Bernice Faye Carriger, age 89, resident of Fort Scott, KS died Thursday, January 18, 2024, at Credo Senior Living, Fort Scott.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, January 26th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Graveside committal services will take place at 1:30 PM at the U. S. National Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until 11:00 Friday prior to the service at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to Care to Share 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 online at cheneywitt.com.
Last year, Hamilton’s Artisan Bakery opened preview subscriptions to a small group of people to test recipes, practice new techniques, and develop a menu, she said.
“We tested a new recipe each week, and our subscribers were able to give invaluable feedback to help us dial in our menu,” said Hamilton.
This year will be a few adjustments.
“Beginning in February, we’ll be testing new recipes each week, and offering a few different subscription choices. You can choose Sweet or Savory, or both! They’ll still be available at weekly porch pick-ups, and we’d still love to get your feedback!” Hamilton said.
“We will be offering our Spring Sweet and Savory Subscriptions, with the first pick-up beginning February 3rd. Find all the details here. Be sure to browse around our new website and pre-order online to secure your spot!”
“Our Sweet Subscription will be a new treat every week. This is a subscription for those with a sweet tooth! Chocolate, berries, cream, and a decadent treat called ‘Bread is Gold’. We’ll be offering some treats that can’t be sold at the Farmer’s Market, so many of these will only be available here.”
“Our Savory Subscription will be a little more hearty and a little more health conscious. We’re excited to try new flours like rye and whole wheat as well as inclusions such as grains and seeds.”
You can also subscribe for both.
“Double Subscriptions are just that and will include both the sweet and savory offerings. So both dinner and dessert are covered!”
“Mini Subscriptions will have the same great taste in a more manageable size. We will offer mini versions of each of our weekly savory loaves, and just one or two servings of our sweet treats. You can choose Mini versions of each of our subscriptions: Mini Sweet, Mini Savory, or Mini Double.”
This year she will be offering baking parties for groups of 4-6 people, available February through April.
“These will be offered on a date that works for you and your group, here at our home/bakery OR at your home. Bread takes time, so plan on 3-4 hours here with your friends. You’ll get hands-on practice with making a loaf of your choice, we’ll bake a loaf to munch on, and you’ll leave with your own loaf to bake at home. These will be $35 per person, and will fill up fast, so contact us at [email protected] to get on the calendar!”
Patty LaRoche. 2023. Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection www.alittlefaithlift.com AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)
We mothers thought it a grand idea when our husbands asked if we would like to coach our nine-year old sons in this, their final game of the baseball season.
They had won their conference, so this contest didn’t count. Why we thought this a grand idea is anyone’s guess. Who in their right mind would ever want to try and corral a bunch of spirited, impulsive pre-adolescents whose parents care a lot more about their children’s success than these miniature athletes do? We did.
After all, we had coached from the grandstands for years, critiquing our husband/coaches. We moms viewed this as a chance to prove we could do more than just pour Gatorade, bag popcorn in the concession stand, and bang our rock-filled milk bottles to add a little team spirit.
We were naïve not to recognize this as “pay back” for all the times our spouses accused us of second-guessing their fielding decisions during the regular season. Since I had three sons playing and a husband who had played professionally, the other mothers assumed that I knew how to make out a line-up card or give signals from the 3rd base position. They were wrong.
Huddling in the dugout, we agreed on one thing: we would be creative. None of this “best batter bats fourth, fastest runners play outfield, etc.” We would mix things up a little bit. So, when Toby asked if he could be catcher, we knew the dad-coaches would say something like, “No, because he’s petrified of the ball” or “No, because he can’t catch”—you know, gutless responses. We would switch everyone’s predictable position. Genius!
And so, Toby played catcher.
Let me rephrase that. Toby put on the catcher’s gear. (Even that is more complicated than it appears).
The rest was not pretty. Poor little guy was just target practice for the pitcher, getting drilled with every pitch. The fastballs bounced off of every part of him except his glove. But Toby was loving it. He would chase down every ball he missed and then throw it on two hops somewhere near the pitcher. It was apparent to all of us coaching moms that he finally felt like “one of the boys.” We might make lousy managers but we were sure terrific psychologists!
But Toby’s safety was not the only problem. Another issue became apparent in the first inning. We noticed there was something weird about his catcher’s squat. Some blob-like thing was bulging from the back of his uniform pant leg just above the knee.
We “coaches” convened for an emergency meeting in the corner of the dugout.
After we dismissed the more disgusting possibilities, we finally realized it was his cup, a plastic device designed to protect the male groin area; somehow Toby’s had slipped from his groin and migrated down the back of his leg. Our novice catcher seemed clueless that anything was amiss.
Understandably, none of us wanted to be the cup-bearer of such embarrassing news. This had to be a dad’s job. We just needed to find a kind, compassionate, sensitive father who would help us out. Toby’s parents weren’t there, but surely one of the others would lend support.
We could not believe the united front we heard:
“Hey, we’re just fans. You’re the coaches. Take charge.”
“Never happened to us—isn’t that amazing?”
“Guess that’s what happens when you move a utility player to a catcher.”
I wanted to say, “Gee! You guys are a load of laughs. You should start your own comedy club!” Actually, I’m pretty sure I did say that, and a lot more.
Needless to say, our husbands were not examples of godly men that day. Whatever happened to Mt. 5:7: “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy”?
Robert Curtis Query, age 66, a resident of rural Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, January 18, 2024, at his home. He was born July 28, 1957, in Ft. Scott, the son of Lawrence H. “Jack” Query and Alberta “Mae” Duncan Query.
Robert graduated from the Ft. Scott High School with the Class of 1975. He married Lori James on May 9, 1981, in Pittsburg, Kansas. For many years, Robert owned and operated his own muffler business. He started working in Pittsburg and later moved his business, R & R Muffler Shop, to Ft. Scott. Robert also ran his own cattle operation, the -BQ Ranch, and served two terms as Bourbon County Commissioner. Robert was a talented welder and woodworker. He loved working on cars. Robert still owned the ‘67 Chevelle he drove in high school and had worked hard to restore this vehicle.
In earlier years, he enjoyed playing pool, bird hunting and fishing. Robert loved his motorcycle and was fortunate enough to take many trips throughout the United States including several trips to Sturgis. Robert never knew a stranger and was always happy to visit with his many friends.
Survivors include his wife, Lori, of the home; two daughters, Jacki Lundberg (Josh) and Jill McAdams (Mac) all of Ft. Scott and two grandchildren Joslyn and Ty Lundberg. Also surviving is a brother, Dwayne Query of Rochester, Illinois and a sister, Marjorie Schwalm of Ft. Scott.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Mae Query and a sister, Marilyn Walker Love.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, January 21st at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Large Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 P.M. Saturday at the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Request to Pay – Bennett, Inc. – Project No. 23-005B – Infantry Substation Sanitary Sewer Relocation – Payment Application No. 4 (Final) – $40,964.70 – Substantial Completion Certificate to come from J. Dickman after walk through
Request to Pay – Sprouls Construction, Inc. – Project No. 22-031B – Fort Scott Pavilion – Application for Payment No. 4 – $29,468.65.
Request to Pay – Environmental Process Equipment Company (EPEC) – Invoice #01162401 – UV Upgrade at WWTP – Final Payment – (remaining 10% of $318,378.00) – $31,837.80.
December Financials
VII. Public Comment:Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda
and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at the Commission’s discretion.
VIII. Old Business:
Consideration to combine Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals – tabled from January 9, 2024, for legal counsel.
Consideration of Resolution No. 3-2024 – EXEMPTION FROM GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES UNDER K.S.A. 1120A – tabled from January 9, 2024, B. Hart suggests additional information.
Discussion of City Commission Representative to the Fort Scott Public Library
Appearances:
Michael Hoyt: Charter Ordinance 31
New Business:
Public Hearings:
Consideration of Case No. 1042 – Vacation of E. 21st Street – Marvin A.Lewis – Not recommended by Planning Commission January 10, 2024. Alternative plan was offered for Commission to consider – L. Kruger/Codes
Consideration of Case No. 1044 – Zoning Change and Special UsePermit – 1601 E. Wall – Travis Sawyer – Recommended by PlanningCommission January 10, 2024.
Action Items:
Consideration of permission to search for replacement staff vehicle that was allocated in 2023 Capital Improvement Plan – Bruner
Discussion of Streets Advisory Board Ordinance Changes
Consideration of Letter of Interest – Streets – Robert Hassig
Consideration of 2024 REDI Contract
Approval of Cost Plus Net Fee Agreement for (Preliminary) Engineering Services – Project No. 06-KA-6898-01 – KDOT CCLIP-US 54 Project Phase I and II – Dickman
Discussion of Work Session – Contractors’ Advisory Board
Here at the studio we are offering everything you need this Valentines Day! Come in for our all inclusive night with our “GHOST” class, and give your partner a silver screen experience!
WHAT’S THE FIRST THING YOU THINK OF
WHEN SOMEONE SAYS WHEEL THROWING?
THAT STEAMY MOVIE SCENE WITH PATRICK & DEMI, RIGHT?!?
NOW’S YOUR CHANCE! GRAB YOUR FAVORITE PATRICK OR DEMI
AND HAVE A VALENTINE’S EVENT THAT WILL GO DOWN IN THE BOOKS!
Bring your group of friends and enjoy a fun and romantic evening just for you guys! Your night will include heavy appetizers and desserts catered in by our local favorite crooners! Then enjoy a two hour wheel throwing class sitting across from your special someone! Do something extra special this year and take the worry out of planning this Valentine’s Day!
Call us at 913-574-7741 to reserve your evening!
Thanks for LOVING Local!
Copyright (C) 2024 T.E.Freeman Studio. All rights reserved.
The Beacon is located at 525 E. Sixth Street, Fort Scott. 2019 photo.
The Beacon Director Dave Gillen and Assistant Director Ashley Heathman have compiled the 2023 statistics for the local helping organization.
Dave Gillen, director, of The Beacon Food Pantry of Bourbon County in this 2021 photo which was submitted..
“In 2023 we had a total of 145 new families totaling 322 new individuals between adults and children,” Heathman said. “Our new families were a mixture of new residents and current residents facing hard times due to the rising cost of living and facing job insecurity.”
Ashley Heathman. Submitted photo.
The last few years of statistics that the Beacon keeps show an increase in the number of new families needing help.
In 2020, there were 102 new clients totalling 235 individuals, in
In 2021 there were 83 new clients totaling 147 individuals, in
2022 there were 147 new clients totalling 302 individuals and in
2023 there were 145 new clients totalling 322 individuals, Heathman noted.
“The Beacon helps Bourbon Country residents facing food insecurity, along with this we offer financial assistance for prescriptions, rent, and utility payments thanks to the Hack Foundation and Bourbon County Coalition.”
The Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition is a charitable organization that helps facilitate a working relationship between organizations.
“The Hack Foundation was a trust fund set up for the Presbyterian women to take care of Fort Scott citizens to help during certain financial situations,” Heathman said. “Hack comes from two sisters whose family used to own a greenhouse in Fort Scott.”
“All financial requests that come through our door are paid out by Bourbon County Coalition and the Hack Foundation,” Heathman said.
“We could not do what we do without our amazing donors and volunteers,” she said. ” David and I express sincere gratitude to everyone, all our donors and volunteers, as they continue to help us help others.”
During the 2023 calendar year, The Beacon also helped several local organizations and causes.
“The Beacon helped disperse 202 shoe vouchers for Community Christian Church to our clients for school shoes for their children,” according to the press release.
They donated food items to the Elks Club organization to help them disperse holiday meals to 103 homes; totaling 123 individuals.
They teamed up with the community to help provide Christmas presents and holiday meal boxes to 77 families; totaling 410 individuals.
“Throughout the year the Beacon donates to the Fort Scott School District food pantry, ” according to the press release. “We try to donate food items to Feeding Families In His Name (Wednesday evening community free meal) when we can.”
The organization assisted with family swim passes thanks to the Bourbon County Coalition, and helped donate hats and gloves to the Share the Warmth cause for Bourbon County.
The Beacon, which has a food bank, dispersed food for 3,241 families in 2023 serving a total of 4,305 adults and 2,955 children.
“We are looking forward to being able to assist Bourbon County residents again this year,” Heathman said. “According to Kansas Food Bank, we are the second largest food bank in Southeast Kansas. Thank You!”
“We would like to thank everyone for their generous donations whether that is monetary donations, their time, or food donations. We could not do what we do without you!” Heathman said.
Additionally, the Beacon is grateful for the donated 699 volunteer hours to the organization for 2023, she said.
“The Beacon also provides (to those who need them) hygiene necessities, formula, and diapers depending on availability as well,” according to a press release from the Beacon. “Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays we receive food donations from our local Wal-Mart that set out inside for anybody in need from 10 am to close.”
“A big thank you to Fort Scott Fire Department, Bourbon County Sheriff’s Department, Fort Scott FFA, and Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas for helping us unload the truck every month.”
“Last but not least we would love to thank our local churches, individuals, and civic organizations for helping us help others,” she said. “We truly reside in a very generous community, it would take us days to name every single person or group that helps our cause; please know we thank each one of you from the bottom of our hearts for blessing us with the ability to help others.”
TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly’s commonsense proposal to expand Medicaid to 150,000 additional Kansans, the Cutting Healthcare Costs for All Kansans Act, was introduced into both chambers of the Kansas legislature. Governor Kelly then called for hearings on the bill in both chambers by Kansas Day, January 29.
“It’s easy to sum up the Cutting Healthcare Costs for All Kansans Act: health care coverage for 150,000 Kansans, cost savings for everyone else. We protect our rural hospitals, and Kansas taxpayers pay nothing extra,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “The legislature should listen to the over 70% of Kansans who support Medicaid Expansion and give this bill a hearing by Kansas Day.”
The bill was introduced in the House Appropriations Committee by Representative Vic Miller and in the Senate Ways and Means Committee by Senator Pat Pettey.
“Medicaid expansion is not only popular, but it saves lives, creates jobs, and saves our rural hospitals. Hardworking Kansans shouldn’t die because of legislative inaction,” said House Minority Leader Vic Miller. “I’m happy to introduce this bill – again – and encourage my colleagues across the aisle to finally join us. Expanding Medicaid is the definition of a win for Kansas.”
“I introduced the Cutting Healthcare Costs for All Kansans Act into committee today because, by expanding Medicaid to 150,000 additional Kansans, we can support our hospitals, grow our nurses and doctors, and provide relief for Kansans shouldering the burden of rising healthcare costs,” said Senator Pat Pettey, Kansas Senate District 6. “My fellow legislators should hold a hearing on the bill by Kansas Day so we can get one step closer to expanding Medicaid once and for all.”
Republican legislators joined in calling for a hearing on the Cutting Healthcare Costs for All Kansans Act by Kansas Day.
“I appreciate that this bill has been introduced and it makes sense to give legislators the opportunity to debate this bill,” said Senator Brenda Dietrich, Kansas Senate District 20. “Medicaid Expansion has been a significant issue for our hospitals and workforce – we should debate its pros and cons in a hearing as soon as possible.”
“When a bipartisan approach was taken on a Medicaid Expansion bill in 2020, we held a hearing. It’s been 4 years and many of our newest legislators don’t know where they stand because they’ve never heard an actual debate,” said Representative Susan Concannon, Kansas House District 107. “I believe it’s time to hear from all sides to make an informed decision for the people of Kansas.”
“It’s abundantly clear that my fellow legislators want to debate Medicaid Expansion,” said Senator Carolyn McGinn, Kansas Senate District 31. “Instead of litigating the issue in an unrelated budget briefing, we should hold a hearing on the Cutting Healthcare Costs for All Kansans Act so all sides can present their point of view.”
“I support Medicaid Expansion and so do many of my constituents” said Representative David Younger, Kansas House District 124. “Kansans elect us to reflect their values, grow our economy, and support our businesses. One way to do that is by getting Medicaid expanded this session.”
“We can no longer ignore the state of our hospitals and health care workforce in rural Kansas,” said Senator John Doll, Kansas Senate District 39. “That’s why I urge my colleagues to hold a hearing on Medicaid Expansion by Kansas Day, so the legislature can debate and move forward on a solution to get 150,000 more Kansans affordable health care.”
Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries is located on the second floor of the Senior Citizens Center at 26 N. Main. Submitted photo.
After 11 years, Allen Schellack is retiring from Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries.
Allen Schellack, director of Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries, sits at his desk in this 2020 photo.
“When I worked for the city of Fort Scott I saw a lot of people needed assistance,” he said. “I was part of the local ministerial alliance at the time and felt the Lord leading me to ministry.”
In 2016 the ministry became a joint effort of community leaders, and area churches and was sponsored locally by the Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene.
The office is located on the second floor of the Senior Citizens Office at 26 N. Main.
Some of the services the outreach center provides are foster family outreach services, homeless outreach services, hygienic services, medical supplies, and fellowship.
“For about seven years we have been the designated Salvation Army Disaster Relief and Services Extension Unit for Bourbon County,” Schellack said.
Because of this partnership, Schellack could provide disaster relief assistance, prescriptions (no narcotics) temporary lodging, gasoline for work and doctor, vision help with eyeglasses, and other needs on a case-by-case basis.
Through a relationship with the Fort Scott Ministerial Alliance, physical assistance is provided to individuals or families traveling through Fort Scott who have no other resources and need help to reach their destination. The assistance is distributed by the Fort Scott Police Department.
Some of Fort Scott Compassionate Care Ministries’ outreaches are free box fans in the summer; heaters, blankets, bedding, and towels in the winter, fire disaster packs, homeless/transient assist packs, Christmas presents for teens and families, and school supplies for middle and high school students.
The ministry is a 501 C(3) not-for-profit volunteer organization with no paid staff.
This is Schellack’s last week at the ministry.
“A minister never truly retires until God calls him home,” he said. “There will always be some kind of ministry wherever I go. I am retiring from Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries.”
He said Anglea Handly is transitioning to take care of the Compassionate Care office and the Salvation Army duties for Bourbon County.
