voting – 3 alternate

  1. Approval of Conditional Use Permit – 9 N. Main – Witt Family Rentals, LLC

IX. COMMENTS:

  1. Director Updates: Larry Gazaway
  1. Commission:
  1. City Attorney:
  1. Director of Finance:
  1. City Manager:

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

I MOVE THAT THE CITY COMMISSION RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE

SESSION FOR ________________________________ IN ORDER TO

(see below justification)

DISCUSS ______________________________________. THE

EXECUTIVE SESSION WILL BE ___________ MINUTES AND THE OPEN

MEETING TO RESUME AT ________________.

Justifications for Executive Sessions:

  • Personnel matters of non-elected personnel

  • Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship

  • Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative or representatives of the body or agency

  • Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships

  • Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property

X. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: ROLL CALL

The Beacon Has A New Director

Gary Murrell. Submitted photo by Carol MacArthur.

Gary Murrell has pastored churches for 38 years in Kansas, Missouri, and Louisiana through the Church of God, headquartered in Anderson, Indiana.

As of August 7, he is now the director of the Beacon, a helping agency in Fort Scott.

“Through ministry, you help people in various ways,” Murrell said. “I feel comfortable in that….this is an opportunity to help people.”

“This is a  great opportunity to grow myself and the Beacon,” he said.

“The Beacon serves Bourbon County with food and clothes, to help those that qualify. The community is welcome to come by and get to know the Beacon.”

The agency is located at 525 E. Sixth St. on the city’s east side and is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.

To donate food, clothing or money, contact the agency at 223-6869.

The Murrell’s are Bourbon County transplants.

In 2014, Gary and wife, Fannie, purchased the Perry property, near Redfield.

They have two daughters, Hanna Malveaux, Fort Scott, and Rachael Woosley, Chandler, Arizona, and six grandchildren.

 

Sara Jackman: New FSHS Social Studies Teacher

This is part of a series of profiles about the new teachers in our community.
Sara Jackman is the new Fort Scott High School Social Studies Teacher.
Name: Sara Jackman
Title of position: High School Social Studies Teacher
Education: BSE from Emporia State University
Experience: 15 years
Age: 37
Family: Husband Jay
Affiliations: Kansas National Education Association
Why did you choose education as a career?
“I enjoy working with students and seeing them grow.”
What is the first on your list of priorities for the position?
“Get to know my students and coworkers.”

Farmers Market Sets Up In Hospital Cafe August 22

Mercy Hospital Café Hosts Farmers’ Market

Trial date set for Wednesday, August 22

Farm fresh produce is not only good for you; it’s delicious and packed with nutrients. Plus, shoppers now have another opportunity to purchase beyond typical farmers’ market days offered in Fort Scott.

In conjunction with the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Pathways grant, Mercy is collaborating with local farmers to bring a farmers’ market to the hospital cafeteria from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 22. If the event is successful, future dates will be scheduled.

The public is invited. Cash and checks accepted.

We know that finding time to eat healthy food can be a challenge between work, family, and all the extra stuff we do,” said Sherise Beckham, Mercy dietitian. “As a worksite, we want to promote healthy eating, as a community partner we want to support our farmers market, and as a healthcare facility, we want to be a model for encouraging healthy behaviors. This new collaboration with the Fort Scott Farmers’ Market allows us to do all those things and we couldn’t be more excited.”

Local vendors participating in the market are Stacey Atkins, Ronnie Brown, and Chet and Linda Bower.

Mercy, named one of the top five large U.S. health systems in 2018, 2017 and 2016 by IBM Watson Health, serves millions annually. Mercy includes more than 40 acute care and specialty (heart, children’s, orthopedic and rehab) hospitals, 800 physician practices and outpatient facilities, 44,000 co-workers and 2,100 Mercy Clinic physicians in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Mercy also has clinics, outpatient services and outreach ministries in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. In addition, Mercy’s IT division, Mercy Technology Services, supply chain organization, ROi, and Mercy Virtual commercially serve providers and patients in more than 20 states coast to coast.

supply chain organization, ROi, and Mercy Virtual commercially serve providers and patients in more than 20 states coast to coast.

Obituary for Robert Otis McCutchen

Robert Otis McCutchen, age 55, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away early Wednesday, August 15, 2018, at the Mercy Hospital in Ft. Scott.

He was born November 29, 1962, the son of Robert James Cork “Bobby” McCutchen and Ila Carolene Faught McCutchen.

Robert graduated from the Fort Scott High School. He had worked as a carpenter.

Survivors include two children, Dylan and Shyla McCutchen, both of Kincaid, Kansas. He was preceded in death by two sons, and his parents, Bobby McCutchen and Carolene McCutchen Scott.

There was cremation and no services are planned at this time. Arrangements were handled by Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott.

But By The Grace of God, Go I by Patty LaRoche

They’re not cases. They’re people. I wish everyone would remember that.”

Misty shared that with me shortly after I arrived to work alongside her in the kitchen of a homeless shelter here in Florida. She has been employed there for five years after interning while earning her pastry chef degree. I saw a lot of Jesus in her.

Tonight’s 200+ “guests” all were treated with dignity by this amazing young woman. Anyone wanting seconds was given seconds. Thirds? As long as the food lasted. One elderly man wanted milk instead of iced tea, so Misty ran to the cooler to find a carton. She said that the “personal touch” means the world to these people which is why she calls most of them by name.

One woman caught my attention when I showed up mid-afternoon. A box of donated tennis shoes had been placed on the veranda, and this elderly lady had taken a few pair. She spent the next two hours at a picnic table, redoing the laces, setting them aside and then starting over. Then she walked to the trash can, leaned over it and brushed her teeth. According to Misty, she is a regular.

Alongside me in the kitchen were three men who live at the shelter. Bob is a grandpa, LaShawn is trying to break a cocaine habit, and Kenta appeared to have a chip on his shoulder. Misty said his negativity is “part of his journey” and that she, too, had been bitter before she turned her life around.

Between prep duties, I heard her story. As a youngster, she lived for five years in a car with her mother. Because of that, she knows first-hand these homeless people are not just “cases.” Born with a cleft palate that was fixed shortly after her birth, Misty’s permanent teeth were so jagged that the Shriners offered to pay for her mouth to be fixed. The process had started but then her drug-addicted mother “dropped the ball,” so it never was done. By the time her dad intervened and got custody, Misty was twelve.

In high school she joined ROTC and found a place where she excelled. Once she graduated, she tried to join the Army and then the Navy, but both needed proof she could function with her repaired cleft palate and crooked teeth. I told her that made no sense. You don’t shoot a gun or fly a helicopter with your mouth. Misty laughed but said that in the year it took her to prove her “disability” was not a psychological disadvantage, both military operations were cutting back and taking only the cream of the crop. She did not fall into that category.

LaShawn has been at the shelter only one month. We talked about his three sons and how he works two jobs to pay child support but has not seen them in a “long time.” After LaShawn’s “baby mama” turned to drugs, he followed, never realizing how hard it would be to quit. I said I had no idea what that battle must be like, that I admired him for fighting the fight and He had much to win, especially in his role of daddy. He agreed.

Several hours later, as LaShawn washed dishes and I swept, I told him I thought the corn from supper was growing out of the floor because it kept appearing in spots I already had swept. His hearty laugh made me realize we have the same sense of humor. At the end of our shift we hugged, and when I showed up to work there a few days later, his “Hi, Miss Patty” was yelled at me from across the courtyard. I had made a friend.

By the grace of God goeth I,” I said to Misty while removing my apron and protective cap. I hope I never forget her response. “I know. I keep reminding myself that I am one paycheck, one poor decision, one illness, one turn at bad luck away from ending up just like them.”

Aren’t we all?

Manufacturing Summit coming to Wichita

 

TOPEKA – Wichita is the site of the second annual Kansas Manufacturing Summit, a forum providing those in the manufacturing sector the opportunity to network, learn about business match options, and gain insight into workforce development. The event will be held September 18 at the National Center for Aviation Training in Wichita.

The Kansas Manufacturing Summit, hosted by Kansas Department of Commerce and Kansas Chamber of Commerce’s Manufacturing Council, in conjunction with Wichita State University, will cover a range of topics aimed at improving business operations and productivity with Kansas manufacturers.

Conference sessions include:

  • Emerging (3D) Technologies
  • Automation and Additive Manufacturing
  • Sustainability and Efficiencies in Manufacturing Workforce
  • Workforce Development and Integration
  • Block Chain Management
  • Cyber Security
  • Digital Transformation

 

“A highlight of this year’s conference will be a panel discussion giving manufacturers insights and opportunities available to help grow and develop the workforce,” said Susan NeuPoth Cadoret, Director of Business Development at the Kansas Department of Commerce.

The cost to register for the Summit is $35 through August 28, after which the cost will increase to $50. Guests will be able to attend the reception held at the end of the Summit for only $20. Registration can be completed online at KansasCommerce.gov/manufacturingsummit. The website will also include the full conference schedule, speaker biographies and hotel information as they become available.

 

Gearing Up For FSCC Fall Semester by Briana Blandamer

As summer comes to a close, the staff and students here at FSCC are gearing up for the Fall 2018 semester.

Beginning in mid-July, the volleyball and football athletes began their summer camps and practices, working hard to prepare for this year’s season.

Greyhound Volleyball will begin their season with a tournament, Friday, August 24th playing at 3 pm and 7 pm. They will continue into Saturday with games at 11 am and 3 pm.

FSCC Football will kick off their season on August 25th at 3 pm at Highland Community College. Come to support our Greyhounds!

Aside from athletics, students planning to live in Greyhound and Boileau Hall began move-ins through to Friday. Weekend move-ins are permitted by appointment only. If you are a new student moving into a dorm room, stop by the Business Office and they can give you further instructions.

The students are not the only ones looking forward to this semester at FSCC. The staff and their families had a meet-and-greet, company picnic on Tuesday evening to welcome new staff members to their team and get ready for this school year. You can find articles about our new staff members here at fortscott.biz.

As school begins on Monday, August 20th, Fort Scott’s Director of Student Activities, Kassie Fugate-Cate, has organized ‘Welcome Week!’

To begin the week there are Pastries and Drinks in Bailey Hall from 7:30 am to 10 am on both Monday and Tuesday!

Campus maps, Student Survival Guides, and assistance will be provided. Feel free to ask anyone for help finding a classroom or to get your questions answered.

On Tuesday the 21st, there will be an Activities Expo in Bailey Hall from 11 am to 12 pm. Stop by to find out all the clubs and activities FSCC has to offer!

Wednesday is the Business Expo from 9 am to 11:30 am to check out some of our local businesses.

Thursday the 23rd there are FREE snow cones and student volleyball on the north side of Burris Hall from 5 to 7 pm. This event is sponsored by Christians on Campus. Everyone is welcome!!

Don’t forget to pick up your ‘Welcome Week!’ pamphlet for a list of these activities and some coupons!

Enrollment will continue through August 24th, so be sure to get that taken care of! Let’s enjoy a new semester here at FSCC!

GO Greyhounds!

For more details, click here:

Welcome Week broc18

Briana Blandamer, FortScott.Biz intern, whose focus is Fort Scott Community College.

Boer Goats: Good For 4-H and FFA Kids

The Boer Goats are coming! The Boer Goats are coming!

And due to a happenstance, they have been coming annually to Fort Scott for three years.

“This will be the third year ( the Heartland Showcase Boer Goat Sale)  will be held in Fort Scott as we are in the middle of the area of people raising Boer Goats,” Allen Warren, with the Bourbon County Fairgrounds Board, said.

What is a Boer Goat?

“The development of the Boer goat in the early 1900’s can be traced to the Dutch farmers of South Africa. Boer is a Dutch word meaning farmer.  With meat production setting the selection criteria, the Dutch farmers developed the Boer goat as a unique breed of livestock. The Boer goat has a rapid growth rate, excellent carcass qualities and is highly adapted to different environments,” according to  http://abga.org/about-abga/history/

“They (the Heartland Showcase Boer Goat Sale organizers) originally held their first sale in Columbus,” Warren said.

There was a lack of hotels and restaurants in Columbus, according to Warren.

“As some of the officers were on their way home to Nebraska, they drove through Fort Scott  and decided to see what kind of a Fairground  and facility we had to offer,” Warren said. “The next day they called the K-State Extension Office and got my telephone number.  This developed into the relationship we have today.  They feel our facilities and our community has a lot of what they were looking for.”

“We heard that they were a good location, centrally located. Fort Scott seemed to be the perfect fit,” Lisa Stripe, co-owner of the sale, said. “We generally have 12 different farms bringing their goats into the sale. Usually the crowd draws 100-150 people.”

The Stripes are from Humeston, Iowa.

“We personally got started because as a kid Ithought it would be fun to have some. Later, I bought some behind my husband’s back.”

“They are good animals  for kids in 4-H or FFA because they are gentle, the kids are less likely to get hurt versus a cow or calf.”

“I  would like to thank the businesses , the motels the fairgrounds,” Stripe said. “We couldn’t ask for a better place to have the sale.”

 

Viewing of the animals is from 4-6 p.m. Saturday, August 18 and again Sunday August 19. The sale will be Sunday at noon at the fairgrounds.
You may contact Lisa Stripe at 402-759-5497 or Jill Lanham at 402-984-8344 for more information about this event

 

Bourbon County Local News