Young Entrepreneur: Benjamin Shead
This is part of a series featuring young entrepreneurs in our community.
Following the first set of stories on young entrepreneurs in our community, an anonymous donor wrote fortscott.biz that he wanted to grant each one of the featured youth with $50.
To view the prior story: Young Entrepreneurs Series Spawns An Anonymous Benefactor
If you know of a child, under 18 years of age, that is creating products or providing services to sell to the public, please send their name and phone number to [email protected]
Fortscott.biz wants to encourage the youth who are learning business by doing it.
Benjamin Shead,13, has an online tutoring business.
“Some classes I have guided other students in are geometry, Latin, sixth grade math, formal logic, algebra 1 and 2,” he said.
“Most of my clients contact me through Facebook,” Benjamin said. “I also take students when my sister’s (Katy Shead) schedule is too busy.”
“I started tutoring when my sister’s schedule was getting packed with students,” he said. “This showed me that I enjoyed helping other people in their educational trouble areas.”
“I tutor so that I can revisit material that I enjoyed learning but am no longer being taught,” he said. “Tutoring gives me the ability to experience a class again, this time on a deeper level, the level of teaching the material. I also enjoy finding new ways to explain a concept and tutoring gives me a purpose for the exploration of these ways.”
“One subject I really enjoy tutoring is Formal Logic,” Benjamin said. “It is awesome to learn how to explain proofs by comparing them to a hidden treasure or something else that the student understands better than proofs.”
“While it is a lot better for kids to be tutored, if they need it, across the school year, I sometimes help kids in last-minute cramming sessions for math and logic finals,” he said. “These sessions provide a last-minute review, and it gives kids confidence to try their best on this last assignment.”
Benjamin lives just outside the Fort Scott city limits with his sister, Katy and parents Mark and Haley Shead.
Benjamin submitted this photo of him working on a math problem called a collatz conjecture.
Here is his explanation of collatz conjecture:
“The collatz conjecture is a theory about mathematics which is believed to be true but no one has been able to prove yet,” Benjamin said. “It states that if any odd whole number is plugged into the formula (3n+1)/2, if any even number is divided by two, and every number is plugged back into one of these formulas, a formula will eventually reach one.”
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports August 16
National Woman’s Christian Temperance Union Convention attended by the Jents
Merry Lee Powell, National WCTU President; Margaret Ostenstad, World WCTU President; Loreta Jent, National WCTU Education Director; Larry Jent, Honorary WCTU Member.
150th Annual National WCTU Convention Held in Reno, Nevada
Reno, Nevada, August 7-11, 2023. The National Woman’s Christian Temperance Union held its 150th Annual National Convention at the Whitney Peak Hotel in Reno, Nevada. Attending from this area were Loreta and Larry Jent of rural Fort Scott.
WCTU delegates and members took a step back in time during a pre-convention event. They traveled to Virginia City which was a Mining Town in the 1880’s.
The opening ceremony began with all State Presidents, dressed in their white gowns, marching into the convention hall carrying their state flag, which has always been their tradition. It was an honor to have World President Margaret Ostenstad travel from Norway to participate.
The national winners of the kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd grade and 3rd grade coloring contests were announced, as well as the winners of the national poster and essay contests. Ribbons and prize money was awarded.
On Thursday evening the elected officers were sworn into office and given the “White Ribbon Salute” during a formal banquet.
The Woman’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) is a non-partisan, non-denominational, non-profit organization. For 150 years, the united “mother’s love” has educated against the use of alcohol and other drugs. It’s “Do Everything Policy”, allows for national, local and state unions to work on any issue they believe necessary to protect the family. Please visit WCTU.org for more information.
LMC Discovery Award Semi Finalists Announced
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August 2023 Volume 8 |
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We’re thrilled to announce the 2023 Discovery Award semi-finalists! These talented individuals have wowed us with their extraordinary stories of unsung heroes from history told via website, documentary or performance. Join us in celebrating their remarkable achievements and show your support for these talented students.
Stay tuned for more updates and make sure to share this exciting news with your friends and colleagues. Together, let’s champion the power of one person to create positive change! |
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Looking Back at the 2022 Discovery AwardGrand Prize-Winning Announcement |
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Last September, during the celebration of LMC’s 15th Anniversary and the Grand Opening of the Lowell Milken Park, a notable moment emerged for 11th grader Gracie Conrad. A student at Loup County High School in Nebraska, Gracie was awarded the distinguished title of Grand Prize winner in the 2022 Discovery Award Competition. Gracie’s thorough research led to her compelling piece, titled Betty Goudsmit-Oudkerk: Teenager, Resistance Member, Unsung Hero. This narrative sheds light on a lesser-known, but profoundly inspiring story. At just 18 years old, Betty Goudsmit-Oudkerk found herself intertwined with history’s somber events as she worked at the créche (Dutch for “daycare”) during the Holocaust. In a tragic twist, this once-innocent space became a part of the Jewish deportation apparatus. Through genuine connections with the children, Goudsmit-Oudkerk was drawn into a group of workers tasked with a daring mission – the smuggling of over 600 children out of the créche. Her role in this act of courage and compassion remains largely uncelebrated. Gracie Conrad’s recognition of Betty Goudsmit-Oudkerk brought a |
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View the 2022 Grand Prize-Winning Project Documentary: Betty Goudsmit-Oudkerk: Teenager, Resistance Member, Unsung Hero |
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Exciting News Alert! 
Mark your calendars, as we will announce the finalists on September 1st and the 2023 Lowell Milken Center Discovery Award winners on September 19th.
KS Ag Exports=$5 Billion
Governor Kelly Announces Record-Setting Agriculture Exports of Nearly $5.5 Billion
~~Agriculture Secretary Mike Beam Meets with International Ag Leaders to Strengthen Trade~~
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that agricultural exports reached $5.46 billion in 2022, the highest export total in decades. The Kansas agriculture industry has grown significantly since Governor Kelly took office; in 2019, Kansas had $3.8 billion in exports.
Once again, the top ag export for Kansas was red meat, which made up $2.1 billion or 38.9% of all agriculture exports. Second were cereals (including corn, wheat, and sorghum), and third was oil seed (primarily soybeans), making up 24.5% and 12.5% of total agricultural exports, respectively.
“Once again, we are shattering records to grow our economy and strengthen our ag industry,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “But even with these record exports, we aren’t taking anything for granted – which is why Secretary Beam and I are building relationships with international trading partners to ensure Kansas farmers and ranchers can continue to feed the world.”
Mexico was Kansas’ largest ag importer with $2.17 billion in 2022, Japan was the second largest with $781 million, and Canada was third with $594 million.
Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam met today with his state and provincial agriculture counterparts from Mexico, Canada, and the U.S. as part of the annual Tri-National Accord in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, to strengthen relationships with key trading partners. This annual event allows state agricultural leaders to discuss critical issues affecting trade between the three countries, including animal health, rural development, and agriculture technology.
“Kansas is a national leader in agriculture, and the continued growth in agricultural exports shows the significance of the work being done throughout the Kansas ag industry to develop these international markets,” said Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam.
Participation in the Tri-National Accord continues KDA’s vision of achieving long-term, sustainable agricultural prosperity and statewide economic growth. For more about international marketing programs at KDA, including information about upcoming trade missions, and to see the full report on Kansas’ ag exports in 2022, go to agriculture.ks.gov/
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New U234 Teachers: Woods, Hendricks
This is part of a series featuring the 20 new teachers in USD 234, Fort Scott.
Distict Events Taken From https://www.usd234.org/ :
August 15 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. is the Fort Scott High School Open House at 1005 S Main St, Fort Scott.
School starts on August 18
Nicholas Woods, 25, is a new history teacher at Fort Scott High School, teaching world, American, and local history.
He graduated from Pittsburg State University and did his student teaching at Carl Junction. This is his first year teaching.
“My past teachers motivated me to be a teacher,” he said. “I liked school, but at times I struggled with learning. I want to be there for the students that struggled like I did. I believe I bring a different perspective that students can appreciate and learn from.”
“The best thing about teaching for me so far is seeing a student who was struggling succeed,” he said. “That could be as little as a student passing a test or as big as boosting their grade by two letters. You should always celebrate success.”
“I would say one of the biggest challenges in teaching for me is connecting with students,” he said. “I feel I connect with students/people easily, but as a teacher you are not going to reach every student. There will be students that don’t like your class or even you for that matter and no matter how hard you try you won’t change their mind. The best thing I can do is give all students the tools and guidance they need to succeed and hope for the best.”
Woods hometown is Fort Scott, and he is a 2016 high school graduate.
His uncle Donald Woods was a custodian for the high school for many years and owned a moving business and late aunt Joyce Woods was a grade school teacher at Winfield Scott for many years, he said.
Woods hobbies include golfing, fishing , and playing basketball.
Caleb Hendricks, 27, is a new Winfield Scott Physical Education Teacher and Fort Scott Middle School Assistant Girls Basketball Coach.
He has six years experience in education, with three years as a certified teacher.
He earned his bachelors degree from Fort Hays State University and his hometown is Sterling.
“Growing up some of the most rewarding experiences I had were as a camp counselor, coach, and youth group leader,” he said. “Working with kids and seeing their growth and accomplishment in different areas has always given me a sense of purpose.”
“The relationships that I have made with both students and staff over the years is definitely the best part of being in education. That’s really what it’s always been all about for me. Being in a position that allows me to coach and connect with kids in that element has always been a very important thing for me as well.”
A challenge for him is growing and adapting to how kids and the world are changing, he said.
“Finding new ways to connect and relate with kids can be challenging at times for sure,” he said. “Having worked with both elementary and middle and high school ages, though, I feel like that has helped me better understand where kids are coming from and the different challenges they face. Then I feel like I’m in a better position to support them the best I can.”
He is married to Sarah Hendricks, who is a 4th Grade Teacher at Eugene Ware Elementary School and they have a 4 month-old son, Braxton.
His hobbies include football, Fantasy Football, golf, coaching, basketball, home improvement projects.
Chamber Coffee at Credo Senior Living on August 17
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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports August 15
U234 Press Release for August 14 Board Meeting
Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
NEWS RELEASE
Monday, August 14, 2023
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, August 14, 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
- 07/17/2023 Regular Meeting
- 08/07/2023 Special Meeting
- Financials-Cash Flow Report
- Check Register
- Payroll – July 20, 2023 – $1,619,878.22
- Activity Fund accounts
- USD 234 Gifts
The board approved the following items:
- Addition of two (2) full-time substitute positions
- Handbooks for the 2023-24 school year
- KASB Policy Updates
- SRO Agreement with the City of Fort Scott
- MOU with Learning Tree Institute
- Personnel Report following
Superintendent Destry Brown provided an update on the first day back for staff and the training on PBIS, which stands for Positive Behavior Intervention Support. There will be a breakfast for staff on Tuesday morning, followed by a welcome back ceremony. Mr. Brown noted the annual FSKNEA scholarship bucket auction.
Dalaina Smith, Assistant Superintendent, reported on the new teacher orientation that included 22 new teachers. Mrs. Smith reported on the training that took place in the district as teachers came back. She also noted that open houses will be on Tuesday for FSMS and FSHS and Wednesday for the Fort Scott Preschool Center, Winfield Scott Elementary, and Eugene Ware Elementary. Mrs. Smith answered questions from the board on professional development on assessment programs.
Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, recognized her administrative assistant for special education for the excellent work she is doing, and the tech team’s wonderful job. Mrs. Barnes updated the board on a para mentoring program that has been put in place for this year, providing general education teachers access to IEPs through PowerSchool, and updated the board on an Autism Team meeting.
Gina Shelton, Finance Director, reported on the roll out of Red Rover, which is a substitute and absence management system, movement of funds from the Friends of USD 234 checking account into fund 64 within the district’s accounts, and provided an update on ESSER III spending. Mrs. Shelton noted that the budget had been published in the paper and posted to the website.
The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.
President Stewart adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT
August 14, 2023
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
- Allen, Joseph – Transportation Director effective September 1, 2023
- Harrington, Kathryn – Fort Scott Middle School Paraprofessional effective August 14, 2023
EMPLOYMENT:
For the 2023-24 school year:
- Garzone, Christopher – District Emergency Operations Coordinator
Certified Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:
- Kellogg, Jan – District Full-Time Substitute
- Metcalf, Alvin – District Full-Time Substitute
Supplemental Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:
- Center, Ronette – Fort Scott Middle School PRIDE
- Jones, Mesa – Fort Scott High School Play Assistant and Play #2 Assistant
- King, Christina – Fort Scott High School Play Assistant
- Lyon, Jarrett – Fort Scott High School Assistant Baseball Coach
- Sprague, Sierra – Fort Scott High School Assistant Cheer Coach
- Tourtillott, Jennifer – Winfield Scott Guiding Coalition
- Mentors for the 2023-24 School Year
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter
Prayers for Fallen Fairway Police Officer
Robba and I were heartbroken to hear of the passing of Officer Jonah Oswald. On Monday, Officer Oswald died from injuries after a police shootout in Mission. He was 29 years old and was a 4-year veteran of the Fairway Police Department. Officer Oswald didn’t have to take the call, but he chose to go help his fellow officers and stop criminals. He was a great police officer and a better man. We are praying for his family and the Fairway Police Department.
Bo Co Commission Minutes of August 7
August 7, 2023 Monday, 5:30 p.m.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.
Clint Walker, Rachel Walker, Patty Ropp, Michael Hoyt, and Patty Ann Sanborn were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim Harris opened the meeting with the flag salute followed by a prayer led by Nelson Blythe.
Clifton Beth made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 7/31/23. Nelson Blythe seconded the motion and all approved.
Michael Hoyt said he ordered 50 copies of the KORA and KOMA handbook for us and the City of Fort Scott. Clifton told him that copies of the documents were printed off for a previous meeting and have been available. Michael asked when budget discussion would take place and asked for a schedule.
Patty Ann Sanborn with SEK, Inc. informed the Commissioners of the SEK Housing Conference that will be held November 14th and 15th in Independence and invited them to join other city and county commissioners as well as economic development personnel. Rural Housing Champions Darcy Wilson will speak during the conference. SEK, Inc. was founded in 1957 and works on CTE, workforce development, and childcare as well. Jim thanked Patty Ann for coming and said he would try to attend because the conference sounds interesting.
Motor grader finance bids were presented to the Commissioners to open. Bids from two lenders were received, two from Murphy Tractor for John Deere Financial and one from City State Bank. Both bids were based upon the proposed financing amount of $604,000. City State Bank bid annual payments of $112,493.18 for seven years with a fixed interest rate of 7.10%. The total amount of the interest would be $183,452.26 making the grand total of payments $787,452.26. John Deere Financial bid annual payments of $108,345.15 for seven years with a fixed interest rate of 5.75%. The total amount of interest would be $154,417.05 making the grand total of payments $758,417.05. John Deere Financial also bid monthly payments of $8751.35 for seven years with a fixed interest rate of 5.75%. The total amount of interest would be $131,114.40 making the grand total of payments $735,114.40. The Commissioners discussed each bid and Eric said he would analyze the bids and come back with a recommendation during his time later in the meeting.
Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, informed the Commissioners of two meetings that will be held within the next few months. The first meeting is the Southeast Kansas 17 County Officials District Meeting which will be held on September 14th in Columbus. Clifton and Nelson are unable to attend but Jim plans on attending. The Kansas Association of Counties Annual Conference will be held December 5-7 in Wichita and all three Commissioners plan on attending.
Justin Meeks, County Counselor, said there have been some internal struggles with policy we have in place. Mr. Meeks stated the handbook was created on liability and there is a substance abuse testing prescreen and random quarterly drug testing no matter the department. Justin said we need a centralized person to handle the drug testing and he handed out a copy of best practices from our insurance provider. Mr. Meeks stated elected officials can go outside of certain policy, for example hiring and firing, but not when it comes to insurance and stated the insurance company can raise our rates or even drop our coverage. Jim asked if HR currently handles the drug testing and Justin confirmed that. Nelson asked what the issue is and Justin stated an elected official wants to be added to the list to be able to do drug screens. Jim said we currently have a centralized person and questioned why we would change that when they have been doing a great job. Clifton stated in his opinion it was petty to not follow the policy we have in place. Jim said he sees no reason to make changes to a policy that is working and stated if elected officials don’t like it, they can come to the Commissioners about it. Jim asked Justin if there were any updates on our handbook. Justin said it can be difficult at times to get everybody on the same page when there are difference of opinions. Jim asked if the Commission would review and approve the handbook once it is complete and Justin said yes that is the procedure. Jim asked when it was last updated and Justin said some 5 years ago and some 8-9 months ago but they hit some roadblocks. Jim said he could meet with elected officials regarding the handbook if it is ok with Clifton and Nelson. Justin presented an agreement for our elevator for the Commission to approve. Mr. Meeks stated this is the same agreement as last time and asked if the Commission would like to table the discussion until they had an opportunity to review. Clifton made a motion to allow Chairman Harris to sign the elevator agreement with KONE as presented by Justin Meeks. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.
Susan Bancroft requested a 10-minute executive session to discuss nonelected personnel. Clifton made a motion to go into a 10-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy. The executive session will include all three Commissioners, Susan Bancroft, and Justin Meeks and will return at 6:05. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:05 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Jim Harris requested a 15-minute executive session to discuss nonelected personnel. Clifton made a motion to go into a 15-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy. The executive session will include all three Commissioners and Justin Meeks and will return at 6:21. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:21 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
A short break was taken and normal session was resumed at 6:24.
Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, presented the monthly culvert list for the Commissioner’s approval. Eric said the culvert list and the fuel spreadsheet have been emailed to the Commissioners and they will continue to do that in the future to save paper. Eric said they completed asphalting Williams Street last week. Jim said he drove the road a few times and they did a great job. Eric said they are taking out a rutted section next to the National Cemetery to redo the asphalt before school starts. The crew is still clearing overburden at Thomas Quarry to prepare for another blast. Eric stated they now have four mowers out mowing throughout the county. Clifton suggested there is a place to save money, and Nelson said they would still need to mow intersections. Eric said they picked up the belly dump trailer last week and the new truck will be here this week so they will be able to have two belly dump trailers hauling gravel. Eric discussed the bids stating that there is a savings of $52,337 with the monthly payments option with John Deere Financial versus the annual payment option that City State Bank bid. Eric said he would like to stay local but that is a significant savings. Jim agreed and said it is hard to stay local when they could save the county $53,000. Nelson made a motion to go with John Deere Financial’s monthly payment bid. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved. Eric said they received one Request for Qualifications for the feasibility study for an overpass south of town and that was from Schwab Eaton. Jim explained this was the first step in the process because you can’t apply for grants without a feasibility study. Eric said it is just their qualifications and if we choose them, they will give us a dollar amount to perform the study. Jim asked the other Commissioners if they were ok with Eric contacting Schwab Eaton to get a price to bring back to the meeting next week and they both agreed. Nelson asked Eric if he could get them a price if the county only mowed intersections versus mowing all roads.
Nelson questioned where we were with the money on CD’s. Clifton said he as been told the Treasurer hasn’t done it yet and that we are losing money. Nelson agreed stating we need to get the extra money from the interest. The subject of CD’s will be placed on the agenda for next week so the Treasurer can be present to update the Commissioners. Clifton said there have been a lot of rumors going around that the Via Christi ER is leaving. Clifton said he has been fully aware that another healthcare facility has been talking about buying Via Christi. Clifton said that Legacy and Bourbon County REDI have been working for a long time and have been working with a strategic partner for healthcare in our county and that an announcement will be made in the next couple of weeks that will be a big deal for our community. Clifton stated the rumors about the ER closing is not true and if Via Christi is purchased there is a plan for healthcare in Bourbon County.
Jim thanked Clifton for the days he has spend working on our healthcare. Clifton said Legacy Health and Bourbon County REDI deserve a lot of credit because they have done a lot of work that will pay off in the near future.
Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:38. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Approved 8-14-2023
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________, Commissioner
ATTEST: ___________________, Commissioner
Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk
, Approved Date