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This part of a series of features on 20 new teachers at Fort Scott School District 234.
School starts August 18.

Jacqui Rivera, 25, is a new second grade teacher at Winfield Scott Elementary School.
Rivera spent three years working in early childhood,the past two years as a first grade teacher.
“I can remember wanting to be a teacher since elementary school,” she said. “I loved getting to help others. I had several experiences throughout high school where I was able to… work with elementary students, I thought it was the best thing ever! I had several teachers throughout my schooling who inspired me, and I wanted to be a great educator just like them.”
“My students learn and grow so much throughout the year that I get to be their teacher,” she said. “The best part is watching them finally have that ‘ah ha’ moment when something that they struggled with clicks for them, like learning how to solve that tricky math problem, or read that difficult sentence.”
She received a bachelors of science in elementary education from Emporia State University.
She and her fiance, Zach, live in La Cygne with their two dogs, and two cats.
Gardner is her hometown.
“I come from a big family, I am the youngest of six,” she said. “I have four sisters and one brother…I have 13 nieces/nephews.”
“My hobbies include spending lots of time outside,” she said. “I love photography and spending time at the lake, we also do a lot of fishing! I enjoy reading and spending time with family and friends in my free time.”

Annyssa Davenport is a new special education teacher at Eugene Ware Elementary School.
She earned her bachelors degree in Human Development and Family Services from Kansas State University and a masters in Elementary Education Unified at Ottawa University.
“I started out as a para for our district, after I decided to go back and get my Masters, then I started subbing,” she said. “I was very thankful to get a job teaching kindergarten in December in Archie, MO after I completed student teaching.This is my first year as a special education teacher.”
Her favorite thing about teaching is ” watching kids succeed,” she said.
“I was born and raised in Fort Scott and have lived here for a majority of my life,” she said. “I’m engaged to Brandon West and we are expecting our first child this fall.”

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The owners of the Courtland Hotel and Spa have worked to make the place a destination.
Frank and Cheryl Adamson own the 117 year old hotel at 121 E. First in Fort Scott’s Historic Downtown District.

“We are a destination for couples because we have the ability to provide multiple services at a given time, that sets us apart,” said Cheryl, who is a massage therapist at the hotel/spa.
Since the COVID-19 Pandemic ended, she has hired another massage therapist and two nail designers to make this service accessibility possible.
“We offer massages, manicures, pedicures for married couples, mother/daughters, girlfriends, etc.” she said. “It’s a destination to come and relax and enjoy the charm and history of Fort Scott.”
“We are the place to be and the place to stay because we are in the middle of everything,” she said. “Fort Scott restaurants and shopping are all within walking distance.”

Adamson has been a massage therapist for 26 years.


The Adamson’s added massage therapist Bobbie Brown in 2020. Brown offers Cryoskin, a therapy with massage that reduces fat and tightens skin.
Brown said she offers pain management, sports injuries, facials, and deep tissue massage as part of her therapies menu.
She received her education from Colorado University through U.S. Careers in 2019, and also training from the National Laser Institute in Dallas.
Her hours are Monday-Saturday by appointment. Text for an appointment to 620-704-4256.

Joy Kuns, 23, started at the Courtland Spa in June 2023 as a nail artist.

She graduated from Fort Scott School of Cosmetology School and has four years experience as a nail artist.
Kuns hours of operation are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with Wednesdays off.
To schedule an appointment with Kuns, call 620.215.6831.
The following graphic is the list of services and their costs, that both Kuns and Townsend offer.


Sandy Townsend, 43, is a nail artist at the Courtland Spa, since May 2023.
She has 14 years cosmetology experience, and four years as a nail artist. She graduated from the B Street Design School of Cosmetology, Manhattan, KS.
Townsend is available for nail services Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 5 on Saturdays.
Contact her at 620.215.1433.
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 7, 2023
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, August 7, 2023, for a special board meeting at the board office.
Vice-President James Wood opened the meeting.
Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, presented an updated contract with No Limits Rehabilitation Inc., for physical therapy services. The board heard from building administrators regarding school handbooks.
Superintendent Destry Brown and Gina Shelton, Finance Director, presented the 2023-24 budget. Dalaina Smith, Assistant Superintendent, presented the Building Needs Assessment as part of the budget process.
The board approved the following items:
The board went into two executive sessions for personnel matters.
Vice-President Wood adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT
August 7, 2023
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
TRANSFERS/REASSIGNMENTS:
For the 2023-24 school year:
Certified:
EMPLOYMENT:
Certified Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:
Classified Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:
Supplemental Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:

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Nita Habbena, age 97, of Carl Junction, Missouri, passed away peacefully on August 5th at her daughter’s home surrounded by her family who loved her dearly.
Nita grew up in the small community of Rockwell City, Iowa, where she met and married her husband, Carl, in 1947. During their marriage they lived and raised their 4 children in Manson, Iowa. When the nest was empty, they moved to Yankton, South Dakota, then Leawood, Kansas, with their final move to Carl Junction where they lived for over 30 years.
Her pride and joy was her grandson Ryan. Nita also enjoyed playing golf, her gardens, flowers, and a good glass of wine. She was a dog lover and enjoyed companion pets throughout her entire life. She also loved the KC Royals and Chiefs, and there was nothing she enjoyed more than watching a good game on television.
She had a zest for life and was a fiercely independent spirit. Having fun was always the goal. During her final years that spirit was a blessing but also became a challenge to her caregivers who were honored to be part of her final journey. She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl, in 2003, her parents, and 2 sisters. She is survived by her daughters, Carleen Shatto, Paula Habbena, Pat Habbena, son Doug Habbena, grandson Ryan Habbena and sister Pegge Hudgins.
A special thank you must be extended to Good Shepherd Hospice for their exceptional care. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Good Shepard Hospice, Olathe, Kansas, or New Beginnings Dog Rescue in Overland Park, Kansas.
A celebration of life is pending.
July 31, 2023 Monday, 5:30 p.m.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.
Jason Silvers, Michael Hoyt, Mark McCoy, Tayton Majors, Clint Walker, and Rachel Walker were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim Harris opened the meeting with the flag salute followed by a prayer led by Mark McCoy.
Nelson Blythe made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 7/24/23, approval of payroll totaling $130,054.08, and approval of accounts payable totaling $1,099,433.01. Clifton Beth seconded the motion and all approved.
There were no public comments.
Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, said there were several trees down with the last storm that went through, but the guys did a great job getting them out of the roads. The asphalting on Soldier Road is complete on the east side of the railroad tracks. Eric stated that after harvest is over, they will go back to Hammond and pave Soldier Road west of the railroad tracks to 215th Street. There has been a lot of traffic at the grain elevator and Eric didn’t want to disrupt their business by having the road closed at this time, and wanted to ensure that residents knew they would be back to finish the project. The asphalt crew is moving on to pave behind Ellis Park this week. The first lane of dust control was sprayed on Friday and they plan on finishing tomorrow after the roads dry out after the rain. Jim asked if a lot of people were participating this year, and Eric said there were around eight residents. The bridge at 160th Fern that we have the grant for will be let for construction on September 20th. There were three mowers out today and will have the fourth out as soon as it is fixed. Jim thanked Eric for mowing and said the roads in his district look good. Eric brought the aerial maps out to show Nelson a road he had inquired about. A resident had questioned Nelson if Wagon Road west of Highway 3 is a maintained road as he said it is the only road into his property. Jim asked Eric if he had a chance to visit with Lora about the road, and Eric said he did when this was brought up previously but will visit with her again. Jim said he drove several of the roads in his district on Sunday and they looked very good. Clifton said he had heard several comments about the pavement on Soldier Road.
Matt Quick, County Appraiser, said the Neighborhood Revitalization Program interlocal agreements are ready and need the Chairman’s signature. Clifton made a motion to allow Chairman Harris to sign the updated NRP agreements. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.
Mark McCoy with Bourbon County REDI said they are here working with and for Bourbon County. Tayton Majors presented a Business Retention and Expansion findings study and spoke about several of the highlights throughout the study. The major businesses that were questioned for the study employee thousands of the county’s residents. 100% of employers interviewed stressed the necessity of moderate-income housing. The loss of the hospital was a huge loss for the county and REDI has been working with many healthcare providers and have already relocated a few into the old Mercy building. REDI is focusing on creative solutions for childcare because adequate childcare was another need that employers stressed. REDI has brought in several industry leading individuals in workforce management to give insight to business and educators in community and to try to help facilitate the transition between school into the workforce. The businesses that were interviews said although the workforce pool is small, they rank their employees at 8 out of 10. Mr. Majors said this is a positive thing when trying to get other businesses to expand into our community. Looking forward REDI plans to expand their focus into Agribusiness, infrastructure, and many more things. Mr. Majors said with your continued financial support REDI will continue to persist in the pursuit of excellence, will further mold their processes, build on successes, and implement new initiatives ensuring that our communities’ needs are met in a way that is efficient and impactful. Jim thanked Tayton and said there was a lot of good information presented. Mark McCoy said they are willing to come back at any time.
Justin said two of the executive sessions requested were on the same topic and suggested combining them.
Clifton made a motion to go into a 15-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy. The executive session will include all three Commissioners and Justin Meeks and they will return at 6:08. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:08 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Clifton made a motion to strike his executive session from the agenda. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Justin Meeks asked for a 15-minute executive session to discuss proprietary information and three contracts.
Clifton made a motion to go into a 15-minute executive session under 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. The executive session will include all three Commissioners and Justin Meeks and they will return at 6:25. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Nelson made a motion to resume normal session at 6:25 with action. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved.
Nelson made a motion to allow Clifton Beth to negotiate contracts for future development. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
Nelson questioned why the budget discussion was removed from the agenda and Jim explained it was due to Susan being unable to attend the meeting.
Jim said he had residents complain about the railroad tracks being blocked at Jayhawk Road and said they had sent out an RFQ for a feasibility study for an overpass south of town that would help emergency personnel and residents access the east side of the county when there is a train sitting. Jim said this won’t happen tomorrow and that it may take years, but they have to start somewhere.
Nelson made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:28. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved.
Approved 8-7-2023
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________, Commissioner
ATTEST: ___________________, Commissioner
Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk
, Approved Date