Monthly Archives: February 2021

Government, Kansas

Virtual Job Fair Feb. 23-25

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces KANSASWORKS Virtual Job Fair Begins Today

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced the next KANSASWORKS Statewide Virtual Job Fair will begin today, Feb. 23. The fair will continue through Thursday, Feb. 25.

The virtual fair will allow job seekers to easily live chat with employers from across the state through computers and mobile devices.

Click here to register for the Virtual Job Fair.

“The Virtual Job Fair is a safe and efficient way to help Kansans find work,” Governor Kelly said. “The team at KANSASWORKS has created a reliable system to connect Kansans with jobs that work for them, while assisting my administration’s efforts to keep Kansans safe, keep businesses open, and get kids back to school as quickly as possible.”

The Department of Commerce, in partnership with Local Workforce Development Boards, moved its statewide job fairs online in 2020 to eliminate public health risks associated with mass gatherings, and to continue providing job opportunities and maintaining a ready workforce for Kansas businesses.

Registration is now required for each virtual event. If job seekers have previously attended a Virtual Job Fair, they are required to re-register for this event with the link provided above.

“So many people have benefitted from the Virtual Statewide Job Fair system, and we will continue to provide this valuable workforce service to Kansans,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “Until it’s safe to hold in-person job fairs, this virtual system is the best possible way to protect everyone’s health while helping Kansans find meaningful careers and helping businesses fill vital positions. If you need a job or are looking to find the next important contributor to your team, this is the best way to get it done in Kansas.”

As concerns for Kansans’ health and safety remain high due to COVID-19, the Department of Commerce will maintain the Virtual Job Fair system for the foreseeable future. The next virtual fair is scheduled for March 23 through 25.

Job seekers can now upload their most recent resume to their Virtual Job Fair account. If you require assistance, please contact your local workforce center at (877) 509-6757 to schedule an appointment.

About KANSASWORKS

KANSASWORKS is a web-based job-matching and labor market information system. KANSASWORKS provides job seekers, employers, and training providers with easy-to-use tools that support a wide range of activities. As a service of the public workforce system, KANSASWORKS is completely free for all Kansans to use. Learn more at kansasworks.com.

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.

Obituary

Obituary of Thomas Gage II

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Thomas Edward Gage II, age 53, a resident of Granby, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly early Sunday, February 21, 2021, at his home.  He was born January 1, 1968, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, the son of Thomas E. Gage and Hope E. Hall Gage.

Tom graduated from the Ft. Scott High School with then Class of 1987.  He attended Ft. Scott Community College on a livestock judging scholarship.  Tom married Donna Hawkins on March 10, 1990, at Mapleton, Kansas.

In earlier years, Tom worked at Extrusions in Ft. Scott

.  Tom and Donna lived in Louisiana for a time before locating to southwest Missouri.

For the last seventeen years, he has been employed by Cardinal Scales in Webb City.

Tom was devoted to his family and was considered by many as a great best friend.

He enjoyed keeping busy and was always willing to help a friend in need.  He enjoyed deer and coon hunting as well as fishing for spoonbill.

He was also an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan and a past member of the Eldora Masonic Lodge of Mapleton, Kansas.

 

Survivors include his wife, Donna, of the home and his son, Thomas E. Gage III, of Pittsburg, Kansas.  Also surviving are his mother and step-father, Hope and John Rodabaugh, of Pittsburg, Kansas; two brothers, Troy Gage (Barbara), of Columbus, Kansas and Jason Gage (Melissa), of Louisburg, Kansas; four nephews, two nieces and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas E. Gage, his in-laws, Donald and Madge Hawkins and his grandparents.

 

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, February 27th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Centerville Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M Friday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

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.

Fort Scott, Government

FS Planning Commission Meets March 1

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The Fort Scott Planning Commission will meet on Monday, March 1st, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. This meeting will be held to consider a Conditional Use Permit for the property located south of the K.D.O.T. property south of Fort Scott to operate a slaughterhouse.

This meeting is open to the public. This meeting will be made available via the City’s you tube channel at City of Fort Scott.

Fort Scott, Schools

FSHS Thespians Host 3rd Annual Royal-Tea Party and Revue

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The Fort Scott High School Thespians host their 3rd Annual Royal Tea Party and a special Royal Revue on March 6 at the FSHS Auditorium. The show was postponed to this date due to weather conditions.

Join your favorite princesses and princes, queens and kings as they sing, dance, and perform for you. Take photos with your favorite characters and take home special crafts and treats as momentos.

 

The Revue includes performances by junior Jenna Stockstill; sophomores Israel Carreno, Jordyn McGhee, and Karen Primeaux; and freshmen Rex Wells, Silvia Moreno, and Cadence Tuck.

Performances begin at 5 and 7:30 p.m. with an immersive theatre experience to follow where audience members can interact with nearly 20 other characters and take home a goodie bag.

Tickets are $6 for children and $8 for adults. Tickets must be purchased online in advance at fortscotthighschooltheatre.ludus.com. Tickets may be available at the door, but are not guaranteed. Masks and social distancing are required. All children must stay with and be accompanied by an adult as they enjoy the festivities and attendees are encouraged to join us in dressing as royalty. Doors will open 15 minutes early.

 

The musical is directed by Theatre Director Angie Bin, Music Director Mary Jo Harper, Assistant Music Director Taylor Qualls, and Choreographer Delynn Abati.

 

For more information, please see the Fort Scott High School Thespians Facebook page or contact Bin at [email protected] or 620-719-9622.

 

# # #

 

Angie Bin, 620-719-9622, [email protected]

Government, Kansas

Kansas Business COVID-19 Recovery Effort Announced

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces New Effort to Support Kansas Businesses in COVID-19 Recovery

~Hospitality Industry Relief Emergency Fund has been converted from loans to grants~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that funding provided to Kansas’ hospitality industry through the Hospitality Industry Relief Emergency (HIRE) Fund has been converted from bridge loans to grants.

Originally established as a working capital loan program through NetWork Kansas, these funds will no longer need to be paid back. Businesses that have made repayments will be reimbursed.

“There’s nothing more important my administration can do than give Kansas businesses the long-term, continued support they need to not only recover from the pandemic but prosper now and into the future,” Governor Kelly said. “In communities of all sizes, hospitality businesses provide a source of shared space and shared identity. This action allows the loan dollars we delivered at the beginning of the pandemic to no longer need to be paid back, helping businesses maintain operations as we work to recover from the challenges brought about by COVID-19.”

Governor Kelly joined Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland today at Jenny Dawn Cellars in Wichita for the announcement.

“Hospitality businesses like restaurants, bars, lodging facilities, conference centers and event spaces were among the businesses hit hardest by closures, cancellations and social distancing requirements,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary Toland said. “Working with our wonderful partners at NetWork Kansas, we moved quickly to roll out a working capital loan program that delivered millions of dollars to hundreds of hospitality businesses in communities statewide. Today, we’re announcing an important step forward in helping these businesses get back on their feet and recover from a very difficult situation.”

The HIRE Fund was established in March of 2020 to provide immediate relief to Kansas hospitality businesses faced with revenue losses due to COVID-19. In total, $5 million was delivered to 344 businesses in communities statewide.

“We were happy to play a small role in assisting Governor Kelly and the Department of Commerce during the HIRE fund process,” said Erik Pedersen, Vice President of Entrepreneurship for NetWork Kansas. “NetWork Kansas values and respects all of the hospitality-industry businesses, as well as all other Kansas businesses as they navigate these difficult times.”

All HIRE recipients will receive an email with details on the process and timeframes involved with this conversion. The Department of Commerce will notify the partners/organizations that are assisting with collections to stop collections and forward all funds to NetWork Kansas for reconciliation.

Businesses can expect the process of issuing repayment and other paperwork to be completed in the next 30 days.

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.

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Water Line Breakage Closes Dragoons Barracks at FSNHS

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Fort Scott Kan. – Fort Scott National Historic was impacted by the sub-zero temperatures last week when a fire suppression line valve and pipe failed and ruptured on Saturday, February 20, 2021 around 6:30pm in the Dragoons Barracks. The rupture caused flooding in the attic space, the exhibit area on the second floor, and the Laundress, Married Non-Commissioned Officer’s quarters, and the mechanical room on the first floor.

 

“The park is currently assessing the damages and undergoing a thorough inspection of the building, its fire suppression system, and electrical systems,” said Betty Boyko, Superintendent, Fort Scott National Historic Site. “We are also working closely with the regional Museum Curator and Harpers Ferry Center’s Museum Curation staff on how to best conserve and store affected museum objects and artifacts.” The Dragoons Barracks monitoring system has been restored but the building will remain closed through the assessment and rehabilitation process.

 

From November 1-March 31, Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, will be open for its winter hours of operation. The site exhibit areas and historic buildings are open daily from 8:30 am-4:30 pm. The park grounds are open daily from ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset. To find out more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.

 

Obituary

Obituary of Randy Ballweber

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Randy Scott Ballweber, age 62, a resident of Fort Scott, passed away Saturday, February 20, 2021 surrounded by his wife, mother, and children. He was born June 26, 1958 to Harold and Ruth (Stiers) Ballweber in Salem, Oregon.

Randy became a Christian in 1982 and was a member of the Church of Christ. His hobbies included being outdoors, gardening, concerts, and anything that involved his family. Randy loved playing pranks and making others laugh. He would go out of his way to help others. He was always the quietest in the room but had the biggest personality. On June 24, 1983, he married his soulmate, Veneita Eleanor Griffin in Fort Scott, Kansas. Together they had two daughters. In 2015, both daughters married, giving Randy the sons he always wanted. Danielle Dercher of Lenexa, Kansas, married to Robert Dercher. Jacquelyn Karleskint of Nevada, Missouri, married to Jonathan Karleskint. In 2019, Randy became a “Grandy” a nickname representing being a great and grand Randy to his grandson, Jalen Karleskint.

Randy is survived by: his wife, Veneita Ballweber and their two children, Danielle Dercher (Robert Dercher) and Jacquelyn Karleskint (Jonathan Karleskint); one grandchild, Jalen Karleskint; two fur grandpups, Henry Dercher and Barret Karleskint; His mother, Ruth Rice, sister Lesa Jones, (Marvin) and his brothers, Daryl Ballweber (Anna), Terry Ballweber (Joanne), Don Ballweber (Sandy), Eric Ballweber (Rose), and Gary Ballweber. In-laws that became brothers and sisters: Melissa Hulbert (Warren), Joe Griffin (Deborah) Ron Griffin (Carey), Letitia Stockton (Gary), and Sandra Everhart (Paul). He leaves behind numerous loving relatives and friends.

Randy is proceeded in death by his father Harold Ballweber, stepfather James Falwell, and sister Linda Ballweber Holm.

Services will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, February 26th, at Memorial Hall. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 Thursday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Lewy Body Dementia Association 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.

Obituary

Obituary of Karin “Sue” Morrison

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Karin “Sue” Morrison, 67, of Redfield, passed away Friday February 19, 2021, at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg due to complications from COVID. She was born July 21, 1953, in Colony, Kansas, the daughter of Russell Don and Vinita Ruth (Potter) Robb. She married Leonard Dean “L.D.” Morrison June 31, 1972, in Xenia, Kansas, and he survives of the home.

Sue graduated from Blue Mound High School in 1971. Over the years, Sue worked for Key’s, The Western, FSCC Truck Driving School. She retired from Valu Merchandisers in December of 2018 after eleven years with the company. Sue was a member of Marmaton Community Church in Redfield. She enjoyed spending time with her family, her cats and her chickens, and she loved to garden.

In addition to her husband L.D., Sue is also survived by her two sons, Clint Morrison of New Orleans, Louisiana, and Jeff Morrison, of the home; two sisters, Dona Spencer and husband Harry of Fort Scott, and Kathy Budd and husband Albert of Richards, Missouri; three step-grandchildren, Lance, Michael, and Donovan; two nieces, Amber Cain and Holly Fritter; and five nephews, Albert, Russell, and David Budd, and Jess and Andrew Spencer. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Following cremation, the family will hold private services at a later date. Services are under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Fort Scott, Schools

USD234 School Bus Involved In An Accident on Feb. 22

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Submitted photos by Clayton Whitson at the scene.

 

On Monday afternoon, Feb. 22, a USD 234 School Bus was attempting to cross  12th Street at the HWY. 69 bypass with a  destination of the Fort Scott Middle School, according to a USD 234 Facebook post by Superintendent Ted Hessong.

 

A semi-trailer hit the front of the bus, he said

 

“Everyone on the bus is fine physically,”Hessong said on the Facebook post.  “The bus driver was obviously shaken up, and the students, around 20 of them appeared fine.”

 

“A few USD 234 staff were on the scene to help with the students and I want to thank them for helping to manage the students and parents, they did an excellent job,” he said.  “We were able to send most of the students with their parents once the highway patrol released the students from the scene. We did need to transport a few students on a substitute bus.”

 

“We are thankful no one was seriously injured and I appreciate everyone who helped to manage the situation for the safety of our students and driver.”

 

Fort Scott Police Chief Travis Shelton said the Kansas Highway Patrol worked the accident.

 

 

Bourbon County, Business

Local Photographer Featured in FARMtographer Magazine

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Erica George. Submitted photo.

A local photographer, new to the business is featured in a farm magazine.

 Erika George, 25, owns her own business,
Erika George Photography, which she started in 2017.
“I have always loved photography and enjoyed taking lots of scenery photos when I was younger,” she said. “It wasn’t until I moved to Uniontown after college that I started photography as an actual business.”
“My sister-in-law, Lacey (George) Wray, had just started a photography business in Ottawa so I got to tag along and second shoot with her at weddings,” George said. “I started doing a few free sessions just for fun around the area, but then started having more and more people ask me for sessions.”
The interest turned serious and she changed careers.
“I was working at the Uniontown daycare as the preschool teacher and decided I wanted to do something a little different,” she said.
She started her business promotion with social media.
“I created a Facebook page for my business to post previews for the sessions I had been doing and it started growing from there,” she said. “It has grown more and more every year as I gain new clients and broaden my education of photography. This past year has definitely been my busiest year and I foresee it getting busier this next year.”
“I love to create the session that you have envisioned in your mind, no matter the location,” George said .”I love to travel and find new locations for sessions too.”
” While I do love outdoor photoshoots, I did just start renting a studio space in downtown Fort Scott at 118 S.  Main Street, so that I can offer more options, especially during the winter months,” she said. “I offer most sessions that you can think of from weddings to newborns. I have many different packages for families, kids, seniors, newborns, engaged couples, and expecting parents! “
George rents the middle section of the building at 118 S. Main, behind the barbershop storefront that is coming this summer.
Her favorite photoshoots are Western-inspired, she said.
Featured In FARMtographer Magazine this month
She recently was honored with being featured in a photography magazine, FARMtographer Magazine.
“I saw the magazine advertising on Instagram for their upcoming categories, so I used their hashtag on one of my photos,” she said.
“I got a message saying my photo was going to be entered into a contest for the cover photo based on a Facebook contest.”
“There were 10 other photos in the contest and mine was chosen as the cover photo for the CHILDREN/KIDS issue,” she said. “You also had the chance to enter as the featured photographer by entering a story about the photo or photos you entered and a story about your editing style.”
George decided to do that for the chance to be featured as a magazine spread.
“I entered a few more photos along with the story,” she said. ” They don’t tell you until the issue is printed who the featured photographers are so I found out that I was the first featured photographer once I bought the magazine issue.”
“FARMtographer Magazine is an agriculture photographer’s magazine and some of the other photos featured in the issue were from Wyoming, Texas, Australia, Canada, and Utah,” she said.
The winning photo is of a five-year-old cowboy, Miles Pollack, helping bring in calves at G3 Ranch near Uniontown. G3  is a family-owned business.
Miles Pollack. Submitted photo. This photo was on the front cover of FARMtographer Magazine.
Miles is the son of Jared and Delta Pollack of Uniontown. Jared works for G3 Ranch.
Miles on his horse, Doc. Submitted photo.
“He was riding on his horse, Doc, alongside his dad and cousin, Cole George,” she said. Erica is married to Cole George who also works at G3 Ranch.
Miles Pollack. Submitted photo.

 

” My favorite type of images to capture are western-influenced, whether it be western fashion, western lifestyle, or the equipment and livestock that go along with farming and ranching,” George said. “I grew up in the western lifestyle so it has always been what is natural to me!”

To view the magazine cover page online:
Contact info: 620.381.4783 – [email protected] – Facebook page @EGphotography1650 or Instagram @erikageorgephotography
Ascension Via Christi, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee At Ascension Via Christ Emergency Department Feb. 25

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SAVE THE DATE FOR THE CHAMBER COFFEE ON FEBRUARY 25, 2021 HOSTED BY ASCENSION VIA CHRISTI ER DEPARTMENT.

Save the date for Chamber Coffee for February 25, 2021!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces that the Chamber Coffee will be hosted by Ascension Via Christi ER Department on Thursday, February 25th at 8:00 a.m. at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd. Ascension Via Christi ER Department will be celebrating their Two-Year Anniversary in Fort Scott with a Drive-Thru hosting and serving coffee, donuts and a Free Mug for the Chamber Members and guest.

The Fort Scott Chamber President, Lindsay Madison will able to livestream video via Facebook while meeting and greeting the staff of the ER department. Other Chamber Members are welcomed to be part of the meet & great as well.

All attendees are strongly encouraged to wear masks and masks will be available for those without one and practice social distancing.

The Chamber is now booking Coffees for 2021 calendar year. Any member business or organization wanting to host may contact the Chamber to reserve a date at 620-223-3566 or email [email protected].

Chamber members and guests are invited to Chamber Coffee events each Thursday at 8 a.m. to network, make announcements, hear about happenings in the community as well as learn about the host business or organization.

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