Fort Scott, Schools

New USD 234 Teachers: Woellhof, Fugate-Cate, Setina

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This is part of a series featuring the 20 new teachers in the Fort Scott School District.

School starts August 18.

Beckie Woellhof. Sumitted photo.
Beckie Woellhof will be a new 4th Grade math teacher at Eugene Ware Elementary in Fort Scott.
She has taught for 13 years.
Woellhof graduated from Pittsburg State University in 2004.
“I grew up in and around Fort Scott and have lived in this area for most of my life,” she said. “I had some wonderful teachers when I was younger and they inspired me to be a teacher.”
For Woellhof,  getting to know her students is the best thing about being a teacher.
For her, challenges of teaching include “Finding a good work/life balance. As an educator, it is hard to turn off my teacher brain. I am always looking for new and engaging ideas for my classroom or creating things for my classroom at home. My kids often get drafted to help me.”
She and husband, Edwin, have four children.
In her spare time she loves to read and spend time with family and friends, she said.
Kassie Fugate-Cate. Submitted photo.
Kassie Fugate Cate, 33, will be a new special education teacher for Winfield Scott Elementary School.
“This will be a new adventure for me,” she said. “I have been a part of the district in different ways for about six years now. I’ve taught at the college level for about seven years and was a substitute teacher for the district last year.”
“I’ve been teaching at the collegiate for a while and never thought I would want to teach in K-12 until I started subbing for the district,” she said. “I really enjoyed being in the classroom and watching the light bulb go off when they understood what they were struggling with. Also, my son Kendrick was my inspiration to go into special education. He is autistic and I have learned so much from him.”
For her, the best thing about teaching is “Seeing the kids light up about learning and understanding the concepts. Also, being someone they can trust, support them, and push them to succeed. Being in education is all about student success and I look forward to making that happen for all my students.”
Instruction isn’t a challenge for her.
“It’s making sure that I teach them in a way they can understand and enjoy,” she said. “Then of course the paperwork that comes with special education is a little intimidating, but I’ve always enjoyed writing so it will be fun.”
Cate obtained a bachelor’s from Pittsburg State University in 2014 in communication. Then received a masters in strategic communication from Liberty University in 2018. She is currently working on another masters in education focusing on curriculum, instruction, and special education, with completion next summer.
She currently resides in Pittsburg, but is searching for a place in Fort Scott.
“I’ve been happily married to my husband Stephan  for 11 years and we have two beautiful children, Kendrick, in 5th grade at Eugene Ware and Katerina in 3rd grade at Eugene Ware,” she said.
“I enjoy helping out in the community and my church (Faith Church of Kansas),” she said. “I enjoy leading the elementary Parent Teacher Organization as president, it keeps me busy. I like going to the movies with my family and spending time with friends. Definitely a Netflix and chill type of person.”
Ashlee Setina. Submitted photo.
Ashlee Setina is the new Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher at Fort Scott High School.
This is her 4th year of teaching.
She went to college at Fort Scott Community College then Pittsburg State University.
Setina was motivated to become an educator by her Family and Consumer Science Teacher, who encouraged her to teach “because of my love and passion to help others achieve their goals.”
The best thing about teaching for her is “When a student finally learns the information and gets it 100%,” she said.
Her greatest challenge is “Being a young teacher because I do not have a lot of experience.”
Setina’s hometown is Arma.
“I enjoy fishing and hunting in my free time,” she said. “I love to cook and sew as well.”

 
 
Church news, Youth

Carpenters for Christ Youth Carpentry Workshop

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Carpenters for Christ Youth Carpentry
Workshop

Location: First Southern Baptist Church
1818 S Main St

August 7 th , 8 th & 9 th
10am till 11:30am

Ages: 6 th thru 8 th Grade (Boys & Girls)

Enrollment Limited to 15 youth

(Call 620-223-2986 to reserve a spot)

Workshop will include: Snacks, a Bible Lesson, and a Carpentry
Training Session

*Youth that attend at least 2 sessions will receive a free t-shirt
(t-shirts will be ordered after the end of the 2 nd workshop)

Bourbon County

Healthy Bo Co Action Team Tackles Public Transportation

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The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s coalition Local Health Equity Action Team (LHEAT) has been making efforts to bring affordable public transportation through SEK-CAP that is also wheelchair accessible to Bourbon County. As have right now this program will run 3-days a week. We are planning on launching this program at the end of August. We wanted community members to share input on what the weekly schedule should look like and provide feedback. Please fill out this short survey and share with others!

BBCO Public Transportation Survey (google.com)

 

 

Rachel Carpenter. Submitted photo.

Submitted by

Rachel Carpenter

Director

The Center for Economic Growth

The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team

PH: 620-215-2562

104 N National

Government, Kansas

Governor Kelly Invites Public Input on Broadband Infrastructure Plan

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TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Initial Proposal Volume 1 is available for public viewing and comment. The BEAD 5-Year Action Plan, along with Volume 1 and Volume 2, will identify served, unserved, and underserved locations across the state and map out a plan to expand access to high-speed internet.

The BEAD program, established by the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, has allocated more than $451 million to Kansas for the development of broadband networks.

“Universal internet access is essential, and BEAD is a catalyst to a more connected and prosperous Kansas,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “From remote work to telehealth and other critical services, my administration is committed to ensuring every Kansan has the opportunity to thrive in the digital economy.”

Residents, community organizations, businesses, and local authorities from across the state are encouraged to participate in the public comment period for Volume 1 of the Initial Proposal. The document adheres to National Telecommunications Information and Administration (NTIA) guidelines and includes a description of each requirement and attachments.

Volume 1 includes:

  • Existing broadband efforts
  • Identification of unserved and underserved Kansans
  • List of community anchor institutions

“It’s essential to have opportunities for meaningful public comment and connection with the Office of Broadband Development if we are to achieve the goal of universal service,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Kansas is on the path to a more digitally accessible future, and participation in the public comment period will play a crucial role in shaping the success of the BEAD program.”

These strategic planning documents aim to bring robust broadband connectivity to every corner of Kansas, bolstering economic growth, education, health care, and public safety.

“This historic investment will make bold strides toward closing the digital divide and empowering Kansas communities,” said Jade Piros de Carvalho, Director of the Kansas Office of Broadband Development. “Input from Kansans is needed to ensure everyone will have the opportunity to enjoy enhanced broadband access, creating greater opportunities for all residents.”

Public comments on Volume 1 can be submitted online here until August 30.

Learn more about the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Plan here.

Area News, K-State Extension

New K-State Agent and Newly Created Position: Amanda Clasen

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Amanda Clasen. Submitted photo.

Amanda Clasen, 35, is a new  K-State Research and Extension- Southwind District agent. She is serving Neosho, Woodson, Bourbon and Allen Counties. They have offices in Erie, Yates Center, Iola and Fort Scott.

Hers is a newly created position,  that started June 12, 2023.

“I am the Community Vitality Agent, helping local communities grow by helping identify local needs and highlight the bright spots within the community, as well as working with local collation groups to identify health, childcare and housing needs within our counties,” she said. “I can help local groups find grants for project funding as well as help in assisting with the writing of those grants. We are still expanding on programming for this position as it is a new position, so I am looking into possibly adding Youth Entrepreneurship similar to what Fort Scott currently offers to our other counties in the future.”

“I am housed out of the Erie Office, but travel to each office at least once a week,” she said.

Her contact info: email: [email protected]   or phone 620.244.3826

Clasen earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education- Pittsburg State University in 2011, and a Master’s Degree in Adaptive Special Education from P.S.U. in 2015.

“I was a special education preschool teacher for 11 years before taking this position,” she said.  “Along side of my teaching duties I served as a Family Engagement Coordinator for three years, helping write grants to provide events within the school to promote stronger parent/family relationships as well as including outside agencies opportunities  to share information with parents.”

She was born and raised in Linn, KS, a small rural town in north central Kansas, and currently lives in Erie with husband Mac and three sons, 10 years, 8 years and 3 years-old.

She has been involved in her community through  XI Delta PSI.

So far in this job, she is enjoying “Getting to network with local communities and members and see what fun and exciting projects that they have already completed and working towards,” she said. “There are so many hidden ‘gems’ in our small towns and I’m excited to continue to uncover them with getting to know community members.”

With any new job, the beginning can be challenging.

“With this being a new position, there is not currently not an established programming plan, so deciding what communities need or want for programming has been a struggle, but I’m excited to learn!” she said.

 

Art, Gordon Parks Museum

Gordon Parks Museum Receives Abstracts Created By Parks

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A panel in the Gordon Parks Museum.

Fort Scott, Kan. Aug.1, 2023 – Dr. Matthew Goltl, a Wichita chiropractor and longtime admirer of Gordon
Parks, has donated four of the celebrated photographer’s master prints to the Gordon Parks Museum
at Fort Scott Community College.

The 17-by-22 images are from “The Gordon Parks Signature Collection: Images from the Soul” by
Marcia McCoy, photographer and friend of Parks.
The photographs – titled “Moondown,” “Sky Song,” “Stream-side Blossoms” and “A Memory” – will
become part of the museum’s collections.

“We are so very thankful to Dr. Goltl for this wonderful contribution to our museum; this is a wonderful
addition to our collections,” said Kirk Sharp, executive director.

McCoy also teamed with Parks and Robert Erlichman of Art Guild Press to create an edition suite of
the many iconic photos taken by the Fort Scott native.

“Mr. Parks is a national treasure and has inspired creators globally to have the courage to create and
express their voices and visions,” she said. “We are delighted to share these powerful and inspiring
abstracts with you and the world.”

Government, Kansas

Governor Kelly Announces July Total Tax Receipts $13.9M More than Estimate

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TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that total tax collections for July 2023 were $681.0 million. That is $13.9 million, or 2.1%, more than the estimate. Total tax collections are up $94.7 million, or 16.2%, from July 2022.

“We are starting this fiscal year on strong financial footing, thanks to my administration’s laser-sharp focus on attracting businesses and growing the state’s economy,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The numbers are clear: we must put money back in the hands of working Kansans through responsible tax cuts.”

Individual income tax collections were $313.7 million. That is $3.7 million, or 1.2%, more than the estimate, and a $13.2 million, or 4.4%, growth from July 2022. Corporate income tax collections were $44.7 million. That’s $4.7 million, or 11.9%, more than the estimate and up 22.2% from July 2022.

“It is important to note that wage withholding, the largest component of the $313.7 million in individual income tax receipts, is 13.4% more than in July 2022. Kansas wage income continues to be strong as the state moves into Fiscal Year 2024,” said Secretary of Revenue Mark Burghart.

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $315.3 million, which is $12.3 million, or 4.1%, more than the estimate and up 38.8% from July 2022.

Click here to view the July 2023 revenue numbers.

Bourbon County Local News