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Jayhawk Road Closed on August 20
Jayhawk Road will be closed from 69 Hwy. to the railroad tracks on Sunday, August 20th from 7:00am to 5:00pm.
Submitted by
Becky Robertson
Bourbon County Public Works
Drought Mitigation Announced by KS Governor
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Fort Scott City Commission Minutes of August 1
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of August 1, 2023 Regular Meeting
The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held July 25, 2023 at 6:00PM in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.
ROLL CALL:
Commissioners T. Van Hoecke, E. Woellhof, M. Guns (via telephone) were present with Mayor M. Wells. K. Harrington was absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND INVOCATION: E. Woellhof, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.
AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Ben Hart/Finance Director, (via telephone), Jason Dickman/Earles Engineering, J. Pickert/Police Chief, D. Bruner/Fire Chief, Rachel Carpenter, Michael Hoyt, Dyllon Olson, Tracy Dancer, and Mark McCoy.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA:
- Wells moved to approve the agenda with the addition of Consideration to approve Fort Scott joining the Mayoral Alliance Against Hunger to be added as Item E to New Business. T. VanHoecke seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED THE AGENDA WITH THE ADDITION OF CONSIDERATION TO APPROVE FORT SCOTT JOINING THE MAYORAL ALLIANCE AGAINST HUNGER TO BE ADDED AS ITEM E TO NEW BUSINESS
CONSENT AGENDA:
- Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of July 25, 2023
- Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1341-A — $213,912.62
- Request to Pay – Bennett, Inc. via Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – 2022 CDBG Sanitary Sewer Project – Project No. 23-409 (22-306) – Contractor’s Application for Payment No. 3 – $553,602.60
- Approval of Drinking Establishment City License Renewal – Pizza Republic – 17 S. Main Street – Bret Holder
- Approval of Ordinance No. 3748 – Amending Chapter 10.04 of the Fort Scott Municipal Code to Incorporate Standard Traffic Ordinances for Kansas Cities – 2023 Edition
- Approval of Ordinance No. 3749 – Adding Section 10.05 Regulating Public Offenses Within the Corporate Limits of the City of Fort Scott, Kansas; Incorporating by Reference the Uniform Public Offense Code for Kansas Cities, 39th Edition, “With Certain Omissions, Changes, and Additions; Prescribing Additional Regulations; and Providing Certain Penalties.
- VanHoecke moved to approve the Consent Agenda. M. Guns seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED THE CONSENT AGENDA.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
OLD BUSINESS:
- Approval of the date of September 5, 2023, at 6:00PM for City of Fort Scott Budget Hearing – T. VanHoecke moved to approve the date of September 5, 2023, at 6:00PM for the City of Fort Scott Revenue Neutral Rate Hearing and Budget Hearing. E. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED THE DATE OF SEPTEMBER 5, 2023, AT 6:00PM FOR THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT REVENUE NEUTRAL RATE HEARING AND BUDGET HEARING.
- Consideration of MOU with Bourbon County Health in All Policies Task Force and select a representative – TABLED FROM JULY 25, 2023.
- Woellhof moved to table the consideration of the MOU to the August 15, 2023, meeting and have City Attorney review the terms that T. VanHoecke questioned and revise the language. T. VanHoecke seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO TABLE THE CONSIDERATION OF THE MOU TO THE AUGUST 15, 2023, MEETING AND HAVE CITY ATTORNEY REVIEW THE TERMS THAT T. VANHOECKE QUESTIONED AND REVISE THE LANGUAGE.
- Selection of date for Certified Local Government Program (CLG) Work Session in August with Katrina Ringler, Commission and Community
- Wells moved to approve the date of Friday, August 11, 2023, at 5:00PM as a Work Session to invite the community to participate in an open discussion with Katrina Ringler about Fort Scott becoming a Certified Local Government as an option to our current Design Review Board process. He requested that the City Clerk post the information packet online for those who were interested in learning more about the program.
APPROVE THE DATE OF FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 2023, AT 5:00PM AS A WORK SESSION TO INVITE THE COMMUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN A DISCUSSION WITH KATRINA RINGLER ABOUT FORT SCOTT BECOMING A CERTIFIED LOCAL GOVERNMENT AS AN OPTION TO OUR CURRENT DESIGN REVIEW BOARD PROCESS.
APPEARANCES:
- Rob Hansen – Son of American Legion Car & Motorcycle Show: Squad Commander R. Hansen addressed the Commission to request a temporary street closure for a fundraising event that will be held in the Landmark Bank parking lot. He is requesting to close off the street for safety because it is a family event.
- VanHoecke moved to approve the request for a temporary street closure of 3rd between Main and National on Saturday, September 16, 2023, from 8:00AM-1:00PM. E. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVE THE REQUEST FOR A TEMPORARY STREET CLOSURE OF 3RD BETWEEN MAIN AND NATIONAL ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2023, FROM 8:00AM-1:00PM.
- Matkin stated the City would provide barricades for both ends of the street.
- Mark McCoy and Tayton Majors – Bourbon County REDI: T. Majors addressed the Commission with a Business Retention and Expansion presentation. The PowerPoint presentation is included with these minutes.
NEW BUSINESS:
- Consideration for the purchase of a fire truck: Fire Chief, Dave Bruner gave a presentation on the need for the City to consider purchasing a fire truck to replace the failing 1997 E-One Pumper from Station 2. It was usually the first truck out, however over the past (6) months the reliability of the truck is an issue and has been placed into a backup reserve mode. Bruner stated that a worn apparatus is a threat to the community and the firefighters. He said that the parts become more difficult to get with the age of the truck and repairing it does not change the age of the unit and waiting for a disaster is not safe or productive. He asked the Commission for permission to begin looking for grants and bids on inventory. PowerPoint presentation included with these minutes.
- VanHoecke moved to approve that the FSFD could begin looking for grants and potential inventory for the purchase of a fire truck to replace the 1997 E-One Pumper from Station 2. E. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED THAT THE FSFD COULD BEGIN LOOKING FOR GRANTS AND POTENTIAL INVENTORY FOR THE PURCHASE OF A FIRE TRUCK TO REPLACE THE 1997 E-ONE PUMPER FROM STATION 2.
- Amendment 1 to the Brick Street Policy: M. Wells requested that the Commission approve an amendment to the current Brick Street Policy as follows:
Amendment 1
- Concerning the treatment of manhole covers; it is here by adopted according to the recommendation of the street advisory board to allow up to 12 inches in a square pattern around manholes for bricks to be laid up against. This will protect the manhole covers and allow the bricks a solid surface to rest against.
- Concerning the intersections of brick streets and asphalt streets. It is here by adopted, according to the recommendation of the street advisory board that wherever a brick street abuts against a non-brick street the intersection where the brick streets abut against; May upon the advisement of the Public Works, Director, or the street department Director be done as a concrete intersection. Concrete at intersections where the brick street would abut against shall be done in a minimum of 8 inches of concrete reinforced by a minimum 3/8 rebar on an 8 in.² pattern or according to KDOT specifications.
Be it also adopted that wherever a case shall arise where the brick street is running through the middle of two adjoining asphalt streets, there may at the advisement of the public works Director, or the street department Director, allow for the use of an apron of up to 20 feet that would abut against the brick street that passes through, allowing the brick street, a continuous path, splitting the two concrete aprons, adjoining the asphalt streets. All concrete aprons shall be done at a minimum of 8 inches, with a minimum of 3/8 rebar being placed on 8-inch squares, or according to KDOT specifications.
This will again allow a solid surface for the bricks to abut against.
- Any, and all bricks that may become available because of any concrete apron or intersection, shall be palletized, cleaned, and stored according to the Brick Street policy to later be used on the
repair and maintenance of other brick streets. At no time shall bricks be allowed to be used as full, or underlayment.
- VanHoecke moved to approve Amendment 1 to the Brick Street Policy. E. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED AMENDMENT 1 TO THE BRICK STREET POLICY.
- Consideration of bids for Evergy Infantry Substation Sanitary Sewer Relocation Project No. 23-005B: J. Dickman stated that (5) bids were received for the project on July 21, 2023. The lowest bidder was Bennett, Inc. of Lamar, MO with the bid of $232,477.50, substantially complete within 90 days, fully complete in 120 days. J. Dickman stated that he recommends the bid be awarded to Bennett, Inc.
- VanHoecke moved to approve that the bid for the Evergy Infantry Substation Sanitary Sewer Relocation Project No. 23-005B be awarded to Bennett, Inc. of Lamar, MO at $232,477.50. M. Guns seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED THAT THE BID FOR THE EVERGY INFANTRY SUBSTATION SANITARY SEWER RELOCATION PROJECT NO. 23-005B BE AWARDED TO BENNETT, INC. OF LAMAR, MO. AT $232,477.50.
- Wells clarified with J. Dickman that this project is paid for by Evergy and not the City.
- Consideration to set deadlines for City Commission meeting agenda practice and procedure: M. Wells requested that the Commission consider approving a deadline for the good of the Commission to receive the information earlier to have time to make more informed decisions at meetings. This would require an earlier deadline. T. VanHoecke stated that he believed there was a policy already in place.
- Woellhof moved to table the consideration until the August 15, 2023, meeting to confirm if there was an existing policy in place. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO TABLE THE CONSIDERATION UNTIL THE AUGUST 15, 2023, MEETING TO CONFIRM IF THERE WAS AN EXISTING POLICY IN PLACE.
REPORTS AND COMMENTS:
City Manager: B. Matkin – no comments
City Engineer: J. Dickman/Earles Engineering & Inspection
- CDBG Sanitary Sewer Project continues. Currently the crew is working behind City Hall to line manholes.
- 15th and National – 17th and Eddy – trying to get contractor out to clean up and finish. Utilities are moved. Contractor states they are currently booked on other projects.
- M. Wells confirmed with J. Dickman that the South Industrial Park Waterline Extension has a purpose in the future and ties into the loop to increase water pressure to the businesses in the area. Also, the City needs to move forward and complete the access road. J. Dickman stated that he needs to know the measurements to add the additional cost of asphalt to the bid.
City Attorney: B. Farmer
No comment.
COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS:
- Harrington: Not in attendance
- Guns:
- Thank you to all volunteers for the Splash Pad
- USD 234 will provide free breakfast and lunch to all students in the district for the school year
- August 4th and 5th is Sales Tax Holiday, many local businesses are participating
- Many activities this week including the Champions Forever event at Memorial Hall
- August 10th is the Contractors’ Meeting at City Hall
- August 12th is the Poverty Paradigm at the Middle School brought by CORE Community Bourbon County. She is planning to attend. Tickets are still available.
- Woellhof: No comments other than a correction that the Champions Forever is being held at the High School, not Memorial Hall.
- VanHoecke:
- Hats off to City Crews for the storm clean up again.
- Brush dump is still open
- Congratulations and thank you to all those who worked to get the Splash Pad completed for Fort Scott
- Wells:
- Thank you for the Splash Pad and very thankful for all who worked to get it to its completion, have seen many out there enjoying it
- Thankful for the rain
ADJOURNMENT:
- VanHoecke moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:44PM. E. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 7:44PM.
Respectfully submitted for approval,
Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk
City of Uniontown Minutes of August 8
Unapproved Minutes of the Uniontown City Council
The Regular Council Meeting on August 8, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:02PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman (8:08), Amber Kelly, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Amanda Lancaster (Diehl, Banwart, Bolton), Mary Pemberton, Joe George, Betsie Binford (Old Settlers Committee), Mary Pillion (Old Settlers Committee), Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Amanda Lancaster, Diehl, Banwart, Bolton – Amanda Lancaster gave a presentation of the 2022 financial audit.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to accept the 2022 financial audit as presented
CITIZENS REQUEST
Mary Pemberton passed on comments she has heard about the City not having 30AMP or 50AMP receptacles in the park for food trucks/vendors. Clerk will reach out to other cities. She will get a quote for installation of 2 receptacles and put on the agenda to discuss further at the next meeting.
Joe George complained about “dirty”, sandy water, but tastes OK. His filter has been very dark. Superintendent Rich will flush the lines as soon as all of C2’s broken lines have been repaired and flushed.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger present the July 2023 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $399,740.95, Receipts $35,731.67, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $25,392.09, Checking Account Closing Balance $407,054.53. Bank Statement Balance $407,937.32, including Checking Account Interest of $85.04, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $882.79, Reconciled Balance $407,054.53. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,283.27, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $19,889.95, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,559.71, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $493,787.46. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $545.35, and Utility CDs $331.95 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $877.30. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of July 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. July Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00; for Total Transfers of $3,026.00. Net Income for the month of July $7,313.58, Year-to-Date Net Income $63,502.56. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $69,373.71 (56.8%), Expenditures $66,903.65 (41.8%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $21,771.23 (59.1%), Expenditures $17,537.62 (42.6%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $94,208.55 (60.1%), Expenditures $68,835.85 (30.6%); General Fund YTD Revenue $129,221.13 (86.3%), Expenditures $94,088.90 (50.9%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $6,040.03 (81.0%), Expenditures $0 (0%). The August 2023 estimated payables in the amount of $40,651.43 were presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda as amended:
- Minutes of July 11, 2023 Regular Council Meeting and July 18, 2023 Budget Worksession
- Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of second parties matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(4), in order to discuss economic development that pertains to private financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships, with the open meeting to resume at 7:53, include Sally Johnson.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to extend executive session pursuant to data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of second parties matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(4), in order to continue to discuss economic development that pertains to private financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships, with the open meeting to resume at 8:10, include Mary Pemberton and Sally Johnson.
Mary Pemberton out at 8:09.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to extend executive session pursuant to data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of second parties matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(4), in order to continue to discuss economic development that pertains to private financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships, with the open meeting to resume at 8:23, include Sally Johnson.
Open meeting resumed at 8:23, no action from executive session.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
City Superintendent Rich reported that the boards holding the electrical receptacles need replaced. Mayor Jurgensen asked that he continue mosquito fogging – this week, skip a week, then next two weeks in a row.
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported that most property owners had cleaned up after the two storms in July. Locations that need his attention this month are 201 Second St-fence; 301 Second St #1-pile of debris on west side; 405 Hill-debris in backyard and shingles; 102 Franklin-dead tree/grass/weeds; 505 Washington has been mowed; 303 Second-grass; and 505 Wall-vehicle is not properly registered/flat tires. Unfit structure hearing for 404 Washington is September 12. Council asked if there were anymore stray dogs in town; seems to be an influx of stray cats and armadillos.
Clerk Johnson reported on the KMGA Regional Meeting.
She asked to attend CCMFOA Region 7 Kansas Alcohol Beverage Control Training in Olathe on October 6, registration cost is $25.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to allow Sally Johnson to attend CCMFOA Region 7 Kansas Alcohol Beverage Control Training in Olathe on October 6, registration fee $25
Mayor Jurgensen asked her to contact Bettis Construction for a timeline on starting our street project.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilman Hartman – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – nothing
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – nothing
OLD BUSINESS
Mural Grant – an update was given. We have received 75% of grant funds and 100% of donations pledged. Mural is finished.
Placemaking Project – One of the suggestions from the community engagement was to add a baby changing station to restroom facilities.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-1 (Stewart) to purchase a baby changing station from AmeraProducts, Inc for the women’s restroom
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan will acquire a quote for the concrete slab for the pickleball court. Other amenities for the area were discussed. Clerk Johnson will send an update to Rachel Carpenter, Health Bourbon County Action Team.
NEW BUSINESS
Old Settlers event insurance –
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to donate $300 in lieu of portapotties to the Old Settlers Committee
Review and update Capital Improvement Plan – after discussion, remove replace/purchase City maintenance vehicle, as it has been purchased, and purchase/install a chlorination system for the water distribution system, as it is not a priority now, and add refurbish the warehouse into Public Works space. Leave the rest as is.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to transfer the $10,000 in the fund for the chlorinator to refurbish the warehouse
Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to adopt the Capital Improvement Plan as amended
Moved by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 10:10PM
Back to School Bash for 4-5th Grade Students
Young Entrepreneur: Benjamin Shead
This is part of a series featuring young entrepreneurs in our community.
Following the first set of stories on young entrepreneurs in our community, an anonymous donor wrote fortscott.biz that he wanted to grant each one of the featured youth with $50.
To view the prior story: Young Entrepreneurs Series Spawns An Anonymous Benefactor
If you know of a child, under 18 years of age, that is creating products or providing services to sell to the public, please send their name and phone number to [email protected]
Fortscott.biz wants to encourage the youth who are learning business by doing it.
Benjamin Shead,13, has an online tutoring business.
“Some classes I have guided other students in are geometry, Latin, sixth grade math, formal logic, algebra 1 and 2,” he said.
“Most of my clients contact me through Facebook,” Benjamin said. “I also take students when my sister’s (Katy Shead) schedule is too busy.”
“I started tutoring when my sister’s schedule was getting packed with students,” he said. “This showed me that I enjoyed helping other people in their educational trouble areas.”
“I tutor so that I can revisit material that I enjoyed learning but am no longer being taught,” he said. “Tutoring gives me the ability to experience a class again, this time on a deeper level, the level of teaching the material. I also enjoy finding new ways to explain a concept and tutoring gives me a purpose for the exploration of these ways.”
“One subject I really enjoy tutoring is Formal Logic,” Benjamin said. “It is awesome to learn how to explain proofs by comparing them to a hidden treasure or something else that the student understands better than proofs.”
“While it is a lot better for kids to be tutored, if they need it, across the school year, I sometimes help kids in last-minute cramming sessions for math and logic finals,” he said. “These sessions provide a last-minute review, and it gives kids confidence to try their best on this last assignment.”
Benjamin lives just outside the Fort Scott city limits with his sister, Katy and parents Mark and Haley Shead.
Benjamin submitted this photo of him working on a math problem called a collatz conjecture.
Here is his explanation of collatz conjecture:
“The collatz conjecture is a theory about mathematics which is believed to be true but no one has been able to prove yet,” Benjamin said. “It states that if any odd whole number is plugged into the formula (3n+1)/2, if any even number is divided by two, and every number is plugged back into one of these formulas, a formula will eventually reach one.”
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports August 16
National Woman’s Christian Temperance Union Convention attended by the Jents
Merry Lee Powell, National WCTU President; Margaret Ostenstad, World WCTU President; Loreta Jent, National WCTU Education Director; Larry Jent, Honorary WCTU Member.
150th Annual National WCTU Convention Held in Reno, Nevada
Reno, Nevada, August 7-11, 2023. The National Woman’s Christian Temperance Union held its 150th Annual National Convention at the Whitney Peak Hotel in Reno, Nevada. Attending from this area were Loreta and Larry Jent of rural Fort Scott.
WCTU delegates and members took a step back in time during a pre-convention event. They traveled to Virginia City which was a Mining Town in the 1880’s.
The opening ceremony began with all State Presidents, dressed in their white gowns, marching into the convention hall carrying their state flag, which has always been their tradition. It was an honor to have World President Margaret Ostenstad travel from Norway to participate.
The national winners of the kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd grade and 3rd grade coloring contests were announced, as well as the winners of the national poster and essay contests. Ribbons and prize money was awarded.
On Thursday evening the elected officers were sworn into office and given the “White Ribbon Salute” during a formal banquet.
The Woman’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) is a non-partisan, non-denominational, non-profit organization. For 150 years, the united “mother’s love” has educated against the use of alcohol and other drugs. It’s “Do Everything Policy”, allows for national, local and state unions to work on any issue they believe necessary to protect the family. Please visit WCTU.org for more information.
LMC Discovery Award Semi Finalists Announced
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August 2023 Volume 8 |
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We’re thrilled to announce the 2023 Discovery Award semi-finalists! These talented individuals have wowed us with their extraordinary stories of unsung heroes from history told via website, documentary or performance. Join us in celebrating their remarkable achievements and show your support for these talented students.
Stay tuned for more updates and make sure to share this exciting news with your friends and colleagues. Together, let’s champion the power of one person to create positive change! |
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Looking Back at the 2022 Discovery AwardGrand Prize-Winning Announcement |
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Last September, during the celebration of LMC’s 15th Anniversary and the Grand Opening of the Lowell Milken Park, a notable moment emerged for 11th grader Gracie Conrad. A student at Loup County High School in Nebraska, Gracie was awarded the distinguished title of Grand Prize winner in the 2022 Discovery Award Competition. Gracie’s thorough research led to her compelling piece, titled Betty Goudsmit-Oudkerk: Teenager, Resistance Member, Unsung Hero. This narrative sheds light on a lesser-known, but profoundly inspiring story. At just 18 years old, Betty Goudsmit-Oudkerk found herself intertwined with history’s somber events as she worked at the créche (Dutch for “daycare”) during the Holocaust. In a tragic twist, this once-innocent space became a part of the Jewish deportation apparatus. Through genuine connections with the children, Goudsmit-Oudkerk was drawn into a group of workers tasked with a daring mission – the smuggling of over 600 children out of the créche. Her role in this act of courage and compassion remains largely uncelebrated. Gracie Conrad’s recognition of Betty Goudsmit-Oudkerk brought a |
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View the 2022 Grand Prize-Winning Project Documentary: Betty Goudsmit-Oudkerk: Teenager, Resistance Member, Unsung Hero |
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Exciting News Alert! 
Mark your calendars, as we will announce the finalists on September 1st and the 2023 Lowell Milken Center Discovery Award winners on September 19th.
KS Ag Exports=$5 Billion
Governor Kelly Announces Record-Setting Agriculture Exports of Nearly $5.5 Billion
~~Agriculture Secretary Mike Beam Meets with International Ag Leaders to Strengthen Trade~~
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that agricultural exports reached $5.46 billion in 2022, the highest export total in decades. The Kansas agriculture industry has grown significantly since Governor Kelly took office; in 2019, Kansas had $3.8 billion in exports.
Once again, the top ag export for Kansas was red meat, which made up $2.1 billion or 38.9% of all agriculture exports. Second were cereals (including corn, wheat, and sorghum), and third was oil seed (primarily soybeans), making up 24.5% and 12.5% of total agricultural exports, respectively.
“Once again, we are shattering records to grow our economy and strengthen our ag industry,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “But even with these record exports, we aren’t taking anything for granted – which is why Secretary Beam and I are building relationships with international trading partners to ensure Kansas farmers and ranchers can continue to feed the world.”
Mexico was Kansas’ largest ag importer with $2.17 billion in 2022, Japan was the second largest with $781 million, and Canada was third with $594 million.
Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam met today with his state and provincial agriculture counterparts from Mexico, Canada, and the U.S. as part of the annual Tri-National Accord in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, to strengthen relationships with key trading partners. This annual event allows state agricultural leaders to discuss critical issues affecting trade between the three countries, including animal health, rural development, and agriculture technology.
“Kansas is a national leader in agriculture, and the continued growth in agricultural exports shows the significance of the work being done throughout the Kansas ag industry to develop these international markets,” said Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam.
Participation in the Tri-National Accord continues KDA’s vision of achieving long-term, sustainable agricultural prosperity and statewide economic growth. For more about international marketing programs at KDA, including information about upcoming trade missions, and to see the full report on Kansas’ ag exports in 2022, go to agriculture.ks.gov/
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New U234 Teachers: Woods, Hendricks
This is part of a series featuring the 20 new teachers in USD 234, Fort Scott.
Distict Events Taken From https://www.usd234.org/ :
August 15 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. is the Fort Scott High School Open House at 1005 S Main St, Fort Scott.
School starts on August 18
Nicholas Woods, 25, is a new history teacher at Fort Scott High School, teaching world, American, and local history.
He graduated from Pittsburg State University and did his student teaching at Carl Junction. This is his first year teaching.
“My past teachers motivated me to be a teacher,” he said. “I liked school, but at times I struggled with learning. I want to be there for the students that struggled like I did. I believe I bring a different perspective that students can appreciate and learn from.”
“The best thing about teaching for me so far is seeing a student who was struggling succeed,” he said. “That could be as little as a student passing a test or as big as boosting their grade by two letters. You should always celebrate success.”
“I would say one of the biggest challenges in teaching for me is connecting with students,” he said. “I feel I connect with students/people easily, but as a teacher you are not going to reach every student. There will be students that don’t like your class or even you for that matter and no matter how hard you try you won’t change their mind. The best thing I can do is give all students the tools and guidance they need to succeed and hope for the best.”
Woods hometown is Fort Scott, and he is a 2016 high school graduate.
His uncle Donald Woods was a custodian for the high school for many years and owned a moving business and late aunt Joyce Woods was a grade school teacher at Winfield Scott for many years, he said.
Woods hobbies include golfing, fishing , and playing basketball.
Caleb Hendricks, 27, is a new Winfield Scott Physical Education Teacher and Fort Scott Middle School Assistant Girls Basketball Coach.
He has six years experience in education, with three years as a certified teacher.
He earned his bachelors degree from Fort Hays State University and his hometown is Sterling.
“Growing up some of the most rewarding experiences I had were as a camp counselor, coach, and youth group leader,” he said. “Working with kids and seeing their growth and accomplishment in different areas has always given me a sense of purpose.”
“The relationships that I have made with both students and staff over the years is definitely the best part of being in education. That’s really what it’s always been all about for me. Being in a position that allows me to coach and connect with kids in that element has always been a very important thing for me as well.”
A challenge for him is growing and adapting to how kids and the world are changing, he said.
“Finding new ways to connect and relate with kids can be challenging at times for sure,” he said. “Having worked with both elementary and middle and high school ages, though, I feel like that has helped me better understand where kids are coming from and the different challenges they face. Then I feel like I’m in a better position to support them the best I can.”
He is married to Sarah Hendricks, who is a 4th Grade Teacher at Eugene Ware Elementary School and they have a 4 month-old son, Braxton.
His hobbies include football, Fantasy Football, golf, coaching, basketball, home improvement projects.