Monthly Archives: June 2020

Government, Kansas

Use of right of way limited to highway purposes

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The Kansas Department of Transportation wants to remind the public that according to state law, all rights of way on state highways are to be used exclusively for highway purposes. KDOT has jurisdiction over all interstate, Kansas and U.S. routes on the state’s 9,500-mile system.

 

The violation that occurs frequently is the placement of various signs that are removed and taken to local KDOT offices. However, it is also unlawful for any persons to display on highway right of way outside the city limits any goods, wares or merchandise for sale.

 

One exception to this is the sale of farm or garden products, but these sales must be made exclusively at the entrance to the farm or garden where they were produced as long as the sales are conducted a safe distance from the traveled way.

 

Any other location of these sales violates state law and will be removed by KDOT and/or law enforcement.

Bourbon County, COVID-19, Government, Health Care

Bourbon County Has New COVID 19 Cases

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SEK Multi-County Health Departments

Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, and Woodson Counties

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

June 22, 2020

Allen County

Current Positive Cases 0
Current Recovered Cases 2
Total Positives Since Testing 2
Deaths 0

Anderson County

Current Positive Cases 2
Current Recovered Cases 1
Total Positives Since Testing 3
Deaths 0

Bourbon County

Current Positive Cases 2
Presumptive Cases 1-listed on KDHE website, tested negative
Current Recovered Cases 10-includes presumptive case
Total Positives Since Testing 11
Deaths 1

Woodson County

Current Positive Cases 0
Current Recovered Cases 6
Total Positives Since Testing 6
Deaths 0

Recovered cases are based on dates of onset of symptoms, not on day testing results are received.

Bourbon County

Need A Fan?

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Allen Schellack unboxes a fan at the ministry storage room.

People who have a need for a fan in this hot, humid weather can call Allen Schellack at Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries Center, 620-223-2212.

Schellack has a large stack of 20-inch box fans to give away through a grant from Evergy Inc., a local utility, to the Salvation Army. Schellack is the Bourbon County Service Extension Coordinator for the Salvation Army.

Elderly and disabled people without access to air conditioning or other means of staying cool during hot and humid weather can receive fans by appointment by calling Schellack.

“We need proof of a Bourbon County address,” Schellack said. “And some form of identification.”

To help the most people, each household is eligible for one fan.

Applications will be accepted until all fans are distributed.

This is the Salvation Army’s fourth year to give out fans in Bourbon County,  Shellack said.

Schellack is also the Compassionate Care Pastor for the Fort Scott Nazarene Church, Director of Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries and Outreach Center,  Bourbon County Coordinator for CarePortal and treasurer of the Fort Scott Ministerial Alliance, in addition to his services with the Salvation Army.

His office is located at 26 N. Main, on the second floor of the Senior Citizens Center.

Obituary

Obituary of Gerald Davis

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Gerald Joseph Davis, age 82, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Friday, June 19, 2020, at his home.

He was born November 21, 1937, in Farmington, MN, the son of Lawrence Edward and Rose Louise Tutewohl Davis.

He served in the U. S. Airforce and Airforce Reserve.

He married Mary Kathleen Matney on June 17, 1961, in Albuquerque, NM.

His main hobby was his family, it was the most important thing to him. He taught his kids horseback riding, water skiing, fishing, construction, and cooking. His adage was work hard and play harder.

After sending all the kids to college, his greatest accomplishment, he obtained his GED in 1994. Education was a top priority for him.

He was a very generous man, compassionate, giving, and a loving father. He was always willing to help and put others needs before his own. He helped many in the community and supported those in need.

Gerald never let his family down, made sure all were at church every Sunday and expected them to have high moral values. His optimistic and constantly positive attitude will be greatly missed. He leaves behind a great legacy.

He was a member of V.F.W. Post #1165, Knights of Columbus, Local Watershed District #2, and Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church. He was a big supporter of Tri-Valley and a recipient of the Presidents Volunteer Service Award.

Survivors include his wife Mary of the home: two sons, Mark James Davis and wife Connie, Gravette, AR, and William Edward Davis, Wichita, KS; two daughters, Elizabeth Ann Swezey and husband Ronald, Franklin, KS, and Teresa Kathleen Davenport and husband Jerry, Farlington, KS; two brothers, Lawrence Louis Davis and wife Barb, and LaVerne Michael Davis and wife Alice; eight grandchildren, Jenni Edge and husband Brandon, Mulberry, KS, Amanda Davis, Gravette, AR, Jacob Davis and wife LeAnn, Rogers, AR, Jeremy Swezey and fiancé Alex, Overland Park, KS, Mary Swezey and fiancé Brian, Arma, KS, Brianne Sheridan and husband Joe, Pittsburg, KS, Dehn Davenport, Ft. Scott, KS, and Davis Davenport, Farlington, KS; five great-granddaughters, Sarah Burns, Annalyn Davenport, Olivia Davis, Maci Jo Edge, and Rose Swezey; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Gerald was preceded in death by a son, Michael Joseph Davis; two brothers, Richard and Ronnie Davis; a sister, Bernadine Peterson; a sister-in-law Janice Davis; and his parents.

The mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 AM Wednesday, June 24th, at Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church.

Private family burial will take place later in the U. S. National Cemetery.

The Rosary will be prayed at 5:30 PM Tuesday, June 23rd at the church, with visitation following from 6:00 until 8:00 PM.

Memorials are suggested to either the Michael J. Davis Memorial at Tri-Valley or Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Bourbon County

Free Fans for Elderly, Disabled, Those With No Fan or Airconditioning

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Elderly and disabled people without access to air conditioning or other means of staying cool during hot and humid weather can receive fans by appointment at the local Salvation Army Extension Unit at Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries Center/Bourbon County Senior Center, 26 N Main.

The fans are intended for elderly, disabled, and those who do not have a fan or air conditioning in their home and cannot afford to purchase one. To help the most people, each household is eligible for one fan. Applicants will need to provide ID and proof of address. Applications will be accepted until all fans are distributed.

Westar’s local gift of fans is part of a large contribution distributed throughout the communities it serves.

For further information, contact Allen Schellack at Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries, 620-223-2212.

Fans help relieve sweltering summer heat, but some days finding an air-conditioned space is the safest option. Stay aware of these heat safety tips and signs of heat illness.

HEAT SAFETY

  • Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles.
  • Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.
  • Take frequent breaks if working outdoors.
  • Use a buddy system when working in excessive heat.
  • Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.
  • Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Ensure they have water and a shady place to rest.
  • Eat small meals and eat more often.
  • Avoid extreme temperature changes.
  • Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing.

HEAT CAN BE DANGEROUS

Excessive heat can lead to sunburn, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Avoid problems by drinking plenty of fluids and limiting drinks with caffeine or alcohol.

If someone is experiencing heat cramps in the legs or abdomen, get them to a cooler place, have them rest, lightly stretch the affected muscle and replenish their fluids with a half a glass (about 4 ounces) of cool water every 15 minutes.

If a person is exhibiting signs of heat exhaustion (cool, moist, pale or flushed skin, heavy sweating, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness exhaustion), move them to a cooler place, remove or loosen tight clothing and spray the person with water or apply cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin. Fan the person. If they are conscious, give small amounts of cool water to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Watch for changes in condition. If the person refuses water, vomits or begins to lose consciousness, call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.

HEAT STROKE IS LIFE-THREATENING

Signs include hot, red skin which may be dry or moist; changes in consciousness; vomiting; and high body temperature. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately if some shows signs of heat stroke. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the person’s body by immersing them up to their neck in cold water if possible. Otherwise, douse or spray the person with cold water, or cover the person with cold, wet towels or bags of ice.

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About Westar Energy

As Kansas’ largest electric utility, Westar Energy, Inc. (NYSE:WR) provides customers the safe, reliable electricity needed to power their businesses and homes. We have 7,800 MW of electric generation capacity that includes renewables and traditional power sources with half the electricity supplied to our more than 700,000 customers from emissions free sources: nuclear, wind and solar, with a third coming from renewables. We are a leader in electric transmission in Kansas coordinating a network of lines and substations that supports one of the largest consolidations of wind energy in the nation. Our employees live, volunteer and work in the communities we serve.  For more information about Westar Energy, visit us on the Internet at http://www.WestarEnergy.com. Westar Energy is on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/westarenergy and Twitter: www.Twitter.com/WestarEnergy. Westar Energy media line 888-613-0003.

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army of Kansas and Western Missouri is and evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in 1865, supporting those in need in His name without discrimination. The organization provides assistance through a board array of social services ranging from food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. For more information about the Kansas and Western Missouri Division of The Salvation Army, visit www.salarmymokan.org.

Opinion

The Photograph by Pastor James Collins

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“A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.” Psalm 68:5

While cleaning up the other day, I discovered a box of photos. Among the photos, I found one of me at seventeen taken at my high school prom. Certainly, I was the definition of “cool,” wearing my gray tuxedo and tennis shoes; sporting a mullet that would have made Billy Ray Cyrus jealous. It is not unusual to find an old photograph, but this one stood out. It was old, faded, and crumpled. I looked on the back where “Love James,” was written. This photo had once belonged to Luke.

My father left the night I was conceived. When I was born, “Unknown” was typed on my birth certificate where my father’s name should have been. My grandfather stepped in and helped to raise me. But after my grandmother died, some government bureaucrat decided that my grandfather was incapable of raising me on his own. So, I went into the foster care system.

Someone once said, “You don’t miss something you never had.” That’s a lie. An unloved child will spend his or her life trying to fill that ache inside with the wrong things. The rise in poverty, crime, dropouts, teen pregnancy, addictions, and suicide can be traced in a large part to fatherless kids. I desperately missed having a father until Luke came into my life.

Luke was one of my high school teachers. Luke and his wife, Joan, had no children of their own. They took me in, and Luke became like a father to me.

I went to college, enlisted in the army, and eventually married and started a family. Because of the busyness of life, I didn’t call or visit Luke very often. When I finally got around to making time for him, he was already dying from cancer. During one of our last visits, I noticed his wallet was open on a table beside his hospital bed. My crumpled photograph was visible above his driver’s license. Luke had carried it for over twenty-five years.

As I looked at the photograph, I felt love for the man, who, without my knowledge, spent years loving me. I imagine him showing the picture to his friends and saying, “This is my son. He’s in the army.” Or “This is my son. He just finished his doctorate.” Or “This is my son. I am so proud of the man that he has become.” Luke loved me even when I was too busy to love him.

Webster’s dictionary states that a “father” is “a man who has begotten a child.” In other words, he is the sperm donor – Mr. “Unknown” on my birth certificate. Webster’s also defines “to father” as “to accept responsibility for.” Thank God, for men like Luke, who accept responsibility for children, and love the fatherless.

The point is: Any man can father a child, but it takes a real man to be a dad. If you had a dad who loved you, take the time to let him know how much you love him. It would mean more than a necktie this Father’s Day.

If you never had a dad, remember that God is a Father to the fatherless. Luke’s crumpled photo reminded me of another Father’s love. A Father, who is always there. A Father, who is watching your life as it unfolds on this planet. A Father, who loves you.

Give your life to Him and celebrate “Father’s Day” every day, forevermore.

James Collins is a pastor, writer, and columnist. Follow him on Twitter @collins_point, Facebook James Collins “The Point Is,” or at the website thepointis.net.

Business, Fort Scott

Mo’s Swap Meet Starts June 27

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THE CHAMBER WOULD LIKE TO INTRODUCE NEW MEMBER
Mo’s Swap Meet
Monalynn Decker
Meet Monalynn Decker!
New to Fort Scott ~ and, starting a new venture!
Mo’s Swap Meet will take place each Saturday,
June 27th thru September 19th
7am-4pm
223 S. Margrave St. in the parking lot of The Venue
NOW ACCEPTING VENDORS!
See application below.
Completed forms may be returned to the Chamber or emailed to Monalynn at [email protected].
Call her with any questions @ 417-689-9289.
Click here to like the Mo’s Swap Meet Facebook page!
Featuring liquidation sale items baby goods to adult, home goods, outdoor items, and TONS of miscellaneous!
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Bourbon County, K-State Extension

The Children Are Gone. What’s Next?

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Barbara Stockebrand. K-State Extension Agent.

 

It’s that time of year when there is a lot of bird activity. They have built their nests and most are filling the air with their individual songs. If you come across an empty bird’s nest, would it be an encouraging sight, or one that would strike you as sad and lonely?

The empty nest stage is the time in parents’ lives when their last child has left the home. Some think “empty nest” is a negative term. Others believe that parenting does not end when their children have spread their wings and other opportunities have become available.

Whatever the thought, parenthood enters another phase that requires relationships to change when the children leave. Eventually, the relationship between parent and child is shared between two competent adults. One of those adults is still the parent, and the other is the grown child.

The role of a parent raising children is one of the most fulfilling anyone can ever have. There can be a big void once that role is lost. Replacing that void with volunteer activities can be helpful in the transition into the empty nest stage of life.

Children often provide a diversion that prevents parents from looking at the problems in their marriage. When the nest empties, the marriage remains, but the diversion does not. Buried issues can resurface. However, marital satisfaction often increases after the children leave. Sometimes couples need to take another look at their goals as they enter the second half of their marriage. It can provide an opportunity to become stronger or to drift apart.

If couples feel they are having a hard time re-connecting, some questions to consider may help locate the issues.

  • How well do we know and understand each other? We have probably changed over time. Do we know each other’s likes, dislikes, dreams and goals?
  • How do we show our fondness and admiration for each other?
  • Do we share everyday thoughts and happenings?
  • Do we accept influence from each other?
  • How do we solve our problems?
  • How do we deal with issues in which we may never agree?
  • How do we have fun together?

Other changes that may take place as the nest is emptied include career changes, caregiving shifts, plus our bodies are changing. Some career ambitions may have been put on hold during the childrearing years. One of the parents may want to focus on future career ambitions, while another parent may be winding down their career. Sharing those ambitions and desires with each other is a good place to allocate some focus.

Parents that look forward to their children leaving home as a time when they can do some things for themselves may also find that as their children are leaving, their own older parents begin to require more attention and care. A time of resting from being responsible for dependents may not come the way they had hoped it would.

Health issues begin to become a concern in the aging process. The empty nest stage sometimes coincides with these health changes. It’s important to follow up with regular doctor appointments and to stay on top of potential issues in order to do well in all areas of our lives as we age.

Our relationships with our children are still important, but will need to change. If there are problems in a relationship before the children left, they are likely to remain until worked through. Accepting children as adults can be difficult for many parents. However, these relationships will remain forever, so it is important to nurture them through the changes both the parents and the children may be experiencing.

We often forget that when we are going through an adjustment, we are experiencing a normal transition in life. We need to remind ourselves that some difficulty adjusting to our children leaving home is expected. As nature reminds us, something as simple as an empty bird’s nest carries a great deal of possibility.

For more on life’s transitions, contact the Yates Center office of the Southwind Extension District at 620-625-8620.

Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening In Fort Scott by the Chamber of Commerce

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What’s Happening
June 19, 2020
UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS – JUNE 2020
EVENTS THIS WEEKEND
MOST RESTAURANTS ARE NOW OPEN FOR
DINE-IN AND OFFERING CURB-SIDE & DELIVERY!
19-20- Care to Share Fundraiser Garage Sale. 1123 Burke St.
19-20 Fort Scott Cinema showing: The Goonies, The Notebook & Jurassic Park!
19- Friday Night Concert @ 7 pm @ Common Grounds Coffee Shop featuring Rick Hite.
19 – The Boiler Room Brewhaus – Karaoke Night
20 – Fort Scott Cinema – DARK KNIGHT MARATHON – Rated PG-13 (SATURDAY ONLY)
Batman Begins 2:20 pm
The Dark Knight 5:10 pm
The Dark Knight Rises 8:10 pm
~ $5 per Movie, Papa Don’s Pizza by the slice sold between shows with 30-minute intermissions. You may attend all or one.
20 – Fort Scott Farmers’ Market on Skubitz Plaza in front of the Fort, 8am to noon.
20 – The Lavender Patch Farm Festival ~ 9 am -1pm. Blooming lavender, U-Pick, gift shop, demonstrations, music!
20 – Main Street Gallery & Gifts – 1st Annual Junk & Disorderly. 30+ door prizes & 30+ vendors.
~ Six-Two-Oh! ~ Red Hanger Resale
21 – Boiler Room Brewhaus brings back Trivia night for teams of 2 to 6 people, $5 entry per team, 5-7pm
SAVE THE DATE!
22 ~ The Fort Scott Aquatic Center opening day! Summer fun of swimming!
26 & 27 – KOMB 103.9 – Home, Sport, Farm & Garden Show! 26th 5-8 pm & 27th 8 am -1 pm
27 ~ The Lavender Patch Farm~ Day & Evening Lavender Time.
27 ~ Mo’s Swap Meet– 1st opening day! Every Saturday from 7 am – 4 pm (3rd & Margrave St)
“JULY 24TH – Chamber Golf Classic” – Taking registrations now, limited teams of 4.
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue
Care to Share fundraiser
Friday Night Concert
The Lavender Patch
Main Street Gallery & Gifts
The Boiler Room Brewhaus
Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber? Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.
THANK YOU TO OUR BOOSTER MEMBERS!
Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee Dates Available

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Would you like to schedule a Chamber for your Business?
The Chamber has the tools to help you host your Business Chamber coffee be a successful one!
Available Dates!
All Chamber Coffee’s are usually are at 8 am until 8:45 every Thursday.
July 2nd
July 30th
August 6th
August 20th
August 27th
September 17th
September 24th
October 15th
October 29th
November 19th
December 10th
Obituary

Obituary of Albert Eshelbrenner Sr.

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Albert Horace Eshelbrenner, Sr., age 100, resident of Frontenac, KS, died Thursday, June 18, 2020, at Medicalodge of Frontenac.

He was born December 8, 1919, in Ft. Scott, KS, the son of Carl W. Eshelbrenner, Sr. and Sophia Leitz Eshelbrenner. He graduated from Fort Scott high school with the class of 1939.

He served in the U. S. Army Air Force during WWII.

He married Mildred A. Pirnat on February 13, 1946, in Ft. Scott.

She preceded him in death on November 12, 1999.

Albert worked from 1946 until 1970 in the family business at Ft. Scott Packing House then for Mercy Hospital until his retirement.

He was a past Grand Knight and lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus 3rd degree and Commodore Barry General as 4th degree Knights of Columbus.

He was a lifetime member of the Olson Frary Burkhart Post #1165 V.F.W. and served on the honor guard. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge and UTC.

Survivors include two sons, Albert H. Eshelbrenner, Jr. and wife Linda, and Richard J. Eshelbrenner; two daughters, Barbara Hagood and husband John, and Rosemary Ballweber and husband Eric; a brother, Robert B. Eshelbrenner and wife Barbara; a sister, Helen Harper; 12 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren and one on the way; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Carl, Jack, and Bill Eshelbrenner; four sisters, Betty Scott, Esther Hopkins, Joan Mills, and Mary Sue O’Keefe; a daughter-in-law, Carol Eshelbrenner; a grandson, David Ballweber; and his parents.

The mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 AM Tuesday, June 23rd, at the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, Ft. Scott.

Private family burial will take place later in the U. S. National Cemetery.

The Rosary will be prayed at 6:00 PM Monday at the Church with Knights of Columbus service following.

Memorials are suggested to either Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church or V.F.W. Post #1165 and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott

First Annual Junk and Disorderly Event This Saturday

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Some merchandise at the Main Street Gallery and Flea Market. Submitted photos.

This Saturday, June 20  beginning at  9 a.m. Main Street Gallery and Flea Market is hosting what they are calling the 1st Annual Junk and Disorderly event.

 

“We are starting a tradition of having an open house for the flea market every year because we want the vendors to know that they are a big part of the store,” Rechelle McClellan, one of the owners, said. ” We want them to know we appreciate them for trusting us to sell their wares. It is a celebration for them.”

 

Items for sale at Main Street Gallery and Flea Market. Submitted photos.

In addition, Rechelle with her husband, Josh, and mother-in-law Julie, want to showcase what the shop has to offer.

 

“We also want the public to know that we are a one-stop-shop,” Rechelle said. “If there is something you are looking for, chances are we have it at Main Street Gallery & Flea Market between new and vintage items.”

 

Items for sale at Main Street Gallery and Flea Market. Submitted photo.

 

Vendors, family and friends will be helping with the event, Rechelle said.

 

There will be complimentary coffee, juice and a Mimosa-an adult beverage made of orange juice and champagne.

 

 

There will also be door prizes.

 

Items for sale at Main Street Gallery and Flea Market. Submitted photos.

 

The business is located at 23 South Main in downtown historic Fort Scott.

Contact Rechelle McClellan at the store’s number (620)223-2210 for more information.