The Fort Scott City Commission will hold a work session on Tuesday, November 17th, at 5:00 PM, prior to the regular commission meeting.
The topic of discussion will be streets.
City Commission Work Session on Streets Set for Nov. 17
GriefShare Offers ‘Surviving the Holidays’ Nov. 19
The Holidays Can Be Especially Difficult When You’re Grieving
The holidays are often thought of as a time of joy and celebration, but for those who have lost someone they love, this season can bring sadness, loneliness, and painful reminders of the person who is missing. Familiar traditions, family gatherings, and even holiday music can make that absence feel especially difficult.
Whether your loss is recent or happened years ago, the holidays can bring unexpected emotions and difficult adjustments. Through a meaningful video, small-group discussion, and a Holiday Survival Guide filled with practical suggestions, you’ll find encouragement and helpful ways to approach the season. You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with others who understand and discover that even during a difficult time, moments of peace, comfort, and hope are possible. Sharing during the discussion is welcome, but never required.
Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church invites you to join them for GriefShare’s Surviving the Holidays on Thursday, November 19 from 5:00–7:00 p.m. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, and you don’t have to navigate the holidays alone. Join us for an evening of support, understanding, and hope as you find your way through the season.
GriefShare’s Surviving the Holidays is a nondenominational event, and people of all faith backgrounds, as well as those who do not belong to a church, are welcome.
Thursday, November 19, 2026 | 5:00–7:00 p.m.
Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church
705 S. Holbrook St.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Please RSVP to Laura Meeks at 740-317-6379 or laurammeeks@gmail.com.
Learn more at www.griefshare.org
County health insurance renewal up about 14.71%, broker says, before commissioners’ Monday work session
FORT SCOTT — Bourbon County commissioners will hold a work session on employee health insurance at 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16, after a short 4:30 p.m. meeting. Renewing the county’s current Blue Cross Blue Shield plan would cost about 14.71% more, benefits broker Don Doherty told the commission Nov. 9. He said UnitedHealthcare’s renewal is about 11% higher, while two UnitedHealthcare high-deductible plans with health savings accounts came in about 4.95% and 6.78% below the current cost.
The county now puts $925 a month toward employee-only coverage and about $1,700 a month for each of the 17 employees who also cover family members, Commissioner Mika Milburn-Kee said. She has asked the brokers to model a flat county contribution for every employee, and Doherty’s colleague Jeremy Bowman walked through scenarios with flat contributions of $1,100, $1,200 and $1,300 a month.
Chairman Gregg Motley said he would not support a change that raises premiums for employees who cover their children, such as raising a single mother’s premium by $600 or $700 a month. “I will never punish people for wanting to insure their children,” he said. “Having a vote of the majority, that’s the tyranny of the majority. They’re taking money from the minority.” Milburn-Kee replied, “I don’t think that it’s taking money from the minority. I think it’s giving an equal amount to everyone.”
Milburn-Kee asked that employees get a chance to tell the county’s HR consultant, Millie Lipscomb, what they think in private, because “some of them may be speaking against their leaders.” Commissioner David Beerbower agreed, saying employees who want to could talk with Lipscomb individually before Monday. Lipscomb said she would send her email address to department heads and would be at the courthouse two or three times that week.
Read the full story on the Nov. 9 meeting, or read the meeting transcript.
“No single taxpayer pays anyone’s salary”: Beerbower on perks and the ‘golden six’
FORT SCOTT — After Bourbon County barred personal use of its property, Commissioner David Beerbower read a statement arguing that informal perks lead to perceived favoritism and resentment, and that paying taxes doesn’t make anyone an owner of county equipment.
Beerbower said on Nov. 2 that using county property as a perk can boost morale when applied fairly, but that such benefits “lack legal protection and lead to perceived favoritism and resentment.” He said, “When I was first seated, I was told about the golden six that got all the advantages because of their connection to supervision.” He did not say who they were.
He said taxpayers are stakeholders whose opinions matter, but that paying taxes does not give anyone an ownership share of a county vehicle or road grader, or authority over personnel decisions and salaries. Those duties are delegated to elected commissioners, he said, and voters hold them accountable at the ballot box.
“No single taxpayer pays anyone’s salary. Rather, all taxpayers collectively fund the services they expect government to provide,” he said.
Read the full story on the Nov. 2 meeting.
USD 234 plans a special meeting before Thanksgiving on health insurance and weighs a return to self-funding
FORT SCOTT — USD 234 expects to hold a special board meeting before Thanksgiving to approve employee health insurance, so employees can enroll in time for coverage that starts Jan. 1. Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield told the board Nov. 9 that the choice will likely come down to proposals from Blue Cross Blue Shield and one other carrier.
The district is also comparing its current fully insured plan with a self-funded plan, which it has used in the past. “Right now, it might make more sense to go with the self-funded option,” Mayfield said. Benefits brokers Don Doherty and Jeremy Bowman were to review the numbers with the district’s benefits committee the next day, and Mayfield said they will be at the special meeting to explain the difference.
In October, the district’s carrier, Blue Cross Blue Shield, proposed a 53% increase in the district’s rates after a year of heavy claims. Asked Nov. 9 whether the district had any warning, the board was told the carrier had signaled an increase but not its size. “We knew our claims experience. We were running hot. But then to come back and see that it was that much, it was a bit of a sticker shock.” A self-funded plan would also give the district monthly data on what it pays in claims.
A second special meeting may be needed after Thanksgiving, the board was told.
Read the district’s recap of the Nov. 9 meeting, or read the meeting transcript.
Preparations for Christmas on the Bricks Begin at the Pavilion
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.
Those workers were:
Robert and Nathan Coon ( A1 Towing & Recovery), Mathew Wells ( Great Expectations), Jared Weaver (E3), Craig Campbell ( retired pharmacist and dedicated community service leader).
K-RAD Program Eases Burden for SE Kansas Caregivers
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.
About Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging
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.
About the K-RAD Program
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
Obituary of Kenneth Gene Parker JR
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.
What a school resource officer actually does all day
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 Matters: Reproduction, Growth, and Immunity in Cattle
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.
Enjoy the Holiday Season Without Breaking the Bank
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.
Ad: Doug J. & Coleman Families Online Auction – Closes Wed., Nov. 18 – Semper Fi Auction
More than 1,300 lots, closing Wednesday night
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