A view of the Bourbon County Fair on Wednesday afternoon.
Bourbon County Fair Continues
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
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports July 19
Learn About Arthritis and Cancer at FCE Sponsored Event Today at 2 p.m.
You Are Invited !
The Starlite FCE (Family Consumer Education) Unit
invites you to attend an informal meeting on enjoying life and staying healthy.
Meyers Building
Bourbon County Fairgrounds
Wednesday, July 19 2:00 pm
Two important areas of health will be addressed.
Arthritis – Learn to establish routine health visits, to assess
symptoms and to defend against this disease.
Cancer – Learn the symptoms and risk factors, how to reduce risk,
and what tests are available for early detection which is the key to
treatment options.
Jackson RN, EMT will be our presenter
Please join us for this informative Health session.
A cold drink and a frozen treat will be available to all participants.
Come in out of the heat to the air conditioned building.
Chamber Coffee Hosted by Bourbon County Fair Association on July 20
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Evergy Will Move Substation Equipment and Poles
Following a fire at the Fort Scott Evergy Substation in August 2022 , Evergy is expanding its footprint.
Evergy is an electric utility company that serves eastern Kansas.
The company purchased property near Stanton Street and Old Fort Boulevard in March for the construction of a new substation, according to Kaley Bohlen, Evergy Communications Manager.
Stanton Street is behind the current substation to the north and west.
Bohlen said Evergy doesn’t disclose real estate transactions, and are still reviewing options for access to National Avenue.
The existing Fort Scott Service Center utilized for personnel and offices will remain, according to Bohlen. Once the new Infantry Substation is built and operational, the existing Fort Scott Substation equipment and poles will be removed.
“The new Infantry Substation will be about 1.75 acres and will replace the former Fort Scott Substation that was damaged by fire last year,” she said. “The new substation will provide additional capacity to enhance electric reliability for the Fort Scott area, as well as strengthen the regional power grid. Automated switching capabilities and grid automation will help improve outage response times.”
“Construction has begun and is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2024,” she said. “Once the new substation is operational, we will decommission the current Fort Scott Substation and remove all structures and equipment that are no longer in use. The existing Fort Scott Service Center utilized for personnel and offices will remain. Once the new Infantry Substation is built and operational, the existing Fort Scott Substation equipment and poles will be removed.”
KDADS Reopens Shared Living Program for Individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities
TOPEKA – Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) Secretary Laura Howard announces the agency has reopened its Shared Living Program, a Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) living option for individuals with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities (IDD).
“The process to re-introduce this program to Kansans with IDD has been an important one and we are grateful to and want to acknowledge those who continuously advocated for this program across the state and for those who participated in the creation of the manual,” KDADS Secretary Howard said. “Our team and our partner group has implemented best practices in our state, answered questions, developed tools, and have been vital in this program’s development.”
Shared Living is a nationally recognized model for habilitation or residential services for individuals with IDD. In Shared Living, one to two Participants share a home with a family or single adult’s family (the Contractor). The Contractor lives with the Participant and provides supports to them in accordance with the Participant’s person-centered support plan to include social activities, companionship, teaching, daily living skills, supported employment, night supports and other needs.
“Shared Living provides adults with IDD the opportunity to live in a supportive, family-like environment that promotes independence, social inclusion, and a sense of belonging,” Sunflower Health Plan’s President and CEO, Michael Stephens said. “Sunflower is proud to partner with KDADS and IDD providers to reopen this program.”
Participants in the Shared Living Program have the same rights, responsibilities, and assurances as other Participants receiving HCBS-IDD services in other settings. All services and supports will comply with KDADS licensing, Community Developmental Disabilities Organization (CDDO) quality assurance, Managed Care Organization (MCO) reviews, the Person-Centered Support Plan, and other quality assurance reviews.
KDADS has developed the standards for the Shared Living Program in collaboration with a group of licensed residential providers currently providing Shared Living services for Participants on Kansas’ HCBS-IDD Waiver. The Shared Living Manual, effective July 1, 2023, formalizes existing practices and addresses specific issues related to the HCBS-IDD residential requirements and the expansion of the Shared Living Program in Kansas. The Shared Living Manual may be amended based on public comment.
“We are excited to offer this high-quality service option to our Sunflower members and other adults with IDD across Kansas. We appreciate the knowledge and collaboration KDADS and our provider partners offer to inform the future structure of this valuable service model,” Sunflower’s Vice President of Long-term Care and External Relations, Stephanie Rasmussen, said.
KDADS expects the Shared Living Program to:
- Contribute to the development of individualized, independent daily living routines through encouragement of informed choice, creativity, and enrichment of a Participant’s life.
- Assist participants in contributing to Kansas as a community.
- Support quality homes or apartments that are integrated into our communities.
- Consistently teach new skills with evidenced-based practices.
- Foster inclusion.
- Gently and respectfully address inappropriate behavior, with an emphasis on prevention by teaching alternative behaviors through the provision of enriched environments, activities, and choices.
- Ensure that all behavioral interventions comply with state statutes to ensure the least restrictive environment possible.
- Increase a Participant’s ability to live in the least restrictive environment.
- Encourage and support the development of relationships between Participants, participant peers, families, roommates, employees, friends, coworkers, roommates, and other community members.
- Motivate participants to learn new skills and avoid behaviors that are stigmatizing or harmful.
- Comply with federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Final Rule and all local, state, federal, and Program requirements.
- Promote the need for choice, exercising autonomy, and control over one’s own services.
- Address workforce shortages without compromising quality of services and supports.
The entry timeline for the program is staggered to allow development and implementation to progress efficiently:
- July 1, 2023 – All Providers currently providing Shared Living Services can continue to do so and expand into other catchment areas. Any Residential Licensed Provider in good standing can begin the process to provide Shared Living Services.
- January 1, 2024 – New applicants can begin the process to become a Residential Licensed Provider to provide Shared Living Services. New applicants can include any new or existing agency that wishes to be become licensed for Residential Services and offer the Shared Living Program.
Any agency currently providing Shared Living or that would like to become a Shared Living Provider can contact KDADS’ IDD Licensing Manager Aaron Norris.
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U234 Board of Ed. Press Release of Meeting on July 17
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, July 17, 2023
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, July 17, 2023, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.
President Danny Brown opened the meeting.
The board approved the official agenda with removal of 8.1 Roof Payment and 9.7 MOU with SEK Mental Health.
The board reorganized. David Stewart was elected as President of the Board and James Wood was elected as Vice-President of the Board.
The board approved the consent agenda as follows:
- Board Minutes – 06/12/2023 Regular Meeting & 06/27/2023 Special Meeting
- Financials-Cash Flow Report 05/31/2023 & 06/30/2023
- Check Register
- Payroll – June 20, 2023 – $1,957,353.85
- Activity Fund accounts – 05/31/2023
- Designation of Banks for deposit of school funds
FSHS activity funds – City State Bank,
FSMS activity funds – Union State Bank
Eugene Ware Elementary activity funds – UMB Bank,
Winfield Scott Elementary activity funds – UMB Bank
USD 234 District – Landmark National Bank, UMB Bank, and KMIP
- Designation of newspaper for official school publications – Fort Scott Tribune
- Officers for the 2023-24 school year
KASB Governmental Relations Network Representative – Board President
Food Service Hearing Officer/Compliance Coordinator for Federal Anti-Discrimination Laws/Title VI, Title VII, and Title IX of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act/Coordinator/Point of Contact for Child Welfare Agencies/District Foster Care Liaison/Freedom of Information Officer – Destry Brown
Food Service Program Representative – Robin Button
Clerk/KPERS Representative/KERMP Designated Representative of Member – Gina Shelton
Treasurer – Rhonda Dawson
LCP Coordinator/Coordinator for Homeless Children/504 Coordinator – Dalaina Smith
Fort Scott High School Attendance Officer – Alex Specht
Fort Scott Middle School Attendance Officer – Matt Harris
Eugene Ware Elementary School Attendance Officer – Brandon Boyd
Winfield Scott Elementary School Attendance Officer – Christopher Garzone
- Recreation Commission Board Member Term
Tammy Hill 4 years June 30, 2026
Susan Marbery 4 years June 30, 2025
Stewart Gulager 3 years June 30, 2025
Mike Chipman 3 years June 30, 2024
Adam Lancaster 3 years June 30, 2024
- Resolution 23-01: Resolution for Waiver of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
- Resolution 23-02: Resolution for Rescinding Policy Statements Found in Board Minutes
- Resolution 23-03: Resolution to Set Dates and Times for Board Meetings
- Resolution 23-04: Resolution to Establish Home Rule by Board of Education
- Resolution 23-05: Resolution for Destruction of Records
- Set fees for copying of records
10 cents per page for employees
10 cents per page for alumni
15 cents per page for non-employees
20 cents per page for color copies
- Mileage reimbursement – current state mileage rate, for information only – As of 07/01/23 – 65.5 cents
- 2023-24 School Fees
Superintendent Brown congratulated and thanked Connie Billionis for the work she had provided to USD 234 during her 42 years of service with the district. Mrs. Billionis retired this year.
Classified Tiger Team Member – Superintendent Destry Brown recognized Katie Chipman as the Classified Tiger Team Member of the Month.
- Chipman is a Paraprofessional at Fort Scott Middle School. She worked at Summer School in June and was willing to do whatever was needed. Ms. Chipman has been with USD 234 for a total of 7 years including subbing and full-time work.
Licensed Tiger Team Member – Superintendent Destry Brown recognized Nichole Regan as the Licensed Tiger Team Member of the Month.
- Regan is a Special Education Teacher at Fort Scott High School. Mrs. Regan coordinated Extended School Year this summer for all of our Special Education kids. She organized the teachers, paraprofessionals, and activities. Mrs. Regan has taught for USD 234 for 9 years.
Superintendent Destry Brown shared a video where Fort Scott High School was recognized at the June 15th Kansas Board of Regents meeting as an All-Star High School for their work with high school seniors.
Superintendent Destry Brown provided an update to the board on the Safe & Secure Grant awarded to USD 234. This grant will be used to purchase protective film for the high school, additional cameras, and walkie-talkies for communication purposes. Mr. Brown also reported on the award of the Mental Health Intervention Team Program Grant, which will be used to provide a social worker who will help coordinate services between families and providers. Mr. Brown shared the good news that all kids will eat free this school year at USD 234.
Dalaina Smith, Assistant Superintendent, updated the board on USD 234’s accreditation being fully approved by the state. Mrs. Smith shared information on two PLC professional development workshops that staff will attend in July, one focusing on educator wellness and the other on the PLC programming. Mrs. Smith shared an update on the internally developed mentoring program which is being put in place instead of using an outside provider and also discussed the new teacher orientation to be held the second week of August.
Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, updated the board on the USD 234 Job Fair that was held. Twenty-two people attended the event. Mrs. Barnes noted that several interviews have already taken place and it is anticipated that the district will be fully staffed at the start of the school year. Mrs. Barnes welcomed Candace Jobe as the Special Education Administrative Assistant and discussed the formation of a Special Education leadership team for 2023-24 that will rotate year to year to provide input.
Gina Shelton, Finance Director, updated the board on the 403(b) Match Plan, including participation numbers of 92%, final cash balances for 2022-23, remaining ESSER balance, and the Household Economic Survey. Mrs. Shelton explained how that survey is tied to the funding USD 234 receives in the areas of Title, At-Risk, and in the form of ERATE discounts. Mrs. Shelton encouraged all families to help the district by completing the survey so that there is not a loss in other funding for programs.
The board approved the following items:
- Happy Kids Lease Agreement for the 2023-24 School Year
- Timeline for Budget Adoption including dates for Special Board Meetings
- Budget Presentation – 08/07/23 – 5:30 p.m.
- Revenue Neutral Hearing – 08/28/23 – 5:30 p.m.
- Budget Hearing – 08/28/23 – 5:45 p.m.
- Certifying to the County Clerk intent to not be Revenue Neutral and related declarations
- Purchase of FSHS Social Studies AP and Dual Credit Resources
- Purchase of FSHS MAP Assessment and Professional Development
- Contribution of $10,000 to Core Communities
- Facility Use Permit for FLAG Church
- Personnel Report following
- Increase to the Substitute Pay Schedule
During the public forum section, Superintendent Brown thanked Dan Koppa, Brian Pool, and Stephen Mitchell for their help in moving food items due to the loss of power after the storm on Friday night.
The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.
President Stewart adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT
July 17, 2023
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
- Fields, Kelly – Resignation – Fort Scott High School English Teacher as of June 28, 2023
- Hall, Laeci – Resignation – Fort Scott High School Paraprofessional as of June 30, 2023
- Harris, Shelby – Resignation – Eugene Ware Elementary 3rd Grade Teacher as of June 29, 2023
- Harney, Joel – Resignation – Fort Scott High School Assistant Boys Basketball
TRANSFERS/REASSIGNMENTS:
For the 2023-24 school year:
Classified:
- Crank, Matt – Fort Scott Middle School Paraprofessional – increase from 7.50 hours per day to 8.00 hours per day
- Hemphill-Witham, Cynthia – Fort Scott Preschool Center Paraprofessional – increase from 7.50 hours per day to 8.00 hours per day
- Schnichels, Laryn – Fort Scott Middle School Paraprofessional – increase from 7.50 hours per day to 8.00 hours per day
- Tally, Lisa – Fort Scott Middle School At-Risk Instructional Aide – increase from 7.50 hours per day to 8.00 hours per day
EMPLOYMENT:
Certified Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:
- Forkner, Julie – Fort Scott Preschool Center Intervention Teacher for part-time
- Furry, Frances – Eugene Ware Elementary 3rd Grade Teacher
Supplemental Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:
- Barrows, James – Fort Scott Middle School Football Coach
- Griffetts, Christopher – Fort Scott High School Art Show
- Hall, Laeci – Fort Scott High School Assistant Volleyball Coach
- Schnichels, Laryn – Fort Scott Middle School Gym Supervisor
- Stepps, Abby – Fort Scott Middle School Summer Conditioning
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports July 18
Friday Night Free Concert: Rick Hite
One of the Friday Night Concert series’ favorites, Rick Hite will return to the stage this week and will bring something for everyone.
The concert begins at 7p.m. at the Heritage Park Pavilion at First and Main streets.
Hite always sings a variety of music — country, oldies, gospel and folk.
“Rick is a versatile singer and guitarist who has been singing in church since Soun he was 4 and playing the guitar since he was 9,” concert series organizer Ralph Carlson said.
Hite has also played in a wide variety of venues, from Mildred Store, VFW, Eagles, Elks and Old Settlers locally to The White Horse Saloon in Black Mountain, S.C., and Jekyll Island, Ga.
“We’re pleased to welcome Rick back to the stage,” Carlson said. “Come out and enjoy the evening.
Seating is limited, so bring a lawn chair. In the event of extreme heat or inclement weather, the concert will be moved to Common Ground Coffee, Co., 12 E. Wall St.
Sound support is provided by Dave’s Music and Jim Butler. The concert series is sponsored by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce.