The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces the winners of the 2023 Christmas Light Contest with cash prizes sponsored by Niece Products.
Top Residential is awarded to three places:
1st Place: John Willis, 806 S. Barbee
2nd Place: Jordan Vansickle, 320 Sunset Drive
3rd Place: Carla Farmer, 2146 Jayhawk
Top Business is awarded to Mayco Ace Hardware Store, 205 Scott Ave.
Special recognition is also given to Clark Street Lights at 753 S. Clark Street who continue to have amazing displays this year for the community and visitors to enjoy.
The Chamber would like to thank everyone in the community who put up lights to make our town festive this holiday season.
Contact the Chamber for more information at 620-223-3566 or [email protected].
Fort Scott Washateria has teamed up with Healthy Bourbon County, SEK Community Health Center, Community Organizing to Promote Equity, and Bourbon County Health Equity Action Teams to assist folks with washing their clothes and bedding this Saturday, December 16 at the laundry mat located at 501 S. National.
“Since November 1st we have made machines available from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. every Wednesday for folks free of charge,” Washateria manager, Lori Lovelace said. “The Washateria provides laundry soap and dryer sheets for folks that don’t bring their own.”
“In honor of the holiday season, we are hosting our first Wash Wednesday Weekend on Saturday, Dec 16th from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. and all machines are free,” she said. “We are not limiting people to one machine.”
“Those that come at 8 a.m. probably won’t have to wait to put their laundry in,” she said. Noting later in the morning, there will probably be a wait for the machines.
“We do have some guidelines,” she said. “We are limiting, depending on the size of the washing machine. Up to four small machines, up to two 40-pound machines, up to one 60-pound machine, and up to one 80-pound machine and the corresponding dryer. One dryer per machine.”
Some of the washing machines that will be available for the program.
Lovelace and the staff want to prevent people from “stuffing it too full,” she said. “If they need more than one dryer, they will have to pay for that.”
The larger machines are designed for bedding, “but if nobody is using them, I will let someone with a big load of clothes use them,” she said.
That day also, the Community Day will happen in the clothes closet that the Washateria provides for those in need.
From left: Carol Oakleaf, owner, and Lori Lovelace, manager of Fort Scott Washateria.
The Community Closet is full of donated items that have been washed at the Washateria and made ready to give away.
“We … want to sincerely thank St. Mary’s Catholic Church who have once again had an Advent Clothing Drive and provided us with much-needed coats, bedding, and clothing,” Lovelace said.
“The Community Closet is having our Community Day in conjunction with this (free washing machine availability) event on Saturday and will have our clothing out and available to anyone in need,” she said. “The coats will be pulled out to make them more accessible.”
In the last month, Lovelace has added vintage kiddie rides that range from 50 cents to $1 per ride, including Dino, a train, and a pony. These are for customer’s children while waiting to clean their clothes.
She has also added massage chairs for those who wish to relax during the wash/dry time. “It takes dollar bills or cards, and has been popular since they came in,” she said.
On Saturday, Christmas music and free popcorn will be added to the experience.
In addition, her husband will have backpacks for homeless people with socks and food put together. “Let us know if you need one, we’ll have a backpack.”
The special meeting of the Bourbon County Commission on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 has been cancelled due to the unavailability of multiple individuals.
MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA–APHIS), has identified highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in two egg layer facilities — one in McPherson County and one in Rice County. This marks five cases of HPAI in Kansas this fall; since the start of the outbreak in 2022 there have been 21 cases of HPAI in Kansas.
KDA is working closely with USDA–APHIS on a joint incident response at the affected premises in the two affected counties. According to KDA’s animal health officials, the facilities both increased their biosecurity upon the initial HPAI outbreak in 2022 and have been continuously monitoring their flock. Upon noticing clinical signs of HPAI in their birds, they immediately contacted KDA. The affected premises were placed under quarantine and the birds will be humanely depopulated and disposed of in an approved manner to prevent the spread of the disease.
In addition, KDA will be establishing a 20-km surveillance zone around the infected premises, and other farms or properties with poultry that fall within that zone will not be allowed to move birds or poultry products on or off their property without permission from KDA. The animal health team is working to locate all poultry owners in the area to ensure they know the symptoms of HPAI and are taking critical steps to protect their birds. If you own poultry and live in McPherson or Rice counties, please contact KDA at 833-765-2006 or [email protected]. You can also self-report your birds at https://fs22.formsite.com/KansasDeptAg/zlb9fcr9oc/index.html.
This outbreak of HPAI is primarily spread by migrating wild waterfowl, so a critical part of protecting your flock is to establish separation between your domestic birds and wild birds as they migrate through your region. Anyone involved with poultry production from the small backyard chicken owner to the large commercial producer should review their biosecurity activities to assure the health of their birds. Find guidance on biosecurity on the KDA Division of Animal Health webpage at agriculture.ks.gov/AvianInfluenza.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza is a contagious viral disease that can infect chickens, turkeys and other birds and can cause severe illness and/or sudden death in infected birds. Poultry owners should attentively monitor your birds for symptoms of HPAI which include: coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and other signs of respiratory distress; lack of energy and appetite; decreased water consumption; decreased egg production and/or soft-shelled, misshapen eggs; incoordination; and diarrhea. Avian influenza can also cause sudden death in birds even if they aren’t showing other symptoms.
If these symptoms are observed in your birds, immediately contact your veterinarian. If you don’t have a regular veterinarian, contact KDA’s Division of Animal Health office toll-free at 833-765-2006.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recent HPAI detections do not present an immediate public health concern or a food safety concern. As a reminder, the proper handling and cooking of all poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165˚F is recommended as a general food safety precaution.
For more information about HPAI, including current status of the confirmed cases in other states and more information about biosecurity for your flock, go to KDA’s avian influenza webpage at agriculture.ks.gov/AvianInfluenza or call KDA at 833-765-2006.
TOPEKA – With temperatures dropping, the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) announced today that Kansans needing financial assistance to keep their heat on this winter can apply for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) earlier this year than in past years.
“Kansas winters can be brutal and no Kansas family should be cold,” said Laura Howard, DCF Secretary. “We are accepting LIEAP applications beginning Dec. 18, rather than the beginning of January as we have traditionally done.”
LIEAP helps Kansans restore or maintain energy services that heat their home. This includes electricity, natural gas, propane and other home heating fuels.
“We understand that applying for benefits can be complicated,” Howard said. “Beginning Dec. 18 through the end of March, DCF and partnering energy companies will be available to help Kansans gather information and submit their LIEAP applications.”
To attend an in-person LIEAP application event near you, visit LIEAP one-on-one support page. Kansans should have with them their identification, proof of income for all adult household members and current utility bills. Partnering energy companies, Atmos Energy, Black Hills Energy, Evergy, Kansas Gas Services and Midwest Energy, will be in attendance at most events in the areas that they provide energy services to Kansans.
Applications are accepted on-line at www.dcf.ks.gov, click “Apply for Services,” until 5 p.m., March 29. To qualify, households must have an adult at the address that is responsible for the heating costs of the home. Applicants be at or below 150% of the federal poverty level.
2024 Income Eligibility Guidelines
Persons Living at the Address
Maximum Gross Monthly Income
1
$1,823
2
$2,465
3
$3,108
4
$3,750
5
$4,393
6
$5,035
7
$5,678
8
$6,320
9
$6,963
10
$7,605
11
$8,248
12
$8,890
+1 $643 for each additional person
Discover more information about LIEAP in Kansas including frequently asked questions, other community resources, and the complete list of LIEAP application events scheduled. Funding for LIEAP is provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Community Service through the Federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
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The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) mission to protect children, strengthen families and promote adult self-sufficiency. DCF’s more than 35 service centers across the state offers a wide range of support services including food, utility, and child care assistance, child support services, and employment education and training. DCF also partners with grantees to provide foster care services to children including case planning, placement, life skills, and foster parent recruitment and training. DCF works in partnership with organizations, communities and other agencies to support families, children and vulnerable adults connecting them with resources, supports and networks in their home communities.
Velma Jean Russell, age 94, a former resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed peacefully December 6, 2023, at her daughter’s home in Emporia, Kansas. She was born May 17, 1929, in Redfield, Kansas, the daughter of Wesley and Marjorie Reasoner. In 1938, the family moved to California, near Stockton. They returned to the Midwest nine years later. In 1946, Velma graduated from the Nevada High School in Nevada, Missouri. The following year, she returned to California by train. Her boarding did not go unnoticed by a young sailor returning from leave. He introduced himself somewhere between New Mexico and Arizona. They corresponded while he was at sea, met when they could, and were married on December 18, 1948, in Vallejo, California. Of all her accomplishments in life, her marriage ot sixty-seven years, and her six children and their families were, by far, her most significant and what she cherished the most. Velma’s faith in Christ sustained and enriched her. She gave her best in whatever she endeavored. She was a wonderful wife, mother and friend. Those who knew her were glad they did.
She is survived by a daughter Jane Gorton (Chris) of Emporia, Kansas and their sons, Nathan, Wyatt and Lucas (Casie); four sons, Paul Russell of Ft. Scott, Kansas, Sam Russell (Debra) of Salina, Kansas and sons, Simeon, Gabriel and Austin; Rod Russell (Rene) of Lee’s Summit, Missouri and their children, Reed, Devon (Ben), and Chad (Casey) and Phil Russell (Misty) of Parsons, Kansas and their sons, Ben, Abe (Maddie) and Silas. Also, grandsons Wayne and Brian. Velma had eighteen great -grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, William, son, Wesley, her parents and two brothers.
Funeral services will be held at 11:30 A.M. Friday, December 15th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday from 10:30 A.M. until service time at the funeral home. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education have been invited to a Christmas Luncheon at Fort Scott High School. This will take place December 18, 2023. *NO official board action will take place.*
Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
www.usd234.org
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
NEWS RELEASE
Monday, December 11, 2023
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, December 11, 2023, for their
regular monthly meeting at the board office.
President David Stewart opened the meeting.
The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:
Board Minutes
11/13/23 Board Minutes
Financials-Cash Flow Report
Check Register
Payroll – November 17, 2023 – $2,058,098.00
Activity Fund accounts
USD 234 Gifts
Erica Clark. Submitted photo.
Licensed Tiger Team Member of the Month was Erica Clark. She is an English Teacher at Fort Scott High School. Erica, Dave Watkins, and other volunteers have worked extremely hard on the Angel Tree at the High School. Each “tag” on the tree was adopted by staff or community member. This included seventy-four children
from thirty families. Last Friday, fifty-one volunteers help to wrap hundreds of presents in the High School Commons Area.
Classified Tiger Team Members of the Month were Terry Barrager and Alex Herring. Both were recognized by Dan Koppa. Terry is custodian at Eugene Ware, and Alex is custodian at Preschool. They both were recognized for their leadership and exemplary cleanliness in each of their buildings.
Terry Barrager and Alex Herring. Submitted photo.
The Barkery Team from Fort Scott High School was recognized by Assistant Principal Alex Specht. Seniors – Cainen Wood, Christian Herrington, Juniors – Daniel Brown, Nicollette Brown, Klaire Graham, Donald Morris, Nolan Madison, Sophomores – Mayia Castleberry, Haley Maloun, Julia Maloun. Each student explained the process of buying the ingredients, making the dog treats, and selling to customers. They are also learning about
managing money and making change for customers.
Nikki Regan, Flo Tanner, and Kathryn Ogle were also recognized as part of the Barkery Team. Each were acknowledged for the devotion and love for the students.
The Barkery Team: Front row left to right: Nicolette Brown, Julia Maloun, Haley Maloun Back row left to right: Donald Morris, Mayia Castleberry, Cainen Wood, Klaire Graham and Erica Clark.
Kellye Barrows, Danny Brown, and Lynette Jackson were recognized and thanked for their years of
service on the USD 234 Board of Education.
Danny Brown, Kellye Barrows and Lynette Jackson. Submitted photo.
Superintendent Destry Brown reported on the Staff Christmas Lunch to be held next Monday and the grant that
the district is working on for the early childhood center.
Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, gave a report on the process of hiring new paraprofessionals and
DCAP reports. Tonya was able to report about the numerous training opportunities that will be available for the
Special Education department in the coming months.
Superintendent Brown reported on the district’s State Aide that will be coming in soon and will be higher than predicted. He also reminded everyone that W2s will start coming out in January.
The board went into an executive session for possible purchase of property. The board approved purchase of new Preschool Building.
The board had a presentation by Hight Jackson Architect Firm for the new Preschool Building.
The Board discussed the options of filling the vacant board seat #5. It was decided to take letters of interest with Board recommendation.
The board approved the following items:
• Purchase of new Preschool Building
• Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Kansas Grant for Linda Minor and Dakota Hall
● Personnel Report following
The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.
President Stewart adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT
December 11, 2023
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
Baugher, Mark – Retirement
Lockwood, Connie – Retirement
Matkin, Brad – Resignation
O’Brien, Shawn – Resignation
Reichard, Betsy – Resignation
Sweyko, Pauline Kate – Resignation
Wells, Matthew – Resignation
TRANSFERS/REASSIGNMENTS/LEAVE OF ABSENCE:
For the 2023-24 school year:
Classified:
Palmer, Lana – Transfer from Van Driver to Full time Bus Driver
Schnichels, Laryn – Leave of Absence – Middle School Paraprofessional
Willard, Siarra – Transfer from Speech Paraprofessional to Full Time Eugene Ware Para
EMPLOYMENT:
Classified Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:
Madison, Kendall – Winfield Scott Paraprofessional – January 2, 2024
Martin, Emily – High School Paraprofessional
Palmer, William – Van Driver – January 3, 2024
Yocham, Shelly – Speech Paraprofessional – January 2, 2024
Supplemental
Clark, Erica – Teacher Mentor 2023-2024 school year
Susan E. Willard, 80, resident of Fort Scott, passed away late Thursday evening, December 7, 2023. She was born February 4, 1943, in New Orleans, Louisiana, the daughter of Thomas Hotard and Beulah (Vicknair) Hotard.
She married Ralph Owen “R.O.” Willard on May 27, 1966, in Metairie, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. He preceded her in death on August 15, 2011.
Susan graduated from Ben Franklin High School in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Meadows Draughon College, also in New Orleans. She worked at Dowell until her marriage to R.O. and then she became a Homemaker. They moved to Fort Scott in 1990.
Susan is survived by her daughter, Holly Ross, recently of Fort Scott; her son, Barry Willard and wife Marie, of Lees Summit, Missouri; and two grandchildren, Jeff Willard, and Elisabeth Ross.
In addition to her husband R. O., Susan was also preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, Thomas Hotard, Jr.
Pastor Christopher Eshelman will conduct funeral services at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, December 15, 2023, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.
Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery immediately following the services.
Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.
