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Former Mercy Building Now SEK Mental Health and Ashley Clinic

Yesterday, September 11, a mental health and medical care clinic opened in the former Mercy Hospital building.
“All services with Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center will now be offered at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd.,” said Dawne Burchett, SEKMHC Manager of Prevention and Promotion. “We are very excited!”
The center will be serving from Suites B and C and hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Contact: 620.223.5030.
Crisis services are available 24/7 at 1-866-973-2241.

The Ashley Clinic has had two doctors seeing patients in Suite A since the summer.
Dr. Jason Robinson, a urologist, has been seeing patients in Fort Scott since 2016. Starting in August, he has seen patients on the first Wednesday and the second Friday of each month.
Dr. Yi Ying Law, a general surgeon, started seeing patients in July in Fort Scott in the afternoon on the second and fourth Monday of each month.
Contact information for them is: 620-431-2500
Partners in Health Care
Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center (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.
One of the most challenging aspects of whole-person wellness is that individuals often see providers for their physical and mental health in different locations with different systems of care, according to a prior press release. With this partnership, there can be continuity of care where all providers can work as a team to help people achieve better health outcomes.
In the ever-changing healthcare environment, SEKMHC and Ashley Clinic are committed to providing resources to their employees and becoming a preferred employer in the community, according to the release.
Ashley Clinic
Ashley Clinic, founded by Dr. Samuel Ashley and his son Dr. George “Ed” Ashley in 1938, has a long-standing history of making quality healthcare accessible in Southeast Kansas. Services provided include e-visits, convenient care clinics, laboratory services, imaging services, immunizations, diabetes education, specialty clinics, sneak peek 3D/4D sonograms, and a pharmacy with locations in Chanute and Humboldt.
SEKMHC
Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center, established in 1961 as a non-profit organization, employs evidence-based practices and a whole-person approach to provide individualized treatment to clients for better overall health. They offer services and programs in the following counties: Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Linn, Neosho, and Woodson. SEKMHC has offices in seven southeast Kansas communities: Iola, Chanute, Humboldt, Fort Scott, Pleasanton, Garnett, and Yates Center.
Core services include outpatient psychiatry, therapy, consultation, chemical abuse counseling, addiction counseling, case management, educational and skill-building groups, specialty training, physical healthcare coordination, and 24/7 crisis intervention services.
SEKMHC became a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) in 2022. Find more information at sekmhc.org
USD234 Board Meeting Met On Sept. 11
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, September 11, 2023
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, September 11, 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
- 08/14/2023 Regular Meeting
- 08/28/2023 Special Meeting – Revenue Neutral Hearing
- 08/28/2023 Special Meeting – Budget Hearing
- Financials-Cash Flow Report
- Check Register
- Payroll – August 20, 2023 – $1,437,854.99
- Activity Fund accounts
- USD 234 Gifts
- SITE Council Dates & Members
- MOU with SEK Mental Health for Mental Health Intervention Program
- Resolution 23-08: Banking Account Signers
- Investment of Funds Ratification
- Resolution 23-09: KMIP User Changes
- Appoint Destry Brown, KERMP designated representative
- Appoint Shawn O’Brien to KPERS Designated Agent
- Appoint Candace Jobe to Board Clerk
The Fort Scott High School Performing Arts Department was recognized as the Certified Tiger Team members of the month. The Department was selected as a finalist in KSHSAA Performing Arts School of Excellence Award. Justin Robinson, FSHS/FSMS Band Teacher, Carson Felt, FSHS/FSMS Orchestra Teacher, Angie Bin, FSHS Drama/Thespian Teacher, and Tyler Slinkard, FSHS Debate & Forensics Teacher attended, and the board recognized them. Each gave an update on their programs.
Jon Barnes, FSHS Social Studies Teacher, was recognized for being nominated for the Kansas Horizon Award by USD 234. Mr. Barnes is in his second year of teaching.
Jessica Phillips, Fort Scott Middle School Kitchen Manager, was recognized by Superintendent Brown as the Classified Tiger Team member of the month. Mrs. Phillips has worked for the district for over 10 years. She was recognized for a well-run kitchen and creating a fun atmosphere.
Assistant Superintendent Dalaina Smith updated the board on the food service program where students eat free this school year, After-School Child Care program, iReady professional development and the required annual staff training. Mrs. Smith discussed a more formalized process for 504 plans.
Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, provided a written report to the board.
Gina Shelton, Finance Director, updated the board on the financial audit, Household Surveys which allow for waiver of fees, bond payments, and credit card rebate. Mrs. Shelton provided the current balance in ESSER funds.
David Stewart recognized Gina Shelton for her service to the district.
Superintendent Destry Brown discussed the options for fulfilling the open board vacancy. There was discussion among the board with no action, but consensus to wait to fill the opening until after the board elections in November.
The board approved the following items:
- Purchase from TBS Electronics in the amount of $63,055
- Patterson Family Grant in the amount of $50,000 to pay for tuition reimbursement for staff
- KDHE Test to Stay Grant in the amount of $205,588.05 to go toward nursing salaries and supplies
- Personnel Report following
The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.
President Stewart adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT
September 11, 2023
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
- Hardwick, Lauren – Resignation – Fort Scott High School Paraprofessional
- Miles, Lacey – Resignation – Fort Scott High School Paraprofessional
- Shelton, Gina – Resignation – Finance Director/Board Clerk
- Wood, Lannette – Resignation – Eugene Ware Elementary Paraprofessional
LEAVE OF ABSENCE
- Weddle, Codee – Leave of Absence – Winfield Scott Paraprofessional
EMPLOYMENT:
Classified Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:
- Hensley, Charlie – Transportation Director
- Pryor, Kyra – Eugene Ware Elementary Paraprofessional
Goals & Evaluation Schedule for Superintendent Destry Brown
US. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter
Remembering 9/11
Today, we pause to remember the men and women who lost their lives 22 years ago in the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001. We will never forget the victims of those attacks or the heroes who saved lives that day.
We are grateful to the Americans who answered the call to defend our country in the wake of 9/11. We owe them a debt of gratitude that we can never fully repay.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Sept. 12
Obituary of Arch Floyd Forkner
Arch Floyd Forkner, Richards, MO went to join the Lord on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at the age of 94, after living a full and active life. He was born December 28, 1928, in rural Vernon County; the youngest son of the late Archie Floyd Forkner and Lula Reynolds Forkner. He married Carol Stamps on August 6, 1950, in Nevada, MO, and she preceded him in death in 2007.
Arch lived in the Metz area for almost his entire life, graduating from Metz High School Class of 1947. He served in the United States Army from 1951-1953, in Korea, and returned home to farm with his father in the Rinehart area.
They raised row crops, Registered Polled Herefords, and hogs. Arch farmed most of his life and was an advocate of soil and water conservation. Arch was an earlier adopter of the Balanced Farming system. He sold both crop insurance and seed for many years.
He was a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Arch was a member of Rinehart Christian Church, but also served many years at Community Christian Church, Ft. Scott, KS.
He also served as a Vernon County Commissioner for several terms. He was an avid supporter of the Vernon County Youth Fair, 4-H, and FFA.
Arch enjoyed attending dirt track races, playing cards, and attending Nevada Tiger Athletics.
He never met a stranger, enjoyed visiting with people, and loved music.
Arch is survived by his daughter, Sherrie (Craig) Davidson, Broken Arrow, OK; his son, Tim (Tammy) Forkner, Richards MO; three grandsons: Daniel (Bethany) Davidson, Springfield, OR, Nathan (Ashley) Forkner, Richards, MO, and Peter (Sara) Davidson, Broken Arrow, OK; two granddaughters, Rebekah (Chris) Terry, Broken Arrow, OK, and Christy (Phil) Witt, Neosho, MO; and 18 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 14, 2023, at the Rinehart Christian Church, Richards, MO, with Pastors Kevin Moyer and Daniel Davidson officiating.
Interment will follow in National Cemetery, Ft. Scott, KS. Friends may call now and until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada, MO, with the family receiving friends 5-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may contribute in his memory to the RICM (Rural India Christian Mission) or the Vernon County Youth Fair c/o Ferry Funeral Home.
Obituary of David Hoskin
David Eugene Hoskin, age 85, a former resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas and more recently of Nevada, Missouri, passed away Saturday, September 9, 2023, at his home in Nevada. He was born December 17, 1937, in Ft. Scott, the son of Frank Hoskin, Sr. and Frances Readinger Hoskin. David graduated from the Ft. Scott High School with the Class of 1956 and then graduated from Ft. Scott Junior College. David began working at the age of nine where he worked as a pin setter at a local bowling alley. During high school years, he worked at Ft. Scott Printing. In 1958, David joined the United States Army. He faithfully served his country for three years; two of these years were spent at Tompkins Barracks in Schwetzingen, Baden-Wurttenburg, Germany. Following his military service, David returned to Ft. Scott and married Sue Harris on October 7, 1961, in Miami, Oklahoma. He took a position with the Western Insurance Company where he remained for over twenty years. After that company closed, he worked a short time for Lincoln National Insurance Company and then worked for ten years as a purchasing agent for DayCo. He retired at the age of fifty-nine. He later found out that retirement was not for him and took a part-time position as a courtesy driver for Mercy Hospital. David was a man of faith; he was a charter member of the Westpark Church of the Nazarene and later attended the First Baptist Church both in Ft. Scott. He faithfully served his church in a number of ways. David enjoyed watching the KU Jayhawks, and the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals. He also enjoyed attending his grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s sporting events and activities. He will be remembered for his sense of humor and the many practical jokes he played on his family.
Survivors include his wife, Sue, of the home in Nevada; three daughters, Shelly Henry (Larry) and Melissa Hoskin all of Olathe, Kansas and Marla Miller (Kirk) of Nevada, Missouri. Also surviving are eight grandchildren, Lerin Combs, Taylor Rodriguez, Arley Hoskin, Tempest Lane, Breanna Morrison, Amory Maley, Payton Miller and Jansen Miller and nine great-grandchildren, Aidan, Tristan, Landon, Brynlee, Halle, Roman, Athea, Ryder and Breckan. Dave was preceded in death by a daughter, Micah Denise Hoskin as well as his parents, an infant sister, Frances Sue Hoskin and a brother Frank Hoskin, Jr.
There was cremation. Pastor Norman Tillotson will conduct a memorial service at 12:30 P.M. Friday, September 15th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial with military honors will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday from 11:30 A.M. until service time at the chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online
Bo Co Amended Agenda for Today
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
September 11, 2023 5:30 p.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute Followed by Prayer
- Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 8-28-2023 and 9-7-2023
- Approval of Payroll Totaling $237,409.87
- Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $408,015.91
- Brad Matkin-Fort Scott City Manager-Request to Waive Fees at the Bourbon County Landfill for Disposal of Building owned by Department of Child and Family Services at 2 S. National
- Public Comments
- Department Updates
- Public Works
- Appointment of Marmaton Township Clerk
- EMS-4,000 Walmart grant award
- EMS- Marmaton Massacre (Teri Hulsey)
- Justin Meeks-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(2)
- 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.
Amended Agenda for the Bo Co Commission Today at 5:30 p.m.
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
September 11, 2023 5:30 p.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute Followed by Prayer
- Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 8-28-2023 and 9-7-2023
- Approval of Payroll Totaling $237,409.87
- Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $408,015.91
- Public Comments
- Department Updates
- Public Works
- Brad Matkin-Fort Scott City Manager-Request to Waive Fees at the Bourbon County Landfill for Disposal of Building owned by Department of Child and Family Services at 2 S. National
- Appointment of Marmaton Township Clerk
- EMS-4,000 Walmart grant award
- EMS- Marmaton Massacre (Teri Hulsey)
- Justin Meeks-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(2)
- 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.
Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes Sept. Newsletter
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September 11, 2023 Volume 10 |
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We know you all are filled with anticipation for the upcoming announcement of the Discovery Award winners, and we appreciate your enthusiasm! Please mark your calendars for the updated announcement date: Wednesday, September 20th. We promise it will be a day filled with celebration, inspiration, and the recognition of outstanding students and their Unsung Hero Projects. |
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UPCOMING EVENTS |
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ARTEFFECT UPDATES |
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ARTEFFECT Ambassadors is a new online fellowship with a stipend of $1250! Tailored for educators working directly with K-12 students, the ARTEFFECT Ambassadors program aims to foster the visual arts. During the 2023-2024 school year, Ambassadors participate in online modules exploring the diverse stories of Unsung Heroes from history. They will complete a capstone project to make an impact on their classrooms and communities. Applications due: September 18, 2023. Learn more: bit.ly/ARTEFFECT-Ambassadors |
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FELLOWS NEWS & UPDATES |
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Recently, the Milken Educator Awards newsletter featured a wonderful article titled “A ‘Life-Changing Experience’: 2023 Fellows Explore LMC’s Unsung Heroes.” We encourage you to click the linked article to gain insight into what an LMC Fellowship entails and to discover some of the highlights from the Fellows’ week in Fort Scott, Kansas. |
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New WBE Part-Time Principal: Anita Lightcap
Anita Lightcap is the new part-time West Bourbon Elementary School Principal in Uniontown.
“I started at WBE the first week of August,” she said. “I work Thursday and Friday and every other Wednesday. Mr. Tracy Smith works Monday and Tuesday and every other Wednesday.”

She retired in July 2021 from Tahlequah Public Schools in Tahlequah, Oklahoma as the Executive Director of Elementary Education. Tahlequah is a 6A school district and home to the Cherokee Nation.
Lightcap received her bachelor’s degree from St. Mary of the Plains in Dodge City and a master’s from Arkansas State University.
She taught school in Dodge City USD 443 at the high school level and the elementary level before returning to her hometown of Tahlequah to finish her career.
“I believe the best thing about a career in education is knowing that you are helping educate the leaders of tomorrow,” she said. “Few things in life compare to seeing a child’s eyes light up in that moment that they understand a concept that’s being taught.”
Another great thing is “helping students see themselves as learners and having a growth mindset, believing that they can improve through effort and persistence,” she said.
The greatest challenge in education is meeting the needs of all students with the available resources, she said.
Lightcap lives just outside Kincaid.













