Obituary

Obituary of Janice (Jan) Elliott

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Jan (Janice when she was in trouble) Elliott, 70, passed away Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at home with family by her side. She was born in August of 1955 to Charles and Virginia (Christner) Urano in Greeley, Colorado. Jan graduated from University High School in Greeley and attended Aims Community College.

In July of 1981 Jan married Dave Elliott and they raised one son, Steven. In 1993 the family moved to Ft. Scott, Kansas from Greeley. Jan worked as a paraeducator for USD234 schools for 24 years and became quite skilled in assisting students with autism to be successful. All of the students she touched, either at school or at the Keyhole Youth Center, knew that while she wouldn’t put up with much nonsense, she truly loved them and wanted to help them be the best they could be.

Jan retired in 2017 and enjoyed collecting, repainting and repairing Breyer horses. She staged these models in dioramas and successfully competed in photo competitions. She was an avid writer, creating many wonderful stories. She also enjoyed attending card making classes and sending the cards to family and friends. Throughout her life, Jan loved pets and the house was always full of critters, often to Dave’s dismay. One of her favorite pastimes was fishing and the family enjoyed many such outings with the boat.

Jan was well known for folding paper cranes for friends or family who were ill. Following Japanese tradition, she would fold and send 1000 paper cranes to each person as a wish and prayer for good health. She estimated that she folded easily over 10,000 paper cranes for others.

Jan is survived by her husband, Dave, of the home and their son Steven, daughter-in-law Nicole, and grandson Charlie, all of Ft. Scott. She is also survived by a brother, Ron Urano, of O’Fallon Illinois, and many friends who were very much part of the family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Y. and Virginia Christner Urano and a brother, David Urano.

Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Updated 2026 Unsung Heroes Directory!

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Updated 2026
Unsung Heroes Directory!
The updated 2026 Unsung Heroes includes 10 new individuals! Explore these remarkable stories for the 2026 ARTEFFECT competition projects.
New 2026 Unsung Heroes:

  • Byllye Avery is a caring teacher and powerful health care activist who helped Black women get better access to reproductive health services and fair treatment.
  • Alex Bernal was a Mexican American homeowner whose courage in challenging racist housing laws helped weaken housing segregation and advance civil rights in the United States.
  • Margaret Bourke-White became one of America’s most daring and famous photographers, capturing major world events with her camera and breaking barriers for women in photojournalism.
  • Dr. May Edward Chinn was a pioneering physician who overcame racial and gender barriers to provide medical care in Harlem and help advance early cancer detection in the United States.
  • Ada Deer was a Menominee leader who fought to restore tribal rights and worked in government to protect Indigenous American sovereignty and self-determination.
  • Lois Gibbs was a powerful environmental leader who fought toxic pollution to protect children, families, and communities.
  • Patricia Goldman‑Rakic was a pioneering neuroscientist whose groundbreaking research on the prefrontal cortex and working memory transformed our understanding of the human brain.
  • Dr. Alice Hamilton was a brave doctor and scientist who studied dangerous workplace chemicals and helped create laws that made jobs safer for workers in the United States and around the world.
  • Yuri Kochiyama was a lifelong civil rights activist who fought for justice, equality, and solidarity among different communities by standing up to racism, supporting political prisoners, and working alongside leaders like Malcolm X.
  • Patsy Mink was a pioneering U.S. Congresswoman from Hawaii whose leadership helped expand civil and women’s rights, especially through co-authoring Title IX, which banned gender discrimination in federally funded education.
Download Unsung Heroes Directory – PDF
The full list of over 140 approved Unsung Heroes is also available to view and sort using this downloadable and interactive PDF.
ARTEFFECT Competition
Steps to Participate
Review the Rules and Guidelines
Now that you have completed the first step and selected your Unsung Hero, it is time for Step 2: take time to read through the competition Rules and Guidelines. This page will guide you through eligibility requirements and use of Artificial Intelligence as well as steps to creating an artwork, writing an Impact Statement, and submitting your project! You can also review answers to the Frequently Asked Questions.

The Competition Submission Guide is a great resource that will walk participants through every step to make sure you know what to expect when working on your ARTEFFECT submission!
Review the Rules and Guidelines
Remembering the Holocaust Session
View Recording and Download Lesson Plan
You can now access the lesson plan and recording for the Remembering the Holocaust professional development session led by Megan Helberg. This session guides students through novel and effective approaches to visual storytelling about the inspiring stories of Unsung Heroes from history. View the session recording and download the lesson plan below:
View Recording
Download Lesson Plan
Next week, ARTEFFECT will be in Chicago for the NAEA 2026 Conference from March 5 to 7. Stop by, say hello, and grab a promo packet!
For inquiries, contact: [email protected]
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Government, Kansas

KS Wildfire Response Efforts

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Governor Kelly Signs Executive Order to
Allow Relief from Transportation Restrictions
for Wildfire Response Efforts


TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly has signed Executive Order 26-01 to waive certain requirements for commercial motor vehicle carriers and drivers that are assisting in providing relief from the wildfires impacting parts of Kansas.

“As Kansas communities grapple with the impacts of these damaging wildfires, it’s essential that they have access to additional resources for response and recovery efforts,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “In signing this executive order, we’re taking a critical step to facilitate the delivery of hay and other supplies that our farmers and ranchers need for fire suppression and emergency recovery.”

On February 15, 2026, Governor Kelly issued a verbal state of disaster declaration in response to the wildland fires, followed by a written state of disaster declaration signed on February 24. Several large fires have caused extensive damage to Kansans’ property, including agricultural land. The February 15 emergency proclamation waives certain hours of service requirements for commercial motor vehicle carriers and drivers under the conditions of providing direct assistance during an emergency for up to 14 days from the date of Governor Kelly’s verbal state of disaster declaration. Executive Order 26-01 waives certain dimension restrictions and permit fees for motor carriers participating in restoration and relief efforts.

Motor carriers participating in restoration and relief efforts must still obtain the requisite over-dimension permits as required by the Kansas Department of Transportation, but fees associated with these permits have been temporarily waived. Permits may be obtained here.

Additional information on Executive Order 26-01, including requirements and exemptions for carriers and drivers, can be found here. A copy of the written state of disaster declaration is available here.

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Government, Kansas

Governor Kelly Urges Congressional Action on Year-Round E15

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TOPEKA – As the agricultural trade landscape continues to be unpredictable and everyday costs high, Governor Laura Kelly urges Congress to take action to authorize year-round E15 sales nationwide. Authorization of year-round E15 sales will create increased domestic demand for Kansas corn and grain sorghum while lowering gas costs for Kansans. Currently eight states have received EPA approval to opt out of the 1-psi Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) waiver for E10, effectively allowing E15 sales year-round in those states. Governor Kelly released the below statement regarding year-round E15 sales.

“While I have resisted opting out of the EPA waiver for the State of Kansas in favor of following the nationwide emergency waiver for the years of 2022 through 2025, the reliance on the granting of this emergency waiver continues to cause stress on our fuel retailers and agricultural industry.

“Congress can eliminate this patchwork of regulatory relief by implementing a nation-wide solution to this issue and providing regulatory certainty for industry and lower gas prices for Americans. Failure to do so will continue to harm demand for Kansas corn and grain sorghum at a time when supplies are at record levels and prices are depressed.

“Further delay of a national solution to this issue by Congress will cause me to give strong consideration to submitting a request to join the eight other states who have received EPA approval to sell E15 year-round. The deadline to submit this waiver request is April 1, 2026.”

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Area News, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Health Care

2026 CHC/SEK Community Health Needs Assessment

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Regional Health Challenges Highlighted in New CHC/SEK Study

PITTSBURG, Kan.—The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) has released the results of its 2026 Community Health Needs Assessment—a detailed look at the biggest health challenges facing people in Southeast Kansas and Northeast Oklahoma. The organization conducts this study every three years to determine what matters most when it comes to healthcare and how best to help.

To create the assessment, CHC/SEK staff talked directly with patients through surveys, interviews, and group discussions. Additionally, staff consulted a wide variety of public health data as well as needs assessments from other local health organizations. The organization’s board of directors, many of whom are patients themselves, helped guide the work.

“At CHC/SEK, listening is at the heart of what we do. Our neighbors know what they need when it comes to healthcare, and as a local organization, we’re committed to hearing them as we plan ahead,” said Jason Wesco, CHC/SEK President and Chief Strategy Officer.

Why Where You Live Matters for Your Health
CHC/SEK staff looked at how living conditions affect people’s ability to get care and stay healthy. Studies show that up to 70% of a person’s health is shaped by their environment outside the doctor’s office—where they are born, where they live, and where they work. Especially in rural areas, these everyday conditions create major obstacles to good health and contribute to higher disease rates.

What’s Getting in the Way
CHC/SEK identified several barriers to better health in the region:

  • Fewer people living in rural areas and changing demographics
  • Struggles with poverty and finances
  • Shortage of healthcare providers and difficulty accessing care
  • Challenges with housing and community infrastructure
  • Lack of affordable childcare
  • Social isolation and weak community connections
  • Gaps in education and unhealthy habits

Top Health Problems
The region sees higher-than-average rates of chronic disease, mental health issues, and preventable deaths. The most common health problems include heart disease, cancer, obesity and lack of physical activity, diabetes, mental health conditions, substance use, lung disease, pregnancy and infant health challenges, injuries and accidental deaths, and Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

What Comes Next
Based on what was learned, CHC/SEK has developed a strategic plan that includes specific programs, more efficient use of resources, and partnerships with other organizations—all aimed at tackling health challenges while making care easier to access and focusing on prevention.

“Our region faces serious challenges: a shrinking population, widespread poverty, fewer healthcare resources, and rising costs. Healthcare providers can’t just keep doing things the old way—we need new approaches to long-standing problems,” said Wesco. “Working together isn’t optional; it’s essential if we want healthier communities. We hope this report sparks conversations and leads to action as we build a healthier future for everyone.”

The full CHC/SEK Community Health Needs Assessment is available at chcsek.org/2026/02/2026-chna.

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About Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas
The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) serves as a healthcare hub for communities in Kansas and Oklahoma. CHC/SEK delivers quality, integrated care to nearly 90,000 patients each year with a goal of improving health, sustaining rural communities, and providing purpose-driven work to 950 staff members. Beyond healthcare, CHC/SEK finds innovative ways to improve lives by focusing on education, housing, and transportation. Regardless of income or insurance status, CHC/SEK ensures everyone receives the care they need. For more information, visit chcsek.org.

 

 

Government, Kansas

KS Supreme Court, Court of Appeals now give advance notice of decisions to be released

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Supreme Court, Court of Appeals now give advance notice of decisions to be released

TOPEKA—The Kansas judicial branch website has a new feature that gives visitors advance notice of decisions to be released by appellate courts.

 

The search decisions page at https://searchdro.kscourts.gov/ has two new options: buttons titled Anticipated Decisions and Released Decisions.

 

Selecting Anticipated Decisions produces a list of case numbers with simple captions and county of origin for both published and unpublished decisions the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals anticipate they will release Friday morning. The anticipated decisions list will be available after 2 p.m. on Wednesdays.

 

Selecting Released Decisions produces a list of case numbers with simple captions, county of origin, and disposition from both appellate courts. The list will be available after 9:30 a.m. on Friday.

 

“We’ve heard from lawyers, news reporters, and others how helpful it is to know beforehand when we plan to release a decision,” said Chief Justice Eric Rosen. “These new features are to give notice and make it easier for people to find decisions of interest.”

 

Rosen clarified it’s always possible a decision will not be released as anticipated and added it should be rare.

 

The search decisions page allows searching by keyword, date, court, and published or unpublished. Its default display is a list of recent case decisions in chronological order from newest to oldest. It also has a link to another page that lists decisions by court and release date.

Kansas Judicial Branch

Office of Judicial Administration

301 SW 10th Avenue

Topeka, KS 66612-1507

785-296-2256

www.kscourts.gov

 
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Fort Scott, Schools

Early Childhood Spring Fling is April 23

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On behalf of the USD 234 School District, we would like to invite you to the 2026 Early Childhood Spring Fling.  This year’s event will be held on Thursday, April 23rd from 5:00-6:30 PM at the Fort Scott Preschool Center.  All children ages birth-six years old and their families are invited to attend.

 

For this event, we are asking family resource providers and community partners to bring an interactive activity for students and families. We will provide space and a table for your activity. During the event, you will also have an opportunity to visit with families and distribute flyers, handouts, giveaways, etc. Our goal is for children and families to interact, be active, and learn about the resources available in our community.  If you are a preschool or childcare provider, please share the attached flyer with your families.  We also welcome you to set up an activity and table for your program.

If you plan to attend our event, please complete the short form below by Friday, April 17th so we can have a table reserved for your organization.  If you have questions, please let me know.

 

Spring Fling Registration

 

Nick Johnson, FSPC Principal

[email protected]

(620) 223-8965

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Community College

Calling all Vendors! FSCC’s Annual Women’s Luncheon Thursday, April 16

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

Fort Scott Community College

Calling all Vendors!

FSCC’s Annual

Women’s Luncheon

Thursday, April 16th

10am-2pm

Ellis Fine Arts Building

2108 Horton St.

This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your business to the community, network with other local entrepreneurs, and enjoy a day dedicated to empowerment and connection.

Vendor perks:

Free Lunch

(pasta bar for lunch)

8ft table provided

Reserve your vendor table by March 9th!

Email: [email protected]

Call: 620.223.2700 x4600

Don’t wait—spaces are limited!

Attendees can look forward to a day of presentations, giveaways, and community engagement.

A special thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
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Obituary

Obituary of Nancy Ann Stewart

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Nancy Ann Stewart, 79, of Fort Scott, went to be with the Lord on February 22, 2026.

Nancy was born in Southbridge, Massachusetts to Lillian and Bjame Haugland, and grew up and went to school in San Diego, California.

She married Chuck Stewart, December 3, 1964, while he was in the Navy in San Diego. Before their marriage she wrote to his parents conveying that she was “taking good care of their son and not to worry”.

Upon discharge from the Navy, they moved to Kansas.

Nancy was a graduate of Madison High School in San Diego and attended Fort Scott Community College while tutoring her husband in College Algebra.

They are the proud parents of three sons: Charles Jr., Michael, and Len, five grandchildren: Tracy, Katie, Bobby, Mary, and Johnny, and 2 great grandchildren: Henry and Simon.

She was a stay- at-home mom making sure her children had the very best in care in their younger years. Since she loved to work with children, she bought a preschool in Eldorado, KS having 62 young students. Later, she accepted a position as Children’s Director at First Baptist Church in Fort Scott.

Nancy was a very intelligent person and gifted in crafts and interior decorating. She loved her old Victorian House and held open house about every year displaying many of her homemade crafts and sewings.

She was a very loving person and loved to be around people. She loved the lord and expressed that through holding a weekly bible study in her home.

Nancy was preceded in death by their son, Len, who was in an automobile accident at the age of 20.

She will be cremated and family will privately gather in El Dorado, Ks to place her ashes at Len’s gravesite.

She will be SO MISSED by her husband who lovingly took care of her for the last 12 years of her life while she was suffering from Frontal Temporal Dementia.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main.

There will be no funeral.

Obituary

Obituary for Marilyn Matthews Gilmore

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MARILYN MATTHEWS GILMORE

Marilyn M. Gilmore, 74, formerly of Garnett, Kansas, passed away at her home in Fort Scott, Kansas on February 20, 2026. She was born in Detroit, Michigan on March 26, 1951, the daughter of Arthur Ray and Alice Maissa Matthews. She married Arthur Earl Gilmore on May 27, 1989, in Sacramento, California, he preceded her in death in 2018.

Marilyn was a nurse for many years and served in the United States Air Force for 3 years.

She is survived by three daughters, Tanya Lowe of Fort Scott, Kansas, Pamela McSwane of Gardner, Kansas, and Robin Gilmore of Chico California, a son, David Gilmore of Ash Flat, Arkansas, a brother, Robert Matthews of Fort Scott, Kansas, 13 grandchildren, Kaycee, Cooper, Matthew Mullin Jr., Mitch McSwane, Mike McSwane, Marcus McSwane, Bryan Gilmore, Aaron Gilmore, Jocelyn Wells, Shawn DuChene, Erin DuChene, Kelly DuChene, Ronnie Camilari, and Jamie DuChene, great granddaughters, Rakelle and Kaiden Brown, as well as many other great and great-great grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents.

Services and burial will be in California at a later date.

Bourbon County Local News