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What’s Happening in Fort Scott
…
Revenue Neutral Rate Hearing is August 28 for U234
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 SPECIAL MEETING
AUGUST 28, 2023 – 5:30 P.M.
AGENDA SUMMARY PUBLIC
1.0 Call Meeting to Order David Stewart, President
2.0 Flag Salute
3.0 Revenue Neutral Rate Hearing
3.1 Open Hearing (Action Item)
3.2 Hear from Patrons
3.3 Close Hearing (Action Item)
4.0 Resolution 23-06: Exceeding the Revenue Neutral Tax Rate for financing the annual budget for 2023-24 by Roll Call Vote (Action Item)
5.0 Adjourn Meeting
Agenda for U234 Board Meeting on August 28
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 SPECIAL MEETING
AUGUST 28, 2023 – 5:45 P.M.
AGENDA SUMMARY PUBLIC
1.0 Call Meeting to Order David Stewart, President
2.0 Flag Salute
3.0 Budget Hearing – Review Code 99
3.1 Open Hearing (Action Item)
3.2 Hear from Patrons
3.3 Close Hearing (Action Item)
4.0 Resolution 23-07: Make a Local Option Percentage in an amount of 31.6 percent for the 2023-24 school year (Action Item)
5.0 Approval of the 2023-24 Budget with Consideration of the Needs Assessment and State Assessments (Action Item)
6.0 Other Business – Personnel Matters
6.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)
6.2 Exit Executive Session
6.3 Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)
7.0 Adjourn Meeting
President
Library Youth Offerings for Fall
The fall lineup of youth and family programming for the Fort Scott Public Library.
Submitted by
Valetta Cannon
Fort Scott Public Library
Youth Librarian & Assistant Director
Tuesdays at 10 a.m.: Storytime with Miss Val – Enjoy themed stories, songs, crafts, snacks, and playtime in the library’s event room. Our upcoming themes are: Camping on August 29, Grandparents on September 5, and Apples on September 12.
Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m.: 4th – 12th grade group meets for game nights, movie nights, crafts, book discussions, community service projects, and more. Snacks are always served. Our next event is Blanket Fort Movie Night on August 30.
Marvelous Monday Homeschool events are monthly on the 2nd Monday at 4 pm. Our first event of this school year will be our Back to Homeschool Party on September 11. Meet at the library to explore robotics, STEM, local history, writing, photography, web design, and much more. The library is seeking special guest speakers to cover various topics related to homeschooling. Interested? Email Miss Val at [email protected].
Coding Club: The 6th-12 grade group meets on the 1st & 3rd Thursday of the month at 4:30. The 3rd-5th grade group meets on the 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month at 4:30. The program is sponsored in part by Girls Who Code, and the library uses their curriculum and Club Funds program to help facilitate the meetings. Participants will learn basic elements of coding and explore robotics, enjoy snacks, and use a variety of technology to work on group projects.
Book Club for 4th – 12th grades: Meet Miss Val at Common Ground to discuss books, play bookish games, and enjoy free treats, courtesy of the FSMS VIP’s.
Star Wars Reads Day on October 23, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Celebrate all things Star Wars at the library. Snacks, games, books, crafts, movies, prizes, and activities are provided. All ages welcome.
Literacy Reward Programs: The library offers three literacy reward programs year-round: 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten for ages Birth to K; 500 Books Before Middle School for grades 1st to 5th; 100 Books Before Graduation for grades 6th to 12th. Prizes and milestones vary.
All library programs are free and open to the public. Find out more about the library’s programs and sign up at fortscott.mykansaslibrary.org.
FSCC Trustees Minutes of July 17
FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting July 17, 2023
PRESENT: John Bartelsmeyer, Dave Elliott, Jim Fewins, Kirk Hart, Bryan Holt, and Robert Nelson
ALSO PRESENT: Juley McDaniel (Board Clerk), faculty, staff
Chairman Bartelsmeyer called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm in the meeting rooms of Ellis Fine Arts Center. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: The Board presented outgoing President, Alysia Johnston with a parting gift as a token of their appreciation for all her work through her tenure at FSCC.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: None.
CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Holt, and carried by unanimous vote to
approve the consent agenda as amended.
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A. A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to accept the quote of
$89,000 for athletic insurance from Berkley Life & Health and $9,299 for catastrophic insurance from
Mutual of Omaha for a total of $98,229.
B. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the
employment contract of their selected presidential candidate, Dr. Jason Kegler.
ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES: The Board reviewed and heard updates from Gordon Parks Museum, Finance
and Operations, Student Services, IT, Maintenance, Miami County Campus, and Athletics.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at
6:12 pm by Elliott, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote.
Fort Scott Community College Agenda for August 28
August 28, 2023
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, August 28, 2023. The meeting will be held in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall at Fort Scott
Community College.
5:00 p.m. Dinner in meeting rooms of Ellis Family Fine Arts Center, followed by regular board
meeting at approximately 5:30 p.m.
THE AGENDA
5:00 DINNER
5:30 ROLL CALL, 3
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CALL TO ORDER, 4
A. Comments from the Chair, 4
B. Comments from the Public, 4
C. Proposed Budget Review, 4
CONSENT AGENDA, 5
A. Approval of Agenda, 5
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on July 17, 2023, 6
C. Approval of Treasurer’s Report, Bills, and Claims, 7
D. Approval of Personnel Actions, 5
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS, 60
A. Approval of Updated Equal Opportunity, Harassment, and Nondiscrimination Policy, 60
B. Consideration of Generator Purchase and Installation, 132
C. Approval of Rodeo Program Hay Purchase, 138
ITEMS FOR REVIEW, 139
A. Correspondence for Review, 139
REPORTS, 142
A. Administrative Updates, 142
EXECUTIVE SESSION, 159
ADJOURNMENT, 1601
UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:
Board Meeting
Labor Day, Campus Closed
Board Meeting
Board Meeting
Board Meeting
Thanksgiving Break, Campus Closed
• December 11, 2023 (Changed due to winter break) Board Meeting
Winter Break, Campus Closed
MLK, Jr. Day, Campus Closed
Board Meeting
Board Meeting
Spring Break, Campus Closed
Board Meeting
Board Meeting
Board Meeting
• August 28, 2023 (to facilitate budget process)
• September 4, 2023
• September 25, 2023 (to facilitate budget process)
• October 16, 2023
• November 20, 2023
• November 22 – 24, 2023
• December 15, 2023 – January 3, 2024
• January 15, 2024
• January 22, 2024 (Changed due to MLK, Jr. Day)
• February 19, 2024
• March 11 – 15, 2024
• March 18, 2024
• April 15, 2024
• May 20, 2024
• May 27, 2024
• June 17, 2024 Memorial Day, Campus Closed
Board Meeting
Sincerely,
John Bartelsmeyer, Chair
Jason Kegler, 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.
ROLL CALL
_____ John Bartelsmeyer
_____ Jim Fewins
_____ Dave Elliott
_____ Kirk Hart
_____ Bryan Holt
_____ Robert Nelson
CALL TO ORDER
A. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
B. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
C. PROPOSED BUDGET REVIEW
CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
Attached are the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting conducted on July 17, 2023.
C. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT, BILLS and CLAIMS
Attached are the Treasurer’s Report and the Bills and Claims Report.
D. APPROVAL OF PERSONNEL ACTIONS
1) Additions
a) Jason Kegler, President, effective July 24, 2023
b) Ezequeil Tenorio, Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach, effective August 19, 2023
c) Ronnie Jackson, CDL Instructor/Examiner, effective August 28, 2023
2) Separations
a) Jacob Reichard, Director of Institutional Research, effective September 1, 2023
b) Lawrence Alford, Theatre Manager, effective September 1, 2023
c) Nick Mora, Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach, effective August 16, 2023
3) Transfers
a) Celina Moses, from Financial Aid Officer to Assistant Director of Financial Aid, effective August 1, 2023
b) Ben Souza, from Network Specialist to Director of Institutional Research, effective August 28, 2023
c) Chris Larsen, from Lead IT Technician to Network Specialist, effective August 28, 2023
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Consent Agenda items be approved as
presented.
BOARD ACTION: MOTION _____ SECOND _____ VOTE _____
DISCUSSION:
VOTE: Bartelsmeyer Elliott Fewins
Hart Holt Nelson
To view the entire packet:
Assistance For Livestock Producers Due to Extreme Heat
USDA Updates Livestock Disaster Payment Rate to Assist Producers Hard-Hit by Heat and Humidity
WASHINGTON, Aug. 25, 2023 – The USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced today it is updating the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) payment rate to support livestock producers in the Midwest who have lost cattle to the extreme heat and humidity experienced this summer. To help indemnify ranchers to reflect a trend towards higher cattle weights in feedlots, the 2023 LIP payment rate for beef calves over 800 pounds will increase from $1244 per head to $1618, an increase of $374.
“The recent heat domes plaguing many parts of the country have proven to be unsurvivable for some animals and temperatures are not expected to let up any time soon. This is one of the latest, many examples of how a changing climate is creating immediate challenges for farmers and ranchers, and we’re finding that our emergency relief programs need to adapt accordingly,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “Given these circumstances and the trend towards higher weights in feedlots, it became clear that USDA’s Livestock Indemnity Payment rates were not reflective of the true market value for cattle. This change will better indemnify the investments producers have in the livestock they raise, and we will continue to find flexibilities where possible to help our farmers and ranchers in the wake of climate-related impacts.”
LIP provides benefits to livestock owners and some contract growers for livestock deaths exceeding normal mortality from eligible adverse weather events, certain predation losses and reduced sales prices due to injury from an eligible loss. Indemnity payments are made at a rate of 75% of the prior year’s average fair market value of the livestock.
The updated LIP payment rate is effective immediately and will be applied retroactively starting Jan.1, 2023, for all eligible causes of loss including excessive heat, tornado, winter storms, and other qualifying adverse weather. Producers who have already received LIP payments for 2023 losses will receive an additional payment, if applicable, commensurate with this updated rate. For details on eligibility and payment rates, review the LIP fact sheet.
FSA recognizes that an annual update of LIP payment rates does not account for the volatile nature of livestock markets and is further exploring flexibilities to establish more current payment rates.
More Information
On farmers.gov, the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool, Disaster Assistance-at-a-Glance fact sheet, and Loan Assistance Tool can help producers and landowners determine program or loan options. For assistance with a crop insurance claim, producers and landowners should contact their crop insurance agent. For FSA and NRCS programs, they should contact their local USDA Service Center.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit usda.gov.
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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
Death Notice of Earl Hull
Earl D. Hull, age 80, formerly of Fort Scott, KS, more recently of Thomas, OK, died Thursday, August 24, 2023, at Maple Lawn Manor in Hydro, OK. Services for Earl Hull will be announced by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main.
New in Riverfront Park: Labyrinth In Memory of Allen Warren
The Belltown Trail in Riverfront Park continues to be popular, even though Fort Scott is under a heat advisory, according to Jerry Witt. “Many exercise enthusiasts continue to walk the trail under the shade of the tree lined path.”
“A lot of people use the park,” he said.
Witt is chairman of a board called the Riverfront Authority that has been improving the park on North National Avenue in Fort Scott since 2005.
There is a new addition to the park added this summer.
The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation awarded a $1,500 grant to construct a labyrinth path, according to Witt. A labyrinth concrete pad has been completed next to the west side of the half-mile Belltown Trail. A labyrinth is a complex and circuitous path that leads from a beginning point to a center.
“It was Allen Warren’s idea to construct a labyrinth path in Riverfront Park,” he said. “He met with his Methodist minister, Christopher Eshelman, and Riverfront staff to talk about the possibilities of this being placed in Riverfront Park. But before the final plans were in place, Allen passed away.”
For the many hours of volunteer labor and use of his tractor equipment donated to the park construction, Witt decided to go ahead with the project and dedicate the labyrinth to Allen’s memory.
“The 24 ft. by 24 ft. concrete pad structure can be used by citizens to walk it’s path for meditation or just as a playful path for exercise,” Witt said. ” A plaque to honor Allen will be placed by the structure.”
History of Riverfront Park
The park began as an outshoot of a town wide visioning event in 2005, when citizens wanted to develop the Marmaton River as an asset to the community.
“Dean Mann saw the vision of a riverfront park and he was the original chairman, until he retired several years ago,” Witt said.
The Fort Scott Bourbon County Riverfront Authority was formed in April 2007, with approval from then Kansas Governor Sebelius.
Their mission was to purchase and develop land along the river to create a park and they also created a master plan.
“We had to have property owners buy in to the vision of the park,” Witt said. “Most donated land to the Riverfront Park.” That process took years.
Since then the following has been put in the park: a lighted walkway, parking spaces, an observation deck at rivers edge, a pavilion and a loop drive on the south side of the river which goes under Hwy. 69.
Local artist Stephan Toal has beautified the inside of the underpass with historical murals.
The Fort Scott Garden Club has planted and maintained a flower garden on the south side, with the Fort Scott Fire Department watering it. The City of Fort Scott put in a facility in the southwest part of the trail for people to fill their water bottles.
“The city has plans to build a walkway from the north side of the bridge to the Bell Town Trail, probably this fall,” Witt said.
Paul Ballou, who works for the city helps maintain the park and does “a great job,” Witt said.
The park has been used for weddings, business meetings on nice days, car shows and many other events..
“There will be a festival in the park on Sept. 30,” Witt said. “It will be all day and feature Bluegass music and a car show.”
To reserve the pavilion, one must call the city offices at 223-0550.
Current members of the Riverfront Authority board: Penny Barnes, Dan Magee, Bob Love, Arnold Schofield, Jeff Sweetser and Witt. Mann remains an ex-officio member, and Kate Sweetser is a part of the group as well, Witt said.
A Deadly Decision by Patty LaRoche
My sorority reunion was last week in Grove, Oklahoma. Catching up is always fun, but it had been a tough year for two of the other five gals, as one is struggling to keep her business open, and two months ago, “Sharon,” our wheelchair-bound friend, had watched her husband, “Bryan,” choke to death on a piece of steak at her independent living, five-star restaurant. We knew about his death but not all of the facts surrounding his death.
The recently-hired administrator apparently had instructed all the dining personnel never to use life-saving measures. Only the nurses on duty could do so. The trouble was, he had fired 30 of them when he took over–in order to save money–and none were on duty.
My friend screamed for help as she watched her husband slump in his seat. The chef was called but also refused to help. Finally, a porter ran into the restaurant and attempted to pick Bryan up under his arms, but that only caused more problems because of a recently-installed pacemaker. Within four minutes, paramedics arrived, but it was too late. The E.R. personnel were able to dislodge the piece of steak.
In the care facility, news spread that Sharon’s husband had suffered a heart attack. She knew the administrator was trying to cover his hide because of his irrational policy. Two weeks ago, a scheduled meeting was held to discuss any issues residents had. My friend attended and asked why they weren’t telling the truth about her husband, that he had choked and not suffered cardiac arrest. The question was avoided, but the next day, when Sharon tried to watch the YouTube recording of the event, her question had been edited out. Apparently, residents not present at the meeting were not to know the truth.
My girlfriends and I sat stunned as we learned of the horror our friend had witnessed. She shared that since then, all restaurant personnel have had training in C.P.R. and the Heimlich. Life-vacs have been purchased and are in each of the five dining rooms. Sharon was grateful for that. She also has contacted an attorney about the lies being told. We were grateful for that.
Some of you readers might have a story of someone’s incompetence (maybe even your own) that changed your life forever. The memory of it makes you shudder. The fact is, this is a fallen world. I picture Satan celebrating when Bryan died, hoping it would destroy Sharon’s faith. It hasn’t worked. She, a devout Christian, knowing that her husband was a Christian, has found peace, as she is confident that she someday will see him again.
Yesterday, I texted Sharon and asked how she was doing. This was her response. “Sometimes, I sob, but I cling to 1 Thessalonians 13,14: Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.”
May we all have that kind of faith.
West Nile Virus Confirmed in Horses in Kansas
MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture Division of Animal Health has received notification of multiple confirmed cases of West Nile virus (WNV) in horses across the state over the past few weeks. Confirmed cases have been reported in Barber, Butler, Douglas and Pratt counties.
WNV is a preventable disease, with annual vaccinations that have proven highly effective. All of the confirmed cases of WNV in Kansas were in unvaccinated horses or horses with an unknown vaccination history so were assumed to be unvaccinated. All horse owners should consult with their local veterinarians and make a vaccination plan for their horses.
WNV is a virus that can infect humans, horses, birds and other species. Horses infected with WNV can have symptoms that range from depression, loss of appetite and fever to severe neurologic signs such as incoordination, weakness, inability to rise, and hypersensitivity to touch or sound. WNV can be fatal in horses. If you see symptoms of WNV in your horse, contact your veterinarian immediately.
The virus is carried and transmitted by mosquitoes; it is not directly contagious from horse to horse or from horse to human. WNV is a reportable disease in Kansas, which means veterinarians are required by law to report any confirmed cases to the State Veterinarian.
For more information about West Nile virus or other animal disease issues in Kansas, go to the KDA Division of Animal Health website at agriculture.ks.gov/
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Obituary of Scarlett Gail Reeder
Scarlett Gail Reeder was born silently on August 16, 2023, at Ascension Via Christie Hospital, but her little life spoke volumes.
She is forever loved by her parents, Ashlee and Preston Reeder, and her brothers, Thayne and Case of Uniontown.
She is preceded in death by her beloved great-aunt and namesake, Dinah Gail Skillett (Belton, MO).
Survivors include grandparents Carla Stubby of Fort Scott, Carol and Don Reeder of Uniontown, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins who will always hold Scarlett Gail in their hearts.