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Nominations Open for 2024 Minority, Women Enterprise Development Awards
TOPEKA – Today Lieutenant Governor and Department of Commerce Secretary David Toland announced a call for nominations for the 2024 Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week Awards. These annual awards are one way the agency acknowledges and observes the growing impact that minority- and women-led companies have on their communities and the Kansas economy.
“There are many amazing businesses and businesspeople working hard and making exceptional contributions throughout our state,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Taking time to celebrate and congratulate minority- and women-owned businesses and their work is important as they are critical to keeping the Kansas economy vibrant and growing.”
Presented by the Office of Minority and Women Business Development (MWBD), the awards are given to minority- and women-owned businesses in 14 different categories (see complete list here), including the Governor’s Distinguished Business Award winner. Introduced last year, this is the highest honor the state awards at this event to a company or individual for their contributions.
“Our theme, ‘Heritage to Legacy,’ embodies the journey of Kansas businesses, rooted in tradition, yet paving the way for a prosperous future,” Office of Minority and Women Business Development Taylor Overton said. “Throughout the evening, we will honor the resilience, innovation and contributions of minority- and women-owned businesses, acknowledging their role in shaping the economy.”
MED Week is celebrated to recognize the more than 9.2 million minority businesses that continue to support the U.S. economy and generate over $1.8 trillion in revenue. Minority- and women-owned businesses translates into the creation and maintenance of jobs. They sustain the individual worker and contribute to the economic security for families, as well as the economic vitality of their communities and of the nation.
To nominate a business or person (self-nominations accepted), click here. Nominations will be accepted through July 12.
The Office of MWBD will recognize all nominees and winners at a special event this fall. Danielle Martin, television and podcast host, will be the emcee. More details will be announced at a later date. Companies interested in sponsoring the event can find more information 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 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
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The 2024 Gordon Parks Museum to feature Photo Contest
Contact Name: Kirk Sharp
Phone: 620-223-2700, ext. 5850
Email: [email protected]
Website: gordonparkscenter.org
Fort Scott, Kan. April. 8, 2024 – The Gordon Parks Museum at Fort Scott Community College, will feature a photo contest sponsored by Merl Humphrey Photography. The theme of the contest is “What Fills Your Hungry Heart?”. This event is inspired by a quote from Gordon Parks, “I’ve lived a lot, worked a lot, and smiled a lot. And I will cling to all of those blessings until my hungry heart is hopelessly exhausted.”
This is open to any amateur photographer. Photographers are invited to capture the essence of the theme.
Non-professional photographers of any age and skill level are invited to take pictures for the project and may enter up to two photos in JPEG format with less than 2MB. There will be a first place ($100), second place ($75) and third place ($50) prize and up to five honorable mentions. All of the photos submitted that are accepted, will be on exhibit at The Gordon Parks Museum and in the Ellis Family Fine Arts Center Oct. 3 – 5, 2024. All accepted photos will also be posted on the Gordon Parks Museum website and Facebook page. Judges for the photo contest will be professional photographer, Veretta Cobler and established make-up artist and hair stylist, Donna Fumoso based in New York City.
Photographs must be submitted via e-mail to [email protected]. All photos must be attached in JPEG format and limit file size to less than 2 MB. All entries will be confirmed to be accepted via email. Photographers should submit (in their email) a title, along with their name, address, email, phone number and share a one or two sentence on what inspired the photo. If under 14 years old, please include parent’s information. Photos should be received via email by Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at the latest.
For more information, email [email protected] or by phone call 223-2700, ext. 5850.
“Family Legacy” by Karen Cayce, Wichita, KS was the 1st place winner in the 2023 Photo Contest. The theme was: ““Family, Home and Roots””.
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Obituary of Raymond Tucker
Raymond L. Tucker of rural Fort Scott, Kansas passed into rest at his home early on April 5, 2024.He was born the first of three sons to Dave and Joanne Tucker on March 17, 1949. Raymond attended the Fort Scott school system, Fort Scott Community College, and Pittsburg State University. He joined the Army National Guard and served for five years.
While other little boys said they wanted to grow up to be cowboys, Raymond meant it. He and his brother Tom started buying, selling, and trading horses at an early age. Although he raised cattle in the past and did order buying for many years for large cattle feeding operations, his passion was horses. Whether the market was good or bad, that is where he wanted to be. He never met a gray or roan horse that he did not want to own.
Raymond married Diann Cook in Fort Scott on June 28, 1970. Together they had four sons, Scott, Steven, Brad, and Blake. He loved them dearly and was so proud of them. He is survived by his wife Diann, son Scott of Cleveland, Missouri, Steven and Jessica of Spring Hill, Kansas, Brad and Meredith of Fort Scott, Kansas, and Blake and Cass of Fort Scott, Kansas. Most precious to him were his grandchildren, Kelsie, Brett, Mallory, Ava, Gus, Newton, and Walker. They brought him great joy. He is also survived by his brothers Tom and wife Brenda of Humansville, Missouri, Terry and wife Janet of Fort Scott, Kansas. He is survived by many nieces and nephews, as well as many special cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Dave and Joanne Tucker.
Raymond’s lifelong hero was Roy Rogers. Roy Rogers always fought for what was right and protected those around him. He was one of the good guys. At the end of the Saturday morning TV episodes, Roy always told the little buckaroos to mind your Mom and Dad, eat all your vegetables, and say your prayers. Raymond was very compassionate and always prayed for children in need, people who were sick, and those in war torn countries.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the Cheney Witt Funeral Chapel, with burial directly following at Evergreen Cemetery in Fort Scott, Kansas.
Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00pm Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at Cheney Witt Funeral Chapel.
Memorial contributions in honor of Raymond are requested to be made to our local Wreaths Across America. Donations may be mailed to PO Box 937 Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at chenewitt.com.
Lansing Correctional Facility Inmate Has Escaped Update
The escapee has been apprehended.
Minimum-custody resident Bradley G. Verstraete escaped from Lansing Correctional Facility
~Verstraete, 54, reported missing Sunday night~
LANSING, Kansas. –
Minimum-custody resident Bradley G. Verstraete was placed on escape status at approximately 9:00 p.m. after it was reported that he walked away from Lansing Correctional Facility on Sunday, April 7, 2024.
Verstraete, a 54-year-old white male, was reported missing when the resident could not be located at the minimum-security unit. This walkaway does not impact the security or operations of the medium-maximum secure compound.
Verstraete is serving a 102-month sentence for convictions of attempted murder in the 2nd degree and aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer that occurred in 2017 in Pratt County.
Verstraete is 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs 130 pounds. He has Hazel eyes and brown hair. He was last seen wearing blue jean jacket, blue jeans, and red hat. His hair was in a ponytail, and he had a goatee-style beard.
Anyone with information on Verstraete can call the Kansas Department of Corrections at 913-727-3235 ext. 58224, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at (800) 572-7463, or local law enforcement at 911.
The walk-away is currently being investigated. New information will be released as it becomes available.
The Lansing Correctional Facility, formerly the Kansas State Penitentiary, opened in 1867. The facility serves only males and maintains maximum and medium units totaling 1,920 beds and a 512-bed minimum security unit.
Photo here
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports April 8
Stuck in the Shower by Carolyn Tucker
Keys to the Kingdom
By Carolyn Tucker
After finishing my shower, I grabbed the handle to one of the sliding double doors but it wouldn’t open. I tried the other door and it wouldn’t budge either. Both doors were off the track. So I was home alone and stuck in the shower. It was weird that I couldn’t even call anyone although I had no idea who I would call anyway, considering the circumstances. I thought about crawling out over the top but, at my age, that wasn’t a smart idea. There was a slight temptation to panic, but I knew in my heart that my life simply was not going to end like this. I know of a virtuoso pianist who had a heart attack while playing, fell off the bench and died. That would be a more-honorable way to go than naked and shriveled in a shower stall. So I kept fiddling with the doors, prayed for “know how,” and managed to get both off-track doors back on track.
I don’t think anyone will argue that life occasionally tries to dump panic, worry, anxiety, and fear on us. Jesus was well acquainted with life down here and that’s why He did His best to teach us how to handle it. My brother, who passed away in 2022, has the following motto engraved on his headstone: “This too shall pass.” It’s encouraging to know that negative circumstances will not, and cannot, last forever.
Since the latter part of 2014, the scriptures regarding worry have been extremely vital to me. “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7 NLT). Satan is always tempting believers to panic and worry about big things and little things. It makes no difference to him, just so we’re miserable and fresh out of peace. Paul wrote to the believers in Philippi admonishing them not to worry about anything. We’re supposed to pray and tell God all about it, then thank Him for working things out, and move forward in peace. Before we RIP, believers are supposed to live in peace. Ain’t nobody got time to live in routine anxiety and panic.
God is patiently waiting for us to invite Him into our difficult circumstances so He can roll up His sleeves and resolve it. Just think how you would feel if your best friend had a need but didn’t ask for your help. For example, my dear friend asked if she could borrow a largish amount of flatware and dinnerware for her son’s graduation dinner party. I was very happy to lend these items to her because I love her. God is the same way — He loves us and wants to help us when we struggle with cares. God’s unfailing love expels the darkness of worry and panic like a thousand torches.
I find comfort, peace, and hope in this scripture: “I cast the whole of my care [all my anxieties, all my worries, all my concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for me affectionately and cares about me watchfully” (1 Peter 5:7 AMP). Don’t let worry take a front-row seat in your mind — just shove it out the door and give it a swift kick. No matter what you may be going through today, there is power and grace from the heavenly Father to make you into a peaceful overcomer. Just ask Him to help you and then act like His Word is true. I double-dog dare you to throw away your Worrywart button.
The Key: Let’s adopt the motto, “No Worries” and act like God is not a liar.
What’s Happening in Fort Scott
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Agenda For the USD 234 Board of Education for April 8
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
April 8, 2024 – 5:30 P.M.
AGENDA PUBLIC
1.0 Call Meeting to Order David Stewart, President
2.0 Flag Salute
3.0 Public Hearing for CMAR (Information/Discussion)
3.1 Public Hearing (Action Item)
3.2 Hear from Patrons
3.3 Close Hearing (Action Item)
4.0 Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)
5.0 Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)
5.1 Board Minutes
- 03/04/24 Board Minutes
5.2 Financials – Cash Flow Report
5.3 Check Register
5.4 Payroll – March 8, 2024 – $1,656,831.58
5.5 Activity Funds Accounts
5.6 USD 234 Gifts
5.7 Appoint Dalaina Smith – Deputy Board Clerk
5.8 LEA Assurances
6.0 Recognitions (Information/Discussion Item)
6.1 Employee Recognition
7.0 Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)
7.1 Superintendent’s Report
7.2 Assistant Superintendent’s Report
7.3 Special Education Director’s Report
7.4 Finance Director’s Report
8.0 New Business
8.1 Audit Report (Information)
8.2 KASB Membership Renewal & Legal Assistance Fund Contract (Action Item)
8.3 Five Year Professional Development Plan Presentation (Information)
8.4 Contract for Occupational Therapy Services with Outreach Occupational Therapy, LLC
for the 2024-25 School Year (Action Item)
8.5 IReady ELA Resource – Grade 2-5 Quote (Action)
9.0 Public Forum
10.0 Other Business –Negotiations
10.1 Enter Executive Session – Negotiations (Action Item)
10.2 Exit Executive Session – _______(Time)
11.0 Other Business – Personnel Matters
11.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters #1 (Action Item)
11.2 Personnel Matters #2 (Action Item)
11.3 Exit Executive Session – _______ (Time)
11.4 Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)
11.5 Enter Executive Session – Reemployment Certified & Special Services Personnel 2024-25
______(Time)
11.6 Exit Executive Session – ______(Time)
11.7 Approval of Personnel Report – Reemployment Certified & Special Services Personnel
2024-25 (Action Item)
11.8 Approval of Personnel Report – Reemployment Certified & Special Services Personnel
2024-25 Personnel Report #3 (Action Item)
11.9 Superintendent Evaluation Enter Executive Session – ______(Time)
12.0 Adjourn Meeting David Stewart, President
Bo Co Republicans Meet on April 25
The Bourbon County Repubilcans will have a regular meeting on Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 6pm, Ft Scott Livestock Market.
Submitted by Deb Martin
Special Meeting of the FSCC Board of Trustees on April 12
The Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees will be holding a special board meeting Friday, April 12, 2024 at 10:00 am in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall. After calling the meeting to order, the Board will adjourn to executive session to discuss personnel matters of non-elected personnel as it relates to discussion of identifiable personal information of non-elected personnel.