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Monthly Archives: May 2025
Obituary of Brenda Brown
Brenda Sue Brown, age 66, of Prescott, Kansas, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, May 9, 2025.
Brenda was born July 18, 1958, in Fort Scott to Lester and Pearline Thurston. On June 30, she would have celebrated 47 years of marriage to her devoted husband, Rex Brown. Together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and family.
She is survived by her two children, Jason Brown (Nicole) and Katie Hueston (Kenny); her four grandchildren, Maddie Brown, Curtis Brown, Carlie Brown, and Macie Hueston; and two great-grandsons, Dawson and Liam Sterling. Brenda is also survived by her siblings Gary “Red” Thurston, Shirley “Shan” Goltra, Randy “Billy” Thurston, and David “Ernie” Thurston, in addition to many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Kim Shutters; and her nephew, Larry Shirley.
Brenda was a commercial loan underwriter at Key Bank in Kansas City for most of her career in Kansas City before returning to Fort Scott and working at Key Industries for the past 8 years, where she was planning to retire soon. She and Rex were also the proud owners of Fox Run Bar in Fulton, Kansas for over two decades, a place where Brenda made lifelong friendships and welcomed everyone with warmth and wit. She worked harder than anyone and loved even harder.
Outside of work, Brenda loved fishing, traveling, slot machines, houseplants, antiques, and dancing. Most of all though, she treasured and enjoyed time with her family.
Brenda’s red hair matched her personality to a T—feisty, bold, and stubborn, with a fire in her that ran deep. She could argue with the best of them and never got tired of being right. She was the fun mom who doubled as a best friend—keeping her kids close, safe, and laughing—while never wavering in raising them right. She taught by example that good people come from all walks of life and that kindness matters. She was known to have a good time, regardless of the situation, and could make the most of any circumstance. Her laugh, her sass, and her fun-loving personality will be deeply missed by many.
There was cremation. Pastor Matthew Hunt will conduct memorial services at 10:00 AM Friday, May 16th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 Thursday evening the 15th at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made 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.
Blackout-Style License Plates Coming to Kansas
Kansas Department of Revenue Announces Blackout-Style License Plates Coming to Kansas
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Revenue is excited to announce that the popular blackout-style license plates will soon be coming to Kansas vehicles. Beginning July 1, 2025, this highly anticipated new plate design will be available to Kansas drivers to purchase from their local county treasurer’s office.
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“I’m always happy to listen to my constituents about issues that matter to them,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “By introducing the blackout license plate style, we are giving Kansans more options on the road while still adhering to safe license plate requirements.”
Designed with an all-black background and sharp white lettering, the blackout plate adds a sleek and stylish plate design to the selection of distinctive license plates. The introduction of this plate design is in response to the increasing interest from Kansans in having a blackout-style plate option for their vehicles.
“The blackout plate design has proven to be very popular in surrounding states, and we’ve had many Kansans ask for it to come to Kansas,” said Division of Vehicles Director Deann Williams. “We’ve heard them loud and clear, and we are very excited to bring this highly requested plate design to Kansas vehicles this year.”
Blackout plates will be available for standard passenger vehicles and motorcycles. The cost breakdown is as follows:
- One-time plate fee: $40
- Annual royalty fee: $50
- Personalization fee: $45.50 (optional)
The royalty fee collected for the blackout plate will go to the License Plate Replacement Fund, and the funds will be used by the Department of Revenue to replace deteriorated license plates.
To see all the distinct license plates currently on offer, visit www.ksrevenue.gov/dovplates
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Ad: Screen Printer – Open Position At Key Apparel
Screen Printer
Key Apparel is seeking a motivated person to join our Embellishment Team as a Screen Printer. This position will work with screen printing, digital printing, and embroidery equipment and processes.As part of the Embellishment Team, you are responsible for embellishing uniforms, hats, outerwear, and other accessories.
A Screen Printer should have an eye for detail, be comfortable on their feet and moving product, be able to navigate graphic design software, and be able to create expertly designed prints that fully meet the customer’s expectations. You should have the ability to work efficiently while staying on top of multiple projects. Prior experience is not required, but a willingness and excitement to learn is!
Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
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Receiving work order jobs for Screen Printing.
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Examining work orders to determine estimated printing times, ink, and material quantities.
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Designing screen patterns according to customer specifications.
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Selecting screen size, degreasing agents, and emulsion coatings.
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Running prints and performing quality checks throughout the printing process.
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Troubleshooting problems as they arise.
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Drying, folding, and packing completed articles after the run.
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Loading screen into printer.
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Installing and repositioning screen printing plates and pressure roles.
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Calibrating printer before batch is printed.
The ideal candidate must have:
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Excellent hand-eye coordination.
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Ability to manually operate large machinery.
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Ability to work alone for long shifts.
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High level of creative and artistic skills. Some graphic design experience is required.
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Ability to stand for long periods.
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Ability to work with ink and chemicals every day.
Compensation/Benefits:
Key offers competitive compensation, including a highly competitive benefits package.
Please submit your resume to: [email protected], or stop by and pick up an application at our offices located in the Industrial Park at 400 Marble Rd in Ft Scott.
Tips to Attract More Butterflies to the Landscape
If you haven’t jumped on the bandwagon of planting to attract butterflies – you need to! I love watching butterflies flit around my yard. Not only are they enjoyable to watch, but they also serve as pollinators for some plants. Sure, some butterflies will probably always visit your yard from time to time, but if you want to get serious about attracting more to your landscape, you must provide for their basic needs. This includes food, shelter, liquids, and a sunning location.
If you want butterflies to be more than just visitors looking for a good source of nectar, then you have to create a true butterfly habitat. This will encourage more butterflies to call your garden their home! One way to encourage more butterflies to your landscape is by utilizing plants that serve the needs of all stages of the butterfly. This means planting nectar plants and host plants.
Nectar plants are what the adult butterflies feed on. It is the color and shape of these flowers that will attract the butterflies. Plant nectar plants in masses using three or more plants of one variety. In the nectar plant category, there are many annuals and perennials that can be utilized. Some of the must-have annuals include zinnias, lantana, verbena, and French marigold to name just a few. Perennials utilized as a nectar plant include aster, black-eyed Susan, coneflower, milkweed, catmint and bee balm.
Even some shrubs and herbs are great nectar plants for butterflies. Of course, as the name would imply, butterfly bush is a great addition, along with lilac, mock orange, and spirea. Grow herbs for not only culinary purposes but as a nectar and host source. Plant chives, dill, sage, thyme, and fennel.
Host plants are those plants that butterflies lay their eggs on and that caterpillars feed on. Plant these with the expectation that the will be partially eaten by the developing butterfly. For me, I love walking out and looking at the developing caterpillars and I’m happy to share my plants with them! At the top of this plant list, it is milkweed. Milkweed is the exclusive food source for Monarch caterpillars. There are many different types of milkweed, but the butterfly milkweed is one of the more eye-catching. Other host plants that I like to plant include parsley, dill and fennel. These are great host plants for Black Swallowtails.
Butterflies also need protection from the wind and predators. This can be accomplished by incorporating certain trees and shrub species into the landscape. Butterflies use hackberry, elm, ash, willow and pawpaw trees. Host shrubs include spicebush and prickly ash.
You can make your butterflies feel more at home in the landscape if you will add a few light colored stones. Place these in a location protected from the wind. This will become an area where butterflies can bask in the sun and warm themselves. Incorporate a shallow container filled with sand and keep it moist. Butterflies will gather on the damp sand to take up needed salts and minerals. An occasional treat of rotting or overripe fruit will also keep butterflies happy!
Finally, be mindful of pesticide use. Pesticides not only kill undesirable insect pests, but they also kill butterflies and their caterpillars.
Now is the time to get busy creating a butterfly habitat! I have some wonderful resources available at the Extension office that offers a complete listing of plants. These can be found on the home page of our district website: southwind.ksu.edu or you can pick up a copy at any of our office locations.
Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Horticulture agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Mom’s Mini Messages by Carolyn Tucker
Keys to the Kingdom
By Carolyn Tucker
Mom’s Mini Messages
It’s been said that no matter how old we are, we never outgrow our need for a mother. I’m in my 60s and I wholeheartedly concur with that statement. Nearly every day I remember some type of wisdom that Mom shared with me. She was a stay-at-home mother so I spent a lot of time with her and I‘m so grateful. She was an excellent role model because she taught me by words and example. Even though we haven’t had a conversation for ten years now, the tape recorder in my memory replays her good and encouraging words quite often. I’m very thankful for her love and voice that I continue to hold in my heart. In 1996, I spoke at a Mother-Daughter Banquet where Mom was presented with the “Exemplary Mother” award. I’d never thought of describing my mom with that adjective. But when she flew away to Heaven in 2015, we had “An Exemplary Life” engraved on her headstone.
I think the first scripture Mom began to drill into my head was Numbers 32:23. I can’t remember if I’d done something specific, but all during my childhood she would say to me, “Be sure your sin will find you out.” I figured that if I did something bad, my parents or God or both would find out and the fur would fly.
Here‘s another vital scripture Mom quoted to me: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head” (Romans 12:20 NKJV). I didn’t understand the part about putting hot coals on someone’s head; that didn‘t sound like a good thing to do. Nevertheless, Mom wanted me to learn the lesson of being nice and doing good things for people who weren’t nice to me.
She often quoted Proverbs 17:22, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.” She did an outstanding job of practicing this. She always had a big smile, a big laugh, and sometimes she’d even “cackle” when she got really tickled. Mom wasn’t a storyteller or a joke teller, but she sure got a kick out of everyone else’s funny stories. It’s been scientifically proven that laughter improves our mood and overall well-being. It reduces stress and tension, and also helps in bonding with others. I think a lifestyle of having a merry heart and laughing with family and friends is kinda’ like the glue that sticks us together. The ability to laugh together is bound to be a gift from God.
One time Mom and I were in the kitchen and, I don’t know what prompted this scripture, but she quoted, “A soft answer turneth away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1 KJV). You just can’t have an argument when someone has a smile and kind response. Mom was the first to show mercy and the last to pass judgment. She power-walked in her faith and she never wavered. She studied her Bible and practiced what she read. Her life was well lived and she was well loved.
Mothers are so important in how their children begin life and how they end life, and everything in between. “Hats off” to mothers in their constant efforts to nurture, teach, train, and love their off-spring. Mothers should be celebrated every day because they’re loving, relentless, valuable, selfless, beautiful, funny, and tough as nails.
The Key: Exemplary mothers never go out of style. Keep up the good work!
Public Health Advisories for Kansas Lakes Due to Blue-Green Algae
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) have issued a public health advisory due to blue-green algae.
The water recreation season in Kansas officially runs from April 1 to Oct. 31, as do the harmful algae blooms (HAB) response program’s active operations. Kansans should remain vigilant while engaging in activities taking place in or on the water, such as swimming, boating, and fishing.
A HAB may look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red. Blooms can develop rapidly; if the water appears suspicious or there is decaying algae on the shore, avoid contact and keep dogs away. These toxins can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation of aerosols and even skin contact. Symptoms vary depending upon the type of exposure (e.g., direct contact, ingestion, inhalation) but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache.
If you, or your pets, come into contact with algae rinse the area with clean, fresh water. Suspected HAB-related health incidents, whether human or animal, regardless of season, should be reported as soon as possible at kdhe.ks.gov/1163.
Active Advisories
Warning
- Frazier Lake, Grant County
- Lake Shawnee, Shawnee County
Watch
- Council Grove City Lake, Morris County
A Hazard status indicates that a HAB is present, and extreme conditions exist.
When a hazard is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:
- Signage should be posted at all public access locations.
- It is recommended that either a portion of the lake or the entire lake or zone, be closed to the public.
- In some cases, the adjacent land should be closed as well. Actual setback distances will be determined on a site-specific basis, if necessary.
- In zoned lakes, if a lake zone is issued at a Hazard level, all other adjacent lake zones may be recommended for an advisory status dependent on lake conditions.
A Warning status indicates that a HAB is expected or present.
When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:
- Signage should be posted at all public access locations.
- Inhalation of spray or aerosols may be harmful.
- Lake water is not safe to drink for pets or livestock.
- Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.
- Water contact should be avoided.
- Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.
- Do not allow pets to eat dried algae.
- If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.
- Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.
A Watch status means that a HAB is possible and may be present.
When a watch is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:
- Signage should be posted at all public access locations.
- Water may be unsafe for humans/animals.
- Avoid areas of algae accumulation and do not let people/pets eat dried algae or drink contaminated water.
- Swimming, wading, skiing and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms.
- Boating and fishing are safe. However, inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals. Avoid direct contact with water and wash with clean water after any contact.
- Clean fish thoroughly with potable water and eat fillet portion only.
Advisories are Lifted when cell densities and toxin concentrations dissipate to levels below the Watch thresholds.
KDHE investigates publicly accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on credible field observation and sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions.
If you observe a scum or paint-like surface on the water, small floating blue-green clumps or filaments in the water, or if the water is an opaque green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.
For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, please visit kdhe.ks.gov/HAB and check out our interactive story and informative video.
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What’s Happening in Fort Scott May 9
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Uniontown City Council Agenda and Packet for May 13
CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________
ROLL CALL: ___ Jess Ervin ___ Amber Kelly ___ Mary Pemberton ___ Savannah Pritchett ___ Bradley Stewart
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
CITIZENS REQUESTS
FINANCIAL REPORT
Sally Johnson – Financial reports
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
- Minutes of April 9, 2025 Regular Council Meeting
- March Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & March Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Codes Enforcement: Doug Coyan
405 Hill Street-letter sent to owner with requested repairs needed
406 Fulton Street-letter sent to regarding nuisance vehicles
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
Clerk Report: Danea Esslinger
Quickbook Online Course-attended May 8th, city office was closed.
Evergy is giving a presentation regarding the energy assistance program on 6/3/25 at 10 AM.
Fish Food has arrived.
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Ervin –
Councilman Kelly –
Councilwoman Pemberton – Zoning Public Forum meeting 5/14/25 at 6 PM
Councilwoman Pritchett –
Councilman Stewart–
Mayor Jurgensen –
OLD BUSINESS
SEED Grant – work has started on the City Libray and City Office
FEMA Flooding– Hydrology study not complete yet by Ag Engineering
Warehouse Insulation – is planned to start on May 13.
Sidewalk-Ag Engineering preliminary study is completed. He stated that we will receive completed documentation when finalized.
Park electric – CrawKan will do the boring for the electrical line needed for the park electric. We will wait to complete this when CrawKan has an opening in their schedule.
NEW BUSINESS
New Ordinance No. 206-presented to Council for changes or approval.
Motion by _____________, Second by __________, Approved ______, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at ____________.
ADJOURN Time ____________ Moved by ______________, 2nd ___________________, Approved ___________
ORDINANCE NO. 206 NEW UTILITY DEPOSIT FEES AND DEPOSIT REFUNDS REPLACES ORD 194
USD235 Board of Ed. Agenda Packet for May 12
Board of Ed. Agenda for May 12 Meeting
Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
www.usd234.org
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
May 12, 2025 – 5:30 P.M.
AGENDA SUMMARY WITH COMMENTARY
1.0 Call Meeting to Order David Stewart, President
2.0 Flag Salute
3.0 Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)
4.0 Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)
4.1 Board Minutes
04-14-25
04-22-25
4.2 Financials – Cash Flow Report
4.3 Check Register
4.4 Payroll – April 18, 2025 – $1,686,779.39
4.5 Activity Funds Accounts
4.6 USD 234 Gifts
4.7 Middle School Student Council Fundraising
4.8 Washington Workshop Extended Trip
5.0 Recognitions
6.0 Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)
6.1 Superintendent’s Report
6.2 Assistant Superintendent’s Report
6.3 Special Education Director’s Report
7.0 New Business
7.1 Contract for Occupational Therapy Services with Outreach Occupational Therapy, LLC
for the 2025-26 School Year (Action Item)
7.2 KASB Membership Renewal (Action Item)
7.3 Set Capacity for Nonresident Student Enrollment Capacity
7.4 Greenbush Contracts for Low-Incidence and Audiology for 2025-26 school year (Action)
7.5 Community Health Center School Based Health Care Service Contract
7.6 Satchel Pulse Social Emotional Learning proposal
7.7 Adoption of Curriculum Resources and Materials for English Language Arts and Foreign
Language
8.0 Public Forum
9.0 Other Business – Personnel Matters – Time __________
9.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)
9.2 Exit Executive Session – _______ (Time)
9.3 Approve Resignations/Employment of Licensed/Supplemental
9.4 Approval of Classified Personnel Report #1 (Action Item)
9.5 Approval of Classified Personnel Report #2 (Action Item)
10.0 Adjourn Meeting _____ (Time) David Stewart, President
Memorial Service For Sharon Miller
Sharon Kay Miller,81, of Fort Scott, most recently Tallahassee, Florida, passed away on February 4, 2025. There was cremation. A memorial service will be held at 11:30 AM Wednesday, May 21st, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott, Kansas. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 Tuesday evening May 20th, at the funeral home.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com