Pete’s Corporation Hosts Fundraiser For Court Appointed Advocates For Children
CASA PROGRAMS IN 3 STATES BENEFIT FROM PLEDGE FUNDRAISER SPONSORED BY PETE’S CORPORATION OF ERIE DURING OCTOBER
Pete’s Corporation of Erie is hosting a pledge card fundraiser and other individual planned activities by each store on behalf of Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA) during the month of October. Pete’s operates 54 convenience stores and fuel stations in Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma and is in the 11th year of their ongoing special effort to fund increased services by CASA to abused and neglected children in the court system through no fault of their own. This year the fundraiser will benefit 6 individual CASA Programs in the region; CASA of the 31st Judicial District, CASA of the 4th, Bourbon County CASA and Tri-County CASA in Southeast Kansas; Child Advocates of Northeast Oklahoma and CASA of Jasper County in Missouri.
“Pinwheels for Prevention – Partners for Children” is an easy, stress-free and fun way to help children overcome abuse and neglect with CASA’s help. Pete’s cashiers will ask you to donate and all you do is say YES! You get to sign a Pinwheel Pledge Card and hang it in the store to commemorate your donation. It you donate $5 or more you get a raffle ticket good for a chance at winning a $25 prize in each store at the end of October. Then, the winners from each store will go on to a GRAND PRIZE DRAWING at the end of October for $250 at Pete’s Corporate Office in Parsons. Winners will be contacted by telephone, so be sure to include your number!
The funds raised are used to recruit, train, prepare, and support Volunteer Advocates who are specially trained by CASA and appointed by County Judges to help children who have been found to be in need of care by the court. The CASA Advocates partner with the children, speak up for their best interest in court and help guide them successfully through their time in foster care. Once appointed, the CASA is always there for the child until they are released from custody. CASA focuses on the needs of the children, spending less time in foster care, getting the right services to benefit them and making sure the Judge has all the information needed at Court time. Fundraising proceeds have also been used in emergencies and to pay for athletics, music lessons, summer camp, winter coats, Christmas gifts, adoption gifts, life books and special equipment and special clothing for children in the CASA programs. CASA programs are non-profit and must raise their own funds to operate. CASA Advocates are volunteers.
Pete’s Corporation has made the Pinwheel Fundraiser a competition between stores, area managers and district managers, offering corporate incentives to all employees to do their best for CASA. From there the managers and employees have gotten very creative and have taken the competition to heart! All stores do something special or host an event to supplement the fundraiser and many do some truly zany but really fun things! Several managers have taken cream pies to the face if the store reaches a set goal or offered to get dunked in a water tank for extra money; others have thrown a BBQ or pizza party when employees post so many pledge cards. There were dueling bake sales between stores in the same town; car washes that got drowned by rain but continued anyway; body painting; dance-a-thons; characters greeting customers; lotto winnings donated by employees and customers and public competition to have the most pinwheels on the wall! At the end CASA awards trophies and publicly recognizes the top 6 Pete’s Corporation Stores in several categories and representatives from each CASA program are on hand to congratulate them. A media event is planned for December 14th at the Convention Center in Parsons, KS.
Pete’s Corporation of Erie and CASA invite everyone to join the fun and help unfortunate children at the same time. Children who did nothing wrong but wound up in foster care anyway. Donations to CASA are fully tax deductable and CASA is recognized as a 501(c)(3) charity by the IRS.
Chamber After-hours hosted by Union State Bank onOctober 12
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Wash Wednesday Starts Nov. 1
Live Professional Wrestling returns to Ft. Scott at Memorial Hall!
Harley Race’s World League Wrestling comes to Ft. Scott on Saturday, October 21st!
Professional Wrestling has been a staple in the Midwest of America for decades. Make the rounds from city to city, town to town, generations of families have been going to live pro-wrestling events for decades all over America, including Ft. Scott, KS. On Saturday October 21st, the first wrestling event to take place in decades will be held at the historic Memorial Hall.
Harley Race’s World League Wrestling is coming to town, and when people hear the name Harley Race, they know there is a level quality that comes along with it. Created by the 8-Time NWA World’s Heavyweight Champion and WWE Hall of Famer, Harley Race started WLW in 1999 with the intentions of giving fans an alternative that is based around what fans want to see – true professional wrestling. Today, the promotion is as strong as ever and is looking forward to coming to Memorial Hall and Ft. Scott.
“Wrestling fans are in for a treat come October 21st” said WLW wrestler Leland Race, “it has been close to 40 years since professional wrestling has been at Memorial Hall and we are looking forward to showing up and showing out!”
Matches scheduled to take place include WLW Heavyweight Champion Superstar Steve defending his championship against Ben Trust, WLW Tag-Team Champions Leland Race and Camaro Jackson defending their championships against The Premiere (SK Bishop and Campbell Myers). Other wrestlers scheduled to appear include Moses “The Deliverer”, Rahim de la Suede, Kenny Alfonso, Aden Riley, and more!
This event will be taped for the World League Wrestling flagship television program – “SHOWDOWN” – that currently airs in 15 markets across America including St. Louis, MO, Columbia, MO, Dallas, TX, New York, NY, Indianapolis, IN, and many more.
Make sure that you make plans on attending the event on October 21st at the historic Memorial Hall in Ft. Scott, KS. Doors for this event will open at 6 PM and bell time is at 7 PM. Ticket prices start at $20. Prices for tickets will rise the day of the event, so get yours now and don’t miss out!. For more information, visit www.advancebourboncounty.com or call 573-392-4100.
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Hydrophonics is Coming to a Local School System
Hydroponics is coming to Uniontown’s school district.
Hydroponics is the technique of growing plants using a water-based nutrient solution rather than soil, according to https://www.nal.usda.gov/farms-and-agricultural-production-systems/hydroponics
“USD 235 is excited to be the recipient of a hydroponic shipping container farm through a grant awarded to the Kansas Division of Children and Families,” USD 235 Superintendent Vance Eden said. “It was announced on September 11th, 2023 that Community Green Farms of Pittsburg Kansas would receive just over $1,000,000 to bring seven southeast Kansas counties vertical hydroponic container farms.”
“Uniontown Schools has been selected to be the recipient for Bourbon Couty,” Eden said. “These shipping containers use state-of-the-art technology to efficiently produce hyper-organic products in significant quantities within a minimal footprint.”
The greens grown will be consumed at the two school building’s cafeterias in the district.
“Not only will this space serve as a hands-on learning environment that will be used across the spectrum of ages and courses, but it will also provide produce that can be consumed in our cafeterias,” he said. “We believe this opportunity will serve students and their futures in dynamic and tangible ways.”
The container has been ordered and will be placed on the school campus during the last week of November.
“Then, the setup of the farm and training for key staff will take place in December,” he said. “This means that it will be in production and available for student and teacher use during the second semester.”
“Mrs. Delta Pollock will be a leader, helping staff and students step into this new experience with confidence while Mrs. Shayla Knight will manage the food-service portion of vegetable production for our cafeterias,” he said.
Learning and adjusting will be part of the process of integrating hydroponics into learning experiences for the students in USD 235, he said.
“We eagerly jump into this opportunity with dreams and excitement for the impact that can be realized,” Eden said.
Once the container farm is established, community members will be invited to an open house “to see and taste what this new opportunity looks like in person,” Eden said.
“We want to publicly acknowledge Community Green Farms in their selection of USD 235 as the recipient and commend them on their commitment to bringing these opportunities to southeast Kansas schools at no cost,” he said.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Oct. 19
Chamber After-Hours and Ribbon Cutting Mill Creek Veterinary Clinic October 19
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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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