Obituary

Obituary of Sheryl Harper

Leave a comment

Sheryl Irene Harper (Garten) 85, formerly of Peculiar, MO passed away Sunday, October 20, 2024 at her home in Ft. Scott, KS.

 

Sheryl was born April 7, 1939 at the family farm in rural Peculiar. She was the eldest child of John L. Garten and Glessie I. Garten (Phillips).

 

She married Donald Gene Harper Sr. on May 18, 1957 at Harrisonville Baptist Church. They were blessed with six children Donnie, Jonalin, Sherri, Jeff, John Philip, and Tim.

 

Sheryl lived most of her life in and around Peculiar and worked as Postmaster at Peculiar Post office, where she retired. She also worked as the secretary for the Superintendent of Raymore-Peculiar School District for many years. She played the piano at Peculiar First Baptist Church and Pleasant Prairie Baptist Church.

 

Sheryl was preceded in death by her beloved sons, Jeffrey Harper and John Philip Harper, her parents John and Glessie Garten and one brother J. L. Garten Jr.

 

Cherishing her memory are her loving husband of 67 years Donald Gene Harper Sr., her surviving children Donald Harper Jr. (Julie), Hutchinson KS, Jonalin Witt (Larry), Raymore, MO, Sherri Catron, Harrisonville, MO, and Timothy Harper (Janet), Ft. Scott, KS; two sisters, Saleta Hentschel (David), Dee Ora Hunter (Joe), one brother, Mark Garten (Gale); ten grandchildren: Amanda, Matthew, Laura, Ashleigh, Zach, Michael, Katie, Seth, Jonathan, and Shaydon – plus numerous beloved great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

 

A memorial service will be held on Monday, October 28th at 1:00pm at the First Baptist Church of Freeman, 303 N. Washington St, Freeman, MO 64746.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Mount Carmel Hospice left in care of Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, PO Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guest book at cheneywitt.com.

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee Hosted by Sleep Inn on October 24

Leave a comment

Join us for Chamber Coffee!

Thursday, October 24th, 8am
Hosted by

Sleep Inn

302 E. Wall St.

In the Downtown Historic District!

Click here for their Facebook page.

Click here for their website.

_____________

We hope to see you there for Networking * Community News * Refreshments!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee this Thursday, October 24th at 8 am hosted by the Sleep Inn, 302 E. Wall St. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, and attendees will receive a special gift.

Sleep Inn hosted its first Chamber Coffee and opened its doors on October 24, 2014. Join us for this special celebration of Sleep Inn hosting your friends and family, clients and co-workers, tourists and travelers, from all over the globe as they have visited Fort Scott over the last 10 years!

We will recognize some special team members who have contributed significantly to the hotel’s success and discuss plans for future renovations.

Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information. Visit the Events Calendar and category of Chamber Coffees on fortscott.com for upcoming locations.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

fortscott.com
Facebook  X  Instagram
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Government, Kansas

Infrastructure Grant For Corridor in Olathe

Leave a comment

Governor Kelly Announces KDOT Awarded
Nearly $98M for I-35, Santa Fe Corridor Project
in Olathe

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) has awarded the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) a nearly $98 million Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant to improve the I-35 and Santa Fe Street corridor in Olathe.

“This announcement is a win for Kansas and everyone who travels I-35 through Olathe,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This project represents my administration’s work to modernize and strengthen the infrastructure and transportation links that support commerce and economic growth across the state.”

The I-35 Santa Fe Forward project, which targets one of the region’s most congested corridors, seeks to eliminate bottlenecks at two interchanges: Santa Fe Street and Old Highway 56, address access management issues on Santa Fe Street, replace aging infrastructure, and provide multimodal access across I-35 to connect communities on both sides of the interstate.  Currently, the crash rate on I-35 surrounding the Santa Fe interchange is more than two and half times the state’s average, with nearly half of all crashes consisting of rear-end crashes at lower rates of speed.

INFRA, funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is a competitive grant program supporting multimodal freight and highway projects of national or regional significance to improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of transportation for freight and people in and across rural and urban areas. The grant application was submitted by KDOT in partnership with the City of Olathe.

Governor Kelly sent letters to the U.S. Department of Transportation in support of this project.

“Since coming to Congress, I’ve made it a priority to advocate for our community’s local infrastructure needs,” said Representative Sharice Davids, KS-03. “That’s why I voted for the bipartisan infrastructure law. This law creates good-paying jobs, strengthens our supply chains, helps lower costs, and will make our roads more efficient and dependable. I’m thrilled to see these funds coming to Kansas with the I-35 Santa Fe Forward project and investing in improvements that our region will see for generations.”

“We are grateful to our federal and local partners who have been working with KDOT to move this project forward,” Secretary of Transportation Calvin Reed said. “With this funding, we can tackle important infrastructure improvements that will enhance efficiency and connectivity, providing smoother travel for residents and businesses across the region.”

Construction on the I-35 and Santa Fe Street corridor between Ridgeview Road and Mur-Len Road is scheduled to begin in late 2026 with a total project cost of nearly $278 million. The City of Olathe is contributing $40 million. KDOT will contribute $140 million through the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation (IKE) Program, a 10-year program that addresses highways, bridges, public transit, aviation, short-line rail, and bike/pedestrian needs across Kansas.

“The new I-35 and Santa Fe interchange wouldn’t be possible without the partnership of KDOT and the leadership shown by our congressional delegation, including Sen. Jerry Moran, Sen. Roger Marshall, and Rep. Sharice Davids,” Olathe Mayor John Bacon said. “We are grateful for the support of our partners and for their understanding of just how important this project is to Olathe and to the region.”

More information on the KDOT IKE Program can be found here: https://ike.ksdot.gov/.

For additional details on the U.S. DOT Infrastructure for Rebuilding America Program, visit https://www.transportation.gov/grants/infra-grant-program.

###

Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

LMC Newsletter Oct. 21, 2024

Leave a comment

 

October 21, 2024

Vol. 9

Jericho School Wins 2024 Outstanding School Award

in LMC’s National Discovery Award Competition

This edition of our newsletter celebrates the outstanding achievements of New York’s Jericho Middle School and High School in the 2024 National Discovery Award competition. The students and educators of Jericho have excelled in their efforts, shedding light on unsung heroes whose stories have had a profound impact on history. This year marks a special milestone, as it is the first time the Lowell Milken Center has presented the Outstanding School Award in the Discovery Award competition. We are thrilled to recognize the exceptional work of Jericho’s students and the dedication of their inspiring teachers.

In September, the Lowell Milken Center’s Executive Director, Norm Conard, honored Jericho Middle School and High School with the $1,000 Outstanding School Award for their exemplary participation and performance in the competition. The following teachers were acknowledged for their inspirational guidance and support: Theresa Cantwell, Valerie Conklin, Brian Dussel, Sarah Espinal, Marci Kivo, Konstantine Kovoros, James Lawlor, Laura Suchopar, Pamela Travis, Michelle Vevante, and Eric Sundberg.

Jericho teachers were recognized by the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes. They are (L-R) Back Row: Brian Dussel, Michelle Vevante, Theresa Cantwell, James Lawlor, Eric Sundberg, and Norm Conard. Front Row: Sarah Espinal, Laura Suchopar, Marci Kivo, Randi Sambursky, Pam Travis, Konstontine Kovoros, and Valerie Conklin.

Photo by Denise Nash.

Madison Choi and Kaitlyn Choi from Jericho High School were the recipients of the 2024 National Discovery Award Outstanding High School Project. LMC’s Executive Director Norm Conard (right) presented the Outstanding High School Project Award to Madison Choi.(Kaitlyn was unable to attend the award presentation.) Also pictured is their teacher, Brian Dussel. Photo by Denise Nash.

Kaitlyn Choi and Madison Choi, students at Jericho High School in New York, were the winners of the $2,500 Outstanding High School Project award, presented to them by LMC Executive Director Norm Conard. Kaitlyn and Madison’s website, Being (Judy) Heumann:  Champion for the Rights of the Disabled, emotionally relates the determination of Unsung Hero Judy Heumann to represent the rights of disabled people in our society. Brian Dussel was their supervising teacher.

The $2,000 Outstanding Middle School Project award was presented by LMC Executive Director Norm Conard in New York to Jericho Middle School student Jay Patel for his documentary, The Color of Blood:  Dr. Charles Drew, An Unsung Hero in Blood Preservation. Charles Drew’s transformation in blood preservation and the establishment of blood banks helped save millions of lives during World War II and continues to save lives today. Teacher Michelle Vevante supervised his project.

Students recognized by the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes are (L-R) Top Tow: Ananya Kavi, Rumaisa Hasan, Rayan Hasan, Isaac Chen, Madison Choi, Jewel Feng, Yifan Gao, Michael Paik, Zihan Wei, Lori Li, and Norm Conard. Front Row: Sophia Zhou, Angel Shah, Jay Patel, Ryan Chan, Tiffany Chiu, and Chuheng Lou. Photo by Denise Nash.

$750 Certificates of Excellence were also awarded to Jericho Middle School students Rayan Hasan and Rumaisa Hasan for their documentary, Jean Heller:  The Unsung Hero Who Paved the Way for American Bioethics (Teachers Laura Suchopar, Marci Kivo, and Michelle Vevante) and to Jericho Middle School student Ananya Kavi for her website, A Heart of Gold:  The Heroic Work of Dr. Daniel Hale Williams. (Teacher Pamela Travis)

Other students recognized for their exceptional projects were:  Ryan Chan and Yifan Gao, honoring Unsung Hero Edgar Oscar Heinrich; Isaac Chen, honoring Unsung Hero Jeffery Wig and; Tiffany Chiu, honoring Unsung Hero Bayard Rustin; Lori Li, honoring Unsung Hero Sir Nicholas Winston; Michael Paik and Zihan Wei, honoring UH Wade McClusky; and Angel Shah, honoring Unsung Hero Marie Stewart.

Guiding the Journey: Jericho Teachers Speak on the Value of the Discovery Award

LMC’s Discovery Award provides a unique opportunity for US and International students in grades 4 through 12 to research primary sources and use their talents to develop projects that showcase the power of one person to make positive change in the world.

Submissions for the next competition season are due July 1, 2025. Project work may begin immediately.
Facebook icon
Instagram icon
Twitter icon
Email icon
Website icon

Government, Kansas

Registration Closing Friday for Governor’s Water Conference

Leave a comment

 

Register by Friday, October 25

 

Registration for the 2024 Governor’s Conference on the Future of Water in Kansas closes this Friday, October 25. The conference will take place on Wednesday, November 13 and Thursday, November 14 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Manhattan, KS. Register here before Friday to reserve your spot.

 

The conference will feature presentations on:

  • Surface and Groundwater Issues
  • Emerging Issues and Research
  • Education and Outreach

 

For more information, including the draft conference agenda and speaker bios, visit the Governor’s Water Conference page at kwo.ks.gov under the News & Events section.

 

# # #

 

As the state’s water office, KWO conducts water planning, policy coordination and water marketing as well as facilitates public input throughout the state.

 

The agency prepares the KANSAS WATER PLAN, a plan for water resources development, management and conservation.

 

Government, Kansas

Grants to Revitalize Dilapidated Downtown Buildings Available

Leave a comment

Commerce Announces New Round of Funding for HEAL Grants

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced that $1.5 million is available for a fifth round of Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL) grants to revitalize dilapidated and underutilized downtown buildings in small communities across the state. These grants help close the financial gaps for communities striving to make their downtown districts economically vibrant.

Since Commerce launched the program in 2021, nearly $5 million has been awarded to fund 87 different community projects throughout Kansas.

“In order to succeed, brick and mortar businesses need the brick and mortar – and all the parts of their building – to be in good condition,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “With $20 billion of new private investment pushing into all parts of Kansas, HEAL grants give communities a chance to create their own momentum, turning downtown buildings that were once storage or pigeon roosts into stores, coffee shops and upper floor lofts.”

The HEAL grant helps communities bring revitalize downtown buildings as spaces for new or expanding businesses, housing, arts and culture, civic engagement, childcare or entrepreneurial activities.

Submitted projects must show potential to be economic drivers in the community and demonstrate that the space will be occupied by the end of the project. There must be proof of 1:1 matching funds from the building owner that will be required at the time of application.

The application opens November 1 and closes January 31, 2025. Awardees will be notified in April. Communities that received HEAL grants in spring 2023 or fall 2024 are not eligible to apply for this round of funding.

A virtual webinar about the specifics of the program is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Monday, November 4. Registration is required for the webinar. A Zoom link will be provided after registration is completed. To register for the webinar, please click here.

For additional information about HEAL grants, the webinar and the online application, please visit here.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

###

Obituary

Obituary of JoAnn Copelin

Leave a comment

JoAnn Copelin, age 89, of Mansfield, TX passed away peacefully, Saturday, October 12, 2024 at her home in the Isle at Watercrest Mansfield.  She was born June 23, 1935 in Enid, Oklahoma, the daughter of Alfred and Dulsa Clark.  She graduated from Rogers High School in Arkansas with the class of 1953.  Shortly after, she married the love of her life, Buddy Copelin, on May 18, 1953.  They built a life in the Kansas City area and had 69 wonderful years together.  She worked as a cosmetologist at Mr. Emery’s Salon for over 30 years.  JoAnn enjoyed gardening, sewing, knitting, oil painting and spending precious time with family and friends.  She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Peculiar for 50 years where she taught Sunday school and sang in the choir.

JoAnn will be lovingly missed by her daughter, Debbie Taylor,  (husband, Steve), her 3 grandsons, Nathan Taylor, (wife, Sonya), Nick Copelin, (wife, Jennie), and Zack Copelin; 3 great-grandchildren, Presley, Foster and Judah Copelin; 2 sisters, Esther Tanner; Wanda Daniels, (husband, Tom), brother, Dean Clark, (wife Ardythe), and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Preceded in death by her parents; 2 sisters, Ruby Rounds and Melva Varnell; a brother, Eugene Clark and her husband, Buddy and son, Randy.

Graveside services will be held at 1:30 P.M. Thursday, October 24th at the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott, Kansas.

Family and friends may meet at the Cheney Witt Chapel on Thursday prior to leaving for the cemetery at 1:15 P.M. Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary

Obituary of Jacquin Provence

Leave a comment

Jacquin “Jacki” Lorraine Provence went home to meet our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Tuesday October 15th, 2024, at KU Medical Center.

Jacki was born on May 5th, 1952, in Lenexa, KS to Donald and Neva Provence. Jacki grew up in Kansas City, KS but she spent many of her favorite childhood summers in Fort Scott, where she decided to move and raise her two children, Nic and Erika Provence.

Jacki worked as an insurance claims processor for Cobalt MedPlans/First Source until she retired and moved from Fort Scott, back to the Kansas City area.

She was an avid movie lover and frequent attendee of many cinemas across multiple cities. She will be remembered for not only her big laugh, but her even bigger heart. Anyone who frequented her household were not only guests but were welcomed with open arms into what many considered a second home, and this home will live on in the hearts of everyone she loved.

 

Jacki is survived by her oldest son Nicolas and wife Kelly Provence of Springfield, MO, their children Niccon Provence and Christian Provence-Harmon and husband Garret of Springfield, daughter Erika Provence and children Gideon Provence of Gardner as well as Isabella Virtue and husband Shaun of Topeka. She is also survived by her beloved sister and one of her best friends Trudy Briones of Kansas City, as well as nephews Isreal Briones and Angelo Briones, Angelo’s children Gisele and Gian Briones as well as niece Jessica Briones and son Zekiah Briones Hardgraves all of the Kansas City area.

She was preceded in death by her parents Donald and Neva.

 

A celebration of life will be held in her honor at a later date and time to be announced.  Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

 

Fort Scott, Government

Rachel Carpenter: New FS Employee Relations and Special Project Coordinator

Leave a comment
Rachel Carpenter. Submitted photo.

 

Rachel Carpenter started as the new Fort Scott Employee Relations and Special Project Manager on October 10.

Her office is located in City Hall, and  she can be reached at [email protected] or 620-215-2562.

“With three years of experience at The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, I bring a strong background in grant writing, community change, and relationship-building,” she said.

“The City of Fort Scott is engaged in many exciting projects, and I look forward to building on the momentum I see,” she said. “My goal is to bring additional resources and funding to our community and to collaborate with other organizations to foster positive change. After all, we are #BetterTogether.”

Carpenter graduated from Fort Hays State University (FHSU) in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and also holds certificates in Grant Writing, Program Evaluation, and Community Development.

In her role at the City, her responsibilities will include:

  • Maintaining and monitoring project plans, schedules, scopes of work, budgets, and expenditures
  • Research, obtain, and monitor grants for projects
  • Assisting the City Manager with various projects
  • Meet with project leaders to assess their needs and define project requirements
  • Preparing budgets
  • Scheduling stakeholder meetings, documenting discussions, and generating reports
  • Promoting a positive work culture
  • Recruit and retain employees
  • Conducting regular training sessions for employees
  • Managing workers’ compensation claims
  • Handling citizen insurance claims

 

Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Youth

Downtown Halloween Parade This Saturday, Oct. 26

Leave a comment

The Fort Scott Chamber announces the Annual Downtown Trick-or-Treat Parade!!!

SPONSORS NEEDED!

The past couple of years the attendance has been growing for the Downtown Trick-or-Treat parade with 600+ kids in attendance! At the end of the parade, we serve a slice of Papa Don’s pizza and a drink to each child who is in costume. We have been very thankful for the gracious donations from you all in the past!

If your business is interested in making a donation, please contact us! Click here to email us or call the

Chamber at 620-223-3566.

We will accept monetary donations or other items such as pop, juices, or bottled water.

Saturday, October 26, 2024 @ 11:00 AM

10-11am: Halloween photo backdrop for pictures with your own camera.

Face painting will be offered by the Fort Scott High School Pride and Thespian Clubs!

11am: Parade will start at La Hacienda, down the west side of Main Street to 2nd, then back down the east side of Main Street to Skubitz Plaza.

Following parade: A slice of pizza and a drink will be served to the kids in costume provided through the generous donation of local businesses!

__________

***Businesses along Main Street will be handing out candy during the parade, and businesses not on Main Street as well as any community organizations are welcome to set up a table along Main to pass out candy, coupons, promo items, etc.***

Please email the Chamber if your business or organization will be passing out candy so we

can plan accordingly.
Facebook Share This Email
Twitter Share This Email
LinkedIn Share This Email
A special thank you to our Chamber Champion members!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 

Bourbon County Local News