Obituary of Laverne Cummings Person
Laverne Cummings Person, age 95, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at the home of her daughter in Olathe, Kansas. She was born August 12, 1927, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Booker T. Cummings and Cleo Mae Jenkins Cummings. Laverne received her early education at the E. J. Hawkins School in Ft. Scott and went on to graduate from the Ft. Scott High School.
She married Dennis C. Person on March 2, 1946, in Ft. Scott. He preceded her in death on November 15, 1950. Because of the untimely death of her husband, Laverne had to work hard to meet the needs of her family.
In earlier years, she worked as a housekeeper and then took a job at the County Clerk’s office where she worked for a few years. Later, she was employed in human resources by the City of Ft. Scott where she worked for many years. Laverne had a life-long love of reading, and the last few years of her tenure with the City were spent working at the Ft. Scott Public Library.
In addition to reading, Laverne also enjoyed cooking and baking. Laverne was a woman of faith and was a longtime member of the United Missionary Baptist Church. She was also a past member of the Eastern Star and the Athenium Study Club.
Family was everything to Laverne, and they all pulled together to take care of her during her final years. Many precious memories were made on the back porch on Hill Street where family and friends gathered to listen to her words of wit and wisdom. Laverne will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Survivors include her four daughters, Janice Greene (Arthur), Linda Wilson (Larry) and Cindy Becky (Brent) all of Olathe, Kansas and Holly Rogers (Richard) of Parker, Colorado; her daughter-in-law, Beverly Albertson Person of Kansas City, Missouri; twelve grandchildren and a host of great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are two brothers, Jerry Cummings of Sacramento, California and Phillip Cummings (Mary Ann) of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; sisters-in-law, Wava Cummings and Alta Cummings and numerous nieces and nephews and friends.
In addition to her husband, Dennis, Laverne was preceded in death by her parents, Booker T. and Cleo Cummings, a son, Dennis Person, Jr.; five brothers, Donald, who died in infancy, and Gardner, Charles, Albert and David Cummings and a sister, Maxine Gordon.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, March 31st at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.
The family will receive friends on Friday from 10:00 A.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to the Ft. Scott Public Library 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.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports March 22
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newletter
Hosting ATF Director in Kansas to Announce New Partnerships
On Monday, I hosted the Director of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) Steve Dettelbach and the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) Karhlton Moore in Kansas to announce new partnerships in Wichita and Hutchinson.
Wichita
At Wichita State University (WSU), we announced a new $75 million ATF forensics laboratory on site at the Innovation Campus. This state-of-the-art lab will bring more than 100 new good-paying, high quality jobs to Kansas, support ATF’s efforts to solve crimes and provide comprehensive and advanced technology support to federal, state and local agencies not only in Kansas but across the nation.
In addition, the location of the lab on campus at WSU will provide students premier access to ATF employees and a federal law enforcement lab, working to solve crimes around the country. WSU holds a long history of excellence in its criminal justice program – the second-oldest in the nation. The announcement of this partnership showcases how WSU is leading the country in crime intelligence and further highlights the great work already happening on campus.
You can read more from KAKE here.
Hutchinson
Following our time in Wichita, I hosted ATF Director Steven Dettelbach and BJA Director Karhlton Moore at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center in Hutchinson to announce the launch of a new training program and center on site.
As someone who was raised in a rural part of Kansas, I know that resources are not always as abundant there as they might be elsewhere. And yet, our rural law enforcement professionals play a vital role in protecting these communities and keeping their citizens safe. As the lead Republican of the Senate Appropriations subcommittee that funds the Department of Justice, including the ATF, I am committed to supporting programs that provide critical services to the ATF and enable law enforcement to fulfill their mission of protecting and serving our communities.
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The public safety leadership program at KLETC has already helped provide the necessary tools, resources and training for rural departments and officers, and the funding we announced this week will help continue this program and the great results we have already seen. This center creates a space, not only in Kansas but, regionally, where we can encourage and support training new generations of leaders in law enforcement.
You can read more from the Hutch Post here.
The Fight Against Alzheimer’s Disease Must be a National Priority
One in 3 seniors in the U.S. will develop Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. This horrific disease is rapidly claiming the minds and lives of millions and requiring thousands of family members to serve as caregivers for their loved ones. The good news is that finding a cure for Alzheimer’s is achievable, and it must be a national priority.
NAPA, the National Alzheimer’s Project Act, and the Alzheimer’s Accountability Act, are two bills that provide the foundation for federal investment and coordination in finding a cure for Alzheimer’s. Congress must reauthorize both pieces of legislation before 2025 to avoid losing ground and to effectively treat and one day cure Alzheimer’s disease.
You can read my full op-ed in The Kansas City Star here.
Welcoming WSU Tech President to Testify Before Commerce Committee
On Thursday, I welcomed WSU Tech President Dr. Sheree Utash to testify before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation in a hearing titled, “Strengthening the Aviation Workforce.” As ranking member of the Senate Subcommittee on Aviation, I led the full committee hearing with Chair Maria Cantwell.
You can watch my full opening remarks during the hearing here.
It was an honor to lead the hearing and gain insight into how Congress can continue to support the growing demands in workforce, particularly in the upcoming FAA Reauthorization legislation. Our nation and state’s success within this vital sector depends on those who train, educate and prepare our students to be ready contributors within the aviation industry. In order for our nation to continue leading in aviation, it will take innovative programs like those Dr. Utash has helped implement.
You can watch my questions during the hearing here.
VA Committee Hearing on Electronic Health Records
As the lead Republican of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, I led a committee hearing on the VA’s Electronic Medical Health Records Modernization Program. The VA aims to create a unified health record for servicemembers and veterans, enabling more consistent health care. However, it is frustrating that the opposite has happened. The five medical centers using the Oracle Cerner Electronic Health Records are struggling with delays, disruptions and rising costs. I have concerns about the VA’s ability to manage this program, and these issues have had unintended but unacceptable impacts on the health of the veterans the program was created to serve.
The VA and Oracle Cerner are making improvements, but they are gradual, and many of the most extensive, most significant fixes are many months or even years away. To justify additional spending on this program, we need assurances that every penny spent is focused on creating and implementing a system that serves veterans and provides them with the high-quality care they deserve. We need to know if the VA still wants and believes in this program and what will be different this time under the next group of leaders.
You can watch my opening remarks here.
Meeting with NCAA President Charlie Baker
This week, I met with NCAA President and former Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker. President Baker shared his vision for the future, including the need for transparency and accountability within the name, image, and likeness (NIL) system, which has allowed collegiate student athletes opportunities to benefit from their identities. In addition to NCAA rules currently allowing student athlete compensation, nearly 30 states have introduced or enacted NIL legislation, which creates a confusing system of inconsistent state laws that would be cumbersome for schools and athletes to navigate.
Last Congress, I introduced the Amateur Athletes Protection and Compensation Act to establish a consistent, federal standard to allow student athletes greater control of their name, image and likeness while maintaining the integrity of college sports that we all know and love. I will continue to work with my colleagues to find a federal solution that provides a level NIL playing field for Kansas schools and student athletes, and I look forward to working along with President Baker in the future to create positive impacts in Kansas through college athletics.
Meeting with Kansans
KARL Program
This week, I had the opportunity to meet with Class XVI of the Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership (KARL) Program, a group consisting of 30 of the best and brightest professionals from across our state. During our meeting, we discussed the challenges that rural communities face such as access to health care and broadband service, both of which are vital resources to the success of rural communities and those who live there. We also spoke about the importance of public service and investing in one’s local community. Participants of the KARL Program, both past and present, are the reason rural communities in Kansas continue to thrive, and I look forward to working with the members of this program to preserve the rural way of life in our state.
Emporia State University Honors College
It was great to visit with Emporia State University (ESU) Honors students and faculty before their tour of the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday. I always appreciate the chance to speak with Kansans during their visits to our nation’s capital, and I enjoyed visiting with this talented and accomplished group of students. Thank you to ESU faculty member Amy Baza and students Hailey Waltner, Alexis Hatvik, Hailey Kisner, Alyssa Behrens and Alejandra Escobar for taking the time to say hello.
The Benson Family
I enjoyed visiting with Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce President Blake Benson and his family while they were in Washington, D.C., this week for a tour of the Capitol during spring break. We discussed the growth taking place in the community as Blake also serves as an Economic Development Director for the City of Pittsburg. Spring break brought many Kansans to Washington, D.C., and they ran into Frontenac High School students from back home as well as a group from Wichita State University.
Joining DAV Award Presentation for VA Committee Staff
I was pleased to take part in honoring two of my staff members from the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs as they received awards from Disabled American Veterans (DAV) in recognition of their work to improve benefits and services for our nation’s veterans. Samantha Gonzalez has worked on both the House and Senate VA Committees and was recognized for her thoughtful and collaborative work on legislation improving how the VA delivers high-quality health care to veterans. Lindsay Dearing, an Army combat veteran with 12 years of service, was recognized by DAV for her work over several years advancing the Toxic Exposure in the American Military Act, the Health Care for Burn Pit Veterans Act, and the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our PACT Act.
I am grateful to have both these dedicated professionals on my team for their work to make a difference in the lives of veterans. I also want to thank Shane Liermann, Jon Retzer and Naomi Mathis for presenting these awards on behalf of DAV and for being valuable partners in achieving our common goal of best serving veterans and their families.
Meeting with U.S. Canola Association
On Wednesday, I visited with members of the U.S. Canola Association about their priorities for the upcoming Farm Bill that will benefit canola growers in Kansas. Michael Stamm, a canola breeder and researcher at Kansas State University talked about the importance of research, especially research geared towards winter canola. During this meeting, we discussed the growing demand for biofuels and the role canola plays in filling that demand. We also spoke about the recommissioning of the crush plant in Goodland which will create new jobs and provide new opportunities for canola growers in the area.
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Scoular Announces Investment in Kansas Oilseed Crush Facility
This week, Scoular announced that it will recommission the former sunflower crush plant near Goodland and make investments to retrofit the facility to crush both soybeans and canola. This project will create up to 40 new jobs and is expected to begin operations in Fall 2024.
In small towns across Kansas, every business counts. Scoular’s decision to invest in the crush facility in Goodland will increase marketing opportunities for farmers and contribute to the economic prosperity of northwest Kansas. The Goodland oilseed processing plant is an important juncture for farming in western Kansas and food and fuel production for the nation.
You can read more in the High Plains Journal here.
Calling on CISA to Undertake Cybersecurity Analysis of Chinese-Made Drones
As a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, I joined my Senate colleagues in urging the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to reevaluate the risks associated with the use of drones manufactured by Shenzhen DJI Innovation Technology Co., Ltd. (DJI), a company with deep ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). We also requested that CISA update and make publicly available its analysis of the security risks posed by the company.
DJI is the world’s largest manufacturer of personal and professional drones with significant sales to operators of critical infrastructure and state and local law enforcement in the United States. It was reported in 2021 that almost 90% of the consumer drone market and approximately 70% of the industrial market in North America was monopolized by DJI. CISA previously addressed the DJI threat in 2019 with an “Industry Alert,” stating “strong concerns” and warning against the purchase of its equipment.
The widespread use of DJI drones to inspect critical infrastructure allows the CCP to develop a richly detailed, regularly updated picture of our nation’s pipelines, railways, power generation facilities and waterways. This sensitive information on the layout, operation and maintenance of U.S. critical infrastructure could better enable targeting efforts in the event of conflict.
You can read the full letter to CISA Director Jen Easterly here.
Supporting Children with Disabilities and Their Caretakers
I joined my colleague Senator Robert Menendez to introduce legislation to bolster U.S. support for children with disabilities, helping support local disabilities rights organizations and families of children with disabilities around the world.
The International Children with Disabilities Protection Act would create the “International Children with Disabilities Protection Program,” a grant program within the State Department to empower individuals with disabilities. Additionally, this legislation reinforces U.S. policy to protect against the unnecessary institutionalization of children with disabilities and to help promote the development of laws and policies that support the full inclusion of children with disabilities in families.
Children with disabilities deserve a place in society where they are respected, loved and treated with basic human dignity. This legislation helps protect the most vulnerable children around the globe and gives them opportunities to succeed by helping keep children out of harmful institutions and supporting their families.
Leading Effort to Award Congressional Gold Medal to the “Hello Girls”
This week, I joined my colleagues on the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs to introduce legislation to honor the landmark service of the brave women who connected American and French military forces on the front lines of World War I. The Hello Girls Congressional Medal Act would award the Congressional Gold Medal to the women of the U.S. Army Signal Corps, also known as the “Hello Girls.”
Connecting more than 150,000 calls per day, and doing so six times faster than their male counterparts, female switchboard operators played a crucial role in World War I. Despite their service, it took decades for them to receive veteran status and therefore be recognized as some of our nation’s first women veterans. This Congressional Gold Medal will serve as way to honor the trailblazing Hello Girls and recognize their important contributions to our history.
Meeting with American Royal Association President & CEO Jackie McClaskey
On Friday, I met with Jackie McClaskey, President and CEO of the American Royal Association, to receive an update on the construction and timeline of their future new facility in Kansas City, KS. I am pleased to see the care and attention that the American Royal is taking to make certain that this new center supports the tradition of American agriculture as well as the broader regional economy, and I want to thank Jackie for her leadership in these efforts.
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.
FOR PARENTS AND STUDENTS: You can learn more about the U.S. Service Academy application and nomination process from my Service Academy Coordinator Lisa Dethloff, representatives from each service academy, current academy students and parents of academy graduates. Details for the upcoming information sessions are below.
Questions? Email [email protected]
1) MONDAY, MARCH 27 – CHANUTE
6:30-8:00 p.m. CT
Chanute High School Auditorium
1501 W. 36th Street
Chanute, KS 66720
2) TUESDAY, MARCH 28 – OLATHE
6:30-8:00 p.m. CT
American Legion Post #153
410 E. Dennis Avenue
Olathe, KS 66061
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New Funding Available to Help Communities with Shovel-Ready Sites
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced new grant funding that will help communities gain valuable Certified Sites designation for shovel-ready industrial sites in Kansas.
Kansas Certified Sites designation is issued when communities successfully demonstrate their property is primed for development and ready for investment, which is a huge advantage in recruiting and expanding businesses. The program is designed to reduce the risks associated with development. A Kansas Certified Site is attractive to investors and site selectors because it:
- Provides key detailed background information on a site’s price, availability, utilities, site access, environmental records and potential site development costs
- Encourages faster site selection decisions
- Can help greenfield or expansion projects get started.
As part of the new Certified Sites Grant program, the Kansas Department of Commerce will provide matching dollars up to $10,000 for eligible entities to use toward completion of a Kansas Certified Sites program application. Funding is available for non-metro counties with a population less than 50,000.
“We know smaller communities might not have the necessary resources to pursue a Certified Sites designation, so this is a great opportunity for them to compete on a more level playing field,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Supporting the application process for communities to promote shovel-ready sites will lead to more new businesses and good jobs throughout our state.”
Eligible expenditures covered by Certified Sites Grant funds include consulting services, marketing costs and engineering expenditures related to the completion of the Certified Sites program application.
All applicants are required to provide matching funds on a 1:1 basis. Eligible sources for matching funds include:
- General operating funds
- In-kind donated services related to the Certified Sites program
- Valuation of Brownfields Program, which provides funding and technical assistance in assessing properties that might be or are perceived to be contaminated.
“As Kansas continues to grow at a record pace, the need for our communities having their sites ready and certified for growth is of the utmost importance,” Certified Sites Program Manager Corrie Ann Campbell said. “This grant opportunity ensures that this significant designation will be more attainable for our cities and counties.”
Successful recipients of Kansas Certified Sites designation receive many benefits, including marketing support for attracting investors. Kansas Certified Sites are incorporated into a variety of marketing campaigns and strategies which includes:
- A profile on the Kansas Department of Commerce website
- Visibility on Kansas Department of Commerce social media channels.
Applications for the Kansas Certified Site program are accepted year-round.
For more information about Certified Sites or the Certified Sites Grant funds, click here or contact Campbell at (785) 213-7312 or [email protected].
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021 and 2022, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
A Slave, A Nurse and A Soldier Spy
Saturday, March 25, 11 am until noon in the theater of the Infantry Barracks, Fort Scott National Historic Site is hosting retired National Park Service Historian Arnold W. Schofield to discuss three notable 19th Century Women from Fort Scott; Ann Shatto, a Slave; MaryAnn Holt Blakely, a Nurse; and Sara Edmonds Seelye, a Soldier, Nurse and Spy during the Civil War.
From November 1-March 31, Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, will be open for its winter hours of operation. The site exhibit areas and visitor center are open daily from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm 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.
Spring Open House March 24-25
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How was Life at Fort Scott During the Civil War
Experience it Without Needing to Enlist!
Fort Scott Kan. – Fort Scott National Historic Site is hosting its Annual Civil War Encampment, April 15 and 16, 2023. Join us to experience artillery, cavalry, and infantry troops preparing for battle, smell bread baking, participate in discussions about troop and refugee support, and be serenaded by the Vogts Sisters! This well-loved tradition is back and better than ever!
“We are grateful to have the generous support and participation from the Holmes Brigade, Boy Scout Troop 0114, Friends of Fort Scott, Inc., Fort Smith National Historic Site’s Cavalry Troop, and plenty of new and old Fort Scott National Historic Site volunteers alike,” said Superintendent Jill Jaworski. “We encourage everyone to step back in time and smell, hear, see, and experience life at the fort.”
Saturday: join the discussion with author and historian Isaias McCaffrey about the Indian Home Guard, find out about the lives of women during the Civil War period, sit on the Officer’s front porch and learn about sewing and crocheting, be serenaded by the Vogts Sisters, and baking bread in the bakery. Sunday: play authentic lawn games and participate in a discussion about being a Civil War refugee. The weekend is full of fun and games for the whole family straight from the 1800’s!
Encampment Schedule:
SATURDAY, APRIL 15
Interpreters will be at the firing range with historic weapons and doing demonstrations around the site throughout the day.
- 9 a.m. Raising the Colors with the Boy Scout Troop 0114
- 9:30 a.m. Infantry Drill and Weapons Demonstration
- 10 a.m. Cavalry Program
- 10:30 a.m. Artillery Drill and Weapons Demonstration
- 11 a.m. Isaias McCaffrey- Indian Home Guard Program
- Noon Vogts Sisters Musical Performance
- 1 p.m. Infantry Drill and Weapons Demonstration
- 1:30 p.m. Lunette Blair Discussion
- 2 p.m. Cavalry Program
- 2:30 p.m. Women in the Army Discussion
- 3 p.m. Vogts Sisters Musical Performance
- 4 p.m. Flag Retreat with Troop 0114
- 5 p.m. Artillery Drill and Weapons Demonstration
- 8 p.m. Night Sky Program with the Kansas Astronomical Observers
SUNDAY, APRIL 16
Interpreters will be at the firing range with historic weapons and doing demonstrations around the site throughout the day.
- 9 a.m. Raising the Colors
- 10 a.m. Guided Tour of the Fort
- 10:30 a.m. Artillery Drill and Weapons Demonstration
- 11 a.m. Infantry Dress Parade, Drill, and Weapons Demonstration
- Noon Cavalry Program
- 1 p.m. Guided Tour of the Fort
- 1:30 p.m. Lunette Blair Discussion
- 2 p.m. Life as a Refugee Discussion
- 2:30 p.m. Cavalry Program
- 3 p.m. Artillery Drill and Weapons Demonstration
- 3:30 p.m. Infantry Drill and Weapons Demonstration
- 4 p.m. Flag Retreat
You are always welcome to wear a mask, and please remember to keep safe distances, wash your hands, and have fun!
From April 1-October 31, Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, will be open for its summer hours of operation. The site exhibit areas and visitor center are open daily from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. 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.
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Credit Photos: NPS Photo
Chamber Coffee hosted by Big Sugar Lumber on March 23
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to the weekly Chamber Coffee on Thursday, March 23rd at 8am hosted by Big Sugar Lumber at 1005 S. Clark St. Big Sugar Lumber is celebrating 40 years of business in the community. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served in addition to door prize drawings.
Big Sugar Lumber was started by original business partners Sid Colwell, Ed Graham, Jim Fewins, and Matt Noll in March 1983 in Mound City. They opened a second location in 1984 in Fort Scott and a third store in Garnett in 1988. Today, the Fort Scott store is the sole location owned by Jim Fewins and managed by Daniel Harney. Big Sugar Lumber is proud to have been the hometown source for four decades offering lumber, hardware, paint, windows, and roofing supplies for residential, commercial projects, Stihl and Purina feed products.
Chamber Coffees are held each Thursday at 8am for members to network, make announcements, and learn about the host business or organization. Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information or to inquire about available dates for hosting a Coffee.
Obituary of David Myers
David Edwin Myers, age 63, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Monday, March 20, 2023, at the Nevada Regional Medical Center in Nevada, Missouri. He was born August 4, 1959, in Kansas City, Kansas, the son of John Elmer Myers and Waneta B. Witsell Myers. Following high school, David earned an associate degree from Johnson County Community College.
Throughout his life, David worked primarily in the grocery industry. He also did landscaping work. He was last employed by Price Chopper in Ft. Scott prior to loosing his eyesight. David married Servillana “Shirley” Laderan on March 8, 2007. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Ft. Scott.
Survivors include his wife, Shirley of the home and his daughter, Krystine Ryz Vitug Myers of Arizona. Also surviving are two sisters, Berniece Wells Pflum of Ft. Scott, Kansas and Faye Laird of Shawnee, Kansas.
Rev. Ken Ansell will conduct a memorial service at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, March 25th at the First Baptist Church in Ft. Scott. Cremation arrangements were handled by Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main Ft. Scott, Kansas.
Women’s History Month: Francis E. Willard
Loreta Jent moved back to this community in 2020 and is still leading a chapter of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union(WCTU) virtually, in Bloomington, IL and also serves as the National WCTU Education Director.
Her Aunt Lottie Singmaster was a president of the Fort Scott chapter at one time, she said
Jent submitted the following, to commemorate Women’s History Month.
During Women’s History Month, let us remember Frances E. Willard.
Willard was an author, educator, reformer, master organizer, world leader, standard-bearer for the rights of women and children, and a mentor for millions.
From 1879 to 1898, she served as the second President of the National WCTU. Under her leadership, the WCTU promoted woman’s rights, suffrage, equal pay for equal work, an 8-hour work-day and protections for women and children in the workplace.
Frances Willard created a Do Everything policy that is still followed today. Under the Do Everything policy, the women of the WCTU proposed, supported and helped to establish: stiffer penalties for sexual crimes against girls and women, laws that raised the age of consent from as low as seven years, higher education for women, uniform marriage and divorce laws, dress reform, travelers’ aid (originally protection for women and children traveling alone), matrons in jails, the Pure Food and Drug Act, legal aid, labor’s right to organize, and world peace.
As a world organization, WWCTU was a charter member of the United Nations. The WCTU worked to pass legislation in every state mandating scientific instruction in public schools as to the dangers of smoking, drinking of alcoholic beverages, and use of other drugs.
She wrote several best-selling books, including the 500-page book, Occupations for Women, which inspired women by including, in addition to home making and teaching, such options as banking, beekeeper, inventor, civil engineer, archaeologists, attorney, and many more.
If asked, most people today would not know of the contributions of Frances Willard despite the fact that it has been said that she has had more memorials erected in her honor than any other woman. Many schoolhouses, college dormitories, hospital rooms, stained glass windows, plaques, statues, water fountains and streets carry her name in many parts of the world. A statue of Frances Willard stands in Statuary Hall of the US Capitol in Washington D.C. She was the first woman so honored.
National WCTU will be holding its 150th Annual Convention on August 6-12, 2023, in Reno, Nevada.
“We will take time to honor Frances Willard and all of the women of the WCTU who have worked and continue to work, to create a better life for all of us,” Jent said.
FSPD: Jason Eastwood Promoted
The Fort Scott Police Department administration promoted Jason Eastwood, 37, on February 28.
His title and duties changed from a Detective Sergeant to an Administrative Lieutenant.
His new duties are directing the general operations of the Fort Scott Police Department.
Lieutenants supervise, assign duties, and review work performance of the persons assigned to a specific division, according to Eastwood The position requires continuous study of changing criminal and related laws, methods, and procedures related to law enforcement. A Lieutenant may be called upon to command the department, divisions, or units temporarily, or permanently, as department needs arise.
“I am tasked with managing all administrative functions of the police department to include Investigations, School Resource Officers, Evidence/Records Officer, Animal Control, among others,” he said..
Eastwood has been with the FSPD for 12 years.
“I enjoy doing my part to make the community safer,” he said. “I also really enjoy working with my fellow members of law enforcement from the Fort Scott Police Department as well as the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office.”
He is a lifelong resident of Fort Scott, graduating from the Fort Scott High School in 2004, and has been married to wife, Kimberly for 17 years.
Eastwood has been involved in the community as a volunteer in the Scott Township Fire Department for 18 years.
Eastwood is also a member of the Fort Scott Nazarene Church, where he serves as a board member.