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What’s Happening in Fort Scott
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Uniontown’s First Christmas in the Park Event is November 25
A family fun event on November 25 is planned in Uniontown in preparation for the Christmas season.
When Ashley Endicott and Mary Pemberton learned that Sally and Frank Johnson, who’ve been decorating Uniontown Park at Christmas for several years, are no longer able to continue, they decided to do it.
“We thought this would be a great time and opportunity to create a new community event and get more people involved,” Pemberton said.
Their purpose for continuing and expanding the event is ” To spread the Christmas spirit,” Mary said. “To create a fun, festive environment and involve more people in decorating so the job doesn’t fall on just a couple of volunteers. In addition, to light up the park, add more decorations, and continue to have a beautifully decorated public area for Christmas.”
A lighted Christmas Tree Decorating Contest is the centerpiece of the event. The decorated, lighted trees will line the park.
“We just started putting the word… so we are still looking for teams to enter the tree decorating contest,” she said. “Everyone we’ve talked with has been very enthusiastic and excited about it.”
Don and Mary Pemberton, owners of Bandera Stone Inc., are donating live Christmas trees for the decorating contest this year.
“For future years, we hope for donations of artificial trees as people replace theirs or will fundraise and buy during after-Christmas clearance sales,” she said. “The larger the tree, the better!”
“We are encouraging tree decorating teams of four people and expect most to start around 3 p.m. on November 25,” she said. “Decorating must be finished by 5:30 p.m. for judging. Anyone not on a team for the tree decorating contest can help decorate the remainder of the park – putting lights on the shelters, etc.”
” Due to the limited time we have to plan this year, we will have a disc jockey playing recorded music,” she said. “Plans are to expand everything next year, including live music.”
In addition, hay rides and hot chocolate will be available that evening.
Please call 620.223.3920 to reserve a tree to decorate for this event.
All decorations will be provided by each team of four, with cash prizes given for first and second-place tree decorating teams.
Extension cords will be needed for hooking the trees up to electrical outlets, she said.
All persons present in the park at judging time 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. will be allowed to vote for their favorite tree.
If people have decorations to donate please leave them on November 25 at 3 p.m. or leave them at the Bandera Stone office on the north side of Uniontown Park.
“We are also planning ahead and would like to form a park committee to next year expand the activities and decorations,” she said. “Some ideas include inviting Santa Claus to come visit with children, fire pits for keeping warm and making s’mores, chili dinner, coat/toy drive, and many, many more lights and decorations. So, anyone who might have extra outdoor lights or heavy outdoor decorations (not blow-up style) or if you are replacing your artificial tree, please consider donating these items to the park event.”
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports November 3
Uniontown School Bond Proposals: Compiled Through Facilities Audit and Community Feedback
Early voting in Bourbon County has started on whether Uniontown’s school district will get new safety upgrades and expanded opportunities for students.
“The USD 235 bond issue prioritizes projects that were identified as the greatest needs through a 2021 facilities audit and through community feedback via 2022 survey work that went to all patrons,” USD 235 Superintendent Vance Eden said. “These items constitute safety upgrades and the expansion of educational opportunities for students.”
Information about each specific component of the projects can be found on the website, uniontown235.org, under the label Bond Info, he said.
The two-question format on the ballot for a vote, “is responsive to the feedback we received regarding priorities and tax implications,” he said.
“In this format, Proposition 1 would need to pass for Proposition 2 to have the potential to pass,” he said.”
The tax implications can be found on the district’s website, he said. “Additionally, I’m happy to sit down with any patron who has a prior year’s tax bill and help them figure that out even more precisely,” Eden said. “The projects proposed do not represent all of the ideas and needs of the district, we have been extremely mindful to prioritize those most important and meaningful projects as parts of the bond.”
The list of those projects are below:
- “New WBE Preschool- This would include programs for 3-year-old and 4-year-old students. This would also be a storm shelter all West Bourbon Elementary students and staff could use if needed.
- Student Support Offices- We would add offices on both sides of the street for the (student support) providers who are working with students.
- WBE Entrance- The aluminum doors are original to the building and are at the end of their life. This would also address some ADA compliance issues with the entrance.
- Music Room- We would move around a couple of classes and make a music room that better fits the needs acoustically. This would also allow us to better address/ provide special education services in the prior music room.
- Junior High, and High School Fire Alarm- A new fire alarm would include smoke detection and automatic calling of emergency services when triggered. Our current system does not do this.
- HS Multipurpose Room- We would add a multi-purpose room at the HS that will also serve as the storm shelter for JH/HS students and staff. This will be a valuable space for all kinds of needs, including a room for wrestling practice.
- New Agriculture Classroom, Metals Shop, and Construction Trades Shop- This building is at the end of its life and needs replacement for Ag and Metals to continue to be a part of our programming. We would also take the opportunity to add a construction trades program to this building to increase student programs.
6th Grade- 6th grade students would move across the street to become a part of the JH. This was the most efficient use of space and programming. It will increase opportunities for these students while creating the needed space at WBE to address their needs there without having to add on with additional new construction.”
‘The proposed USD 235 Bond Issue qualifies for State-Aide,” according to the district’s Facebook page on Nov.1. “If our bond is approved, the State will pay for 32% of the overall cost. If approved, the district will also apply for FEMA funding related to the storm shelters. If awarded, it would cover 50% of the cost of those storm shelters at WBE and UJH/HS.”
Other District Improvements, Not on the Bond Issue-The Community Walking Trail
Eden also provided an update on the walking trail around the school that is used by the community as well.
“The walking trail is currently with the architect to ensure ADA compliance and the project specifications,” he said.
“The layout will largely remain the same. There will be some ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) adjustments as well as considerations for better drainage in those locations where it is needed. The trail itself will be concrete construction at a width of 5 feet.”
“It is funded through a Recreational Trail Program Grant with the Department of Wildlife and Parks,” he said. Through this grant, they will pay 80% of the cost and the district will be responsible for the remaining 20%. That said, our 20% can be in-kind donations, which will be our preference.
Schultz Squared Architecture is doing this project for the district, he said. “They are the architect doing our pre-bond work and already had the planning materials needed to fulfill this quickly and efficiently.”
FSHS Thespians Announce Auditions for Children’s Christmas Show
The Fort Scott High School Thespians are holding auditions for ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas by Kathryn Schultz Miller.
Auditions are open to children in 1st-8th grades and take place from 6-8 p.m. on Nov. 13 OR 14 in the FSHS Auditorium. Children do not need to prepare anything in advance, but should plan to stay for the duration of the audition time on one of the nights. Parents should be present at the beginning for information and to fill out audition forms.
Rehearsals will generally occur Monday-Thursday from 6-8 p.m. Performances are Dec. 8 and 9 at 7 p.m. in the FSHS Auditorium. There is a $30 participation fee for children cast in the show.
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas is produced by FSHS Theatre Director Angie Bin with direction and design by the FSHS Thespians. Please contact Bin at [email protected] or 620-719-9622 with any questions.
Kansas Water Quantity and Quality Grants Launched
Governor Kelly Announces $85M for Two New Water-Related Grant Programs
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly and the Kansas Water Office today announced that $85 million over five years will go toward water projects with the launch of the Technical Assistance Fund Grants and Water Projects Fund Grants programs. Both grant programs provide funding for up-front technical assistance and on-the-ground actions needed to address water quantity and quality issues around the state.
The grants were made possible when Governor Kelly signed Senate Substitute for HB 2302, a bipartisan bill from the 2023 legislative session that increased funding for the State Water Plan Fund and established these two grant programs.
“Current drought conditions across Kansas have reinforced that strong water infrastructure is essential to growing our economy and preserving our quality of life for future generations,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “These two grant opportunities will provide critical technical assistance and resources to improve our state’s vital water infrastructure.”
The Technical Assistance Fund Grants, totaling $5 million each year for five years, provide funding for planning, engineering, managing, and other technical assistance to develop water infrastructure projects and to process grant and loan applications for such projects. Approved grants will not exceed $1 million.
The Water Projects Fund Grants, totaling $12 million each year for five years, provide funding for construction, repair, maintenance, or replacement of water-related infrastructures and related construction costs; matching money for grant or loan applications for water-related infrastructure projects; and payment towards certain loan balances. Approved grants will not exceed $1 million.
“Access to reliable, clean water supplies is essential to all of our Kansas communities,” Connie Owen, Kansas Water Office Director, said. “These grants can help applicants to identity their water infrastructure needs, navigate application procedures, and obtain funds necessary to providing a safe, secure water supply for their communities.”
Eligible applicants include municipalities with an approved water conservation plan and special districts related to water organized under the Laws of Kansas.
Entities can apply via the Kansas Water Office website at:
More information on the application criteria and process can be found on the Kansas Water Office website at kwo.ks.gov.
Kansas October Tax Collections Report
October Total Tax Collections 4.1% Below Estimate; Individual Refunds up $50.2M
TOPEKA – The State of Kansas ends October with total tax collections at $685.4 million. That is $29.1 million, or 4.1%, below the estimate. Total tax collections are down 7.4% from October 2022.
Individual income tax collections were $298.7 million. That is $51.3 million, or 14.7% below the estimate, and down 16.5% from October 2022. Corporate income tax collections were $57.5 million. That is $27.5 million, or 91.7% higher than the estimate and up 77.2% from October 2022.
“But for the unusually high number of individual income tax refunds, the October total tax receipts would have surpassed the estimate,” said Secretary of Revenue Mark Burghart. “October refunds were $50.2 million more than in October 2022 and continue to reflect the influence of the SALT Parity Act, which presents a complicating variable in the revenue estimating process.”
Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $306.0 million, which is $4.0 million, or 1.3% below the estimate and down $15.7 million, or 4.9%, from October 2022.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Nov. 2
FSHS Newsletter November 2023
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Click title above for the FSHS calendar on the district website. Highlights: Friday, November 3rd: NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS! November 7th, 9th & 11th: FALL MUSICAL! November 11th: HAPPY VETERAN’S DAY! November 13th: FIRST DAY OF WINTER SPORTS PRACTICES! November 14th: SCHOOL PHOTO DAY/RETAKES, TOO! November 20th – 24th: THANKSGIVING WEEK! NO SCHOOL! November 23rd: HAPPY THANKSGIVING! |
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STANDING DESKS IN SCHOOLSThere is a growing shift in the way we think about education, with a focus on creating more engaging and dynamic learning environments. One innovative approach gaining momentum is the use of standing desks in classrooms. These desks can positively impact students’ physical health, focus and overall learning experience. Benefits will be shared throughout this newsletter. |
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Benefits of Standing Desks
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EVENT CODE: FE253123 |
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Buy your 2024 Crimson Yearbook for $50 by November 28th before prices increase: FSHS 2024 Yearbook Purchase SENIORS ONLY: – Please fill out this form for your activities to be published next to your senior portrait in the yearbook: Senior Activities in Yearbook – Senior Portraits are due by November 26th (or email us the date you will be able to submit – we cannot guarantee portraits will be placed if not received by December). Please have your photographer email them to [email protected] Portraits must be vertical head shot with any background but with no props/objects. Email with any questions. – Senior Tributes in the yearbook can be purchased online at FSHS Yearbook Senior Salute Just click on “Get Started” at the bottom of page to order a Senior Ad. Deadline is December 8th or until available space is filled. |
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Epic Adventure and Cultural Immersion! Fourteen students from FSHS are currently set to embark on a transformative journey through the heart of Europe spring break of 2025. More than just a vacation, the trip will deepen students’ understanding of history, culture, and the world. The trip will kick off with a visit to the Berlin Wall Memorial where students will delve into the rich history of this iconic landmark. Berlin highlights include the historic Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, Kurfurstendamm, and the Topography of Terror Museum. Next, the enchanting cobblestone streets of Prague will lead travelers to the magnificent St.Vitus Cathedral and the Old Town Square where students may admire the astronomical clock and indulge in Czech pastries. In Krakow the group will be transported back in time as they explore the haunting Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, a grim reminder emphasizing the importance of understanding history to create a better future. Conversely, students will also partake in the city’s vibrant life as they explore the stunning Wawel Castle, eat traditional Polish pierogies, and marvel at the magnificent architecture of Glowny Square. Budapest is known as the “Paris of the East.” Students will take in the grandeur of the Hungarian Parliament Building, relax in the famous thermal baths, and indulge in delectable goulash. This is the 12th educational adventure abroad that has been offered for students at FSHS, a testimony to the district’s desire to invest in students’ personal growth, experiential learning, cultural appreciation, and global perspective. Trip leaders Amy Harper and Polly Mayberry are currently organizing pre-travel meetings wherein travelers will learn basic greetings in German, practice formal dining etiquette, and watch historical movies associated with points of interest. All international travel is through the travel company Education First, whose top priority is student safety. If you would like more information or to enroll your student on this unforgettable journey of a lifetime go to EF tours. POLLY MAYBERRY English Teacher/ESOL Coordinator Fort Scott High School 620-223-0600 |
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These students attended the HOSA Fall Conference in Manhattan on October 4th. HOSA, Health Occupation Students of America, is a career and technical student organization for students planning to pursue health professions. At the conference, students participated in mock clinical trials, attended seminars and talked to representatives of colleges, universities and workplaces about various opportunities available in the bioscience and healthcare fields. submitted by HOSA sponsor Julie Heatherly Fort Scott High School Science teacher 620-223-0600 |
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Tiger Scholars Bring Home Hardware!On Monday, these four members of the FSHS Scholars’ Bowl team traveled to host high school Girard to compete in the season’s first Varsity tournament. Only one of these four students, Stewart Davenport, had competed previously. Congratulations to, from left, Grace Walker, sophomore; Mahayla Kilpatrick, freshman; Izabella Lisica, freshman and team captain, Stewart Davenport, sophomore for finishing in third place. Go Tigers! |
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Aiden Sigafoos and Mena Hicks step out of a Harry Potter novel to celebrate Halloween! |
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FSHS Angel TreeThe Fort Scott High School Angel Tree is a giving tree established by FSHS staff to assist our students, their siblings and any district school students that may have needs this holiday season. Please stop by the high school during school hours for more information. |
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Wash Wednesdays at the Washateria
Bo Co Coalition Meeting Minutes of November 1
Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition
General Membership Meeting Minutes
November 1, 2023
- Welcome: Seventeen members representing fourteen agencies attended. Billie Jo reminded members that the board will meet next Tuesday; Nick Johnson will begin his tenure on the board as a representative of USD 234 to fill the vacancy left from the resignation of Doug Altic.
- Member Introductions and Announcements:
- Lindsey McNeil, COPE: The COPE contingency was unable to attend today’s meeting as they were at the Washateria for the first “Wash Wednesday” event. Billie Jo will forward informational flyers to the membership about this event.
- Michelle Stevenson, USD 234: Michelle sent word that everything is going well with the Fort Scott Early Childhood Program!
- Allen Schellack: Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries, Salvation Army, etal: In October they were able to help several people obtain identifications and birth certificates in order to get jobs. In three weeks, the Red Bucket campaign will begin; Allen needs volunteers. Craig Campbell will be helping Allen obtain adequate volunteers. The Fire Department and Police Department will be manning the buckets during the “Christmas on the Bricks” celebration.
- Dave Gillen, The Beacon: The annual Adopt a Child, Elks Christmas baskets, and Beacon sign-ups will continue until November 3. The Beacon has served 129 new families, 329 total families, and 824 people so far in 2023.
- Lea Kay Karleskint, K-State Research: A “Walk with Ease” class will be starting on January 8 at Buck Run; Lea Kay also reviewed all classes available; more information can be found on the website. Her greatest need is a partner with space; she brings everything else for the classes.
- Nick Johnson, USD 234 Pre-School: The “Trunk or Treat” event was held last week with over 400 attending. The pre-school continues to do monthly screenings.
- Stephanie Herring, Family Resource Center: She works with families to ensure children are safe in their homes without DCF intervention.
- Dee Dee LeFever, Greenbush: Resource for any early learning services.
- Larry Jump, SEKCAP Community liaison: He covers twelve counties as a resource for early learning services. Currently SEKCAP is hiring for all positions; check the openings on the website.
- Brittany Trishman, SEK Multi-County Health Department: She is the breast feeding supervisor. The Health Department is now offering flu, Covid, and RSV vaccines. She recently received a grant to help with education; she welcomes partners to apply for additional grants.
- Star Culp, Parents as Teachers: Star’s program is full in the USD 234 district; however, she has two openings in the USD 235 district.
- Tammy Alcantar, Crawford County Health Department: Tammy reviewed the programs she works with in Bourbon County and expressed gratitude for being able to partner in Bourbon County.
- Sandy Haggard, RSVP: The next Red Cross blood drive is December 21 and 22 at Buck Run. Appointments need to be made online to ensure donation status.
- Rene’ Hibdon, CHC: Assesses family needs and connects them to the proper services. She deals primarily with home-based cases.
- Megan Smith, CHC: Completes in office assessments for families; her major emphasis is families dealing with pregnancies.
- Heather Shepherd CHC Community Health worker: By working in the USD 234 school system, she is able to connect families with resources. Her goal is to keep children out of DCF custody.
- Program: Travis Wilcoxsen and Kathy Romero, Angel Care Home Health.
Angel Care Home Health is located in most all southeast counties of Kansas; they provide home health care for Medicare-aged individuals. Travis explained the services they offer and the specialty programs they can provide, including psychiatric care based on a medical prescription. The ultimate goal for Angel Care Home Health is to make the patient better and keep him/her at home as long as it is safe to do so. Once accepted into the program, care is 100 percent paid by insurance. At present they have 190 patients and would like to find an additional nurse for Bourbon County.
- Open Forum: The December 6 program will be an update on CHC’s tobacco cessation program; in January, we will hear from Tess Watson about her bed project.
- Adjournment: The next General Membership meeting will be December 6.
FS City Commission Agenda for November 7
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR
MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM – 123 SOUTH MAIN ST.
November 7, 2023 – 6:00 P.M.
- Roll Call:
- VanHoecke K. Harrington E. Woellhof M. Guns M. Wells
- Pledge of Allegiance & Invocation: M. Wells
III. Approval of Agenda:
- Consent Agenda:
- Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of October 17, 2023
- Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1347-A – $736,392.66
- Request to Pay – Sprouls Construction – 22-031B – Fort Scott Pavilion Project – Change Order No. 1 – Increased cost of foundation piers – $16,600.00
- Request to Pay – Sprouls Construction, Inc. – 22-031B – Fort Scott Pavilion Project – Payment Application No. 2 – $48,978.00
- Request to Pay – Bennet, Inc. – 23-005B – Infantry Substation Sanitary Sewer Relation Project – Change Order No. 1 – Soil management support from PPB Enviro-Solutions ($22,000.00) and additional requested work for Splash Pad future restroom infrastructure ($40,000.00) – $62,000.00
- Request to Pay – Bennett, Inc. – 22-306 – CDBG Sanitary Sewer Project – Pay Application No. 5 – $105,259.50
- Public Comment: Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda
and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at the Commission’s discretion.
- Old Business:
- Consideration of Demolition Bids (Bid No. 2-2023) – 4 S. National and 10 S. National – J. Dickman
- Consideration of Housing Development – Patrick Wood
VII. Appearances:
- Kylie Paulsen and Lindsey McNeil – LHEAT – Homeless Presentation
- Rachel French and Bailey Lyons – McDonald Hall (10 and 12 S. Main – The Kitchen Collective and Collaborative
- Splash Pad Committee – Restroom Project
- Kendall Schoenrock – Certificate of Appropriateness – DCF building plans – to come if recommended by DRB on 11/6/2023
- Rachel French and Bailey Lyons – Certificate of Appropriateness – 6 S. Main and 8 S. Main storefronts – to come if recommended by DRB on 11/6/2023
VIII. Public Hearing: None
- New Business:
- Consideration of Interview Room recording system and case management software – J. Pickert – $11,467.00
- Consideration of reappointment of Frank Halsey to Parks Advisory Board – recommended by Park Advisory Board – B. Matkin
- Consideration of Gunn Park shower house contract with Hofer & Hofer – Recommended by Parks Advisory Board
- Consideration of Lake Fort Scott Boat Ramp bids – B. Matkin
- Consideration of City Employee Holiday Bonus – B. Matkin
- Consideration of 2024 City Holiday Schedule – B. Matkin
- Consideration of Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID) proposal with Gilmore & Bell – M. Wells
- Consideration of South Industrial Park Waterline Inspection Proposal – Earles Engineering – $76,383.00 – J. Dickman
- Consideration to accept resignation of Brad Matkin, City Manager
- Tourism Rubric – B. Matkin
- Reports and Comments:
- City Manager Comments:
- Engineering Comments:
- Commissioners Comments:
- VanHoecke –
- Harrington –
- Woellhof –
- Guns –
- Wells –
- City Attorney Comments:
- Executive Session:
XII. Adjournment:
Next regular meeting scheduled: Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at 6:00PM