For Families: Art Show July 28; Scavenger Hunt August 4 at The Fort

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Riddle me this” Scavenger Hunt & “The Fort Art Show”

 Lyrics of a popular song declare that ‘the children are our future’. The National Park Service highly values education programs and opportunities for youth. In keeping with that spirit, Fort Scott National Historic Site will be hosting events geared toward youth in the next few weeks.

On July 28, 2018, the site will be hosting an art show commemorating the beauty of the fort and its history. Artists of all ages are invited to submit a drawing or a painting that illustrates something related to the fort. Artwork must be submitted at Fort Scott’s visitor center no later than 5:00 p.m. on July 26. Please be sure to include your name, telephone number, email address, category, and title of artwork with each submission. There is no fee to enter.

Art will be on display on July 28 throughout the day in the infantry barracks museum next to the visitor center. The art will be divided into two categories; Grades K-12 and adults (age 19 and above). Awards will be given to 1st and 2nd place for each category. Visitors will also be able to vote for their favorite piece of artwork: the popular favorite overall will also receive an award. So come join us for a day of art and fun!

On August 4, 2018, you, your family and friends are invited to participate in a Scavenger Hunt at Fort Scott NHS from 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. During the scavenger hunt, your team will solve riddles that will help you find various items around the fort. You may sign up as a team (up to six people) or as a single participant. An award will be given to the group or person that finds all the hidden items in the fastest time. All you will need is a cell phone or a digital camera to take a picture of the item and your thinking caps. The scavenger hunt will start precisely at 10:30 a.m. Participants need to be on site, ready to go, no later than 10:15 a.m. All ages are welcome to come! Come and see if you can find them all! Participation is by registration only. Call 620-223-0310 or come by the site to register no later than July 29, 2018.

The Youth Engagement Team, high school age students working at the fort this summer, is leading these events. The team’s job is to find ways to engage with youth and to bring more youth to the site this summer.

For more information about these programs, call 620-223-0310, or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.

www.nps.gov/fosc

About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 413 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Visit us at www.nps.gov, on Facebook www.facebook.com/nationalparkservice, Twitter www.twitter.com/natlparkservice, and YouTubewww.youtube.com/nationalparkservice.

Bourbon County Fair: Hard Work On Display

Jennifer Terrell, District Extension Agent 4-H Youth Development Southwind District – Erie Office, 620-244-3826.
County fairs are an integral part of life in rural America.
Bourbon County is no different.
Today, Saturday July 14 at 9 a.m. the Bourbon County Fair begins with the dog show at the fairgrounds on South Horton Street, across from Fort Scott Community College.

” In Bourbon County, the opportunities in 4-H are truly infinite,” Jennifer Terrell, K-State District 4-H Youth Development Agent, said. “Youth ages 7-18 are eligible to participate as full-fledged 4-H members. For those youth ages 5 and 6, there is a Cloverbud Program. Beyond being a member of the monthly community club, youth are encouraged to attend projects meetings, 4-H Camp, 4-H Days, the County Fair, and other State 4-H Events.”

The county fair is a good way to see the youth in our community put forth effort on projects and a good way to see if it is a fit for your family.
Today, July 14, the dog show was held at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds.

” At the Bourbon County Fair, 4-H members pre-enter to exhibit in the 4-H Division and other youth may participate in Open Class,” Terrell said.  “Families considering being involved in 4-H are encouraged to visit the county fair to view all of the hard work.”

The following is a press release from Terrell and the poster of the events of the fair:

“It is county fair time across the State of Kansas! While you may attend the fair as a form of entertainment, 4-H’ers and their families know this is time to display the hard work put into their year-long project learning in the 4-H Program.

While visiting the county fair, it is hard to miss the different colored ribbons or stickers placed on the exhibits.

Have you ever wondered why there are different colors and how that came about? Well, I am going to share with you the judging process.

 In 4-H most judging involves the Danish System of judging. In this system, the judges do not judge one person’s work by comparing it to another’s. The evaluation is made against a standard.

A judge looks to see whether requirements are met. Exhibits are placed into four ribbon groups.

The best ribbon placing is purple which means the project is outstanding on all standards.

Blue means it exceeds the minimum standard and may have minor flaws where improvements can be made.

The ribbon placing that meets all minimum standards and may show visible signs of needed improvements is red.

And projects failing to meet minimum standards receive a white.

One advantage of this system is that everyone whose work fulfills minimum qualifications can receive a ribbon. If all entries are judged to be excellent, all receive blue ribbons.

The purpose of using the Danish System is to give every 4-H member the recognition deserved for the work that was done. It also helps young people recognize the need to improve their skills and to “make the best better.”

So, how did that ribbon placing come about you might be asking? 

You should know that having one’s accomplishments evaluated can be motivating and educational for 4-H’ers.

When judges critique their work or performance, it serves as a guide to further improvement. The judging process is probably more valuable than the award or recognition. To plan, practice, and present a finished product is to “learn by doing.” To graciously accept constructive criticism of one’s work is a real life experience. 4-H’ers learn quickly that judging results reflect a personal opinion, and that evaluation will vary among judges.

There are three different types of evaluation in 4-H.

The first is conference or interview. This is where the judge will interview the participant as he/she evaluates the product against a set of standards. The purpose of this is to determine what the 4-H’er learned in completing the project. Comments are provided verbally mostly, but can also be found written on a score sheet.

Another way 4-H’ers are evaluated with their projects is performance judging. The judge evaluates how a 4-H’er accomplishes a task or a goal in progress. The judge looks for skills being used, as well as evaluating the end result. This type of event enables the 4-H’er and the judge to see how the performance directly effects the end product. Comments are often provided verbally and also in writing on a score sheet.

And the final type of evaluation is project judging. The judge evaluates the finished products against a set of standards without the member present. The focus is the quality of the project itself and not the learning process. Comments are provided to the participant in writing, usually on a score sheet.

As you have read, there is a lot to know and understand with the judging process of projects in 4-H. It is not something taken lightly.

I encourage you to visit your local county fair this year to view all of the exhibits and pay close attention to those 4-H exhibits. And maybe for fun evaluate the exhibits and see what placings you would give.

For more information on 4-H Youth Development, give me a call at 620-244-3826 or email at [email protected].”

Invitation To Family Day At The Fort July 21

The bike rack at Fort Scott National Historic Site.

Contact: Sarah Stepanik, (620)-223-0310

Youth Conversation Corps and Youth Engagement Team host Family Day, July 21

FORT SCOTT, Kansas: “The family that plays together stays together” is a variation on an old saying about families. If you are looking for a fun and educational activity for your family, then come to join us at Fort Scott National Historic Site for Family Day, a new event that is taking place on Saturday, July 21, 2018!

On that day, families can engage in a number of activities that will immerse them in 1840s military life at Fort Scott.

In the morning, from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., three different stations will be ongoing. At a cooking demonstration, visitors will be instructed in food preparation and cooking methods. In a historic garden display, you can work in the garden and help with the harvest. In a third station, visitors will be drilled in the use of 1840s firearms using wooden “dummy guns”.

Afternoon activities from 12:30 p.m.-2:00 p.m. will include fun arts and crafts for the family at one station and historic, interactive games and activities for adults and kids at a second station.

Family Day activities are being presented by two groups of youth who are working at Fort Scott, the Youth Conservation Corps and the Youth Engagement Team. Both groups consist of high school age students who are gaining experience with the National Park Service this summer.

For more information, call 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.

www.nps.gov/fosc

About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 417 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Visit us at www.nps.gov, on Facebook www.facebook.com/nationalparkservice, Twitter www.twitter.com/natlparkservice, and YouTubewww.youtube.com/nationalparkservice.

FS City Commission Minutes of July 3

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of July 3, 2018 Regular Meeting #13

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held July 3rd, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners Adamson, Bartelsmeyer, Nichols, and Parker were present with Mayor Mitchell presiding.

INVOCATION: Michael Mix, Public Utilities Director, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City and all government and City officials.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Janet Braun, Denton Wescoat, Deb Needleman, Billy Keith, Darrell Parker, Travis Shelton, Rebecca Todd, Jackie Neale, Bob Duncan, Silas Todd, Diana Morriss, Deb McCoy, Larry Gazaway, Michael Mix, Dave Bruner, Rhonda Dunn, Paul Ballou, and Clayton Miller.

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: None

APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of June 19th, 2018.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1218-A totaling $776,247.88.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.

APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE: None

B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute

limit per citizen) –

Bob Duncan – Mr. Duncan read a portion of Rhonda Dunn’s letter that was sent to him regarding the code footprint for the Beaux Arts Center. The letter stated that they would have 30 days to have a plan submitted to accomplish what was needed to be in compliance. He said that they had no choice but to close their business. He stated that the code footprint is incorrect and the City needs to fix it.

Rebecca Todd – Ms. Todd said that she is the daughter of the owner of the Beaux Arts Center. She has been a resident of Fort Scott since 2009. She believes a City should be business friendly to help build a better economy, but she says that this City has done the opposite. The City has made it impossible for a small business to recover and will not work with them. She believes this whole situation could have been avoided. She ended with shame on the Board, business development, and the City Council.

Billy Keith – Mr. Keith asked about the demolition of the old Driller’s Bar that is occurring where the demolition company is digging a hole and burying the debris.

Rhonda Dunn stated that they have a permit from the State of Kansas and it is legal.

Mr. Keith also asked about the Stout building and if the City could hire the Amish to come in and gut the whole building and save the building.

City Manager said that a deal is being worked out with the property owner on this building and that it will more than likely come down. It will be used for a parking lot.

  1. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None

CONSIDERATION:

  1. Approval of Code of Conduct Policy for Buck Run Community Center – Deb Needleman, Human Resource Director, informed the Commission that there is currently not a code of conduct policy at Buck Run Community Center. This policy will provide the staff with rules to back them up when dealing with inappropriate behavior. This code of conduct will be posted throughout the center and will also be included with the forms that the fitness center members are required to sign. Approval was recommended.

Parker moved to approve the Code of Conduct for Buck Run Community Center. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED CODE OF CONDUCT FOR BUCK RUN COMMUNITY CENTER.

  1. Approval of Motor Vehicle Report Policy for City employees – Deb Needleman, Human Resource Director, informed the Commission that many of the City positions require the employee to drive a City vehicle and the job descriptions state the employee must have a valid driver’s license and meet the City’s driving history requirements. We have never had a policy on what those driving history requirements entail. She worked with the City’s insurance carrier, KCAMP, to develop the Motor Vehicle Report Policy. All City employees driving records will also be reviewed annually which has not be done in the past. Approval was recommended.

Nichols moved to approve the Motor Vehicle Report Policy. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED MOTOR VEHICLE REPORT POLICY.

  1. Change in policy for Septic Haulers in Bourbon County – Michael Mix, Public Utilities Director, informed the Commission that there are a few haulers that haul grease in Bourbon County. The City’s plant is not set up to process grease.

City Manager suggested drafting up the letter and sharing it with the Commission and it could be voted on at the next meeting.

  1. Approval of contract with Zingre’ & Associates for architectural services for repairs at the water and wastewater treatment plants – Michael Mix, Public Utilities Director, informed the Commission that there are several miscellaneous masonry repairs that need completed at the Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant facilities. He asked for approval for the engineering contract with Zingre’ & Associates for architectural services in the amount not to exceed $15,470.00.

City Attorney said that since these are repairs that it would not need to go out for bid. It is not new construction. The City can take bids on the different items that need fixed at the plants and award accordingly without having the repairs engineered.

COMMISSION/STAFF:

  1. Director Updates: None

B. City Commission:

Adamson Nothing to report.

Bartelsmeyer Nothing to report.

Nichols Nothing to report.

Parker – Nothing to report.

Mitchell Nothing to report.

C. City Attorney: Nothing to report.

  1. Director of Finance: Remarked that he gave each Commissioner a budget notebook and asked them to review it. There will be a budget work session at 4:30 p.m. on July 17th, 2018 before the regularly scheduled City Commission meeting.

  1. City Manager:

  1. Fireworks – City Manager said that there have been many calls about fireworks being shot off other than on the 4th of July. The 4th of July is the only day waived in the City limits of Fort Scott. He thanked the Police and Fire Departments for getting everything set up for tonight’s fireworks display. The City is the only one authorized to shoot off fireworks on July 3rd inside the City limits.

ADJOURNMENT:

Parker moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:24 p.m. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 6:24 P.M.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on July 17th, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.

RECORDED BY:

____________________

DIANE K. CLAY

CITY CLERK

 

 

 

Agenda for Fort Scott City Commission Meeting July 17

AGENDA

FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

FORT SCOTT CITY HALL

COMMISSION ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN

JULY 17, 2018

6:00 P.M.

I. ROLL CALL:

ADAMSON BARTELSMEYER NICHOLS PARKER MITCHELL

II. FLAG SALUTE

III. INVOCATION: Pastor James Collins, First Southern Baptist Church

IV. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: Introduction of Drug Dog, Mozzie

V. CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of June 19th, 2018.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1219-A totaling $375,841.80.

VII. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE:

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

per citizen)

C. PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS:

6:15 p.m. Resolution 31-2018 directing the repair or removal of an unsafe

and dangerous structure and accessory structure located at 608 S.

Broadway Street

6:15 p.m. Resolution 32-2018 directing the repair or removal of an unsafe

and dangerous structure located at 1914 E. Wall Street

VIII. CONSIDERATION:

  1. Wastewater Facility Inspection Review
  1. Change in policy for Septic Haulers in Bourbon County
  1. Consideration of appointment to Fort Scott Public Library Board
  1. Adoption of 2018 Standard Traffic Ordinance No. 3536
  1. Approval to solicit bids for a mower at Airport/Parks

IX. COMMENTS:

  1. Director Updates: Deb Needleman

Larry Gazaway

Dave Bruner

  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

DCF:Community Relations and Outreach Staff Placement

DCF Enacts Changes to Improve Community Relations, Foster Care Recruitment

 

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Gina Meier-Hummel is pleased to announce the relocation of five staff to improve community relations and outreach. The staff, previously located in the DCF Administration Office in Topeka, Kan., are now being strategically placed across the state to create meaningful community relationships, and to focus on targeted foster care recruitment.

Effective July 1, 2018, staff were placed in specific counties that have a high number of young people in foster care. In the next two months, two more staff will start with the agency to assist with foster care recruitment as well. Additionally, the team will be working with community partners, schools, faith-based organizations and others to discuss effective prevention programs to serve the families in each community.

“We are working diligently to strengthen numerous things at our agency—our community outreach being one of them,” said Secretary Gina Meier-Hummel. “Having more staff in the communities will allow us to foster positive, beneficial relationships to best serve the children and families of Kansas.”

Additionally, the Foster Kansas Kids website, an initiative funded by DCF, now features an interactive map that helps connect interested families with Child Placing Agencies (CPA’s) and other foster care organizations in their county. From there, individuals can click on specific agency names to learn more about each organization in their area.

The website also features a live-chat function, a comprehensive calendar of foster care events across the state, foster parent and former youth-in-care blogs and an extensive resources page that features frequently asked questions and a video library.

“I agree wholeheartedly with Secretary Meier-Hummel’s decision to improve community outreach and make foster care recruitment a community effort,” said Governor Jeff Colyer. “Together, we can rally in each of our communities to support and care for some of our most vulnerable citizens.”

If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, please visit www.fosterkskids.org or call 1-844-380-2009. To stay up to date on foster care in Kansas, follow Foster Kansas Kids on Facebook and Twitter.

 

Create Arts Grants

Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission Announces Grants

 

TOPEKA — The Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission is now accepting applications for its two main grant categories, The Strategic Investment Program and The Arts Integration Program.

The Strategic Investment Program recognizes the important role creative organizations play in building and sustaining cultural and economic vibrancy in Kansas. By funding a variety of professional and organizational development opportunities that impact cultural programming, these grants support initiatives that use the arts to enhance community vitality, revitalize neighborhoods, generate local business, create and preserve job opportunities and impact tourism.

The Arts Integration Programs support the role the arts play in all levels of education, community service, and workforce development. This program provides funding for educational institutions, arts organizations, and community service non-profits to use the arts to increase student success, foster creative thinking, develop critical job skills, and enhance community development.

The first deadline for application submission is September 7, 2018 for projects taking place Oct. 1, 2018 – June 30, 2019. The second deadline for application submission is January 7, 2019 for projects taking place Feb. 1, 2019 – Dec. 31, 2019.

 

STRATEGIC INVESTMENT PROGRAM

 

Strategic Investment Program grants are awarded in three categories:

 

  • Organizational Development:This category provides funding for professional development opportunities for Kansas based arts organizations that help strengthen business practices, increase organizational viability and promote long term sustainability.
  • New and Expanded Works:This program provides funding for new or significantly expanded productions, exhibitions, programs or events by Kansas-based nonprofit arts organizations. Projects should either be an entirely new type of program for the organization designed to diversify its services or an expansion of an existing program designed to significantly enhance the quality of current offerings.
  • Equipment and Technology:This program provides funding to purchase equipment, materials, and/or technology upgrades to expand or improve an applicant’s organization.

Applicants for a grant under the Strategic Investment Program must make a compelling case as to why this particular self-identified activity or opportunity was selected, how it will have a substantial impact on their work and community, and how it will enhance the national reputation of Kansas.

Guidelines and additional information can be found here:
http://kansascommerce.gov/707/Strategic-Investment-Program

 

 

ARTS INTEGRATION PROGRAM

 

Arts Integration Programs are awarded in three categories:

  • Visiting Artists:This category provides funding for eligible organizations to engage and deepen the impact of arts programming on local and underserved audiences through exposure to and interaction with professional visiting arts. Presenters may book artists in any discipline, not just in performing arts. Projects should strive to integrate an arts discipline into non-arts content areas; help interpret an exhibition, performance, or presentation; and support community development goals and objectives. Booking artists on the Kansas Touring Roster allow for a $1,000 credit for the applicant organization: http://www.kansascommerce.gov/705/KS-Roster

o    Note: KCAIC will review applications for roster inclusion in early March. Please check the website at that time for an expanded list and encourage qualified artists to apply. In addition, Visiting Artists grants featuring roster artists will be accepted and reviewed year round up to 30 days prior to proposed activities.

  • Integrated Arts Education:This category supports new or expanded educational programming that integrates arts learning into non-arts curriculum and content areas to address emerging technologies, areas of skills shortages, STEM curricula, workforce readiness, and increase student performance.
  • Innovative Partnerships:This category supports innovative programming between arts organizations and non-arts organizations to impact a variety of community and/or economic development goals. Arts organizations are encouraged to partner with other community entities (hospitals, prisons, etc.) to develop arts-centered programs that address community needs such as public health, transportation, tourism, unemployment, aging, corrections, etc.

Guidelines and additional information can be found at http://kansascommerce.gov/666/Arts-Integration-Program

To review the application process, as well as program and category specific policies and guidelines visit KansasCommerce.gov/CAIC. Applications can be submitted online at https://kansascaic.submittable.com .

Grants will be reviewed by peer panel and awarded at the quarterly commission meeting in April.

All grants are made possible through a partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and are subject to KCAIC and NEA standards and regulations.

For more on the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission go to KansasCommerce.gov/caic.

 

Good Changes At Common Grounds

Changes are coming for a local coffee shop.

Local farm produce is being purchased for menu items, some new equipment has been purchased to better serve the public and a change of location is on the horizon for Common Grounds Coffee Company, 116 S. Main.

Two ministries of the Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene are collaborating to bring area food that is produced locally to the public.

One part of the collaboration is Common Grounds, which is a ministry of the Nazarene church.

Stuffed green peppers, roasted zucchini, squash, and corn, along with tomato soup are on the menu of Common Grounds, using local produce.

Vicki Waldron tests the stuffed peppers to see if they are done.

These produce used for the menus are straight from a garden produced by AgPathway, which is another ministry of the local Nazarene Church. This ministry involves mentoring interested people in vegetable gardening.

David Goodyear, the coordinator of AgPathways, a ministry of the Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene, is featured on a poster in Common Grounds Coffee Company. Healthy Bourbon County Action Team also provided a grant to AgPathways Ministry to lay the groundwork for a garden that allows people to learn how to garden.

In addition to AgPathway deliveries of local vegetables, Vicki Waldron, manager of Common Grounds, purchases food from the Fort Scott Farmers Market.

“This spring I started buying local produce from the local farmers market: potatoes for potato salad and onions,” Waldron said.

Motivating this change was the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team through a  Pathways to a Healthy Kansas grant.

A poster inside Common Grounds telling of the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team grant participation.

The HBCAT grant helped Common Grounds to purchase a refrigerated appliance that helps keep food cold and easily accessible.

“All we had before was a refrigerator,” Waldron said. “We kept opening it and couldn’t keep it cool enough.”

Additionally, the grant helped purchase a blender.

“A more environmentally friendly, quieter blender,” Waldron said.

Vicki Waldron makes sandwiches using the refrigerated topper appliance purchased with a grant from the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team. She said a food processor was also purchased with this grant.

Another big change for Common Grounds: a move to a different location in the near future.

“We are looking at, tentatively, to be in the new place by the first of the year,” Waldron said.

The new space will be on Wall Street and National Avenue, the former Fort Scott Tribune office.

Jennifer LaRoche is the owner of the building and is also on the Common Grounds board at the Nazarene Church.

The site of the Common Grounds Coffee Company, the former Fort Scott Tribune office building on Wall Street.

 

Bourbon County Local News