FSCC Trustees To Attend Visioning Session Today
There may be a majority of Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees members present at the Bourbon County R.E.D.I. Visioning Session to be held in the River Room, on Tuesday, August 23rd, 2022, at 5:30 p.m. at 3 West Oak Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. Even though a majority may be present, no College business will be conducted.
Grant Opp For Rural First Responders
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NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF BOARD OF EDUCATION August 23, 2022
A special meeting of the Board of Education, Unified School District No. 234, Bourbon County, Kansas, is hereby called to be held at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, the twenty-third day of August, 2022, at the River Room, 3 W. Oak Street.
The purpose of the meeting is a discussion with the Bourbon County Visioning Committee. There will be no action taken at this meeting.
By order of the President of the Board of Education of Unified School District No. 234, Bourbon County, Kansas.
Submitted by Board Clerk Gina Shelton
New Uniontown Jr/Sr High School Teachers: Zach Mason, Luke Davis
Zach Mason, 32, is a new junior/senior high physical education teacher at Uniontown.
He attended Fort Scott Community College, McPherson College, and Fort Hays University.
His teaching experience includes one year as a K-6 Special Education teacher at Dighton Elementary School, one year Special Education Para at St. John-Hudson Elementary School, and seven years K-12 Physical Education/Weights and Conditioning instructor at Crest Schools.
His hometown is Uniontown.
He and his wife, Megan Mason, have three daughters Markayla, Paxton, and Rory.
Outside of school he enjoys golf, softball, hunting, and spending time with family.
He wanted to become a teacher to help kids find the fun in staying active, he said. and his college track coach, Robert Spies, inspired him to teach.
The best part of teaching for Mason is “Seeing kids progress and do things they might have thought they couldn’t do.”
What are the challenges?
“Trying to get kids to understand that running and lifting are not the only ways to stay physically active. He wants students to understand that exercise as simple as walking, golfing, and bowling have health benefits.”
Luke Davis has been hired by USD 235 to teach math at the junior high school.
“Since Luke Davis still needs to complete a semester of student teaching, Ed Ramsey will also be in the room with him during the first semester,” USD 235 Superintendent Vance Eden said. “Ed is a retired teacher who moved to Uniontown a year or two ago. Last year he was a substitute teacher and substitute bus driver for the district. Luke will be providing the majority of the instruction. Once Luke graduates in the fall, he would then be able to assume the full responsibilities as the teacher.”
Davis graduated from Uniontown High School, before attending Pittsburg State University.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports August 23
Special Revenue Neutral Rate Hearing Today at 5 p.m. at City Hall
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM
123 S MAIN STREET
AUGUST 23, 2022
5:00 P.M.
- ROLL CALL:
- JONES T. VAN HOECKE S. WALKER M. WELLS K. HARRINGTON
- CONSIDERATION:
Public Hearing: 5:00 p.m. Revenue Neutral Rate Hearing
Open Public Hearing ______ p.m.
1st ________________________________ 2nd ____________________________________
- Jones___T. Van Hoecke ____ S. Walker ___ M. Wells _____ K. Harrington______
Approval of RNR
Open Public Hearing ______ p.m.
1st ________________________________ 2nd ____________________________________
- Jones___T. Van Hoecke ____ S. Walker ___ M. Wells _____ K. Harrington______
Adoption of Revenue Neutral Rate Resolution 33-2022
Close Public Hearing ________ p.m.
Close Public Hearing ______ p.m.
1st ________________________________ 2nd ____________________________________
- Jones___T. Van Hoecke ____ S. Walker ___ M. Wells _____ K. Harrington______
Consideration of publication of public hearing notice for 2023 Budget
1st ________________________________ 2nd ____________________________________
- Jones___T. Van Hoecke ____ S. Walker ___ M. Wells _____ K. Harrington______
Consideration of Certificate of Appropriateness for signage at 17 S Main Street – Pizza Republic
1st ________________________________ 2nd ____________________________________
- Jones___T. Van Hoecke ____ S. Walker ___ M. Wells _____ K. Harrington______
ADJOURNMENT:
1st ________________________________ 2nd ____________________________________
- Jones___T. Van Hoecke ____ S. Walker ___ M. Wells _____ K. Harrington______
Friday Night Free Concert: David Prickett
This week’s Friday Night Concert will be presented by David Prickett of Deerfield, Mo. The vocal and guitar performance will feature a variety of familiar gospel favorites and favorite country classics.
“Since his first performance in 1962 in Fort Wainwright, Alaska, at the All-Army Talent Show, Prickett is no stranger to the music stage. He later moved to Texarkana where he had several bands and then eventually began doing solo gigs. After returning to Alaska, he and his wife Midge moved to Deerfield in 2005. Prickett has played Good Ol’ Days, Bushwacker Days, churches, healthcare facilities, our Friday night concerts, and many other events,” concert series organizer Ralph Carlson said. “Come out and join us for a fun night to enjoy great music with friends. We’re pleased to welcome David Prickett back to the park pavilion.“
The one-hour concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Heritage Park Pavilion at First and Main streets. The shows, sponsored by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, are free and open to the public. Dave Oas and Jim Butler provide the sound each week. Due to limited seating, attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to the Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall Street.
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter
Hosting NASA Administrator in Kansas
Cosmosphere in Hutchinson
On Friday, I hosted NASA Administrator Bill Nelson at the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson to meet with local leaders and tour the incredible science museum. As we honor the history of our space program at the Cosmosphere, we are also approaching the dawn of a new era in space. In a few days, Artemis I will launch from the Kennedy Space Center, the most powerful rocket to ever leave Earth. The next step will be putting astronauts back on the Moon and then further into space.
The Cosmosphere plays an important role in helping inspire and educate the next generation of scientists, engineers and astronauts. As the lead Republican on the Appropriations Subcommittee with jurisdiction over NASA, I have made it a priority to bring NASA leaders and aerospace companies to the Cosmosphere so they can witness firsthand the great work being done to engage with students across the country.
Thank you to the Cosmosphere for being an asset to our state and the nation in these efforts. Special thanks to Jim Remar, President and CEO at the Cosmosphere, and Mimi Meredith, Senior Vice President of Communication and Chief Development Officer at the Cosmosphere, for the tour today and for the work they do to further inspire and educate young Kansans.
McCurry Brothers Angus Farm near Sedgwick
As part of our NASA visits on Friday, I hosted NASA Administrator Nelson and Dr. Karen St. Germain, Division Director of NASA’s Earth Science Division, at the McCurry Brothers Angus Farm near Sedgwick. We discussed the droughts across Kansas and how they impact our farming community. We also discussed the use of NASA satellites to better understand weather patterns, plant crops and utilize fields and land for our farmers and ranchers. Thank you to Greg McCurry, Jesse McCurry, Pam McCurry, Matt Splitter and Vin Kissek for hosting us during this visit and for showing Administrator Nelson and Director St. Germain the importance of Kansas agriculture.
To read more about NASA’s visit, click here.
D-J Engineering in Augusta
On Friday, we also visited D-J Engineering in Augusta. This south central Kansas company produces parts, composites and other manufacturing services to support our nation’s aerospace and defense industries.
D-J Engineering also manufactures parts for the Space Launch System (SLS), the launch vehicle used for NASA’s Artemis mission which will take us back to the Moon and beyond. The Artemis I mission is set to launch later this month.
Thank you to all at D-J Engineering for hosting us and for the work they do on a daily basis to advance our state’s role in space. Special thanks to Rezaul Chowdhury, Owner and CEO of D-J Engineering, and Ryan Hernandez, Vice President of Engineering and Tech Services, for their commitment to this mission for Kansas and our nation.
To read more about the visit, click here.
Announcing a New Milestone for Wichita State’s NIAR WERX
This week, I joined the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) at Wichita State University to announce a new milestone for NIAR’s Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Program. NIAR WERX and Erickson Precision Ventures currently have a partnership allowing them to work together on modification, maintenance and engineering for various Boeing and Airbus aircraft, and are starting a new chapter for this program with the addition of passenger-to-freighter conversions, adding two new aircraft – A-321 and 320s – to its conversion portfolio. This process allows military or passenger aircraft to be converted into commercial freighters, extending the life of the aircraft.
Partnerships between universities and private-sector companies, like the one between NIAR WERX and Erickson Precision Ventures, demonstrate why Wichita is at the forefront of the aviation industry. Here in Kansas, our workforce is talented, energetic and eager to support and contribute to this vital aspect of the state’s economy. Erickson Precision Ventures helps meet the demand for Airbus and Boeing aircraft by working with partners around the globe to create industry leading products, and the groundbreaking work done at NIAR – from manufacturing, to maintenance, repair, and overhaul – makes it an ideal partner for engineering the aircraft of tomorrow. There are many people whose hard work has contributed to this milestone. Thank you to Dr. John Tomblin, WSU Senior Vice President for Industry & Defense Programs & NIAR Executive Director, David Jones, NIAR WERX Executive Director, Rick Muma, WSU President, Sheree Utash, WSU Tech President, Ty Masterson, Kansas Senate President and Jack Erickson, Founder of Erickson Precision Ventures, for joining in this announcement for Wichita and our state.
Recognizing Blue Rapids as a “Fiber Community”
On Tuesday, I participated in a ribbon cutting marking Blue Rapids as a “Fiber Community” with access to fiber optic internet. This announcement is great news for the Blue Rapids community. Quality, high-speed internet is vital for our rural communities in connecting residents to much-needed educational opportunities, tele-heath care and a variety of other resources for Kansans of all ages. Access to technology – especially in rural and underserved areas – unlocks an array of opportunities for businesses, students and families alike. Thank you to State Representative Lisa Moser, Blue Rapids Mayor Jerry Zayas, Blue Valley Technologies CEO Candace Wright, John Smith, Director of Kansas Office of Broadband Development Jade Piros de Carvalho and Terry Force for joining in this announcement.
Speaking at the Opening of KU Innovation Park Phase III Expansion
On Wednesday, I spoke at the dedication and opening of the University of Kansas Innovation Park Phase III expansion at the University of Kansas West campus. The KU Innovation Park is a non-profit economic development organization serving Northeast Kansas by offering state-of-the-art lab, office and co-working facilities to support innovative technology-focused companies and entrepreneurs. Partnerships between higher education and business leaders, like this one, highlight our state’s role as a hub for business and a place where entrepreneurs can succeed.
As the lead Republican on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science with jurisdiction and oversight authority over the Economic Development Administration, I secured a grant to help support the Phase III building. Supporting our business leaders and entrepreneurs is vital for our state’s economy and well-being. Thanks to KU Chancellor Doug Girod, U.S. Economic Development Administration Regional Director Angela Martinez, KU Innovation Park Executive Chairman LaVerne Epp and other state and local leaders for joining in this exciting milestone for our state.
Visiting KU Biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum
During my time in Lawrence, I also visited the University of Kansas Biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum. The Natural History Museum is part of the KU Biodiversity Institute, a KU designated research center focused on studying past and present life. Here, researchers study life on our planet and train the next generation of scientists. The museum is also home to a variety of plants, animals, fossils and cultural artifacts on display for undergraduate, graduate and public education. It was great to see the work being done to preserve our history, conduct research and educate both KU students and visitors of all ages on the world around us. Thanks to Anne Tangeman, Communications Director and Event Coordinator, Teresa MacDonald, Associate Director for Informal Science Education, and Jaime Keeler, Assistant Director of Finance and Personnel, for hosting me during this visit and for providing an informative tour of the resources offered here.
Visiting Combat Air Museum in Topeka
This week, I visited the Combat Air Museum located at the Topeka Regional Airport at Forbes Field. Since its opening in 1976, this museum has served as an educational center and tourist destination for those looking to learn more about military aviation history. It is one of only a handful of major aviation museums in the U.S. that is located on an active air field and is home to the largest collection of WWI replica aircraft in the Midwest, as well as 46 aircraft. It was great to hear about the work being done here to preserve our history and to make certain the next generation learns about our nation’s past and the sacrifices made by those who came before us.
During my visit, I met Deb Lamere, a volunteer with the Combat Air Museum and a disabled veteran who joined the Army shortly after the 2001 terrorist attacks. During her service, she flew combat tours on Chinook helicopters in Iraq and Afghanistan. On Christmas night in 2005, she flew in Iraq aboard the very same Boeing Chinook CH-47D that is now on display at the Combat Air Museum in Topeka. I want to express my thanks to her for the sacrifices she made to serve our country and for taking the time to tell her story. Thank you as well to Gene Howerton, Kevin Drewelow and Dave Murray for hosting me during my visit.
Announcing Caldwell as a “Smart Rural Community”
I joined members from KanOkla Networks, a telecommunications provider located in Caldwell, and the Sumner County Hospital District 1 in Caldwell this week for an announcement recognizing Caldwell as a Smart Rural Community and highlighting the partnership between these two organizations aimed at improving access to broadband for rural America. It was great to hear from local leaders about the power of rural broadband and what this milestone means for the community and rural health care providers. In rural communities, the distance between a patient and a provider presents a barrier to care that is difficult to overcome. Over the past three years, telehealth has filled this gap, and we must make the COVID-19 telehealth emergency flexibilities permanent. Telehealth not only improves income for hospitals, but it improves the health of patients. In order for rural Kansas to have access to quality care, we need effective, efficient and reliable broadband. With the broadband partnership between KanOkla Network and the Caldwell Hospital, Sumner County will be providing their residents reliable access to quality care. This milestone for the Caldwell community is a step forward in making certain rural America is equipped with the same resources and access as other parts of the country. Thank you to KanOkla CEO Jill Kuehny and Sumner County Hospital District 1 CEO Brooke Bollman for joining together to make this announcement possible.
Visiting Caldwell High School
In addition, I visited Caldwell High School, where I heard from school leadership and students about the opportunities this school provides, especially with a focus on technical vocations. The students at Caldwell High School went back to school for the fall semester on August 16th, and it is great to see how much they are already learning and the excitement they have for future growth and opportunities. Thank you to Superintendent Alan Jamison, as well as Principal Stacy Boone, Dani Schmidt of Student Services, and to students Simon Stewart, Anniston Lee, Addley Mayo and Allorah Carothers for sharing your insight and perspectives during my visit. I also want to thank Caldwell Mayor Jamie York and State Representative Bill Rhiley for accompanying us on this tour.
Attending Governor’s Summit on Agricultural Growth
On Wednesday, I joined state and local leaders for the Governor’s Summit on Agricultural Growth in Manhattan. I spoke with many attendees about Kansas’ agricultural efforts and the work being done to make certain that our state remains a leader in the ag industry. Farmers and ranchers put food on our tables, clothes on our backs and the roofs over our heads. Our wellbeing and health depend on a strong agricultural sector, and our Kansas producers are the backbone of this field. When agriculture is successful, Kansas is successful. Thank you to those who attended this event and joined in conversations about the issues facing our agricultural community. We must make certain our farmers and ranchers here in Kansas have the opportunity to prosper.
Cowtown Days Parade in Ellsworth
On Saturday, I joined area residents for the Ellsworth Cowtown Days Parade. This annual tradition celebrates the community’s rich cattle town history, as Ellsworth was a national cattle market leader from 1871-1875. It was nice to see so many old friends and new faces. Congratulations to former and current employees of the Ellsworth Reporter and Ellsworth County Independent Reporter who served as parade grand marshals. Special thanks to Cowtown Days Chair Tami McGreevy for arranging my participation and John Thaemert for driving me.
Celebrating Hutchinson’s 150th Anniversary
It was great to be in Hutchinson on Thursday evening for the 150th Anniversary Celebration. It was nice to see so many friends out celebrating this great community. During the block party it was especially great to stop by the Toy Depot and catch up with Mark and Geneva. Small businesses like the Toy Depot keep main streets unique and alive. Thank you, Mark, for all you do for the Hutch community!
USD 234 Minutes of August 22
Monday, August 22, 2022
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, August 22, 2022, for a special board meeting at the board office.
President Danny Brown opened the meeting.
The board heard a presentation of the revenue neutral recommendation from Gina Shelton, Finance Director/Board Clerk. The revenue neutral hearing was held. One patron addressed the Board.
The board heard a presentation of the budget from Superintendent Destry Brown and Mrs. Shelton. The budget hearing was held. There were no patrons that addressed the Board.
The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.
The board approved the following items at the meeting:
- Resolution 22-07 – Expressing the Property Taxation Policy of USD 234 with respect to exceeding the Revenue Neutral Tax Rate
- Approval of the 2022-23 Budget with the Building Needs Assessment and State Assessments having been provided to and evaluated by the Board of Education as used in the budget approval process
- Resolution 22-08 – Local Option Budget Percentage to use in 2022-23 Budget
- Approve revision of calendar
- Tiger Families – Students will not attend on September 19th so that the district can have a professional development day to focus on safety and training. Students will attend on May 1st
- Approve MOU with Greenbush for special education director
- Personnel Report – following
President Danny Brown adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
- Leave of Absence – Tim Coyan, FSPC Van Driver
- Leave of Absence – Gordon Harris, Eugene Ware/FSPC custodian, Aug. 18 to Sept. 18, 2022
- Resignation – Tamara McReynolds, Eugene Ware paraprofessional
- Resignation – Cole Claypool – FSMS paraprofessional
EMPLOYMENT/REASSIGNMENTS – FOR THE 2022-23 SCHOOL YEAR
- Tyler Slinkard – FSHS speech/debate/forensics teacher
- Carrie Elton – FSHS paraprofessional
- Lisa Tally – FSMS paraprofessional to FSMS ISS teacher aide
- Lyle Brittain – FSMS paraprofessional
- Lindsey McNeil, FSMS paraprofessional
- Kayla Purdy – Winfield Scott paraprofessional
- Ashley Wolf – Winfield Scott paraprofessional
- Cho Hillman – Winfield Scott 6.5-hour cook
- Shanna Staton, FSPC paraprofessional (half-time)
- Katren Rienbolt – FSHS Assistant Cross Country Coach
- Jon Barnes – FSHS Assistant Girls’ Golf Coach
- Jamie Bloomfield – Eugene Ware paraprofessional
- Karleigh Schoenberger – Eugene Ware paraprofessional
- Angel Harper – Eugene Ware paraprofessional
- Makayla Vincent – Eugene Ware paraprofessional
Supplemental position
Obituary of Samuel Evans
Samuel Roy Evans, age 71, lifelong resident of Devon, KS, died Saturday, August 20, 2022, at his home. He was born March 12, 1951, in Ft. Scott, KS, the son of Samuel and Nina Henning Evans. He graduated from Uniontown High School in 1969.
Sam married Linda Shelton on April 16, 1971, at the Devon United Methodist Church.
He worked for over 20 years for Bourbon County as a heavy equipment operator until retiring in 2016.
Sam enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and riding horses in his younger days. He always had a dog by his side. He was passionate about his grandchildren and was so proud of each of them. Sam could be described as a unique individual. He was a member of the Devon Masonic Lodge #92 for over 25 years.
Survivors include his wife Linda, of the home; 2 daughters, Kelly Eastwood and husband Ken, Nevada, MO, and Katie Casper and husband Bo, Devon, KS; 2 sisters, Shirley Jefferis and husband Jim, Moran, KS, and Mary Ellen Beck, Mt. Vernon, MO; a brother, Gene Evans, Ft. Scott; 6 grandchildren, Marine Lance Corporal Corbin Eastwood, Caleb Eastwood, Mesa Casper, Kodi Jo Casper, Bryn Casper, and Samuel Cole Casper; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father Sam Evans; his mother, Nina Evans McCullough, and 2 brothers in law, Joe Beck, and Dennis Shelton.
Pastor Danny Brown will conduct graveside services at 11:00 AM Thursday, August 25th, in the Centerville Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 10:45 AM Thursday prior to leaving for the cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to the Shriner’s Transportation Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
New Teachers at West Bourbon Elementary: Kaity Bradbury and Rhonda Foster
This is a series on new educators in Bourbon County.
USD 235 has six new teachers and all new administrators: new elementary principal, new jr.and sr. high school principal and new superintendent. School starts on August 25.
Kaitlyn Bradbury, 33, is a new fifth-grade teacher at West Bourbon Elementary, Uniontown.
She earned a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education from Pittsburg State University in 2010 and a Masters in Educational Leadership in 2014.
Previously Bradbury has worked as a WBE-Title 1 Math teacher for two years and 4th-grade for four years from 2010-2016.
Her hometown is Uniontown.
She and her husband Tony have three girls Khloe (8), Laine (4), and Andie (1).
Outside of teaching her interests are gardening, spending time in New Mexico, volleyball officiating, and is a member of Dry Ridge Baptist Church.
Bradbury was born into a family of teachers, she said.
“Both of my parents taught at Uniontown, and our lives revolved around the activities that go along with being a teacher/administrator/coach.”
” My parents are quite inspiring to me. I know the positive impact that they made on their students, and I want to leave the same legacy that they did.”
“I love building a lifelong relationship with each of my students. It is rewarding to know that you helped make their school year memorable and that they had fun learning.”
A challenge she sees: “The misconceptions that some of the public have about teachers and what is being taught seems to currently be a big challenge. I take pride in knowing that Uniontown is a district with great teachers, and we all work very hard to see that our students are excelling.”
Rhonda Foster, 61, is a new 4th and 5th grade Math and English Teacher at West Bourbon Elementary School.
She earned a BSE at Sterling College, and a Masters of Special Education from Pittsburg State University.
She has two years experience in general education and five in special education. Her hometown is Moran.
She has two grown daughters and a 17 year-old granddaughter, a 15 year-old grandson and a 5-month-old granddaughter.
In her spare time she loves to bake, sew and crochet, as well as attending her grandchildren’s school activities.
In addition, “I help with Bible school and other church activities,” she said. “In the past I have been a 4-H leader.”
She started her career working as a para-educator and became interested so went back to school when her youngest child was in college.
” I just enjoy working in the school setting with both staff and students,” she said.
For Foster, the best part of teaching is making connections with the students.
A challenge she has experienced in the past is staff shortages, she said.
To view prior stories on the new administrators:
Vance Eden: New U235 Super In The District
