This afternoon, workers helped prepare the Gathering Pavilion on North National Avenue for activities during Christmas on the Bricks, the annual Christmas festival, Dec. 4-6 this year.
Robert and Nathan Coon ( A1 Towing & Recovery), Mathew Wells ( Great Expectations), Jared Weaver (E3), Craig Campbell ( retired pharmacist and dedicated community service leader).
CHANUTE, Kan. — In recognition of National Family Caregivers Month in November, Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging (SEKAAA) is highlighting the positive impact of the Kansas Respite for Alzheimer’s & Dementia (K-RAD) program on unpaid family caregivers throughout Southeast Kansas.
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia can be rewarding, but it also comes with physical and emotional challenges. The K-RAD program helps ease some of that burden by providing financial assistance for temporary respite care, giving caregivers an opportunity to take a break, attend to personal needs, and recharge while knowing their loved one is receiving care.
K-RAD, administered by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) and delivered through local Area Agencies on Aging, provides eligible unpaid family caregivers with up to $1,000 per year to help cover the cost of temporary respite services.
Melinda Feugate, SEKAAA Case Manager, has seen firsthand the difference this assistance makes for families.
“Clients who receive K-RAD often tell us how tremendously helpful the respite services have been. For some caregivers, simply having time away to reset from the mental fatigue of caregiving makes a tremendous difference. They return feeling refreshed, with renewed energy to continue caring for their loved ones. That break can be so important, not only for the caregiver’s well-being but also for the person receiving care,” said Feugate.
“Family caregivers give so much of themselves every day. It is important that they have opportunities to take care of themselves, too,” said Kathy Brennon, Executive Director of SEKAAA. “Programs like K-RAD recognize the important role caregivers play and provide practical support that can help families continue caring for their loved ones at home and in their communities.”
K-RAD is available to unpaid caregivers age 18 and older who live in Kansas and provide care to an individual with a probable diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. Exceptions to living arrangements may be requested. Assistance is paid directly to approved respite providers and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, as funding allows.
Caregivers interested in learning more or applying for assistance can contact SEKAAA at 620-431-2980 or call the statewide K-RAD information line at 1-866-457-2364.
Additional program information and eligibility requirements are available through the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services at https://www.kdads.ks.gov/krad.
Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging (SEKAAA) is a nonprofit, community-based organization established in 1973 under the Older Americans Act. Serving nine counties in Southeast Kansas, SEKAAA works to support older adults in living the lifestyle of their choice through individualized, person-centered services tailored to meet their unique needs. The agency also provides information, assistance, and resources to family caregivers to help them navigate the challenges of caring for an aging loved one.
The Kansas Respite for Alzheimer’s & Dementia (K-RAD) Program is a state-funded initiative administered by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services. The program helps unpaid caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia access temporary respite services, providing caregivers with an opportunity to rest and recharge while their loved ones receive care.
Contact: Kathy Brennon, Executive Director, Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging (SEKAAA), 620-431-2980, Kathy.Brennon@sekaaa.com
Kenneth Gene Parker JR, 62, of Garland, Kansas, passed away Saturday, November 7, 2026, at his home. He was born June 30, 1964, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the son of Kenneth Gene and Nancy Lynn Prewett Parker.
He attended Fort Scott Schools and graduated from Fort Scott High School, he then attended Pittsburg State University Automotive Department. He worked for Chanute Manufacturing for 20 years. He lived in Garland, Kansas all his life.
JR is survived by 2 half-sisters, Jeanette Joan Manley of Garland, Kansas and Janet Lynn Wallace of Premont, Texas, his Life Partner, Debbie Hurd of the home and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
The family will receive friends from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Thursday, November 19th at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Graveside services will be at 11:00 am on Friday, November 20th at the Evergreen Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. The family suggests memorials to the JR Parker Memorial at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.
15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701.
FORT SCOTT — Lunch duty, door checks, Halloween safety talks and fishing with fifth graders are all part of the job for Fort Scott’s school resource officers, two officers told the USD 234 board Oct. 12.
Officer John Carpenter, who joined the department in 2020 and is in his second year in the role, covers the middle school and Eugene Ware Elementary. At the middle school he helps with lunch duty and checks that doors are secured and that teachers are keeping them shut. About once a quarter he gives a safety talk at Eugene Ware. The latest covered trick-or-treating, including stranger danger and looking both ways before crossing the street. At the end of the year, he joins fifth graders for a reward party with fishing and a picnic.
Officer Garrett, with the department since 2013, took over the role about four years ago and now covers the high school and Winfield Scott. He said he takes the report and does the follow-up on any criminal incident at the schools. “One of my most important goals within the school is providing a good role model for the kids,” he said. He said the high school takes up much of his day, but when Winfield Scott calls, he goes.
Both are ALICE instructors and train district staff. “So ALICE in itself is actually an acronym. It stands for Alert, Lockdown, Information, Counter, and Evacuation,” one of the officers told the board. The officer said it gives teachers more power to decide whether to lock down, counter or evacuate based on the situation, instead of relying on the old Code Red lockdown alone.
A speaker said this year’s staff session ran an hour and a half to two hours. The officers said the preschool is covered as needed, and that KRI and the Tiger Academy are not covered regularly.
Vitamin A deficiency in cattle can manifest through a range of clinical signs, including reduced feed intake, growth issues, night blindness, and reproductive failures like low conception rates and stillborn calves. Calves born to vitamin A-deficient cows can exhibit signs of a depressed immune system, making them more vulnerable to disease. Recent concerns about the rising incidence of stillborn and weak calves across the United States have led some nutritionists to emphasize the critical importance of vitamin A supplementation in beef cattle production.
All animals require a dietary source of vitamin A. Vitamin A is typically provided to animals in plant products through its precursor, carotene. Cattle convert beta carotene from green vegetation into vitamin A. In a normal pasture season, the daily intake of carotene that is converted into vitamin A is three to five times the requirement. Cattle can store up to four months of vitamin A in the liver during this period. Under ideal conditions cattle fed good quality hay during the winter will maintain adequate vitamin A status.
Green, lush pastures are an excellent source of vitamin A, primarily due to their high beta-carotene content, the pigment found in these plants. During winter months or periods of drought, vitamin A deficiencies can arise because dormant plants contain significantly less beta-carotene compared to fresh forages. Cows grazing on dry, brown grass or consuming hay made from drought-stressed forages are likely to have low vitamin A. Even hay from good green forage may not maintain adequate vitamin A levels over time, as carotene is unstable and can degrade, even when stored properly. This degradation can result in a loss of one-third to one-half of beta-carotene levels each year. Therefore, it’s crucial to keep mineral supplementation sources fresh to ensure adequate vitamin A intake, as feed grains and concentrates typically have low beta-carotene content.
Luckily, adding vitamin A to cattle diets is both simple and budget-friendly. It’s best to provide this supplement in winter since summer pastures offer plenty of green grass. By the end of summer, cattle typically store ample vitamin A in their livers, but without supplementation during winter, deficiencies can develop. If dietary vitamin A is not adequate, a good time for injection in pregnant cows is at least two months prior to calving to build up stores in the cow and ensure that adequate amounts of vitamins are present in the colostrum. For cows deficient in vitamin A, a single injection may not be enough. These cows have a diminished capacity to store vitamin A in their liver, which means they might require more injections until their vitamin A reserves are sufficient or until adequate oral supplementation can be established. Calves have minimal vitamin reserves at birth and are highly dependent on an adequate supply of vitamins from the dam through colostrum and milk.
Thank you to Emma Briggs, Extension Beef Specialist, for the content of this article. If you have further questions regarding Vitamin A as we are approaching the winter, please feel free to reach out to Hunter Nickell, Livestock Production Agent at any Southwind Extension District office, or by email at nickell99@ksu.edu.
By Amanda Clasen, Community Vitality Agent, K-State Extension Southwind District
The holiday season is quickly approaching, and while I love the Christmas smells, beautiful lights, and excitement that comes with this time of year, the thought of holiday shopping and pinching pennies can sometimes take away from the magic. Between gift buying, holiday meals, decorations, travel, and all the extra activities, it is easy to spend more than we originally planned. Before we know it, January arrives, and those holiday expenses are still waiting for us! The good news is that enjoying a wonderful holiday season doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune. With a little planning, creativity, and mindful spending, you can enjoy the season, give to others, and still start the new year on the right financial foot.
One of the best ways to avoid overspending is to start with a budget before the shopping begins. Make a list of everyone you plan to purchase a gift for and decide how much you are comfortable spending on each person. Don’t forget to include other holiday expenses such as meals, decorations, travel, and community events. Once you have a budget, keep track of your spending as you go. It can be tempting to grab an extra gift because it is on sale or looks like the perfect addition, but those little purchases can add up quickly. One trick to try is the 24-hour rule. If you find something that wasn’t on your list, give yourself 24 hours before purchasing it. You may find that the excitement wears off and the purchase isn’t something you really need.
Another helpful tip is to start shopping early when possible. Purchasing one or two gifts each month throughout the year can help spread out expenses and allow you to take advantage of sales without feeling rushed. Once your shopping is complete, resist the temptation to keep adding extras!
While working through your holiday shopping list, consider purchasing a few gifts from local businesses. Small Business Saturday, which takes place the Saturday after Thanksgiving, is a great reminder of the impact our shopping choices can have on our communities. There are plenty of other ways to shop local during the holiday season. Visit local craft shows featuring youth and local entrepreneurs, purchase gift cards from area restaurants and businesses, shop at local flower shops, or stop by a local print shop for unique gifts and greeting cards. You might even consider purchasing ingredients from a local grocery store or farmers market for a homemade gift.
Gift buying is often one of the biggest holiday expenses, but decorating, entertaining, and traveling can add up just as quickly. The good news is that some of the best holiday memories don’t require spending much money at all. Get the kids involved in making homemade decorations, such as popcorn strings or salt dough ornaments. Plan a family movie night, swap favorite Christmas movies with friends, or spend an evening baking holiday treats together. These activities can become traditions that your family looks forward to year after year.
If you are hosting a holiday gathering, consider making it a potluck and asking everyone to bring a dish. Saving grocery store loyalty points throughout the year can also help reduce the cost of holiday meals and even provide opportunities to purchase gifts. If holiday travel is on your schedule, planning ahead is especially important. Booking flights and hotels early can help you avoid some of the higher costs that come with last-minute holiday travel.
It is easy to get caught up in the sales, gift exchanges, and pressure to make everything perfect. Retailers know how to encourage impulse purchases, and sometimes we find ourselves buying things simply because they are a good deal or because we feel like we should.
By setting a budget, being mindful of spending, supporting local businesses, and finding inexpensive ways to celebrate, you can enjoy a holiday season that feels full without the financial regret that sometimes follows in January.
For more information, please contact Community Vitality Agent Amanda Clasen at any Southwind District office or by email at amclasen@ksu.edu.
The Doug J. and Coleman families’ online auction is open now, with more than 1,300 lots. There are antique, vintage and modern tools, including hundreds of hammers and wrenches, plus blacksmith items, railroad memorabilia and woodworking equipment.
Also selling: John Deere tractors and mowers, a John Deere Gator, a backhoe attachment, a trailer, welders, air compressors and shop machinery. Collectors will find antique furniture, Hummel figurines, political and Beatles memorabilia, jewelry, glassware, and fishing and hunting gear.
Something for collectors, craftsmen, farmers and bargain hunters alike.
Closes: Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2026, starting at 6 p.m. Central. One lot closes every 10 seconds, so closing takes over 2 hours.
Where: Online only, at HiBid. Pickup in La Cygne, KS, Fri., Nov. 20, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., or Sat., Nov. 21, 10 a.m.–noon
Terms: 15% buyer’s premium (10% on lots 1303, 1304, 1308 and 1310) · shipping available on some items · a credit card is required to bid; pay by card or cash
Semper Fi Auction Services · semperfiauctionservices.com · Allyson 913-594-0788
FORT SCOTT — Bourbon County Commissioner Mika Milburn-Kee told fellow commissioners on Nov. 2 to prepare for budget overages as the year closes, citing a warning that one county department could run more than $70,000 over.
Milburn-Kee said she had received an email, and believed other commissioners had too, warning about the one department budget. The sender thought the cause was personnel. The department was not named at the meeting.
“There are things that previous commissions have done to counter that. And I think it’s our responsibility to review all of those options,” she said. She said she would bring options to the commission.
The warning comes as departments are trying to track their budgets near year-end. County Treasurer Jennifer Hawkins told commissioners Oct. 26 that she couldn’t give departments accurate budget reports because seven payrolls had not hit the general ledger.
FORT SCOTT — Fort Scott High School head football coach Johnathan Stark told the USD 234 Board of Education on Nov. 9 that board member Mike Miles texted the father of a Paola player before the Tigers’ season opener, criticizing Stark’s coaching and describing the team’s players and plays. Stark said the messages were then shared with Paola’s coaching staff.
“He criticized my coaching, saying I won’t use my skill players and I get in my own way,” Stark said during the public forum. Stark said Miles also wrote that the Tigers’ line was “weak and unproven” and suggested how Paola could defend the team. Stark also said that two years ago Miles pushed to have the previous head coach fired, texted “mission accomplished” when it happened, and resigned from the board to seek the coaching job before later returning to the board.
Stark said that when the board learned of the messages, Miles was asked to resign and refused. “I can’t speak to every motivation behind his actions, but I can certainly speak to what those actions demonstrate,” Stark said. Miles has since sent a letter asking for forgiveness, Stark said, but “an apology failing to admit any wrong and without honesty means very little.” “I have not contacted parents or players,” Stark said, adding that one person’s actions do not necessarily reflect the whole board.
Miles told the Bourbon County Monitor that the messages were regrettable but never intended to hurt the program, and called the exchange private football talk, not confidential district information. Miles confirmed being given the choice of resigning or having the matter brought to the board, and intends to stay on the board. Miles also confirmed applying for the coaching job after the previous staff was let go, saying that decision was “entirely separate” from the board’s decisions about the coaching staff, and denied sending a “mission accomplished” text. The Monitor reported it has not seen that text.
Earlier in the meeting, Board President David Stewart told the board it had received an email from a Paola patron about a board member’s text conversation about the football team. “I thought that was inappropriate,” Stewart said, noting the board has no policy on board member expectations. Stewart did not name the board member, and the board took no action. Fort Scott High School Principal Jeff Johnson and Assistant Principal Josh Regan also spoke in support of Stark during the public forum.
Read the district’s recap of the Nov. 9 meeting, or read the meeting transcript.
FORT SCOTT — Photos of the USD 234 preschool building’s roof have the board asking whether it should come first in the long-running remodel.
“What’s the point in decking everything out on the inside?” a speaker asked at the board’s Oct. 12 meeting. The district had been told the roof was the least of its concerns, a speaker said, “but the pictures kind of show that it probably needs to be a concern.”
The project’s presenter showed south-facing shingles with granules gone. “That white spot is all the way through the shingle,” the presenter said, adding that the district should at least get quotes to replace those sections.
The presenter also said the shoring posts now holding up the building sit exactly where new footings must go, calling it “the most technical part of the project in my book.” Staff said the project will be a standing monthly agenda item.
As of Oct. 12, the presenter said the architects needed about two more weeks to finish the plans, followed by bid packages, a board walk-through and bids, about six to seven weeks in all. The playground will probably have to be raised, the presenter said, because the playground company says its footings are at grade level.
With no success, a few Sundays ago, Dave and I tried to find a television station to watch the K.C. Chiefs play against the Chargers. We were in Las Vegas, visiting family, when our son-in-law offered to help. After all, it was his television, so he would know better than us how to operate it. He found the game late in the first quarter, and we settled in to watch. The Chiefs were not playing well, and by the third quarter, we wondered if they could rally. Dave noticed that Kenneth Walker III, the star running back the Chiefs acquired this year, was not playing. Was he hurt? When the Chiefs finally did make a good play, the announcer said, “That looks more like the team of last year.” We all know that the Chiefs did not play well last year, so what was he talking about? Something was not right.
It was then that Dave looked at his phone where the score showed that we were winning. Apparently, we were watching a rerun of the Chiefs vs. Chargers game from last year, and here we were, nearing the fourth quarter before we figured it out. We felt like idiots. I commented that we had wasted a lot of time being frustrated, but the truth is, sometimes reruns can be productive.
Sometimes they can serve a purpose, especially in the spiritual world. This past week, a posting on social media reminded me of just that.
“When I look back on my life, I can see Jesus in places I didn’t recognize him…
In the door that closed
In the friendship that ended
In the season that humbled me
In the prayer that wasn’t answered the way I wanted
In the strength I somehow had when I thought I had none left”
Reruns can remind us that Christ is always with us, but if we are not alert, the Gospel easily can become merely a rerun instead of a fresh, powerful message, one that still is new and life-changing. When we remember what God has done for us, we cannot forget what He has brought us through. We understand what it feels like to have no explanation… except God.
In hindsight, we will recognize that He gives us peace before the answers come, strength before the situation changes, and faith for every step we cannot fully see yet. The message of salvation should never become a boring rerun. It certainly wasn’t boring for Peter who wrote in 1 Peter 5:8 – “Be alert and of sober mind.”
Scripture makes it clear that we are to be alert and aware of what is going on around us…kind of like what Dave and I were not doing when we watched that football game.
The Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees will hold a Special Board Meeting on Friday, November 13, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. in the Ellis Fine Arts Building on the FSCC campus.
Immediately following the meeting, Board members will go to the FRAME Grant land for a ground breaking; no board action will be taken there.
The full agenda is available here: Agenda_11_13_2026_PUBLIC.pdf
