Fort Scott, Schools

New Educators at USD 234: Missy Miller and Sydney Griffetts

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This is a series featuring new educators to the Fort Scott School District.

Winfield Scott Elementary School Principal Melissa Miller with her family, front row Courtney and Jake, back Melissa and Keith. Submitted photo.
Melissa (Missy) Miller, 50, is the new principal at Winfield Scott Elementary School in Fort Scott.
This is her 20th year in education.
Education: BS from Emporia State University, MS from Baker University.
Hometown:
Tonganoxie, KS now Fort Scott
Family:
Husband Keith, Courtney & Jake and 2 dogs Bella & Spike
Hobbies/community involvement reading, spending time with family, live going to the beach and swimming
Why did you become an educator?
I love kids, helping them succeed and being a positive influence in their lives
Did someone inspire you?
Tim Brady, 8th American History Teacher
What is the best part of teaching for you?
Building relationships
What are the greatest challenges?
Watching students struggle.
Sydney Griffetts.
Sydney Griffetts, 26, is a new 3rd-grade teacher at Eugene Ware Elementary School. This is her fifth year teaching.
She has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Education and a Master’s of Science degree in Elementary Education.
Hometown: Bentonville, Arkansas
Family:
My husband, who is the Eugene Ware Art teacher, and our cats, Mia and Lupin.
Hobbies/community involvement:
Making educational resources, reading, cooking, spending time with my family, taking our boat on the lake, and traveling.
 
Why did you become an educator?
I have always known that I wanted to be a teacher. When I was in the second grade, I loved playing “school” at home with my stuffed animals and teaching my neighbors the dances I learned at the dance studio I attended. I also moved around a lot growing up because of my military family and the kindness I experienced from all of my teachers made the transitions so much easier. I wanted to be that for kids who were like myself when I grew up.
 
Did someone inspire you?
Yes! My biggest inspiration to become a teacher was my 5th/6th-grade teacher, Mr. Wayman. His passion for education and for student relationships was what drove me to set teaching as my goal. I have also gained inspiration from both of my parents and my stepmom, all of which have spent their lives working for the community. Their dedication is admirable and I have strived to be like them in my career.
 
What is the best part of teaching for you?
There are so many but I’d have to say making meaningful connections with students. It’s so important to me to have fun and teach my students to love school so building those relationships and making our class a family is the best part of being a teacher.
 
What is the greatest challenge?
Letting go of the family you built over 180+ days and watching them move on to bigger and better things. It’s so rewarding but so difficult to understand as a teacher too. Each student I teach has a piece of my heart and truly becomes my family so watching them move on is hard at times. But I cherish my time with them and love seeing them accomplish big dreams and goals throughout the years.

 

Opinion

Respect by Patty LaRoche

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Patty LaRoche

Romans 12:10: Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

When my two brothers and I were young, our widowed mother insisted that we refer to adults as “Ma’am” or “Sir.” Should we ignore that rule, we would be the recipient of her raised eyebrow, a look for which I was the intended target on multiple occasions. Years later, when I taught in the Texas school system, any “yes” or “no” always was followed by “ma’am.” Always! Imagine my shock when I began teaching in Fort Scott and, on day one, asked a question and was told “Yep.” I almost hyperventilated.

Today, Respect is in short supply. Oh, there are positions—such as the military– that insist on it, but rarely do we see it in action unless it is used to accomplish personal goals.

Dave, my husband, receives daily requests for autographs because of his career in professional baseball. Many times, the same person impersonally sends baseball cards on different dates and writes a simple “Please sign these and return them in the SASE.” One person has sent the same, two-page, hand-written letter at least ten times, but yesterday Dave’s baseball card was a photocopied one that he had signed months ago, only this time the sender tried to erase Dave’s ink signature and asked him to sign over it. Seriously bizarre.

A few days ago, Dave received the most respectful request for an autograph he remembers ever receiving. Hand-written front and back, “Evan” shared that when he grew up, he and his friends played baseball whenever they could, and when Dave became famous for throwing his high curve, “the LaLob,” the group of boys spent hours trying to duplicate the pitch. But then he shared a story about his desire to teach his sons the thrills that come from playing sports and obtaining autographs. The first baseball card he handed his son, the youngster ran his finger across it, thinking it to be a digital screen that would change as he rubbed it. The father realized that this might take more work than he had anticipated.

Evan wrote about a time our son Adam was rehabbing with a minor league Atlanta Braves’ team where the writer and his family were living. Typically, he said, big leaguers who were there to rehab scamper out of the stadium to awaiting cars following those games, but Adam remained behind to sign over 100 autographs, even staying for some stragglers to find pens and paper. Evan thanked Dave for raising such a respectful man who had stayed humble. (Inexplicably, Dave was given all the credit. An oversight, I’m sure.)

Evan took the time to make his letter personal, and yes, I realize there was something in it for him, but he could have done a lot less and received the same autograph.

We respect others when we listen to them, affirm them, defer to them, are polite to them and thank them.

I try to do those things but know I have much room for improvement.

John 6:3-5 demonstrates how seriously Jesus takes a lack of respect. Jesus is being berated for being a nobody. “Isn’t this the carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? Aren’t His sisters here with us as well?” In other words, “We know this man’s family. Not exactly upper crust. And his career as a handyman certainly doesn’t warrant any accolades.” Then Jesus speaks to them, “Only in his hometown, among his relatives, and in his own household is a prophet without honor.” So, except for a few minor miracles, Jesus “could not perform any miracles there.” Wow! Because the crowd showed Jesus no respect, he was unable to bless them.

How a few kind words could have made a difference!

As we go about our week, let us show everyone we meet they are valued, even if there is nothing in it for us.

Government, Kansas

Public Health Advisories for Kansas Lake Due to Blue-Green Algae

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), has issued several public health advisories for Kansas lakes due to blue-green algae.

Active Advisories

Warning

Herington Reservoir (New City Lake), Dickinson County (new)

Marion Reservoir, Marion County

Keith Sebelius Reservoir, Norton County

Webster Reservoir, Rooks County

Jerry Ivey Pond, Saline County

Big Eleven Lake, Wyandotte County

 

Watch

Herington City Lake (Old Lake), Dickinson County (new)

Milford Lake Zone C, Geary County

South Lake, Johnson County

Big Hill Lake, Labette County

Marion County Lake, Marion County (downgraded 6/24)

Melvern Outlet Pond, Osage County (downgraded 6/24)

Atwood Township Lake, Rawlins County (new)

 

When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

  • Lake water is not safe to drink for pets or livestock.
  • Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.
  • Water contact should be avoided.
  • Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.
  • Do not allow pets to eat dried algae.
  • If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.
  • Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

A watch means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.

During the watch status, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

  • Signage will be posted at all public access locations.
  • Water may be unsafe for humans/animals.
  • Avoid areas of algae accumulation and do not let people/pets eat dried algae or drink contaminated water.
  • Swimming, wading, skiing and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms.
  • Boating and fishing are safe. However, inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals. Avoid direct contact with water, and wash with clean water after any contact.
  • Clean fish well with potable water and eat fillet portion only.

KDHE investigates publicly-accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on credible field observation and sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions.

If you observe a scum, a paint-like surface on the water, small floating blue-green clumps or filaments, or the water is an opaque green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.

For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, please visit www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm.

                                              

Government, Kansas

Proposed Updates to Kansas Food Code

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The Kansas Department of Agriculture food safety and lodging program will host an online public forum on Monday, July 12, at 3:00 p.m. to share proposed updates to the Kansas Food Code.

The Kansas Food Code establishes food safety regulations that govern food establishments. Amendments to the Kansas Food Code will ultimately require the formal regulation adoption process, but KDA is providing this opportunity for interested citizens to hear a summary of the proposed updates and to provide feedback prior to the start of the formal process. The proposed changes to the Kansas Food Code include amendments to regulations that directly impact food safety as well as some clarification of language and updates to some food safety parameters. Some of the changes are proposed in order to reflect changes to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s model food code, including adoption of the FDA model food code requirement to employ a certified food protection manager.

Interested parties can preview the proposed updates on the KDA website ahead of the forum. To participate in the forum, individuals will need to register so they can receive the Zoom link. At registration, participants can indicate whether they want to provide oral or written comments regarding the proposed updates. Oral comments will be limited to 2 minutes per commenter and will be heard at the end of the public forum. Written comments can be shared on the webinar registration form or via a form on the KDA website.

Registration and draft versions of the proposed changes can be found at: www.agriculture.ks.gov/FSLLaw.

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WHAT:          Public Forum regarding proposed changes to Kansas Food Code

WHEN:          Monday, July 12 at 3:00 p.m.

WHERE:       Via online webinar; register at www.agriculture.ks.gov/FSLLaw

WHO:            Any interested members of the public

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KDA to Host Forum on Proposed Food Code Updates.pdf

Bourbon County, Entertainment, History

Bourbon County History Tours: Marmaton on July 3

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Bourbon County Carpool Tour – History of Marmaton/Marmiton

The Bourbon County History Tours are starting with a visit to Marmaton on Saturday, July 3rd. The tour will consist of the history of the Marmaton/Marmiton communities, the massacre in Marmiton and Marmaton Cemetery where 5 of the 6 killed in the massacre are buried.

The tour will be carpool by personal vehicle which will meet and leave from the National Avenue side of Memorial Hall, 1 E. 3rd St., at 8:30 am to beat the heat of the summer. Attendees should arrive early to be checked in and be provided a bag of goodies.

Reservations may be made online with the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce for $5.00 per person at fortscott.com.

The Old Fort Genealogy Society, Fort Scott and Area Chamber of Commerce and Historic Preservation Association are sponsoring this event and all three are active in research, news releases and telling the stories. There will be a tour the first Saturday of each month until cold weather arrives.

Contact the Old Fort Genealogy Society with any questions at 620-223-3300.

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Fort Scott, Government

LandBank Meeting June 29

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The Land Bank meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 29th, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. at City Hall in the City Commission meeting room. There will be a majority of City Commissioners present, but no City Commission business will be conducted.

This meeting will be made available via the City’s you tube channel at City of Fort Scott.

If you have any questions, please let me know.

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Government

Emergency Dispatch Experiences Interruptions On Fire Phone Lines

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Fort Scott Emergency Dispatch has moved to our new location. There has been some interruption to our Fire Lines 620-223-2140 and 620-223-2121.

This should be resolved on Friday, June 25th.

If at any time you need to request a fire permit or request service of any kind from the Fort Scott Fire Department, please contact Dispatch at 620-223-1700.

As always, if you have an emergency, please call 911.

Thank you for your patience during this transition.

Submitted by Communications Manager

Traci Reed

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Government

FS Fireworks Rules Clarified

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Fireworks light the evening sky.
The City of Fort Scott recently wanted to clarify the ordinance on fireworks, with Independence Day celebrations just around the corner.
“The change came when we looked at the ordinance the city had which just stated a basic fire code,” said FS Deputy Fire Chief Mike Miles, who is also the fire marshall. “It did not give any directions or guidance. So we wanted to give the city and law enforcement as well as the citizens a better understanding.”
“The biggest change is now residents can shoot fireworks from the time (firework) retailers are able to sell,” he said. “It used to just be the 4th of July. Now they can shoot from June  27 to July 4th.  Time frames are 7:00 am to 10:00 pm. And up to midnight on the 4th.”
There was a change to prohibit fireworks in city parks.
 “There are also other locations we chose to enforce no shooting during the firework display the city puts on,” Miles said.  “All city parks are also prohibited from shooting at.”
“The ordinance just gives the basic concepts of firework discharging,” he said.  “This also gives a better understanding with the circumstances spelled out. Law enforcement with this ordinance has a better way to enforce the policies.  The previous ordinance just stated a fire code, which was pretty vague.”
View the document here:

Bourbon County Local News