Entertainment, Fort Scott

What’s Happening in Fort Scott! September 22nd Weekly Newsletter

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UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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Fort Scott National Historic Site

Daily Guided Tours: 10am & 1pm

Special activities all this weekend! See link below.

Visit your National Park!

Trolley Tours of Fort Scott

50-minute narrated historical tour

Every Friday & Saturday on the hour

Fridays 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm

Saturdays 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm

$6 adults, $4 12 & under, leaves from the Chamber

Click this link: The Artificers

October pottery class/workshop

schedule, a creative space for all ages!

BINGO hosted by the American Legion Post 25 every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month unless it falls on a holiday. Doors open at 6pm and Bingo starts at 7pm at Memorial Hall.

9/22 ~ Friday Night Concert in the Park, Heritage Park Pavilion, this event is free and all are welcomed, if inclement weather concerts will be at Common Ground Coffee Co. 12 E. Wall St.

9/23 ~ Farmer’s Market at Skubitz Plaza,

8am-12pm

9/23 ~ Tacos and Tailgates at River Front Park, door prizes and giveaways, custom trophies in 7 classes, $20 to enter, open to all trucks and SUVs, click here for more info!

9/27 ~ Wednesday Writers at Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore, every Wednesday from 1:30pm-3pm, click here for more info!

9/27 ~ Pizza Republic Wednesdays – 10% of sales go to FSHS Tiger Booster Club, restaurant hours are form 11am-9pm but the fundraiser is in the evenings from 5pm-9pm, click here for more info!

9/28 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Pioneer Harvest Fiesta, Fort Scott Fair Grounds, 8am

9/29 ~ The Artificers presents Darrell Williams Opening & Reception, 6-9pm, click here for more info!

9/29-10/31~ Scarefest Haunted House & Clark Street Lights Display, $1 donation to enter 5+, entry comes with free popcorn and cotton candy,

see flyer below for more info!

9/30 ~ FortFest23, 400 N. National (Riverfront Park), BLUES FESTIVAL, free games/live music/BBQ Contest/Food Trucks/ FUN/ and much more, bring chairs and blankets as limited seating, free will donation, click here for more info!

9/30 ~ Special Saturday Chamber Coffee at Kansas Rocks Recreation Park, join us at 8:30am to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of KRRP, click here for more info!

9/30 ~ Red Bull Imagination sponsored by

E3 Ranch, click here for tickets!

10/3 ~ Downtown Meet & Greet at City State Bank, 202 State Ave, 8am-9am. Click here for more info!

10/5-7 ~ 20th Annual Gordon Parks Celebration, great events and sessions to celebrate 20 wonderful years, click here for the full schedule of events!

10/5 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by the Gordon Parks Museum, 2108 Horton St, 8am.

10/5 ~ Pioneer Harvest Parade in Downtown Fort Scott, 6pm, click here to register a float or for more info!

10/6-8 ~ Pioneer Harvest Fiesta 67th Anniversary, one of the oldest steam & gas engine shows in Kansas, click here for more info!

10/6 ~ Mural Unveiling – 1st Kansas Colored Infantry Mural, the mural will be on display at the north downtown building located at 9 South Main St. near Skubitz Plaza, 4-4:30pm, click here for more info!

10/7 ~ Kansas Crossing presents Hairball in Concert, must be 21+ attend, click here for more info.

SAVE THE DATE:

10/14 ~ Royal-Tea Party hosted by FSHS Thespians, $10 per child (must be accompanied by an adult), each child can have a treat and make a project with each character, feel free to dress up too!

10/18 ~ Community Connection hosted by Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce,11:45am-1pm, lunch can be reserved for $10 prior to the event, panelist updates from local governmental entities

10/28 ~ Halloween Parade & Festivities in Downtown Fort Scott, open to all ages, parade will begin at 11am starting at La Hacienda heading south to 2nd street then back around to the City Scales building, after the parade pizza and a drink will be handed out to kids in costumes. The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is asking for donations and businesses that are willing to pass out candy downtown, if you are interested email [email protected].

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SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!

Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!

Click here for Chamber member

specialty shopping & other retail in

Downtown & other areas of the community.

Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
[email protected]
fortscott.com

In This Issue

Calendar of Events

Special Event Features

THANK YOU Chamber Champion members!!
Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.

We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?
Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?

Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!

Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!

Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.

Tacos & Tailgates 2023!

Join us for a Special Chamber Coffee hosted by Kansas Rocks Recreation Park!

Red Bull Imagination hosted by E3!

FortFest23 at Riverfront Park!

Downtown Meet & Greet at City State Bank!

Upcoming Movie Schedule @ Fort Cinema
THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER CHAMPION MEMBERS!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
231 E. Wall Street
Fort Scott, KS 66701
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

Government, Kansas

Statewide Transportation Improvement Program Input Needed

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KDOT requesting comments on STIP amendment

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) requests comments on an amendment to the FFY 2024-2027 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) document.

The STIP is a project specific publication that lists all KDOT administered projects, regardless of funding source, and includes projects for counties and cities as well as projects on the State Highway System. The list of projects being amended to the STIP can be viewed at http://www.ksdot.org/bureaus/burProgProjMgmt/stip/stip.asp.

The approval of the STIP amendment requires a public comment period, which concludes Oct. 4. To make comments on the amendment, contact KDOT’s Division of Program and Project Management at (785) 296-3254.

This information is available in alternative accessible formats. To obtain an alternative format, contact the KDOT Division of Communications, (785) 296-3585 (Voice/Hearing Impaired-711).

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Obituary

Obituary of Bob Marshall

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Robert Dean Marshall died peacefully on September 20, 2023.

Judy Marshall had passed from cancer on July 14, and Bob declined quickly without the love of his life by his side.

Dad was born December 7, 1937 in Butler, MO. He was the son of Eudine and Charles Neas.
He is survived by his three children Dana (Craig) McKenney of Fort Scott; Darcy Marshall of Houston; and Dirk Marshall, also of Houston.

Bob is predeceased by his brother Jim Marshall of Hobbs, NM, but is survived by his sister-in-law Carolyn Marshall of Hobbs, NM and his brother-in-law Ray Woods of Independence, KS.

He had seven grandchildren: Reece McKenney, Drew Suddock, Neely Stuart, Kyle Moore, Cole Gaston, Parker McKenney (deceased), and Angie McKenney; and three great grandchildren Kieran Houlihan, Colin Houlihan, and Joyce Stuart.

He graduated from Warrensburg (MO) High School in 1956 and from the University of Kansas in 1960. He played four sports at KU: he was quarterback and captain of the football team; and centerfielder and captain of the baseball team; he also played freshman basketball with Wilt Chamberlain and was a sprinter on the track team. He was also a proud member of the
Sigma Nu fraternity.

His freshman basketball team soundly defeated the 4th-ranked varsity team in the preseason freshman-varsity game, although Wilt Chamberlain probably had a lot to do with that. Bob was captain of the KU baseball team as a senior. When they were playing one weekend at Iowa State, he rounded up all the players on their last day at the hotel to make sure everyone was ready to get on the bus and go to the stadium on time. When an elevator arrived to carry players downstairs, he made sure others got on the elevator and then waited for the next elevator to arrive. When he got down to the ground floor, the team bus had driven off without him. He took a cab to the ballpark and confronted the coach, who wasn’t interested in the fact that he had selflessly let others go on the elevator before him. So he hitchhiked to Des Moines, IA and joined up with the KU track team competing at the Drake Relays, with teammate and Olympian Billy Mills.
As a football player at KU, he suffered two major knee injuries. Later he coached several different youth football teams through the Johnson County (KS) YMCA, typically coaching a group of players from 5th through 9th grade. He always instructed players that, when returning punts, that they could catch the punt and attempt a return as long as they were not inside their own 10-yard-line. If they were within the 10-yard-line, they were to let the ball go and hope it rolled into the end zone for a touchback. In all the years he was coaching these teams, he also held the KU school record for longest punt return, at exactly 90 yards. The man practiced what he preached.
After graduating from KU, he attended the Naval Aviation Flight Training School in Pensacola FL and was assigned to the Marine All Weather Fighter Squadron VMF (AW) 122 – the Crusaders. During the Cuban Missile Crisis in the fall of 1962, American RF-8 reconnaissance planes photographed missiles sites in Cuba. He and his squadron of Crusaders flew F-8 fighter jets to escort the reconnaissance planes to Cuba. The Crusaders did not enter Cuban airspace; instead they waited offshore for the RF-8s to return; and escorted the reconnaissance planes back to Florida.
Later, during a training flight in the Philippines, his F-8 caught fire; he ejected moments before the plane exploded in a fireball, parachuting into the open ocean. His only apparent fear in life was sharks, as his squadron mates circling above claimed that he managed to inflate his rescue raft and climb aboard in world record time. He left active duty in 1965 but continued with the Marine Reserves until retiring as a full Colonel.
After leaving active duty in the Marine Corps, he flew commercially for Braniff International, rising to the level of Chief Pilot responsible for the Houston, Kansas City, Minneapolis/St. Paul, and Omaha pilots’ bases. After Braniff filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 1982, he moved to Piedmont Airlines. US Airways purchased Piedmont, and he retired as a US Air captain in 1998 after 33 years of flying.

Bob then became a volunteer assistant football coach at Fort Scott Community College until 2003, when he was named the athletic director at FSCC. He served as A.D. of the college until 2008, when he ran for and was elected to the Kansas State Senate. He served in the Senate until 2012. He served on the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and was twice President of the Board. He also served on the boards of Mercy Hospital and the Kansas Food Bank – Independence, he also served on the Fort Scott Airport Advisory Board and helped organize the Fort Scott Airport Day & Air Show.
Judy and Bob  were married for 64 years until her passing in July of this year. While she was a stay-at-home mother and he was flying all over the country as a pilot, he often let it be known that she was doing the more important work of raising the family. He was active coaching youth sports at the Johnson County YMCA; he was instrumental in raising funds to build the handball/racquetball courts at the YMCA; and he won multiple national championships as a masters handball player. He and Judyt loved riding horses; owning quarter horse racehorses; going to KU football and basketball games; visiting the Sigma Nu fraternity house (where his grandson Cole currently lives); and eating at the Nu Grille restaurant in downtown Fort Scott.

As with Mom’s death in July, the family would like to thank the Nu Grille staff for keeping Judy and Bob entertained and well-fed on an almost daily basis; and thank the caring staff of Gentiva Hospice of Pittsburg KS, with a special thank you to Danielle, who was with both at the end of their lives and helped them pass with grace and dignity. Special thanks  to the wonderful nurses and staff at Presbyterian Village who were kind and loving and patient with Bob as he suffered so much after Judy’s passing. In honor of Bob’smemory, contributions may be sent to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital (501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105); or to the Fort Scott Community Foundation; to the University of Kansas Williams Fund; or to the First Presbyterian Church of Fort Scott, where they were members.
Bob’s memorial service will be at the First Presbyterian Church of Fort Scott on Thursday, September 28 at 11 am with visitation at 10 am. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Cheney Witt Funeral Chapel, and Pastor Christopher Eshelman from the First United Methodist Church will preside over the service.

At a later date Bob will be interred at the Fort Scott National Cemetery. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Exercise, Fort Scott

Introducing Gravel Kansas: A Cycling Initiative that Redefines Adventure and Connection [Kansas

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Gravel Kansas is thrilled to announce the official launch of its innovative cycling initiative, dedicated to crafting unforgettable gravel cycling routes across the picturesque landscapes of
The State That Made Gravel Famous©.

This exciting venture is returning to gravel roots by merging the thrill of gravel riding with the power of storytelling to foster a deep connection between cyclists and the remarkable places they traverse.

At the heart of Gravel Kansas is a commitment to celebrating the rich heritage, culture, and stories that define the state. Through
a meticulously curated selection of gravel routes, cyclists will embark on journeys that weave through historic towns, rolling prairies, and breathtaking vistas. Each route serves as a gateway
to discovery, leading riders to hidden gems and immersing them in the tapestry of Kansas’ diverse landscapes.

“We are thrilled to introduce Gravel Kansas to cyclists around the world,” said LeLan Dains, Founding Chair of Gravel Kansas. “Our initiative is all about forging a profound bond between
people, places, and stories. With every pedal stroke, cyclists will experience the beauty, history, and character of Kansas in an entirely new way.”

This project wouldn’t be possible without funding support from Kansas Tourism.

Locally, “Bourbon on the Rocks” is the name given to the group of gravel cycling routes in Bourbon County. Those routes are anywhere from 7-60 miles. Bourbon on the Rocks routes include beginner routes that are family oriented, intermediate routes (not for the faint of heart), and a couple of advanced routes for serious gravel grinders that want to be “punished” on a ride.

 

Fort Scott Public Relations & Tourism Director, Jackson Tough met with LeLan Dains at the 2021 Kansas tourism conference. Jackson said, “we started brainstorming ideas about a statewide
tourism push to promote Kansas as the gravel cycling capital of the world. We organized a committee and recruited other communities.”

At the same time, Tough began working with Tayton Majors, Business Retention & Community Initiatives Manager for Bourbon County Regional Economic Development on the project.
“Tayton was a great contributor in helping to design, describe, and map our variety of a dozen gravel bicycling routes within Bourbon County, all starting and ending in or near Fort Scott.

Each of the “Bourbon on the Rocks” routes offers a payoff—whether it’s a million-dollar view, a story of local lore, or a historic feature. To view Bourbon County routes simply go to www.GravelKansas.com, click “find routes” then “southeast.” Bourbon County is at the top of
those listings.

Tough said “we anticipate even more routes being added locally and from around the state. I’m excited to see the project’s website, gravelks.com come to fruition. It’s a great step to get more
gravel cycling enthusiasts to come to Bourbon County and the state.”

For more information about Gravel Kansas and to explore the inaugural routes, please visit gravelks.com.

Follow Gravel Kansas on Facebook for updates, stories, and exciting cycling content.
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About Gravel Kansas:
Gravel Kansas is a pioneering cycling initiative that creates iconic gravel routes across the
picturesque landscapes of Kansas. Combining the thrill of gravel cycling with the power of
storytelling, Gravel Kansas aims to foster a deep connection between cyclists and the
remarkable places they explore. Through meticulously curated routes and engaging narratives,
Gravel Kansas celebrates the heritage, culture, and stories that define the state. For more
information, visit gravelks.com.
https://gravelks.com/

Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes Sept. 20 Newsletter

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September 20, 2023                                Volume 11

🌟 We’re thrilled to announce the winners of this year’s Discovery Award! These incredible students have uncovered the stories of unsung heroes who changed the world. 🌍✨

🏆 Grand Prize Winner: Sasha Allen from Eden Prairie, Minnesota

Project: “3-6-9 KID: How Child Spy Agnes Láckovič Saved Hundreds from the Nazis”

An inspiring documentary showcasing the courageous acts of a 17-year-old unsung hero during WWII. 🎥

First Place: Paige Franzen, Kadence Huck, and Callahan Levi from Nashua-Plainfield High School, Iowa

Project: “Why Not Us? Dr. Christine Grant’s Heroic Pursuit of Gender Equality”

A powerful story of Dr. Christine Grant’s impact on gender equality in women’s sports. 🏀 (Teacher: Suzy Turner)

Outstanding High School Project: Madison Glidden from Loup County High School, Nebraska

Project: “Susan LaFlesche: The First Native American Doctor”

A heartfelt documentary about Dr. Susan LaFlesche Picotte’s journey to provide medical care for her people. 🩺 (Teacher: Megan Helberg)

Outstanding Middle School Project (tie): Rehan Mathew Koshy from Edison Regional Gifted Center, Illinois

Project: “Andrée de Jongh: Faster than a Comet”

An incredible exploration of WWII heroine Andrée de Jongh’s escape route for Allied airmen. ✈️ (Teacher: Brandon Strawn)

Outstanding Middle School Project (tie): Jay Patel from Jericho Middle School, New York

Project: “Pearl Kendrick: The Unsung Hero Who Ended a Deadly Plague”

A fascinating look at Pearl Kendrick’s contribution to the development of the pertussis vaccine. 💉 (Teachers: Teresa Cantwell and Sarah Espinal)

🎉 Founder’s Award: Steven Zhang from St. Mark’s School, Massachusetts

Project: “Corky Lee: Fighting Asian American Discrimination One Photo at a Time”

A moving portrayal of Corky Lee’s impact in amplifying the Asian American voice through photography. 📸

🌟 Outstanding Elementary School Project: Noa Mannal Dimarco and Gabriel Levesque from St. Mary Interparochial School, Pennsylvania

Project: “Maurice Hilleman: The Father of Modern Vaccinations”

A heartwarming story of Maurice Hilleman, who created 40 vaccines and saved millions of lives. 💪💉(Teacher: Jayda Pugliese)

Congratulations to all of these exceptional students for sharing these remarkable unsung hero stories! Click the button below to view all of the 2023 award-winning documentaries, websites and performances.
2023 Discovery Award Projects

Keep an eye out for our upcoming newsletter, which will feature more photos from the Discovery Award announcements and provide details about the award-winning projects and the students behind them.

LMC Hosts Star Party

On Saturday, September 16th, our eagerly anticipated star party was a celestial celebration! Despite a sudden pop-up storm that brought us much needed rain and thwarted our plans to gaze through the eight telescopes we had set up, we still had a wonderful time. The evening featured Ronda Hassig’s captivating presentation on the Unsung Hero Henrietta Swan Leavitt, as well as an enlightening talk by NASA Ambassador Jamie Davis (pictured above).

While the skies may not have cooperated this time, fear not! We’re excited to announce that we’ll be rescheduling the star party in the near future. Keep a close eye on our updates, as we’re determined to bring you an unforgettable night of stargazing and astronomy education. Don’t miss out on the next cosmic adventure!

REFLECTING ON LAST YEAR’S CELEBRATION!

It’s hard to believe that a year has passed since we held the combined event for the Grand Opening of the Lowell Milken Park and the 15th Anniversary of the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes.

We continue to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our supporters, the remarkable LMC Fellows, and the Unsung Heroes and their families who joined us in marking the historic occasion. The event was filled with unforgettable moments, including inspiring speeches from distinguished VIP speakers, the symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Lowell Milken Park, and an unexpected revelation regarding the 2022 Discovery Award. Read more about the event at https://bit.ly/3dkogfZ.

FELLOWS NEWS & UPDATES

Our very own Kevin Dailey, who was a 2023 LMC Fellow, has just been named 2024 Kentucky Teacher of the Year! We couldn’t be more proud of Kevin and his outstanding achievement. Please join us in congratulating Kevin on this incredible accomplishment!

Darrion Cockrell, our 2023 LMC Fellow, was recently named MOSHAPE State Elementary School PE Teacher of the Year, sponsored by OPEN Phys Ed and US Games. We’re proud of his dedication and passion for PE and wish him luck in competing for the National title. Go Darrion!
Bourbon County, Entertainment, Food

Blues Music Weekend Planned Sept. 29-30 in Fort Scott

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Organizers have planned a fun weekend the last few days of September, called FortFest 23, which is free and open to all.

The events kick off Friday night September 29 with a street dance in front of Sharky’s Pub and Grub at 16 North National Ave. in Fort Scott.

“The dance features two live bands, starting with Danny Brown and the Bourbon County Revival at 7 p.m., and then Left of Center featuring local artist Lori Hixon at 9 p.m.,” said event organizer and Care to Share supporter Cory Bryars.

Saturday’s events are in the north portion of Riverfront Park on National Avenue just north of downtown Fort Scott, he said.

The FortFest features Blues music.

“This is the second annual FortFest, and we intend on having bigger and better FortFest for years to come,” he said. “FortFest23 features four high-quality regionally and nationally acclaimed Blues bands, each with a different style and sound. For people unfamiliar with the Blues or who think it is a single type of slow depressing music, they have only heard a sliver of what the Blues is all about.”

The audience from a prior FortFest. Submitted photo.

“Dozens of the approximately 500 people who came to the first FortFest left saying ‘Wow—I didn’t know that was the Blues’ and have been talking about it ever since,” Bryars said. “Famous Blues Musician Willie Dixon said ‘The Blues is the roots, the rest is the fruits.’  SOOOO true. From country to rock and countless iterations in between, the Blues is at the core of most of the music America and much of the rest of the world loves.”

“Care to Share hosts FortFest with the financial support of dozens of businesses and individuals from throughout Bourbon, Crawford, and Linn Counties, and beyond,” Bryars said. The Care to Share FortFest23 Planning and GET-IT-DONE Committee include:
Teresa”TD” Davenport, Lavetta Simmons, Kathy Clark, Leah Lewis, Tammy Miller, Bobbi Kemna, Joyce Nickelson, Sidney Zimmerman, and  Bryars.

“The City of Fort Scott is a generous supporter, and we will list all those who contributed in flyers at the festival, on Facebook, and in a follow-up thank you in various outlets,” he said. “Support those who Support Care to Share!”

The Blues musicians for Saturday, September 30 from 1 to 9 p.m. are:

1 p.m.- Howard Mahan Band. “Originally from Fredonia and now in Lawrence/KC—he has quite the interesting bio–#1 in his KU Law Class, scratch golfer, killer musician,” Bryars said.

3 p.m.- Sister Lucille, Springfield MO. “Tons of news on them online and recently at or near the top of Billboard’s National Blues rankings,” he said.

5 p.m.-The Arkansas Brothers, Jonesboro Arkansas. “Down-home classic Blues with a great harmonica and killer guitars. You might just hear some old country like Hank William Sr from these guys too. The Arkansas Bros could walk around Fort Scott and everyone would think they were from here,” he said.

7 p.m.- Divas on Fire, Fayetteville/NW Arkansas.”A group of powerful women with amazing vocals and harmonies and top-tier supporting musicians. They will have seven or even more band members wrapping up FortFest 23 with a sure-to-be-memorable performance. They will feature artists like Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, and Donna Summer as well good old hard-driving Blues and harmonies sure to please almost everyone.”

Other happenings that evening:

  • Car Show at noon from Rollin’ Nostalgia Car Club, Frontenac, and “anyone who wants to display their car is welcome,” he said.
  • Over 30 fine arts and crafts vendors start at noon.
  • A non-sanctioned BackYard BBQ Ribs Contest open to all comers—details on Facebook.
  • Varied food and drinks are available—Care to Share Bake Sale, smash burgers, walking tacos, pulled pork, pizza, funnel cakes, ice cream, sno-cones, and more.
  •  Kids fair from noon to 6 p.m. hosted by Pittsburg State’s Care to Share Student Support Group—face painting, games for all ages
  • Corn hole tournament

Parking for the event: Twister Trailer across from Riverfront Park, along both sides of Maple Road as it heads east of National Avenue, and the Park Loop Road just south of the red bridge on National Avenue.

 

Parking is free and just a short walk to the event, and there will be shuttles running throughout the day, he said.

 

“Food and drink are charged by the individual vendors, and some of the events have a small participant fee, such as the corn hole tournament, BBQ contest, and car show,” he said. “In years past, there were small charges for some of the kid activities—more details on everything will be on Facebook.  A portion of the fees will go into a prize pool for winners of the events, and a portion will go to Care to Share.”

People should bring chairs/or blankets to enjoy the events, bug spray, dancing shoes, and don’t forget a donation to Care to Share, he said.

The purpose of FortFest is to “build awareness of Care to Share, thank our communities, create energy in our communities, and raise funds for Care to Share to support cancer fighters in our communities,” he said.

Submitted photo.

See all the details and more info as it is released at https://www.facebook.com/events/133991339635397

Care to Share is a southeast Kansas cancer support group that is 100% volunteer and community-funded.

They want to thank the communities they serve for the financial and emotional support of their daily mission to provide emotional and financial support to cancer fighters, he said

 

 

Opinion

An A+ For Austin by Patty LaRoche

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Patty LaRoche. 2023.
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29

The following is the email answer I sent to United Airlines, following its generic “thank you” response to the kind comment I wrote about Austin, an employee at Tulsa, Oklahoma’s airport.

“I’m not sure anyone will read this, but this ‘compliment’ almost did not happen because your website made it impossible to write because, as I later found out when I spoke to one of your customer service agents, (a) I tried to write it ‘before my final flight leg was over,’ and (b) I tried to write it ‘after my final flight leg was over.’ Not sure what other options there were. “Two phone calls and numerous attempts to navigate your website left me more than frustrated. Maybe you need to hire someone like me to find a better way to do this simple task. As I said when I spoke (finally) to your supervisor, I’m surprised any of your employees ever are complimented. The process is far too tedious.”

Is it Christian to write such a response? My family says that I am “review-happy.” I tell them that it works both ways.

My favorite evaluation is an A+ one. I will go to great lengths (like I did for Austin) to commend an employee for going above-and-beyond the required service recommended. I probably write five positive letters for every negative one. However, I believe that there are times employers need to know when their customers are receiving less-than-desirable service.

If I have a problem, I will contact the company directly as opposed to writing a bad review. (My son in the restaurant business tells me that he prefers emails/texts directly to him as opposed to reading a bad review on line.)

I’m never trying to get anyone fired; I’m always trying to help the company improve, a behavior my husband finds unnecessary and embarrassing.

As for Austin, he had the best attitude when my flight from Tulsa to Steamboat Springs, Colorado, was cancelled. I guess he saw an old, clueless woman who needed help. I didn’t say otherwise.

Not only did he book me a nearby hotel, he gave me meal vouchers for three meals and told me how to speed-dial the hotel to pick me up after I retrieved my luggage. Austin even offered to walk me to baggage claim, but I figured that would royally tick off the customers in line behind me, so I assured him that I could follow the “Baggage Claim” signs with no problem. I’m not that old. Plus, Tulsa is not that large of an airport.

Nevertheless, I thought that Austin deserved a commendation from the airlines. It’s the way I’m wired. Years ago, I took a “Spiritual Gifts” test to see how God had equipped me to bless other people. My gift was Encouragement. I love that gift, but I know that sometimes I am too self-absorbed to share it like I’m supposed to, and I’m usually not as persistent as I was with United.

The opportunities to use it are endless. Who doesn’t like to be complimented? This past week, I received a hand-written note from a wonderful Christian woman who thanked me for helping her clean up after a group meeting. I still smile when I think of that note, but it also was a reminder of how I need to do that more often to other people.

I started yesterday in Walmart when I passed a young woman with green and red hair. “You look like a really fun person,” I told her. She grinned from ear to ear before thanking me. Definitely easier than contacting the airline. I think it’s a gift I will encourage myself to practice.

Fort Scott, Government

FS Design Review Advisory Board Meeting on Sept. 28

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When: September, 28th

Time: 4:00 pm

Location: City Hall

Topic for discussion: Certificate of Appropriateness for signage outside of 12 N. Main in Fort Scott submitted for consideration. The meeting is open to the public and the recording is available to watch on YouTube after the meeting is held.

 

Submitted by:

 

Mary Wyatt

Community Development Director

City of Fort Scott

Fort Scott Community College, Government

FSCC Trustees Minutes of August 28

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FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
August 28, 2023
PRESENT: John Bartelsmeyer, Dave Elliott, Jim Fewins, Kirk Hart, Bryan Holt, and Robert Nelson
ALSO PRESENT: Jason Kegler, Juley McDaniel (Board Clerk), faculty, staff
Chairman Bartelsmeyer called the meeting to order at 5:32 pm in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall. The meeting was
opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: Chairman Bartelsmeyer had no comments, but two Board members shared comments: Jim Fewins recognized Ed Graham, long time Board member whose funeral was today, and Dave Elliott was pleased to attend the Business Expo during Welcome Week at FSCC on behalf of Peerless.

COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: None.
BUDGET REVIEW: Julie Eichenberger provided an overview of how the 2023-24 proposed budget was created and provided an opportunity for Board members to ask questions. Approval of the budget will be considered at the September 25 meeting.
CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Holt, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the consent agenda as amended.
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A. A motion was made by Nelson, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the updated Equal Opportunity, Harassment, and Nondiscrimination Policy.
B. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to approve purchase of a generator for $12,412.68 and installation by Brock Electric for $13,754.15, for a total of $26,166.83.
C. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the Rodeo Program being allowed to purchase immediately when hay is found, staying within FSCC purchasing policy.
ITEMS FOR REVIEW: The Board reviewed letters of appreciation.
ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES: The Board reviewed and heard updates from Gordon Parks Museum, Finance
and Operations, Student Services, IT, Maintenance, Miami County Campus, and Athletics.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion was made by Nelson, seconded by Elliott to adjourn to executive session for
15 minutes beginning at 7:30 pm for the purpose of discussing personnel matters of non-elected personnel as it
relates to organizational structure with action not expected to follow. The Board invited Jason Kegler and Juley
McDaniel into the executive session.
OPEN SESSION: A motion was made by Hart, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote to return to
open session.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at
7:46 pm by Fewins, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote.

Fort Scott Community College, Government

Agenda for the FSCC Trustees Meeting On September 25

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September 25, 2023
Board of Trustees
Fort Scott Community College
2108 S. Horton
Fort Scott, KS 66701
The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on Monday, September 25, 2023. The meeting will be held in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall at Fort Scott
Community College.
5:00 p.m. Dinner in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall followed by regular board meeting at approximately 5:30 p.m.
THE AGENDA
5:00 DINNER
5:30 ROLL CALL, 3
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
BUDGET HEARING, 4
A. Comments from the Board, 4
B. Comments from the Public, 4
C. Approval of Budget Revenue Neutral Rate, 4
D. Review and Adoption of the 2023-24 Year Budget, 4
CALL TO ORDER, 8
A. Comments from the Chair, 8
B. Comments from the Public, 8
CONSENT AGENDA, 9
A. Approval of Agenda, 9
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on August 28, 2023, 10
C. Approval of Treasurer’s Report, Bills, and Claims, 13
D. Approval of Personnel Actions, 9
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS, 55
A. Approval of Fairness in Women’s Sports Policy, 55
REPORTS, 56
A. Administrative Updates, 57
EXECUTIVE SESSION, 62
ADJOURNMENT, 631

UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:
• September 25, 2023 (to facilitate budget process) Board Meeting
• October 16, 2023 Board Meeting
• November 20, 2023 Board Meeting
• November 22 – 24, 2023 Thanksgiving Break, Campus Closed
• December 11, 2023 (Changed due to winter break) Board Meeting
• December 15, 2023 – January 3, 2024 Winter Break, Campus Closed
• January 15, 2024 MLK, Jr. Day, Campus Closed
• January 22, 2024 (Changed due to MLK, Jr. Day) Board Meeting
• February 19, 2024 Board Meeting
• March 11 – 15, 2024 Spring Break, Campus Closed
• March 18, 2024 Board Meeting
• April 15, 2024 Board Meeting
• May 20, 2024 Board Meeting
• May 27, 2024 Memorial Day, Campus Closed
• June 17, 2024 Board Meeting
Sincerely,
John Bartelsmeyer, Chair
Jason Kegler, President
FSCC’s vision for the future is to support “Students First, Community Always” through a central focus on teaching and learning; advancing strong, innovative programs and
departments; maximizing and leveraging opportunities; initiating efficient and effective processes; and developing the region’s workforce.2

ROLL CALL
_____ John Bartelsmeyer
_____ Jim Fewins
_____ Dave Elliott
_____ Kirk Hart
_____ Bryan Holt
_____ Robert Nelson3

BUDGET HEARING
A. COMMENTS FROM THE BOARD
B. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
C. APPROVAL OF BUDGET REVENUE NEUTRAL RATE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the Revenue Neutral Rate for Fort Scott Community College was calculated as 27.659 mills by the Bourbon County Clerk; and WHEREAS, the budget proposed by the Governing Body of Fort Scott Community College will
require the levy of a property tax rate exceeding the Revenue Neutral Rate; and WHEREAS, the Governing Body held a hearing on August 28, 2023 allowing all interested
taxpayers desiring to be heard an opportunity to give oral testimony; and WHEREAS, the Governing Body of Fort Scott Community College, having heard testimony, still
finds it necessary to exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY
COLLEGE:
Fort Scott Community College shall levy a property tax rate exceeding the Revenue Neutral Rate of 29.268 mills.
This resolution shall take effect and be in force immediately upon its adoption and shall remain in effect until future action is taken by the Governing Body.
Recommendation: It is recommended that the Board approve the Revenue Neutral Rate resolution as stated above.
BOARD ACTION: MOTION _____ SECOND _____ VOTE _____
DISCUSSION:
VOTE: Bartelsmeyer Elliott Fewins
Hart Holt Nelson
D. REVIEW AND ADOPTION OF THE 2023-24 YEAR BUDGET
RECOMMENDATION: It is the recommendation of administration to approve the 2023-24 budget
as presented.
BOARD ACTION: MOTION _____ SECOND _____ VOTE _____
DISCUSSION:
VOTE: Bartelsmeyer Elliott Fewins
Hart Holt Nelson4

5

6

7

CALL TO ORDER
A. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
B. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC8

CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
Attached are the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting conducted on August 28, 2023.
C. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT, BILLS and CLAIMS
Attached are the Treasurer’s Report and the Bills and Claims Report.
D. APPROVAL OF PERSONNEL ACTIONS
1) Additions
a) Lindsey Mabe, IA DOE Migrant Program Identification Specialist, effective September 1, 2023
b) Amanda McVann, IA DOE Migrant Program Identification Specialist, effective September 1, 2023
c) Mindy Smith, Cosmetology Instructor, effective September 25, 2023
d) Gina Shelton, Director of Business Operations, effective October 1, 2023
e) Sara Holder, Nursing Instructor, effective October 1, 2023
f) Blanca Perez, Regional Recruiter LA DOE Migrant Program, effective October 1, 2023
g) Traci Tucker, Data Manager LA DOE Migrant Program, effective October 1, 2023
h) Iban Gama, Regional Recruiter LA DOE Migrant Program, effective October 1, 2023
i) Lorena Roberts, Regional Recruiter LA DOE Migrant Program, effective October 1, 2023
j) Lauri Stewart, Assistant Migrant Coordinator, LA DOE Migrant Program, effective October 1, 2023


2) Separations
a) Moriah Greer, Cosmetology Instructor, effective September 11, 2023


3) Transfers
a) Allie Birket, from Assistant to the President to Instruction Office
Assistant/Concurrent Coordinator, effective September 18, 2023

RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Consent Agenda items be approved as
presented.
BOARD ACTION: MOTION _____ SECOND _____ VOTE _____
DISCUSSION:
VOTE: Bartelsmeyer Elliott Fewins
Hart Holt Nelson9

 

To view the whole packet;

9.25.23 Consent Agenda

Government, Health Care, Kansas

Rate of Uninsured Kansans Surpasses National Rate

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Census Survey: Nearly 250,000 Kansans
without Health Coverage

~~ Kansas Rate of Uninsured Per Capita Surpasses U.S. Rate
for Second Year ~~

TOPEKA – The U.S. Census Bureau recently released its American Community Survey 1-year estimates, indicating nearly 250,000 Kansans lack health insurance. The survey reflects data collected in 2022 to assess health insurance coverage rates across Kansas and the United States.

For the second consecutive year, Kansas’ uninsured rate for working-age adults surpassed the national rate. Kansas’ rate was 12.5% compared to the U.S. at 11.3%.

Governor Kelly announced yesterday that her top priority for this coming legislative session is Medicaid expansion by kicking off her “Healthy Workers, Healthy Economy” tour. Medicaid expansion would give thousands of working Kansans access to affordable health care.

“While 40 other states have expanded Medicaid, Kansas continues to lag behind the nation in health care coverage because the legislative has yet to accept the federal funding – which Kansans have already paid for through taxes – needed to get more workers insured,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “That’s unacceptable. Kansans should call their legislator and urge them to expand Medicaid this upcoming legislative session.”

Prior to the implementation of the Affordable Care Act by other states, the rate of Kansans with health care coverage was better than the nation. Since the Legislature hasn’t expanded Medicaid, the rate of uninsured Kansans has trended closer to or exceeded the national uninsured rate.
Uninsured Rates for Kansas and the United States, 2009-2022

Graph courtesy of the Kansas Health Institute.

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