Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for April 13

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Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

Bourbon County, Kansas

Nelson Blythe

1st District Commissioner

Jim Harris, Chairman

2nd District Commissioner

Clifton Beth

3rd District Commissioner

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 1st Floor County Courthouse

210 S National Avenue

April 13, 2023, 9:00 AM

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute and Prayer
  • Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 4/6/2023 and 4/11/2023
  1. Department Updates
    1. Public Works Director
  2. 9:15-Public Opening of Hay Bids
  3. 9:25-Public Opening of Trailer Bids
  • 9:30 CORE Communities Zoom Presentation with Deb Factor
  • Susan Bancroft-Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(2)
  1. Public Comments
  2. Commission Comments
  3. Meeting Adjourn

 

 

 

Executive Session Justifications:

 

KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.

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.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the

representative(s) of               the body or agency.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual     proprietorships

KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting

would jeopardize such security measures.

 

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Jobs

Fort Scott – Bourbon County JOB FAIR

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Fort Scott – Bourbon County
JOB FAIR
Hosted by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
THIS THURSDAY
April 13th from 3-6pm.
Ellis Fine Arts Center
on the Campus of Fort Scott Community College
2108 S. Horton St.
ALL job seekers welcome ~ ALL types of jobs available!
KANSASWORKS will be onsite at the Job Fair to provide resources and any assistance to employers or job seekers!
Employers registered to have a booth include:
Bandera Stone
CHC/SEK – Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas
City of Pittsburg Police Department
Cobalt MedPlans
Fort Scott Presbyterian Village
Heartland Behavioral Health (Nevada)
Integrity Home Care + Hospice
Kansas Army National Guard
Kansas Department for Children and Families
Kansas Department of Transportation
Labconco
Manpower
Nevada Regional Medical Center
Peerless Products
Pittsburg State University
Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center
Twister Trailer
Ward-Kraft, Inc.
CLICK HERE FOR PRINTABLE FLYER
THAT INCLUDES LIST OF POSITIONS EMPLOYERS ARE HIRING FOR!
Contact the Chamber for more info. or any questions:
620-223-3566 or [email protected]
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Entertainment, Fort Scott

Star Wars Fans, Celebrate May the Fourth at the Library

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Marlie Seaver behind a Darth Vader selfie prop
Submitted photo.

 

Submitted by Valetta Cannon, Youth Librarian & Asst. Director at Fort Scott Public Library

Each year, across the globe, fans of the Star Wars franchise celebrate on May the Fourth, chosen as a spinoff of the phrase “May the Force be with you.” On May 4th, commonly known as Star Wars Day, Valetta Cannon (known to local kids as Miss Val) invites fans of all ages to come celebrate at the Fort Scott Public Library. The library will present film screenings, snacks, crafts, games, a selfie station, and other activities in the event room, from 10 am to 4 pm. Activities will be self-directed, although Miss Val will come and join participants when possible. Fans are invited to come in costume and to have library staff take their photos in front of the new backdrop. This event is free and open to the public.

Ainsley Wheeler holding a lightsaber craft. Submitted photo.
Entertainment, Fort Scott

Celebrate Earth Day at the Library on Maker Monday

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Valetta Cannon
Fort Scott Public Library
Youth Librarian & Assistant Director. Submitted photo.

 

Submitted by Valetta Cannon, Youth Librarian & Asst. Director at Fort Scott Public Library

Join Miss Val at Fort Scott Public Library on April 17 at 4:15 pm for a reduce, reuse, and recycle-themed Maker Monday.

Attendees will choose from a wide variety of cardboard pieces and recyclables to create anything they can imagine.

Utilize the library’s maker cart and art supplies to make art, engineer a motion-powered machine, create something functional, or make a piece that no one has dreamt of before.

Enjoy snacks and bottled water to keep your creative juices flowing.

Everest Cannon at a table during our last cardboard maker event.

This will be the final Maker Monday of the school year. The program is free and open to the public.

Fort Scott Community College

FSCC Seeking to Upgrade Nursing Department

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The building at 8th and Horton Streets is currently housed by CHC.

Fort Scott Community College is currently discussing with Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas about acquiring the building at 8th and Horton Streets for the future nursing department of the school.

“As with any acquisition, the details must be worked through and it definitely does not happen quickly,” Adam Borth, FSCC Vice President of Academic Affairs said. “I believe our goal at this time is to be moved and have the facility operational for the spring 2024 semester.”

“For the building purchase, our plan is to utilize a 10 year lease-purchase agreement with CHC, operating within the current budget,” Borth said.  “We have funds graciously donated to FSCC from the Snyder family for the nursing program. We will utilize those private donor funds to complete the remodel and upgrades. Our plan at this point is utilize the FSCC maintenance department to complete the majority of the remodel.”

Adam Borth. Submitted photo.

The current building located at  8th and Burke Streets “is a very solidly built facility, however, it is has many upgrades needed,” Borth said.

An example, he said is the heating/air conditioning system that needs a complete overhaul. “Bid estimates a couple years ago all came in near seven figures, if not over.”

FSCC’s accrediting body, “which ensures we are in compliance with nursing standards has also pointed out that a facility upgrade is needed,” he said.

“The new facility would also give FSCC nursing students the opportunity to receive education in a facility that is conducive to learning and provide an excellent experience we strive for and the students deserve,” he said.

The Current Program

“Our nursing program right now sets around 40-50 admitted students, with many more in pre-nursing (working to meet the requirements to receive admission to the program)” Borth said.

The COVID 19 Pandemic affected the program.

“Our enrollment decreased, as expected, after spring 2020,” he said. “The profession has seen a shift since then as well, with many getting out of the healthcare field. This has exacerbated the impact on the shortage of instructors for us and other nursing programs.”

“Because of the shortage of practicing nurses, the pay in the field far exceeds what institutions can offer for instructors,” Borth said. “It creates a difficult environment for recruiting qualified applicants, who also must possess a master’s degree within six years of being hired.”

There is a benefit for those that do choose higher education.

Those working in higher education, such as nursing instructors at the college level,  have a more “appealing…work-life balance,” he said.

 

 

 

Food, Fort Scott Community College

FSCC Luncheon is April 26

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member FSCC…
FSCC Women’s Luncheon!
Ladies, please join us for lunch, door prizes,
and product displays!
11:00 am to 1:30 pm, Wednesday, April, 26, 2023
at FSCC’s Ellis Fine Arts Center.
Ticket price is $5.00 per person.
Please reserve your ticket by April 19th.
To RSVP, call 620.223.2700 or email communityrelationscommittee@fortscott.edu.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Bourbon County, Government, Schools

U235 Board Minutes of April 10

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Uniontown High School.
Unapproved minutes.

UNIONTOWN UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 235
Uniontown, Kansas 66779
REGULAR MEETING April 10, 2023
The Board of Education of Uniontown Unified School District 235, State of Kansas, met in regular session on Monday,
April 10, 2023, at 7:30 p.m. in the BOE Meeting Room, Uniontown, Kansas.
Board members present: Jason Sutterby, Sally Johnson, Mike Mason, Troy Goodridge,Tyler Martin,Josh Hartman,and Brian Stewart


Others present for all or portions of the meeting: Vance Eden, Sherri Hartman, Tracy Smith, Tema Gilion, Rhonda Hoener, Jenny Covey, Scott Sutton, Tim Endicott, Heather Herring, Kaytlin Herring


President Jason Sutterby called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Sutterby then led the group in the flag salute.
Superintendent Eden read the District Mission Statement.
Hartman, seconded by Martin, made a motion to approve the agenda with the changes of Strike VII: Executive Session –
Student; Add Action Item IV: Construction Manager At Risk (CMAR).
Motion passed 7-0.
Mason, seconded by Martin, made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 20, 2023 Regular meeting with the
correction of Eden reading the District Mission Statement.
Motion passed 7-0.
Johnson, seconded by Hartman, made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda.
Motion passed 7-0
A. Approve payment of bills in the amount of $395,699.35.
B. Approve the March 2023 Treasurer Report.
C. Approve Early Graduation requests.
D. Approve KSDE Legal Membership for 2023-2024. ($2750.00)
E. Approve KASB Membership for 2023-2024. ($9,552.24)
No patron addressed the board.
Superintendent Eden gave written and oral reports to the board on Bond planning and the Construction Manager AtRisk.
Principal’s Smith and Gilion gave written and oral reports to the board.
Martin, seconded by Hartman, made a motion to approve publication of the Notice of Intent for Construction Manager
atRisk Services (CMAR) and to have a SPECIAL meeting on April 19, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. for public input.
Motion passed 7-0

Uniontown USD 235 – Regular Meeting – April 10, 2023 – Page 2
Johnson, seconded by Mason, made a motion to go into executive session to discuss an individual’s performance pursuant
to non-elected personnel exception under KOMA and the open meeting will resume in the boardroom at 8:45 p.m.
Motion passed 7-0.
Into Executive Session at 8:35 p.m.
Eden was invited into session.
Out of Executive Session at 8:45 p.m.
Mason, seconded by Martin, made a motion to go into executive session to discuss the latest proposal for increasing the
base pay rate from the teachers pursuant to the exception for employer-employee negotiations under KOMA, and the open
meeting will resume in the boardroom at 8:55 p.m.
Motion passed 7-0.
Into Executive Session at 8:45 p.m.
Eden was invited into session.
Out of Executive Session at 8:55 p.m.
Mason, seconded by Hartman, made a motion to accept the resignation of Jacy Walker as UJHS Head Girls basketball
coach.
Motion passed 7-0.
Johnson, seconded by Mason, made a motion to accept the resignation of Linda Sprague as UHS/UJHS Cook.
Motion passed 7-0.
Johnson, seconded by Goodridge, made a motion to accept the retirement of Betty Dennis and to thank her for her many
years of service to the district.
Motion passed 7-0.
Martin, seconded by Hartman, made a motion to accept the resignation of Hannah Blevins as WBE 1st grade teacher for
2023-2024.
Motion passed 7-0.
Mason, seconded by Martin, made a motion to approve Lakyn Coyan as 1st grade teacher for the 2023-2024 school year.
Motion passed 7-0
Martin, seconded by Johnson, made a motion to approve Alex Chesney as WBE Music Teacher for 2023-2024.
Motion passed 7-0.
Martin, seconded by Hartman, made a motion to approve Ian Ballinger as UHS Social Science teacher for the 2023-2024
school year.
Motion passed 7-0.

Uniontown USD 235 – Regular Meeting – April 10, 2023 – Page 3
Mason, seconded by Martin, made a motion to read the Final Action of Non Renewal.
Motion passed 5-2. (Hartman, Goodridge)
Mason read the Final Action of Nonrenewal for Jeff Feagins.
Mason, seconded by Martin, made a motion to adjourn.
Motion passed 7-0.
Meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
Date minutes approved ______________________
______________________________
President, Board of Education
__________________________________
Attested: Clerk, Board of Education
Special Board Meeting (Notice of Intent for Construction Manager AtRisk will be Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.
Next board meeting will be Monday, May 8, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.

History, Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Olympic Gold Medalist Billy Mills at Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes April 12

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member
Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes…
Presentation by USA Olympic Gold Medalist
Billy Mills!
Olympic Gold Medalist, Billy Mills will be in Fort Scott on Wednesday, April 12th, 2023!
Join us at 2 pm for a Presentation by Billy Mills with a reception following at the
Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes.
(Hosted by The Lowell Milken Center &
Friends of the Fort Scott National Historic Site, Inc.)
Billy Mills will be at The Danny & Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center from 12-1pm and then will head over to the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes
starting at 2pm.
Don’t miss out on either of these wonderful events!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members
shown below!
FORT SCOTT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
620-223-3566
‌

Obituary

Obituary of Steven Smith

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Steven Ray Smith, age 77, of Pittsburg, Kansas, passed away on Monday. April 10, 2023, after a long battle with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.  He was a devoted Christian, husband, father, and grandfather.

 

Steve was born on April 17, 1945, in Pittsburg, to Gene and Helen Moody Smith. He attended Pittsburg schools, and graduated with Pittsburg High School’s class of 1963.  Following high school, he served his Country in the U.S. Army National Guard.

 

He married Karen Wilson of Fort Scott, Kansas, on April 30, 1980. After 43 years of devoted marriage, Karen survives of the home. Steve and Karen faithfully attended and supported the Pittsburg Church of the Nazarene.

 

Steve worked for Pittcraft Printing in Pittsburg, and at SeKan Printing in Fort Scott, along with Karen. Following their retirement, Steve and Karen enjoyed many happy years together.

 

Steve was an honest, honorable, and dependable community citizen, striving to lead by example as a positive role model for family and friends. While friendly to all, he had a quiet demeanor and a dry sense of humor, and was known for his funny stories.  A compassionate animal lover, Steve had several special pet dogs in his lifetime – most recently a beloved, yet spoiled, beagle named Maggie, who passed away last year.

 

Steve was also an auto enthusiast.  He took great pride in the meticulous maintenance and detailing of his ever-evolving fleet of cars and trucks, keeping them in pristine condition.  A light rain shower that ruined a fresh wax job would send shivers down his spine.  Some joked that Steve would nearly buff the paint off of his vehicles in his efforts to keep them looking showroom-perfect.

 

In addition to his wife, Karen, Steve is survived by a son Scott Smith (Gabriel Wiggins) of Albuquerque, NM, a daughter, Candice Bland (Kyle) of El Dorado Springs, MO, and grandchildren Jacob and Jeremey Smith and Camille Bland. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Helen Smith and his grandparents, Gene and Helen Moody.

 

Steve and his family have been thankful for the doctors, caregivers, church, and community members who have provided comfort and support through medical treatments, therapy, and prayers over the past several years.

A service to honor Steve Smith’s memory will be held Thursday, April 13, 2023, at 10:00 AM at PittNaz Church, 816 E. Quincy Street in Pittsburg. Burial will follow in the Highland Park Cemetery in Pittsburg. Memorials are suggested to the SEK Humane Society and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the Online Guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

 

Fort Scott, Health Care, Schools

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING NEWS RELEASE

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Monday, April 10, 2023

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, April 10, 2023, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.

 

President Danny Brown opened the meeting.

 

The board approved the official agenda and the consent agenda as follows:

  • Board Minutes from the 03-06-23 regular board meeting and 03-27-23 special board meeting
  • Financials-Cash Flow Report
  • Check Register
  • Payroll – March 9, 2023 – $1,571,728.00
  • Activity Fund accounts
  • Negotiations Training
  • LEA Assurances
  • Point of Interest: Board Meeting on May 8th will be at the normal time of 5:30 pm. The Employee Recognition Reception will be held on May 17, 2023, starting at 1:00 pm.

 

Nick Johnson, Fort Scott Preschool Center Principal, introduced FSPC students Solloman Davis, Ryker Felt, Ronin Flanner, Maizie Fiegener, and Sheridan Stephan. They were joined by FSPC teachers Andrea Heckman, Teresa Hurd, and Megan Webb. The teachers and students did an exercise to teach the board how to “Wake Up Their Brain.”

 

Classified Tiger Team Members – Superintendent Destry Brown recognized Charlotte Thompson and Laurie Bollinger as the Classified Tiger Team Members of the Month.

  • Thompson is a paraprofessional over at the Fort Scott Preschool Center. She has worked 7 years with the District but has been at FSPC for another 38 years for a total of 45 years working with our preschool kids. Charlotte pitches in to help with whatever is needed.
  • Bollinger is a paraprofessional over at Winfield Scott Elementary. She has worked in the District for 30 years as a paraprofessional helping our kids. She is one of those paras that does all kinds of jobs and is an example of the excellence in our classified staff that make our schools work.

 

Licensed Tiger Team Member – Superintendent Destry Brown recognized Brenda Hill as the Licensed Tiger Team Member of the Month.

  • Hill is a 5th grade teacher at Eugene Ware Elementary. Mrs. Hill has an awesome classroom where the kids are always doing something and are engaged. She hosted a “Book Tasting” event that the students really enjoyed. Brenda is the epitome of excellence in teaching in the District. Mrs. Hill has taught for the district for 31 years.

 

Board Members shared comments.

 

Superintendent Destry Brown invited the board to the Employee Recognition Reception that will be held on May 17th at Fort Scott High School.

 

Assistant Superintendent Dalaina Smith updated the board on state assessments and work being done on essential standards.

 

Gina Shelton, Finance Director, noted the June 1 filing deadline for board elections, premium pay, ESSER III plan approval, and the plan to bring in new staff over the summer for orientation.

 

Superintendent Brown updated the board on expansion of preschool options. The board then directed Superintendent Brown to explore options outside of Legacy Health. The cost to relocate to Legacy Health had become cost prohibitive. These options might include mobile units to be stationed at the existing preschool location.

 

The board approved the following items:

  • FSHS Tennis Court resurfacing to Hellas Construction in the amount of $37,400.00
  • Resolution 22-13 to enter into a lease purchase transaction for energy conservation improvements
  • KASB Membership & Legal Assistance Fund for 2023-24
  • Payment to Meridian Roofing in the amount of $90,990.00
  • Science Textbook purchase from McGraw Hill in the amount of $65,705.07 for grades 3-5 and 6-8
  • Contract for Occupational Therapy Services with Outreach Occupational Therapy LLC
  • Premium Pay Rates for the 2022-23 and 2023-24
  • Approval of Personnel Report (following)

 

Additionally, Superintendent Brown noted that letters were exchanged with Fort Scott KNEA and the District regarding negotiations.

 

The board went into an executive session for negotiation and personnel matters.

 

Vice-President Kellye Barrows adjourned the meeting.

 

 

 

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT

April 10, 2023

 

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

 

EMPLOYMENT/REASSIGNMENTS:

  • Brown, Jodi – Speech Language Pathologist, half-time, for the 2023-24 school year
  • Davenport, Annyssa – Eugene Ware Elementary Special Education Teacher for the 2023-24 school year
  • Garzone, Chris – Winfield Scott Assistant Principal for the 2023-24 school year
  • Hall, Kathi – FSMS Summer Conditioning for the 2023-24 school year
  • Harper, Angel – Transfer from Eugene Ware Elementary to New Generation Paraprofessional for the 2022-23 school year
  • Herring, Sean – Eugene Ware Elementary Kitchen Manager for the 2023-24 school year
  • Mead, Jenice – FSMS 6th Grade Math Teacher for the 2023-24 school year
  • Miles, Lacey – FSHS Paraprofessional for the 2023-24 school year
  • Motley, Aubrionna – Winfield Scott Elementary Paraprofessional for the 2023-24 school year
  • Pitts, Jaxon – District Maintenance effective April 24, 2023
  • Popejoy, Curt – FSHS Special Education Teacher for the 2023-24 school year
  • Shoemaker, Billi Jo – Transfer from Eugene Ware Interventionist to Winfield Scott Special Education Teacher for the 2023-24 school year
  • Travis, Hayden – Transfer from Winfield Scott Second Grade Teacher to Eugene Ware Art Teacher for the 2023-24 school year
  • Woellhof, Beckie – Eugene Ware Fourth Grade Teacher for the 2023-24 school year
  • Reemployment of Certified and Licensed Staff for the 2023-24 school year

Bourbon County Local News