Obituary of Betty Gillham
Betty Ann Gillham, 92, of Fort Scott, passed away early Wednesday morning, August 7, 2024, at Medicalodge in Fort Scott. She was born on April 18, 1932, in Iola, Kansas, the daughter of Elmer William Jones and Fern Fayette (Cercy) Jones. She married Wendell Dale Gillham on February 18, 1950, in Iola, Kansas, and he preceded her in death on February 18, 1984.
Betty is survived by her children, Twyla Joy Homewood, of Humboldt, Kansas, Laron Gillham, of Fort Scott, and Neicha Parsons, also of Fort Scott; six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, Wendell, Betty was also preceded in death by her parents, a son, Norlan Roy Gillham, and three brothers, Walter Jones, Howard Casey Jones, and Donald Jones.
Pastor Norman Tillotson will conduct graveside services at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 16, 2024, at the Kincaid Cemetery in Kincaid, Kansas, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.
A visitation will be held Thursday evening, August 15, 2024, 5:00-6:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 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.
CHC/SEK Fort Scott welcomes new pediatrician
FORT SCOTT –– Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas is pleased to announce pediatrician Mary Jo Flint, MD, has joined the medical staff at CHC/SEK’s Fort Scott Clinic, 2322 S. Main St.
Pediatricians see to the needs of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. For many young people, a pediatrician is their primary care provider from birth, through the age of 18. Pediatricians have many responsibilities, from regular well-child checkups to diagnosing and treating illnesses, injuries, and other health conditions.
Dr. Flint is board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and most recently practiced in Henderson, Tennessee. She has connections to our region, having previously practiced pediatric medicine in the Kansas City area.
Dr. Flint graduated from the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and worked in private practice in Kansas City and Children’s Mercy Hospital. She is affiliated with Overland Park Regional Medical Center, Menorah Hospital, Shawnee Mission Medical Center, and St Luke’s East.
Outside of her work, she enjoys reading about history and historical biographies, following sports including KC Chiefs, KSU football, and University of North Dakota hockey, attending music and drama events and church.
Dr. Flint will join CHC/SEK in September and appointments are now being accepted by calling 620-223-8040.
For more information about CHC/SEK Fort Scott Clinic, visit https://chcsek.org
USD 234 Board Minutes from August 12
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 12, 2024
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, August 12, 2024, 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
- 07/08/24 Minutes
- 07/29/24 Minutes
Financials – Cash Flow Report
Check Register
Payroll – July 20, 2024 – $1,718,427.40
Activity Funds Accounts
USD 234 Gifts
Resolution 24-06 Remove Bank Account Signers
Resolution 24-07 Add Bank Account Signers
Superintendent Destry Brown reported on the week’s schedule including Teachers returning and Welcome Back Assembly for all staff on Tuesday. Open house for all buildings will be this week and posted on the district website. He explained that the district was able to help twenty-eight staff members with tuition. Fifteen of those completed degrees.
Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield updated the board on each district department. He has been working with each to receive updates on projects that have been completed during the summer. Transportation had inspections on all vehicles for safety, Food Service has completed menus and ordering, Tech has devices ready for the first day of school, and maintenance has all the buildings cleaned and ready for the students.
Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, updated the Board on hiring Paras for the buildings as well as Para training that will be taking place this week. SPED teachers were in training last week and will also have some time this week for training. She reported that the SPED Audit for the last year has been completed with a final report to come later.
Assistant Superintendent Mayfield reviewed the Needs Assessment for the district to align with the district values. He mentioned the importance of investing in the Teachers and the impact on the community. In the overview a few future projects were discussed. More details will be provided at the Budget Hearing in September.
The board approved the following items:
- Classified Handbook for 2024-25
- Supplemental Salary Schedule 2024-25
- Adult Meal Plan Pricing 2024-25
- No Limits Rehab Inc. contract for physical therapy
There was none present for public forum.
The board went into an executive session for personnel matters & premium pay.
President Stewart adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED
August 12, 2024
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
Alvarado, Selena – Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Softball Coach
Ballou, Jessica – Resignation – Paraprofessional – High School
Black, Carla – Resignation – Paraprofessional – High School
Clark, Erica – Resignation – Bus Duty
Hutchison – Supplemental Resignation – Scholars Bowl Assistant Coach
Lord, McKenna – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware
Lynn, Shelby – Resignation – Teacher’s Aide – High School
Palmer, Lana – Resignation – Bus Driver
Purdy, Kayla – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
LEAVE OF ABSENCE:
Judson, Mary
Knopp, Mackenzie
Tate, Wanita
TRANSFER:
Endicott, Jencyn & Harper, Angel – 7.5 hour Para to 8 hour Para – Preschool
Beyer, Amy – From Eugene Ware Para to Middle School Cook
Glover, Carol – From Winfield Scott Cook to Middle School Cook
Hutchison, Patty – From Middle School Cook to Winfield Scott Cook
EMPLOYMENT:
Certified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:
Freeze, Micheal – Special Education Teacher – KRI
Classified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:
Chaplin, Mercedes – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware
Corbitt, Cheyenne – Paraprofessional – Middle School
Castillo, Kristal – Paraprofessional – Middle School
Hanson, Emily – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware
Hayden, Caleb – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware
Heckman, Whitney – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
Houston, Cassandra – Van Driver
Houston, Cassandra – Paraprofessional – Preschool
Houston, Steven – Bus Diver
Lopp, Kylie – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware
McDonald, Maggie – Paraprofessional – Middle School
Mishler, Kelsie – Paraprofessional – Middle School
Rodriguez, Joseph – Substitute Preschool Van Driver
Shaw, Michael – Custodian – Eugene Ware – August 5, 2024
Shaw, Michael – Substitute Preschool Van Driver
Mills, Lacy – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware
Supplemental Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:
Brown, Chase – Ed Rising
Brown, Chase – Senior Class Sponsor
Brown, Chase – Scholars Bowl Assistant Coach
Gorman, Krista – Junior Class Sponsor (Split)
Hodges, Julius – Debate & Forensics Assistant
Knopp, McKenzie – Junior Class Sponsor (Split)
Martin, Madeline – Key Club
Mayberry, Polly – Scholars Bowl Head Coach
Motley, Aubri – Assistant Girls Volleyball Coach
Rogers, Jamie – Student Council
Free Food Distribution on August 17 by Family Life Assembly Of God Church
Family Life Assembly of God Church is partnering with Convoy of Hope in Springfield, Missouri to distribute non-perishable food to the community.
The distribution will be at Fort Scott Middle School on Saturday, August 17 starting at 10 a.m.
“We know that as school starts a lot of families are really struggling with buying school supplies, school clothes, and a grocery bill. This is just a small way we can help be the hands and feet of Jesus,” said Pastor Justin Eichenberger.
Eichenberger, 26, is the new pastor at Family Life Assembly of God Church in Fort Scott, since October 1, 2023 .
Eichenberger said ” I believe Jesus has called me to care for people.”
For Eichenberger, the best thing about being a pastor is “Seeing God move in people’s hearts and lives.”
This church is a satellite of FamilyLife Assembly of God (FLAG), Pittsburg, Kansas.
“We meet on Sunday mornings at 10 am in Fort Scott Middle School-1105 E 12th Street,” he said.
To contact the pastor:
Pastor Justin Eichenberger
620-232-3524
FS Area Community Foundation Announces Grant Cycle
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Needed: FSCC Logo/Promotional Products Proposal
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Lowell Milken Center Announces Discovery Awards Semi-Finalists
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Chamber Coffee Hosted by Woodland Hills Golf Course on August 15
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Obituary of Rosemay Carruthers
Rosemary Ann Carruthers, age 88, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away peacefully Saturday, August 10, 2024, at her home surrounded by her family. She was born September 18, 1935, in Liverpool, New York, the daughter of John and Daisy Millis.
Rosemary had two siblings, June Hart and Ron Millis who both preceded her in death.
Rosemary was a woman of many talents that played into many different rolls in her life. To name a few, she was a wife, mother, executive secretary for several different corporations, a chamber of commerce manager, a poet, a published writer, and an independent and new home real estate agent in California. Rosemary was a member of the local Red Hat Society. She was also a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Ft. Scott and has served several years as the church office manager.
Rosemary leaves behind her son, Richard Carruthers and wife, Robin, her daughter, Narine Crossland and husband, Dwayne, a granddaughter, Melissa Weeden and husband, Chad, a grandson, Trevor Crossland, a granddaughter, Shalyn Crossland and a great-granddaughter, Hailey Weeden.
Her family will all miss her deeply but never forget her as she passes on to her next step in the afterlife with her parents and siblings.
Following cremation, Rosemary will be laid to rest with her parents in the White Chapel Memory Gardens Cemetery in Dewitt, New York.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
USD 235 New Admin, Educator: Miller, Bolton
Dustin Miller, 50, is the new Dean of Students at West Bourbon Elementary School, Uniontown.
Miller is a 1992 graduate of Uniontown High School, earned an associate of science degree at Fort Scott Community College in 1994 and a bachelor of science in education from Pittsburg State University in 2006 in K-6th grade and also 5-8 grade mathematics.
He is currently working on a Master of Science in Education from Emporia State University (projected: Fall, 2024)in educational administration.
“The 2024-25 school year will be my 19th year in education,” he said. “My first year I taught 5th grade at Truman Elementary in Nevada, Mo. The rest of my career has been at USD 235. Upon completing my Master of Science Degree in the Fall of 2024, I will become the Principal of West Bourbon Elementary.”
Positions he has held
- 5th Grade (6 years: 1st year was at Truman Elementary in Nevada, MO)
- 7th & 8th Grade Math (2 years)
- Title I (10 years serving West Bourbon Elementary)
- Junior High Football
“As an educator, one of the best things is the opportunity to inspire and shape the minds of students, watching them grow and learn new things. It is incredibly rewarding to see students succeed and know that you played a part in their development.”
“One of the biggest challenges for educators is meeting the diverse needs of students in increasingly complex learning environments. Each student has a unique learning style, background, and capabilities, making it challenging to create personalized learning experiences for everyone. Additionally, managing large class sizes, keeping students engaged, and addressing individual needs can be a constant challenge for educators.”
In addition to teaching, he has taken on coaching students.
He served two years as an assistant coach for junior high track, two years as co-head coach in high school baseball, one year as assistant coach of high school track, nine years as assistant coach in high school football, and 13 years as assistant coach of high school basketball (women). 18 years with the program, 13 years as head coach.
“I am an active member of the Marmaton Community Christian Church in Redfield. I serve my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as an Elder, Sunday School Teacher, and Wednesday night youth group leader.”
He has been married to his high school sweetheart, Carrie for 31 years and they have four sons.
Trenton (30), is married to Aubri and has two children: Josie & Ruthie.
Gavin (26), is married to Shelby and has two children: Bennett & Isla.
Hayden (23) and Korbin, (20) who is engaged to Haley Steeley.
Nancy Bolton is a new English Language Art teacher for 7-8th grade at Uniontown Junior/Senior High School.
She has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (K-9) from Pittsburg State University and a Master of Science in Education in Library Media (K-12) from Fort Hays State University.
She has been teaching since 1992, as a teacher for 5-8 English Language Arts, 4th grade, 7-8 Social Studies, and as a K-6 and K-12 Librarian.
She and her husband, Steve, have recently moved to Girard for his new position representing the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, for Bourbon, Crawford, and Cherokee Counties. They were both involved in Ellsworth, KS as middle school youth leaders and FCA huddle leaders.
She is also a member of Beta Sigma Phi, PEO, Kansas Association of School Librarians, and a board member of Westminster Woods Church Camp at Fall River.
They are “empty nesters” with twin adult children, Micah and Josiah. who graduated from Friend’s University in 2023. Micah is a band instructor at Goddard High School, Jr. High and 5-6th grade. He plays in the Wichita Wind Symphony as well as gives private music lessons. He is married to Maddison. Josiah is the middle school youth director at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, Wichita. He was a member of the cross country and track team while attending Friends and continues to mentor students from around the Wichita area on running while sharing his faith.
“The best thing about being an educator is seeing the students I’ve helped educate go on to successful lives and careers, some as doctors, lawyers, dental hygienists, brick layers, construction workers, HAVC operators, farmers and ranchers, nurses and so on. I also love sharing my love of literature and the written word.”
“The challenge in education is keeping up with technology and social media that students are exposed to,” she said.
Kansas Department of Revenue Reveals Winning Personalized License Plate Design
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Revenue revealed today the next design of the Kansas personalized license plate. Five designs were put up for public vote online earlier this month. After more than 30,000 votes were cast, Kansans across the state chose the design showcasing the iconic Flint Hills as the next personalized license plate design. The Flint Hills design emerged as the clear favorite, receiving over 56% of the vote.
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“We are excited to reveal the next Kansas personalized plate design and will now work to get the design ready for production and for Kansans to purchase in 2025,” KDOR Division of Vehicles Director David Harper said.
When the new design is available, Kansans can visit their local county treasurer’s office to purchase the new plate for $45.50.
The “Powering the Future” personalized plate design will no longer be available after Jan. 1, 2025. Kansans, who currently have this design, must replace their plate during their next renewal period to keep their personalized plate text.
To check the availability of personalized plate text, visit www.kdor.ks.gov/Apps/
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