Monthly Archives: March 2025

Government, Kansas

Protect Your Genetic Data Amid 23andMe Bankruptcy

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Consumer Advisory for Kansans

TOPEKA – (March 27, 2025) – Attorney General Kris Kobach today issued a consumer alert warning Kansas resident of the recent bankruptcy filing by 23andMe, a direct-to-consumer genetic testing and information company. 23andMe filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on March 23. The company said in a press release, “There are no changes to the way the Company stores, manages, or protects customer data.” However, the bankruptcy raises the risk that 23andMe may attempt to sell Kansans’ genetic data and other private information as part of the bankruptcy proceedings.

“Protecting Kansans’ personal information and genetic data is of the utmost importance to our office. Because of the company’s current financial situation, we encourage Kansans to consider requesting deletion of their genetic data held by 23andMe,” Assistant Attorney General Sarah Dietz said.

Kansas residents should be aware of their rights and the protections afforded to their genetic data under the Kansas Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) and the Wayne Owen Act.

Since this data is incredibly personal and sensitive, it’s important to understand your rights under Kansas’s privacy laws, including how to delete your genetic data from 23andMe.

How to Take Action and Protect Your Genetic Data
If you wish to rescind access to your genetic information and request the destruction of your test sample, follow these steps:

How to delete genetic data from 23andMe

  1. Sign in to your 23andMe account at www.23andme.com.
  2. Navigate to your profile’s “Settings” section.
  3. Scroll down to the “23andMe Data” section at the bottom of the page.
  4. Click “View” next to the “23andMe Data” heading.
  5. If you would like to keep a copy of your genetic data, download your data before continuing.
  6. Locate the delete data option.
  7. Select “Permanently Delete Data”.
  8. Check your email for a confirmation link and follow it to complete the deletion process.

How to destroy your 23andMe Test Sample 
If you previously chose to allow 23andMe to store your saliva sample and DNA but would now like to opt-out, you can update your settings by going to “Preferences” on your account page.

To Revoke Permission for Your Genetic Data to be Used for Research:
If you previously consented to 23andMe and third-party researchers to use your genetic data and sample for research, you may withdraw consent from the account settings page under “Research and Product Consents.”

Please visit the Office of the Kansas Attorney General’s website for more information on your rights under the KCPA and the Wayne Owen Act, guidance in managing your data, or to file a complaint.

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Government, Kansas

U.S. 69 Overlay Project in Bourbon and Linn Counties: March 31 to December

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Monday, March 31, the Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin resurfacing work on U.S. 69 in Bourbon and Linn counties. An overlay will be placed on the northbound lanes of U.S. 69, starting at the south U.S. 54 junction in Fort Scott and continuing north for 25.6 miles to K-52 near Pleasanton.

 

Traffic will be carried through the work zone with alternating lane closures and intermittent ramp closures. Weather permitting, the road work should be finished by mid-December. Pearson Construction, of Wichita, is the primary contractor on the $17.6 million resurfacing work.

 

Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.Kandrive.gov, for more highway conditions and construction details. Persons with questions may contact Construction Manager Warren Ebberts at (620) 901-6549 or Public Information Officer Priscilla Petersen at (620) 902-6433.

 

 

 

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Fort Scott

SparkWheel Golf Tourney May 3

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Sending on behalf of Chamber member
Join

SparkWheel

for its 10th Annual

Golf Tournament

SparkWheel needs YOU! Join us on Saturday, May 3rd, at Woodland Hills Golf Course for an exciting 4-person scramble tournament to support students in southeast Kansas, including those at Fort Scott Middle School and Fort Scott High School.

How can you help?

– Grab your team & hit the greens! Scan the QR code to register now and secure your spot.

– Not a golfer? You can still make an impact! Sponsorship opportunities are available at various levels—help us change lives while gaining great exposure for your business or organization.

Contact janelle.martin@sparkwheel.org to learn more and get involved today! Let’s make a difference—one round at a time!

Click HERE for the direct FB Event Page!

Click HERE for the SparkWheel Facebook Page!

Click HERE for SparkWheel Website!

Every swing, every putt, and every sponsorship helps provide essential support and resources for students in need!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

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

Chamber Awards Dinner is April 24

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JOIN US FOR THE

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

Annual Dinner & Awards Celebration!

See below for reservation info. and various ways you may participate!

We welcome your award nominations!

See info. below for link or document to submit.
Thursday, April 24th

River Room Event Center

3 W. Oak Street

RSVP by 4.18.2025
Social & Silent Auction

5:30pm

Dinner, Awards, & Live Auction

6:30pm
CLICK TO RSVP

Ways you can participate in the Chamber’s

Annual Dinner & Awards Celebration:

* Make your award nominations by April 9th.

Click here for the online nomination form.

Click here for a printable form.

For your reference in making nominations:

you may click here to view prior winners,

and click here for a full Chamber member listing.

* Make your dinner reservation and/or confirm sponsorship by April 18th.

* Click to email us if your business/organization would like to decorate a table for fun advertising & promotion.

* Click to email us if your business/organization would like to donate a silent or live auction item/package/certificate/basket for advertising & promotion of your business!

Ways you can participate in the Chamber’s

Annual Dinner & Awards Celebration:

* Make your award nominations by April 10th.

Click here for the online nomination form.

Click here for a printable form.

For your reference in making nominations:

you may click here to view prior winners,

and click here for a full Chamber member listing.

* Make your dinner reservation and/or confirm sponsorship by April 18th.

* Click to email us if your business/organization would like to decorate a table for fun advertising & promotion.

* Click to email us if your business/organization would like to donate a silent or live auction item/package/certificate/basket for advertising & promotion of your business!

Volunteers

We are also seeking Chamber members to volunteer in helping with different aspects of planning & the evening of the event.

Please contact the Chamber if interested!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
Fort Scott

Named Top Group in Kansas for Wreaths Across America

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Wreaths Across America KS 0049, the local For Scott, Kansas, fundraising group is proud to be named the Top Group in Kansas.  Thanks to local support, sponsorships to place veteran’s wreaths at Fort Scott National Cemetery were successful to provide a wreath for every veteran gravesite at the ceremony held December 16, 2023.

 

Each year, national nonprofit Wreaths Across America recognizes top sponsorship groups for excellence in serving their local community while helping to share the yearlong mission to Remember, Hoor, and Teach.  Among the thousands of supportive groups honoring locally interred veterans through wreath sponsorships, WAA recently announced that special recognition has been given to Wreaths Across America KS 0049 for Fort Scott National Cemetery as the outstanding group in Kansas.

 

Since its founding in 2007, WAA has collaborated with hundreds of like-minded organizations, volunteers, and civic groups nationwide to remember and honor our nation’s veterans.  Thanks to local support, this group was able to maximize efforts to honor veterans laid to rest at Fort Scott National Cemetery.  This group has been recognized for pride displayed in our veterans at a national level.

 

You can help support the local Wreaths Across America KS 0049 for Fort Scott National Cemetery by sponsoring a veteran’s wreath for placement on National Wreaths Across America Day 2024 on Saturday, December 14.  Each $17.00 sponsorship will sponsor a wreath to be placed on the headstone of an American hero.  To sponsor a wreath, contact Location Coordinator Diann Tucker, 620-224-7054, or Mika, 620-223-6700.  Wreaths Across America is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony.

 

 

Obituary

Obituary of George Hightower

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George Frederick Hightower, age 77, a resident of Walnut, Kansas, passed away Monday, March 17, 2025, at the Prairie Mission Retirement Village in St. Paul, Kansas. He was born March 27, 1947, in Hartman, Arkansas, the son of John David Hightower and Dorothy Anita Kuhl Hightower. George married Leona Marie Reed on August 9, 1965, Alpena, Arkansas.

Following their marriage, George served three tours in Vietnam with the United States Army.

Throughout his life, George worked at Churchill Manufacturing in Chanute where he helped construct oil pumping equipment. He later was employed by the Erie Lumberyard and then Neosho Small Parts also located in Erie. In addition, he also worked in law enforcement for the City of Walnut.

George enjoyed fishing and playing cards with his good friends.

Survivors include his four children, George Hightower (Amber) of Georgia, Paula Robertson (Jamie) of Thayer, Kansas, Leo Hightower (Megan) of Chanute, Kansas and Wayne Hightower (Pam) of Ft. Scott, Kansas; twelve grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Also surviving are a sister, Donna Guntharp (Jackie) and a step-brother, Mike Shrum.

George was preceded in death by his wife, Leona, on January 3, 1992. He was also preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Maryann Hobbs and Cathy McDole, an infant brother, Del Edward Hightower and a step-brother, Rick Shrum.

There was cremation. Rev. Marty Dewitt will conduct graveside services at 1:30 P.M. Friday, April 4th at the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott, Kansas.

Family and friends may meet at the Cheney Witt Chapel prior to leaving for the cemetery at 1:15 P.M.

Memorials are suggested to the Walnut Community Service Organization 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.

Bourbon County, Elections, Government

Bourbon County Republicans Are Accepting Applications For 3rd District Commissioner

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Due to the recent vacation of the county commissioner seat by Leroy Kruger, the Bourbon County Republicans will be accepting applications to fulfill this important role. Interested Republican residents of Bourbon County District 3 (definition below) seeking to fill the county commission seat should send a letter of interest with qualifications, rationale and reasons why they should be selected to: Kaety Bowers, Chairwoman, email bourbon.county.republicans@gmail.com. The deadline is Thursday, April 3, 2025 by 5pm.

The Bourbon County District 3 Appointment Area is defined as the area designated as District 3 (prior to the geographical redistricting done to increase the Bourbon County commissioner total from three to five). See the map above for details; District 3 is labeled and shaded red.

Any questions regarding your address and its location within the district should be directed to Susan Walker, Bourbon County Clerk; phone 620-223-3800 ext. 191

Obituary

Obituary of Dora George

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Dora Alice Baucom George, born April 12, 1954, passed away peacefully on March 23, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose kindness and generosity touched many lives.

 

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert George; her parents, Lewis and Marie Baucom; her sister, Peggy Baucom and a grandson.

She is survived by her children, Les George (Bianca), Robin Butwan(Christopher), Kathryn Knoer (Brad), Shari Brown, Tami Simmons (Joe); her cherished grandson, Ethan Butwan and many loved grandchildren and great grandchildren; her brother, Joe Baucom; and her sisters, Kathy Swingle and Jo Ann Scott (John).

 

With a heart for service, Dora found joy in caring for children, supporting her church, and dedicating her time to helping the elderly in her community. She lived a life of faith, compassion, and selflessness, always putting the needs of others before her own.

 

Her warmth, wisdom, and unwavering love will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. A celebration of her life was held at United Funeral Service in New Albany, MS on Wednesday, March 26th.

 

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, March 29th, at the Centerville Cemetery in Fort Scott, Kansas.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Gideons International at SendTheWord.org in her honor.  Local arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS.

 

 

Area News, Government, Kansas

Fort Scott Native Lori Bolton Fleming In Line For KS Court of Appeals Judge

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Lori Bolton Fleming. Taken from the kscourts.gov website.


Governor Laura Kelly announced on March 4 the appointment of Judge Lori Bolton Fleming to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Henry Green on the Kansas Court of Appeals, according to a press release from the governor.

That is the second of four steps in the process of filling the vacancy.

The next step was for the Senate Judicial to pick her for that role and the final step is for approval from the Kansas Senate, sometime in the next few weeks, Fleming said in an interview.

Fleming is a Fort Scott High School graduate and also taught there for a year, she said.

She was inspired to attend law school by some of her students who were in the foster care system.

“They were involved in the juvenile justice system, and I hoped to advocate, be a good voice for kids,” she said.

Bolton Fleming lives in Pittsburg, Kansas, and is the Chief Judge for the 11th Judicial District, which includes Cherokee, Labette, and Crawford counties. 

“I am confident Judge Bolton Fleming will be an exceptional addition to the Kansas Court of Appeals,” Governor Laura Kelly said in the press release. “Her extensive legal career, commitment to public service, and strong reputation will make her an excellent Court of Appeals Judge.”  

Fleming’s Background

Governor Sam Brownback appointed Bolton Fleming as a district court judge in 2012. As a district court judge, she handles a wide variety of cases including felony criminal, child in need of care, Chapter 60 civil, and domestic cases. She has conducted jury trials for high-level criminal and civil cases as well as bench trials and has frequently been invited to sit with the Kansas Court of Appeals and the Kansas Supreme Court to hear and assist in deciding cases. In total, she has rendered opinions in 38 cases as an assigned appellate judge.  

Bolton Fleming was appointed as chief judge by the Kansas Supreme Court in 2021. In this role, she oversees the operations of the 11th Judicial District, which covers five courthouses in southeast Kansas.  As chief judge, she is responsible for the creation of the 11th Judicial District’s first recovery court and serves as the administrator of the program.

“It is my honor to be selected by Governor Kelly to serve on the Kansas Court of Appeals,” said Fleming. “I intend to work hard every day to be the best possible appellate judge for all Kansans.” 

She has spent her entire legal career in southeast Kansas and would be one of the few rural voices on the Kansas Court of Appeals. The majority of the justices come from Wichita, Topeka or Kansas City.

“I feel it’s important to have rural representation on the Court of Appeals,” she said.

Prior to her judicial appointment, Bolton Fleming served as an assistant county attorney in Crawford County before specializing in legal research and writing for Spigarelli Law Firm. She then practiced with Wilbert and Towner law firm, working on criminal, civil, juvenile, business, adoption, and probate cases.    

Bolton Fleming is active in her local community through many volunteer efforts, including partnering with Pittsburg State University to create a pre-law internship program to help address the rural attorney shortage. She has also served on several Kansas Supreme Court committees, including the Rural Justice Initiative, the Pretrial Justice Task Force, the Kansas Digital Evidence Advisory Group, the COVID Jury Trial Advisory Group, and the Cybersecurity Committee.  

Prior to joining the legal profession, Bolton Fleming served as an elementary music and English teacher at Fort Scott High School and Leavenworth Public Schools.  

Bolton Fleming graduated from the Washburn University School of Law in 2001, where she served as the editor-in-chief of the Washburn Law Journal. She earned a bachelor’s degree in music education from Pittsburg State University in 1996.   

Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee Hosted by Bids and Dibs on March 27

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Join us for Chamber Coffee

hosted by

Bids & Dibs, Inc.
Thursday, March 27th

8am

Bids & Dibs, Inc.

108 S. Scott Ave., Ste. C

Chamber Coffee to be hosted by Bids & Dibs

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee event this Thursday, March 27th at 8am hosted by Bids & Dibs, 108 Scott Ave., in the Downtown Historic District.

Celebrating 12 years in business, Bids & Dibs remains steadfast in its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community engagement. They continue to expand their services, providing a platform where style meets savings and community thrives, all while contributing positively to the local economy. They invite you to visit their boutique to explore their curated selections and experience the unique blend of quality, affordability, and community spirit that defines them. They look forward to sharing more with attendees this Thursday.

Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served in addition to a door prize drawing. Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information.

Click HERE to visit their Fort Scott Facebook Page!

Click HERE to visit their website!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

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