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Kansas Commerce Dept. Is Restructuring
Secretary David Toland Announces Agency Restructuring, Open New Positions
Topeka, Kan. – Secretary of Commerce David Toland has announced agency-wide restructuring as part ongoing rebuilding efforts. These actions include the rebuilding of both the Business Development and International Trade Divisions.
“Much of the structure that exists today at the Department of Commerce came in response to hasty budget cuts and ideologically-driven decisions that simply do not reflect best practices in economic development,” Secretary Toland said. “When you’re in the business of selling the state as a great place to do business, it makes no sense to eliminate much of your sales force, as happened under the previous administration. Governor Kelly and I are determined to do the difficult restructuring work at Commerce that will yield strong economic growth in urban, suburban and rural communities across the state.”
Two new positions will be created to align with the new structure:
- Business Development Division Director – The director will develop and administer programs designed to recruit and retain businesses within the state. They will lead a team of local and regional economic development professionals to grow and diversify the economy, while promoting the state as a desirable location to do business.
- International Trade Division Director – The director will design and lead the international investment and trade development strategy for the state, including opening new export markets for Kansas businesses and recruiting businesses seeking U.S. locations to the state.
Current Director of Business Development Susan NeuPoth Cadoret has announced that she will retire in December 2020. She is transitioning into a new role as special advisor to the Secretary, supporting Secretary Toland’s re-engineering of the Department.
“Susan is a committed and forceful advocate for Kansas communities and businesses, and she stepped up to the plate to hold our Business and Community Development functions together during incredibly difficult times in the agency,” Toland said. “I’m grateful to Susan for 20 years of service at Commerce and for her willingness to work closely with me in this new role as we return this agency to a national leader in economic development.”
Alicia Janesko Hutchings, who was appointed by Secretary Toland in June to lead the Business Recruitment team, will remain in that capacity.
Ryan Brinker
Public Information Officer
Kansas Department of Commerce
Office of the Secretary
1000 SW Jackson St. Ste. 100
Topeka, KS 66612-1354
Phone: (785) 296-4931
Cell: (785) 276-9723
Chamber Coffee At Stutesman’s Realty Sept. 12
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WEEKLY CHAMBER COFFEE REMINDER
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Hosted by:
Stutesman’s Action Realty
Location:
120 E. Wall St.
Thursday, September 12, 2019 at 8:00 a.m.
Chamber members and guests are encouraged to attend for networking, community announcements, and to learn about the hosting business or organization.
Members may pay $1 to make an announcement about an upcoming event, special/sale/discount, or news of any kind.
Upcoming Coffees:
September 19 – Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes (1 S. Main St.)
September 26 – Diehl Banwart Bolton CPA’s P.A. (70th Anniversary)
October 3 – Gordon Parks Museum (16th Annual Gordon Parks Celebration, celebrating the 50th Anniversary of “The Learning Tree”)
October 10 – McDonald’s (2224 S. Main St.)
Rinehart Christian Church Offers Family Fun: Corn Maze in October
A corn maze is coming in October, so add this to the family bucket list of fun things to do this fall.
Rinehart Christian Church is having a corn maze every Saturday in October (5,12,19, and 26) from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
“Other activities include: hayrides, corn pit, inflatables, fire pits, pumpkin painting, and games,” said Rinehart Church Youth Pastor Elijah Pierson. “This is a free event for the whole community, including a hot dog lunch from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. each Saturday.”
The address is 9443 S 900 Rd Richards, MO 64778.
Here are directions from Fort Scott: Take 69 Hwy. north to the Hammond exit. Then go east two miles on Soldier Rd. The road turns to the north; follow the blacktop (245th St.) to the stop sign (Valley Road); then go east. This becomes Hwy. D in Missouri. Continue on Hwy. D through Stotesbury to 900 Rd. Go South 0.5 miles to the church.
The design of the corn maze is by Precision Mazes, he said.
“We believe families are important, so we want to provide an event in the community that can be shared and enjoyed by the whole family,” Pierson said. “We know that one of the best ways we can serve God is by serving families.”
“Rinehart exists to ‘Love God, Live Like Jesus, and Lift Others’,” Pierson said “Our church is full of people of all ages and backgrounds and our members belong to many different communities including Nevada, Fort Scott, Butler, Sheldon, and many more. We welcome anyone who wishes to come worship with us at our 10:30 AM service.”
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Sept. 11
Several Musicians Featured At Friday Night Concert in the Park
The Free Friday Night Concert will feature three different sets.
Steve Fortenberry on the guitar, does special stylings on his solo guitar and plays traditional, gospel and light classical pieces.
“I am really looking forward to hearing some of his new creations on the guitar,” said Ralph Carlson, event coordinator.
Rob Hunt and friends will be performing a mix of gospel and hymns. “Rob has performed for us before and is an outstanding keyboard player,” Carlson said.
“In addition, I have not quite concluded booking a bluegrass and gospel group who you have heard before and is well-liked,” he said. ” I believe we will have a good show for you. I plan to have a brief open mike period for anyone who would like to play and or sing.”
In the event of bad weather, the event will move inside to the Common Grounds Coffee Shop. Come early and bring a lawn chair as seating is limited. Heritage Park is located at 1st and Main street in downtown Fort Scott, at 7 p.m.
Death Notice of Ronald Kauffman
Ronald Eugene Kauffman, age 64, a resident of Summerfield, Kansas, passed away Thursday, September 5, 2019, at the Medicalodge in Ft. Scott, Kansas.
Cremation was handled by Cheney Witt Chapel. Private burial will take place at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott.
Fort Scott Town-Wide Garage Sale Sept. 13-14
Submitted by: Lindsay Madison, Executive Director, [email protected]
Monica Walden, Administrative Assistant, [email protected]
Phone: (620) 223-3566
FORT SCOTT – Mark your calendars for the Fall Town-wide Garage Sale this Friday and Saturday, September 13th and 14th. Now is the time to get your garage sale on the map.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce encourages residents in Fort Scott to do your fall cleaning and make room for something new. Garage sales may be registered through the Chamber by 1 pm, Wednesday, September 11th for only $10. The registration fee lists your sale on the official garage sale map and enables the Chamber to advertise the sale throughout the region on the radio, newspaper, social media and the Chamber website.
Garage sales may be registered in person at the Chamber office, located at 231 E. Wall Street or by phone using debit or credit card by calling (620) 223-3566.
The official garage sale maps will be available to shoppers this Thursday evening from the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce and the following locations: 5 Corners Mini-Mart, Bids & Dibs, Casey’s, Don’s Smoke Shop, and all four Pete’s locations.
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Ribbon Cutting For Stutesman’s Action Realty Sept. 12
Submitted by: Lindsay Madison, Executive Director, [email protected]
Monica Walden, Administrative Assistant, [email protected]
Phone: (620) 223-3566
FORT SCOTT – The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony celebrating the new location of Stutesman’s Action Realty at 120 East Wall Street in Fort Scott, next door to Hole In The Wall Liquor. The event will take place immediately following the Chamber Coffee on Thursday, September 12th at 8:00 a.m.
In May of 2019, Stutesman’s Action Realty entered into a long-term agreement to lease the space at 120 East Wall Street from Pat & Stacy Wood, and began the large remodeling project to convert the downstairs into new office space for their growing business in Bourbon County and the surrounding area. After approximately 3 months of renovations, Stutesman’s Action Realty is now proud to be a permanent establishment in the community. They are thrilled to invite all to stop in and check out the transformation that this early 1900’s historic building has undergone. It has been updated and modernized for doing business in the 21st century, while keeping intact aspects of the original charm and character of the historic building.
Please join the Chamber of Commerce and Stutesman’s Action Realty on Thursday, September 12th, 2019 for the ribbon cutting ceremony at 120 East Wall Street in Fort Scott.
Contact the Chamber at 620-223-3566s for more information.
Obituary of Arlone Golden Blevins
Arlone Golden Blevins, age 85, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Friday, September 6, 2019, at her home.
She was born November 12, 1933, in Hume, Missouri, the daughter of Robert E. Lee and Sylvia Fern Teagarden Lee.
She graduated from Hume High School where she played the piano and basketball. Arlone married Charles M. Blevins on February 24, 1952, in Hume. They were married for sixty-six years. To this union, two daughters, Ronda and Robin, were born. From an early age, Arlone sewed her own clothing and designed beautiful ruffled dresses for her two girls. She was employed by the Post Office at Foster, Missouri while Charlie served in the Korean War. After the war, Arlone helped her husband on the farm milking dairy cows, planting and harvesting crops and raising beef cattle. After leaving the farm, Arlone worked at Litwin’s Clothing Store, the Western Insurance Company and Lincoln National.
Arlone loved spending time with her family and enjoyed cooking their favorite dishes. She loved bowling, working in her numerous flower gardens, playing the piano and organ at churches she attended and teaching Bible classes. She was a member of the Grace Baptist Tabernacle.
Survivors include two daughters, Ronda Hastings and husband, Bradley, of Grants, New Mexico and Robin Miller and husband, Stephen, of Ft. Scott, Kansas; five granddaughters; seven great-granddaughters and two great-grandsons. Also surviving are a brother, J. R. Lee and wife, Mary, of Tulsa, Oklahoma; two nieces and a nephew.
She was preceded in death by her husband and her parents.
Arlone requested cremation and limited services following her death. Rev. Paul Rooks will conduct graveside services at 1:30 P.M. Friday, September 13th at the U. S. National Cemetery.
The family will receive friends on Friday at the Cheney Witt Chapel from 12:30 P.M. until leaving for the cemetery at 1:15 P.M.
Memorials are suggested to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Obituary of Robert Johnson
Robert Michael (Bob) Johnson, age 69, a resident of Fort Scott, Kansas, went home to be with his Lord, Friday, September 6, 2019, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri.
He was born February 13, 1950, in Fort Scott, Kansas the son of Robert Wayne Johnson and Margie Ladine Clark Johnson.
Bob graduated from Fort Scott High School with the Class of 1968. He then graduated from Pittsburg State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources. He married the love of his life, Linda Boyd, on November 20, 1976, in Fort Scott, they had two children Derrick Wayne and Michael Randell.
Bob loved spending time with his family. They took many trips to Roaring River, traveled to Pittsburg to see his son perform for the Pitt State choir, and went on numerous debate trips. Recently Bob loved spoiling his grandson, Randell Matthew.
Bob also enjoyed sports; he was an avid Chiefs, Royals, and St. Louis Blues fan.
After graduating, Bob worked as Human Resources Director for Midwestern Distribution. He then worked as Human Resources Director for the City of Fort Scott, where he served as a reserve Lieutenant and interim Chief of Police. Following retirement, he assisted with the debate and forensics program for Unified School District 234.
Survivors include his loving wife and best friend of 44 years Linda Linnett Johnson, his sons Derrick, and Michael and wife Jana, and their son Randy all of Fort Scott. Survivors also include several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, Walter and Gertrude Johnson, an uncle, Raymond Johnson, as well as several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Rev. Rob Carr will conduct funeral services at 10:00am Friday, September 13, 2019 at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow at the Memory Gardens Cemetery.
The family will receive friends and loved ones for a visitation viewing from 5:00-7:00pm Thursday, September 12th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorial donations are suggested to the Bob Johnson Memorial Fund or Fort Scott High School Debate and Forensics Program and can be left in the care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
FSCC Celebrates 100 Years
A public program to start the Fort Scott Community College Centennial Celebration was one of speeches, a prayer and a song on Monday morning at the Ellis Arts Center on the campus.
Students, guests and the public were invited to hear the experiences of former students and teachers, then eat a quick hot dog lunch and some cake and cookies in celebration of the community college’s 100th year.
Speakers were FSCC President Alysia Johnston who welcomed the crowd and introduced Kansas Senator Caryn Tyson. Tyson then presented the college with a commendation from the Kansas Senate for its’ 100 years of serving the community.
The speakers at the Centennial Celebration were FSCC Vice President of Student Services Janet Fancher, retired FSCC instructor Jack Gilmore; Mark Muller, FSCC Class of 1979; Tyson; retired FSCC instructor Marcel Normand; Gina Findley Shelton, class of 1999; Jim Barrows, class of 1968 and Johnston. A letter read by Fancher from Esther Anne (Weeks) Sewell, class of 1941, who is 96 years old.
Additionally, FSCC Class of 2013 Taylor Bailey produced an introductory video, narrated by Tyler Covey, class of 2019. FSCC President’s Ambassador Hannah Reel led the flag salute and Dusty Drake, lead minister at Community Christian Church, said the closing prayer.
Following the program and lunch, the crowd was asked to stop by the tree planted in honor of the celebration near the front of the building, where a fly-by drone took an aerial photo of the group.
During the welcome FSCC President Alysia Johnston told the audience that the school was established in 1919 and is the oldest continuous public community college in Kansas.
The school, established in 1919, was originally located at the Fort Scott High School building until 1967 when it moved to the 150-acre current site, and 200 students started classes. At this time, FSCC also began offering classes in Paola, according to information provided by the college.
In 1973 the administration building was completed and was later named the Dick Hedges Administration Building.
In 1982, Arnold Arena was completed, with one side a rodeo arena and the other a basketball gym, weight training area, athletic dressing rooms, classrooms, a computer lab and athletic offices. Arnold Arena just completed a renovation of the gym in Sept. 2019.
In 1986, the college acquired the cosmetology school from Pittsburg State University and N. Jack Burris Hall was completed in 1989.
A dormitory was opened in 2002 and named Chester Boileau Hall.
In 2004, FSCC purchased and renovated the former Sisters of Mercy Convent on Burke Street for the nursing program. Also in 2004, the college remodeled a wing of the former Miami
County Hospital in Paola, which then became the FSCC Miami County Campus.
The Gordon Park Museum and Center of Diversity also was established in 2004 at FSCC to honor Fort Scott native Gordon Parks, a photographer, writer, poet, musician and filmmaker.
The Danny And Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center was opened in 2009 which included a 600-seat theater, community meeting rooms, the Gordon Parks Museum the Kathy Ellis Academic Hall.
The Kansas National Guard Armory was purchased in 2010 and houses the John Deer technician program and the welding program.
The cosmetology department moved to a newly remodeled space in 2014 on campus and the rodeo program opened a new rodeo building.
This year, an addition to the Burris Hall which was provided by donations from the Chester Boileau and Lonnie Cleaver estates, opened with new offices, classrooms, bathrooms, and a trophy display area for the FSCC Livestock and Meat’s Judging Teams awards.
There will be a banquet on Sept. 20 as part of the continuing celebration, and a tailgate party with free food at the Greyhound Football Game, Sept. 21 at 7 p.m.
For more information: 620-223-2700.
