Monthly Archives: January 2022

Obituary

Obituary of Carol Jean Carter

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Carol Jean Carter, 77, of Fort Scott Kansas passed away on January 1, 2022, in Buffalo Grove, Illinois. Carol was born in Fort Scott, Kansas on April 3, 1944, to George and Sophia Sinn in Fort Scott Kansas.

 

Carol was raised on a small farm outside of Fort Scott. She graduated from Fort Scott High school and was married, living in Wichita, Kansas, where she started her family, raising her three children. She lived in Indiana for a few years but moved back to Wichita.  Her dream, however, was always to move back home to Fort Scott to be closer to her church and family which she fulfilled in the fall of 2000. She bought a small piece of land, built a house and small barn for her grandchildren to play in when visiting. Carol enjoyed spending time with her grandkids, gardening, and was an avid quilter. In 2014 she was diagnosed with dementia and ultimately moved to Minnesota and then Illinois to be closer to family.  

Carol is survived by her three children Sheryl (Dale) Toews; Tim (Michelle) Carter; and Darren (Michele) Carter; a brother Delbert Sinn; a sister Joyce Sinn; seven grandchildren, Blake and Chelsea Toews, Kara and Keith Carter, Cole, Mackenzie, and Tyler Carter; and former spouse, Earl Carter.

She is preceded in death by her parents, and three brothers, Don, Dick, and Kenny Sinn.

Ministers Larry Bahr and Jeff Fischer will officiate funeral services for Carol at 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 7, 2022, at the Apostolic Christian Church with burial following at the Evergreen Cemetery, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

The family will receive friends Thursday evening January 6, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Fort Scott, Government

Christmas Tree Free Pick Up Available

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The City of Fort Scott Public Works Department will be picking up discarded Christmas trees at no charge for City residents again this year. The pickup dates will occur on Friday, January 7th, 2022, Friday, January 14th, 2022, Friday, January 21st, 2022, and Friday, January 28th, 2022.

The Public Works Department asks that you place the tree at the curbside off the street and call City Hall at 223-0550 with your address and name to schedule the pickup.

The discarded trees will be used to enhance fish and wildlife habitat in the City-owned water structure properties.

Government, Kansas

Ks Cybersecurity Task Force Report Released

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces the Release of the Cybersecurity Task Force Final Report

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today the release of the Cybersecurity Task Force’s final report. In the Task Force’s report of forty-one recommendations, they identified seventeen as critical. These critical recommendations are essential to the implementation of other recommendations, or in the absence of resources, these critical recommendations should be implemented for greatest impact.

“These cyber security recommendations put Kansas on a path to be proactive in securing our data while also growing our workforce,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Thanks to the Task Force for your hard work and diligence these last five months. It’s never been more important to strengthen our cybersecurity.”

The Task Force began meeting regularly in August and delivered its first report, an interim report, in early October. The final report, submitted in early December, is the result of several more months of meeting with stakeholders from across and outside of Kansas to help identify both the gaps and capabilities in Kansas’ cybersecurity posture.

“Important to us was to provide the Governor with actionable recommendations that can increase the cybersecurity posture of Kansas and grow its cybersecurity workforce,” said co-chairs Mike Mayta and Jeff Maxon. “After meeting with stakeholders, we feel confident in the potential that Kansas possesses. Countless efforts are happening locally and at a regional level, and our recommendations aim to bring those efforts together and scale them so they can strengthen Kansas as a whole.”

In addition to meeting with stakeholders, the Task Force solicited public feedback to help determine new recommendations for inclusion in the final report as well as any refining of the recommendations first published in the interim report.

The final report includes five new recommendations while consolidating and streamlining others, taking the report from forty-five to forty-one recommendations. Recommendations are organized by subject areas such as Cybersecurity Governance and Strategy and Incident Response Exercises and Training while also giving some recommendations priority distinction of critical or high. The Task Force identified these critical and high priority recommendations as ones that are critical to the implementation of others while also having significant impacts on cybersecurity.

The Task Force’s final report can be found here.

The Task Force’s interim report can be found here.

Business, Fort Scott

Country Cupboard Building Purchased by Ed Townly

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Ed and Susan Townly with their daughters from left Cheyanne Griffin, Dani Townly, and Ella Townly. The family is pictured in the  11 N. Main storefront before the holidays.

Ed Townly has purchased the County Cupboard Store, 12 N. Main from the Renard family on Dec. 28, 2021.

Last month, Townly, from Olathe, had purchased the Books and Grannie’s Book Store, just across the street at 11 N. Main.

Barb Albright, a realtor with H & H Agency, handled both the acquisitions.

Townly said that he doesn’t have definite plans for that store, nor the newly purchased one as yet.

The Townly’s have two businesses in the K.C. area and a daughter still in school, but they are looking forward to moving to Fort Scott, when their youngest daughter graduates, and she is currently in the eighth grade, he said in a prior interview.

The County Cupboard store was owned by Judy and John Renard for decades and was an anchor business in the historic downtown area, selling home decor, jewelry, clothing, cards, old fashion candy, and other accessories.

John died in 2019 and Judy in 2021.

Judy Renard, owner of the County Cupboard.

History of the Building

The building at 12-14 North Main was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, U.S. Dept. of Interior, National Park Service, in 2009. The building is approximately 5,000 square feet on the first floor and 2,000 square feet on the second, according to Barb Albright, the realtor.

It is part of the Fort Scott Downtown Historic District comprised of 9.5 blocks with irregular boundaries, according to the application for registration.

To view the property’s  National Register Application:
Bourbon_FortScottDowntownHistoricDistrictNR.pdf (kshs.org)

12-14 N. Main Street building was Liepman’s Clothing House, from 1895 until 1930, according to the application.

“Reportedly, this was not the Liepman family’s first business location in Fort Scott and this was not their first building on this property,” according to the national registration application. “In 1895, the family decided to build a more substantial building. In 1909 the property was recorded as the Liepman Block with M. Leipman & Brother (brothers Morres and Joseph Leipman), clothing occupying the storefront. Liepman’s Clothing Store operated until circa 1930.

By 1938, the A & P Grocery was located at this address.”

A marker on the outside of the building at 12 S. Main. Taken from Waymaker website.

Following the A & P Grocery store, it was a western clothing shop then the Renards purchased it in the 1980s.

“This is a rectangular two-story brick commercial building with a flat roof and parapet,” according to the national registration application. “It has a recessed central entrance flanked by display windows. The three-bay second-floor facade is well preserved with a smooth-cut stone belt course under the windows, ornamented pilasters between the window bays, and an ornamented belt course above the window bays. Central paired windows are flanked by a bank of three windows. The windows have 111 double-hung sashes with transoms. There is a brick panel at the eave with the name, “Liepman’s Clothing House,” spelled out in raised letters. A corbelled and molded brick cornice ornaments the parapet. Reportedly, the original display windows and entrance were altered about 1938. There is a shed-roofed shingled awning supported on posts. Aluminum storm windows have been installed on the second-floor windows.”

To view prior features on the buildings:

New Owners of Historic Downtown Fort Scott Building

Country Cupboard To Close For Good, Until Then Saturdays Only

 

Obituary

Obituary of Larry Neville

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Larry Merle Neville, 69, passed away in Nixa, Missouri late Thursday evening, December 30, 2021.

He was born on July 19th, 1952 in Girard, Kansas; the son of Merle Eugene and Jessie Mae (Ausemus) Neville.

Larry graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1970. While attending classes at FSCC, he met and soon married his devoted wife Linda. They had 47 wonderful years of marriage.

He was “Dad” to four children as well as “Papa” to eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Larry was extremely committed and thorough in his work.  Over the years, he had many places of employment including Merle’s Service Station, Boone and Dauben’s, Dorwin Jackson Drilling Company, Bruce’s Monuments, Dayco/Carlisle Products, and Dale Jackson Oil Production Company.

He was also very giving of his time and devoted to community service. His activities included the Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star, Bronson Ruritan and Ball Association, City Library, Mayor, and City Council Member, School Board Member/President for Uniontown USD 235, as well as accounting work for the cities of Uniontown and Bronson.

While he lived the majority of his life in Southeast Kansas, he had spent the past eight years living in Nixa close to his family.

Larry is survived by his wife Linda, mother Jessie Mae, mother-in-law Edna Marie, brothers Jerry and David, and sister Julie; four children:  Darcy and husband Doug Sinn, Chelle and husband CJ Lear, Levi and wife Joey, Jeremy and wife Megan; Grandchildren Skyler, Drew, Danielle, Austin, Mercedes, Kinley, Ansley, and Ruth; Great Grandchildren Serenity, Mikenzi, Linkin, and Oakley; several cousins, nephews, and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his father, Merle Neville; father-in-law, Dorwin Jackson; and brother-in-law, Gary Jackson.

Funeral services will be conducted by Pastor Marty DeWitt of First Missionary Baptist Church in Uniontown, Kansas on Saturday, January 8th, 2022 at 1 pm.

The family invites all to fellowship at a reception at the church immediately following the service.

Larry will be laid to rest at the Turkey Creek Cemetery, north of Uniontown, at 4 pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the care of Linda Neville for incurred medical expenses.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Jan. 4

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Agenda 

Bourbon County Commission Room 

1st Floor, County Courthouse 

210 S. National Avenue 

Fort Scott, KS 66701 

Tuesdays starting at 9:00 

 

Date: January 4, 2022 

1st District-Lynne Oharah                                                                Minutes: Approved: _______________ 

2nd District-Jim Harris                                                                      Corrected: _______________________ 

3rd District-Clifton Beth                                                                              Adjourned at: _______________ 

County Clerk-Ashley Shelton 

 

 

MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM 

 

Call to Order 

 

  • Flag Salute 
  • Approval of Minutes from previous meeting 
  • Reorganization of Board 
  • Eric Bailey – Road & Bridge Report 
  • Bobby Reed – Heating & Air Units – Possible Power Surge 
  • Susan Bancroft – Employee Landfill Dumping 
  • Lora Holdridge – Year End Review 
  • Lynne Oharah – Landowner Rights Resolution Discussion 
  • Ashley Shelton – 2022 Resolutions 
  • Ashley Shelton – Personnel Matters 
  • Justin Meeks – Executive Session: KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy 
  • County Counselor Comment 
  • Susan Bancroft, Finance Director Comment 
  • Public Comment 
  • Commission Comment 
Fort Scott Community College, Gordon Parks Museum, History, Kansas

In Celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.: Lunch and Learn

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There will be a Lunch and Learn about segragation practices in Wichita in the 1950s on Monday, January 17th, 2022, from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. at the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College.

Attendance is free.

Lunch provided by Luther’s BBQ (visitors may bring their own lunch)
Drinks and desserts provided by Great Western Dining.

The event is called Martin Luther King, Jr.  Lunch and Learn  “Dockum Drugstore Sit-In”

The presentation explores Wichita’s Dockum Drugstore Sit-In
Guest Speaker is  Prisca Barnes.

In July 1958, Black Students gathered at Wichita’s Dockum Drugstore to stage a peaceful protest against the unequal practice of segregation. Although this protest was not publicized in the newspapers in 1958, the students participating in the demonstration worked to gain access to public spaces, like movie theaters and restaurants. This presentation discusses the details of the sit-in, explores how these protests helped transform the struggle for racial equality, and considers contemporary non-violent protests.

Prisca Barnes is the founder of Storytime Village, Inc., a nonprofit organization in Wichita that promotes reading among low-income children and families. She is a passionate advocate for equity in education and literacy.

“The Dockum Drugstore Sit-In” is part of Humanities Kansas’s Movement of Ideas Speakers Bureau, featuring presentations and workshops designed to share stories that inspire, spark conversations that inform, and generate insights that strengthen civic engagement.

For more information about “The Dockum Drugstore Sit-In” contact the Gordon Parks Museum.

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Community College, Gordon Parks Museum, History

Gordon Parks Museum to celebrate the life of Martin Luther King Jr.

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Gordon Parks Museum is located on the campus of Fort Scott Community College.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration will be held, with several events planned in Fort Scott.

The events will start on Thursday, January 13th at the Danny & Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center.

The day will include with hosting of the Fort Scott Area Chamber Coffee at 8:00 am and later that evening, a free ballet tribute performance at 7:00 pm by The Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey: Ever Present.

This is a tribute in honor of Martin Luther King and Gordon Parks. This performance is funded by the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation.

CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

Thursday, January 13th – Tribute to Martin
7 p.m. – Alvin Ailey’s Kansas City Dance Group Ballet Performance
Gordon Parks: Tribute to Martin Luther King (FREE Event) – Ellis Fine Arts Center • Doors open at 6 p.m. • Reception to follow, which includes a meet and greet with performers and drinks and refreshments

Friday, January 14th – Celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday
9 a.m. – Film Showing: Eyes on the Prize: American Civil Rights – “Awakenings (1954-1956)” • Murder of Emmett Till &
Montgomery Bus Boycott

12 p.m. – Lunch & Learn – Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration • Dramatic reading of the speech “I have a Dream” by
Fort Scott Community College students and members of the community • Balloons will be released • Birthday cake, soup,
dessert, and drinks will be available for free • Photo Promotion taken with “I Stand For” sign

1:30 p.m. – Film Showing: Eyes on the Prize: American Civil Rights – “Fighting Back (1957-1962)” • Central High School and Little Rock Nine & James Meredith and The University of Mississippi

3:30 p.m. – Film Showing: Eyes on the Prize: American Civil Rights – “Ain’t Scared of Your Jails (1960-1961)” • Nashville Sit-Ins and Boycotts & Freedom Riders”

Monday, January 17th – Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Celebration Event

9 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Food Drive – Join us as we will collect canned and non-perishable food items to donate to the Beacon in
Fort Scott • Anyone in the community is invited to drop off canned food

9 a.m. – Film Showing: Eyes on the Prize: American Civil Rights – “No Easy Walk (1961-1963)” • Albany, Georgia, Birmingham, Alabama & The March on Washington

10:30 a.m. – Film Showing: Eyes on the Prize: American Civil Rights – “Mississippi: Is this America? (1962-1964)” • Medgar Evers & ‘Mississippi Burning’ Murders

12 p.m. – Lunch & Learn – “The Dockman Drugstore Sit-In” presentation by Prisca Barnes • Barbeque lunch, drinks, and
dessert will be available for free (guests may also bring their own lunch)

1:30 p.m. – Film Showing: “Martin”, A tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by Gordon Parks – This is a ballet tribute to Dr. King, written and directed by Gordon Parks
For more information, please call (620) 223-2700 ext. 5850

Funding provided by:
FSACF serves to fulfill philanthropic goals that benefit the common good and improve quality of life by providing leadership and programming that is responsive to the interests and needs of
the residents of the Fort Scott area.

All events will be held at the Ellis Fine Arts Center (2108 S. Horton St., Fort Scott, KS)

A reception will follow the performance with light refreshments hosted by Great Western Dining.

On Friday, January 14th, the community is invited to the Ellis Fine Arts Center for a free Lunch and Learn event that will be held at 12:00 pm featuring a dramatic reading of the “I have a dream” speech by FSCC students and members of the community.

 

The Fort Scott Community College Endowment Foundation is a key contributor to the celebration events. All events will take place at both the Gordon Parks Museum and Ellis Fine Arts Center.

A full list of film showings and events can be found at https://www.gordonparkscenter.org/events. For more information call the Gordon Parks Museum at 620-223-2700 ext. 5850.

Government, Kansas

Tax Collections Surpass the Estimate by $64.5 Million

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December Total Tax Collections Surpass the Estimate by $64.5 Million

 TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced that total tax collections for December were $890.3 million. That is $64.5 million, or 7.8%, more than the monthly estimate. That is also a 15.6%, or $120.0 million, growth over December 2020.

“Over the past three years my administration has taken steps to restore the Kansas economy, and that fiscal responsibility has paved the way to provide direct tax relief to Kansas taxpayers,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “That relief will come specifically through proposals like axing the food tax and offering a one-time $250 tax rebate for Kansas families.”

Individual income tax collections were $355.2 million. That is $35.2 million more than the estimate and $48.5 million, or 15.8%, more than the previous December. Corporate income tax collections were $132.0 million, which is $22.0 million more than the estimate. That is 33.1%, or $32.8 million, more than the same month of the previous year.

Retail sales tax collections were $224.3 million for December. That is $4.3 million, or 2.0%, more than the estimate and 11.1%, or $22.4 million, more than December 2020. Compensating use tax collections were $69.2 million. That is $2.2 million, or 3.3%, more than the estimate. Those collections are also $17.0 million, or 32.7%, more than the previous December.

View the tax receipts here.