Fort Scott

Get Involved In Fort Scott: Community Involvement Fair is Feb. 2

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A local group recently formed to focus on the good and foster involvement in this community.

“Fort Scott Forward, Ltd. will provide support and create opportunities for citizens of Fort Scott, KS to identify their passions, talents and find areas where they can make a difference in their community,” said Rachel French, president of the board. “We will create opportunities for local projects to be completed for the betterment of our town.”

Rachel French. Submitted photo.

The specific objectives and purpose of this organization are

  • to craft an image of Fort Scott that focuses on the beauty of our town;
  • to build pride in our community and help locals recognize all the good and exciting things going on in our town;
  • to foster involvement from local community members and help encourage them to be good stewards donating their time, talent and means;
  • to spread awareness of the benefits of small-town living, and the importance of investing and purchasing from small businesses in the community.

 

Fort Scott Forward Board Members include:  French, Angela Simon, Bailey Lyons, Craig Campbell, Matt Park, Kate and Trent Freeman.

The group has organized and is hosting an event Feb. 2, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Ellis Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College.

“Fort Scott Forward will host a Community Involvement Fair at The Ellis Fine Arts Center Lobby,” French said. “This event is geared at helping community members learn about the different non-profits, clubs, and organizations in Fort Scott that need volunteers throughout the year.”

“This event is for anyone in our community who is looking to give of their time or talents to make Fort Scott a better place.” she said. “This is the perfect opportunity for individuals or families to come out an learn about how they can get involved and help the community.”

“Local clubs, non-profits or organizations who need volunteers throughout the year can reserve their spot through this link https://form.jotform.com/230035194585052.,” French said.  “Each exhibitor space will include a rectangle table, two chairs, and advertising for the event. There will be a fee of $25 to reserve an exhibitor spot.”

“There is no cost to attend and light refreshments will be served,” she said. “Community members are encouraged to drop by as they have time.”

 

 

 

 

Government, Kansas

Governor Establishes Early Childhood Transition Task Force

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Governor Kelly Signs First Executive Order of Second Term to Improve Early
Childhood Development

~~Establishes Task Force to Develop a Plan for a New Early Childhood-Focused State Agency~~ 

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today signed the first executive order of her second term, Executive Order 23-01, to establish the Early Childhood Transition Task Force. The Task Force is charged with reviewing Kansas’ early childhood programs and developing a roadmap for the creation of a new state, cabinet-level agency focused solely on supporting the success of our youngest Kansans.

“Yesterday, I laid out a vision for my next four years, to make Kansas the best place in America to raise a family. Today we are taking a significant step forward in pursuit of that goal,” Governor Kelly said. “Giving Kansas kids the strongest start to life is the best possible investment we can make. This task force will determine how to make that investment most effectively.”

The task force will analyze the current early childhood system and how it is financed – focusing on gaps, inefficiencies, and redundancies. It will also conduct a series of stakeholder engagement opportunities and draft a transition plan for the new agency.

The task force will build on the Kelly Administration’s first term efforts around early childhood, which include investing more than $270 million to support child care providers and increasing access to reliable, affordable child care.

The task force will include representatives from state government, the private sector, philanthropic organizations, early childhood service providers, and advocacy organizations. Governor Kelly will also invite members of the Kansas Senate and the Kansas House of Representatives to be members of the task force.

The complete text of Executive Order #23-01 can be found here.

What they’re saying: 

“Early childhood care and education is the cornerstone for a child’s well-being,” Secretary of the Department for Children and Families Laura Howard said. “I am excited to embark on this journey of collaboration, under the steady leadership of Governor Kelly, as we work to move early childhood policy forward to address the needs of Kansas families.”

“I applaud the Governor for having the vision to create this task force,” Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment Janet Stanek said. “I look forward to collaborating with policy experts and others to align on early childhood policy development within a future agency that will bring greater efficiencies and eliminate structural barriers for families, communities, and businesses.”

“The work of this new task force represents a commitment to the transformational change needed to create an early childhood care and education system that works for all Kansas families,” Melissa Rooker, executive director of the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund, said. “The pandemic revealed the challenges in our current system, and we are excited to go to work developing an action plan to address barriers, gaps, and opportunities to serve our youngest Kansans more effectively.”

“Governor Kelly is a champion for Kansas children who understands that high-quality early learning opportunities and family support programs are among the best investments we can make as a state,” John Wilson, President of Kansas Action for Children, said. “The best policies and proposals are those that have been shaped by diverse stakeholders, which is why I am excited for the work of this task force. It will build upon the strong, collaborative work that’s been happening across state agencies to improve the health and well-being of children and families.”

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

U234 Board of Education News Release

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BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

NEWS RELEASE

Monday, January 9, 2023

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, January 9, 2023, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.

 

President Danny Brown opened the meeting.

 

The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:

  • Minutes from December 12, 2022, Board of Education meeting
  • Financials – Cash Flow Report
  • Check Register
  • Payroll – December 16, 2022 – $1,571,721.90
  • Activity Fund accounts
  • Second Semester Enrollment Count Report
  • Board Policy Additions/Changes
  • Resolution 22-10 – To Establish Election of School Board Officers
  • Resolution 22-11 – To Establish Regular Meeting Dates

 

Shelly  Charter, Winfield Scott Elementary principal, introduced two students from Winfield Scott. The first student recognized was Sadie Keylon who demonstrates mindfulness by being polite and helpful to friends.  The second student was Megan Hunsaker who demonstrates mindfulness by being humble and leadership through leading by example.  Megan was selected by Peerless Products to have a paint chip named after her.

 

Licensed Tiger Team Member – Superintendent Destry Brown recognized Allison Gorman as the Licensed Tiger Team Member of the Month.

  • Miss Gorman is a 7th grade math teacher at Fort Scott Middle School. She displays on a daily basis the excellence of teaching in our classrooms.  She encourages students, teaches from the beginning of class to the end, and her students know they can be successful in her class.  Miss Gorman has been with the district for 12 years.

 

Classified Tiger Team Members – Superintendent Destry Brown recognized Shawn O’Brien and Alisha Watkins as the Classified Tiger Team Members of the Month.

  • O’Brien is the payroll clerk for the district along with other payroll duties, helps employees upon hire, and schedules orientations. He also is active in the community with volunteering, as well as supporting our kids at school events.   Mr. O’Brien has been with the district 3 years.
  • Watkins is a custodian at both the board office and the middle school, and also fills in around the district when help is needed. She is always willing to do what can to help, fixes things without having to be asked, and responds in a positive manner.  Mrs. Watkins has been with the district for 3 years.

 

Superintendent Brown reported to the board that 98 students were enrolled in 166 courses with Fort Scott Community College for dual credit while attending high school.  Mr. Brown presented a preliminary 2023-24 calendar for the board to review based upon the feedback he received from parents and staff.

 

Dalaina Smith, Assistant Superintendent, provided an update to the board on professional development, PLC conversations, and results of those conversations.  For example, the anticipation is that by this summer, the district will have standards published by grade level that would show parents what their students(s) should learn each school year.  Mrs. Smith also provided an update on resource adoptions, resources needed in reading, and assessments.

 

Gina Shelton, Finance Director, updated the board on the ESSER III application, the state audit, and salary schedule column advancement.

 

The board received an update from Superintendent Brown on the expansion of the Fort Scott Preschool Center to Woodland Hills Blvd.  Mr. Brown presentation included information on why preschool should be expanded in the USD 234 school district and what that expansion would look like.  There was discussion of funding, contracts, and alternative options.  There was no action taken.

 

The board approved the following items:

  • Communications Investment Proposal with Trajectory Strategies, in the amount of $15,660
  • FSHS Course Additions for the 2023-24 school year
  • Revised Classified Pay Schedule to amend the Activity Driver Pay
  • Personnel Report – following

 

The board tabled a proposal for architectural and engineering design services for the preschool from h|d Architecture, LLC until more information was received.  There was also discussion on a school district attorney.

 

The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.

 

President Danny Brown adjourned the meeting.

 

 

 

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT

 

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

  • Michelle Martin – Retirement – FSHS Special Education teacher, effective at the end of the 2022-23 school year
  • Carol Bingesser – Retirement – FSMS Science teacher, effective at the end of the 2022-23 school year
  • Kelly Cox – Retirement – Winfield Scott Kindergarten teacher, effective at the end of the 2022-23 school year
  • Cristin Stark – Resignation – Winfield Scott Kindergarten teacher, effective at the end of the 2022-23 school year
  • Trent Johnson – Resignation – FSHS Agriculture teacher and FFA sponsor, effective December 19, 2022
  • Mark Gorman – Leave of Absence – Bus Driver
  • Connie Billionis – Leave of Absence – Deputy Clerk
  • Sarah Hendricks – Leave of Absence – Eugene Ware fourth grade teacher

EMPLOYMENT/REASSIGNMENTS – FOR THE 2022-23 SCHOOL YEAR

  • Tonya Barnes – Special Education Director for the 2023-24, 2024-25, and 2025-26 school years
  • Kyle Parks – Daily rate for the remainder of the semester as a FSHS Agriculture teacher and FFA sponsor
  • Judy Welch – Regular Route Bus Driver (4-hours)
  • Chelsea Killion – Winfield Scott 7.5-hour paraprofessional
  • Jana Walker – Winfield Scott 7.5-hour paraprofessional
  • Julius Hodges – Winfield Scott 7.5-hour paraprofessional
  • Destry Brown – Superintendent – Contract extension
Obituary

Obituary of Nancy DeWitt

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Nancy DeWitt, age 81, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Monday, January 9, 2023, at the Medicalodge in Ft. Scott.  She was born January 31, 1941, in Los Angeles, California.  Prior to moving to Ft. Scott, Nancy had made her home in Iola, Kansas.  She loved dogs especially chihuahuas and meticulously kept a photo album of all the pets she had over the years.

 

She is survived by several nieces and nephews.  Nancy was preceded in death by a brother, Robert and a sister, Lorraine.

 

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 1:30 P.M. Monday, January 16th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Following services there will be cremation.

Burial will take place at the Greensburg Cemetery in Greensburg, Kansas at a later date.

Services are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online g

Fort Scott, Government

Amended Agenda For FS City Commission Meeting for Jan. 10

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR MEETING
OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION MEETING ROOM
123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
JANUARY 10, 2023
6:00 P.M.
I. Roll Call:
J. Jones T. Van Hoecke M. Wells E. Woellhof K. Harrington
II. Flag Salute:
III. Invocation: Led by: M. Wells
IV. Approval of Agenda: Amended from original release on 1/6/2023
V. Consent Agenda:
A. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of December 20 th, 2022.
B. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1327-A totaling $519,425.14
C. Request to Pay – BakerTilly – $9,775.78 – Jeff Hancock Services and
Expenses for November 2022, Expenses for October 2022.
D. Request to Pay – BakerTilly – $5,104.04 – Interim Financial Management for November 2022.
E. Request to Pay – EPEC – $459,666.73
1. Cell 1 Aeration Upgrade – $424,088.60 – 65% of Total
2. Baffle Curtain – $35,578.13 – Installation has been completed
F. Request to Pay – Foley Equipment – $180,000.00 – Caterpillar 936K Track Loader Model 963K.
G. Approval of CMB License For Consumption on the Premises – Debra Cagle DBA Fifthwheel Tavern – 206 N. Humbolt
H. Resolution No. 1-2023 – DESIGNATING THE OFFICIAL CITY NEWSPAPER FOR THE ENSUING TERM OF THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS.
I. Resolution No. 2-2023 – DESIGNATING THE OFFICIAL DEPOSITORIES FOR THE PUBLIC FUNDS OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS –
(Possibly hold)
J. Resolution No. 3-2023 – EXEMPTION FROM GENERALLY ACCEPTED
ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES UNDER K.S.A. 1120

VI. Reorganization of City Commission
• Election of Mayor
• Commission President
• Bourbon County REDI Representative
• Land Bank Representative
• Fort Scott Housing Authority Delegate
• Lake Advisory Board
• Library Board (Mayor)
VII. Public Comment:
(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at Commission discretion)
VIII. Old Business:
A. December financials by Ben Hart
B. Update of progress with Code compliance at 102 S. Horton
C. Lake Dock Locations – Doug Guns
IX. Appearances:
A. Renodry USA – Michael Clancy will address the Commission
regarding their services
X. Public Hearing: None
XI. New Business:
A. Approval of Bid for Demolition of 523 S. Heylman, Bid #48-2022 – Dave’s Demolition at $1,800.00 or Skitch’s Hauling and Excavation at $3,425.00
B. Approval of 2023 Holiday Schedule
C. Consideration of Jeff Hancock’s Amended Contract – BakerTilly
D. Permission to go out for picnic table grant – Dave Bruner
E. Consideration of Brick Street Policy – M. Wells
F. Consideration to Go Out for Banking Bids – J. Jones
XII. Reports and Comments:
A. Interim City Manager Comments:
B. Engineering Comments:
C. Commissioners Comments:
J. Jones – National Street School Sign

T. VanHoecke –
M. Wells –
E. Woellhof –
K. Harrington –
D. City Attorney Comments:
XIII. Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for
Executive Sessions)
XIV. Adjournment:

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Downtown Meet and Greet: New Happenings in 2023

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Lindsay Madison leads discussions at the Quarterly Downtown Meet and Greet this morning.

The Quarterly Fort Scott Downtown Meet and Greet met this morning to have conversations about the happenings in the historic downtown district.

Lindsay Madison, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce CEO, led the discussions.

Those that made comments included:

Rob Harrington, CEO of Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc. on the former Mercy Hospital building.

The Legacy Group Health Foundation will have a new cardiologist and urologist coming to Fort Scott and are looking for a few doctors for a clinic, he said.

Brad Matkin, Interim Fort Scott City Manager, said he is part of a group that is looking to have a Christmas event downtown, instead of a Christmas in the Park and is seeking public input.

Matkin said he is having plans drawn up for parking improvements in the downtown area and is also working on plans for improving Memorial Hall downtown.

Kathy Dancer, owner of the former Scottish Rite Temple, said a cafe in the building is planned for a spring opening, along with a small retail space.

Bailey Lyons, who is renovating a downtown building on Main Street, said she is anticipating a completion by fall. She is part of a group that will open a fully licensed kitchen in the building.

Angie Simon, Bids and Dibs Consignment Store, said she is doing some remodeling since a carpenter became available and is planning on opening Jan. 16.

Joe’ Fritteris opening a new business at First and Wall Street, called Open Mortgage, on Feb. 1.

Megan Vyhlidal is opening a new chiropractic business in Fort Scott around Feb. 1.

Sandra Davis, Davis Accounting, said their business is remodeling both the Bartlesmeyer business building on South National Avenue and their store front downtown on North Main Street.

Lindsay Madison said there is online voting going on from Healthy Bourbon County Action Team for an archway design for the historic downtown area. She also said the grant received from T-Mobile will possibly be used for a canopy over a parking lot area in Skubitz Plaza, and used for farmer’s market events and other events.

Baily Lyons, Lyons Realty Group, said the splash pad project is coming to fruition with the ordering of elements for the splash pad, which will also be located on Skubitz Plaza, at the north end of Main Street.

Jill Jaworski, Superintendent of Fort Scott National Historic Site, said there will be new events this year, such as dark sky events and climate change events.

Additional info from the meeting:

Friday, April 21 is the downtown clean-up day.

There is an open Chamber Coffee time slot available for Jan. 19.

Dare to Dream Women’s Entrepreneur Event will be Feb. 8 from 5-7 p.m. at the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team office. RSVP on Eventbrite.

The Small Business Development Center is open at the HBCAT office.

Two grants are available for downtown businesses, please contact the Chamber for more details.

 

 

 

 

 

Opinion

Letter to the Editor: Deb McCoy

4 Comments

Reflections of the City/County The Past Five Years


In reflection of the last five years, the revolving doors and actions of the City/County Officials have been concerning. There continues to be no clear plan for the future of our community.


Have decisions been made with consideration of the impact those decisions will have on the community or merely to satisfy personal agendas?


Are committees created without a Master Plan? When was the last time we saw an actual blueprint of a 1 year, 2 year, 5 year, or 10 year Master Plan that clearly laid out a vision for this community?

In order to experience growth, we have to create a master plan that will improve our infrastructure, create jobs to support the economy, and provide housing to the families we hope will locate here.

We also need a solid health care system, a strong school system, and
amenities that provide entertainment and recreation.

The projects should be prioritized and completed in an orderly manner before moving into the next phase. Community planning must be accomplished while remaining fluid enough to account for changing needs. We can use any past mistakes to make present decisions better and future decisions the best possible.


Protocols, Procedures, Ordinance and State Statutes are a part of governing. Attention to those guidelines are key to the formulation of a plan that will benefit all.


Contracts are a vital process within any organization and are vital to the success of any public endeavor. Contracts of employment, contracts that involve major projects, or any other business
transaction that is entered into should have clear precise wording that is in accordance with the Rule of Law.


Over the past years has there been any accountability?


– One local business closed after several years of operation and full approval by city officials. Who was responsible for the closure of a business that had been successfully operating for several years, when suddenly the tables turned and they failed to meet
expectations regarding building issues?
– Who was directing the completion of a million dollar taxpayer expense to provide a parking lot for tenants or a newly renovated building? Why was the parking issue not addressed as plans for this project unfolded?
– Who was accountable for the approval of a second renovation by the same company without a contract for an eight million dollar project between the City and the Company? This led to additional costs to the taxpayers as well as legal issues. Again there was no planning for parking! This created problems for viable downtown
businesses.

Again the taxpayers are burdened with costs to rectify the situation that could have been avoided with proper planning.


– Who was accountable when 525 people signed a petition that was certified and approved to go to vote and yet ignored? The people spoke and their civil rights were denied.
– Whose activities brought the city into an investigation by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation?
– Who was accountable when downtown buildings were allowed to deteriorate long after they were condemned? This led to huge expenses for demolition and repairs to surrounding structures. Failures of city officials not only caused undue expenses borne
by taxpayers, but also cost owners of adjacent buildings.
– Who is accountable when we have had personnel contracts drawn up and approved by our officials that extend not for one year, but up to five years. What foolish organization would lock themselves into a contract of this type? Government entities are in charge of
evaluating their personnel on an annual basis. By entering into multi-year contracts, no allowance is made for the ways in which this becomes a very bad idea! It places the taxpayers into an unnecessary financial expenditure. We have experienced this already, too many times.


– Who was accountable for overseeing the contract with the ADM Company and the transporting of wastewater? The taxpayers were cheated of millions of dollars in revenue, only to be burdened with the results of negligence in maintenance of our lagoons.
– Who was accountable for reviewing the history of the two companies involved in the hospital contracts. There were red flags and warnings regarding the motives of the companies involved and yet officials gave up millions of our tax dollars on a deal that will
be of no benefit to our community!
– Who is accountable for overseeing the meetings of the City and County Commissioners to make sure that Kansas Open Act Meeting regulations are followed?
– Who is accountable for their actions as an appointed or elected official? –
Who is accountable for voting these elected officials into office? We are!


We as citizens need to be held accountable and diligent in educating ourselves regarding the candidates, their visions, their ability to communicate, their strategies and critical thinking
abilities, their open mindedness, their creativity and flexibility, their authenticity, and their ability to have the tenacity to do what is right in order to bring about necessary improvements for our
community. We not only need to hold them accountable, but we need to hold ourselves accountable to also do what is expected of us as citizens.


Sincerely,
deb mccoy
1/9/2023

Bourbon County Local News