This is part of a series of new teachers in our community.
Curtis Horton is the new social studies teacher at Fort Scott High School.
Name: Curtis Horton
Affiliations Coaching football, basketball, and track.
This is part of a series of features of new teachers in our community.
Kenny Hudiburg is the new science teacher at Fort Scott High School.
Name: Kenny Hudiburg
Title: High School Science Instructor
Education: Bachelor of Science in Education, Master of Science in Biology
In Science Education for the past 25 years, as Middle School and High School Science for 11 years, the Lead Biology Instructor at Fort Scott Community College for the last 14 years.
Family: Married to Dr. Michelle Hudiburg, a professor in the Department of Education at Pittsburg State University. They have three children: Josh, the oldest is a Junior at Pittsburg State University; twin daughters, Dawna and Katherine, sophomores at FSHS.
Why did you choose an education career?
“I chose to go into education because I love teaching and working with students.”
This is a part of a series featuring the new teachers in our community.
Amber Malone is a new third-grade teacher at Eugene Ware Elementary School.
This is part of a series of new teachers in the community.
Haley Troutman is a new third-grade teacher at Eugene Ware Elementary School.
Name: Haley Troutman
Title of Position: 3rd Grade Teacher
Education: Graduated Uniontown High School, 2010, earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Science (psychology) from K-State, 2014 and is currently earning a Master of Arts in teaching K-6 at K-State, anticipated graduation is May 2019.
Age: 26
Family: Married to Stuart Troutman, three children: Molly (6), Sadie (3), and Jett (4 months).
Why did you choose education as a career:
“I chose education to impact the lives of children, encouraging them to be well-rounded, productive members of society. It is my hope to help them become the best individuals and students that they possibly can be. I love children and want my students to know that they always have a safe place in our classroom – an environment where they will be loved, nurtured, and encouraged.”
What is the first on your list of priorities for this position :
“I am looking forward to meeting all of my students and their families. Although I have already met my 3rd-grade team, I am excited to connect on a deeper level, building relationships with each of them. A priority I have for my classroom this year is implementing goal setting, both personal and academic. I anticipate an exciting year!”
This is part of a series featuring new teachers in our community.
Angella Curran is the new Fort Scott High School Speech and Debate/Forensics teacher.
Name: Angella Curran
Title of position: High School Speech and Debate/Forensics
Education: BA Communications, MA Teaching, both from Pitt State
Experience: Six years in Lamar, MO, four years in Frontenac, KS
Age: 35
Family: Son, age 13, attends PCMS
Affiliations: National Speech and Debate Association, Women Helping Women of Pittsburg, KS.
Why did you choose education as a career?
“I worked for AmeriCorps in 2004 and was placed as a tutor in an inner-city Baltimore school. I immediately connected with the students and decided that was the path I wanted to take once I returned to college.”
What is the first on your list of priorities for the position?
“My first priority is to build relationships with students and continue building the already amazing Debate and Forensics team.”
Memorabilia is coming out of storage and at least one piece has inspired a new beer.
“We will be unveiling the Fort Scott Indian Princess, Friday, August 24 at 4 p.m.,” according to an email from Barbara Ritter, owner of The Boiler Room Brewhaus. “We will also be featuring a namesake beer that has locally sourced peaches.”
“It’s a cream ale, conditioned with peaches beer,” said Bryan Ritter, the brewer.
The wooden Indian is on loan from the Historic Preservation Association, along with other memorabilia, such as old Fort Scott High School and railroad items, for the public to view.
The microbrewery is located at the corner of National Avenue and Wall Street, at 10 S. National.
According to information provided to the Brewhaus from the HPA below, the Indian maiden was in front of a tobacco store on North Main Street in Fort Scott, circa 1869. The store was owned by Frank Boyle, who was the city’s mayor from 1871-72.
Hours for the microbrewery are Thursday-Friday from 4-10 p.m.
Saturdays from 2 to 10 p.m. and Sundays from 2 to 7 p.m.
Contact them at 620-644-5032.
For additional information on the business, click on the links below:
Boiler Room Brewhaus Expands Into Historic Downtowner Hotel
Liquor By The Drink: On The November Ballot in Bourbon County
Click below for the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office daily reports. The office can be reached at (620) 223-2380.
Click below for the Fort Scott Police Department daily reports.
The FSPD is located at 1604 S. National, Fort Scott, KS 66701 and can be reached at 620-223-1700.
Chamber Accepting Registrations for LEAD Bourbon County Program
FORT SCOTT – The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is now accepting applications for participants in the 2018-19 LEAD Bourbon County leadership program; representing Leadership, Education and Development. This program will take place on the second Thursday of each month from September through May.
The program utilizes the curriculum of the Kansas Leadership Center, including facilitated sessions and tours of business and industry to demonstrate the leadership principles in action. Facilitators of LEAD Bourbon County will be Deb Needleman and Robert Uhler.
More detailed information including the registration form, brochure and topic of each session may be found on the Chamber website fortscott.com, under the Chamber tab. Registration is $325 (which includes all meals) plus a $50 materials fee and those interested may register and pay for their own, or often employers will sponsor an employee to participate. Registration forms and fees are requested to be submitted to the Chamber by August 24th.
Contact the Chamber for more information at 620-223-3566 or visit fortscott.com/lead-bourbon-county-program.
Nominations Now Being Accepted for Kansas Health Champion Awards
Exceptional efforts to promote health and fitness in Kansas to be recognized
TOPEKA – The Governor’s Council on Fitness is now accepting nominations for its annual Kansas Health Champion Awards. Awards are given to individuals and organizations that make an exceptional effort to model, encourage and promote health and fitness in Kansas. Award recipients will be recognized at the Community Health Promotion Summit on Jan. 24, in Manhattan, Kan. The deadline for nominations is Sept. 30.
“The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is proud to partner in this important initiative to improve the health and wellness of Kansans,” said KDHE State Health Officer, Dr. Greg Lakin. “Many people and organizations throughout the state have made healthy living a priority, and it’s important that we recognize their efforts that impact others”.
Nominees would be expected to have demonstrated:
“In addition to promoting effective models for increasing physical activity, nutrition and tobacco-free living for replication by organizations and communities around the state, the awards also allow us the opportunity to honor the outstanding work of one individual and one organization this year,” said Marlou Wegener, Manager of Community Relations, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas.
Eligible nominees might include an outstanding volunteer, a school, a local community, a newspaper or individual reporter, a local or State policy maker, or an employer, among others.
For more information and to submit a nomination, go to getactivekansas.org, and click on the nomination form link. If you have questions about the nomination process, contact Jennifer Church at 785-296-6801.
The Governor’s Council on Fitness advises the Governor and others on ways to enhance the health of all Kansans through promotion of physical activity, good dietary choices and prevention of tobacco use.
Aquatic Wildlife Propagation Center Opens
Farlington – The future for some of Kansas’ most imperiled aquatic species got brighter Thursday, August 16, with the grand opening of the Kansas Aquatic Biodiversity Center (KABC) at the Farlington Fish Hatchery in southeast Kansas. More than 60 people attended the opening ceremony for the facility, which culminated more than 10 years of planning and work.
The KABC is operated by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT). It is part of a program to propagate imperiled aquatic wildlife for reintroduction into areas where they have had serious population declines due to human activities and other factors. It will also be a holding facility for animals in immediate peril due to a decline in the quality of their habitat. In the next few months, KABC staff will work to propagate common, non-imperiled animals to develop procedures and get the rearing systems up and running. Once the systems are ready, KABC staff will begin propagating a few select species that have been determined by KDWPT to be important to restoring existing populations.
Robin Jennison, KDWPT Secretary, told a crowd at the event the facility could have a quick impact by raising and releasing aquatic animals currently on a threatened or endangered species list. Jennison said the center will play a huge role in the recovery of species in future disaster areas, such as where a chemical spill has impacted miles of a particular stream. As well as a place to take survivors of the disaster, the center could also propagate replacement animals far faster than the species could reproduce naturally. KABC will also participate in research projects pertaining to such aquatic animals.
Dan Mosier, KABC manager, said building the facility required the collaboration of various state and federal agencies. KDWPT, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) contributed to the $853,000 construction cost. KDHE provided more than half, largely with funds collected from mitigation agreements with corporations responsible for past ecological disasters. Such funding will help support the center in the future, too.
“KDHE is proud to partner with the KDWPT on this crucial aquatic biodiversity facility. This facility will allow for critical research and production work with species that are in need of conservation,” said Leo Henning, KDHE director of the division of environment.
Mosier said KABC is currently working on a research project concerning alligator snapping turtles with a Missouri university.
The Farlington Fish Hatchery is located at 101 Hatchery Rd., Farlington, which is below the Crawford State Fishing Lake Dam in Crawford County. The KABC will not be open to the public, but tours may be given by prior arrangement by calling 620-362-4166.
CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING, Minutes of August 7, 2018, Regular Meeting #15
The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held August 7th, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas.
ROLL CALL:
Commissioners Adamson, Nichols, and Parker were present with President of the Commission Bartelsmeyer presiding. Mayor Mitchell was absent.
INVOCATION: Jerry Witt, Community Christian Church, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City and all government and City officials.
AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Janet Braun, Kaylea Manwiller, Mike Embry, Trey Widder, Shaun West, Madeline Prachyl, Chris Anderson, Ryan Thomas, Julie Anderson, Brian Thurston, Kenny Rood, Jared Leek, Brita Rygmyr, Robert Shaw, Blynn Hill, Barbara Woodward, Justin Fisher, Amy Fisher, Josie Fisher, Jean Fisher, Janet Guilfoyle, Jerry Witt, Michael Mix, Alex Schafer, Daren Hutchison, Shelby Hutchison, Chris Garrett, Dustin Fowler, Pat Lyons, Deb Needleman, Darrell Parker, Travis Shelton, Kenny Howard, Rhonda Dunn, Paul Ballou, Rachel Pruitt, and Clayton Miller, and representing the press, Jason Silvers, Fort Scott Tribune.
PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:
Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of July 17th, 2018.
Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1220-A totaling $510,652.55.
Approval of Public Dance License – River Room Events, LLC, 3 W. Oak
Certificate of Appropriateness – Improvements at 9 N. Main Street
Resolution 32-2018 and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure located at 111 S. Little – Public Hearing Date – 9/18/2018 at 6:15 p.m.
Parker moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.
SERVICE AWARD RECOGNITIONS:
5 years: (Certificate only)
Chris Anderson, Firefighter, Fort Scott Fire Department
Justin Fisher, Corporal, Fort Scott Police Department
Dustin Fowler, Maintenance II, Woodland Hills Golf Course
Christopher Garrett, Corporal, Fort Scott Police Department
Janet Guilfoyle, Accounting Clerk, City Hall
Blynn Hill, IV, Sergeant, Fort Scott Police Department
Jason McReynolds, Maintenance II, Water Distribution Department
Kenneth Rood, Water Treatment Plant Maintenance
Alex Schafer, Firefighter, Fort Scott Fire Department
Ronald “Trey” Widder, Police Officer, Fort Scott Police Department
10 years: (Certificate and Gift)
Brian Thurston, Detective, Fort Scott Police Department
Chris Tourtillott, Maintenance II, Parks Department
15 years: (Certificate and Gift)
Mike Embry, Supervisor, Wastewater Treatment Plant
20 years: (Certificate and Gift)
Diane Clay, City Clerk/Municipal Court Clerk
Chad Brown, Public Works Director
25 years: (Certificate and Gift)
Daren Hutchison, Captain, Fort Scott Fire Department
Shaun West, Captain, Fort Scott Police Department
APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:
APPEARANCE: None
B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute
limit per citizen) –
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Adamson moved to open the Public Hearing at 6:08 p.m. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.
OPENED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:08 P.M.
6:00 p.m. – 2019 Budget Hearing – Adoption of 2019 Budget – Jon Garrison, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that a work session was held three weeks ago on the budget. He informed the Commissioners that this budget has no mill levy increase. This budget does reflect a 5% utility rate increase in 2019 and 5% the next year for the River Intake project. He asked for any comments or questions.
There were no questions from the Commissioners or the audience.
Nichols moved to approve the 2019 Budget. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED 2019 BUDGET.
Parker moved to close the Public Hearing at 6:10 p.m. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.
CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:10 P.M.
CONSIDERATION:
Consideration of a Conditional Use Permit at 9 N. Main to allow residential living on the 1st floor – Dave Martin, City Manager, informed the Commission that this is a critical decision for the downtown. The Planning Commission met on this and determined they want to look at each situation and not change the ordinance. As a Commission, you can do the following: 1) Vote yes; 2) Vote no; 3) Put off for another two weeks if you’re not ready to make a decision.
Rhonda Dunn, Community Development Director, informed the Commission that the Planning Commission did meet on this issue on July 12th, 2018. Currently, in the downtown district, residential living is only allowed on the 2nd floor of the building. Jerry Witt came before the Board to request a Conditional Use Permit to allow residential living on the first floor of the building he owns in the downtown historic district. The Design Review Board met and recommended his designs be approved for the City Commission.
Jerry Witt said that he has a love for downtown. He said years ago he lived at the Carriage House downtown while his house was being constructed. He spent between $6-10,000 on the canopy on the building already. His costs for renovating this building will be between $150,000 to $200,000. He had a renter in this building and bought the building next to it so his renter would have a place to go.
Commissioner Bartelsmeyer asked when people walked by and looked in what they would see.
Mr. Witt said they would see an office area. The living quarters are all behind the office area.
Jared Leek said he was appearing on behalf of some of the other downtown business owners who are in opposition to this Conditional Use Permit. He referenced Norm Conard, Barb Trimber, Pat Lyons, and Brita Rygmyr. He stated that he owns six properties downtown. He had researched and shared several articles regarding what happens when residential living is allowed in a downtown area. He shared the numbers of visitors in regards to the National Historic Site, the Lowell Milken Center, and the Liberty Theatre and the fact that foot traffic has increased astronomically in the downtown area. He believes the downtown buildings should be used for retail only and named several types of businesses that want to locate downtown. He did say that he is happy to see the upstairs of the downtown buildings filled with residential living.
A discussion was held between the Commissioners about placing requirements on the Conditional Use Permit.
City Attorney said that special requirements can be placed on the Conditional Use Permit such as stating the residence cannot be rented, Jerry or Judy Witt must reside there, the permit will expire when the Witt’s leave the residence, and office space must be at the front of the store. He said that the permit can be drafted and brought before them for final approval.
Commissioner Parker stated that when this building is refurbished and made historic looking again, it will be great. She doesn’t want to see any building end up like the Stout building.
Jared Leek asked the Commission to take into consideration the people that own businesses in the downtown area.
Rachel Pruitt, Economic Development Director, remarked that there are residents living on the first floor of the Western Building apartments.
Brita Rygmyr, owner of Papa Don’s Pizza, said that her business does not profit from people living in the downtown area. They walk their dogs in the downtown area and don’t always pick up the waste. Parking is an issue in the downtown area especially with the elderly people coming to her business.
Cheryl Adamson made a motion to table this issue for two weeks to allow more discussion regarding this Conditional Use Permit. The motion died for lack of a second.
Parker moved to approve the Conditional Use Permit for Jerry & Judy Witt at 9 N. Main to allow residential living on the first floor and to see the permit in writing at the next meeting with the following stipulations: 1) The building cannot be rented. 2) The Witt’s have to live there. 3) The C.U.P. will expire when the Witt’s leave the residence. 4) The front of the building will be office space. Nichols seconded. All voted aye. Motion carried.
approved the Conditional Use Permit for Jerry & Judy Witt at 9 N. Main to allow residential living on the first floor and to see the permit in writing at the next meeting with the following stipulations: 1) The building cannot be rented. 2) The Witt’s have to live there. 3) The C.U.P. will expire when the Witt’s leave the residence. 4) The front of the building will be office space.
Discussion of 1523 E. Wall Street demolition – Rhonda Dunn, Community Development Director, informed the Commission that the owner of this building has completed all the required repairs to this structure. She asked that the Commission rescind the demolition bids.
Bartelsmeyer moved to rescind the demolition bids for 1523 E. Wall Street. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO RESCIND DEMOLITION BIDS FOR 1523 E. WALL STREET.
Discussion of 1601 E. Wall Street demolition – Rhonda Dunn, Community Development Director, informed the Commission that this is the old Sugarfoot and Peaches restaurant which had a fire. The owner has had some health issues recently. He has an arrangement with a local contractor to demolish this structure.
A discussion was held on the amount of time this structure has been in this condition.
Nichols moved to give him until August 21st, 2018 to have the structure removed. If not, the City will demolish it with the bids received. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO GIVE OWNER UNTIL 8/21/2018 TO HAVE STRUCTURE AT 1601 E. WALL STREET REMOVED; IF NOT REMOVED BY THAT DATE, THE CITY WILL REMOVE WITH DEMOLITION BID THAT WAS RECEIVED.
Discussion of 310 N. Cleveland demolition – Rhonda Dunn, Community Development Director, informed the Commission that she has been working with the Good Neighbor Action Team and the Next Steps program for this property owner. They are going to apply for a USDA grant to improve their property. He is trying to get a job also. Rhonda asked for approval to reject the bids as the City has no idea what is inside the house. She said that there is no electricity or water to the house and they are sleeping outside and keeping food in coolers.
Commissioner Adamson stated she wished they would consider public housing.
City Attorney said that a person has a right to live where they want to. He said that this could end up going to District Court to get a court order to have them removed by the Sheriff’s Department.
Bartelsmeyer moved to approve to rescind the demolition bids and proceed forward with the court order to have them removed from the house. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.
approved to rescind the demolition bids and proceed forward with the court order to have them removed from the house at 310 n. cleveland street.
Consideration of three-year agreement with Craw-Kan to install fiber internet at LaRoche Baseball Complex – Jon Garrison, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that he is appearing on behalf of Larry Gazaway who is in Des Moines, Iowa at a conference. He is seeking approval of a three-year agreement with Craw-Kan to install fiber optic internet into the following areas at the LaRoche Baseball Complex: grandstand, bleachers, stands on both sides, grassy fan areas and concession areas. In exchange for this, the City will provide outfield signage, main gate upper arch signage, backstop signage, smaller 6” X 12” Wifi powered CKT signs placed in fan accessible areas, login page, and authorization to publicize the partnership. They will provide wireless network support from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Parker moved to approve the three-year agreement with Craw-Kan to install fiber internet at LaRoche Baseball Complex. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.
approved the three-year agreement with Craw-Kan to install fiber internet at LaRoche Baseball Complex.
Consideration of Airport Mower Bid – Kenny Howard, Airport/Lakes Director, informed the Commission that bids were taken for the purchase of a zero turn mower for the Airport and the Lakes. There were three bids received: Blue Valley Trailers, Fort Scott for a Grasshopper 900D mower in the amount of $21,612.55; Heritage Tractor of Pittsburg, Kansas for a John Deere mower for $19,500; and Legacy Farm & Lawn of Nevada, Missouri for a John Deere in the amount of $16,470 and $28,995. The bid from Blue Valley Trailers for the Grasshopper mower is the only bid that met the bid specifications. He asked for approval for the mower from Blue Valley Trailer in the amount of $21,612.55.
Adamson moved to approve the bid from Blue Valley Trailer in the amount of $21,612.55 for the mower. Parker seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED BID FROM BLUE VALLEY TRAILER IN THE AMOUNT OF $21,612.55 FOR THE GRASSHOPPER MOWER FOR THE AIRPORT/LAKES.
COMMISSION/STAFF:
Director Updates: Rhonda Dunn – Ms. Dunn stated that the Design Review Board met last week and put together some fencing guidelines for the downtown historic district. This will be on the August 21st, 2018 Commission agenda for your consideration.
B. City Commission:
Adamson – Nothing to report.
Bartelsmeyer – Remarked that it was a tough decision tonight but felt like it was the right thing to do.
Nichols – Remarked that tonight was a tough meeting. He welcomed Commissioner Bartelsmeyer’s granddaughter to the meeting.
Parker – Remarked that she was proud of the service awards for the City employees and that we have good, competent employees that work for us.
Mitchell – Not present.
C. City Attorney: Asked for a 20 minute Executive Session to discuss the potential acquisition of real estate to include the City Commission, City Attorney, City Manager, Director of Economic Development, Director of Finance, and Community Development Director. There is no action anticipated.
Director of Finance: Nothing to report.
City Manager:
Vacation – Dave reminded the Commission that he is on vacation next week. Diane will have a contact number for him in case of an emergency.
Sam Mason – Dave said that in the first part of September it will be a year since Commissioner Sam Mason passed away. He went and saw Lora Mason recently and she is doing well.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Nichols moved to move into Executive Session for 20 minutes to discuss the potential acquisition of real estate to include the City Commission, City Attorney, City Manager, Director of Economic Development, Director of Finance, and Community Development Director. There is no action anticipated. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.
WENT INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 7:22 P.M.
Bartlesmeyer moved to enter into another 10 minute Executive Session to discuss the potential acquisition of real estate. Parker seconded. All voted aye.
WENT INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 7:42 P.M.
Bartelsmeyer moved to adjourn from the Executive Session at 7:50 p.m. Parker seconded. All voted aye.
ADJOURNED FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 7:50 P.M.
ADJOURNMENT:
Bartelsmeyer moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:51 p.m. Parker seconded. All voted aye.
ADJOURNED MEETING AT 7:51 P.M.
The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on August 21st, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.
RECORDED BY:
____________________
DIANE K. CLAY
