Monthly Archives: February 2019

Obituary

Obituary of Shirley Mae Allen

Leave a comment

Shirley Mae Allen, age 72, a resident of Pleasanton, Kansas, passed away Sunday, February 3, 2019, at the Kansas City Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri.  She was born January 8, 1947, in Humboldt, Kansas, the daughter of Claude Pollett and Dorothy Heimburg Pollett.  Shirley first married Clark Alan Howard.  He preceded her in death.  She later married J. L. Allen on August 12, 1978, at Iola, Kansas.  In earlier years, Shirley had worked in the business office of Mercy Hospital in Ft. Scott and later for Dr. Carney’s office in Iola.  She then was employed as a para-professional for the Pleasanton High School.  She had attended the Pleasanton Church of the Nazarene.  Shirley was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.  Taking care of her family was her number one priority.  She and J.L. enjoyed attending her children and grandchildren’s sporting events.

Survivors include her husband, J. L. of the home; five children, Dr. Jay Allen (Tana), of Pleasanton, Kansas, Brian Howard (Sherry), of Nevada, Missouri, Kevin Howard (Kristy), Iola, Kansas, Kara Nicole Allen (Steven), of Kansas City, Missouri and Megan Brixey (Chris), of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; a daughter-in-law, Melissa Allen of Jasper, Indiana, five grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.  Also surviving are two brothers, Clarence Pollett, of LaHarpe, Kansas and John Pollett, of Iola, Kansas and two sisters, Barbara Beasley, of LaHarpe, Kansas and Nancy Pollet, of Independence, Kansas.  She was preceded in death by a son, Chris Allen.

William James Schafer will conduct funeral services at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, February 9th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.  Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society 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.

Obituary

Obituary of Jerrold Clifford Patterson

Leave a comment

Jerrold Clifford (Cliff) Patterson, age 79, of Fort Scott, KS, passed away on Saturday, February 2, 2019, at Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, KS. He was born on September 21, 1939, in Kirksville, MO, the son of Reece Jerrold and Ruth Margaret (Reynolds) Patterson. Cliff married Nancy Jo Smith on December 13, 1958, in her parents’ home in Lawrence, KS. He worked for Hallmark Cards, Ennis Business Forms and Ward-Kraft as well as being an owner/ operator of the Otasco store in Ava, MO. Cliff enjoyed flying, sailing, fishing, woodworking and riding his motorcycle. He was active in the Mercy Hospital Auxiliary and the ROMEO Riders motorcycle club until pulmonary fibrosis ended these involvements. At the time of his passing, Cliff attended Diamond Community Church in rural Fort Scott.

Cliff is survived by his wife, Nancy of the home; four daughters, Sharon McGaughey of Pollock Pines, CA; Brenda DeKeno (Don) of Pea Ridge, AR; Deborah Allen (Tim) of Fort Scott, KS; and Laura Soliday of Kansas City, MO. He was the proud grandpa of twelve grandchildren; and the beloved “GGpa” to ten great-grandchildren. Cliff is also survived by a sister, Darlene Radke of Ferndale, WA; and a sister-in-law, Rozann Patterson of Prosser, WA. He was also the much loved uncle of four nephews and one niece. Cliff was proceeded in death by his daughter, Sandy Patterson of Bella Vista, AR; his parents; his brother, Claude Patterson of Kissimmee, FL; his brothers-in-law Robert E. Smith of Kansas City, MO and Elmer Radke of Ferndale, WA.; his nephew, Doug Radke of Bellingham, WA.

Pastor Trevor Jacobs will conduct funeral services at 2:00 PM Sunday, February 10th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will take place at 1:00 PM Monday, February 11th, in the Evergreen Cemetery. Family and friends may meet at the Cheney Witt Chapel prior to leaving for the cemetery at 12:45 PM on Monday. Memorials are suggested to CrossPower Agape ministries and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

Sheriff’s Office: Inmate Arrest Photos On Facebook Page

2 Comments
BCSO Major Bobby Reed in his office at the Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center.

Personnel at the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office have been making available the Daily Intake Roster, including photos of those arrested at the jail.

This public service has been available on the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page since moving into the new jail facility in June 2018. They had provided the service a short time before moving to the jail, in fact.

But it was too time-consuming,  said Major Bobby Reed.

“It took one and one-half days of time, so we discontinued,” Reed said.

With the help of the Labette County Sheriff’s Office, BCSO built a system that allows quicker delivery of the information to the public.

In recent days, they have been catching up posting the information from the arrests of October until January.

The Daily Intake Roster includes a photo of the inmate, their name and age, their offenses and bond amount and type.

“We did October, November, December and January (arrests) online in about 45 minutes,” Reed said.

“We’ve had a lot of requests from the community of ‘when is it going to be back up?’,” he said.

“It gets the word out,” Reed said. “The public can like our (Facebook) page and when someone comes in, they can see it.”

“We are only doing them by months, we just ran January 2019, so the next one will come out at the end of February.

On February 1, there were 72 inmates in the BCSO, with 15 Linn County inmates included in that total, Reed said.

Bourbon County

Focus On Tobacco Session: Counseling and Medication

Leave a comment

 

Jody Hoenor, Bourbon County Economic Director,and also a member of a member of the  Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT

Tobacco addiction is being addressed locally.

 

 

“Right now Bourbon County has the 4th worst ranking for tobacco use in the state.  Tobacco users cost employers $5, 816 in annual excess cost than non-tobacco users (Berman et al, 2014).  What strategies have shown to make the largest impact?  Counseling and Medication,” according to Jody Hoener.  “Thank you to everyone who has signed up for the Tobacco Cessation Specialist Training, all free spots are filled, but you are still welcome to register to attend and we can invoice you the cost, $950.   Other research and resources can be found through the Partners in Quitting Program and KANQUIT!”

“Based on last week’s Workwell KS Workshop on Tobacco Cessation, held at the Empress Event Center, we will see two more worksites implementing tobacco-free policies in addition to Peerless and FSCC.  Please let me know if you are interested in making this policy change and we can send you a template and work with you through the process.”

Graphic provided by Hoener.

The following is a press release from Hoener.

In 2018, The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT) conducted a survey to examine the perceptions of Bourbon County community members about the issues of healthy eating, active living, and tobacco cessation.

The survey was a part of the Pathways to a Healthy Kansas grant that was received by the HBCAT in coordination with Mercy Hospital and the City of Fort Scott.

Pathways is a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas initiative.

HBCAT thanks the 244 community members who took the time to complete the survey. Here are a few key findings from the survey results.

Tobacco Free Policies: Most survey respondents support tobacco-free policies in local parks, school grounds, and worksites.

Action being taken: Research shows the two most important factors to tobacco cessation is medication and counseling. The HBCAT will work with worksites, local healthcare, schools, and community policy to encourage evidence-based solutions and promote healthy environments.

Finding #2: Almost 80 percent of respondents didn’t think that our community had adequate street lighting for walking at night.

Action being taken: Through our schools, worksites, and community policy pathways we are working to improve access to outdoor recreation. Formal assessments have been completed, and planning is in place to apply for funding to implement strategies at several locations throughout the community to encourage safe non-motorized transportation and physical activity.

Finding #3: Almost 80 percent of respondents are familiar with the U.S. recommendations for adult fruit and vegetable consumption but less than half of them reported meeting those guidelines.

Action being taken: The HBCAT spearheaded the inception of the Bourbon County Food Alliance and that alliance is instrumental in our work, “The Bourbon County Food Alliance is focusing on supporting the Farmers Market and looking for opportunities to increase patrons and vendors,” Robert Uhler, City of Fort Scott Community Development Director.

For more information about the survey or the Pathways initiative, contact: Jody Hoener, (620)215-5725 or at [email protected] Find us on Facebook or Twitter at @Healthybbco 0

Government, Kansas

Energy Conference Oct. 3-4

Leave a comment

2019 Kansas Renewable Energy Conference will Take Place this October

 

Topeka, Kan. – The 2019 Kansas Renewable Energy Conference is looking for speakers.

The conference is an annual event featuring the latest trends and developments in the renewable energy industry sector within Kansas and across the U.S. This is an opportunity for innovative speakers to educate about changing trends and new advancements in their industry. Attendees will include industry experts, wind and solar developers, manufacturers, utilities, community leaders, and related business representatives.

 

Topics of Interest:

•             Wind

•             Community/public sector initiatives

•             Solar

•             Transportation

•             Biofuels

•             Energy Storage

•             Energy Efficiency

•             Green Energy

•             Economic Impact

•             Transmission

 

The event will take place at the Hilton Garden Inn, Manhattan on October 3-4.

Those wishing to be speakers must submit their topic of choice by March 1, 2019.

 

Questions should be directed to:

 

Jeanna Lee

[email protected]

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet Feb. 5

Leave a comment
Join us for the
Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet
Tuesday, February 5th, 2019
8:30 to 9:30am
Hosted by:
Boiler Room Brewhaus
Bryan & Barbara Ritter
10 S. National Ave.
Click here for their Facebook page.
Click here for their website.
‌
The Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greets are hosted by the Chamber for downtown business owners, representatives and any community members to attend to network and share ideas on events, promotions and anything related to downtown!
All are welcome!
Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda Feb. 5

Leave a comment

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

 

Date: February 5th, 2019

 

1st District-Lynne Oharah                                                                Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer                                                                                   Corrected: _______________                                                                                                 

3rd District-Nick Ruhl                                                                                  Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

 

 

               9:00 Wellness Update

 

9:15-10:00-Jim Harris

 

 

               10:30-Employee Questionnaire

 

               11:00-12:00-Justin Meeks

 

 

               12:00-1:30-Commissioners gone to lunch.

Entertainment, Fort Scott

Dances With Our Stars Benefits The Community

Leave a comment

The 9th Annual Dancing With Our Stars is at 7 p.m. on Feb. 9 at the Ellis Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton.

Proceeds from the annual Dancing With Our Stars will this year benefit Bourbon County 4-H, Communities in Schools, Lee’s Paws and Claws, the Fort Scott High School Pantry and Closet, Friends of the Fort, Fort Scott High School Thespians and Care to Share.

The theme this year is Totally 80s.

Proceeds from the ticket sales fund the charities. VIP Tickets are $15, regular tickets are $10. Tickets can be purchased at the Chamber of Commerce office,  231 E. Wall.

The entertainment is dancing, of course. and members of the audience vote during intermission on teams comprised of Southwind Extension District members, Fort Scott High School students, Fort Scott Police Department members, Smallville Crossfit members, and volunteers from Fort Scott National Historic Site.

There will be other performers who are not a part of the competition: Abby Albright and Jackson Muckala and Kenna Miles.

Gary Palmer and Hunter Adamson will be the emcees of the event.

The event is sponsored by the Rotary Club.

Members of the DWOS Committee are Betty Boyko, Janet Braun, Kathy Dancer, Rhonda Dunn, Lynnette Emmerson, Lindsay Madison, Shirley Palmer and Melissa Wise.

Jobs, Kansas

2019 KANSASWORKS Statewide Job Fair March 7

Leave a comment

Topeka, Kan. – The Kansas Department of Commerce, in partnership with KANSASWORKS, will host the KANSASWORKS Statewide Job Fair on March 7, 2019. The annual job fair will provide employers, veterans, and job seekers with the unique opportunity to connect face-to-face.

“Wherever I go in our state, I hear from businesses seeking the employees they need to grow and from workers seeking new job opportunities to help them advance their careers,” said Acting Secretary of the Kansas Department of Commerce David Toland. “The Statewide Job Fair is part of the solution to these challenges, providing a great opportunity to bring together talented Kansas workers and growing Kansas companies.”

The Statewide Job Fair is also an opportunity for veterans of any status and their families to meet with a variety of employers in various industries and fields. Veterans at any stage in their career search are invited, including active duty, reservists, or National Guard.

“The Kansas workforce is made up of talented, highly-skilled individuals with a passion and drive that brings an inherent value to everything they do,” said Mike Beene, Kansas Department of Commerce Director of Employment Services. “Our workers make up the fabric of this state, holding it together through their commitments to hard work and excellence.”

The job fair will be open to all job seekers from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the following locations across the state:

o   Colby: Colby Community College, Multi-Purpose Room, 1255 South Range

o   El Dorado: Train Depot, 430 N. Main Street

o   Kansas City: Wyandotte County Workforce Center, 626 Minnesota Avenue

o   Independence: Memorial Hall Civic Center, 410 N. Pennsylvania Avenue

o   Lawrence: Peaslee Technical Center, 2920 Haskell Avenue, #100

o   Leavenworth: Leavenworth County Workforce Center, 515 Limit Street, Suite 200

o   Manhattan: Holiday Inn Across from the Campus, 1641 Anderson Avenue

o   Overland Park: Johnson County Public Library, Central Resource Library, 9875 West 87th Street

o   Salina: The Kansas Army National Guard Training Center, Building 365, 2929 Scanlan Avenue

o   Topeka: West Ridge Mall, Lower Center Court, 1801 SW Wanamaker Road

o   Wichita: Wichita Workforce Center, 2021 North Amidon Avenue

 

Registration for the Statewide Job Fair can be done via the following links:

Colby, Independence, Kansas City, Lawrence, Leavenworth, Overland Park, Salina, Topeka: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/kansasworks-18343559329

El Dorado, Manhattan, and Wichita have reached full capacity. 

For more information, job seekers and employers may visit any Workforce Center or call (877) 509-6757.

 

 

Ryan Brinker

Public Information Officer

[email protected]

 

Kansas Department of Commerce

1000 SW Jackson St. Ste. 100

Topeka, KS 66612-1354

Phone: 785-296-4931

Cell: 785-276-9723

 

Obituary

Obituary of Robert Jack Eshelbrenner

Leave a comment

Robert Jack Eshelbrenner, age 71, died on January 9, 2019.

Bob was born November 1, 1947 in Fort Scott, Kansas, the son of Jack and Sara Handly Eshelbrenner.  He was a 1965 graduate of Fort Scott High School.  Bob graduated from Pittsburg State University with a degree in business.

He worked in the insurance industry specializing in information technology, retiring as CIO from Hastings Mutual in Michigan.

Bob also served in the United States Army in both active and reserve duty for 27 years.  He retired with the rank of Colonel after serving in Operation Desert Storm.

He is survived by his wife Nancy (Wogan) Eshelbrenner of Fishers, IN; two daughters, Erin Green of Fishers; Kate Sowder and husband Jason of St. Louis, MO; and three grandchildren, Ellie and Jackson Green of Fishers, IN. and Nate Sowder of St. Louis, MO.  Also surviving are three sisters, Sally Steckler and husband, Mike, of Prairie Village, Kansas, Lyn Hixon and husband, Mitch, of Brentwood, Tennessee, and Jara Martin and husband David, Fort Scott.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Following cremation, Rev. Dusty Drake will conduct a memorial service at 10:00 A.M. Friday, February 8, 2019 at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial with military honors will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery. The Family will receive friends from 5:00 -7:00 P.M. Thursday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rock Steady Boxing, 7440 N Shadeland Ave., Suite 202,  Indianapolis, IN 45250 or www.rocksteadyboxing.org.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guest book at cheneywitt.com