Preschool to Move to the Former Mercy Building in August 2023
The plans are getting close to being finalized for the Fort Scott Preschool move to the former Mercy Hospital building at 401 Woodland Hills. It currently is located at 409 S.
Judson.
“We are planning to open the preschool at the new site in August,” USD 234 Superintendent Destry Brown said.
The new preschool will be located in the lower level of the hospital, Brown said. “There is a secure entrance to the facility in that part of the building and we can secure the preschool wing on the other end of the hallway as well.”
The Need For More Room
“Currently, we have around 100 students being served at the preschool,” Brown said. “We would like to double that in the near future.”
“We will be adding two more classrooms for preschool in this new building,” he said. Currently the school has four teachers and eight para-professionals.
“We also have a couple of other programs that support families with preschoolers who are housed at the preschool,” Brown said. “There is also one Head Start classroom that will be joining us at the new site.”
“We do not have any space to expand in our current location,” Brown said. ” We have two classrooms in the building on Judson and one at the Happy Kids Daycare Center. This will allow for growth and for all programs to be in one location.”
Remodel
“There will be remodeling to take place as soon as we get some financial estimates on the costs of the remodel, the mechanisms for funding, and board approval,” he said. “This should all come together in the next two months so construction can be under way. The Legacy Health Group (who received the Mercy building from the Bourbon County Commission) has told me they can meet the date of August.”
The Preschool Mission
The Fort Scott Preschool’s mission is to provide free preschool opportunities for all kids so that they are prepared to enter kindergarten successfully, Brown said.
Calving School Coming to Fredonia
Southwind Extension District
Livestock Production Extension Agent
1006 N. State St.
Iola, KS 66749
Office: (620) 365-2242
Cell: (620) 473-3298
[email protected]
Do you have a spring calving herd getting ready to calve or a fall herd that just finished up? Or maybe you want a little more practice to become more confident in your abilities to help a cow have a calf. In anticipation of calving season, Kansas State University Animal Sciences and Industry and K-State Research and Extension are planning a series of calving schools in January.
The program will outline overall calving management that includes stages of the normal calving process as well as tips to handle difficult calving situations. A.J. Tarpoff, K-State extension beef veterinarian, explains the goals of the event are to increase knowledge, practical skills, and to increase the number of live calves born if they need assistance.
The schools will also share tips on when and how to intervene to assist the cow or heifer. Presenters will demonstrate proper use of calving equipment on a life-size cow and calf model.
“Our goal is for producers to leave better prepared for calving season,” Tarpoff adds. “We will discuss timelines on when to examine cows for calving problems, and when to call your vet for help if things are not going well. We will also discuss calf care early in life. It’s an excellent program regardless of experience level.” The meeting will also feature a presentation on vaccine handling, presented by local agents Ben Sims (Greenwood County) and Hunter Nickell (Southwind District)
This meeting will be held on Thursday, January 12, 2023, at the 4-H Building at the Old Iron Club, Fredonia, Kansas at 6 pm. RSVP to Southwind District at 620-365-2242, Wildcat District at 620-378-2167, or Greenwood County at 620-583-7455. Dinner will be provided, so an accurate head count is required by January 4th. The meal is sponsored by Merck Animal Health and Salt Creek Vet Clinic of Fredonia.
For more and updated information about the Calving Schools or local flyers, go to KSUBeef.org or contact Hunter Nickell, Livestock Production Agent, (620) 365-2242, [email protected].
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K – State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer
Chamber Coffee to be hosted by City of Fort Scott
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee event this Thursday, December 15th at 8 a.m. hosted by The City of Fort Scott, 123 S. Main Street.
At this week’s Coffee, the City staff will provide a recap of the year 2022, and give a preview of what is to come in 2023.
Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served in addition to door prize drawings.
Any member business or organization wanting to host Chamber Coffee in 2022 is encouraged to contact the Chamber to save a date by calling 620-223-3566 or emailing [email protected].
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Dec. 14
Obituary of Philip Hinderliter
Ray Hinderliter, 74, of Fort Scott, passed away December 4, 2022, at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas. He was born July 3, 1948, in Larkin, Kansas, the son of Raymond Lee Hinderliter and Rose Esther (Buck) Hinderliter.
Philip graduated from Fort Scott High School with the Class of 1966. He served in the US Army National Guard, among other duties he served as a cook and retired in 2008 after twenty-seven years.
He also worked as a general handyman and mowed lawns in the Fort Scott area.
Philip is survived by two cousins; Carrol McCarthy of Norristown, Pennsylvania, and Gary Van Sickle and his wife Linda, of Fort Scott.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Following cremation, Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 20, 2022, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.
Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.
Obituary of Maxine Rimbey
Maxine Rimbey, 96, of Fort Scott, passed away late Saturday evening, December 10, 2022, at The Horton House. She was born July 15, 1926, in Buffalo, Missouri, the daughter of Thomas Richard Alford and Iona May (Smith) Alford.
She married Lee Roy Rimbey September 18, 1946, in Bolivar, Missouri, and he preceded her in death June 18, 2013.
Maxine owned and operated Rimbey’s Jewelry together with her husband until retiring in 1990. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church.
Survivors include a son, Gary Rimbey and his wife, Diane of Pittsburg, Kansas; two daughters, Evelyn Rimbey of Denver, Colorado, and Peggy Rimbey Stark, of Fort Scott; four grandchildren, Cortney Malpiede, Britney Malpiede, Nolan Stark, and Karley Stark; and a great-grandson, Rocco Red Feather.
In addition to her husband Lee, Maxine was also preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Nancy Rimbey McCreedy; a brother, Buell Alford; and an infant brother.
Pastor Christopher Eshelman will conduct funeral services at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, December 15, 2022, at the First United Methodist Church with burial following at the Fort Scott National Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home 6-7:00 p.m. Wednesday evening, December 14, 2022.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.
Bourbon County Schools Face Illnesses as The Semester Winds Down
Bourbon County schools are experiencing school and staff illness in the last few weeks before school is out for Christmas break.
Fort Scott
“We have had a large number of students and staff out the last several weeks with the flu, RSV and COVID 19; mostly the Influenza A,” USD 234 Superintendent Destry Brown said.
On Monday, the district had 204 students out sick, which is down from last week by around 100, he said. There were seven teachers out Monday with illness themselves or they have sick children.
The district has 1,856 students enrolled.
The district has had to postpone a music concert because of illness.
“The choir concert… has been rescheduled to January 11th at the Ellis Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m.,” Brown said.
“On Friday, the choir spent the day singing at different schools and other venues around town,” he said. “I suspect that they shared the bug with each other that day. Whatever the case, their concert is postponed because of illness.”
U234 will dismiss school on Dec. 15 with a teacher workday on Dec. 16 and school will resume on January 3.
Staff Positions
The district currently has openings that will be posted from retirements in the following areas:
Elementary Physical Education
Occupational Therapist
One teaching position
“I anticipate additional openings after the first of the year due to retirements,” Brown said.
Uniontown
Uniontown School District had 63 students gone on Monday, with a “handful of staff,” Vance Eden, USD 235 Superintendent said. There are no postponements of school events at this time.
“We have been able to cover all classes needing substitutes,” Eden said.
There are 479 students in this district.
The last day of school for this district is Friday, Dec. 16 for Christmas break. Staff will return on January 3 for professional development and students will return on January 4.
U235 Openings For Next Year
There are several openings being posted for U235 for the 2023-24 school year.
So far a junior/senior high school principal position, a jr./sr. English teacher and a high school science teacher.
Minutes of the Bourbon County Commission for Dec. 6
Obituary of Gary Hooker
Gary Lee Hooker, age 76, a resident of Bronson, KS, died Monday, December 5, 2022 at the St. Joseph Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri.
He was born March 28, 1946, in Hereford, Texas, the son of George Vernon Hooker and Peggy Minard. Gary graduated from Bronson High School with the class of 1964.
After graduation he joined the Army and served his country in Vietnam from 1966 to 1967.
After he returned home, he was employed as an over the road truck driver for many years.
Gary enjoyed small town life, spending time with his family and friends, and the company of one or two cats purring at his side.
He is survived by his brother George Welch and his wife Judy; nieces and nephews Justin Welch, Nicole Ward, and husband Mike, their children, Mikenna, Maci, and Myla, Ashley Slavin, and husband Roper, their children, Korbin and Kori, Chelsea Gumfory, and husband Josh, their children Nash and Riggs, Dakota Welch, and wife Mary.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a son Chris Hooker, a brother Jerry Dean Welch, two sisters, Claudia Ann Harrison and Patricia Jean Lopez.
Rev. Chuck Russel will conduct funeral services at 11:30 am Tuesday December 27, 2022 at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow at the U. S. National Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Obituary of Linda Boyd Martin
Linda Kay (Boyd) Martin, 71, of Kansas City, MO passed away on Dec. 6, 2022.
She was born in Fort Scott on October 18, 1951 to Eugene and Irene Boyd of Redfield.
Linda was married to Warren Martin and their family includes five children: Steven Towle (Cat), Salem, OR; Jennifer Tellez (Chris), Mission Viejo, CA; Gretchen Morrison, Wildwood, MO; Brandon Martin (Jen), Blue Springs, MO; and Travis Martin (Tara), Columbia, MO, plus 10 grandchildren: Kaylin, Joshua, Amanda, Jimmie, Ashley, Andrew, Cayton, Cale, Brady, and Rhys.
Linda has three sisters: Patricia Allen (Dwayne), Arcadia, KS; Kathryn Brull (Joe), Osawatomie, KS; and Diana McElroy (Mike), Lenexa, KS; plus seven nephews and nieces who loved her dearly.
Linda graduated with honors from Metropolitan Community College – Longview, and she served as a Case Worker for the State of Missouri Social Services Division for 22 years.
Humor, love, family, and sports were at the heart of nearly everything Linda did.
As a little girl – she dreamed of being an astronaut, or – a spy alongside James Bond! She didn’t become an astronaut, but she loved watching science fiction movies with Steven! And, Warren had a Star named for Linda as a birthday present.
While Linda was a “city girl” at heart, she liked the horses on the family farm, and as a girl – participated in parades with her pony and cart. Linda also loved playing softball, and one of her proud childhood moments was winning the Bourbon County Spelling Bee in the 8th Grade!
As a parent, Linda chose to stay at home and raise her two children until they reached school age. After that – she worked part time jobs, so she could be at home in the afternoons.
Later, Linda returned to college as an adult learner to create opportunities for herself. Earning her college degree, with honors, was a great source of pride. After her degree, she spent 22 years helping others through the State of Missouri Department of Social Services. Linda made many friends there, and developed lasting relationships with co-workers.
Linda was a devoted Christian throughout her life, and lived each day showing respect and gratitude toward others. When Linda and Pat were young, and the family was traveling to pony pulls in the region – they attended churches throughout KS, OK, and MO. The family was committed to attending church no matter where they were, and Linda earned a pin for 10 years of perfect Sunday School attendance!
As a KC Royals and KC Chiefs Super Fan – she loved the World Series victories in 1985 and 2015, and took her kids out of school to attend the 1985 parade! In 2020 – she was among the first to purchase Super Bowl Champion apparel! She also initiated a “Chiefs Family” group text, so we can easily cheer and/or rant together.
Linda loved dancing, and especially liked dancing to “Wipeout” with Kathy! She also enjoyed playing cards, like pitch.
Linda loved to travel, and among her favorites were wonderful trips to Hawaii and the American West with Warren, a cruise with her daughter’s family, sister road trips to Branson, and vacations to CA to visit Jenny, Chris, Kaylin, and Joshua.
Outings with shopping and lunch were always treasured activities. Among our family memories was Linda hopping out of the car at Bannister Mall and “holding” a parking spot for us as we circled around. In her confident, friendly way – Linda waved other cars away and stood her ground when they tried to pull in, defiantly “reserving” it for us until we made our way to the spot.
Another area where Linda showed no fear was in cheering for others in their various accomplishments. Diana recollects being somewhat embarrassed, but also happy, when Linda was the loudest person cheering as she graduated from college. Linda made each experience more fun and exciting!
In addition to her humorous side, Linda was a thoughtful family member and friend. Among Pat’s memories was Linda staying by her side when Dwayne was in Intensive Care for nearly 2 weeks. She wanted to help in any way she could, and she didn’t want Pat to be alone. Linda also took over texting duties with other family and friends, so Pat could focus on Dwayne’s needs.
Another thoughtful effort was when Linda and Kathy made a wonderful keepsake for all of us by creating a Boyd Family Cookbook many years ago.
Diana also appreciates Linda’s kindness, as she and Warren rarely missed a school open house or church program for Elizabeth and Adam. Linda knew their grandparents were far away and not able to travel, and she and Warren stepped in – to be the supportive and caring extended family we all need.
Linda and Warren show that same family devotion when cheering on their grandkids’ hockey games, and when she traveled with the color guard when Jenny was in high school.
Whatever Linda did—she did with her whole heart.
Linda was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, plus “Leader of the Sister Pack” as #1 of the 4 Boyd Girls.
Her favorite color was yellow, and we appreciate many of you wearing yellow today to honor Linda’s memory!
Saturday, December 17, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. is her funeral service at
Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St. , Fort Scott, KS 66701
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Kansas City Hospice Foundation, 9001 State Line Rd, Suite 300, Kansas City, MO 64114. Their staff provided genuine care and support to Linda and the family during the last stage of her life, and we appreciate their work.
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING NEWS RELEASE
Monday, December 12, 2022
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, December 12, 2022, 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:
- Minutes from November 12, 2022, Board of Education meeting
- Financials – Cash Flow Report
- Check Register
- Payroll – November 18, 2022 – $1,927,977.43
- Activity Fund accounts
- Orchestra Extended Trip Application
- Band and Choir Fundraiser Application
- Substitute Pay Schedule
- Sale of Decommissioned Student Equipment
Yasmina Query, Eugene Ware Elementary, introduced six students from Eugene Ware Leadership Club. Students Landen Brown, Myah Chaplin, Logan Flanner, Georgia Hurd, Jentry Palmer, and Hunter Yarick shared information with the board about various projects the leadership club does to help the community, their school, and staff.
Classified Tiger Team Member – Superintendent Destry Brown recognized Tanya Lockwood as the Classified Tiger Team Member of the Month. Mrs. Lockwood is a custodian at the high school who demonstrates how to build great relationships with kids. She greets students, encourages them, and sets a great tone for them.
Licensed Tiger Team Member – Superintendent Destry Brown recognized Linda Minor as the Licensed Tiger Team Member of the Month. Mrs. Minor is a 2nd grade teacher at Winfield Scott Elementary and is the Leadership Club sponsor. She is very good at building relationships with kids, supporting other staff, and creating a positive environment. She is often heard telling students and staff to “Go Be Great!”
Superintendent Brown reported on an expansion of the Construction Trades Program at Fort Scott High School made possible with collaboration with Fort Scott Community College. This will allow students to achieve NCCR Certification, be OSHA certified, and graduate high school with 28 college credits.
Gina Shelton, Finance Director, updated the board on the ESSER submission, the investment of funds, and reported that the district had 57 employees complete the wellness stipend challenge. Mrs. Shelton discussed the importance of special education funding and provided the board with a handout explaining how special education funding works.
The board received an update on District Communications from Shawnee Lorenz with Trajectory Strategies, which is a strategic development firm. Mrs. Lorenz went over the assessment conducted, the major findings, and the recommendations to the board for next steps.
Merrill Atwater and Jennifer Massey with Legacy Health, along with Superintendent Brown updated the board on the progress of the preschool expansion at the old Mercy Hospital building.
The board approved the following items:
- Agreement for Hourly Rate Professional Services for Preliminary Design for Special Education Department Spaces at Fort Scott High School in the amount of $2,960 that will be covered by the CHC grant
- Delos Indoor Air Quality Research Program Quote in the amount of $24,411 that will be covered by the KDHE Test to Stay Grant
- Workers Compensation Proposal from KASB Workers Compensation Fund, Inc.
- Request to refund a donation contingent upon no concerns from KASB attorneys
- Personnel Report – following
The board tabled a change to the Drug Testing Policy at FSHS until next month.
The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.
President Danny Brown adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
- Stewart Guss – Retirement – Eugene Ware custodian, effective January 31, 2023
- Jessica Smith – Resignation – FSHS paraprofessional, effective December 16, 2022
- Kristi Hartman – Resignation – Occupational Therapist, effective at the end of the 2022-23 school year
- Russ Hughes – FSMS Track Assistant, effective December 12, 2022
EMPLOYMENT/REASSIGNMENTS – FOR THE 2022-23 SCHOOL YEAR
- Sharonda Edwards – Winfield Scott 7.5-hour paraprofessional
- Michelle Lisica – Eugene Ware 7.5-hour paraprofessional
- Matthew Prock – Winfield Scott 7.5-hour teacher aide
- Billi Jo Shoemaker – Winfield Scott paraprofessional to Eugene Ware behavior interventionist teacher, effective January 3, 2023
- Amanda Jamison – Winfield Scott paraprofessional to Head Start teacher, effective January 3, 2023
- Michelle Martin – mentor for Lienna Upchurch