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2023 Specialty Crop Block Grants Awarded
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Sacred Rock Returned to the Kaw Nation
Governor Kelly Celebrates the Return of the Sacred Red Rock to the Kaw Nation
LAWRENCE—Today, Governor Laura Kelly joined Kaw Nation leaders, City of Lawrence officials, and Haskell Indian Nations University and University of Kansas representatives to commemorate the return of the Iⁿ‘zhúje‘waxóbe, or Sacred Red Rock, to the people of the Kaw Nation.
“The Sacred Red Rock has long been part of Kansas’ history, and I am honored to participate in its return to its rightful stewards,” Governor Kelly said. “This event marks a significant step forward in ensuring we respect and honor Indigenous peoples, cultures, and traditions.”
Several hundred thousand years ago, a glacier took the rock from an area in what is now southwestern Minnesota to the Kansas River Valley, where it became an important part the Kaw Nation’s spiritual life.
“I am delighted to see our city’s leaders collectively honor the sovereign rights of Tribal Nations by partnering in the return of the Iⁿ‘zhúje‘waxóbe Sacred Red Rock,” said Jancita Warrington, Executive Director, Kansas Native American Affairs, Office of the Governor. “Chancellor Girod, Mayor Larsen and the Lawrence City Commissioners have shown both compassion and respect for the Kaw Nation by honoring their request to return this grandfather rock to its cultural and spiritual stewards. This is a great example of a productive partnership between leaders, and I am excited to see what will transpire from this continued relationship moving forward.”
In 1929, the Sacred Red Rock was transported to Lawrence. It currently resides in Buford M. Watson Jr. Park. Iⁿ‘zhúje‘waxóbe will now be returned to Kaw Nation land at Allegawaho Memorial Heritage Park near Council Grove.
“As an Indigenous person, I am extremely honored and humbled to be a part of this project and this historic event,” said Sydney Purcell, Co-Principal Investigator, Sacred Red Rock Project and Curator for Public Practice at Spencer Museum of Art. “I am in awe that Governor Kelly, Mayor Larson, and the Lawrence City Commission are present to support this effort. It is my hope that the relationships established throughout this project and further concretized with the ceremonious Return of the Rock event will continue long into the future, so that Kaw Nation’s presence is strengthened in the state that bears its name.”
Chamber Coffee at HBCAT Office on August 31
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Obituary of Clinton Clampitt
Clinton Ray Clampitt, age 42, a resident of rural Fulton, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly, Monday, August 28, 2023, at his home. He was born March 25, 1981, in Ft. Scott. Clinton attended school in Ft. Scott. He had worked in the receiving department at Wal-Mart in Ft. Scott. In earlier years, he enjoyed spending time outdoors and fishing. He also was a talented artist who enjoyed drawing and sketching. Five years ago, Clinton suffered a major debilitating stroke and has primarily been home bound ever since. Since his stroke, he enjoyed watching movies, playing video games and keeping up with his friends and family on Facebook.
Survivors include his parents, David and Brenda Hathaway of the home in Fulton and his son, Kyler Clampitt of Walnut, Kansas. Also surviving are a brother, Kyle Hathaway (Shannon) of Ft. Scott and three sisters, Angela Carpenter (Jeff), Rhonda Cole (Ben) and Rachel Thompson all of Ft. Scott, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends including his caregiver, Melissa Springston. Clinton was preceded in death by his brother, Kenny Clampitt.
There was cremation. A memorial visitation will be held from 5 to 7 P.M. Friday, September 1st at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Clinton Clampitt Memorial Fund 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
HBCAT Grant: Bee Better Health Club
This is part of a series featuring the grant recipients of the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s Center For Economic Growth in their latest grant cycle.
This grant cycle, they awarded grants to nine area businesses.
The Heathly Bourbon County Action Team Grant Program is funded by the Patterson Family Foundation and is a collaborative effort through partnerships with the Kansas Small Business Development Center at Pittsburg State and Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce.
The BEE Better Health Club owner, Wesley DeHaven started his business on June 19, 2023.
“I started a health club because I recognized how much diet and exercise can benefit one’s life in a positive manner,” DeHaven said.
“I provide group fitness classes for all ranging from 1st graders all the way up to seniors within the community, nutrition coaching, and affordable personal training services.”
He is currently in the process of getting multiple certificates from the National Academy of Sports Medicine.
He currently has the club at 2542 Hackberry Rd. Fort Scott, with plans to build closer to town in the future.
“The grant money will used to install electrical, plumbing, and bracing in the walls for various types of equipment,” he said.
Contact info:
Facebook: @The BEE Better Health Club Instagram: @beebetter.hc
Email: [email protected]
Phone #: (620) 644-8150
Special U234 Board Meetings Last Evening
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, August 28, 2023
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. on Monday, August 28, 2023, for two special board meetings at the board office.
Vice-President James Wood opened the 5:30 p.m. meeting.
The board opened the Revenue Neutral Rate Hearing. Superintendent Destry Brown reviewed the code 99 and discussed the mill levy. There were no comments from patrons. The board closed the Revenue Neutral Rate Hearing.
The board approved the following item and then adjourned the meeting:
- Resolution 23-06: Exceeding the Revenue Neutral Tax Rate for financing the annual budget for 2023-24 by roll call vote.
President David Stewart opened the 5:45 p.m. meeting. The board opened the Budget Hearing. Assistant Superintendent Dalaina Smith reviewed the Needs Assessment with the board. Mrs. Smith noted information shared with the board on State Assessments. There were no comments from patrons. The board closed the Budget Hearing.
The board approved the following items:
- Resolution 23-07: Make a Local Option Percentage in an amount of 31.6 percent for the 2023-24 school year.
- Approval of the 2023-24 Budget with consideration of the Needs Assessment and State Assessments which were provided to the USD 234 Board of Education, evaluated by the Board, and were used as a part of the budget approval process. It was noted that the board adopted by roll call vote Resolution 23-06 to exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate by roll call vote.
- Personnel Report following
The board went into executive sessions for personnel matters.
President Stewart adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT
August 28, 2023
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
- Weaver, Mark – Resignation – Fort Scott High School Special Education Teacher
TRANSFERS/REASSIGNMENTS/LEAVE OF ABSENCE:
For the 2023-24 school year:
Classified:
- Pitts, Belinda – from Fort Scott High School Paraprofessional to Mental Health Intervention Team Liaison- effective 09/05/23
- O’Bryan, Carolina – Leave of Absence
EMPLOYMENT:
Certified Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:
- Reichard, Elizabeth (Betsy) – Fort Scott High School Special Education Teacher
Classified Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:
- Beyer, Amy – Eugene Ware Elementary Paraprofessional
- Bratton, Ashley – Fort Scott Middle School Paraprofessional
- Brown, Tina – Eugene Ware Elementary Paraprofessional
- Lord, McKenna – Eugene Ware Elementary Paraprofessional
- Ogle, Kathryn – Fort Scott High School Paraprofessional
Supplemental Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:
- Magathan-Krone, Jane – Eugene Ware Elementary Guiding Coalition
- Laubenstein, Michelle – Fort Scott High School Newspaper
- ASCC Recommendations
- FSHS AP Teachers
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports August 29
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter
Update on Quivira National Wildlife Refuge
While making visits to communities across Kansas, I continue to hear concerns about the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge. Last week, I spoke with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Director, Martha Williams to discuss concerns about her agency’s Request to Secure Water with the Kansas Depart of Agriculture-Division of Water Resources related to senior water rights of the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge in south-central Kansas.
If FWS moves ahead to secure water rights, their action could retire critical junior water rights in the Rattlesnake Basin. This means nearly 800 water rights may be shut off by FWS’s action, impacting not just irrigation and livestock water but municipal and industrial water as well. Some stakeholders estimate that the state may lose $300 to $500 million in annual agricultural activity and as much as $1 billion in annual economic activity.
During our conversation, I reiterated the concerns and potential devastation this could bring to rural Kansas communities and the agricultural economy. I will continue working with local stakeholders and state leaders to find a solution that works for everyone.
Read more here in the Topeka Capital Journal.
Pure Imagination moves to K-State Salina
On Tuesday I joined community leaders and elected officials to celebrate and announce a partnership between Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus, Pure Imagination Studios, Salina Airport Authority, and the State of Kansas. Together, the Kansas Advanced Immersive Research and Emerging Systems Center (K-AIRES) will be established to teach and train the next generation with immersive technology in a new state of the art facility.
It was also great to receive an update on the General Atomics innovation ramp also on K-State Salina’s campus, which will be a teaching and research facility dedicated to advanced air mobility. This project is funded in part thanks to General Atomics generous donation to K-State Salina. This partnership with General Atomics is another example of the many businesses that are choosing to invest and build in Kansas.
Federal Investment for Hugoton Police Department
On Thursday, I announced new federal resources for the Hugoton Police Department. As the lead Republican on the Appropriations Subcommittee that funds the Department of Justice, I worked to help secure these resources for Hugoton and other rural police departments across Kansas. This federal investment allocates funds to the Hugoton Police Department to purchase patrol vehicles.
I appreciated being able to meet and speak with members of the Hugoton Police Department about the importance of supporting law enforcement. Thank you to Police Chief Courtney Leslie, Mayor Jack Rowden, City Clerk Carrie L. Baeza, Ardith Dunn and Steve Morris for joining me for this announcement.
Touring Prairie Food Wednesday
On Wednesday, I was invited to tour PrairieFood Pratt County distribution plant. Prairiefood manufactures a soil additive which restores soil health and fertility using organic waste which would otherwise be discarded. I appreciated the opportunity to learn about a Kansas business helping farmers to raise crop yields and maintain rich ground. With their technical expertise and entrepreneurial spirit, PrairieFood helps keep Kansas on the cutting-edge in sustainable agriculture. Thank you to Jason and his team for their time and contribution to Kansas’ agricultural heritage.
Listening Tour Stop in Grant County
I am grateful for the Grant County Chamber of Commerce for hosting me for a listening tour stop in Ulysses on Thursday morning. It was a chance for me to meet with members of the community about topics important to southwest Kansas. . We discussed issues such as securing crop insurance that benefits agricultural producers and finding ways to protect markets and programs that allow Kansas farmers to feed the world. I also had the opportunity to hear about the importance of energy independence and how to help small businesses flourish. In many communities across Kansas, small businesses cannot remain competitive or viable when regulations increase the cost of doing business.
Thank you to Marietta Hauser for hosting this conversation, and thank you to Catherine Moyer, Pioneer Communications, Steve Alford and everyone who joined.
Visiting Hugoton High School
My first stop in Hugoton was at the local high school. I was given a tour by Superintendent Adrian Howie, Principal Melody Witt, and students Raeleigh Angell, Jewels Noland, Isaac Martin, and Griffin Heger. As the school year gets underway, it was great to hear from students about their plans for the upcoming year. I am grateful to our teachers who invest their time into instructing young Kansans. Thank you to the students, teachers and administrators for taking the time to meet with me and for sharing more about the great work being done at Hugoton High School.
Touring Southwestern Heights High School
While visiting Kismet on Thursday, I had the opportunity to tour the local high school. I was able to meet many student and teachers and hear about their plans for the new school year. I am always encouraged by my conversations with the bright students across Kansas. Thank you Superintendent Dan Frisby, Principal Ryan Kisner, and students Jaydon Vermillion, Rodrigo Sanchez, Amanda Thurakul, and Emma Stanfield who made a great tour of Southwestern Heights High School possible.
Keynote Speaker at the Liberal Kiwanis Club
I appreciated the opportunity to be the keynote speaker at the Liberal Kiwanis club on Thursday. I was also able to hear updates from the Kansas Department of Transportation and members of the community regarding the future of US 54 and 83 in Seward County. Commercial truck traffic in western Kansas moves valuable goods to locations across the heartland. Some area highways are nearly 50% truck traffic. I was glad to learn KDOT is taking opportunities to learn about traffic concerns from the community.
Thank you to Sarah Thompson and the Noon Kiwanis for allowing me to join. Thanks as well to April Warden, county administrator, Scott Carr, county commissioner, C.J. Wettstein, county commissioner, Ron Hall, KDOT District 6 engineer, Brad Bennett, Seward County Community College President, Rozelle Webb, member of the Liberal Chamber of Commerce, Sarah Thompson, Kiwanis President, Amy Thompson, Kiwanian, Becki Richardson, Epic Touch Communications, and Dr. Todd Carter, USD 480 Superintendent, for taking the time to talk with me.
Touring GE Aerospace
On Friday, I met with Aerospace leaders from GE Aerospace at Strother Field, between Arkansas City and Winfield. GE Aerospace produces components for some of our nation’s biggest regional commercial airlines like Horizon, Alaskan, American, Spirit, and others, as well as our armed forces. I appreciated the opportunity to speak with GE’s aviation mechanics, who took great pride in being a supplier for the military. The work these industry leaders do directly impacts our transportation sector and our national security.
Touring William Newton Hospital
My next stop in Winfield was to William Newton Hospital, where I was greeted by Gary Brewer and Joan Cales, who sit on the Board of Trustees. The staff showed me their new operating rooms, emergency room and developments to the rehabilitation department. Due to the significant challenges facing rural health care, Kansas has seen several rural facilities close in recent years. The pandemic aftermath combined with inflation and staffing shortages have hit rural hospitals the hardest. Solutions like the new Rural Emergency Hospital designation offer critical access hospitals a chance at a higher reimbursement rate while also narrowing the scope of their care to decrease costs. I will continue working with the CMS Administrator to ensure the REH regulations benefit Kansas rural hospitals.
As critical access hospitals like William Newton struggle to keeps their doors open, I will continue to fight for policies in Washington that help our rural communities.
Community Visit in Tampa
On Monday, I traveled to Tampa and made several stops to hear from residents across the area. I visited the Tampa State Bank, which has been supporting locals for more than 100 years in Tampa and Marion. Afterwards, I went to the Gooding Memorial Library to meet and talk with Kansans and explore the library’s book collection. Additionally, I stopped by Agri Trails Coop to learn how the company is serving their community through trading experience and market connections to offer farmers the highest prices for their products. I was sure to drop by the Sante Fe Trail Café for some local, homestyle food before leaving town.
The Obituary of Stephen Dean
Stephen Leigh Dean, age 80, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly Friday, August 25, 2023, at his home. He was born July 9, 1943, in Oneida, New York, the son of Ronald Walter Dean and Lizzie Limebeck Dean. Stephen married Merleen Della King on January 28, 1961. They made their home in upstate New York before moving to Kansas.
Stephen had over thirty years of service with the United States Army. He retired as a Sargent First Class. Stephen completed the truck driving program at Ft. Scott Community College and following his military service, he began working as a truck driver. He drove for several area trucking companies.
He later worked as a driver for Dolly the Trolly where he enjoyed visiting with tourists and sharing the history of Ft. Scott. Stephen loved the outdoors and loved to hunt and fish. While in New York, he served as Scout Master for his son’s Boy Scout troupe.
Currently, he was a member of the Bone Creek Gun Club. Stephen was proud of his military service and was a member of the V.F.W. and the American Legion. He often helped provide military honors for deceased veterans
Following the death of his first wife, Merleen, on September 4, 2020, he remarried Sharon Tucker Wolf on October 16, 2021.
Survivors include his wife, Sharon, of the home; a son, James Dean of Ft. Scott and a daughter, Julie VanBecelaere (Ted) of Osceola, Missouri; twelve grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren. In addition to his first wife, Merleen, Stephen was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Shirley Arno and LaNita Siebel.
Pastor Larry Stevicks will conduct funeral services at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, August 31st at the Emmanuel Baptist Church.
Burial with military honors will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Wednesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to the Emmanuel Baptist Church 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 guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Amended Bo Co Commission Agenda For August 28
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
August 28, 2023 5:30 p.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute followed by Prayer
- Approval of Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 8/21/23 and 8/24/23
- Approval of Payroll Totaling $336,998.21
- Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $401,487.67
- Public Comments
- Department Updates
- Public Works
- Bourbon County REDI
- 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.
HBCAT Grant: Brickstreet Barbecue
This is part of a series featuring the grant recipients of the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s Center For Economic Growth in their latest grant cycle.
The Heathly Bourbon County Action Team Grant Program is funded by the Patterson Family Foundation and is a collaborative effort through partnerships with the Kansas Small Business Development Center at Pittsburg State and Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce.
Brickstreet Barbecue, owned by Carissa and Alex Bowman, has received a grant from the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team.
The Bowmans opened Brickstreet in May 2023.
“We wanted an opportunity to bring barbecue food to the community,” Carissa said. “We provide great barbecue. We employ about 40 people.”
The restaurant is located at 3 W. Oak St. Fort Scott just off North National Avenue. Contact info 620-224-2425.
Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. everyday except Friday and Saturday, when they are open until 9 p.m.
“We will be using this grant money to help cover a portion of the cost of our smoker and kitchen equipment,” she said.
