Obituary of Marilyn Ward

Marilyn Maxine Ward, age 88, a resident of rural Mulberry, Kansas, passed away early Thursday, August 25, 2022, at her home.  She was born October 28, 1933, in Jasper County, Missouri, the daughter of James Endicott and Iris Wilson Endicott.  Marilyn first married Harvey Harrison in 1952. They later divorced and she married John C. Ward in 1975.  Marilyn was a devoted wife and a loving mother to her five children.  She enjoyed sewing and doing puzzles.

 

Survivors include her children, Harvey David Harrison of Fulton, Kansas, Janice Durbin (Jesse) of Hume, Missouri, Wilma Cagle of Mulberry, Kansas, Sandra Elaine Nutter (Walter “Buster”) of Garland, Kansas and Darryl Harrison of Weir, Kansas; thirteen grandchildren, twenty-five great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandson.  Also surviving are a sister, Alice Fink of Redfield, Kansas and two brothers, Robert Endicott of Hepler, Kansas and J. W. “Jingles” Endicott of Ft. Scott, Kansas.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, John, on November 8, 2005.  She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Wayne and James Endicott, five sisters, Laverne Harrison, Mary Lee Heathman, Carol Ybarra, Irma Hughes, Lucille Quick and Leona Endicott and a son-in-law, Jack Cagle.

 

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Monday, August 29th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Memory Gardens Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Monday from 9:30 A.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to Avalon Hospice or the Alzheimer’s Association and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Dale Jackson Memorial Car Show Sept. 5 in Uniontown

Dale Jackson was a car mechanic for many years in Uniontown. Event organizers are honoring him with a car show in conjunction with the annual Old Settler’s Picnic on Labor Day.

“We started the car show in 2019 to honor Dale Jackson and bring more people to the Old Settlers Picnic, an event that Dale contributed to for many years,” said car show organizer, Sara Roufs.

“I’m the main organizer but I have a great group of friends and family helping me put it all together,” she said. “I also need to give credit to Jeremy Lockwood, Garrett Knight and the Wasted Youth Car Club for helping get this car show started and making it a success.”

“Local businesses and organizations have sponsored the t-shirts, trophies, dash plaques and door prizes,” she said. “They have also contributed goody bag items that the first 50 car show registrants will receive.”

The Dale Jackson Memorial Car Show will be on Monday, Sept. 5 in Uniontown at the downtown square.

Cars, trucks and motorcycles are encouraged to enter, Roufs said.

The Old Settlers Picnic Parade is at 10:30 a.m. with line up at the high school starting at 10 a.m. for those vehicles wishing to be in the parade.

After the parade ends, vehicles will park at the town square.
The Car Show  will be from 11a.m. to 1 p.m.

To enter the show, register by noon at Uniontown Community Center, on the square’s east side in Uniontown. Registration fee $10. The first 50 to register will receive a dash plaque, she said.

“We will have four judges and 20 trophies to be awarded,” Roufs said. “A special crowd favorite trophy, sponsored by Ol’Boys Tire & Auto, will be awarded to whoever receives the most votes. Spectators may pay $1 to vote for their favorite entry. Vote by 1 p.m. inside the Uniontown Community Center. ”

The Crowd Favorite Award, submitted graphic.

“There will also be a raffle for a free full vehicle detail from Tip Top Detailing,” she said. “The car show participants enjoy supporting a good cause so anything left after the expenses of the car show will be donated to the Bourbon County Angels. They are a local organization that help Bourbon County families to ensure that every child in need receives something nice to open on Christmas morning.”

 

Trophies are ready for the award presentations. Submitted photo.

The trophy presentation will a be  at 1 p.m.

Vehicle classes:
-Best in Show
-Best of the 50s
-Best of the 60s
-Best of the 70s
-Best of the 80s
-Best of the 90s and up
-Best Hot Rod
-Best Street Rod
-Best Rat Rod
-Judges Choice (4 trophies)
Motorcycle classes:
-Best Motorcycle
-American Classic
-American Custom
-Metric Standard
-Metric Custom
-Best Trike

There will be t-shirts available for purchase this year thanks to Shirt Shack and these local sponsors:

Agricultural Engineering Associates
Bourbon Boy Bait Co
Brumback Engine & Machine
Cedar Ridge Management
Fort Scott Rides
Matt Russell Bulldozing
On Point Auto Sales
Perry’s Pork Rinds and Country Store
Roger’s Body Shop & Alignment Services
RHC Ron Hurd Construction
Tip Top Detailing
Union Station

 

Grant Opps for Childcare/Senior Programs, Community Vibrancy, Food Retail, Libraries

Kansas Department of Commerce Announces New Grant Opportunity to Support Economic Development in Smaller Communities

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland announced a new grant opportunity today that will help support economic development and revitalization efforts in smaller communities across Kansas through investments in quality-of-life initiatives.

The brand-new Strategic Economic Expansion and Development (SEED) program will make grants between $5,000 and $50,000 available to communities in 78 designated counties with a population of 5,000 or less. Grants will be available in the following categories:

  • Childcare and senior programming – projects that support or enhance these services, such as building improvements, educational materials, supplies and equipment;
  • Community vibrancy – projects that refresh, re-energize and unlock the attractiveness of rural communities, such as art installations, murals and signage;
  • Food retail – projects that support access to food retail establishments, including development, renovation and/or expansion; and
  • Libraries – projects that support providing free and open access to a broad range of materials and services, including reading material, technology, furniture and building improvements.

“The Department of Commerce is very pleased to offer this new grant opportunity to our smallest communities across Kansas,” said Lt. Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland. “The SEED grants will offer communities a boost that will help them prosper and thrive. Quality-of-life investments help create vibrant communities that attract more people to live and work in Kansas.”

Local governments, economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, and other organizations are eligible to apply. Applicants must provide a minimum 10 percent match and complete the project within 12 months of receiving grant funds. Funds will be distributed half at the beginning of the grant cycle and the balance upon successful completion of the project.

Funding for the SEED program, which is administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce, is provided through the Technology Enabled Fiduciary Financial Institutions (TEFFI) Development and Expansion Fund. The TEFFI Act was enacted in 2021 through bipartisan legislation to promote economic development throughout the state.

Earlier this year, the Beneficient Company Group, L.P. received its full charter and became the first technology-enabled fiduciary financial institution in Kansas pursuant to the TEFFI Act. Beneficient’s first contribution to the grant program totaled $2.7 million.

SEED grant applications will open Monday, August 29, and close at 11:59 p.m. Friday, September 30. Grant awardees will be announced in October.

An informational webinar on the SEED grant will be available to the public at 10:00 a.m. (CST) Monday, August 29. Registration for the webinar, guidelines for the grant application, and a list of eligible counties can be found at www.kansascommerce.gov/seedgrants.

Applicants can contact [email protected] for any questions regarding this funding opportunity.

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. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021 and 2022, and was awarded the 2021 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

Comments Requested of State Transportation Improvement Plan

KDOT requesting comments on STIP amendment

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) requests comments on an amendment to the FFY 2022-2025 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) document.

The STIP is a project specific publication that lists all KDOT administered projects, regardless of funding source, and includes projects for counties and cities as well as projects on the State Highway System. The list of projects being amended to the STIP can be viewed at http://www.ksdot.org/bureaus/burProgProjMgmt/stip/stip.asp.

The approval of the STIP amendment requires a public comment period, which concludes Sept. 7. To make comments on the amendment, contact KDOT’s Division of Program and Project Management at (785) 296-3254.

This information is available in alternative accessible formats. To obtain an alternative format, contact the KDOT Division of Communications, (785) 296-3585 (Voice/Hearing Impaired-711).

Fremar Foundation: Supporting Outstanding Local Artists

Karen Fremar from the Fremar Foundation website.

A foundation that is located in Leawood, Kansas, has roots in and supports Bourbon County artists.

The Fremar Foundation was established in 2010 by Karen Fremar as a charitable organization and began giving scholarships in 2017.

Fremar’s parents were Fort Scott musicians who had a music studio starting in the 1950s through the 1970s. Fremar began her career as an accordian artist here.

Those students that have received Fremar scholarships, where they are studying and what their degree is:

2017Mayson Lane, Oberlin College Conservatory/UMKC,
Violin/Music/Health Science


2018 –  Brenna Bower, Pittsburg State University, Trumpet/Political
Science


2019Jezeriah Simpson, Baker University,  Art/Computer
Science


2020 – Levi Bin, Pittsburg State University,  Vocal Music/Theater/Automotive Technology

 

2020 Patrick Schmidt, Wichita State University,  Vocal Music/Music Education


2021 – Noah Martin, Ozark Christian College, Music and Worship


2022 – Laney Covey, Allen Community College,  Digital Media/Visual Illustration and Animation

To learn more about the foundation and the students they have awarded:https://fremarfoundation.org/

The mission of the foundation has evolved, said Fremar, chairwoman and president of the Fremar Foundation. “It is currently to recognize the achievements and enable talented high school students in the Fort Scott area to continue with their artistic studies at the college level.”

“Initially we wanted to bring outstanding accordion artists from all over the world to perform concerts in Kansas City,” she said. But the cost was to high.

So her thinking changed.

“I was thinking that I would rather spend time and raise funds to support and recognize local young artists in all disciplines to help them on their artistic journey,” Fremar said. ” While we champion outstanding accordion art, we are not exclusive and support all musicians and artists.”

Tax advisor, Carol Hill, and financial advisor, Jordan Witt, both of Fort Scott, helped the organization develop a program to present scholarships in the area.

“Jordan was president of the school board at that time, and said that there was really nothing to recognize and financially reward the efforts of these talented young people in the area,” she said.

The critical part of the scholarship program is to recognize the achievements of these young artists in their creative work in high school,  and encourage them to continue their art as they go into college and into life, she said.

“We find it thrilling to follow their careers, see their successes, and know that maybe we had some small part in recognizing and encouraging their talent and achievements,” she said.

“An added benefit is that Mayson Lane has now become a full-fledged member of Vivant! (the group of K.C. area musicians she performs with) and performs with us whenever possible.”

Annual Concert

Each year she spearheads a concert to provide more funds for the scholarships the foundation awards.

She is inviting people from Bourbon County to the concert at the Leawood United Methodist Church (near Ranchmart) at 3 p.m. on Sunday, August 28. The free concert will last about one hour and refreshments will follow. It’s at this time the audience can meet the scholarship recipients.

“The concert will be varied and fun… plus, we’ll feature some amazing musicians,” she said. “We would be grateful for donations to our scholarship program.”

“I arranged all the scores we perform together,” she said. “The musicians in Vivant! are top professionals in their field.”

This year’s recipient Laney Covey, Uniontown, will be featured, she said.

“Laney will… provide an art show in the lobby of her works,” she said. “Jezeriah Simpson… at Baker University, now in his fourth year of receiving our scholarships, will be there and be introduced.”

Fred and Margie Fremar, Karen’s parents who started a music studio in Fort Scott.

Photos on the foundation website show many recognizable names and faces.

Continue reading Fremar Foundation: Supporting Outstanding Local Artists

Jerry and Judy Witt Celebrate 60th Anniversary

Judy and Jerry Witt. Submitted photo.

Judy and Jerry Witt – 60 Years

 

Jerry and Judy (Armstrong) Witt are celebrating their 60th anniversary Thursday, August 25th.  They were married Saturday, August 25th, 1962, in the First Christian Church in Fort Scotty by Rev. Jim Grooms.

 

The Witts note that their faith, love, and commitment to each other have brought them many blessings over the past 60 years.  They have five sons, Matt and wife Cherie, Aaron and wife Heather, Jared and wife Stephanie, Jordan and wife Randi, and Luke and wife Cherie.  Their nine “precious” grandchildren are Henry, Oliver, Remy, Ivan, Ava, Lydia, Jack, Cole, and Jayden.

 

They will celebrate Saturday with a family dinner hosted by their sons and wives.  Cards are welcome and may be mailed to the Witts at 9 N. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.

 

 

Chamber Coffee at Bo Co REDI on August 25

Join us for Chamber Coffee
hosted by
Bourbon County REDI
(Regional Economic Development, Inc.)
Thursday, August 25, 2022 at 8am
At their office located on the second floor of
Landmark National Bank, 200 S. Main St.
Please enter through east door and take the
stairs or elevator to the upper level.

Join us for Chamber Coffee
hosted by
Bourbon County REDI
(Regional Economic Development, Inc.)
Thursday, August 25, 2022 at 8am
At their office located on the second floor of
Landmark National Bank, 200 S. Main St.
Please enter through east door and take the
stairs or elevator to the upper level.
Click here for their Facebook page.
Click here for their website.
Director Rob Harrington, along with the REDI team of Jackson Tough, Director of Tourism, Emily Diebolt, Grants Manager, and Suzette Torres, Marketing and Programming Assistant and the Board of Trustees look forward to hosting everyone and providing updates on the work of the organization.
HAVE YOU TAKEN THE HOUSING SURVEY YET?
IF NOT CLICK HERE FOR THE BRIEF SURVEY.
THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER CHAMPION MEMBERS BELOW!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

Jerry and Judy Witt Celebrate 60th Anniversary

 

Judy and Jerry Witt. Submitted photo.

Judy and Jerry Witt – 60 Years

 

Jerry and Judy (Armstrong) Witt are celebrating their 60th anniversary Thursday, August 25th.  They were married Saturday, August 25th, 1962, in the First Christian Church in Fort Scott by Rev. Jim Grooms.

 

The Witts note that their faith, love, and commitment to each other have brought them many blessings over the past 60 years.  They have five sons, Matt and wife Cherie, Aaron and wife Heather, Jared and wife Stephanie, Jordan and wife Randi, and Luke and wife Cherie.  Their nine “precious” grandchildren are Henry, Oliver, Remy, Ivan, Ava, Lydia, Jack, Cole, and Jayden.

 

They will celebrate Saturday with a family dinner hosted by their sons and wives.  Cards are welcome and may be mailed to the Witts at 9 N. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.

 

 

Local Job Fair August 31at the FSCC Ellis Center

JOB FAIR
FORT SCOTT – BOURBON COUNTY
NEXT WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31ST
10AM-2PM
ELLIS FINE ARTS CENTER ON THE CAMPUS OF
FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
2108 S. HORTON ST.
Employers registered so far include the following,
any employers wanting to register may click here:
Archer Daniels Midland (ADM)
Ascension Via Christi
Crossland Construction
Heartland Behavioral Health
Kansas Department of Transportation
Labconco
MyShift
Nevada Regional Medical Center
Niece Products
Peerless Products
Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center
USD-234 School District
Valu Merchandisers Company
Ward-Kraft, Inc.
Positions Available
Thank you to the employers below who have registered to have a booth at the Job Fair! Any other employers wanting to attend may click here!
THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER CHAMPION MEMBERS!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701