Monthly Archives: February 2019

Government, Kansas

Flags Half-Staff In Honor of John Dingell

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Governor Laura Kelly orders flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Rep. John Dingell

In accordance with Executive Order 10-12, and following the proclamation of President Donald J. Trump, Governor Laura Kelly has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff from now until sunset on February 9, 2019, in honor of former Rep. John David Dingell Jr, the longest-serving Member of Congress in American history.

“Representative Dingell had a remarkable career – one dedicated to public service and improving the lives of the people of Michigan and our country,” said Kelly. “My deepest condolences are with his family, friends and loved ones. May we honor his legacy of service by finding ways to give back in our own communities.”

To receive email alerts when the governor orders flags to half-staff, please visit https://governor.kansas.gov/newsroom/kansas-flag-honors.

Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Fort Scott Happenings Feb. 8 by the Chamber of Commerce

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RADIO AUCTION – KOMB All Hit 103.9 FM – Starts Jan. 16 through first week of March, every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Listen for details!
4th Annual KANSASWORKS Statewide Job Fair – March 7th, Memorial Hall Civic Center, 410 N. Pennsylvania Avenue, 2pm-6pm (See flyer below)
Care to Share (“The Sharing Bucket”) will be hosting the 5th Annual “TaTa” Ride on June 15th, 2019 and an “AR-15 Gun Raffle”. Raffle tickets are $5 each and on sale now! ATF Regulations apply. Contact Stacey Wright for tickets or more info. (See flyer below)
8-9
Weekly Livestock Sale at Fort Scott Livestock Market. Starting at 10am on both Fridays & Saturdays
Fridays:  Cows, Pairs, Big Bulls
Saturdays:  Stocker & Feeder Cattle, followed by any cows & bulls that come in late Friday & Saturday. Cafe open both sale days. You don’t have to be a buyer, just to come watch the sale and visit the cafe!
8-9 IF: Gathering in Fort Scott – Community Christian Church, 1919 S. Horton, Friday 6-9pm/Saturday 10am-5pm

Inter-denominational women’s event, live streamed. Millions of women in local gatherings will be inspired by speakers, worship and conversation

IF: Gathering exists to equip women with gospel-centered resources, events and community so they may learn more about who God is and disciple other women right where they are

$20 registration includes lunch on Saturday Click here to register
9 Storytime at Hedgehog.INK – 16 S. Main St., 10:30 am

The Three Little Pigs, retold by Joyce Love, author, and Julie-Anne Harlan, illustrator

Make Valentines with Jean Solomonson, card designer, after the story

(See flyer below)
9 Winter Biker Meet & Greet Expo – Boiler Room Brewhaus, 2 S. National Ave., 2-5 pm

All bikers welcome. Come out and meet new people, feel free to promote your club, promote upcoming rides, promote your biker business, network with other bikers, enjoy some good tunes and ice cold micro brewed local beer

We will hold a meet and greet on the 2nd Saturday each month through March. No attitudes! We are all Brothers and sisters at the meet and greet. Come by bike, come by car, anyway you can get here. See you all there!
9 Rotary’s 2019 Dancing With Our Stars – FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2018 S. Horton St., 7pm

Save the Date for Rotary’s 2019 Dancing With Our Stars ~ TOTALLY 80’S EDITION!

This will be the 9th Annual Event where dancing entries of 2-9 participants each (couples, trios, teams, etc.) select a song of their choice to reflect the theme, select a charity they wish to dance for, and compete by raising the most dollars for their charity prior to the event and during intermission of the event when attendees vote for their favorite dance entry by voting with their dollars. The winning team will take home a trophy and a cash prize for their charity of choice. Additional awards include most entertaining and best technical performance

Tickets can be purchased at the Chamber of Commerce, 231 E. Wall St. (VIP seats: $15/Regular seats: $10)

Contact Janet Braun: 620-223-2274 for more info
10 3rd Annual Farm Toy Show & Sales – Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, Kennedy Gym Building, 705 S. Holbrook, 9am-3pm

Door prize raffles, big noon door prize. Lunch available. $2 admission, children under 10 free

Dealer tables: 1st table $15, 2nd & after $10 per table

Contact Will Wallis 620-215-6327, [email protected] or Dave Garrett
620-724-4888 / 620-724-2743, [email protected] for more info
12-13 Story Time – Fort Scott Public Library,                        201 S. National Ave., 10-11am
12 T.O.P.S Meeting – Buck Run Community Center,
3-4pm
12 Fort Scott Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room, 12-1pm (Hedges Administrative Building)
12
ABC Regional Commission Meeting & Trail Plan Unveiling – Bourbon County Courthouse, 210 S. National Ave., 1pm-2pm

Please join us as at a meeting with Allen, Bourbon, and Crawford County commissioners to nourish new partnerships, unveil the first ever regional trail plan, and find out who will be appointed to the committee charged with implementing the regional plan
12
Heart The ArtEffect Wine & Cheese Reception – Crooner’s Lounge, 117 S. Main St., 4p,-5pm

View the newly displayed ArtEffect Projects – On display at both the Lowell Milken Center Hall of Heroes and Crooner’s Lounge are high quality creative visual art projects celebrating Unsung Heroes
These works of art created by students were entered in The ArtEffect Project, an international competition administered by the Lowell Milken Center
12 Zumba Classes at FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton

Zumba classes are held every Tuesday & Thursday night from 5-6:15pm. $3 per class

Contact Kassie Fugate-Cate: 620-223-2700 for more info
12 USD 234 Board of Education Meeting – Board of Education, 424 S. Main St., 5:30-6:30pm
13 Breakfast Bingo at BRCC – 735 Scott Ave., 9-10am (2nd & 4th Wednesdays of each month

Come drink some coffee and play some bingo at Buck Run.  Staff will provide the bingo cards, the caller, and coffee.  Prizes provided by the Fort Scott Recreation Commission
13 Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) Enrollment at Chamber of Commerce, 231 E. Wall St.

The Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce will be partnering with Westar Energy to provide assistance in filling out LIEAP applications. This application assistance outreach is to assist all Kansas customers who may be eligible for these federal funds. You do not need to be a Westar Energy customer to attend and receive assistance in completing your application. Clients are required to have at least $80 in payments within the last 90 days

Please bring the following items: Copies of all proof of income for all permanent individuals living in the home who are 18 years old or over; copies of utility bills (gas, electric, propane, wood, etc.)

Call Lindsay Madison 620-223-3566 for more info
13 Rotary Meeting – Presbyterian Church,                   308 S. Crawford St., 12-1pm
13 Dementia-friendly Neighborhoods: a discussion about how all of us can improve the lives of families going through the dementia experience – Mercy Hospital, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd., 12:30-1:30pm

This Remote Learning Series is bringing education to the community and providing the opportunity to attend a session close to home

Call 800-272-3900 to register for any session
13
Adult Coloring Program – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave., 2-4pm

Join us in the library events room for a relaxing afternoon of coloring and conversation. Library provides coloring pages, pens and pencils, and snacks. Bring your own beverage of choice (no alcohol, please)
13
TAG (Teen Advisory Group) – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave., 4-5pm

Exclusively for middle and high school students. We have meetings weekly, including a games & snack night, a community service project, a book club meeting, and a craft night each month
Make a difference in your community while having fun at TAG! Each meeting includes food, drinks, and a good time with your fellow teens. Bring your friends!
14
Join us for the weekly Chamber Coffee of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at 8am. This week’s Chamber Coffee will be hosted by Visage Skin Care

Location: 117 E. National
14 Pioneer Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room, 12pm
14 Zumba Classes at FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton

Zumba classes are held every Tuesday & Thursday night from 5-6:15pm. $3 per class

Contact Kassie Fugate-Cate: 620-223-2700 for more info
14 Thursday Card Players – Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Ave., 6-9pm. Free weekly event to anyone that wants to play cards, drink coffee, eat snacks, and socialize
15-16
Weekly Livestock Sale at Fort Scott Livestock Market. Starting at 10am on both Fridays & Saturdays
Fridays:  Cows, Pairs, Big Bulls
Saturdays:  Stocker & Feeder Cattle, followed by any cows & bulls that come in late Friday & Saturday. Cafe open both sale days. You don’t have to be a buyer, just to come watch the sale and visit the cafe!
15 Gordon Parks Museum Presents: Buffalo Soldier History Presentation “Slave to Soldier” at the Ellis Fine Arts Center (Lunch & Learn) – 2108 S. Horton, 11am-12pm

Guest Speakers: The Alexander/Madison Chapter-Greater Kansas City/Leavonworth Area 9th & 10th Horse Cavalry Association will be in full authenic Buffalo Soldier uniforms

The troopers will provide a moving presentation on the great legacy and rich background of the historic Buffalo Soldiers from the years 1866 to 1944. View orginal Buffalo Soldiers artifacts that will be on display during the presentation

“Lunch & Learn” Feel free to bring your lunch & drinks if desired. Desserts will be provided (See flyer below)
15
Chili and Cinnamon Roll Lunch Fundraiser to Benefit Alzheimer’s Association – Country Place Senior Living, 820 S. Horton St., 11am-1pm

Chili and Cinnamon Roll Lunch Fundraiser to Benefit Alzheimer’s Association. Meal includes: Chili, cinnamon rolls and crackers. Dine-in or pick-up Recommended donation: $5

(See flyer below)
15 Friendship Soup Lunch hosted by First United Methodist Church – Fellowship Hall, 301 S. National, lower level, 11:30am-1pm

The February Friendship Soup Lunch will be held February 15, 2019 at First United Methodist Church, 301 S. National. Chili, a variety of soups, desserts, and a drink will be served for a free will donation. Everyone is welcome!
16 Elton Dan & GDD at Liberty Theatre – 113 S. Main, 8:30pm-11pm

Elton Dan & the Rocket Band, with special guests GDD. Elton Dan is an Elton John impersonator and GDD is a Stevie Nicks/Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band

Tickets are $30. Contact Liberty Theatre Box Office: 620-224-9787
19-20 Story Time – Fort Scott Public Library,  201 S. National Ave., 10-11am
19 T.O.P.S Meeting – Buck Run Community Center,
3-4pm
19 Manufacturers’ Forum hosted by SEK Inc. at Kendall Packaging Corp. – 1901 East 27th Terrace, Pittsburg, KS, 11:30am-1:30pm

Tickets are $15 for members, $20 for non-members, and include a catered lunch and a tour of the location. For tickets, click here.
19 Fort Scott Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room, 12-1pm (Hedges Administrative Building)
19 Chamber Board Meeting – Papa Don’s Pizza, 12pm-1pm
19 Community Bingo at Country Place Senior Living – 820 S. Horton St., 2pm-4pm

Residents and the public are invited the 3rd Tuesday of each month for Community Bingo at Country Place Senior Living, 820 S. Horton St.
19 Zumba Classes at FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton

Zumba classes are held every Tuesday & Thursday night from 5-6:15pm. $3 per class

Contact Kassie Fugate-Cate: 620-223-2700 for more info
19 City Commission Meeting – City Hall, 123 S. Main St., 6-7pm
20 Rotary Meeting – Presbyterian Church,                   308 S. Crawford St., 12-1pm
20
Adult Coloring Program – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave., 2-4pm

Join us in the library events room for a relaxing afternoon of coloring and conversation. Library provides coloring pages, pens and pencils, and snacks. Bring your own beverage of choice (no alcohol, please)
20
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas – Clinic Benefits & Services Explained at Presbyterian Village – 2401 S. Horton St., 3:30pm

President and CEO of the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Krista Postai, will be at the Presbyterian Village, located at 2401 S. Horton, Fort Scott, KS to present information about what CHC can do for the Presbyterian Village seniors, staff, family members, volunteers and the Fort Scott community, as a whole

(See flyer below)
20
TAG (Teen Advisory Group) – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave., 4-5pm

Exclusively for middle and high school students. We have meetings weekly, including a games & snack night, a community service project, a book club meeting, and a craft night each month
Make a difference in your community while having fun at TAG! Each meeting includes food, drinks, and a good time with your fellow teens. Bring your friends!
21
Join us for the weekly Chamber Coffee of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at 8am. This week’s Chamber Coffee will be hosted by Fort Scott Lofts

Location: 8 E. 1st St.
21 Pioneer Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room, 12pm
21 Zumba Classes at FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton

Zumba classes are held every Tuesday & Thursday night from 5-6:15pm. $3 per class

Contact Kassie Fugate-Cate: 620-223-2700 for more info
21 Thursday Card Players – Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Ave., 6-9pm. Free weekly event to anyone that wants to play cards, drink coffee, eat snacks, and socialize
Save the Date:
– February 22-23 – 4th Annual Prairie Troubadour
– March 7 – 4th Annual KANSASWORKS Statewide Job Fair
Click here for full events listing on our website.
Obituary

Obituary of Russell Leroy Vann

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Russell Leroy Vann, age 80, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, February 5, 2019, at the St. John’s Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri.

He was born March 30, 1938, in Ft. Scott, the son of Harry Vann and Peggy Harris Vann. He married Carolyn Harris on August 25, 1962, at Ft. Scott. Russell served with the United States Air Force. He later worked for the Ft. Scott Fire Department for over twenty-five years. He was an avid sports fan.

Survivors include two daughters, Brenda Jean Snow and her husband, Johnny LaTeer Snow of Lawrence, Kansas and Shelly Lynn Jackson and her husband, Paul of Chattanooga, Tennessee and a grandson, Brandon Eugene Snow of Lawrence, Kansas. Also surviving is a brother, Charles Vann.

His wife, Carolyn, preceded him in death on April 18, 2016. He was also preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Harry Glen Vann.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Friday, February 15th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will

follow in the U. S. National Cemetery where military honors will be provided by the Olson Frary Burkhart Post #1165 Veterans of Foreign Wars. Memorials are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project 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.

Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

Women Self Defense Class Offered Offered By Sheriff’s Office

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Courtesy photo.

The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office is offering a class to help women learn how to use their strength when it matters most: a female self-defense class.

The idea originated with Kim Schwab, who is an administrative assistant at the BCSO.

“I have two daughters…it gave me peace of mind when they took classes,” Schwab said. Both daughters took classes in other cities.

“I came to the sheriff (Bill Martin)and asked him if there was one in Bourbon County, he said no, but he had always wanted to bring one,” she said.

So the sheriff’s office is sponsoring a female self-defense class on Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m. to noon, at the Fort Scott Middle School, 1195 E. 12th St.

“It is for women, 12 years and up,” Schwab said. “If a minor under 18, they must have a parent accompanying them.”

“I attended a class in Paola with a daughter, there were a lot of women over 60,” she said.

Registration is on the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page or come by the sheriff’s office to pick up an application, she said.

Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center, 293 E. 20th.

The first hour is classroom instruction, followed by an hour of hands-on self-defense techniques.

“I feel a lot more confident in a situation,” Schwab said. “Some techniques I’d never heard of, and they teach some preventive techniques.”

For more information contact Schwab at the sheriff’s office, 620-223-1440.

A $12 donation is appreciated to help pay for the instructors time, but not required to participate.

 

Opinion

Interruptions by Patty LaRoche

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“I don’t mean to interrupt people. I just randomly remember things and get really excited.” I saw that plaque in a diner and knew exactly what it meant. If I don’t share my thoughts immediately, they will be gone…immediately. Still, I force myself to refrain because it’s downright rude to interrupt. I mean, how many times have you been telling a story when someone one-ups you or changes the subject and takes over the conversation? Without ever asking you to finish yours? I-R-R-I-T-A-T-I-N-G!

A newly-purchased sign, hanging in my step daughter’s kitchen, counters that quote.

“Oh, I’m sorry. Did the middle of my sentence interrupt the beginning of yours?” Nikki purchased it, hoping a relative gets the point.

And no, I am not that relative.

I’m really not.

On the day of last year’s eclipse, I was at my friend Marti’s house. She was watching her granddaughter, Isabel, and was explaining the solar phenomenon to her. As Marti and I talked, Isabel exploded with random thoughts. Each time, Marti gently told her granddaughter that the adults were visiting and she needed to wait her turn. Isabel tried to be patient, and then she did what every well-mannered child does when she can wait no longer—she raised her hand and waved it frantically. Her behavior was delightful.

Many adults could learn from her example.

Of course, we all know that all interrupting is not always bad. Some news should not wait, like telling me that my grandchild is playing with matches or the neighbor’s dog is chewing on my patio furniture. In reality, life is all about interruptions, isn’t it? Henry Nouwen, a Roman Catholic priest and theologian, wrote, “My whole life I have been complaining that my work was constantly interrupted, until I discovered my interruptions were my work.” I get it. Most of my articles are based on something happening I wasn’t expecting. Our life’s narrative is constantly being rewritten because of interruptions. In the past year, several of my friends have found that to be true. Cancer. A hurricane. An unexpected pregnancy. Divorce. Bankruptcy. Care of an elderly parent. Addiction. Mental illness. Death. The Bible is jam-packed with interruptions. A young girl’s life was interrupted to be told that she would bring the Messiah into the world. Jesus was constantly interrupted by evil spirits or arrogant religious teachers, moments that gave him an opportunity to remind his listeners of grace. Judas interrupted Jesus’ celebration of the Passover with his disciples and again with his prayer time in the Garden, all leading up to the incredible sadness after Jesus’ death being interrupted by the life-changing news that his grave was empty. And for those whose lives are based on that resurrection, there remains one final interruption for which we must be prepared. We find it in Thessalonians 1:16-17: For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God, and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Now, that’s an interruption we can’t afford to miss.

Obituary

Obituary of Inez Irene Sutcliffe

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Inez Irene Sutcliffe

Inez Irene Sutcliffe, age 89, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, February 6, 2019, at her home. She was born November 6, 1929, in Oskaloosa, Missouri, the second of six children of Willie A. Carpenter and Carrie E. Guss Carpenter. Irene graduated from the Liberal High School with the Class of 1947. In earlier years, she was employed as a telephone operator in Arcadia, Kansas and later worked for Key Work Clothes in both the factory and later in the office. While with Key she received several outstanding and meritorious awards. Irene married Frank A. Sutcliffe on November 2, 1964, in Miami, Oklahoma. She later worked as bookkeeper for his truck driving business. Irene was a past member of the Business and Professional Women’s Club, V.F.W. Auxiliary, Mercy Hospital Auxiliary and the Red Hat Society. She loved family gatherings, her dogs and cats and flowers, especially roses.

Survivors include a brother, Bill Carpenter and wife Karen, of Liberal, Missouri and two sisters, Leota McClendon of Liberal, Missouri and Wanda “Jay” Dunn of Ft. Scott; and a sister-in-law, Jeanette Carpenter, Lamar, Missouri. Also surviving are eight nephews, Loren Readinger, Darren, Brian, Kevin, Justin, Nathan and Dustin Carpenter and Mike Dunn and four nieces, Linda Tenholder, Susan Jones, Debra Martin and Rhonda Dunn as well as numerous extended family members including Clara and Hannah Dunn who helped provide for her care. Her husband, Frank, preceded her in death on October 23, 1991. She was also preceded in death by her parents, a brother, David Carpenter, a sister, Evelyn Jones and three nephews, Gary Dunn, Randall Readinger and Conner Tenholder.

Pastor Jeff Dillow will conduct funeral services at 10:00 A.M. Monday, February 11th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Sunday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the V.F.W. 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.

Government, Kansas

Governor Makes Early Childhood Education A Priority

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Governor Laura Kelly prioritizes revitalization of early childhood education efforts in Kansas

Governor appoints new Executive Director, Chair of Kansas Children’s Cabinet

Governor Laura Kelly today once again highlighted her commitment to expanding early childhood programing in Kansas and reinvigorating the efforts of the Kansas Children’s Cabinet. Kelly appointed former Rep. Melissa Rooker as the new executive director and Kim Moore as new chair of the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund.

“I worked closely with Rep. Rooker for many years and know her to be a steadfast advocate for Kansas children and families with a depth of knowledge on the issues impacting our children,” said Kelly. “She shares my commitment to expanding and improving early childhood opportunities across the state. I look forward to her leadership as we stimulate innovation and partnership surrounding early childhood programs.”

Rooker served in the Kansas House of Representatives for six years where she took a leadership role in education and early childhood issues. She was heavily involved in restoring critical funding for K-12 public schools. Rooker also fought for increased funding for early childhood education after years of neglect to Kansas’ prized early childhood programs.

“I’m honored to lead this work and help implement the governor’s vision for improving the health and well-being of our children and families,” said Rooker. “Early childhood programs are critical to the development and success of Kansas children. I’m eager to build on our progress by bringing new ideas and energy to the discussion.”

Kim Moore served as the president of the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund in Hutchinson for over thirty years. In that role, Moore developed multiple-year grant making initiatives in diverse health fields including adverse childhood experiences, children’s emotional and social health, oral health, and child care generally. His efforts leveraged both public and private funds to enhance programs directed towards the health of young children and their families.

“I’m pleased to have Kim Moore engaged as chair of the Children’s Cabinet,” said Kelly. “He has broad experience in the area of advocacy and philanthropy to benefit the communities of Kansas. His commitment to improving the lives of our youngest Kansans and his partnership with other philanthropies make him the right choice to chair the Kansas Children’s Cabinet.”

“I’ve seen first-hand the positive impact that high quality early intervention and support can have on children and families across the state of Kansas,” said Moore. “I look forward to working with the governor, Rep. Rooker, and the other members of the Children’s Cabinet to make sure all children in Kansas are safe, healthy and have the opportunity to succeed.”

The Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund is directed by state statute to fund and evaluate key children’s programs across the state. For more information, visit kschildrenscabinet.org.