Monthly Archives: June 2024
Obituary of Aletha Koppa
Aletha F. Koppa, age 87, a former resident of Kansas City, Kansas, and more recently of Paola, Kansas, passed away Sunday, June 23, 2024, at the North Point Skilled Nursing Center in Paola, Kansas. She was born May 8, 1937, in Walker, Missouri, the daughter of Charles and Willa Harden. Aletha married Herman Koppa on April 14, 1957, in Nevada, Missouri.
Aletha occasionally worked as a file clerk; however, her main occupation was being a devoted wife and mother to her five children. She worked hard making sure the needs of her family were met. Special memories were made while camping and spending time at the lake with family and friends.
Survivors include her husband, Herman, of Paola and her five children, Linda Peters and husband, Randall of Olathe, Kansas, Roger Koppa of Texas, Beverly Koppa, of Olathe, Kansas, Doug Koppa of Kansas City, Kansas and Mark Koppa of Paola, Kansas; four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving is a brother, Donald Harden of Nevada, Missouri.
Aletha was preceded in death by four brothers, Darrell, Dutch, Allen and Charles Harden and three sisters, Marguerite Kittsmiller, Rosemary Brundridge, and Glady Newby.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, June 27th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Hiattville Cemetery, Hiattville, Kansas. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 1:00 P.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Timken Foundation of Canton Awards Grant to the Gordon Parks Museum
Contact Name: Kirk Sharp FOR IMMEDIATE
Phone: 620-223-2700, ext. 5850 RELEASE
Email: [email protected]
Website: gordonparkscenter.org
Fort Scott, Kan. June. 24, 2024 –The Gordon Parks Museum is very excited to announce that the Timken
Foundation of Canton has awarded a grant in the amount of $46,000.00 to the Gordon Parks Museum. This
generous award will fund the museum’s technology and interactive displays expansion project that will focus
on the visitors’ experience and engagement throughout the museum and for events.
The expansion will include the purchase of over six large (43 to 86-inch) interactive touch screen displays and
monitors with portable stands with tilting capabilities, printer and high-resolution scanner, digital video
cameras, upgraded laptops, tablets, hard drives and panel displays for photographs and poetry exhibitions.
This expansion will also include audio devices for visitors with hearing disabilities to help make the museum
more accessible.
“We are truly grateful to the Timken Foundation for this incredible investment and support of our museum,”
said Gordon Parks Museum Executive Director, Kirk Sharp. “This grant will give us the ability to significantly
update and enhance the museum’ visitor experience with the expansion of technology and accessibility
throughout the museum. We can’t thank Timken enough for this wonderful and very generous gift.”
For more information about the Gordon Parks Museum at 620-223-2700 ext.5850 or visit
http:www.gordonparkscenter.org/.
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Revised Summer Hours at the Gordon Parks Museum
Revised Summer Hours at the Gordon Parks Museum
Fort Scott, Kan. June. 24, 2024 – The Gordon Parks Museum revised summer hours will be Monday through
Thursday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The museum will be closed every Friday along with the Fort Scott Community
College campus starting this Friday, June 28 through July 26, 2024. For more information or to schedule a tour, contact
the museum by email at [email protected] or by phone at 223-2700, ext. 5850.
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Obituary of Joseph Reinecker
Joseph Paul Reinecker, age 65, resident of Fort Scott, KS passed away Friday, June 21, 2024, at Girard Medical Center. He was born September 29, 1958, in Kansas City, MO, the son of Jerry Paul Reinecker and LaVerne Rose Bauer Reinecker. Joe graduated from the University of Missouri Kansas City. He married Debra Smith on December 2, 1995. She preceded him in death on November 3, 2019. His life embodied a unique resilience supported by positivity. Joe was an avid sports fan with a gift for statistics. He loved spending time with his family, except when the kids got too loud during a game broadcast. He enjoyed good food with Coke as his favorite soda. His time at the Horton House brought several beloved friends into his life.
He will be greatly missed by his surviving family including sisters Jann Rochefort (John), Warren RI, and Jill Ruby (Randy), Fort Scott; and nieces and nephews Bailey Lyons (Nate) and their children Addison, Jhett, Jaxon, and Lute, Afton Hyer (Coy) and their children Blaise and True, Delane Godden (Brady), and Carlie Rochefort. Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents.
There was cremation. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 PM Friday, June 28th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Private family interment will take place at a later date in Evergreen Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Mary’s Catholic School 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.
Obituary of Mildred Bolin
Mildred Bolin, age 98 lifelong resident of Fort Scott, died Thursday, June 20th, 2024, at Via Cristy Hospital unexpectedly. She was born on September 19th, 1925, the daughter of Jacob Barrett and Cleta Paddock Barrett. Mildred was married to Wilmot Bolin. During that time, they ran an antique store for many years in Fort Scott while raising their family. Mildred spent her most memorable years working at Walmart, where she started her career managing the shoe department. In those 45 years, she touched so many lives in our community. Every person that met her called her Granny, young and old. In her 98 years, she witnessed many of our community children grow up and have their own children. You could not find anyone in our town who did not know and love her. She enjoyed attending church services at the Community Christian Church and regularly attended the 55 Plus church group there.
Mildred loved her family and was incredibly involved with her grandchildren’s lives. She dedicated her whole life to her family and was always there for them, no matter the circumstances. Mildred was there for anyone who needed her. She was, by far, the most amazing, kind, selfless, genuine person who never faltered. A rock to all who knew her. There are not enough words to express how truly special she was.
Mildred will be dearly missed by her family and friends. She was the backbone, and life will be forever changed without her. Although she is gone, we were blessed to have had her with us for 98 wonderful years. A true celebration of a long and unforgettable life.
Survivors include Connie Broyles, her daughter. Grandchildren Darrin Wood and wife Angel, Jessica Hogan and husband Sean, and Nathan Carey. Patty and Jim Frye, her daughter and son-in-law. Grandchildren Robert Frye, Kevin Frye and wife Angela, and Christin (Frye) Baublitz and husband Brenton. Grandchildren Brian Bolin, Ron Bolin Jr and wife Brooke, Brandon Hall and wife Jodi, Megan Bolin, Kristen Bolin and fiancée Steven, and Blake Bolin. As well as 29 great-grandchildren and 8 great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jacob and Cleta Barrett, her husband Wilmot Bolin, son Ron Bolin Sr., son Robert Mcclanahan, brother Robert Barrett, sister-in-law Carol Barrett, sister Mary Johnson, brother-in-law Charles Johnson, sister Eda Mae Tourtillott, and brother-in-law Ramond Tourtillott.
There was cremation. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday, June 26th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Private interment will take place at a later date in Prescott Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until service time at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Mildred Bolin 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 online at cheneywitt.com.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT: Verizon Telecommunication Tower
Submitted by Fort Scott City Clerk
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
Case No. 1046 – Verizon Telecommunication Tower
OFFICIAL NOTICE
July 24, 2024 – 4:00pm
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN AND TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN on the 24th day of JULY, 2024 the Petition of VERIZON WIRELESS FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A 184’ TELECOMMUNICATIONS TOWER, RELATED EQUIPMENT, AND AN ACCESS ROAD at a 50’ x 50’ leased tract of land from the Parent Parcel #006-114-20-0-40-00-005.00-0: S20, T25, R25, ACRES 11.93, BEG AT SW COR SE4 N TO S R/W LINE OF RR E1035 ALONG RR R/W S TO SEC LINE W522 N139.6 W488.84 S139.6 W30 TO POB LESS R/W OTHERWISE KNOWN AS:
2317 MAPLE ROAD, FORT SCOTT, KS 66701.
TOWER LOCATION INFORMATION: LATITUDE 37° 50’ 57.48” N (NAD 83); LONGITUDE 94° 41’ 9.37” W (NAD 83); GROUND ELEVATION 813; AMSL; OVERALL STRUCTURE 184’-0” AGL; TOWER HT. 180’-0” AGL; SELF-SUPPORT TOWER; APPLICANT CL 176’-0” AGL. – location supplied by Verizon Wireless – 10740 Nail Ave., Suite 400, Overland Park, KS 66211.
The Public Hearing is set for July 24, 2024, at 4:00PM at a scheduled Planning Commission meeting in the City Commission Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701.
As provided in the Zoning Ordinance of Fort Scott, Kansas, specific to Zoning Regulations -Article 23 – the above application will be discussed and considered by the Planning and Zoning Commission and a recommendation to approve or not approve the request will be made to the Fort Scott City Commission for a final decision.
All persons interested in said matter will be heard at this Public Hearing concerning their views and wishes; and any protest of the proposed changes will be considered by the Planning and Zoning Commission before they make such recommendations to the City Commission.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports June 24
Looks Ain’t Everything by Carolyn Tucker
Keys to the Kingdom
By Carolyn Tucker
I prepared a nice home-cooked meal for our family on Easter. However, I wimped out on making the dessert when I spotted a dozen beautifully-decorated cupcakes at the store. They looked delicious and my sweet tooth started begging, so I purchased them. After our dinner, I placed the cupcakes on the table and all of the adults “passed.” When I asked why nobody ate one, my honest son-in-law responded, “They’re not homemade.“ (My son and daughter didn’t say a word.) When I tried to eat mine, I knew what Levi meant. The cupcake was really pretty and luscious looking, but the frosting tasted like it was made from used motor oil. I won’t do that again. We’ve all heard that “looks can be deceiving.” Those cupcakes were guilty of first-degree deceit.
Before Saul became king of Israel, he was described as “a choice and handsome man, and there was not a better-looking man among the children of Israel. From his shoulders and up he was taller than any of the people“ (1 Samuel 9:2 MEV). The Israelites insisted on having a king like the other nations (which was an insult to God). When the prophet Samuel proclaimed Saul as king, he told the people, “…Truly there is none like him among all the people“ (1 Samuel 10:24 MEV).
King Saul had the outer qualities and looks of a great ruler. And even though he was taller than all the other men, in matters of the heart, he came up short. He failed his first commission by performing the burnt offering instead of waiting for Samuel to offer it. Saul had a tragic long list of disobedience to God, making rash oaths and stupid decisions without seeking God. Saul was jealous, suspicious, paranoid, and afraid of David because God was with him but had departed from Saul. While David was playing music to soothe the king, Saul attempted to pin him to the wall with his spear. Simply stated, King Saul operated in a deranged state. He looked the part of a king, but his heart was an ugly mess.
We often describe people by their outward appearance, e.g., “She’s long, lean, and lanky. He’s tall, dark, and handsome. She‘s ugly as a mud fence. He could stop an eight-day clock.” The Bible specifically describes a giant in 1 Chronicles 20:6 NLT, “there was a man of great stature who had six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot.” The Bible doesn’t mention it, but I imagine this giant was probably hairy and ugly too.
In matters of the heart, we can often be mistaken about others. People can’t see what’s in your heart — they can only see what you do. Only God truly knows the heart of a man/woman. Nevertheless, we often describe people by their actions, e.g., “She has a good heart. He has a heart the size of a washtub.” The real truth of how handsome or pretty someone is has to do with his/her heart condition. Even though Mom’s gone, I hear her words of wisdom echoing in my mind: “Pretty is as pretty does.” I’m thankful she kept hammering this proverb into my head — which explains why it’s so lumpy.
God alone knows each human heart. “But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him (Saul). The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart‘” (1 Samuel 16:7 NLT). Let’s do our part to have a beautiful heart.
The Key: It’s OK to be hairy and homely as long as your heart is pure and pretty.
Lowell Milken Fellows (Round Two)
The Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Kansas, an international educational non-profit, has awarded its prestigious Fellowship.
The LMC Fellowship is a merit-based award for educators of all disciplines who value the importance of teaching respect and understanding through project-based learning. The Center selects exemplary teachers from the United States and around the world who will collaborate on projects that discover, develop, and communicate the stories of Unsung Heroes in history.
Those in Fort Scott from June 23 to 28
Sarah Espinal
Sarah Espinal, a 2023 Discovery Award Winner, is a social studies teacher at Jericho Middle School and High School in New York. Since Sarah is bilingual, she has been able to interact more deeply with students. She wants her students to be deeply informed about their learning and encourages historical thinking. Her emphasis on the importance of identifying the bias and credibility of sources helps her students learn to make informed decisions in life.
LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “As an ENL social studies teacher, Sarah has used her fluency in both English and Spanish to interact with a diverse group of students. She has guided them in developing many award-winning National History Day projects. Her outstanding skills in project development will be a welcomed resource for the 2024 LMC Fellowship.”
Bibba Kahn
Bibba Kahn, a middle school French and Spanish educator in Montpelier, is the 2020 Vermont Teacher of the Year. She believes that learning a new language begins with valuing people from different cultures and backgrounds who may or may not be similar. To value every individual is a skill Bibba feels is essential in our world today. She gives her students many real-world experiences with language and bases her success as an educator on the success of her students’ learning.
LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Bibba’s love for learning drives her enthusiasm to share knowledge with her students. Through her global travel and teaching experiences, she seeks to reach students of all diversities, valuing their cultural differences. Our 2024 team of Fellows will be fortunate to learn much from Bibba’s vast knowledge base.”
Leah Lawrence
Leah Lawrence, a middle school English Language Arts educator in St. Charles, MO, is the 2023 Missouri Milken Educator. Whether it’s the use of Play-Doh relating to the steps of the writing process or flyswatters that “swat” away errors, Leah’s creative instructional strategies keep her students engaged in their learning and foster their desire to reach their educational goals. Her adaptability in the classroom helps every level of learner have the opportunity to meet with success.
LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Leah is a gifted educator whose creatively designed lessons pique her students’ interest and motivate them to reach their educational goals. Our staff and the team of 2024 Fellows look forward to the innovative ideas and engaging instructional strategies she has to share.”
Ashley LIbben
Ashley Libben, a 2016 U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum Fellow, is a middle school English Language Arts educator in Ligonier, IN. Libben’s use of project-based learning with her eighth-grade students reached a more profound level when her language arts instruction included the teaching of The Diary of Anne Frank. Her students’ interest in the Holocaust grew and ignited questions for which she didn’t have answers. Their interest led her to research answers to their questions and to do more profound research for her own growth in knowledge.
LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Ashley’s use of a project-based learning curriculum helps her students become adept in research and writing skills while making personal connections with the historical figures whose stories they share. I am confident her experiences will inspire our 2024 team of Fellows.”
Matthew Mayeske
Matthew Mayeske, a 2023 Kansas Milken Educator, is a high school social studies teacher in Gardner, KS. His world history and geography classes come alive for his ninth and tenth-grade students through the integration of real-world scenarios with collaborative, inquiry-based instruction. In yearlong roleplaying games, students create characters and participate in simulation activities. They can also immerse themselves in a French Revolution simulation, a strategy-style conflict activity to illustrate WWI diplomacy or a study of interactive maps using GIS technology. Every strategy transforms his classes into vibrant learning experiences.
LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Matthew’s students benefit from his unique ability to transform his social studies classes into dynamic experiences with hands-on learning skills. These experiences can be a springboard to his students’ development of Unsung Hero projects and models for our 2024 Fellows in their own classrooms.”
Kelly Steffen
Kelly Steffen, a 2019 Gilder Lehrman Iowa History Teacher of the Year, is a high school social studies teacher in Vinton, IA. She is a master at engaging her students through relevance and the use of primary sources, encouraging students to draw their conclusions about history’s impact on their lives. Kelly hopes students learn that history can help them as citizens to make informed decisions in today’s world. This summer, Kelly will also attend the NEH Heart Mountain Seminar to learn more about the effects of Japanese Internment/Incarceration, another powerful resource for her students.
LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Kelly’s students are well-versed in the vision of our country’s founders. She emphasizes the use of primary sources for her students’ hands-on projects that focus on the people who shaped our nation. Our 2024 Fellows will be able to use her insight to help their students develop informative Unsung Hero projects.”
Ann Marie Vanneste
Ann Marie Vanneste, a Civics, Careers, Religion, and Learning Strategies educator from Kanata, Ontario, was awarded the prestigious 2023 Canada’s Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence National Recipient. She was the recipient of the 2023 Director of Education Award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the Ottawa Catholic School Board, Canada. Ann Marie is also a 2024 Women Of Courage Award recipient, presented by The Emmett Till Legacy Foundation. Devoted to inclusion in education, she wants students to know that someone is rooting for them and their success. She helps her students cultivate pride in their individual cultural places in the world and helps them identify their unique cultural strengths.
LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Ann Marie’s enthusiasm, along with a teaching approach dedicated to inclusion, has made her students realize their valuable places in this world. All of them are encouraged to reach high levels of learning. The motivating and inspiring projects her students have experienced will be a catalyst for ideas and collaboration with this year’s team of LMC Fellows.”
While in Fort Scott, LMC Fellows gain knowledge, educational resources, and support in helping students cultivate a passion for learning by creating projects that initiate positive change. Fellows will be equipped to develop Unsung Heroes projects with their students, applying and evaluating the stories of these role models who have changed the world throughout history.
Community Vacation Bible School’s for 2024
If your church has a Vacation Bible School this summer, please send the name and address of the church, the date of VBS and times, the age group of children invited, and the theme of the VBS, to [email protected]. The following are Vacation Bible Schools for this summer that have been submitted.
Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene
Fort Scott Nazarene church, 1728 Horton St. Fort Scott, will have their VBS from June 24th-27th from 6:00-8:30 pm. with a
Scuba theme
See their website fsn. life or our Facebook page for more info.
Uniontown First Missionary Baptist Church
The Uniontown Baptist Church will have its VBS with the theme of God’s Backyard Bible Camp ‘Under the Stars’ on July 22-26, from 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. for ages 4 through 5th grade.
Each child can fill a Samaritan’s Purse Christmas Shoebox to send to a child overseas. The school includes game time and bounce houses.
Bethel Community Baptist Church
VBS K5-6th grade:
Church name: Bethel Community Baptist Church
Address: 1397 155th St, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: Wednesday, July 31st-Sunday, August 4th.
Time: 9am-noon.
Theme: On a mission for the Lord
VBS 7th-12th grade:
Church name: Bethel Community Baptist Church
Address: 1397 155th St, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: Monday, August 5th-Thurs. August 8th.
Time: 6:30-9:00 pm.
Theme: Teen Challange
Bo Co Commission Budget Work Session on June 24
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Brandon Whisenhunt
1st District Commissioner
Jim Harris, Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Clifton Beth
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
A budget work session will be held on Monday, June 24, 2024 in the Commission Room beginning at 1:00 p.m.