Gary Lee Hooker, age 76, a resident of Bronson, KS, died Monday, December 5, 2022 at the St. Joseph Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

He was born March 28, 1946, in Hereford, Texas, the son of George Vernon Hooker and Peggy Minard. Gary graduated from Bronson High School with the class of 1964.

After graduation he joined the Army and served his country in Vietnam from 1966 to 1967.

After he returned home, he was employed as an over the road truck driver for many years.

Gary enjoyed small town life, spending time with his family and friends, and the company of one or two cats purring at his side.

He is survived by his brother George Welch and his wife Judy; nieces and nephews Justin Welch, Nicole Ward, and husband Mike, their children, Mikenna, Maci, and Myla, Ashley Slavin, and husband Roper, their children, Korbin and Kori, Chelsea Gumfory, and husband Josh, their children Nash and Riggs, Dakota Welch, and wife Mary.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son Chris Hooker, a brother Jerry Dean Welch, two sisters, Claudia Ann Harrison and Patricia Jean Lopez.

Rev. Chuck Russel will conduct funeral services at 11:30 am Tuesday December 27, 2022 at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow at the U. S. National Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary

Obituary of Linda Boyd Martin

December 13, 2022 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Linda Kay (Boyd) Martin, 71, of Kansas City, MO passed away on Dec. 6, 2022.

She was born in Fort Scott on October 18, 1951 to Eugene and Irene Boyd of Redfield.

Linda was married to Warren Martin and their family includes five children: Steven Towle (Cat), Salem, OR; Jennifer Tellez (Chris), Mission Viejo, CA; Gretchen Morrison, Wildwood, MO; Brandon Martin (Jen), Blue Springs, MO; and Travis Martin (Tara), Columbia, MO, plus 10 grandchildren: Kaylin, Joshua, Amanda, Jimmie, Ashley, Andrew, Cayton, Cale, Brady, and Rhys.

Linda has three sisters: Patricia Allen (Dwayne), Arcadia, KS; Kathryn Brull (Joe), Osawatomie, KS; and Diana McElroy (Mike), Lenexa, KS; plus seven nephews and nieces who loved her dearly.

Linda graduated with honors from Metropolitan Community College – Longview, and she served as a Case Worker for the State of Missouri Social Services Division for 22 years.

Humor, love, family, and sports were at the heart of nearly everything Linda did.

As a little girl – she dreamed of being an astronaut, or – a spy alongside James Bond! She didn’t become an astronaut, but she loved watching science fiction movies with Steven! And, Warren had a Star named for Linda as a birthday present.

While Linda was a “city girl” at heart, she liked the horses on the family farm, and as a girl – participated in parades with her pony and cart. Linda also loved playing softball, and one of her proud childhood moments was winning the Bourbon County Spelling Bee in the 8th Grade!

As a parent, Linda chose to stay at home and raise her two children until they reached school age. After that – she worked part time jobs, so she could be at home in the afternoons.

Later, Linda returned to college as an adult learner to create opportunities for herself. Earning her college degree, with honors, was a great source of pride. After her degree, she spent 22 years helping others through the State of Missouri Department of Social Services. Linda made many friends there, and developed lasting relationships with co-workers.

Linda was a devoted Christian throughout her life, and lived each day showing respect and gratitude toward others. When Linda and Pat were young, and the family was traveling to pony pulls in the region – they attended churches throughout KS, OK, and MO. The family was committed to attending church no matter where they were, and Linda earned a pin for 10 years of perfect Sunday School attendance!

As a KC Royals and KC Chiefs Super Fan – she loved the World Series victories in 1985 and 2015, and took her kids out of school to attend the 1985 parade! In 2020 – she was among the first to purchase Super Bowl Champion apparel! She also initiated a “Chiefs Family” group text, so we can easily cheer and/or rant together.

Linda loved dancing, and especially liked dancing to “Wipeout” with Kathy! She also enjoyed playing cards, like pitch.

Linda loved to travel, and among her favorites were wonderful trips to Hawaii and the American West with Warren, a cruise with her daughter’s family, sister road trips to Branson, and vacations to CA to visit Jenny, Chris, Kaylin, and Joshua.

Outings with shopping and lunch were always treasured activities. Among our family memories was Linda hopping out of the car at Bannister Mall and “holding” a parking spot for us as we circled around. In her confident, friendly way – Linda waved other cars away and stood her ground when they tried to pull in, defiantly “reserving” it for us until we made our way to the spot.

Another area where Linda showed no fear was in cheering for others in their various accomplishments. Diana recollects being somewhat embarrassed, but also happy, when Linda was the loudest person cheering as she graduated from college. Linda made each experience more fun and exciting!

In addition to her humorous side, Linda was a thoughtful family member and friend. Among Pat’s memories was Linda staying by her side when Dwayne was in Intensive Care for nearly 2 weeks. She wanted to help in any way she could, and she didn’t want Pat to be alone. Linda also took over texting duties with other family and friends, so Pat could focus on Dwayne’s needs.

Another thoughtful effort was when Linda and Kathy made a wonderful keepsake for all of us by creating a Boyd Family Cookbook many years ago.

Diana also appreciates Linda’s kindness, as she and Warren rarely missed a school open house or church program for Elizabeth and Adam. Linda knew their grandparents were far away and not able to travel, and she and Warren stepped in – to be the supportive and caring extended family we all need.

Linda and Warren show that same family devotion when cheering on their grandkids’ hockey games, and when she traveled with the color guard when Jenny was in high school.

Whatever Linda did—she did with her whole heart.

Linda was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, plus “Leader of the Sister Pack” as #1 of the 4 Boyd Girls.

Her favorite color was yellow, and we appreciate many of you wearing yellow today to honor Linda’s memory!

Saturday, December 17, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. is her funeral service at

Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St. , Fort Scott, KS 66701

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Kansas City Hospice Foundation, 9001 State Line Rd, Suite 300, Kansas City, MO 64114. Their staff provided genuine care and support to Linda and the family during the last stage of her life, and we appreciate their work.

Fort Scott, Schools

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING NEWS RELEASE

December 13, 2022 Submitted Story Leave a comment

USD 234 Board of Education Building, 424 S. Main

Monday, December 12, 2022

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, December 12, 2022, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.

President Danny Brown opened the meeting.

The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:

Minutes from November 12, 2022, Board of Education meeting
Financials – Cash Flow Report
Check Register
Payroll – November 18, 2022 – $1,927,977.43
Activity Fund accounts
Orchestra Extended Trip Application
Band and Choir Fundraiser Application
Substitute Pay Schedule
Sale of Decommissioned Student Equipment

Yasmina Query, Eugene Ware Elementary, introduced six students from Eugene Ware Leadership Club. Students Landen Brown, Myah Chaplin, Logan Flanner, Georgia Hurd, Jentry Palmer, and Hunter Yarick shared information with the board about various projects the leadership club does to help the community, their school, and staff.

Classified Tiger Team Member – Superintendent Destry Brown recognized Tanya Lockwood as the Classified Tiger Team Member of the Month. Mrs. Lockwood is a custodian at the high school who demonstrates how to build great relationships with kids. She greets students, encourages them, and sets a great tone for them.

Licensed Tiger Team Member – Superintendent Destry Brown recognized Linda Minor as the Licensed Tiger Team Member of the Month. Mrs. Minor is a 2^nd grade teacher at Winfield Scott Elementary and is the Leadership Club sponsor. She is very good at building relationships with kids, supporting other staff, and creating a positive environment. She is often heard telling students and staff to “Go Be Great!”

Superintendent Brown reported on an expansion of the Construction Trades Program at Fort Scott High School made possible with collaboration with Fort Scott Community College. This will allow students to achieve NCCR Certification, be OSHA certified, and graduate high school with 28 college credits.

Gina Shelton, Finance Director, updated the board on the ESSER submission, the investment of funds, and reported that the district had 57 employees complete the wellness stipend challenge. Mrs. Shelton discussed the importance of special education funding and provided the board with a handout explaining how special education funding works.

The board received an update on District Communications from Shawnee Lorenz with Trajectory Strategies, which is a strategic development firm. Mrs. Lorenz went over the assessment conducted, the major findings, and the recommendations to the board for next steps.

Merrill Atwater and Jennifer Massey with Legacy Health, along with Superintendent Brown updated the board on the progress of the preschool expansion at the old Mercy Hospital building.

The board approved the following items:

Agreement for Hourly Rate Professional Services for Preliminary Design for Special Education Department Spaces at Fort Scott High School in the amount of $2,960 that will be covered by the CHC grant
Delos Indoor Air Quality Research Program Quote in the amount of $24,411 that will be covered by the KDHE Test to Stay Grant
Workers Compensation Proposal from KASB Workers Compensation Fund, Inc.
Request to refund a donation contingent upon no concerns from KASB attorneys
Personnel Report – following

The board tabled a change to the Drug Testing Policy at FSHS until next month.

The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.

President Danny Brown adjourned the meeting.

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

Stewart Guss – Retirement – Eugene Ware custodian, effective January 31, 2023
Jessica Smith – Resignation – FSHS paraprofessional, effective December 16, 2022
Kristi Hartman – Resignation – Occupational Therapist, effective at the end of the 2022-23 school year
Russ Hughes – FSMS Track Assistant, effective December 12, 2022

EMPLOYMENT/REASSIGNMENTS – FOR THE 2022-23 SCHOOL YEAR

Sharonda Edwards – Winfield Scott 7.5-hour paraprofessional
Michelle Lisica – Eugene Ware 7.5-hour paraprofessional
Matthew Prock – Winfield Scott 7.5-hour teacher aide
Billi Jo Shoemaker – Winfield Scott paraprofessional to Eugene Ware behavior interventionist teacher, effective January 3, 2023
Amanda Jamison – Winfield Scott paraprofessional to Head Start teacher, effective January 3, 2023
Michelle Martin – mentor for Lienna Upchurch

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Selling Table Tent Ads

December 13, 2022 Submitted Story Leave a comment

The Chamber puts out Table Tents every 2 months with a community calendar. There are 4 business card size ads available on each table tent for $50.00. The table tents are out for a 2 month period. We distribute roughly 500 to different businesses throughout the community; restaurants, hotels, Briggs Auto, Fort Scott Community College, and more!

Click here to reserve an ad space!

Please note that ad spaces are only for

Chamber Members. If you would like to become a Chamber Member click here for information or give us a call at 620.223.3566

Below is a sample table tent:

If your business or organization has any events for Jan/Feb events calendar please let us know!

Thank you to our Chamber Champion Members!

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Dec. 13

December 13, 2022 Submitted Story Leave a comment

12-13-2022A

12-13-2022R

Government

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter

December 13, 2022 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Kansas Common Sense
December 12, 2022

Wichita-Based Textron Wins Massive U.S. Army Contract
Earlier this week, the U.S. Army announced Bell Textron won its Future Long Range Assault Aircraft $1.4 billion contract for its helicopter of the future. Bell’s V280 Aircraft provides the Army with enhanced speed, range and agility and is scheduled to replace the UH-60 Blackhawk by 2030.

Textron has a significant manufacturing facility in Wichita, and Wichita State University’s National Institution for Aviation Research will develop composite materials for the fuselage and rotors. In addition to work at Textron’s Wichita facility, Spirit AeroSystems produces the aircraft’s fuselage and will see increased work in Kansas.

This decision will directly benefit the workforce in Wichita and is a testament to the vital role Kansas plays in our national security. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, I have supported this critical program from day one. I will continue to use my role in the Senate to make certain the U.S. warfighter has the necessary technology and resources to complete its mission. I want to congratulate Textron CEO Scott Donnelly and the entire Textron leadership team in Wichita.

Read more about the Army contract for Bell Textron from KSNT here.

Continue reading U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter →

Bourbon County, Business

December 13: Boost Your Business

December 12, 2022 Loretta George Leave a comment

Rachel Carpenter is the director of the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s Center for Economic Growth. Submitted photo.

The Healthy Bourbon County Team center is hosting an event, Boost Local Business, that will be held at Healthy Bourbon County Action Teams’ office at 104 National Avenue on December 13 at 6 p.m.

The event is to help local business owners learn of the resources available to them.

An additional event with the same information will be offered on December 20^th at noon, for those unable to attend tomorrow’s meeting.

The event’s purpose is to showcase different ways to support employees and employers, according to Rachel Carpenter, the director of Healthy Bourbon County Team’ s Center for Economic Growth program.

“Southeast Kansasworks is a hidden gem for businesses and community members,” Carpenter said. “At this event they will share about their services and the different ways they can support employees and employers. They strive to help individuals be in the careers they want to be in by supporting them in getting education and certifications.”

“Business owners and community members are welcome to attend this event,” Carpenter said. “They register through an Eventbrite link found on the Facebook event or at HBCAT.org. The event is free and there is a for $40 gas voucher for each participant, food will be provided, and free childcare.”

“HBCAT contracted with Kansas University Medical Center… for their grant funded program COPE (Communities Organizing to Promote Equity) in Bourbon County,” Carpenter said. “This helped establish the LHEAT (Local Health Equity Action Team) in Bourbon County. The LHEAT is comprised of community organizations, Community Health Workers, and community members.”

“The LHEAT has started off with $40,000 to help support the initiatives that the LHEAT strategizes,” Carpenter said. “One event that the LHEAT has done in the past is distribute produce boxes through out Bourbon County back in May.”

This event is also being sponsored by the Local Health Equity Action Team and Healthy Bourbon County Action Team and Kansasworks.

The event will include a HBCAT overview, a KANSASWORKS overview, an explanation of business services offered and info on a registered apprenticeship.

Speakers are Brandi Galbreath – Outreach Manager (Presenting 12/13/22) on KANSASWORKS Services

Jim Jenkins – Business Services Director (Presenting 12/13/22 & 12/20/22) on KANSASWORKS Business Services

Dustin Troth – Business Services Representative (Presenting 12/13/22 & 12/20/22) on KANSASWORKS Business Services)

Nadia Qureshi – Outreach Coordinator (Presenting 12/20/22) on KANSASWORKS Services

Chastity Troxel – Registered Apprenticeship Program Manager (Presenting on 12/13/22) on Kansas Registered Apprenticeship.

Carpenter graduates this semester with a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Fort Hays State University. She previously received certification in Community Development and Grant Writing also through Fort Hays State University.

Business

Large Increase in Evergy’s Capital Plan

December 12, 2022 Submitted Story Leave a comment

The Kansas Corporation Commission will hold a workshop
tomorrow to discuss large increase in Evergy’s Capital Plan

TOPEKA – The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) is holding a workshop tomorrow (December 13) beginning at 9:30 a.m. to give Evergy officials the opportunity to explain a large increase in the company’s capital expenditure projections. Evergy’s capital investment plan, filed with the Commission earlier this year, showed a $1.2 billion increase in projected spending compared to its Sustainability Transformation Plan (STP) presented last year.

Commission Staff expressed concern over the increased spending projections. The Commission echoed those concerns in an order issued on September 15, stating, “Evergy’s Capital Improvement Plan affects the majority of Kansans and thus requires public scrutiny.”

During the workshop, Evergy will be asked to explain the reasons for the increase and how it would impact ratepayers, as well as answer questions from KCC Commissioners, Commission Staff and the Citizens Utility Ratepayer Board (CURB).

The workshop is informational only and no Commission action will be taken. The cost of capital investments and any proposed changes to rates are reviewed by the Commission during a rate case. Evergy has not filed for a rate case.

The workshop will be conducted virtually by Zoom and is available for public viewing on the Commission’s YouTube channel. The workshop will also be recorded for later viewing.

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott

A 1940’s Christmas Concert at Common Ground This Friday

December 12, 2022 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Common Ground Coffee Co. presents “A 1940s Christmas Concert” with CMT this Friday, December 16, at 7:00 p.m. Ensemble members are Ralph Carlson on acoustic guitar and vocals, Stephan Moses on electric lead guitar and vocals, Carolyn Tucker on keys and vocals, Aaron Tucker on drums and vocals, and Mariam Tucker Self as lead vocalist.

“The World War II era has long been recognized as one of the most prolific musical periods of the 20^th century. Hundreds of songs which became popular during this time have continued to maintain their hold on our memories,” band member Ralph Carlson said. “Some of the most beautiful, heartfelt, and fun songs of the season will be featured this Friday.”

The audience will hear a variety of Big Band, classics, standards, traditional carols, gospel, and blues Christmas tunes. A partial song list includes I‘m Dreaming of a White Christmas, I’ll Be Home for Christmas, Silver Bells, Winter Wonderland, Do You Hear What I Hear, Silent Night, Go Tell it on the Mountain, Merry Christmas Baby, and more.

The concert will be held at the Loading Dock inside Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall Street. An assortment of goodies and beverages will be available for purchase. Admission to the concert is free. Sound is provided by Dave Oas and Jim Butler.