A Leadership Training Program Produced by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Institute for Organization Management, the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, is pleased to announce that Lindsay Madison, President & CEO, of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, has recently completed her third year at Institute for Organization Management, a four-year nonprofit leadership training program at Athens, Georgia.
Third Year Group at the Institute for Organization Management. Submitted photo.
“Institute graduates are recognized across the country as leaders in their industries and organizations,” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s vice president of Institute for Organization Management. “These individuals have the knowledge, skills, and dedication necessary to achieve professional and organizational success in the dynamic association and chamber industries.”
Since its commencement in 1921, the Institute program has been educating tens of thousands of association, chamber, and other nonprofit leaders on how to build stronger organizations, better serve their members and become strong business advocates. Institute’s curriculum consists of four weeklong sessions at four different university locations throughout the country. Through a combination of required courses and electives in areas such as leadership, advocacy, marketing, finance, and membership, Institute participants are able to enhance their own organizational management skills and add new fuel to their organizations, making them run more efficiently and effectively.
Institute for Organization Management is the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. It is the premier nonprofit professional development program for association and chamber professionals, fostering individual growth through interactive learning and networking opportunities.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation (USCCF) is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce dedicated to strengthening America’s long-term competitiveness. We educate the public on the conditions necessary for businesses and communities to thrive, how business positively impacts communities and emerging issues and creative solutions that will shape the future.
Mary Bell (Isabel) Tallman, 93, formerly of Fort Scott, passed away November 24, 2021, at her home in Scottsdale,
Arizona. She was born April 9, 1928, in St. Paul, Kansas. She married Harry “Charles” Tallman October 13, 1946, in Fort Scott, Kansas and he preceded her in death February 10, 1991.
She is survived by a daughter, Nancy Ann Burns of Scottsdale, Arizona, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, she was also preceded in death by her parents, and a daughter, Mary Kathleen Laven.
Rev. Ken Ansel will conduct graveside services at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, December 2, 2021, at the Evergreen Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.
Marita Lynne Bigelow, 79, of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away Tuesday morning November 30, 2021, at her home. She was born July 20, 1942, in Fort Scott, Kansas the daughter of Preston “Pete” Lafayette and Dorothy Lavella (Pottorff) Barr.
She married Galen C. Bigelow, Sr. on June 7, 1960, in Fort Scott, and he preceded her in death October 8, 2020.
Marita graduated from Fort Scott High School with the Class of 1960 and stayed in Fort Scott until 1970 when they moved to Dodge City, Kansas.
The family lived in Mt. Vernon, Missouri, from 1975 until 1978, moving back to Fort Scott, and then moved to Moran, Kansas in 1981. She and Galen owned and operated Bigelow’s Dairy Spot Restaurant in Moran until 1990 when they moved back to Fort Scott.
Marita worked at Mercy Hospital for seventeen years in the business office as a cashier, retiring in 2008.
She attended Bethel Community Church.
Marita is survived by her children, Michelle McKay and husband Eric, Teresa Fly and husband David, both of Fort Scott, Galen C. Bigelow, Jr. and wife Trena of Elsmore, Kansas, and William “Bill” Bigelow and wife Michelle, of Moran, Kansas; a brother, Joe Barr and wife Rita, of Fort Scott; two sisters, Charlotte Stewart and husband Alan, of Iola, Kansas, and Charlene Keating and husband John, of Fort Scott; a sister-in-law, Janice Barr; eleven grandchildren, twenty-six great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband Galen, she was also preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, Darrel Barr.
Pastor Ben Heffernan will conduct graveside services at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 3, 2021, at the Evergreen Cemetery in Fort Scott, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation 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.
Catherine Diane (Felt) Boyd, age 76, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, November 23rd, 2021, in Springfield, MO. She spent her final days surrounded by the love and support of her Kansas and Missouri family.
Diane was born July 24,1945 to Martin Joseph and Helen Louise Maher in Kansas City, MO. Diane spent summers in Fort Scott with her grandparents where she met and married Marcus Leon Felt.
She graduated from Ursuline Academy, Paola, KS in 1963.
Diane was a member of Beta Sigma Phi.
While in Fort Scott, Diane worked as a legal secretary for Nuss and Farmer Law Firm. She then worked for Frisco/Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad where she retired in Fort Worth, TX in 2009.
Diane was a member of Willow Park Baptist Church.
In her retirement, she enjoyed being active in her Joy Fellowship class. Diane traveled to Israel with her church, where she fulfilled a dream of being baptized in the Jordan River. She held dear the time spent with her church family.
Left to cherish her memory is, her husband, Gerald Mungon (Weatherford, TX); daughters, Kimberly Felt (Nevada, MO) and Angela Craggs (Virginia Beach, VA), sister and brother-in-law, Sharon and Paul Willard (Vassar, KS), niece, Traci and nephews, Brian and Shawn. Also surviving are five grandchildren, Derek, Amanda, Kandyce, Bethany, and Aaron along with 11 great grandchildren.
Diane was preceded in death by her parents and 11-month-old son, Martin Leon Felt.
The family will receive friends from 11 AM until Noon on Wednesday, December 1st, at the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Private family burial will take place in Evergreen Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Willow Park Baptist Church @ www.willowparkbaptist.org. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
A new Fort Scott Christmas Parade route will happen this year.
The 2021 annual parade is Dec. 7 at 6 p.m. and this year will start line up in front of Central Communications, 2 N. National Avenue, the radio station. Participants will line up north of that site, extending to possibly Twister Trailer, across the bridge over the Marmaton River. Each entry is to be in place no later than 5:50 p.m. that evening.
A parade entrant, 2016.
“We feel like people go to a lot of work on their entries,” Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lindsay Madison, said. “We wanted to give them more blocks for people viewing their entries. In the past, it has been four blocks.”
Lindsay Madison is the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Executive Director.
Floats, foot units, horse units, car/trucks, golf carts, marching bands or other entries will start at Wall Street and National Avenue, head south on National, to Third Street, turn left on Main Street, then north on Main until Skubitz Plaza is reached, where the Fort Scott Mayor’s Christmas Tree will be lighted immediately following the parade. Josh Jones is mayor this year.
A parade entrant, 2016.
The theme is Marching Into Christmas.
Entries are encouraged to feature toy soldiers to showcase the new downtown decorations.
“We looked at Christmas decor availability and felt that these complemented the Fort Scott National Historic Site and the history of Fort Scott,” Madison said.
Briggs Automall of Fort Scott is sponsoring cash prizes of $75 for first place, $50 for second place and $25 for third place.
The deadline to enter the parade is Monday, December 6, 1 p.m.
Following the lighting of the downtown Christmas tree, children may visit with Santa in Papa Don’s Restaurant, 10 N. Main. Parents are encouraged to bring their cameras to take photos of their kids with Santa.
While waiting to visit with Santa, Fort Scott High School Pride Club students will be providing crafts that children can make.
The Chamber is booking for its annual Christmas Light Trolley Tours from Dec. 10 to Dec. 23 at 5:45 and 7 p.m. each evening.
The trolley.
Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for kids and includes hot cocoa and cookies and a festive glow necklace. Pre-paid reservations are required.
For more information contact the Chamber office at 620.223.3566.
You are invited to the Campus & Community Common Read Discussion Event to be held on Wednesday, Dec. 1 at 2:30 p.m. in the Fort Scott Community College Library in Bailey Hall, 2108 S. Horton.
This event is brought to the students, staff, and local community of Fort Scott Community College by a Humanities Kansas grant which offered opportunities to discuss two books, A Choice of Weapons by Gordon Parks and The Other Wes Moore by Wes Moore.
Both are books related to culture and diversity.
The event is scheduled to be approximately 30-45 minutes long.
Description of event:
The FSCC Campus and Community Read is a semester-long book club that first read and discussed Gordon Parks’ A Choice of Weapons. This reading ended with guest speakers during the Gordon Parks Celebration. Topics discussed were culture and diversity topics faced by Gordon Parks.
The second book read and discussed was The Other Wes Moore by Wes Moore. Dr. Jason Kegler spoke about culture and diversity related to the book as well as his experiences in southeast Kansas.
A wrap-up and discussions of future community read events will happen.
Welcome to “Kansas Common Sense.” Thanks for your continued interest in receiving my weekly newsletter. Please feel free to forward it on to your family and friends if it would interest them.
Recognizing This Season of Giving
Wishing You and Your Family a Safe Thanksgiving
Robba and I hope you and your family had a meaningful Thanksgiving, and that you found time to connect with friends and loved ones to give thanks.
I am especially grateful to our servicemembers, first responders and law enforcement officers who could not be with their families on Thursday. Please keep them in your prayers this holiday season as they work to defend our country and keep our communities safe.
Joining Topeka Rescue Mission Ahead of Thanksgiving
Topeka Rescue Mission provides shelter to more than 140 individuals every night and provides programs to help individuals receive the skills and training they need to find meaningful work. Their mission began in 1953, and on Monday I joined members and volunteers of Topeka Rescue Mission as they passed out hand warmers, sleeping bags and food to those living without permanent housing.
In Kansas, nearly 2,500 people experience homelessness on any given night. It is important to see firsthand what people are going through and begin to comprehend the challenges our homeless population face each and every day. Especially during this season of giving thanks, it is not only important to be grateful for the everyday comforts we take for granted, but to take stock of the many ways we can take action to lend a hand to those in need. To those who dedicate their time and purpose to helping those less fortunate, thank you.
Thank you to Topeka Rescue Mission Executive Director Barry Feaker, Director of MAP Haleigh Hipsher and Assistant Director of MAP Holton Witman for the commitment they provide to those seeking assistance, and to VA Eastern Kansas Health Care System Homeless Veterans Coordinator Katherine Rose for her work to improve the lives of the homeless veterans in Kansas.
Discussing Inflation and Soaring Gas Prices
President Biden’s decision to draw from the strategic reserve will not solve the current energy crisis and is merely a Band-Aid to the soaring gas prices Kansans are facing this holiday season. President Biden’s call for OPEC and Russia to increase oil production while seeking to hinder oil production here at home is nonsensical and severely diminishes American energy independence.
We need an all-of-the-above energy plan that bolsters domestic production, supports innovation and not more red tape and new taxes. We also must not rely on foreign imports, like Russia, for energy. Producing energy here at home is the best solution for lower gas prices. Watch more here from Fox News.
KU Clinical and Translational Science Institute Leading Medical Research
This week, I visited the University of Kansas Medical Center with Sen. Roy Blunt to discuss the importance of the medical research, education and training happening through the Frontiers program. I was pleased to welcome Garden City native and National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) Acting Director Dr. Joni Rutter back to Kansas. As part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), NCATS focuses on providing more rapid medical research treatment discoveries to more patients.
As a recipient of the Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) Program which provides support for the NCATS mission, Frontiers: University of Kansas Clinical and Translational Science Institute is at the forefront of turning research into real, medical treatments that can help people across the country.
Frontiers is among an elite group of institutions across the country that are focused on advancing clinical and translational science, and I appreciated the opportunity to co-host this discussion with Sen. Blunt and KU Chancellor Doug Girod. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee that helps fund NIH and NCATS, I am committed to providing the necessary resources needed to advance our medical research and ultimately save lives because of more medical breakthroughs. In addition, the excellent work of KU Frontiers and their consortium of members across Kansas is leading the way in demonstrating the essential role regional partnerships hold in medical advancements.
Thank you to Dr. Rutter and Frontiers Director Dr. Mario Castro for their informative presentations and to everyone who joined us including Dr. Meredith Temple-O’Connor and Dr. Michael Kurilla from the NCATS team, KU’s Department of Internal Medicine Chair Dr. Matthias Salathe, Children’s Mercy Executive Director and Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Tom Curran and Deputy Director of the Children’s Mercy Research Institute Dr. Steve Leeder.
Announcing USDA Investment in Kansas Small and Midsized Meatpackers
On Tuesday, I announced an investment in eight Kansas small and midsized meatpackers through the Meat and Poultry Inspection Readiness Grant (MPIRG) program. This program was created by my legislation, the Requiring Assistance to Meat Processers for Upgrading Plants (RAMP-UP) Act, for small and midsized meatpacking plants to make the necessary investments to become federally inspected. Currently, meatpacking facilities can only make sales across state lines if they are federally inspected.
Small meatpackers in Kansas are a vital component in our supply chain, providing new market opportunities for regional livestock producers and helping meet a growing, nationwide demand for quality meat and poultry. I introduced the RAMP-UP Act to equip small meatpackers with the necessary resources to adhere to federal standards, and I am pleased to see the resulting investment will help meatpackers across Kansas expand their businesses and reach a wider customer base with the ability to sell their products across state lines.
Supporting Our Law Enforcement
Highlighting the Regional De-Escalation Training Center at Fort Hays State
On Tuesday, I was pleased to take part in highlighting the National De-Escalation Training Center Grant Acceptance Ceremony at Fort Hays State University.
One of the first of its kind, the establishment of the Regional De-Escalation Training Center at Fort Hays with the help of this federal grant will provide comprehensive and advanced training to departments and agencies not only in Kansas but across the multi-state region. De-escalation training equips law enforcement with the knowledge and techniques needed to assess the level of danger and turn down the heat on volatile situations. It helps to provide the safest possible outcome for both the officer and the individuals they serve within their communities. Now more than ever, it takes a special kind of person to be a law enforcement officer, and I am committed to ensuring they have the tools they need to keep their communities safe.
Thank you to Fort Hays State President Tisa Mason, University Police Chief Ed Howell and Department of Criminal Justice Chair Dr. Tamara Lynn for inviting me to join you. And to all of the law enforcement professionals who I spoke with and who answer the call to serve, thank you.
Speaking with Leadership and Faculty at Plainville USD 270
This week, I met with Plainville Board of Education President Nathan Grebowiec to see firsthand how the district is using federal funding at USD 270. Faculty shared their thoughts and concerns about how the pandemic has created new challenges in detecting at-risk students.
USD 270 has been recognized in several categories through the Kansas State Department of Education Kansans Can Star Recognition Program last week. USD 270 received the Kansas Education Commissioner’s Award with Highest Distinction, along with the Silver Award in Postsecondary Success and Bronze Award in High School Graduation. These awards serve as a testament to the dedication of the teachers and staff who work to teach and prepare the students who are the future of our communities.
I appreciate Senior Class President Ben Hansen and Sophomore Class President Kaydence Grebowiec for accompanying me on the tour. Thank you to Superintendent Lisa Gehring, Principal Jeremy Krob and Board Member Chris Hansen for speaking with me this week.
Addressing Hill City Rotary
It was great to speak with Hill City Rotarians this week, where we discussed the importance of small businesses to their communities, reaching out to veterans this holiday season and concerns about inflation. I appreciate their efforts to speak with me about the issues important to them before the Thanksgiving holiday.
Thank you to Hill City Rotary members, including Melissa Atkins, Anna Waugh, Kylee Shaz, Julie Davis, Bryant Muir and Kelton Schuckman for the work they do each and every day to better their community. Civic clubs – and their mission to help others – embody what this week is about.
Checking In With Rural Kansas Communities
Visiting Palco
While I was in Palco this week, it was great to catch up with lifetime local Mary Keller and Anna Luna of Midland Marketing.
From the grocery store to the post office to the local businesses along Main Street, thank you to everyone who took time out of their day to speak with me.
Visiting Ellsworth
I also visited Ellsworth this week, and I appreciated those who spoke with me throughout town and as I visited the county courthouse. The conversations I have with Kansans inform my work in Washington.
Flipping the Coin at the 2A State Championship Game
On Saturday, it was great to perform the coin toss for the 2A State Football Championship between the Beloit Trojans and the Rossville Bulldogs.
Congratulations to both teams on your incredible seasons, and congrats to the Rossville Bulldogs on winning the state championship! Thank you to the Kansas State High School Activities Association for inviting me to be a part of the game in Salina.
Remembering Dan Lykins
Dan was a Kansan through and through and always fought for what he thought was best for our state. He put up a long, hard fight against cancer and continued working as an attorney throughout his treatments. I am grateful for Dan’s service to our state and always appreciated how he advocated for every-day Kansans.
Robba and I had the opportunity of getting to know Dan while he and Robba served together on the Kansas Board of Regents. We are saddened to hear of his passing, and our heartfelt condolences are with Dan’s family and friends.
Remembering Ulysses Lee “Rip” Gooch
Rip was a trailblazer who spent his entire life serving others. It was an honor to serve with Rip in the Kansas State Senate. He was highly respected on both sides of the aisle, and even after his retirement, Rip continued to be a strong advocate for the community. Rip’s passion for aviation and dedication to civil rights will leave a lasting legacy in our state.
Robba and I extend our heartfelt condolences to Rip’s family and loved ones.
Happy Hanukkah
Happy Hanukkah to everyone celebrating in Kansas and around the world!
Honored to Serve You in Washington It is an honor to serve you in Washington, D.C. Thank you to the many Kansans who have been calling and writing in to share their thoughts and opinions on the issues our state and country face. I appreciate the words of Kansans, whether in the form of a form of letter, a Facebook comment or a phone call, who wish to make their voice heard.
Please let me know how I can be of assistance. You can contact me by email by clicking here. You can also click here to contact me through one of my Kansas offices or my Washington, D.C. office.
“Actions speak louder than words.” It was never more obvious than on the Senate floor, when conservatives defended our freedom against federal overreach of mandating COVID-19 vaccines. The legislature passed a bill that strengthens Kansas law regarding COVID-vaccines including religious and medical exemptions and unemployment. Employers are required to accept these religious exemptions to Kansans who seek them. Also, employers are required to accept requests for medical exemptions that include a doctor’s signature. Unemployment benefits were not available to employees who lost or will lose their job due to not receiving COVID-19 shots, but now they are.
The 25th Special Session in Kansas began November 22, 2021 and ended the same day. The day began with both the Senate and the House going directly to the floor to debate and work on legislation to block the federal vaccine mandates. Both chambers passed legislation and a conference committee was called to work out differences. The final legislation passed the Senate 24 to 11 and the House 77 to 34. I voted Yes. The Governor signed the bill into law.
It was the first time in Kansas history the Governor was forced to call a special session by a petition of 2/3 the legislators. It was reported in an online newspaper that the Governor requested Democrats not sign the petition for a special session. Thankfully, Republicans heard the cry of Kansans and stood together signing the petition, 29 senators and 84 representatives and the Governor signed the legislation into law.
It is a victory for protecting Kansans liberties.
Contact Tracing
The Governor Kelly administration has been contact tracing, collecting data on a person who may have been in contact with an infected person. Last year, they went as far as tracking Kansans movement of cellphones. This is invasive and is another form of government overreach.
Because of the time constraints on special session, Contact Tracing and other topics were not discussed. In fact, it was requested that we hold amendments to the COVID-19 mandates until regular session beginning January 10, 2022. Myself and others respected the request and have legislation ready for next session.
There will be many important topics in the 2022 session. Blocking overreaching government mandates, stopping Critical Race Theory (CRT) from being taught in our schools, government transparency, removing sales tax on food, elections, and many other topics will be worked during next session. You may follow the bills and watch meetings online at www.KSLegislature.org.
I hope that you are able to enjoy the holidays. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is continuing to monitor the COVID-19 variant Omicron. No confirmed cases have been identified in Kansas or the United States to date. This variant is new, and it is still unknown how transmissible or contagious this variant is. It is unclear how quickly it will spread, but it has been found in 17 countries already and we should assume that it is only a matter of time before it will be found in the United States. KDHE will continue to sequence positive COVID-19 samples to look for the Omicron variant.
With over 64% of the eligible population fully vaccinated, Kansas is more prepared for Omicron than previous variants. Experts continue to believe that the COVID-19 vaccine will continue to protect those who are vaccinated against severe disease and death. The COVID-19 vaccine is available for all individuals aged five years and over. The vaccine booster dose is available for all adults aged 18 and over. Boosters increase the strength of your antibody response, so even if the virus mutates, a boost makes it more likely that your antibodies can prevent you from getting sick or seriously ill, even with the new variant. If you are six months past your second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or two months past your J&J vaccine, get boosted now.
As we continue to learn more about the Omicron variant, taking steps to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus remains the same. Kansans should receive the COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot, wear a mask in public indoor settings, wash their hands frequently, physically distance from others as much as possible, stay home if they feel sick, and get tested if they have been exposed to COVID-19 disease or have symptoms.
Find the nearest vaccination clinic by visiting Vaccines.gov.
Executive Session – KSA 75-4319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency
Susan Bancroft, Finance Director Comment
Executive Session – KSA 75-4319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency
Public Comment
Elected Officials Comment
Commission Comment
There will be a joint meeting with City and County Commissioners at the Empress Event Center at 12:00 noon. This meeting is open to the public but will not be viewable on YouTube.
Justifications for Executive Session:
KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
KSA 75-4319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
KSA 75-4319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency
KSA 75-4319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships
KSA 75-4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property
KSA 75-4319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.
