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2023 Gordon Parks Celebration Poetry Contest Winners Named
Winners of the Gordon Parks Celebration “Family, Home
and Roots” poetry contest, sponsored by Helen Townsend and Trabar Associates, have been chosen.
Fifteen entries were received and the winner of First Place was Zian Butler Perez, Manassas, VA with the poem titled “An Ode to White Rice, Ketchup, and Heuvo Frito.” Second Place was Delvyn Thomas,
Wichita, KS with the poem “Tea Time.” by Kelly Hams Pearson, Parkville, MO. Third Place was Andrew Hall, Shawnee, KS with the poem, “I am You, Kansas.”
There were three Honorable Mentions named: “Circle.” by Kristin Chambers, Waverly, KS, “We are Family Playground.” by Daliludeen Ahmedou, (Nevada, MO) “Breaking” by Lynne Schmidt, Norway, ME and Hanamo, Flo Au, (Hong Kong)
First, Second, and Third place winners received cash prizes of $200, $75, and $50 respectively.
The contest was open to any non-professional photographer and was inspired by Gordon Parks and his love for his family and upbringing.
Photographers were invited to capture the essence of the theme.
Judges for the photo contest was Kansas Poet Laureate, Traci Brimhall, Poet and Author, Annette Hope-Billings and Poet, Cash Hollistah.
The poetry exhibit will be on display on the Gordon Parks Museum’s Facebook page
facebook.com/fsccgpmuseum/ and the museum’s website
gordonparkscenter.org.
2023 Gordon Parks Celebration Photo Contest Winners Named
Winners of the Gordon Parks Celebration “Family, Home and Roots” photo contest, sponsored by Merl Humphrey Photography, have been chosen.
Seventy-Five entries were received and the winner of First Place was Karen Cayce, Wichita, KS with the photo titled “Family
Legacy.” Second Place was Delvyn Thomas, Wichita, KS with the photo “Class Family.” Third Place was McKinely Sutton, Uniontown, KS with the photo, “Children.”
There were five Honorable Mentions named: “House.” by (Yasser Alaa Mobarak,( Alexandria, Egypt.); “We are Family Playground.” by Daliludeen Ahmedou, (Nevada, MO) “Follow the Leader” by McKinley Sutton, (Uniontown, KS) “Me and Pa.” by Makiah Woods, (Bronson, KS), “Girl and Sheep”, by Johanna Walker, (Franklin, KS)
First, Second, and Third place winners received cash prizes of $100, $75, and $50 respectively.
The contest was open to any non-professional photographer and was inspired by Gordon Parks and his love for his family and upbringing.
Photographers were invited to capture the essence of the theme.
Judges for the photo contest were professional photographer, Veretta Cobler and established make-up artist and hair stylist, Donna Fumoso based in New York City.
The photo exhibit will be on display on the Gordon Parks Museum
Facebook page facebook.com/fsccgpmuseum/ and the museum’s website
gordonparkscenter.org.
U234 Board Met On October 9
Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
NEWS RELEASE
Monday, October 9, 2023
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, October 9, 2023, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.
President David Stewart opened the meeting.
The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:
- Board Minutes
- 9/11/2023 Regular Meeting
- Financials-Cash Flow Report
- Check Register
- Payroll – September 20, 2023 – $1,638,198.05
- Activity Fund accounts
- USD 234 Gifts
- FSHS Extended Trip Applications
- FSHS Fundraising Applications
- Ratification of Investments
- USD 234 Substitute Pay Schedule Adjustment
USD 234 Licensed Tiger Team Member of the Month was Emily Stephens, Winfield Scott Special Education Teacher. She was recognized by Tonya Barnes for being willing to help provide services to a student that attends a local private school. This would be in addition to her students at Winfield Scott.
Classified Tiger Team Members of the Month are as follows:
Kelley Tucker, Winfield Scott Occupational Therapist Paraprofessional, was recognized by Tonya Barnes. Kelley is assisting with Hannelie Smit, Occupational Therapist. She was thanked for being extremely organized and assisting above expectations with Mrs. Smit.
Caroline Elton, Flo Tanner, Terra Kegler, Lucretia Ruggero, Jessica Cox, Fort Scott High School Paraprofessionals, were recognized by Tonya Barnes for their outstanding work with the Sensory Bulletin Board. They have provided a sensory space for the students that has proved to be highly effective and helpful. Mrs. Barnes commended each on building connections to help bring more productivity to the students.
Cynthia Hemphill-Witham and Shanna Staton, Preschool Paraprofessionals, were recognized by Tonya Barnes. As the Preschool needs are growing, they have been willing to take on more responsibilities to help the students. Mr. Johnson, Principal, recommended Cynthia and Shannon for their willingness to go above and beyond every day for the students.
Winfield Scott recognized three outstanding students:
Cash Durossette, student at Winfield Scott, was recognized by Shelly Carter and Chris Garzone. He was recognized for being respectful and always having a smile. Cash is in Ms. Kait’s second grade class.
Bodhi Farley, student at Winfield Scott, was recognized by Shelly Carter and Chris Garzone.
He was recognized for being respectful everywhere he goes. Bodhi is in Mrs. Cross’s second grade class.
Rowyn Ratcliff, student at Winfield Scott, was recognized by Shelly Carter and Chris Garzone. She was recognized for following directions and helping her friends. Rowyn was also chosen by Peerless to name her own paint chip color. She named it “Rowyn Rose.” Rowyn is in Ms. Kait’s second grade class.
Superintendent Destry Brown reported on the enrollment being down about sixty students this year. He also updated on the Finance Department and how day to day is proceeding productively. Mr. Brown updated on the board vacancy moving to “at large” but will be put to an election. Preschool has a waiting list of around thirty students. District and Greenbush are looking into a mobile unit that could help accommodate this need
Assistant Superintendent Dalaina Smith updated the Board on Fall data testing. All is done except kindergarten, but good growth is shown. RTI groups have been put in place and Title teachers have worked hard to address skill groups. Mrs. Smith updated on IReady and 504 plans and the continued training and growth of both.
Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, reported about Indicator 12 and progress reporting. Mrs. Barnes updated about IDEA verification and CATAID revenue. The district’s first payment will come on October 15. SPED Training that will happen this month will be with TASN and then Mrs. Barnes will do training with the teachers. She also updated on the trainings that she will be attending later this month.
Superintendent Brown discussed the proposed JBCC Open Enrollment Policy. There was no action currently.
The board approved the following items:
- Acceptance of appreciated stock in the amount of approximately $130,000.00.
- Final roof payment upon completion in the amount of $173,414.60.
- Approval of District Health Insurance
- Personnel Report following
The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.
President Stewart adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT
October 9, 2023
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
Chipman, Katie – Middle School – Paraprofessional
EMPLOYMENT:
Classified Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:
Lynch, Tabitha – Preschool – Paraprofessional
Lynn, Shelby – Instructional Assistant in Automotive Technology – High School
Superintendent Destry Brown Evaluation – Due by Nov 1
Board Evaluation
Chamber Coffee Hosted by Fort Scott Area Community Foundation on Oct. 12
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Clinic Offered This Saturday For Those Seeking Mental Health Services
A mental health clinic is offered to the community this Saturday, Oct. 14 at the former Mercy Hospital building.
Those who are interested in initiating therapy services and seeing if other services are desired must make an appointment by Oct. 12
“This (clinic) is for anyone wishing to start services with us, “Dawne Burchett Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center Manager of Prevention and Promotion said “Anyone who would like additional support for any reason.”
An appointment can be made by calling 620.223.5030.
The office staff will ask for your name, date of birth, address, Social Security Number, insurance information, and reasons you are seeking services.
On the day of your appointment, proof of income, insurance card, and Social Security Number are needed.
The hours of this clinic are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Oct. 14.
The location is 401 Woodland Hills Blvd., Fort Scott.
SEKMHC moved into the building on Sept. 11 and shares the clinic facility with Ashley Clinic.
SEKMHC and Ashley Clinic joined to create a more accessible, efficient, and effective model of care for the citizens of Kansas, according to a previous press release. The focus: leading integrated, whole-person care and breaking down barriers for patients.
To see a prior story:
Former Mercy Building Now SEK Mental Health and Ashley Clinic
About SEKMHC
Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center, established in 1961, is a not-for-profit organization that provides, advocates and coordinates quality mental health care, services, and programs, according to its website https://www.sekmhc.org/about/.
Core services include:
- Outpatient psychiatry
- Therapy
- Consultation
- Chemical abuse counseling
- Case management
- Educational and skill-building groups
- Specialty training
- Physical healthcare coordination
- 24/7 crisis intervention services
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter
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June 19 is Declared a Kansas Holiday
Governor Kelly Announces Juneteenth to be Observed as a State Holiday
~~Kansas Joins 28 Other States Including Texas, Missouri, and Nebraska~~
TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced that Kansas will designate Juneteenth as a state holiday, joining 28 other states and the District of Columbia.
“Juneteenth marks a significant point our nation’s history and has long been celebrated in Kansas and across the United States,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Establishing Juneteenth as a state holiday provides Kansans an opportunity to celebrate our state’s diversity and honor the ongoing struggles for racial equality.”
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day the last enslaved Americans received word that President Abraham Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation to abolish slavery more than 2 years after the end of the Civil War. Governor Kelly has issued proclamations recognizing Juneteenth every year since 2020.
“I am thrilled that Juneteenth will be a state holiday,” said Stacey Knoell, Executive Director of the Kansas African American Affairs Commission. “This day is a perfect example of the importance of learning the full picture of history, not to cast blame but to find reasons for acknowledging resilience. I hope this day can become one where Kansans can unite in celebration.”
In 2021, Juneteenth became the first federal holiday created in more than 40 years. Since then, Kansas’ neighboring states of Nebraska, Missouri, and Colorado have also established Juneteenth as a state holiday. The holiday will apply to Executive Branch employees under Governor Kelly’s jurisdiction.
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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Oct. 10
Amended Bourbon County Commission Agenda for This Evening
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Nelson Blythe
1st District Commissioner
Jim Harris, Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Clifton Beth
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
October 10, 2023 5:30 p.m.
A special meeting of the Board of Bourbon County Commissioners
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute Followed by Prayer
- Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(4)
- Discussion of Healthcare
- Public Comments
- Commission Comments
- Adjourn Meeting
Executive Session Justifications:
KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the
attorney-client relationship.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the
representative(s) of the body or agency.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships
KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting
would jeopardize such security measures.
Collecting Scarves, Hats and Gloves: Chase the Chill Bourbon County
FS City Commission Agenda for Special Meeting On Oct. 10
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR SPECIAl
MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM – 123 SOUTH MAIN ST.
October 10, 2023 – 7:00 P.M.
I. Roll Call:
T. VanHoecke K. Harrington E. Woellhof M. Guns M. Wells
II. Pledge of Allegiance
III. New Business:
A. Consideration of Bids for Demolition of 10 S. National
(4) Bids received – Heck & Wicker $166,457.10; Industrial Salvage
$138,100.00; Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation $98,494.00 and Dave’s Demo
$80,000.00.
IV. Executive Session:
A. Healthcare pursuant to the attorney client privilege exception in K.S.A. 75-
4319(b)(2) the financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations.
XII. Adjournment: