FSCC SELECTS GUGNANI TO FILL KEY ADMINSTRATIVE ROLE
Sonia Gugnani, whose connection to Fort Scott Community College goes back more than 10 years, is the school’s new vice president of academic affairs.
Her hiring was formally approved by the FSCC Board of Trustees on Monday, and elevates her from her previous post as associate dean of instruction and institutional effectiveness.
The move constitutes a small one geographically for Gugnani, she can just slide into the VP’s office from her current station in Bailey Hall, but a large one in terms of oversight and responsibility.
It’s a role for which she’s well-prepared.
“As the associate dean, I was involved in serving the needs of the high school students in our area,” she said. “That involved collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure the success of our students. I am very familiar with various processes and have been closely involved in curriculum development, assessment and accreditation.
“Having worked with the previous vice president of academic affairs (Adam Borth) has given me a better understanding of the job.”
Gugnani, who has a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s in psychology, began at FSCC in 2014 as a part-time instruction support specialist after two years as an adjunct instructor. She was appointed director of institutional effectiveness and outreach in 2019, then associate dean of instruction and institutional effectiveness in 2021. She participated in the Kansas Community College Leadership Institute last year, and is part of the Lead Bourbon County training cohort.
Teamwork is the key ingredient to success for a lead administrator, she said.
“Working with faculty and staff to offer our students opportunities and quality education is essential for this position,” she said. “I consider myself extremely fortunate to work with a great group of faculty and staff who support the college’s mission and go above and beyond what is expected of them in order to achieve shared objectives.”
Of course, the job does not come without challenges, Gugnani agreed.
“Most community colleges are seeing a reduction in enrollment as a result of students entering the workforce directly out of high schools,” she said. “Promoting general-education courses, dual-credit courses, and implementing short-term career and technical programs could help with enrollment and retention.
“By providing our students the resources they need to complete their education, we can help them be independent and self-sufficient. I strongly believe community colleges have the ability to strengthen our nation’s workforce.”
Personally, Gugnani and her husband, P.K., a local physician, are “proud parents” of three sons, Neil, 19, Shekhar, 19, and Raj, 14. The two eldest are recent graduates of Fort Scott High School and the youngest is an incoming freshman at FSHS.
“(We have) been part of this community for the last 19 years,” said Gugnani, who enjoys spending time with her family, watching action/comedy movies and taking long walks, making puzzles and playing board games.
Virtual Job Fair to Showcase Hundreds of Available State Positions
TOPEKA – Jobseekers are encouraged to attend the upcoming State of Kansas Agencies Virtual Job Fair from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 26. This virtual fair, hosted by KANSASWORKS, will focus on employment opportunities available within many of the state’s 98 government agencies. Currently, there are almost 800 vacancies across the state.
“The Department of Commerce alone has 28 openings, and we want to fill these positions with skilled and professional candidates looking to secure good-paying careers with great benefits,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “All of our agency jobs offer opportunities for individuals to make a true difference in the lives of individuals and communities by serving our great state.”
Registration is required to participate in the event, regardless of previous participation. The Virtual Job Fair portal features a jobseeker training video, a list of participating employers, and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as employers might request to engage in a video interview.
Candidates can participate through any digital device, but it is highly recommended to use a computer to be most effective during the job fairs. If a jobseeker does not have access to a personal computer, they are available at KANSASWORKS offices as well as local libraries throughout the state. Any individual with a disability may request accommodations by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.
To register for the July 26 State of Kansas Agencies Virtual Job Fair, click here.
About KANSASWORKS:
KANSASWORKS links businesses, job candidates and educational institutions to ensure that employers can find skilled workers. Services are provided to employers and job candidates through the state’s 27 workforce centers, online or virtual services KANSASWORKS is completely free for all Kansans to use. Learn more at KANSASWORKS.com. State employment opportunities can be found at jobs.ks.gov.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
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What’s Happening in Fort Scott July 20
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Hulberts Purchase Bartlesmeyer Jewelry
Krysta and Wyatt Hulbert purchased Bartelsmeyer Jewelry on June 30, 2023
The store is located in the historic downtown Fort Scott district at 22 N. Main St
“I’ve been working at the jewelry store for 13 years, and I hated the idea of the store closing it’s doors when John Bartelsmeyer decided to retire,” Krysta said. “My husband and I have been working along side John and Cindy for almost a year now to plan for us to take over the business. We are so excited that we have finally been able to make all of those plans a reality.”
“The jewelry store has been in John’s family since 1963, when his father purchased the store from Mr. Newberry,” she said. “In 1991, John Bartelsmeyer purchased the store from his father M. H. Bartelsmeyer.”
“My husband Wyatt and I are keeping the name Bartelsmeyer Jewelry for the jewelry store,” she said. “We know that the store’s name carries with it a history of honesty and integrity, and we are excited to carry on that legacy.”
Krysta has been learning the ropes for all those years as an employee.
” I do a little bit of everything at the store from sales and customer service to jewelry repair and office management,” she said. “My specialty, and one of my favorite things to do, is designing custom jewelry. I love to work with customers and help them create one-of-a-kind jewelry that you won’t find anywhere else! At the jewelry store we also specialize in engagement rings, jewelry repair and restoration, ring sizing and watch repair.”
Anything new on the horizon?
“We have lots of new ideas for the future of the store,” she said. “One of our biggest and most exciting plans is to update our website to offer our jewelry for sale online! John will continue to work at the store in the mornings during the week. We will also be adding a new team member to our crew. My husband, Wyatt Hulbert, will soon be working full time alongside John to learn jewelry repair and take over the bench jewelry work when John decides he is ready to fully retire.”
To learn more about John and the jewelry store:
John Bartlesmeyer: 60 Years in the Craft
City of Uniontown Budget Work Session Minutes of July 18
The Budget Worksession on July 18, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 5:30 PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Brad Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
Budget worksession
Council was presented with a 2024 proposed budget. It was reviewed and amended to have the same mill rate as last year, which will exceed the revenue neutral rate. It was agreed upon to send notice to County Clerk of intent to exceed revenue neutral rate and set the revenue neutral rate hearing to begin at 6:45PM on September 12, 2023, to be immediately followed by the budget hearing, then the regular council meeting. Session ended at 7:48PM
Uniontown City Council Unofficial Minutes of the July 11 Meeting
The unofficial minutes of the Uniontown City Council for July 11, 2023.
The Uniontown City Council Meeting on July 11, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Danea Esslinger (7:02), Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Dakota Harris, Tim Nuckolls Agency, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Dakota Harris – Tim Nuckolls Agency– Mr Harris gave a presentation of GlobeLife benefits. Consensus was that we would not add any benefits at this time.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to make the following appointments/designations:
City Clerk/Municipal Court Clerk – Sally Johnson; City Treasurer – Charlene Bolinger; Municipal Judge – Patricia Miklos-Boyd; Municipal Prosecutor – Chase Vaughn; City Newspaper – The Fort Scott Tribune; and Official Bank – Union State Bank, Uniontown.
Oath of office was administered to Johnson and Bolinger. Johnson will administer oath to judge and prosecutor at next court session.
CITIZENS REQUEST
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger present the June 2023 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $356,954.32, Receipts $75,670.19, Transfers Out $3,012.77, Expenditures $29,870.79, Checking Account Closing Balance $399,740.95. Bank Statement Balance $402,032.87, including Checking Account Interest of $81.25, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $2,291.92, Reconciled Balance $399,740.95. 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 $486,473.88. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $460.31, and Utility CDs $331.95 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $792.26. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of June 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. June Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00, to Lease Purchase-Maint Vehicle $(3.31); from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, to Lease Purchase-Maint Vehicle $(3.31); from Gas Utility Fund to Lease Purchase-Maint Vehicle $(3.31); from General Fund to Lease Purchase-Maint Vehicle $(3.30); for Total Transfers of $3,012.77. Net Income for the month of June $42,786.63, Year-to-Date Net Income $56,188.98. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $58626.68 (48.0%), Expenditures $56,043.66 (35.0%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $18,250.72 (49.5%), Expenditures $16,134.02 (39.2%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $89,262.73 (57.0%), Expenditures $62,070.25 (27.6%); General Fund YTD Revenue $118,401.36 (79.1%), Expenditures $85,279.90 (46.0%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $3,967.49 (53.2%), Expenditures $0 (0%). The July 2023 estimated payables in the amount of $24,426.87were presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Kelly, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda as amended:
- Minutes of June 21, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
- Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
City Superintendent Rich had nothing to report. Mayor Jurgensen asked him to take 4 sets of barricades to 75th street for the baseball tournament this weekend.
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan presented the Statement of Enforcing Officer regarding 404 Washington St.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to adopt Resolution 2023-0711-1 a Resolution fixing a time and place and providing for notice of a hearing before the Governing Body of the City of Uniontown, Kansas, at which the owner, his or her agent, lienholders of record, occupants and other parties in interest of structures located within said city and described herein may appear and show cause why such structure should not be condemned and ordered repaired or demolished as an unsafe or dangerous structure.
The sewer issue at 305 Clay has been resolved and the dead tree at 505 Wall will be removed as soon as contractor can remove it. Councilmember Kelly asked about household items being stored in a carport. Clerk Johnson has already spoken with the party.
Clerk Johnson asked for voting delegate/alternate voting delegate for League of Kansas Municipalities.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 to designate Jess Ervin as voting delegate and Amber Kelly as alternate voting delegate
Johnson reminded governing body to let her know if any wished to attend the League of Kansas Municipalities Conference in October or the Regional Meeting on July 27 in Pittsburg.
She also reminded them of the Budget Worksession scheduled for Tuesday, July 18, 5:30PM.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – absent
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilman Hartman – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – asked if the stone post on her property has any historical significance and if it can be removed. It was suggested she take a picture of the stone and contact the Bourbon County Historical Society to see if there is any historical significance and whether it can be removed.
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – nothing
OLD BUSINESS
KMGA Supply Management – we received an email about the executive directors’ decision to partner with WoodRiver Energy. Dixie Riedel called on July 6 to explain that the default purchasing method would be a blend of fixed and first-of-month pricing but each member could tailor their portfolio with all fixed, all first-of-month, or a blend.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 to use the default purchasing method for our portfolio
Johnson will contact Dixie tomorrow with this decision.
Mural Grant – an update was given.
Placemaking Project – an update on the success of the booth at Independence Day Bash was given.
NEW BUSINESS
Fall Cleanup –
Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to provide three dumpsters August 28-31, 8am-8pm, until filled. When full, dumpsters will be removed.
Moved by Kelly, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 8:24PM
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports July 20
Bourbon County Fair Continues
A view of the Bourbon County Fair on Wednesday afternoon.
Dr. Jason Kegler: New FSCC President
At the Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees meeting on July 17, Dr. Jason Kegler was approved as the new president.
At the meeting, Alysia Johnston, prior president, was honored by the board for her eight years of service.
Thirty-nine candidates applied for the position when Johnston announced her retirement in April. The field was narrowed down to three, with Kegler being selected.
Dr. Kegler assumes his duties next week as FSCC’s new president with a firm resolve to keep students as the No. 1 priority, according to a FSCC press release.
“One of my goals will be to work directly with the faculty and staff to ensure we maintain the perspective ‘students first,’” he stated in his letter of application and echoed in public forums last week. “… Oftentimes within higher education, we create ‘unintentional roadblocks’ for students. We need to review the student experience with the intention to streamline and simplify the process.”
Kegler, who earned his doctorate of education from Baker University, comes to FSCC from his job as associate vice president for student life at Pittsburg State University, his post since July 2014, according to the press release. He also serves as a deputy for the Allen County Sheriff’s Office.
Kegler was selected from a group of three finalists after a fast-tracked selection process, according to the press release.
“The board took into consideration our interview with Dr. Kegler and survey comments from faculty, staff and community members,” said John Bartelsmeyer, trustee chairman. “We also evaluated his background in the education field and other accomplishments outside the education field.
“Dr. Kegler has the ability to communicate effectively with many various and diverse situations. He is a good listener and has the desire to do the right thing. The board is looking forward to a productive and effective working relationship with Dr. Kegler.”
Kegler, originally from Kansas City and now resides in Fort Scott with his family, has a thorough understanding of the community college system having served as dean of students at Neosho County and director of student life, head women’s basketball coach, and director of admissions/marketing and admissions counselor at Allen County, according to the press release.
“I will just ask for a little ‘space and grace’,” Kegler said of advancing to his first college presidency. “… But I promise you no one will be more passionate about the job.
“Individual characteristics necessary to succeed in the role of president at FSCC include the ability to resolve conflict, communicate vision and treat everyone with respect. Each of these characteristics, I display daily.”
Kegler earned a master’s in organizational leadership from Fort Hays State University in 2009 and a bachelor’s in psychology from the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth in 1996. He taught leadership classes at both Allen County and PSU.
He and his wife, Terra, a paraeducator and volleyball coach at Fort Scott High School, have three children, all in the USD 234 system, daughter Raveyn and sons Dierks and Kyron.
“Fort Scott is where my family and I decided to make our home,” he stated. “… We felt Fort Scott provided our family with opportunities and chose the community as the place to establish our future long-term.”
U235 Board of Education Training Set For July 20
There may be a majority of USD235 Board of Education members present at a training session on July 20 at 5:30 p.m. in the high school commons area.
No board business will be conducted.
River Room Craft Event on August 5
The application to be a vendor can be accessed from their website or the Chamber website or by emailing me at [email protected]
Some of the products available include:
Jewelry
Designed Shirts and Mugs
Walking Sticks
Wood Carvings
Art Prints
Candles
Bookmarkers
Keychains
Dog bandanas, collars, bows
Crocheted Scarfs and hats
Baked goods
F ood and drinks available