Jingle Bell Market This Weekend at The Bourbon County Fair Cloverleaf Event Center

December 14, 2024 Loretta George Leave a comment

The 4th Annual Bourbon County Fair Association’s Jingle Bell Mart is this Saturday, December 14th from 9 am to 4 pm inside the Cloverleaf Event Center on the Bourbon County Fairgrounds, 2102 S. Huntington Blvd.

This event is a fundraiser for them to help maintain the fairgrounds including the barns, show ring, and rodeo arena, according to Emeila Whiteaker, event organizer.

This year there are 16 vendors including returning and new participants.

This year includes:

Blessed B Creations – Machine Embroidery items

The Market Lady – 3D printed creations

Uppa Creek Ranch – Honey

Blue Dog Wine Co.

Hamilton’s Artisan Bakery

Sally Kraft – Home Sewn items

Happy Little Candle Factory

Locust Hill Lamanch Goat Milk Products

Scentsy

Flying P Ranch – Western apparel and accessories

Gyp and Jo – Dog items

WriteOn – decorative pens

Osage Jewelry

Donna Jo Beerbower – Fudge

Tessie’s Nails – Color Street

Mmm Flavor Shop

“The Southwind Canine Club, the local 4-H dog project group will have breakfast and lunch for sale,” she said. “This fundraiser is to help them replace old/broken equipment and new equipment that is required to move to the next level. The club has three members who have completed at the Kansas State Fair and placed in the top 10 for two years.”

“Many of our vendors have items that are under $15 and make wonderful stocking Stuffers. These vendors are also long time supporters of the Bourbon County Fair Association, taking part in not only past Jingle Bell Mart but also during the Bourbon County Fair which is the third week in July.”

K-State Extension

Low-Cost Tree and Shrub Seedlings Now Available

December 14, 2024 Submitted Story Leave a comment

The Kansas Forest Service is offering low-cost conservation tree and shrub seedlings for purchase again this year. These seedlings are to be used in conservation plantings, such as home/livestock windbreaks, living snow fences, Christmas tree plantations, firewood lots, habitats for game birds and wildlife, barriers to reduce noise pollution, blocking ugly views, marking property lines and creating habitat for songbirds.

These plants are 1 or 2 years old, and their sizes vary from 12 to 18 inches, depending on species. Most of the trees are bare-root seedlings, however some are available as container-grown seedlings such as Ponderosa pine and Southwestern white pine. Some of the deciduous trees that are available include: bald cypress, black walnut, bur oak, cottonwood, hackberry, redbud, and sycamore. Shrubs available include American plum, chokecherry, lilac, and sand hill plum. This is not a complete listing of available trees and not all trees are recommended for this area.

The Kansas Forest Service also offers tree “bundles” for purchase. The Quail Bundle offers a variety of shrubs designed to attract quail, including American plum, fragrant sumac, golden current and chokecherry. It was created in cooperation with Quail Forever to provide excellent food and habitat for upland bird species in eastern Kansas.

Another popular favorite is the pollinator bundle. Designed to improve the habitat for a diverse array of pollinating insects, it primarily focuses on native bees, honey bees, butterflies and moths. This bundle is composed of seven species of shrubs and small trees – American plum, chokecherry, golden currant, false indigo, elderberry, buttonbush and eastern redbud.

Not certain what you would like to order? Stop by the Extension office and pick up a brochure that has color pictures of various trees and shrubs at maturity. Orders for conservation trees are accepted January 2^nd through April 30^th, with shipments beginning in March. However, I recommend that you order early to ensure availability of trees.

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Fort Scott Community College, Government

FSCC Trustees Agenda for December 16

December 13, 2024 Submitted Story Leave a comment

To view the entire packet:

12.16.24 Consent Agenda

December 16, 2024
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,
December 16, 2024. The meeting will be held in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall at Fort Scott
Community College.
5:30 p.m. Regular monthly Board meeting
THE AGENDA
5:30 ROLL CALL, 3
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
MISSION STATEMENT
Fort Scott Community College is an institution of higher learning with a long history of culture and
diversity that provides affordable academic, technical and occupational programs to meet student needs while
fostering a mutually supportive relationship between the college and its communities.
CALL TO ORDER, 4
A. Comments from the Chair, 4
B. Comments from the Public, 4
C. Housing Update, 4
CONSENT AGENDA, 5
A. Approval of Agenda, 5
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on November 18, 2024, 6
C. Approval of Bills and Claims, 8
D. Approval of Personnel Actions, 5
E. Approval of Gordon Parks Board Member Actions, 5
DISCUSSION ITEMS, 30
A. Board Retreat Dates, 30
B. Meeting Streaming, 30
ACTION ITEMS, 31
A. Resolution 2024 – 74: Consideration of Peaceful Assembly Policy, 31
B. Resolution 2024 – 75: Consideration of Progressive Discipline Policy, 34
C. Resolution 2024 – 76: Consideration of Faculty Qualifications Policy, 38
D. Resolution 2024 – 77: Consideration of Conflict of Interest Policy, 45
E. Resolution 2024 – 78: Consideration of Credit Hour Policy, 50
F. Resolution 2024 – 79: Consideration of Purchasing Policy, 52
G. Resolution 2024 – 80: Consideration of Employee Handbook Updates, Part 2, 58
H. Resolution 2024 – 81: Consideration of Construction Technology Program Revisions, 110
I. Resolution 2024 – 82: Consideration of Security Awareness Training Solution Purchase, 115
J. Resolution 2024 – 83: Approval of Hot Water Tank Replacement Expenses, 138
K. Resolution 2024 – 84: Consideration of Digital Marketing Service Contract, 140
REPORTS, 1621

EXECUTIVE SESSION, 172
ADJOURNMENT, 173
UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:
• December 16, 2024 Board Meeting
• December 20, 2024 – January 3, 2025 Campus Closed – Winter Break
• January 20, 2025 Campus Closed – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• January 21, 2025 Spring Semester Begins
• January 27, 2025 (Changed from January 20 due Board Meeting
to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)
• February 17, 2025 Board Meeting
• March 24, 2025 (Changed from March 17 due Board Meeting
to spring break)
• March 17 – 21, 2025 Campus Closed – Spring Break
• March 28, 2025 Aggie Day
• April 18, 2025 Campus Closed – Good Friday
• April 21, 2025 Board Meeting
• May 19, 2025 Board Meeting
• May 26, 2025 Campus Closed -Memorial Day
• June 16, 2025 Board Meeting
Sincerely,
Bryan Holt, Chair
Sara Sutton, Interim 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
_____ Ronda Bailey
_____ John Bartelsmeyer
_____ Jim Fewins
_____ Bryan Holt
_____ Chad McKinnis
_____ Doug Ropp3

CALL TO ORDER
A. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
B. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
C. HOUSING UPDATE4

CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
Attached are the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting conducted on November 18,
2024
C. APPROVAL OF BILLS and CLAIMS
Attached are the Treasurer’s and Bills and Claims Report.
D. APPROVAL OF PERSONNEL ACTIONS
Additions
1) Sandy Tucker, CAMP Tutor/Mentor, effective January 6, 2025
2) Heidi Martinez, Allied Health Instructor, effective January 6, 2025
3) Lillie Grubb, Accounting Clerk – Part Time, effective January 6, 2025
4) Carolyn Smith, Foundation Assistant, effective Janauay 6, 2025
Separations with IDEA Transition, effective December 31, 2024
Matthew Campbell
Marivel Chavez
Paulin Conde
Mayte Fuentes
Sierra Higginbotham
Adriana Holguin
Janet Reynolds
Faustino Rosales
Magdalena Rosales
Melanie Stuart-Campbell
Yasmine Lennon
Allie Birket
Steve Britt
John Fink
Mikel Fire
CJ Heaton
Pam Hightower
Jennifer Quick
Leticia Suastegui
Tracie Kalic
Jessica Castaneda
Melissa Schelah
E. APPROVAL OF GORDON PARKS BOARD MEMBER PERSONNEL ACTIONS
Additions
1) Angel Wilson, effective January 1, 2025
Separations
1) Debra Wood, effective January 1, 2025
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Consent Agenda items be approved as presented.
BOARD ACTION: MOTION _____ SECOND _____ VOTE _____
DISCUSSION:
VOTE: Bailey Bartelsmeyer Fewins
Holt McKinnis Ropp5
Separations
1)Philip Redrick, Head Track and Field Coach, effective December 31, 2024

Fort Scott Community College, Government

Minutes of the FSCC Trustees Meeting on November 18

December 13, 2024 Submitted Story Leave a comment

FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
November 18, 2024
PRESENT: Ronda Bailey, John Bartelsmeyer, Jim Fewins, Bryan Holt, Chad McKinnis, and Doug Ropp
ALSO PRESENT: Sara Sutton – Interim President, Juley McDaniel – Board Clerk, faculty, staff, community members
Chairman Holt called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm in the meeting rooms of the Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Agriculture Building.
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and Holt reading FSCC’s mission statement.
COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: None
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: None
TRIO PROGRAM UPDATE: TRIO Director Holli Mason provided a summary of the TRIO program to the
Board. TRIO is a federally funded grant focused on increasing college graduation and retention rates and/or transfer
rates from a 2 year to 4 year program. The program serves 150 students per year that meet at least one of the
identified criteria (low-income, first generation, or documented disability). The program has to provide tutoring,
advising, assistance with completing FAFSA, financial literacy, and information regarding federal student aid. Most
of the program’s time is spent in individualized counseling for personal, career, and academic information.
Approximately 15 FSCC employees outside of the TRIO employees serve as TRIO mentors. FSCC receives 8% of
TRIO’s budgeted funds in administrative allowance. The program operates on a five year grant cycle, and FSCC
has already reapplied for 2025-2030 with help from Bonnie Houk from Greenbush.
CONSENT AGENDA:
A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Ropp, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the consent agenda,
noting that the executive session will be moved to occur between Discussion Items and Action Items.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A. PEACEFUL ASSEMBLY POLICY: The board reviewed a proposed policy regarding peaceful
assembly. The policy will be presented for approval at the next board meeting.
B. PROGRESSIVE DISCIPLINE POLICY: The board reviewed a proposed policy regarding progressive
discipline. The policy will be presented for approval at the next board meeting. Holt clarified an
assumption of human resources’ involvement throughout the process, as well as the need to training of
supervisors on the process.
C. FACULTY QUALIFICATIONS POLICY: The board reviewed a proposed policy regarding faculty
qualifications. The policy will be presented for approval at the next board meeting.
D. CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY: The board reviewed a proposed policy regarding employee
conflicts of interest. The policy will be presented for approval at the next board meeting. In the Annual
Disclosure section the policy references the Board of Regents instead of Board of Trustees, so will need
revised.
E. CREDIT HOUR POLICY: The board reviewed a proposed credit hour policy. The policy will be
presented for approval at the next board meeting.
F. PURCHASING POLICY: The board reviewed a proposed purchasing policy. The policy will be
presented for approval at the next board meeting.6
G. EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK UPDATES, PART 2: The board reviewed proposed revisions to the
employee handbook. This section will be presented for approval at the next board meeting. Suggested
revisions should be provided before the next board meeting.
H. MEETING STREAMING: FSCC stopped streaming some months ago in an effort to support a
minimally staffed IT Department. The Board discussed the pros and cons of streaming meetings, including
what other public entities and community colleges stream meetings. The Board would like feedback from
other entities that do or don’t stream.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion was made by Bailey, seconded by Bartelsmeyer, and carried by unanimous
vote to adjourn to executive session for fifteen minutes beginning at 6:25 pm for the purpose of discussing non-
elected personnel as it relates to discussion of identifiable information of non-elected personnel with action not
expected to follow. The Board invited Sonia Gugnani and Sara Sutton to join.
OPEN SESSION: A motion was made by Bailey, seconded by Ropp, and carried by unanimous vote to return to
open session at 6:41 pm.
ACTION ITEMS:
A. Resolution 2024 – 68: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer seconded by Ropp, and carried by unanimous
vote to approve the Family and Medical Leave Policy.
B. Resolution 2024 – 69: A motion was made by Bailey, seconded by Bartelsmeyer, and carried by
unanimous vote to approve the International Student Deposit Policy.
C. Resolution 2024 – 70: A motion was made by Ropp, seconded by Bartelsmeyer, and carried by unanimous
vote to approve Employee Handbook Updates, Part 1.
D. Resolution 2024 – 71: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by
unanimous vote to approve the revised Substance Abuse Policy.
E. Resolution 2024 – 72: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Ropp, and carried by unanimous
vote to approve the revised Program Review Policy.
F. Resolution 2024 – 73: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by
unanimous vote to approve the 3 BCBS health plans as presented, the BCBS dental plan as presented, and
the EyeMed vision plan as presented.
G. Resolution 2024 – 74: A motion was made by Bailey, seconded by McKinnis, and carried by unanimous
vote to reject the sublease agreement from Southeastern Technical Academy for Rural Students (STARS)
in the interest of having further conversation with STARS.
H. Resolution 2024 – 75: A motion was made by Ropp, seconded by Bartelsmeyer, and carried by unanimous
vote to approve the commercial real estate sales contract for the property at 810 Burke Street.
REPORTS:
• ADMINISTRATION – The Board reviewed and heard updates from Academic Affairs, Student Services,
Foundation, Finance and Operations, and the Interim President.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at
7:50 pm by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Bailey, and carried by unanimous vote.

Bourbon County

Grief Share Support Group Starts on January 7

December 13, 2024 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Obituary

Obituary of Dawnelle Ornstein

December 13, 2024 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Dawnelle Rose Ornstein, age 36, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at her home. She was born April 30, 1988, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Jimmy Dean Kimler and Donna Chaplin. After completing high school, Dawnelle went on to become a CNA.

She was united in marriage to Alan Ornstein on May 9, 2009. Dawnelle and Alan’s wedding ceremony was held at Elm Creek Lake west of Ft. Scott.

Dawnelle had worked as a CNA and as a clerk at Five Corners Mini Mart. Currently she was working as a customer service representative for Clarity Insurance Company, formerly Cobalt.

Her most important job, however, was being a loving and devoted wife and mother. Dawnelle loved being a mom and faithfully attended her sons’ sporting events. She also enjoyed being outdoors. Favorite times were spent camping with her family or going for a ride on the motorcycle.

Survivors include her husband, Alan and their three boys, Terrian Joseph, Tavian Alan and Talan Dean, all of the home in Ft. Scott. Also surviving is her mother, Donna Chaplin of Ft. Scott and a brother, Jody Chaplin, of Uniontown, Kansas and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Dawnelle was preceded in death by her father and a sister, Cherokee Springston.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, December 18^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Large Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Tuesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Dawnelle Ornstein Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Bourbon County, Government

Letters of Interest Sought For Redistricting Process To Expand Bourbon County Commission

December 13, 2024 Loretta George Leave a comment

Representation from each district is desired for the redistricting. Map taken from the Bourbon County website.

At the December 12 Bourbon County Commission meeting Commissioner Clifton Beth asked resident Michael Hoyt to assemble a citizens group to oversee the redistricting process that was approved in the November 2024 election.

Letters of Interest to participate in the redistricting process of Bourbon County expanding the County Commission from 3 to 5 persons are needed for the process.

“In my opinion, I feel that each current commissioner district should be represented to oversee this process,” Hoyt said in an email to fortscott.biz. “… I am seeking letters of interest from anyone who would like to participate; any Bourbon County elector and must be able to meet from 9 am to 5 pm since we will need the ability to communicate with state officials and county employees elected and non-elected. Letters can be sent to my address: P.O. Box 1009, Fort Scott, KS 66701. “

“You must be available for the meeting from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. since I expect the committee will be working with state and county officials both elected and non-elected,” Hoyt said.

“Time is short to meet the required deadline, so your interest must be received by December 20, 2024, and I would anticipate working through the holiday period”

Representation from all 3 current districts is the expectation, he said.

“All letters will receive a confirmation of receipt and be presented for selection by the Commission..or send it to me in an email at [email protected]. The first meeting will be held immediately following the Commission meeting on December 19, 2024.”

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Youth

Outdoor Rink Attracts 365 Skaters During Opening Weekend

December 13, 2024 Loretta George 2 Comments

The rink named Glide is located at the Gathering Pavilion on North National Avenue.

The new outdoor skating rink in Fort Scott had approximately 365 people skate the opening weekend during the Christmas on the Bricks Festival on December 6-8.

The Glide is a synthetic ice skating rink that is located at the Gathering Pavilion on North National Avenue.

“Everyone that has visited the rink seems to be enjoying it,” Diane Striler, the event organizer said. “One of the best things we overheard was a little girl who told her mom that now they don’t have to go up to Kansas City to skate.”

Diane Striler and her husband Dean at last year’s Christmas on the Bricks. Submitted photo.

Free tickets to skate now available

“We have three groups that have purchased tickets so kids can skate for free.

1. anonymous donor – 100 tickets

2. Farmer Philanthropy/Carla Farmer – 100 tickets

3. Fort Scott Kiwanis – 50 tickets

Kiwanis Pioneers- 50 tickets

“Skate aides are available for $2 per skater-free for those with disabilities,” Striler said.

Tickets can be picked up at the Fort Scott Chamber – 231 E Wall St- 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“All workers at the rink are coordinated through The Fort Scott Area Chamber Foundation,” she said.

Appreciation For Those Who Helped Bring Rink To Fruition

“We would like to recognize the donors of the rink,” said Striler. “We especially wanted to thank Al and Luanna Niece for their amazing contribution of $25,000.”

Skating rink donors are listed on the skate storage/payment room at the rink site.

“The ones below the Nieces donated $5,000 and down to $500,” Striler said.

“The graphic (below) is all the individuals that donated their time toward the contruction for the rink and set up,” she said.

The list of those who helped with getting the set up completed at the skating rink.

“The list (above) includes everyone that monetarily donated at all levels toward the rink, helped with fundraisers and we also wanted to thank the bakers that helped with the Pumpkin Roll Fundraiser – Taira Williams, Jamie Beckham, Joyce Davenport and Jolynne Mitchell and Fort Scott Broadcasting for helping us get out all the information. We want to thank these people and everyone that contributed in any way,” Striler said.

Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Dec. 13

December 13, 2024 Submitted Story Leave a comment

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12-13-24 R

Opinion

Stuck in a Rut by Patty LaRoche

December 13, 2024 Loretta George Leave a comment

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

Last week, I wrote about our camping trip to the Dunes, sand hills in California that cover over 800 acres and rise 500 feet in the air. Crazy drivers race up and down the mountains or zigzag their way through the sand canyons. Ambulances await at the entrance for the call that they are needed, a common occurrence.

Our family gets there the week before Thanksgiving to find a level spot at the top of the camping arena. From there, they can see hundreds of motor homes and campers scattered across the terrain. Those who attempt to camp on higher ground frequently find that their trucks, pulling their RV’s, do not have the appropriate tires for sufficient traction. The men in our group were called upon not a few times to tow someone out.

The first day Dave and I were there, we watched as an inexperienced driver needed help. His dual-wheeled truck, towing a large R.V., was stuck, so Haley, one of the men in our group, pulled his truck in front of the stranded one, tied on a heavy-duty tow strap, and explained to the other driver how he needed to “gun it” when Haley raised his arm. Three times, the man failed to obey. He waited for the pull of the strap before he pressed on the gas instead of pushing on the gas first. Haley’s truck now was spinning its wheels, sand spraying everywhere.

The fourth attempt, the man unattached his RV, did what he was told, and was pulled out of the sand. Had he just listened and obeyed the first time!

Sometimes when in a rut, we, like the stranded man in this story, try to dig ourselves out instead of relying on other’s expertise. After all, we know better, right? Who needs GPS when common sense tells us how to get to our desired destination (says Hubby)? Why should we listen to the doctor’s instructions to rest when we have umpteen pressing errands to run? What’s wrong with listening to a divorce lawyer instead of a Christian counselor?

It’s no different in our spiritual life. How many times have I, when I am in a mess, called a friend instead of calling God to help me out, even though my friend’s advice is anything but godly. “You don’t deserve to be treated like that”; “I hope you gave her a piece of your mind”; “Don’t ever say you’re sorry.”

In 1 Kings 12, we read a tragic story of King Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, making a bad choice instead of asking God for advice. After Solomon’s death, Rehoboam was in line to be king. His job was to unify Judah and Israel. The Israelites begged him to lighten the workload Solomon had laid on them. After consulting the elders who had served Solomon for advice, he ignored their answer: “If today you will be a servant to these people and serve them and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your servants.”

Rehoboam instead listened to his guy-pals who said the yoke should be heavier, not lighter. The Israelites rebelled. Instead of unifying the two countries, his actions divided them. One of the saddest scriptures is found in 2 Chron. 12:13-14 which describes Rehoboam’s demise: “And he did evil, for he did not set his heart to seek Yahweh.” Sometimes pride gets in our way and doesn’t allow us to yield to the opinion of a more knowledgeable person. And we suffer. But not turning to God? Only if we wish to dig ourselves into a deeper rut should we ever make that choice.

Church news, Entertainment, Fort Scott