Monthly Archives: August 2023

Obituary

Obituary of Amy Inez Watkins

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Amy Inez Watkins, age 42, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas, following a brief illness.

She was born September 15, 1980, in Pittsburg, Kansas, the daughter of Jack Pryor, Sr. and Marveline Hukill Pryor.

Amy grew up in Mindenmines, Missouri and graduated from the Liberal, Missouri High School.

Amy married Scott Watkins on June 12, 2021, at Ft. Scott, Kansas.  In earlier years, she had been employed by Wal-Mart first in Lamar, Missouri and later in Ft. Scott.  She recently accepted a position as a service advisor at Briggs Automotive in Ft. Scott.

Amy will be remembered for her caring personality and devotion to children.  She loved listening to live music and traveling.  She and her family had recently returned from a summer vacation in Florida where many wonderful memories were made.  She was a member of the Community Christian Church.

 

Survivors include her husband, Scott, of the home; seven children, Zoe DiToro (John), Keirsten, Mellicia and Trinnade Kuffler and Xavier, Xander and Xation Watkins and two grandchildren, John John and Lux.  Also surviving are her mother, Marveline Sprinkle (Bruce), brothers and sisters Charles and Sherry Osborne, Jody Pryor, Travis Pryor, Jack and Rhonda Pryor, Tina Burdick, Ben Burdick, Daniel Sprinkle and Christopher Sprinkle and father and mother-in-law, David Watkins, Sr. and Teresa as well as sister and brothers-in-law, Alicia Watkins (John), David Watkins (Alisha), Billy Watkins and Tracy Watkins.  Also surviving is her former husband, Eldon Kuffler.

Amy was preceded in death by her father, Jack Pryor, Sr. and a brother, Donald Sprinkle.

 

Rev. Dusty Drake will conduct funeral services at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, August 22nd at the Community Christian Church.  Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Monday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to the Amy Watkins 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.

Obituary

Paula Kay Goodman-Schweikhardt

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Paula Kay Goodman-Schweikhardt, age 65, of Fort Scott, KS passed away after a long battle with Colon Cancer at her home on Monday August 14th, 2023. She was born on January 25, 1958, in Independence Mo. to Melvin and Lois Goodman.

 

Paula graduated from William Chrisman High School in Independence MO where she resided until moving to Fort Scott KS. Paula was a dedicated nurses aid for twenty years at Fort Scott Manor until accepting the position of assistant cook and food prep worker. She later went to work as a Home Health Aid until accepting a position at G&W Foods in the deli department. Paula enjoyed taking care of the elderly community and had a love of cooking for others. She was a lover of all things outdoors; you could often find her working in her garden tending her flower beds. She would also spend numerous hours crafting handmade Christmas ornaments for her family and friends.   She was an avid collector and lover of Coca Cola memorabilia. Paula was one of the biggest fans of the Kansas City Chiefs football team, with one of her dreams coming true when she was finally able to attend a game with her boys. Paula’s greatest joy in life was her three sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren along with spending time with her family and friends.

 

Paula is proceeded in death by her father Melvin Goodman and her sister Laura Stagg.

She is survived by her mother Lois Goodman (Independence MO); her sons, Christopher Goodman (Kay), Joshua Schoemig, and Matthew Schweikhardt; her grandchildren Demitrious Goodman (Elizabeth), Krishawn Goodman (Taylor), Zarius Goodman (Sydney), Jordan Johnson, Kaleiah Johnson, Kaniyah Johnson, Emma Hibbs, Grace Hibbs, and Max and Royal Schweikhardt; great- grandchildren Jaelyn, Braxton, Zara, Violet, and Westen; her sisters Debbie Gillen (David), Brenda Smith (Doug); brother in-law David Stagg; and many aunt’s, cousins, nieces and nephews.

 

A celebration of life and lunch will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, August 26th, 2023, at the Community Christian Church (Gym) 1919 Horton Street, Fort Scott KS 66701. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting contributions be made to the Paula Goodman-Schweikhardt Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

 

 

Uncategorized

Obituary of Ronald “Ron” Lee Rains

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Ronald “Ron” Lee Rains, age 84, of Fort Scott, passed away peacefully Monday morning, August 14, 2023. He was born on June 18, 1939, in Chanute, Kansas to Charles Edgar Rains and Eva Leota Grogan Rains.  He grew up in Chanute where his father was a pastor at the Highland Avenue United Brethren Church and graduated from Chanute High School with the class of 1957.

 

Ron joined the Army in 1958 and served until 1963.  At the conclusion of his service, he held the rank of a Specialist 4. His primary duty was surveying coordinates for the world’s first surface-to-surface nuclear missiles (Honest John missiles).  During his time in the Army, Ron was also a paratrooper for the 101st Airborne Screaming Eagles.  He was very proud to serve his country and told many stories of his adventures.  After serving in the Army, Ron moved to Fort Scott where he began working for the Kansas Department of Transportation.  This is where he met his future wife, Sharry.  Ron married Sharon Ann Martin on April 16, 1967, in Chanute, Kansas.  They were wed by his father, Pastor Edgar Rains. Together they had two children, Cecilia Jill Rains Evans and Shannon Lee Rains.

 

Ron worked as a surveyor and engineer for the Kansas Department of Transportation in Fort Scott.  After retiring from KDOT, he was an inspector for Cook, Flatt & Strobel Engineers.  Ron was a woodworker and made many cherished pieces for his family and friends.  He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, a Coca-Cola and Nascar collector, and had a spirited personality.  His laugh was contagious, and each one of his family members have a story to tell about him and his orneriness.

 

Ron was an amazing husband, dad, and the absolute best grandpa.  He loved his family and would do anything for them, especially his grandkids.  During his later years in life, he was Sharry’s caregiver while she battled cancer until her passing in 2019.  Ron was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Fort Scott.  He loved the Lord, and we rejoice in the fact that he is now reunited in heaven with those we love and hold so dearly.

 

Ron is survived by his daughter, Jill Evans and husband Chris of Spring Hill, Kansas; his son, Shannon Rains, of Fort Scott; his grandchildren, Bethany Minter and husband Kahn, Jordan Phillips, and Robert Rains; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Sharry; his parents, Edgar and Eva Rains; and his sisters, Sheila Hansen and Myrna Whitmer.

 

Rev. Christopher Eshelman will officiate funeral services for Ron at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday August 22, 2023, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home with burial following at the Fort Scott National Cemetery. The family suggests memorials to the First United Methodist Church 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.

Bourbon County, Business

HBCAT Grant: Organized By Karis

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This is part of a series featuring the grant recipients of the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s Center For Economic Growth in their latest grant cycle.

The Heathly Bourbon County Action Team Grant Program is funded by the Patterson Family Foundation and is a collaborative effort through partnerships with the Kansas Small Business Development Center at Pittsburg State and Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce.
The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team located at 104 N. National.
This grant cycle, they awarded grants to nine area businesses.
The grant award ceremony is August 23 from noon to 1 p.m. at the HBCAT office, 104 N. National.
To learn more: GRANT CEREMONY: bit.ly/3qikzOq

 

Karis Poyner. Submitted photo.

 

Kris Poyner opened her business, Organized by Karis, in February 2023.
“I have always had a passion for organizing and cleaning,” she said. “I wanted to help people who can’t do it themselves.”
She provides organizing of closets, kitchens, bathrooms, garages, etc. weekly cleanings, bi-weekly cleaning, monthly cleaning, one-time cleans, move-out cleans,  and move-in cleans.
Contact  email is [email protected] and phone number is 620-704-9547
“I am going to use the grant money to buy better equipment so I can provide the best quality of services to my clients,” she said.
A before picture of a garage organization. Submitted.
The after photo. Submitted photo.
Opinion

Whose Advice Do You Seek? by Patty LaRoche

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Patty LaRoche. 2023

When I was young, I loved reading “Dear Abby,” especially advice on how to deal with a rude neighbor or an inattentive boyfriend or a bratty child.

I, of course, didn’t need Abby.  I had my friends.  “You don’t have to put up with that.” “Try out for cheerleader.” “Get a credit card.” “Just call in sick.” “Stop being so nice.”  “Don’t let your mom know.” “Marry for money; love will follow.” “Stick up for yourself.” “You’re better than that.” “Let’s sneak away to Oklahoma.”  “It’s just marijuana” (one piece of advice I never, praise God, followed). “It’s the thought that counts” (said by a friend, consoling me over the weed eater Dave bought me for my birthday).

I wasn’t exactly a wild child, but I sure did some bone-headed things, and rarely did I seek wise counsel.  (By the grace of God am I alive to write this article.)  How times have changed!  Now that I am older, I am very careful about the advice I receive. Now, I am picky about whom I ask for help.  Now, I make sure my advice-givers are God-followers. To do that, they need to know the Bible.

For good reason, the Bible is called a “lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” My friends who know scripture guide me according to its principles, principles that instruct me about forsaking pride and choosing love. Psalm 32:8 is a reminder of who  should mentor me: I (God) will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.  But let’s face it—bad advice is not in short supply.

My book A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection came out a few weeks ago.  In it, three women tell their stories, women who were advised by our high school counselor that they weren’t smart enough to attend college, much less major in their desired fields.  All graduated with advanced degrees but never forgot the degrading “tip” they had been given.  Only because they had encouraging parents did they forge ahead, ignoring what they had been told.  But what about those who had no such counsel?

The problem with advice, of course, is that well-intentioned people can make mistakes.

There is one story in scripture that reeks of poor advice.  Job, tempted by Satan, is being counseled by his pals and wife as to why God turned against him and forced him to suffer. Not once do his pals admit that they might not really know the answer. They are adamant in their criticism. They are wrong.  Pastor Andy Cook studied Job and recommended we always ask these questions of human counsel:

1.  Is it biblical?

2.  Is it factual?

3.  Is it necessary?

4.  Is it teachable?

5.  Does it acknowledge the imperfections of human counsel?

6.  Is it spoken in love?

I’m wiser than I used to be. I understand the importance of good advice. I now know how little I know, so I am reluctant to tell someone what to do…unless, of course, my answer meets those six qualifications…or it involves a weed eater as a gift.

 

 

 

 

 

Government, Kansas

KS Generative Artificial Intelligence Policy Announced

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Kelly Administration Implements Forward-Thinking Generative Artificial Intelligence Policy

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that in order to stay ahead of the progression of generative artificial intelligence (AI) technology, she has directed Executive Branch agencies to adopt a statewide generative AI policy. The policy, created and introduced by the Kansas Office of Information Technology Services (OITS), outlines how Kansas can responsibly embrace and use the technology while also protecting the State of Kansas.

“It is essential that we be proactive in finding the best way to use any technology that can pose risks to Kansans’ data and privacy,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “With the adoption of this policy, Kansas serves as a model for what an enterprising, effective government can do to stay at the forefront of technological advancements.”

The policy comes as state and federal elected officials across the country grapple with the challenges of generative AI, which are computer-based tools used to automate certain tasks. With this policy, Kansas is staying ahead of the curve as many states continue to consider ways to regulate the use of generative AI.

“The full potential of generative AI has yet to be seen,” said Interim Chief Information Technology Officer and Chief Information Security Officer Jeff Maxon. “We have only scratched the surface in our understanding of what this technology can do. With the adoption of this policy, it allows agencies to safely explore how we can use generative AI to enhance our work and, ultimately, better serve Kansans.”

The policy serves as the primary governing document for the usage of generative AI for users or related activities by the entities. This policy applies to all business uses involving the State of Kansas, including but not limited to the development of software code, written documentation (i.e., policy, legislation, or regulations), and correspondence (such as memorandums, letters, text messages, and emails), research, the summarization and proofreading of documents, and the making of business decisions.

The policy outlines that responses created from generative AI outputs must be reviewed for accuracy, appropriateness, privacy, and security before being acted upon or disseminated. It also lays out that state information and/or Restricted Use Information (RUI) shall not be provided when interacting with generative AI.

Agencies are to ensure contractors disclose in their contracts the use of generative AI or integrations with generative AI platforms. Contractors are also prohibited from using State of Kansas RUI or other confidential data in generative AI queries or for building or training proprietary generative AI programs unless explicitly approved. Contractors utilizing generative AI to build software must demonstrate positive control over all data input into the system.

Software code generative by generative AI shall only be implemented after the entity has identified and mitigated all business and security risks related to its use. All usage of software code generated by generative AI shall be annotated.

View the full policy here.

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Government, Kansas

Food Assistance For Students

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Kansas Families to Receive Approximately $7.4M in Food Support Through Pandemic EBT Program

~~DCF to Distribute Both Child Care and Supplemental Benefits for 2023~~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced, in collaboration with the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) and Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE), the continuation of the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Program (P-EBT) for the 2022-2023 school year. The program provides financial assistance to families who receive free or reduced-price school meals or who have children under the age of six and receive regular Food Assistance benefits.

“The P-EBT benefit provides temporary funding to address hunger and put healthy food on the table for Kansas children,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I am thankful for our partnership with the Kansas Department of Education, which will ensure we have the data to get these benefits into the hands of families across the state.”

Beginning this week, children under the age of six in a household that received Food Assistance (also known as SNAP) in Kansas between August 2022 and May 11, 2023, have started to receive the child care P-EBT benefit. The amount of the benefit will vary depending on how many months a child received Food Assistance benefits. DCF anticipates distributing approximately $7.4 million for this program.

Additionally, DCF will be providing a supplemental P-EBT benefit for the summer months of 2023. This benefit is for school-aged children who received free or reduced-price school meals during the 2022 -23 school year.

Due to the complexity of gathering the necessary data, DCF will distribute the supplemental benefit in two phases beginning in January 2024.

The first phase includes an auto-issuance of benefits to families who are known to DCF through a direct certification process. The second phase, in February 2024, provides families an opportunity to request the supplemental benefit using an online portal. Additional information about the request process will be shared at a later date.

The supplemental benefit is $120 per child. DCF anticipates distributing $13.6 million for 2023.

“The P-EBT program has been essential for families who are experiencing food insecurity,” said Kansas DCF Secretary Laura Howard. “I am pleased that we are able to work with our partners to ensure families once again have access to high-quality food.”

Recipients can use their P-EBT funds to purchase eligible foods from approved retailers that accept Food Assistance benefits, like grocery stores and online at Aldi, Amazon, or Walmart.

Additional information can be found on the DCF website.

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Area News, Government, Kansas

Correctional Facility Bus Involved in Traffic Accident

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TCF residents injured in bus accident

IOLA, Kansas. – Just before 1am, August 17, 2023, a transport bus carrying 21 Topeka Correctional Facility (TCF) residents was involved in a traffic accident. Nine people, including eight residents of the TCF, were injured.

The TCF residents had just finished their 3-11 pm shift at the Russell Stover plant in Iola and were returning to Topeka. The bus turned onto Highway 169 and collided with a semi-truck.

The bus driver was seriously injured and transported to a Kansas City area hospital.

Eight residents were injured including 3 with bone fractures. All eight are expected to recover.

The 13 other residents reported no injuries and were transported back to the worksite. As a precautionary measure, they were sent to a local hospital for assessment.

KDOC continues to work with law enforcement to determine the cause of the accident.

The Topeka Correctional Facility is the only correctional facility for female adults operated by the Kansas Department of Corrections. The current population is 762 women.

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Art, Bourbon County, Business, Youth

Young Entrepreneur: Devlin Cole

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This is part of a series featuring young entrepreneurs in our community.

Following the first set of stories on young entrepreneurs in our community, an anonymous donor  wrote fortscott.biz that he wanted to grant each one of the featured youth with $50.

To view the prior story: Young Entrepreneurs Series Spawns An Anonymous Benefactor

If you know of a child, under 18 years of age, that is creating products or providing services to sell to the public, please send their name and phone number to [email protected]

Fortscott.biz wants to  encourage the youth who are learning business by doing it.

Devlin Cole.

Devlin Cole, 15,  started a leather works business about a year ago,  called DRC Leatherworks.

He hand stamps and hand cuts leather to make bookmarks, rings, bracelets, key rings.

His grandmother, Vicki Waldron, owner of ViCon, a sewing business, and he both got interested at the same time, and he works out of her shop on Maple Road, rural Fort Scott. His sister, Mackenna, has encouraged him in his business, he said.

“I started sewing when young,” Cole said. “I like hands-on personalizing and being a craftsman on something that is personal.”

He is currently creating a stock pile of leather work articles for the Children’s Business Fair on September 30.

“I used (his leather) bookmarks at school, when reading and friends noticed and ordered a few,” he said.

At a recent band event, some of his friends helped Cole select a name for his business and he has been working on pricing, business logo and a business email.

Submitted graphic.

Belts are $10, keychains and pendants are $5, bookmarks are $7, rings are $3, and bracelets are $4.

“That is the prices I have thought of at the current moment not 100% sure on the belts due to leather costs but the rest is pretty set in stone,” he said.

At a recent Children’s Business Fair workshop, he developed a busniness plan and got all his ideas on paper, he said. Next was cash flow and payment options.

He will be selling, along with other young enrepreneurs, at the Fort Scott Farmers Market on September 30.

 

K-State Extension, Youth

Kansas State University State 4-H Horticulture Judging Contest

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Kansas State University State 4-H Horticulture Judging Contest – August 12, 2023

 

Pictured from left to right are Southwind District 4-H’ers: Kason Botts, Will Maycumber, Jewel Endicott, Austin Maycumber, Seth Shadden, Camryn Wille, Hailey Shadden, Abigail Meiwes, and Coach Casey Diver.

 

Intermediate Division:

Hailey Shadden….10th Place Individual

Camryn Wille

Kason Botts

Austin Maycumber

Team – 4th Place

Senior Division:

Abigail Meiwes: 1st Place Individual

Jewel Endicott

Seth Shadden

Will Maycumber

Team – 2nd Place

submitted by
Jennifer K. Terrell
District Extension Agent
4-H Youth Development
Jennifer Terrell, K-State Extension Agent