Louise G. Hall, age 91, resident of Uniontown, KS, more recently of Arma, KS, died Friday, November 25, 2022, at the Girard Medical Center, Girard, KS.
She was born March 10, 1931, in Girard, the daughter of Anton and Anna Hober Gobl.
She liked working with the family’s Hereford cattle. Louise graduated from Uniontown High School.
She married Marvin Hall on May 24, 1952, in Ft. Scott, KS. He preceded her in death on May 9, 2011.
She worked for Western Insurance Company in Ft. Scott before beginning with Citizens National Bank where she worked for many years.
Louise enjoyed traveling with Marvin to horse pulls and horse trades. She also enjoyed vegetable gardening and going to family activities and ballgames. She liked watching baseball games (especially the Royals) and golf on television. She also liked attending dances just to watch others having a good time.
Survivors include her 3 children, Gary Hall (Jackie), Redfield, KS, Brenda Gleason (Kevin) Uniontown, KS, and Linda Essary (Marty), Marshfield, MO; 5 grandchildren, Tarin Essary, Caleb Essary (Stephanie), Tyler Hall (Heather), Reed Gleason (Kenzie), and Chase Gleason (Aubrey); 12 great grandchildren, Abigail Chilson, Raydn Chilson, Avery Chilson, Gracie Essary, Gunner Essary, Kiersten Akers, Maggie Akers, Derek Akers, Landry Gleason, Wade Hall, Bristyl Hall, and Jessa Hall; and one more on the way; and a sister-in-law Joyce Gobl
Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, Tony Gobl, and her parents.
Rev. Marty Dewitt will conduct funeral services at 2:30 PM Friday, December 2nd
Burial will follow in the Mt. Orum Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 1:30 PM until service time Friday at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to Mr. Orum Church and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Mary Alice Adamson, age 80, a resident of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, November 26, 2022, at the Presbyterian Village.
She was born July 31, 1942, in Fort Scott, the daughter of Ernest Daniel Henderson and Margaret Eugenia Johnson Henderson.
Mary graduated from Blue Mound High School. She married Jack Adamson on January 11, 1964 in Miami, Oklahoma.
She loved to attend garage sales, crochet and visit with friends and family on the telephone. Mary was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
Mary is survived by her children, Doug Adamson and wife Carol, of Fort Scott, Melissa Davis and husband Ron, of Butler, Missouri; grandchildren, Joshua Adamson and wife Stacey, of Wichita, Kansas, Ashley Adamson (Carl) of Fort Scott, Kansas, Ethan Clark and wife Amanda, of Paola, Kansas; step-grandchildren, Terri Manley, Cody Davis, Ronna Davis; great-grandchildren, Kasen and Atley Clark.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jack, and a sister Judy Long.
Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, November 29th 2022 at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Centerville Cemetery
The family will receive friends from 1:00 until service time at the Chapel on Tuesday.
Memorials are suggested to Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Fort. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Agenda Bourbon County Commission Room 1stFloor, County Courthouse 210 S. National Avenue Fort Scott, KS 66701 Date:November29, 2022 1stDistrict–Nelson BlytheMinutes:Approved:_______________ 2ndDistrict–JimHarrisCorrected: _______________________ 3rdDistrict–Clifton BethAdjourned at: _______________ County Clerk–Ashley Shelton MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOMBEGINNINGat 9:00AM. Call to Order •Flag Salute •Approval of Minutes from previous meeting •Eric Bailey–Road &Bridge Report •Ashley Shelton–Executive Session KSA 75–4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy •Approval of Accounts Payable •Susan Bancroft–Chief Financial Officer •Justin Meeks–County Counselor Comment •Shane Walker–Chief Information Officer Comment •Public Comment •CommissionComment Justifications for Executive Session: KSA 75–4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters ofindividualnonelected personnelto protect their privacy KSA 75–4319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney–client relationship KSA 75–4319(b)(3) To discussmatters relating toemployer–employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of thebody or agency KSA 75–4319(b)(4)To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships KSA 75–4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property KSA 75–4319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.
Robert Harvey Belknap, age 81, resident of Fort Scott, KS, died Wednesday, November 23, 2022, at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, MO.
He was born September 14, 1941, in Tulsa, OK, the son of James H. Belknap, Sr. and Thelma F. Warwick Belknap. Bob attended school in Chetopa, KS from 1st grade through mid-term 11th grade. He and his mother moved to Denver, CO where he graduated from West Denver High School in 1959. While working for Ceebuzz Supermarket, he was encouraged by his employer to join the Marines.
Bob joined the Marines in 1960 and served for 4 years, 2 months, 10 days, and 4 hours, which he repeated numerous times to his family. While stationed in Hawaii he was a radar tech, a sharpshooter, as well as a lifeguard and played basketball.
Upon his return to Fort Scott to join his mother in 1964, he enrolled at FSCC. He became manager for the football team.
Bob worked in sales for many years for various companies. In 1974, he and his brother Jim purchased the Bronson Locker and owned it for 10 years. He worked for O’Reilly Auto Parts for a couple of years until taking a job with the Post Office. He worked for the Post Office for 12 years until retirement.
Bob was a former President of the FSCC Booster Club, former member of the Amateur Baseball Association, Baseball Umpires Association, Mirza Shrine, Bronson Ruritan, V.F.W., and was a 32-degree Mason
He was a member of the Bronson United Methodist Church.
Survivors include his wife Pam of the home; a son, Brett Roufs and wife Michelle, Newton, KS; a daughter, Melanie Elliott and husband Justin, Paola, KS; a brother, James H. Belknap, Jr., Fort Scott; 7 grandchildren, Morgan, Olivia, Lance, Noah, Manny, Maiya, and Dawson; 1 great grandchild Ryan; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Michelle Weaver; a grandson, Jacob R. Welch; a sister Thelma Sue Dement; and his parents.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM Friday, December 2nd, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 until service time at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to either Wreaths Across America or FSCC Endowment Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
A splash pad is coming to town, thanks to some leaders who took the initiative.
“This idea has been in strategic plans and will add to the revitalization of downtown Fort Scott,” said Bailey Lyons, who along with Josh Jones and Kelly Barr have spearheaded the drive for funds.
Last week at the Fort Scott City Commission meeting, Lyons announced that with the help of two big donors, they are within reach of the project.
“We plan to break ground in the Spring and open by Summer 2023,” Lyons said. “We thought it would be a wonderful addition to our community. It will be a wonderful outdoor recreational amenity that offers a fun play option for all. It will be a gathering place accessible to people of all abilities, ages, and backgrounds. We saw other communities like ours installing splash pads with great success, and wanted to bring one to Fort Scott.”
For those who might not know, a splash pad is a recreational outdoor play area with sprinklers, fountains, nozzles and other devices that spray water. Also known as a spray pool, there is little to no standing water in the space.
It will be placed at the west end of Skubitz Plaza, off of North National Avenue.
The site was picked because of accessibility, parking, and infrastructure and also is at the north end of the historic downtown area with dining, shopping and other attractions.
Fort Scott Parks and Recreation Department will provide maintenance, with the city also providing water and electricity.
So far, about $180,000 has been raised for the space, with $20,000 more to fund raise.
Two of the biggest donors have been a Timken Foundation Grant of $75,000 and a Walmart Foundation Grant of $40,000.
From Facebook.
Chicken Mary’s, a well known restaurant north of Pittsburg, is the latest to help with fundraising.
On Wednesday, Dec. 7, one can pick up a chicken dinner or supper in Fort Scott that must be pre-ordered by Dec. 4. The meal is $10 per plate and tickets must be ordered by calling 620.224.7795.
“We also have the comedy show, and we are about to roll out a fundraiser to raffle off an ATV,” Lyons said. ‘We will be pushing out regular donation giving levels…that will allow people to donate to get us to the finish line.”
Every year at Thanksgiving I write an article about how I’m going to be more thankful, an area in which I am frequently tested.
This past week, for example, I was at the Immigration Office here in Mazatlán, 40 minutes from where we live, handing in paperwork that I had started at the Embassy in Kansas City and needed to finalize here. It was my third trip because I just didn’t “have things completed correctly” the first two times, as didn’t several other people waiting to have their numbers called. Trying to be thankful. Trying to be thankful.
This trip, I had only two hours allotted because of a hair appointment (important!), but I figured I could at least hand in my latest version of paperwork and again be told what I had done wrong. Signing in, I was given the #18 card (not good), but when the lady called out “#15,” I knew I had a chance. And I would have, had two, selfish people not walked in the door and gone straight up to the window without being given a number. Not thankful.
I began grumbling. Not exactly to myself. Which is where things got interesting. You see, I had taken along my Bible to catch up on my assigned reading for my upcoming Zoom study on Proverbs. For an hour, I underlined key phrases (most of them, actually) that would make me a better person…verses like Proverbs 12:25: Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a good word makes it glad. I was not glad. Or thankful. And that’s when I heard my name.
“Patty”? I turned around to find Teresa, a friend of a friend, right behind me, smiling. She was there to help an elderly woman figure out the paperwork nightmare, as she had for several other people in the past. They had waited for a couple of hours, only to be sent to “the Coca-Cola lady” (called that because she also sells Coke products) down the street to have some copies made, one which had to be filled out in blue ink. (Mine was in black ink.) “Blue ink? Where does it say ‘blue ink’?” I groaned. Of course, it didn’t. Less thankful by the minute.
About that time, an elderly couple entered and struck up a conversation with Teresa. (Even though holding a Bible, I looked as approachable as a cattle prod.) Poor things had bussed to Mazatlán from Phoenix, but when they crossed the border, no one stamped their passports. They had asked the bus driver about it, but he said that it wasn’t necessary. He was wrong.
They would not be able to return home without that stamp. Starting off at Mazatlán’s U.S Embassy, they were informed to come to Immigration for help. Teresa told them to walk up to the window and ask. “Proverbs” had kicked in, I guess, because even I didn’t object. There they were advised to return to the border (11 hours away) and get their stamps. Not even the Coca-Cola lady could help this couple. “Oh well,” the elderly man said, “I guess we’ll see a lot more of Mexico.”
He was finding something to be thankful for? And here I was, Bible in hand, fretting over making my hair appointment. What is wrong with you? I asked myself. By the time #17 was called, I had to leave. The next day, I was back, 45 minutes early. Waiting outside, one of the workers—who must have recognized me—asked to see my papers. Soooo thankful.
She took them inside and quickly returned to explain that my passport has a small space between La and Roche, and when I typed it into my documents, I didn’t add the space. (I never do.) I needed to “have things completed correctly” and return. Soooo unthankful.
That’s when someone nearby told me to go see the Coca-Cola lady down the street who (for a fee) corrected my paperwork. Returning to Immigration, I was #10 in line, and six hours later, I had the document I needed. Sort of thankful.
But not really. I guess I’ll just have to work on this thankfulness thing next year.
If you turn on the radio, you may hear that “it’s the most wonderful time of the year.” But the holiday season can bring with it many stressors, from trying to have flawless decorations to making the perfect holiday meal and more. In addition to preventing you from living in the moment and enjoying time with family and friends, this stress can also affect the body and present as physical pain (such as a headache). One practice which can help you live in the present moment this holiday season is mindfulness.
If you find yourself facing stress this holiday season, remember to STOP: Slow down; Take a breath; Observe bodily feelings, thoughts, and possibilities; and Proceed, considering multiple possibilities. This mnemonic device can help you remember an easy way to practice being mindful this holiday season.
Other beginning mindfulness exercises include mindful relaxation and mindful breathing. To achieve mindful relaxation, consider setting aside a specific amount of time each day to practice a mindful meditation. This could be as little as five minutes. During this time, find a quiet place and a comfortable body position. Focus on your breathing. Deep breathing can slow your heart rate and lower your blood pressure.
To learn more about incorporating mindfulness into your everyday life and practicing mindfulness this holiday season, consider attending an “Everyday Mindfulness” educational program offered by the Southwind Extension District! This free program will be offered twice in December, including an in-person offering at the Iola Public Library on December 13th at 1 PM and a virtual offering via Zoom on December 15th at 5:30 PM. To register for the Zoom link, visit bit.ly/SouthwindMindfulness. Attend the offering which best fits your schedule!
For more information, please contact Clara Wicoff, Nutrition, Food and Health Extension Agent, at [email protected] or 620-365-2242.
Congratulating Kansas Suppliers for Historic Launch of NASA’s Artemis I Early Wednesday morning, NASA’s Artemis I launched from the Kennedy Space Center. I want to congratulate NASA and the suppliers across Kansas that helped make this mission a success. As the top appropriator for NASA, I have spent the last several years traveling to NASA suppliers across Kansas and the nation that have spent years working to advance the Artemis Mission. I also had the opportunity to host then-NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine in Kansas in 2018 and 2019. Earlier this summer, I hosted NASA Administrator Bill Nelson in Kansas. To see the successful launch from the Kennedy Space Center was humbling knowing the dedication and talent that was years in the making to reach this accomplishment. Sixteen suppliers across Kansas helped make this mission a success and many more will be involved in the years to come.
This week marked a new era for our nation’s space program. I look forward to continuing to support this important mission and to see firsthand the benefits that will stem from this new exciting era of space exploration.
For the full list of Kansas suppliers that contributed to the Artemis I mission, click here.
Meeting with Harvesters
On Thursday, I met with Karen Siebert, an advocacy and public policy advisor for Harvesters–The Community Food Network and Association of Kansas Food Banks. We discussed the increased need for food assistance as many individuals in our communities are facing food insecurity. As inflation continues to climb higher, the rising cost of food creates an increased burden on many Kansas families. As co-chair of the Senate Hunger Caucus and a member of the Senate Subcommittee on Agriculture Appropriations, I have supported investments in federal nutrition programs such as the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) to provide food and basic commodities to help those in need.
As we celebrate Thanksgiving, I want to thank those who are volunteering or donating items to a local food bank. If you are able, I encourage Kansans to donate food to help those in need this Thanksgiving. To find a local food bank in Kansas, click here.
Veterans’ Affairs Hearing on PACT Act Implementation
On Wednesday, the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs held an oversight hearing with witnesses from the Department of Veterans Affairs on the implementation of the SFC Heath Robinson Honoring our PACT Act. The PACT Act is the largest expansion of veterans’ health care and benefits in the VA’s history. As the VA works to fulfill this legislation’s promise to deliver long-overdue care and benefits to all generations of toxic-exposed veterans, from those exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam to those exposed to burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan, it is essential that Congress makes certain the VA is following the law and connecting the right veterans with the right care and benefits at the right time.
I remain concerned about the operational impact this legislation could have on the VA and will continue to work with the department, and my colleagues in Congress, to make certain that the VA is making full use of all the tools at its disposal to best serve veterans – both those enrolling for care or applying for benefits for the first time and those already in the system, as well as their survivors.
I encourage veterans and survivors in Kansas who think they may be eligible for care or benefits to call 1-800MyVA411 or visit www.va.gov/PACT to connect with people who can provide assistance in enrolling in VA care or filing a claim for benefits.
Meeting with General Rainey
This week, I met with General Joseph Rainey, the new commander of Army Futures Command. General Rainey was previously the Commanding General of the Combined Arms Center at Fort Leavenworth, and I appreciated the opportunity to see him again and speak with him about this new role. We discussed his new position at Army Futures Command – a command with the mission of helping the Army modernize and field the Army of 2030. We also spoke about how Kansas can continue to help the Army meet its modernization priorities.
I look forward to working with General Rainey in this mission. I also look forward to him joining me in Kansas to witness firsthand the collaboration that exists between industry, academic and the Department of Defense to highlight the opportunities for innovation and partnership in our great state. Thank you to General Rainey for his work in this important mission.
Making Certain Kansans Have Access to Broadband Services The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a draft of new broadband deployment maps that show where broadband coverage exists in the U.S. and where it does not. This is an important first step to identifying where federal resources are most needed and is the result of years of work between Congress and the FCC. In 2019, I sponsored the Broadband DATA Act, which required the FCC to create accurate maps using data from broadband providers and required the FCC to implement a process by which consumers and other stakeholders could challenge the accuracy of the maps.
Many areas of Kansas still do not have access to basic broadband services, a modern necessity for business, education and health care. Next year, the final version of these maps will be used to allocate broadband deployment funding, so it is critical these maps are accurate. I encourage Kansans to review their home and business locations to ensure accurate information is displayed, to make certain the federal government is efficiently and effectively providing resources to connect people in our state.
Meeting with Kansas Soybean Commission Thank you to members of the Kansas Soybean Commission for meeting with me this week to discuss issues impacting Kansas agriculture and the renewable fuels industry. During our meeting we spoke about the importance of the biodiesel tax credit for the soybean industry as well as the Renewable Fuel Standard and the importance of continuing to support sustainable growth in clean fuels.
I want to thank Kansas Soybean Association CEO Kaleb Little of Topeka, Kansas Soybean Association Director of Field Services Dennis Hupe of Topeka, Dennis Gruenbacher of Andale and Bob Haselwood of Berryton for meeting with me and for their updates regarding this vital industry for our state.
Finland Foreign Affairs Committee Meeting On Thursday, I met with members of the Finland Foreign Affairs Committee to discuss shared concerns regarding European security, focusing on Russian aggression in Ukraine. They were grateful for America’s ongoing support, and I appreciated knowing their belief that Europeans can and should be doing more to contribute to Ukraine’s defense. It is important for our allies to turn that belief into reality. It also is important for Finland to be approved by Hungary and Turkey to join NATO. The Senate voted overwhelmingly this past summer to welcome Finland and Sweden into the alliance. The Finnish people have long been reliable partners to the United States, and bringing them into the NATO alliance will serve to deter further Russian aggression. I want to thank my colleagues Senator Susan Collins of Maine and Senator Jon Tester of Montana for their work to make this conversation possible.
Banking Committee Hearing During a Senate Banking Committee hearing on Tuesday, I questioned the Federal Insurance Deposit Commission (FDIC) Acting Chairman Marty Gruenberg regarding his decision to roll back banks’ supervisory appeals process without public notice or comment. Providing a fair and effective supervisory examination process for banks is essential to maintaining a healthy and transparent financial system. I also questioned him on certain regulatory conditions that hurt community banks’ ability to access funding from Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLBs), which provide crucial liquidity for the housing market. As a member of the Senate Banking Committee, I will continue to work towards the fair supervision of banks and sustaining the liquidity of the FHLBs.
Meeting with Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Board Nominees I had the opportunity to meet with Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Board nominees Travis Hill and Jonathan McKernan on Thursday. We discussed the current challenges facing our financial system and how federal regulators can best supervise financial institutions. These well-qualified nominees will bring balance to the FDIC board, and I am confident in their ability to lead the FDIC’s mission to maintain stability and public confidence in our nation’s banks.
Meeting with OxyChem
On Thursday, I met with OxyChem President Neil Ackerman to discuss the company’s plans for modernizing its chemical manufacturing facilities in Wichita. I appreciate OxyChem’s continued commitment to investing in the Wichita area. During this meeting, we also discussed working with nearby colleges to provide technical support and training programs to create a pipeline of high-skilled labor and local talent to the industry. I am committed to supporting these investments in the Wichita area’s manufacturing sector, and I look forward to working alongside OxyChem in this goal.
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
Alvena Carol Russell, age 82, a resident of rural Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Sunday, November 20, 2022, at her home. She was born October 10, 1940, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of John J. Bloom, Jr. and Freda Hamlett Bloom.
Carol graduated from the Ft. Scott High School and went on to attend Arlington Bible College in Arlington, Texas.
She married Robert L. Russell on April 22, 1962, at the Grace Baptist Tabernacle in Ft. Scott. Together they raised their three daughters, Laurie, Barbie and Shelly. While the girls were younger, Carol served as a Campfire leader.
Throughout her life, Carol worked in clerical and secretarial positions at various businesses including Wal-Mart, Ennis Business Forms, Great West Insurance Company and the First Baptist Church; however, her main priority was taking care of her family.
After her girls had grown, she owned and operated her own business, Brides and Things, located in downtown Ft. Scott.
Carol was a woman of faith and a longtime member of the Grace Baptist Tabernacle where she served as a Sunday school teacher. Carol was an accomplished writer and used her writing abilities to share her faith. She published several children’s books as well as inspirational articles.
She was often asked to speak at area church functions, primarily ladies’ events.
Carol will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother.
Carol will be dearly missed by her husband, Bob, of the home; her three daughters, Laurie Center (Bill) of Lolo, Montana, Barbie Johnson of Ft. Scott and Sharon Michelle “Shelly” Allen (Brett) of Fountain, Colorado; her seven grandchildren, Grant Center, Lindsey LaRocque (Brandon), Katie, Kellie and Keriann Johnson and Kylie and Zaine Allen; and her five great-grandchildren, Kelsie, Alexa, Carter, Hadley and Lydia. Also surviving is a niece, Leita Kester.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Sharon Kester.
There was cremation. A celebration of life service will be held at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, December 17th at the Grace Baptist Tabernacle.
Private burial will take place at the Centerville Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to the Grace Baptist Tabernacle 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.
Fontressa Monique Foxx, age 39, a resident of Fort Scott, KS, died early Wednesday, November 23, 2022, at her home. She was born September 22, 1983, in Fort Scott. Fontressa graduated from Fort Scott High School with the class of 2002. She worked as a CNA at Guest Home Estates. She enjoyed needlepoint, listening to music, and spending time with her beloved dog “Tiny.”
Survivors include her mother, Anita Foxx, of the home, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was preceded in death by an infant sister, Lakin Sidell Foxx, her father, and her grandparents.
There was cremation. No public services are scheduled at this time. Memorials are suggested to the Fontressa Foxx Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
The River Room Event Center is located on the second floor of the building at the corner of Oak Street and National Avenue on Fort Scott’s north side.
On November 1, Luther’s BBQ Restaurant at 3 W. Oak, closed.
The building’s second story business, the River Room Event Center, has a new phone number and will honor any reservations that were made, according to Al Niece, owner of the building.
The River Room new phone number is 620.820.0536 and their email is [email protected]
“There were some reservations in place for some events (at the River Room), I am honoring them all,” Niece said. “The River Room is one of the largest event centers in the area.”
New Business Soon
Niece feels confident that the lower floor restaurant space will be leased soon, he said.
“We are weighing options for a business there,” Niece said. “We are talking with several groups.”
To view the prior story on the opening of Luther’s:
On November 1, 2022, agents from the Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR) accompanied by the Fort Scott Police Dept. and the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Dept. executed tax warrants and seized the assets of Luther’s BBQ LLC for nonpayment of Liquor Enforcement Taxes and Sales Taxes: totaling $38,783.96, according to a press release from the KDOR.
The warrants were filed in Bourbon County. The types of assets seized include all known bank accounts, on-site cash, business inventory, as well as personal property belonging to the owner. The business was sealed closed with a public notice posted on the outside.
“Luther’s BBQ LLC has paid all outstanding judgements and assets have been released to the business,” according to an email from KDOR on November 9.
KDOR’s policy and practice is to work with taxpayers in delinquent status to voluntarily enter into repayment agreements, according to the press release. It is only after these efforts and multiple failed collection attempts that the Department is forced to execute a tax warrant, utilizing such actions as bank levies, till taps, and ultimately asset seizure to ensure compliance with the law.
KDOR’s responsibility to recover delinquent taxes not only ensures fairness for individuals and business owners who do pay their taxes, but also ensures that money is lawfully collected to fund state and local programs on which Kansans depend, according to the press release. These programs include education, highways, public safety, and human services.
Customers, employees or others that may have items at the business may contact the agent assigned to this case at 785-250-5084.
