Monthly Archives: February 2023
Obituary of Carl Hagan Sr.
Carl Edward Hagan, Sr., age 70, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly Monday, February 6, 2023, in Ft. Scott.
He was born January 7, 1953, the son of Floyd E. Green and Teresia Waunettia Edna Pryor.
Carl graduated from the Ft. Scott High School. Carl first married Bethany Ann Nolan and they had one son, Carl Jr. He later married Kelli Thompson and later divorced.
In earlier years, he worked as a diesel mechanic for Mid-Western Distribution. When that business closed, Carl found employment with Superior Industries in Pittsburg where he worked until his retirement.
Carl had a love for vintage automobiles and will be remembered for his ’56 yellow Chevy Nomad.
Survivors include his son, Carl Hagan, Jr. of Ft. Scott and a step-son, Kelley Olivas and two grandchildren, Jacob Magnus Hagan and Gwenyth Bethany Hagan. Also surviving is a brother, Ernest P. Hagan, Jr. of Montgomery, Texas.
Carl was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Marilyn McKey.
Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 1:30 P.M. Monday, February 13th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to the Carl Hagan Memorial Fund 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.
Women’s Fight For Rights Presentation Explores: What Is a Hero?
Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott will host “Army of the Amazons: Women’s Fight for Labor Rights in the Kansas Coalfields,” a presentation and discussion by Linda O’Nelio Knoll on Friday, February 10, 2023 at 2 p.m., at the Lowell Milken Center at 1 South Main Street.
“The presentation and books are free and there will be wine and cheese as well,” said Ronda Hassig, Funding Development Spokesperson at the LMC. “We would love to see you and you are welcome to bring a friend too!”
Members of the community are invited to attend the free program. Contact the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes at #620-223-1312 for more information. The program is made possible by Humanities Kansas.
Refreshments will be provided for those attending.
To view the poster of the event:
Email Community Book Read (5 × 7 in) (2)(1)
In December 1921, thousands of women in southeast Kansas rose up to fight injustice in the area coalfields.
These women were immigrants from Eastern European nations as well as Kansas born.
After a months-long strike by the coalminers, the women joined the cause. In the short term, their efforts crippled mine production for nearly a month; in the longer term, their continued activism impacted future statewide elections and national legislation.
This talk will share the stories of these women, christened the “Amazon Army” by The New York Times, and their fight for democracy and labor rights in Kansas’s coalfields.
This event will kick off the community reading of two books about Unsung Heroes “Cher Ami” and “Lorraine Hansberry.”
Free books are provided by Humanities Kansas and all are welcome to participate!
Both book discussions will happen at the Lowell Milken Center three weeks after the book is passed out
About Humanities Kansas
Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit spearheading a movement of ideas to empower the people of Kansas to strengthen their communities and our democracy. Since 1972, our pioneering programming, grants, and partnerships have documented and shared stories to spark conversations and generate insights. Together with our partners and supporters, we inspire all Kansans to draw on history, literature, ethics, and culture to enrich their lives and serve the communities and state we all proudly call home. Visit humanitieskansas.org.
About the Lowell Milken Center: The Lowell Milken Center is a non-profit 501 © (3) that works with students and educators within a range of diverse academic disciplines, to develop projects focused on unsung heroes. Once their projects are finished, we advocate the student’s unsung heroes by sharing them in our Hall of Unsung Heroes or our website so people all over the world discover their individual influence and obligation to take actions that improve the lives of others. The Hall of Unsung Heroes is proudly located in Southeast Kansas and showcases some of the top projects developed in collaboration with the Center.
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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Feb. 8
Fort Friends Now Accepting New and Renewed Subscriptions for U.S. Flags
The Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site Inc. is taking new subscriptions and renewals for their Fly the Flag project. The project provides homeowners and businesses, within the city limits of Fort Scott, the opportunity to fly the Stars and Stripes on five different flag holidays during 2023 without the hassle of purchasing, placing, and storing a flag and pole. You don’t even have to remember the holiday!
For $37 annually, the Friends will install a 3’x5′ flag on a 12 foot staff at your home or business on each of the following Flag Holidays :
Memorial Day, May 29th
Flag Day, June 14th
Fourth of July, July 4th
Labor Day, September 4th
Veteran’s Day, November 11th
Agreements for new subscriptions can be obtained at the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce or can be requested by phone or text. Contact Kelley Collins at 417-684-2484. Renewals notices are being mailed/e-mailed to 2022 subscribers. Both new agreements and renewals must be returned by March 31, 2023.
All proceeds support programs at Fort Scott National Historic Site including Symbols of Sacrifice, Candlelight Tour, and other special programs including the 2023 Fort Scott performance of “Wahzhazhe”: The Story of the Osage People, July 21 and 22.
Show your patriotism and help our local National Park by lining the streets of Fort Scott with our nation’s symbol!
The Fly the Flag project is a yearly project sponsored by the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site. Once signed up, you will receive the option to renew annually.
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Obituary of Gavonn Burk
Gavonn Michaela Annette Elise Burk, age 24, resident of Fort Scott, KS, died Sunday, February 5, 2023, at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita, KS. She was born on January 5, 1999, in Olathe, KS, the daughter of Jeff Burk and Mary McCully. She grew up in Iola, KS. Gavonn was a free spirit who stood for what she believed in. She enjoyed attending live concerts and spending time with family and friends. She adored her two daughters who meant everything to her.
Survivors include her daughters, Scarlett Burk and Gracelynn Jones; her mother, Mary Watson (Will), Fort Scott, KS; her father, Jeff Burk, Fort Scott, KS; 7 brothers, Tripp Chapman, Prestonn Burk, Daylonn Burk, Londonn Burk, Brittonn Burk, Ethan Watson, and Tylor Watson; 3 sisters, Railie Zimmerman, Peytonn Burk, and Kindra Watson; grandparents Irene and Dan Rhodes, Gary Hartman, and Theresa Burk and Marvin Hartman; great grandparents Loren and Ivana Higginbotham; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by a grandfather, Mike Burk and stepfather Billy Chapman.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, February 11th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in Holmes Cemetery, Prescott, KS.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 Friday evening at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to the Gavonn Burk Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Chamber Coffee at Lyons Realty Group
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Medicaid Expansion Legislation Announced
Governor Kelly Announces Introduction of Medicaid Expansion Legislation
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced that her bills to provide affordable health care access for low-wage hardworking Kansans were introduced today in committees of the Kansas House and Kansas Senate. By expanding Medicaid, Kansas taxpayers will have access to health care services they are already paying for through federal taxes.
“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: expanding Medicaid will not only provide health care to hundreds of thousands of hardworking Kansans, it will also boost our economy, strengthen rural communities, and bring hard-earned dollars back to our state.” Governor Kelly said. “Expanding Medicaid has received the bipartisan support of 39 other states, including every one of our neighbors. We must get this done.”
Kansas taxpayers have paid more than $6 billion for affordable health care coverage through federal taxes but have yet to see a penny of that investment. This program will be paid for with 90% federal funding beginning January 1, 2024.
If Medicaid is expanded, Kansas could receive an additional $370 million in federal dollars over the next two years, sufficient to cover the state’s share of expansion costs for up to 8 years.
If this legislation is not passed in this year’s budget, it will result in the loss of $70 million in State General Fund savings for the next fiscal year.
“Over 70% of Kansans support expanding Medicaid. A vote against this bill is belligerent and political,” House Democratic Leader Vic Miller said. “Medicaid expansion is not only a sound healthcare policy, although lives are at its core — It’s a workforce and economic development policy. The state has passed up $6 billion in federal funding and counting, lives have been lost, jobs are leaving the state, people are suffering, and hospitals are closing. Expand Medicaid, already.”
“Kansans overwhelmingly support Medicaid expansion,” Senator Pat Pettey, Kansas Senate Dist. 6, said. “They understand that expansion will create jobs, and strengthen health care providers across the state, especially in our rural areas. Now is the time for Medicaid Expansion.”
Organizations across the state support Governor Kelly’s plan to expand KanCare, the program through which the State of Kansas administers Medicaid.
“The Kansas Hospital Association continues to support KanCare Expansion and the benefits it will bring to Kansas,” Chad Austin, President and CEO, Kansas Hospital Association, said. “Expansion improves the health of Kansans by improving access to tens of thousands of hardworking Kansans who cannot access affordable health care coverage.”
“Expanding Medicaid will enable thousands of people to get the health and mental health care they need to maintain jobs vital to the state’s economy,” Brenda Sharpe, President and CEO, REACH Healthcare Foundation, said. “Expanding KanCare will help employers stay competitive with our surrounding states, all of which have expanded Medicaid. Kansans understand health care is a necessity and are ready for a solution that will help workers, families, and neighbors.”
“Kansans and Kansas businesses are paying more for health care because of the legislature’s failure to expand KanCare, which is why I applaud Governor Kelly’s common-sense plan to expand KanCare,” David Jordan, President and CEO, United Methodist Health Ministry Fund, said. “KanCare Expansion would bring down costs for all Kansans, protect our rural hospitals from closing, and make our state more economically competitive.”
“Over the last several decades, Kansas has fallen further behind in national health rankings. Expanding Medicaid is an obvious and necessary choice that will help return Kansas to the ranks of one of America’s healthiest states,” Ed O’Malley, President and CEO, Kansas Health Foundation, said. “This isn’t a progressive or conservative choice. It’s simply a common-sense move to provide health care to hardworking Kansans. Economic opportunity is a key determinant of health. Too many Kansans see their economic opportunity limited due to the inability to access affordable health care.”
“Health Forward Foundation applauds Governor Kelly for her unwavering efforts to expand KanCare so people who are paid lower wages can live healthier and more economically secure lives,” McClain Bryant Macklin, Vice President of Policy and Strategic Initiatives, Health Forward Foundation, said. “Without expansion, we are less competitive in attracting new jobs and have a more difficult time retaining our workforce. We implore our elected officials to expand KanCare.”
“The Alliance for a Healthy Kansas commends the introduction of KanCare expansion legislation, which will bring down health care costs for everyone and provide 150,000 Kansans with affordable health insurance, ” April Holman, Executive Director, Alliance for a Healthy Kansas, said. “Expanding KanCare will help preserve and strengthen rural hospitals and communities, help alleviate general workforce issues, and keep Kansas economically competitive. Most Kansans agree – it’s time to expand KanCare once and for all.”
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Starlite FCE Minutes
Starlite FCE Minutes
January,2023
The January meeting of the Starlite FCE was held at Presbyterian Village’s meeting room. President Glenda Miller called the meeting to order, and Joyce Allen led the club in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Club collect. Eight members were in attendance and reported that they had volunteered for eight hours and had recycled fifty pounds.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. Doris Ericson presented the treasurer’s report. Glenda Miller read a Thank you card from the VA Hospital thanking us for the 210 Christmas cards we had sent. Glenda also passed out new address sheets to the members. January birthday were recognized by Glenda.
Old business consisted of follow up plans for the March program on Men’s Health. Glenda will present the lesson to the club with Deb Lust help. It was discussed to invite residents of Presbyterian Village and providing cobbles and ice cream for refreshments. Plans were made to present the program to other groups as well and ask someone in the health field to present it. It was also suggested to give a gift card to the outside presenter.
Before the meeting the member signed Valentine cards to take to Veterans in the assisted living facilities and senior housing and to Tri-Valley. Deb Lust, Joyce Allen and Taylor Bailey volunteered to deliver the valentines
Letha Johnson moved the meeting be adjourned, Joyce Allen seconded the motion, meeting adjourned.
Glenda Miller presented the lesson on Character Counts “Caring”, while the members enjoyed refreshments provided by Doris Ericson and Glenda Miller. Refreshments consisted of Chocolate cookies, ice cream, and water.
Prepared by
Terri Williams
110 S. Main Mercantile Reopens Feb. 10
Kathy and Tracy Dancer are reopening their new business venture, 110 South Main Mercantile and Market, on Feb 10. The business is located in the former Scottish Rite Temple.
To view a prior story on this business:
The store will be open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“The store started as a pop-up in the old Scottish Rite building in December and will be reopening with limited hours during February and March,” she said.
“We have about a dozen local artisans and craftspeople with items for sale in the market,” she said. “There are some great handmade home decor items, glass art, locally sourced and knitted Shetland wool scarves and shawls, woodcraft products such as: crosses, charcuterie boards, framed art and furniture made from reclaimed wood. We will be adding several additional market vendors in February and March as we expand the space.”
In addition to market vendors, Kathy sources items for the mercantile portion of the shop from around the U.S. with a focus on small businesses in Kansas and the Midwest.
“We have candles, jewelry, bath products, beard balms, soaps, home decor, caramels, puzzles, and baking mixes made in Kansas,” she said. “Some of the companies we are working with include Kansas City Caramels, Kansas City Canning Company, Prairie Fire, Madame Scodioli, Sunflower Food Co, Thompson’s Handmade, and Rural Pearl Art.”
The following are photos of some of the mercantile that will be for sell.
They will also have for sale products from outside of Kansas.
“We will be offering coffee from Modest Coffee, soup mixes from Anderson House, baking mixes from Finding Home Farms, and treats from Rolling Pin Bakery and Bear Creek Candy, Kathy said. “We have expanded our offering of craft drink mixes and cocktail accessories. We also have a selection of children’s books and wooden puzzles.”
“It really is a great variety of products for the entire family and all ages,” she said.
She is currently enjoying some of the items she sells at home.
“Right now with the cool weather, I am enjoying the Anderson House soup mixes, the Shetland wool scarves from Black Dog Farms, and the seasonal home decor from 2 Southern Ladies,” she said.
A Cafe on the Horizon
“We have also started the process to license a restaurant in the space,” she said.
The restaurant will be named Cohn’s Cafe.
” The cafe space was Cohn’s Coffee Shoppe from 1926-1948, so we felt it was a great way to embrace the history of the space while adding a dining option for the community,” she said. “The cafe will be open sometime this spring.”
In addition the cafe will have a selection of breakfast and lunch items, coffee, specialty drinks and desserts.
“We are testing menu items during February, but we hope to offer a selection of quiches, scones, waffles, crepes, sandwiches, and soups,” she said. “There will also be a rotating selection of classics such as pot roast, meatloaf, and chicken and dumplings.”
People can follow the mercantile’s progress on Facebook or Instagram at @110s
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Feb. 7
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter
Announcing Committee Assignments for the 118th Congress
For the 118th Congress, I am pleased to announce that I will continue serving as the lead Republican on the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs in addition to being selected to serve on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.
As the lead Republican on the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs I remain committed to making certain our veterans have the health care, resources and benefits necessary for them to achieve success after service.
I was also selected to serve on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and will work to strengthen our national security and intelligence capabilities. Our nation’s intelligence community helps protect the U.S. from potential threats and inform elected officials on how to protect our national security. My responsibility is to make certain covert activities adhere to the law and our nation’s secrets are appropriately protected, as well as to support the patriotic men and women who serve our nation in the shadows.
I will continue to use my position on the Senate Committee on Appropriations and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation to serve and advocate for Kansans from all backgrounds and career fields, including our state’s farmers, small business owners, veterans, manufacturers, students and parents.
I will serve on the following committees for the 118th Congress:
• Senate Committee on Appropriations
• Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation
• Senate Select Committee on Intelligence
• Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs (Ranking Member)
Discussing Chinese Spy Balloon on Fox News
As a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, I joined Neil Cavuto on Fox News on Friday to discuss the Chinese spy balloon that was flying in U.S. airspace.
The Biden administration owes Congress and the American people an explanation for their decision to allow a Chinese spy balloon to fly across the entire country – including northeast Kansas.
We must be able to recover as much of the balloon and its cargo as possible to learn more about Chinese surveillance capabilities and what threats this balloon may have posed to Kansans and Americans. Many questions remain, and the Biden administration owes the American people answers.
You can watch my full interview on Fox News here.
Celebrating Black History Month
This Black History Month, we celebrate our nation’s rich Black history and culture – especially in Kansas. From Langston Hughes and George Washington Carver, to Brown v. Board of Education and Nicodemus, Kansas has been home to many Black Americans who helped to inspire change.
Introducing Legislation to Improve Care for Veterans
Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act
I joined Senators Jon Tester and Maggie Hassan – members of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee – in introducing the Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act. This legislation would expand community-based services for aging veterans as well as improve VA support for veterans and caregivers of all ages.
Senator Elizabeth Dole represents the millions of caregivers who have worked behind the scenes to care for our nation’s veterans who are impacted by advanced age or catastrophic injuries. Caregivers help veterans maintain their independence and stay in their own homes in their own communities for as long as possible as they age. The Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act expands access to home and community-based services. It is fitting we name this legislation after an honorary Kansan – Elizabeth Dole – who has worked as an advocate to honor and recognize our veterans and their caregivers.
Read more about the Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act from KSN here.
RESPECT Act
I also introduced legislation this week to improve the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers by creating fair and commonsense processes for evaluating and assessing veterans who need a caregiver and providing additional support to caregivers themselves.
Our nation’s veterans, who require a caregiver because of a mental health condition or brain injury, deserve an evaluation and assessment process that works for them, and their caregivers deserve support as close to home as possible. Receiving input from a veteran’s previous health care provider and providing access to a thorough history of a veteran’s treatment will help the VA provide timely resources to veterans, and allowing caregivers to seek mental health care outside of VA will help them stay healthy, strong and able to continue supporting their veteran loved ones. The RESPECT Act was born out of conversations with Kansas veterans and caregivers, and I am glad that I could take their concerns back to the Senate and make meaningful change on their behalf.
Learn more about the RESPECT Act here.
Receiving Update From U.S. Army Secretary Christine Wormuth
On Wednesday, I met with U.S. Army Secretary Christine Wormuth for an update on the Army’s current and future efforts to recruit and retain talented young men and women who desire to serve their country in the military. As co-chair of the Senate Army Caucus, I look forward to hosting Secretary Wormuth in Kansas to showcase the incredible people and capabilities that make up the Army community in our state. I look forward to working with Secretary Wormuth in this role to support our military institutions and to advocate for our soldiers and their families in Kansas, the United States and across the globe.
Meeting with Ambassador of Turkey Murat Mercan
I met with Murat Mercan, Turkey’s Ambassador to the United States, to discuss issues important to our countries. During this meeting, we spoke about the potential sale of F-16s to Turkey and the expansion of NATO to include Finland and Sweden. As a NATO ally, it is important that our nations have good relations and that each country meets the expectations of the alliance. I appreciated this conversation as the Senate considers how best to strengthen security in Europe and beyond.
Meeting with Kansans
Kansas County & District Attorneys Association
This week, I met with members of the Kansas County & District Attorney Association – Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson, Smith County Attorney Tabitha Owen, Johnson County District Attorney Stephen Howe, Douglas County District Attorney Suzanne Valdez and Franklin County Attorney Brandon Jones. I appreciate them taking the time to meet with me and update me on what is happening in local Kansas communities across the state. During this meeting, we discussed the importance of providing support and resources to mental health systems in our local communities, no matter the size or location. I appreciate the leadership and dedication of our county and district attorneys.
Wounded Veterans
I met with Aaron Isaacson of Scandia and Steve Baskis, who were wounded during their military deployments to the Middle East. They have dedicated their lives to helping wounded veterans find purpose and community through adaptive sports and recreation, mountain climbing, hiking and sailing. In addition to helping wounded veterans through sports, they are focused on advocating for access equality for injured veterans and Americans with disabilities. I look forward to working alongside our nation’s heroes, like Aaron and Steve, to make certain our veterans and others have a voice to advocate for their needs.
Kansas Wheat
On Thursday, I visited with members of Kansas Wheat and received an update from them on their work to make certain our state remains a key leader in wheat production. Our wheat growers play an essential role in supporting the global food supply, and I look forward to continuing to work with Kansas Wheat to maintain a strong agriculture industry in our state. Thank you to Shayna DeGroot of Manhattan, Marsha Boswell of Westmoreland, Jay Armstrong of Muscotah, Chris Tanner of Norton, Greyson Tanner of Wichita and Brian Linin of Goodland for visiting with me.
Doug Keesling
It was great to meet with Doug Keesling, owner of Keesling Farms and a member of the Kansas Wheat Commission, during his visit to my Washington, D.C. office this week. As a fifth-generation farmer from east-central Kansas, Doug is a tireless advocate for our farmers and for maintaining a strong agriculture industry in our state. I always appreciate his updates and insight and want to thank him for meeting with me.
Council for Christian Colleges & Universities
I met with Tabor College President David Janzen, Friends University President Dr. Amy Bragg Carey and MidAmerica Nazarene University President Dr. David Spittal during their visit to Washington, D.C. on behalf of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. I appreciate them taking the time to speak with me about the continued success they are seeing in their schools as they offer both academic and spiritual mentorship for their students. I want to thank these university presidents for meeting with me and for their leadership in preparing young Kansans for success.
Hosting C.J. Mahoney, Former Deputy U.S. Trade Representative
This week, I enjoyed the chance to host C.J. Mahoney – former Deputy U.S. Trade Representative, Russell native and one of the first interns in my U.S. House of Representatives office. C.J. visited me in my office this week and was kind enough to take a few minutes to share his insight, experiences and advice with my staff.
It was a privilege to have the opportunity to introduce C.J. to the Senate Finance Committee in 2018 when he was nominated to serve as Deputy U.S. Trade Representative. Throughout the years I have known C.J., I have been consistently impressed with his intelligence and talents, as well as his dedication to Kansas and our nation. He has an impressive professional background, including serving as a clerk for the United States Supreme Court clerkship, but even more than that, C.J. has a strength in personal character that reflects well on Kansas and his hometown of Russell. I am grateful to C.J. for taking the time to share his knowledge and insight with my staff this week.
Meeting with Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrota
On Tuesday, I met with Sanjay Mehrotra, CEO of Micron, a leader in domestic semiconductor manufacturing and the only U.S.-based memory technology producer. Micron creates innovative data solutions that power our computers, cell phones, cars and other critical infrastructure. I recently hosted Micron in Wichita to showcase the opportunities and strong workforce Kansas has to offer. During our meeting, we discussed the importance of the CHIPS and Science Act to the economic and national security of the country. We also spoke about potential future partnerships between Micron and Wichita State University. I look forward to working with Micron to bring semiconductor supply chains back to the U.S.
