Bourbon County Public Works will be performing chip and seal operations on various roads in Bourbon County. The areas include 215th Street from US 54 Highway to the Linn County line, along with Jayhawk Road from the Railroad Tracks to 245th Street.
Construction will begin Wednesday, August 30, 2023, and will continue through the month of September. One lane of traffic will remain open at all times; however, motorists may encounter lane restrictions, reduced speeds, and flagging operations throughout the work zones. Please follow all traffic control devices when traveling through the work zones.
For additional information, call 620-223-3800 ext. 193
Fort Scott Kan. – Saturday, September 2 through Monday, September 4, 2022, Fort Scott National Historic Site will take you on an exploration of the labors and leisure on an 1840s frontier post. Throughout Labor Day weekend enjoy live music, historic yard games, and a variety of living history demonstrations, and interpretive programs. Visit with soldiers, officer’s wives, laundresses, the post Sutler and find out about the labors of the fort and some of the leisure activities. All programs are free and open to the public. And enjoy ice cream, while it lasts, on Saturday at 11:30 am courtesy of the Friends of Fort Scott NHS, Inc.
On Saturday and Sunday, volunteer Katelyn Dancer will be playing the violin on Officer’s Row and volunteer Mathew Wells will be playing the guitar on the porch of the Dragoon’s Barracks. Monday September 4 at 11:00 am, the Prairie Sunflower Strings will be presenting a concert of folk music out on the parade ground.
Guided Fort Tours will be offered daily at 10 am and 1 pm. Ranger Charles will be presenting a program about Native American storytelling at 11 am on Saturday and Sunday.
Fort Scott National Historic Site’s, a unit of the National Park Service, exhibit areas and visitor center are open daily from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The park grounds are open daily from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset. To find out more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.
Kansas Corporation Commission Utilities Staff responds to
Evergy’s rate increase proposal in testimony filed this afternoon
TOPEKA – Kansas Corporation Commission Staff has weighed in on Evergy’s request for a rate increase in both of its’ Kansas service areas. In testimony filed with the Commission this afternoon, Staff’s detailed financial audit of the company’s income and expenses determined that an increase of 1.66 percent or $34,706,527 was all that could be justified at this time to provide service to Evergy Central customers. Staff’s position is in contrast to Evergy’s request for a net revenue increase of $204,152,629 or 9.77 percent.
KCC Staff’s detailed financial audit of Evergy Kansas Metro’s income and expenses determined that a 7.32 percent rate decrease totaling $53,194,189 is appropriate. This is in contrast to Evergy’s proposed rate increase of 1.95 percent or $14,152,521.
While an important part in the process, these results are far from final at this stage. Today is the due date for direct testimony to be filed by KCC Staff and all other intervenors in the rate case. The next steps in the process include cross answering testimony, rebuttal testimony from Evergy, a settlement conference to determine if the parties can agree on a resolution to submit for Commission approval, followed by either a settlement hearing or evidentiary hearing before the Commission. KCC Commissioners will issue a final order in the docket in late December or early January.
Evergy Kansas Central serves 736,000 customers in Topeka, Lawrence, Olathe, Leavenworth, Atchison, Manhattan, Salina, Hutchinson, Emporia, Parsons, Wichita, Arkansas City, El Dorado, Newton, Fort Scott, Pittsburg and Independence, among other towns and rural areas. Evergy Kansas Metro serves approximately 273,000 customers in Lenexa, Overland Park and other communities near the Kansas City metro area.
Testimony filed today is available on the KCC’s website, along with other documents in the rate case.
The Commission is accepting public comments regarding the rate increase request through 5 p.m., September 29, 2023, on its website, by mail to the Commission’s Office at 1500 SW Arrowhead Rd, Topeka, KS 66604-4027 or by calling the KCC’s Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at 785-271-3140 or 800-662-0027.
Governor Kelly Breaks Ground on $2B Redevelopment in Overland Park
OVERLAND PARK – Governor Laura Kelly joined Curtin Property Company, Johnson County government officials, and business leaders today to celebrate the redevelopment of Brookridge at 103rd Street and Antioch Road in Overland Park. The $2 billion project is one of Kansas’ largest and most ambitious mixed-use developments. In addition to the groundbreaking, there was an unveiling of the property’s new name – Meridian.
“Economic development projects like Meridian are key to making Kansas a place where more young people want to put down roots and build their futures,” Governor Kelly said. “I want to thank our local, private sector, and nonprofit partners who all worked hand-in-hand with my administration to unlock more opportunities for Kansans.”
The first development phase includes infrastructure work, two mixed-use residential/retail buildings, a grocery store, retail and restaurants, and usable green space.
The project is the recipient of $10 million in grant funding from the Kansas Department of Commerce’s Building a Stronger Economy program. In addition, an $8 million grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Economic Development Program was awarded to prepare roads, sewer drainage, and other infrastructure. Completion of the infrastructure and utility work is expected in fall 2024.
“The opportunity to celebrate breaking ground and unveiling our vision for Meridian marks a special milestone in the evolution of this project,” said Chris Curtin, founder of Curtin Property Company. “Our team is proud to be bringing this innovative mixed-use development to Johnson County and looks forward to being a vibrant part of the region.”
The development will feature 4.8 million square feet of office capacity, high-quality urban living spaces with 2,000 apartments, two hotels, and extensive retail, restaurant, and entertainment venues. The 200-acre property will focus on health and wellness, including more than 100 acres of usable green space featuring fountains, recreational golf, fitness facilities, walking paths, connections to hiking and biking trails, and forested and open lawns.
“Current residents are attracted to Overland Park because of the sense of community our neighborhoods provide. Future residents will be attracted for the same reason,” said Overland Park Mayor Curt Skoog. “I look forward to experiencing that community feeling at Meridian, a place to live, work, and play – all just a walk away from one another. I’m happy to be with the Meridian team this week to celebrate the beginning of this type of development and the economic impact it will bring to Overland Park and the surrounding neighborhoods.”
Meridian is anticipated to accommodate more than 16,000 jobs in the office and retail spaces.
Photos from the event for media use can be found below.
MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture has been awarded $328,330.06 through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Funds for the program are presented by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. According to the USDA, specialty crops are defined as “fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture.” Through a competitive application process, KDA has selected recipients to further utilize the funds.
The following is a list of Kansas projects that will be funded by the grant.
Montgomery County Farm of the Future (Montgomery County) — Coffeyville Public Schools will increase their students’ knowledge of specialty crop production by placing an indoor farm classroom at the high school. Students will learn agriculture, plant science, nutrition, business marketing, and food preparation skills. This classroom will be managed by high school students and will produce leafy green vegetables to be served in their district’s cafeterias.
Expanding Fruit Production Among Small Scale Beginning Farmers in Kansas City, Kansas (Wyandotte County) — Cultivate KC will increase the variety, diversity, and resiliency of specialty crops grown and sold in Kansas City by providing education, training, and resources to refugee families starting their own small farm businesses through the New Roots for Refugees Program. This project will provide training, technical assistance, and resources to plant a fruit demonstration plot at the program’s training farm site and to support current farmers and recent graduates in adding blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries to their farm production.
Specialty Crop Video Series Highlighting Unique Specialty Crops in Kansas (Statewide) — From the Land of Kansas and Kansas Tourism will partner with a local marketing entity to create a video series to spread awareness of and excitement for Kansas specialty crops and the unique on-farm experiences they provide throughout the state. The video series will grow consumers’ interest in local specialty crops and the experiences they offer and educate them on how to access and consume those specialty crops in our state.
Exploring Mung bean Production in Kansas (Statewide) – Kansas State University will establish baseline recommendations for mung bean production and assess the crop’s adaptability to different environments across Kansas. Mung beans are a warm season crop with a short duration and a high degree of tolerance to heat and water scarcity, making this option very attractive to farmers and useful to sustain the state’s finite water natural resources.
Continued Safety for Produce Growers: Worker Protection Standard Training and GAPs Certification Funding and Outreach(Statewide) — Kansas State University will help Kansas specialty crop producers receive training and certification as U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-recognized Worker Protection Standard pesticide safety train-the-trainers so that they can train the workers on their farm. They will also help Kansas fruit and vegetable producers earn Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) certification during the project, which will help growers access new markets which require that certification. This will help improve worker safety, produce safety, and the profitability of Kansas specialty crop producers.
Cultivate Maize: Growing Toward Educating Future Farmers with Sustainable School Meals Through School Gardens(Sedgwick County) — Maize USD 266 will provide its 7,590 students, grades preschool through twelfth grade, with hands-on opportunities to plant, maintain, harvest, and consume produce from sustainable hydro gardens, all while never leaving their school buildings. Maize USD 266 Food Service will facilitate the project to provide school gardens for educators at 13 of their school buildings to use as a teaching tool to connect the learning goals of a variety of disciplines while exposing their students to becoming farmers and tasting sustainable specialty crops through school meals.
Governor Kelly Celebrates the Return of the Sacred Red Rock to the Kaw Nation
LAWRENCE—Today, Governor Laura Kelly joined Kaw Nation leaders, City of Lawrence officials, and Haskell Indian Nations University and University of Kansas representatives to commemorate the return of the Iⁿ‘zhúje‘waxóbe, or Sacred Red Rock, to the people of the Kaw Nation.
“The Sacred Red Rock has long been part of Kansas’ history, and I am honored to participate in its return to its rightful stewards,” Governor Kelly said. “This event marks a significant step forward in ensuring we respect and honor Indigenous peoples, cultures, and traditions.”
Several hundred thousand years ago, a glacier took the rock from an area in what is now southwestern Minnesota to the Kansas River Valley, where it became an important part the Kaw Nation’s spiritual life.
“I am delighted to see our city’s leaders collectively honor the sovereign rights of Tribal Nations by partnering in the return of the Iⁿ‘zhúje‘waxóbe Sacred Red Rock,” said Jancita Warrington, Executive Director, Kansas Native American Affairs, Office of the Governor. “Chancellor Girod, Mayor Larsen and the Lawrence City Commissioners have shown both compassion and respect for the Kaw Nation by honoring their request to return this grandfather rock to its cultural and spiritual stewards. This is a great example of a productive partnership between leaders, and I am excited to see what will transpire from this continued relationship moving forward.”
In 1929, the Sacred Red Rock was transported to Lawrence. It currently resides in Buford M. Watson Jr. Park. Iⁿ‘zhúje‘waxóbe will now be returned to Kaw Nation land at Allegawaho Memorial Heritage Park near Council Grove.
“As an Indigenous person, I am extremely honored and humbled to be a part of this project and this historic event,” said Sydney Purcell, Co-Principal Investigator, Sacred Red Rock Project and Curator for Public Practice at Spencer Museum of Art. “I am in awe that Governor Kelly, Mayor Larson, and the Lawrence City Commission are present to support this effort. It is my hope that the relationships established throughout this project and further concretized with the ceremonious Return of the Rock event will continue long into the future, so that Kaw Nation’s presence is strengthened in the state that bears its name.”
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to the Chamber Coffee and Ribbon Cutting Thursday, August 31st at 8am hosted by The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team. Coffee from Common Ground, juice, and Twigs and Berries will be served in addition to a door prize drawing.
The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT)’s mission is to increase access to healthy food and physical activity, promote commercial tobacco cessation, enhance quality of life, and encourage economic growth. Through policy, systems, and environmental change, they aim to make the healthy choice the default by addressing the Social Determinants of Health (SDoH). Through our program, The Center for Economic Growth, they partner with PSU Small Business Development Center, Southeast KANSASWORKS, and the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce to promote economic growth.
They are hosting a ribbon cutting for the new BB-GO Transportation program that was established by the coalition Local Health Equity Action Team (LHEAT). The LHEAT coalition is an initiative of HBCAT that was formed through KU Medical Center’s grant program COPE. LHEAT develops action plans to address the social determinants of health. The LHEAT partnered with SEK-CAP, Inc. to expand their transportation program to Bourbon County. The transportation program, BB-GO Transportation will launched August 28th, 2023.
BB-GO Transportation is an affordable option, $1 donation is suggested, but not required. If a person doesn’t have $1, they are still able to utilize the service. BB-GO Transportation will service anyone in Bourbon County on Mondays-Wednesdays-Fridays during the operation hours of 8am-3:30pm. Call 620-724-6350 to schedule a ride. The services are first come, first served. To have the best selection of times schedule 1 to 7 days in advance. Same day rides given based on availability. BB-GO Transportation will be wheelchair accessible. Certified KDOT drivers who meet all training and safety requirements.
The Federal Transit Administration and Kansas Department of Transportation 5311 grant supplies 70% of the operating costs, and 30% comes from local matching funds from the LHEAT grant through KUMC COPE, Peerless Products, Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center, and Community Christian Church.
Chamber members and guests are invited to Chamber Coffee events each Thursday at 8 a.m. to network, make announcements, hear about happenings in the community as well as learn about the host business or organization.
Clinton Ray Clampitt, age 42, a resident of rural Fulton, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly, Monday, August 28, 2023, at his home. He was born March 25, 1981, in Ft. Scott. Clinton attended school in Ft. Scott. He had worked in the receiving department at Wal-Mart in Ft. Scott. In earlier years, he enjoyed spending time outdoors and fishing. He also was a talented artist who enjoyed drawing and sketching. Five years ago, Clinton suffered a major debilitating stroke and has primarily been home bound ever since. Since his stroke, he enjoyed watching movies, playing video games and keeping up with his friends and family on Facebook.
Survivors include his parents, David and Brenda Hathaway of the home in Fulton and his son, Kyler Clampitt of Walnut, Kansas. Also surviving are a brother, Kyle Hathaway (Shannon) of Ft. Scott and three sisters, Angela Carpenter (Jeff), Rhonda Cole (Ben) and Rachel Thompson all of Ft. Scott, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends including his caregiver, Melissa Springston. Clinton was preceded in death by his brother, Kenny Clampitt.
There was cremation. A memorial visitation will be held from 5 to 7 P.M. Friday, September 1st at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Clinton Clampitt Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. on Monday, August 28, 2023, for two special board meetings at the board office.
Vice-President James Wood opened the 5:30 p.m. meeting.
The board opened the Revenue Neutral Rate Hearing. Superintendent Destry Brown reviewed the code 99 and discussed the mill levy. There were no comments from patrons. The board closed the Revenue Neutral Rate Hearing.
The board approved the following item and then adjourned the meeting:
Resolution 23-06: Exceeding the Revenue Neutral Tax Rate for financing the annual budget for 2023-24 by roll call vote.
President David Stewart opened the 5:45 p.m. meeting. The board opened the Budget Hearing. Assistant Superintendent Dalaina Smith reviewed the Needs Assessment with the board. Mrs. Smith noted information shared with the board on State Assessments. There were no comments from patrons. The board closed the Budget Hearing.
The board approved the following items:
Resolution 23-07: Make a Local Option Percentage in an amount of 31.6 percent for the 2023-24 school year.
Approval of the 2023-24 Budget with consideration of the Needs Assessment and State Assessments which were provided to the USD 234 Board of Education, evaluated by the Board, and were used as a part of the budget approval process. It was noted that the board adopted by roll call vote Resolution 23-06 to exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate by roll call vote.
Personnel Report following
The board went into executive sessions for personnel matters.
President Stewart adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT
August 28, 2023
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
Weaver, Mark – Resignation – Fort Scott High School Special Education Teacher
TRANSFERS/REASSIGNMENTS/LEAVE OF ABSENCE:
For the 2023-24 school year:
Classified:
Pitts, Belinda – from Fort Scott High School Paraprofessional to Mental Health Intervention Team Liaison- effective 09/05/23
O’Bryan, Carolina – Leave of Absence
EMPLOYMENT:
Certified Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:
Reichard, Elizabeth (Betsy) – Fort Scott High School Special Education Teacher
Classified Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:
Beyer, Amy – Eugene Ware Elementary Paraprofessional
Bratton, Ashley – Fort Scott Middle School Paraprofessional
Brown, Tina – Eugene Ware Elementary Paraprofessional
Lord, McKenna – Eugene Ware Elementary Paraprofessional
Ogle, Kathryn – Fort Scott High School Paraprofessional
Supplemental Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:
Magathan-Krone, Jane – Eugene Ware Elementary Guiding Coalition
Laubenstein, Michelle – Fort Scott High School Newspaper
Update on Quivira National Wildlife Refuge While making visits to communities across Kansas, I continue to hear concerns about the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge. Last week, I spoke with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Director, Martha Williams to discuss concerns about her agency’s Request to Secure Water with the Kansas Depart of Agriculture-Division of Water Resources related to senior water rights of the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge in south-central Kansas.
If FWS moves ahead to secure water rights, their action could retire critical junior water rights in the Rattlesnake Basin. This means nearly 800 water rights may be shut off by FWS’s action, impacting not just irrigation and livestock water but municipal and industrial water as well. Some stakeholders estimate that the state may lose $300 to $500 million in annual agricultural activity and as much as $1 billion in annual economic activity.
During our conversation, I reiterated the concerns and potential devastation this could bring to rural Kansas communities and the agricultural economy. I will continue working with local stakeholders and state leaders to find a solution that works for everyone.
Pure Imagination moves to K-State Salina On Tuesday I joined community leaders and elected officials to celebrate and announce a partnership between Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus, Pure Imagination Studios, Salina Airport Authority, and the State of Kansas. Together, the Kansas Advanced Immersive Research and Emerging Systems Center (K-AIRES) will be established to teach and train the next generation with immersive technology in a new state of the art facility.
It was also great to receive an update on the General Atomics innovation ramp also on K-State Salina’s campus, which will be a teaching and research facility dedicated to advanced air mobility. This project is funded in part thanks to General Atomics generous donation to K-State Salina. This partnership with General Atomics is another example of the many businesses that are choosing to invest and build in Kansas.
Federal Investment for Hugoton Police Department
On Thursday, I announced new federal resources for the Hugoton Police Department. As the lead Republican on the Appropriations Subcommittee that funds the Department of Justice, I worked to help secure these resources for Hugoton and other rural police departments across Kansas. This federal investment allocates funds to the Hugoton Police Department to purchase patrol vehicles.
I appreciated being able to meet and speak with members of the Hugoton Police Department about the importance of supporting law enforcement. Thank you to Police Chief Courtney Leslie, Mayor Jack Rowden, City Clerk Carrie L. Baeza, Ardith Dunn and Steve Morris for joining me for this announcement.
Touring Prairie Food Wednesday
On Wednesday, I was invited to tour PrairieFood Pratt County distribution plant. Prairiefood manufactures a soil additive which restores soil health and fertility using organic waste which would otherwise be discarded. I appreciated the opportunity to learn about a Kansas business helping farmers to raise crop yields and maintain rich ground. With their technical expertise and entrepreneurial spirit, PrairieFood helps keep Kansas on the cutting-edge in sustainable agriculture. Thank you to Jason and his team for their time and contribution to Kansas’ agricultural heritage.
Listening Tour Stop in Grant County
I am grateful for the Grant County Chamber of Commerce for hosting me for a listening tour stop in Ulysses on Thursday morning. It was a chance for me to meet with members of the community about topics important to southwest Kansas. . We discussed issues such as securing crop insurance that benefits agricultural producers and finding ways to protect markets and programs that allow Kansas farmers to feed the world. I also had the opportunity to hear about the importance of energy independence and how to help small businesses flourish. In many communities across Kansas, small businesses cannot remain competitive or viable when regulations increase the cost of doing business.
Thank you to Marietta Hauser for hosting this conversation, and thank you to Catherine Moyer, Pioneer Communications, Steve Alford and everyone who joined.
Visiting Hugoton High School My first stop in Hugoton was at the local high school. I was given a tour by Superintendent Adrian Howie, Principal Melody Witt, and students Raeleigh Angell, Jewels Noland, Isaac Martin, and Griffin Heger. As the school year gets underway, it was great to hear from students about their plans for the upcoming year. I am grateful to our teachers who invest their time into instructing young Kansans. Thank you to the students, teachers and administrators for taking the time to meet with me and for sharing more about the great work being done at Hugoton High School.
Touring Southwestern Heights High School
While visiting Kismet on Thursday, I had the opportunity to tour the local high school. I was able to meet many student and teachers and hear about their plans for the new school year. I am always encouraged by my conversations with the bright students across Kansas. Thank you Superintendent Dan Frisby, Principal Ryan Kisner, and students Jaydon Vermillion, Rodrigo Sanchez, Amanda Thurakul, and Emma Stanfield who made a great tour of Southwestern Heights High School possible.
Keynote Speaker at the Liberal Kiwanis Club
I appreciated the opportunity to be the keynote speaker at the Liberal Kiwanis club on Thursday. I was also able to hear updates from the Kansas Department of Transportation and members of the community regarding the future of US 54 and 83 in Seward County. Commercial truck traffic in western Kansas moves valuable goods to locations across the heartland. Some area highways are nearly 50% truck traffic. I was glad to learn KDOT is taking opportunities to learn about traffic concerns from the community.
Thank you to Sarah Thompson and the Noon Kiwanis for allowing me to join. Thanks as well to April Warden, county administrator, Scott Carr, county commissioner, C.J. Wettstein, county commissioner, Ron Hall, KDOT District 6 engineer, Brad Bennett, Seward County Community College President, Rozelle Webb, member of the Liberal Chamber of Commerce, Sarah Thompson, Kiwanis President, Amy Thompson, Kiwanian, Becki Richardson, Epic Touch Communications, and Dr. Todd Carter, USD 480 Superintendent, for taking the time to talk with me.
Touring GE Aerospace On Friday, I met with Aerospace leaders from GE Aerospace at Strother Field, between Arkansas City and Winfield. GE Aerospace produces components for some of our nation’s biggest regional commercial airlines like Horizon, Alaskan, American, Spirit, and others, as well as our armed forces. I appreciated the opportunity to speak with GE’s aviation mechanics, who took great pride in being a supplier for the military. The work these industry leaders do directly impacts our transportation sector and our national security.
Touring William Newton Hospital My next stop in Winfield was to William Newton Hospital, where I was greeted by Gary Brewer and Joan Cales, who sit on the Board of Trustees. The staff showed me their new operating rooms, emergency room and developments to the rehabilitation department. Due to the significant challenges facing rural health care, Kansas has seen several rural facilities close in recent years. The pandemic aftermath combined with inflation and staffing shortages have hit rural hospitals the hardest. Solutions like the new Rural Emergency Hospital designation offer critical access hospitals a chance at a higher reimbursement rate while also narrowing the scope of their care to decrease costs. I will continue working with the CMS Administrator to ensure the REH regulations benefit Kansas rural hospitals.
As critical access hospitals like William Newton struggle to keeps their doors open, I will continue to fight for policies in Washington that help our rural communities.
Community Visit in Tampa
On Monday, I traveled to Tampa and made several stops to hear from residents across the area. I visited the Tampa State Bank, which has been supporting locals for more than 100 years in Tampa and Marion. Afterwards, I went to the Gooding Memorial Library to meet and talk with Kansans and explore the library’s book collection. Additionally, I stopped by Agri Trails Coop to learn how the company is serving their community through trading experience and market connections to offer farmers the highest prices for their products. I was sure to drop by the Sante Fe Trail Café for some local, homestyle food before leaving town.
Community Visit in Saint John
I also stopped by Saint John to visit businesses and meet with Kansans. One of my stops was at the SJN Bank of Kansas. At the Stafford County Courthouse and City Hall, I met with Kansans to talk about the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge which is located in Stafford County. I also stopped by the K-State Extension Office to learn about the work individuals are doing on 4-H Youth Development, business and economic growth, and livestock and nutrition research. I was able to speak with Carolyn Dunn who is spearheading the Port Authority of Stafford County project which would provide more jobs and agricultural growth in Kansas.
Now Accepting 2023 Service Academy Applications Applications are now open for students to apply to a United States Service Academy for the Class of 2028. One of my favorite duties as a U.S. Senator is appointing Kansans to the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland; the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York.
For the list of requirements and to apply, you can visit my website here. All application materials are due to my Olathe office by Friday, September 1, 2023. After applications have been reviewed, applicants will be notified of interviews with my Service Academy Selection Board.
Honored to Serve You in Washington It is an honor to serve you in Washington, D.C. Thank you to the many Kansans who have been calling and writing in to share their thoughts and opinions on the issues our state and country face. I appreciate the words of Kansans, whether in the form of a form of letter, a Facebook comment or a phone call, who wish to make their voice heard.
Please let me know how I can be of assistance. You can contact me by email by clicking here. You can also click here to contact me through one of my Kansas offices or my Washington, D.C., office.
Very truly yours,
Jerry
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Hays
1200 Main St.,
Suite 402
P.O. Box 249
Hays, KS 67601
Phone: (785) 628-6401
Stephen Leigh Dean, age 80, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly Friday, August 25, 2023, at his home. He was born July 9, 1943, in Oneida, New York, the son of Ronald Walter Dean and Lizzie Limebeck Dean. Stephen married Merleen Della King on January 28, 1961. They made their home in upstate New York before moving to Kansas.
Stephen had over thirty years of service with the United States Army. He retired as a Sargent First Class. Stephen completed the truck driving program at Ft. Scott Community College and following his military service, he began working as a truck driver. He drove for several area trucking companies.
He later worked as a driver for Dolly the Trolly where he enjoyed visiting with tourists and sharing the history of Ft. Scott. Stephen loved the outdoors and loved to hunt and fish. While in New York, he served as Scout Master for his son’s Boy Scout troupe.
Currently, he was a member of the Bone Creek Gun Club. Stephen was proud of his military service and was a member of the V.F.W. and the American Legion. He often helped provide military honors for deceased veterans
Following the death of his first wife, Merleen, on September 4, 2020, he remarried Sharon Tucker Wolf on October 16, 2021.
Survivors include his wife, Sharon, of the home; a son, James Dean of Ft. Scott and a daughter, Julie VanBecelaere (Ted) of Osceola, Missouri; twelve grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren. In addition to his first wife, Merleen, Stephen was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Shirley Arno and LaNita Siebel.
Pastor Larry Stevicks will conduct funeral services at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, August 31st at the Emmanuel Baptist Church.
Burial with military honors will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Wednesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to the Emmanuel Baptist Church and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
