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
January 20, 2025 – 5:30 P.M.
AGENDA SUMMARY PUBLIC
1.0 Call Meeting to Order David Stewart, President
2.0 Flag Salute
3.0 Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)
4.0 Interview with Board
5.0 Discussion
6.0 Adjourn Meeting _______ (Time) David Stewart, Board President
Alta Dean Davis, age 97, a resident of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away Sunday, January 12th, 2025, at her home. She was better known by Kansas relatives as Aunt Deanie, to California relatives as Auntie Alta and to many friends as Miss Alta.
Alta was born on December 31, 1927, in La Harpe, Kansas, the daughter of Benton More, Jr. and Mary Ann (Fifer) More. Benton and Mary moved to Fort Scott, Kansas, with their nine children, Alta being the youngest. Alta started school at the age of five, skipped a grade in elementary school and ventured West to California in hopes of adventure and higher wages at the age of 16.
After arriving in California, Alta first worked as a waitress, then went to work at a car dealership for Mr. Phil Davis. It was at the car dealership where she met Craig Chandler Davis, the dealership’s owner’s son. Craig and Alta were married on April 16th, 1949 in Oakland, California. The couple owned and operated the All Automatic Transmission Company in Hayward, California. The Davis family welcomed their son, Curtis Dean Davis on December 15th, 1953.
In addition to being a wife and mother, Alta was an entrepreneur, real estate investor, financial all-around business woman and philanthropist. She worked diligently to provide for her family working a variety of jobs at the transmission shop and working trade shows and events at Bay West/Showplace in the San Francisco Concourse. It was at the concourse where her entrepreneurial spirit was sparked; while working here she ran a popcorn machine on the side for extra income.
Alta attended Bible Study at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension in Oakland, California, was a member of the Martin C. Kauffman 100 Club of Alameda County, and loved to support many organizations including the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, the Boys and Girls Club of San Leandro, The First Church of God and the Wheelchair Foundation.
Alta enjoyed traveling with friends and family. Her adventures took her around the world including many cities and countries in Asia, Europe, North America, South America and even a penguin expedition to Antarctica.
After living in California for more than 70 years, she returned to Fort Scott and enjoyed reconnecting with family and making new friends. She was always ready to make a witty joke, share a smile, lend a helping hand, play a game of Hand and Foot or a round of Mexican Train dominoes.
Alta is survived by her great-great nephews, Jared Leek and Rob Shaw of the home, nieces Johnna Kay (Davis) Ballou, Betty Joan (More) Crane, Joyce (More) Love, Juanita (Rhyerd) Sinn, all of Fort Scott, Kansas, niece Sheryl (Davis) Hardin of Danville, California, nephews Leroy Bedingfield of Kansas City, Missouri, and Michael Davis of Oakdale, California, and many generations of nieces and nephews.
Alta was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, husband, son, daughter-in law Laurie Henrietta Britton Davis, beloved friend of many years Norman L. Bradshaw “Brad” and many family members.
Friends, family and community members are invited to a Celebration of Life service to be held on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at 3:00 PM, Liberty Theatre, 113 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas
. A private burial at Evergreen Cemetery in Fort Scott, Kansas, will take place prior to the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to Mount Carmel Hospice or the First Church of God and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS, 66701. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland encourages jobseekers and employers to take part in the Statewide Virtual Job Fair, hosted by KANSASWORKS, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 22.
“Kansas is experiencing a remarkable period of growth that’s creating countless new opportunities for employment,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “As businesses look to expand and seek talent, our workforce centers are excited to connect Kansans with fulfilling careers.”
The virtual job fair allows for anyone searching for a position to fill out applications, chat live and interview virtually with participating employers.
The Statewide Virtual Job Fair portal features helpful information such as a jobseeker training video, a list of participating employers and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as employers may request to engage in a video interview.
Candidates can participate through any digital device. Any individual with a disability may request accommodation by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.
Registration is required to participate in virtual job fairs, regardless of previous participation. To register, click here.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
About KANSASWORKS:
KANSASWORKS links businesses, job candidates and educational institutions to ensure that employers can find skilled workers. Services are provided to employers and job candidates through the state’s 27 workforce centers, online or virtual services KANSASWORKS is completely free for all Kansans to use. Learn more at KANSASWORKS.com. State employment opportunities can be found at jobs.ks.gov.
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Dr. Ethan Couch, 23, is a new associate doctor with Dr. Kaylee Clifton. He began duties on January 14.
Couch graduated from Nevada High School in 2019, received his associate’s degree from Crowder College, Nevada, and then went to Cleaveland University in Kansas City, earning a bachelor’s degree in human biology. He then enrolled in the school’s Doctor of Chiropractic program in 2020 and graduated in December 2024.
“I did a year of training with the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in K.C. with the clerkship program,” he said. “I got to meet with doctors- neurosurgeons, pharmacists, occupational therapists and orthosurgeons- and ask questions to have a better understanding of multi-disciplinary treatment options.”
“I knew I wanted to be in the medical field, but wanted to provide conservative treatment for musculoskeletal conditions,” he said.
“Conservative treatment is non-invasive therapeutic exercise or adjustments, anything that doesn’t stretch into injections, surgery or medications.”
So far, the best part of the job is “Getting to know the patients and providing quality care that helps with day-to-day life.”
Couch and his wife live in Nevada, MO are expecting their first child, a son, on April 1.
Dr. Kaylee Clifton is returning in February, following maternity leave.
On February 1, Couch’s hours will be from Monday through Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday from one Saturday a month from 9 a.m. to noon.
The Clifton Chiropractic office is located at 203 E. Third, Fort Scott and can be reached at 620.644.5000.
Years ago, when I was counseling a young woman in an abusive relationship, I recommended the book Boundaries by Dr. Hendy Cloud and Dr. John Townsend. Years before when I read it, it left a profound mark on my life. I hoped it would do the same for her. The book’s message is clear: although we are called to love, we must protect ourselves from harmful, toxic people, provided, of course, we have tried looking past our differences and betrayals and chosen to love. That’s the hard part.
Why not just walk away? Because God created us to be in community with one another. Read Ecclesiastes 4:9-10: “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” No qualifiers are given. Solomon doesn’t say, “Just be sure the other people are like you, share your values/interests and never disagree with you.” But what if those people really test our boundaries (like the Mean Mom in last week’s article), and we want to bang our heads into a concrete wall every time we are around them?
Here’s where it gets sticky. The first thing we need to do is to ask ourselves if we have any ownership in this destructive relationship. I mean, if we completely cut disagreeable people out of our lives, we probably won’t have many friends, and there’s a great chance we deserve to be in that “disagreeable” group. Maybe that’s why Jesus himself said to “love others as ourselves.” Sometimes–most times–the only way we can do that is to ask the Holy Spirit to guide our thoughts and words. He has been faithful to show me at least one redeeming quality I need to glean from every irritating person I’ve met.
The first week we were in Las Vegas, Dave and I met Clare, a woman who asked if we play pickleball. She wanted to know how long we had played and told us about a group that meets every morning at 7:00 and that she would add us to the list. We could start “tomorrow.” The following morning, we walked onto the court where ten other people had gathered. “Rita” approached us. “Uh, I’m sorry, but these courts are reserved for a group that meets every day at this time.” I told her that we had been invited.
“Who invited you?” she said, curtly. Dave held me back from pulling her tongue out and politely told her about Clare. “Well,” Rita continued, pulling out her phone, “I don’t see you anywhere on the list.” At that time, an elderly man approached us. “What’s going on here?” I explained that Clare had invited us to join but we had just found out that this was a closed group.
“What?” he said, clearly embarrassed. “This isn’t closed. You definitely can join us.”
And then Rita sent me into Crazyville. “That’s exactly what I was telling them.” Had Dave not been with me, I think my paddle would have left its mark on her face. \
Clearly, Rita and I would be friends.
Or so I thought. But the more I was around Rita, the more I liked her. Over the next few weeks, we played pickleball together often. I found her to be considerate and kind, and I learned a valuable lesson. We cannot judge a potential friendship until we have given it a chance to flourish. One time never should be our gauge to determine if we give it that chance. Maybe I need to remember that the next time I encounter a Mean Mom in the grocery store.
~~Balanced Budget Fully Funds Schools, Continues Investments in Early Childhood Education and Special Education, and Addresses Water Needs~~
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced on Thursday her annual budget, which is balanced and continues to fully fund Kansas’ K-12 public schools. The budget also invests in early childhood services and special education and addresses both short and long-term water needs.
“I’m a fiscal conservative, which is why, once again, I’m proposing a budget that’s balanced, maintains fiscal stability in the future, and ensures Kansans have access to the services their government has promised them,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This budget also delivers on my commitment to continue fully funding schools, investing in our workforce and child care system, and securing water resources both immediately and in the future.”
The budget:
This budget also includes $500,000 to cover the costs of certain Advanced Placement (AP) test fees for low-income students.
This budget is practical in its aim to focus on accountability and measurable progress, building the long-term water plan asked for by Kansans to ensure the state can sustain populations and promote economic growth now and into the future.
This budget also invests in cybersecurity infrastructure across the postsecondary system.
This budget also includes $2.6 million to establish Behavioral Health Intervention Teams statewide for Child Welfare Providers to increase placement stability for youth in care who experience frequent placement disruptions.
Governor Kelly also recognizes the importance of mental and behavioral health. This budget includes funding for additional psychologists at Osawatomie State Hospital to provide direct patient services including individual and group psychotherapy.
This budget addresses the demands of a rapidly growing aging population and funds essential services to the most vulnerable Kansans.
Governor Kelly’s full budget proposal can be found here.
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The City of Fort Scott and the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team have collaborated to develop a Business Environment Scan Initiative in a concerted and focused effort to build vital relationships with our community’s local businesses, and educate our respective entities about pertinent information of business operations and future goals.
While it is important to dedicate time towards recruiting new businesses to Fort Scott, it is of our utmost priority to retain the businesses that are already established and have spent years, if not decades, choosing Fort Scott as their base of operations.
Our local economy relies on the solid foundation that our crucial and valued local businesses have built, and we owe it to them to be mindful of not just their current successes and struggles, but also of opportunities to assist them in any way possible.
If you represent business in Fort Scott, Kansas, we hope you will take part in this detailed and in-depth survey.
We have compiled a list of over 200 local businesses and have attempted to identify current contact information, but if you wish to participate and have not received an email with survey information included from Mary Wyatt, Jody Love, or Justin Miles by January 24th, please send an email to [email protected] with the name of your business and your updated contact details.
The Bourbon County Arts Council announces its Call for Entries for the 33rd Annual Fine Arts Competition and Exhibit, to be held at the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, Thursday, March 6th, through Saturday, March 15th.
The mixed media competition is open to artists aged 16 and older. Categories include Ceramics, Drawing and Graphics (Pencil, Pen, Ink), Fiber Art, Glasswork, Jewelry, Mixed Media, Painting (Oil & Acrylic), Pastel, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, and Watercolor.
A “Theme” category has been added; this year’s theme is “Bridge the Gap”. \
An artist may create a piece in any of the above media categories, as it relates to the theme.
Entry fees are $7.50 per piece for Bourbon County Arts Council members and $10.00 per piece for non-members.
PLEASE NOTE: In the past, artists were permitted to enter a total of five pieces, with 3 pieces allowed in any one category. Due to space limitations and the growth of this exhibit, artists now may submit a total of FOUR pieces, with 3 of those allowed in a single category. Entry deadline and payment are due by February 28th, 2025.
Cash awards totaling greater than $3500.00 will be made, for Best of Show in 2D and 3D, First and Second Place winners in each category, and a Popular Vote winner.
Entry forms may be requested by contacting Deb Anderson at 620-224-8650 or [email protected], or Deb Halsey at 620-224-0684 or [email protected] .
PLEASE NOTE: We are no longer accepting pieces shipped to BCAC for entry into the exhibit.
The schedule for this year’s Exhibit is as follows: Entry forms and payment, as stated above, are due by February 28th. No late entries will be accepted.
Artwork will be received at the Ellis Fine Arts Center on Sunday, March 2nd, between 1 and 4 pm.
Juror critique of the artwork will occur on Wednesday, March 5th; this is closed to artists and the public.
Artists are invited to attend the Chamber Coffee hosted by the BCAC on Thursday, March 6th at 8:00 am at the Ellis Center.
A reception will be held that evening from 6:00-8:00 pm for participating artists and the Jurors; this reception is open to the public as well.
The Exhibit will be open for public viewing on Thursday, March 6th and Friday, March 7th, as well as Monday, March 10th-Friday March 14th from noon until 7:00 pm.
It will also be open Saturdays March 8th and March 15th, from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm.
Artists may pick up their work on Saturday, March 15th between 1:30 and 3:30 pm. The Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center is located at 2108 Horton St., Fort Scott, Kansas.
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced on Thursday two Kansas communities have secured over $3.3 million in federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration Railroad Crossing Elimination program.
“Improving railroad crossings in Kansas is crucial for enhancing safety and connectivity in our communities,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I’m proud these two projects are receiving vital infrastructure planning grants, which will not only improve our railroad crossing safety but also strengthen the entire state’s transportation network.”
Combined with almost $413,000 in matching funds from the Kansas Infrastructure Hub and Build Kansas Fund, plus $427,830 in local contributions, the investment totals more than $4 million.
The two Kansas projects receiving funding are:
Eastern Kansas Communities Rail Corridor At-Grade Crossing Elimination Plan
The project is a collaboration between the cities of Spring Hill, Fontana, and Fort Scott to improve railroad crossing safety along the BNSF Fort Scott Subdivision.
Liberal Crossing Analysis for Routes Enhancing Safety (Liberal CARES)
The project will support development activities to identify an at-grade railroad closure location and develop a grade separation plan in Liberal.
“I want to thank the Build Kansas Fund for partnering with the City of Spring Hill. This partnership has helped make this project a reality,” said Lane Massey, Spring Hill City Administrator. “Without this funding, we wouldn’t have been able to pursue the crucial Railroad Crossing Elimination funds.”
With this award, the Build Kansas Fund has provided the required match dollars for 38 federal grant awards across Kansas. The combined total investment by the Build Kansas Fund in all projects is over $34.6 million, which has resulted in federal grant awards of more than $75.9 million.
“Our communities in Kansas have consistently expressed that with technical assistance and matching funds, they can access additional federal resources to improve safety and infrastructure,” said Matt Volz, Executive Director of the Kansas Infrastructure Hub. “The support offered through the Kansas Infrastructure Hub and Build Kansas Fund showcases Kansas’ leadership on a national scale while equipping local communities with the tools they need to fully capitalize on the opportunities provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill.”
The Kansas Infrastructure Hub connects multiple state agencies and serves as a resource center for Kansas communities to identify best practices for maximizing BIL funding opportunities. The Build Kansas Fund provides state matching dollars for projects throughout Kansas that successfully apply for federal grants under BIL. In 2023, the Kansas Legislature and Governor Kelly approved $200 million for the Build Kansas Fund to provide state matching dollars to Kansas entities and projects to meet federal local match requirements.
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