Monthly Archives: July 2025

Bourbon County, Government, Schools

How Federal Education Funding Freeze Will Effect U235 School District

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All American schools, including local schools, will be impacted by the funding freeze that President Trump has directed the U.S. Department of Education to delay, pending a review.

Vance Eden, superintendent for USD 235. Photo from the school districts website.

USD235 Superintendent Vance Eden remains hopeful that the Trump administration will unfreeze funds, enabling schools to continue operations as authorized by Congress, he said.

Here is his statement
“The Uniontown USD 235 School District receives federal “Title” funds to support students.  Currently, the Trump administration has directed the US Department of Education to delay reimbursement of some of these funds until a review can be completed.  These Title funds aren’t a single lump of money, but instead are received by the district with individual designations for individual purposes.  While we don’t qualify in all categories, the following three specifically apply to Uniontown.
  • Title IIA- These funds can be used to reduce class sizes and were initially used to add a teacher, and that position has continued to be paid with Title II funds.  Our allocation for the coming year is $25,222.  While not all funds the district receives can be used for teacher salaries, this can and has been a meaningful part of our budget and the goal of maintaining a quality salary schedule.  The removal of this funding stream will make it more difficult to continue this practice.
  • Title IVA-  These funds can’t be used on people and but instead are used primarily on safety and security items and also things that “extend the curriculum.” Our next year allocation was set at $17,492. While most are likely unaware if anything in their classroom has been purchased with these funds, the reality is that probably all of them have had some benefit.  I manage these funds and purchase qualifying items throughout the school year as teachers submit requisitions that can qualify.  As an example, field trips, science experiment supplies, digital cameras for the yearbook team, a pottery wheel, the window display at WBE, and a good chunk of the smartboards in the district are all things that have been purchased with these funds over the past few years.  These funds invite creativity and foster a robust and quality learning experience.  Losing these funds directly impacts our ability to maintain this commitment in the future without cutting from other areas or increasing the mill levy (which no one wants).
  • Title IVB-  These funds pay for the WBE after-school program and summer program.  Without this allocation, the district will not be able to afford to continue to offer this to students and parents. 
We also receive Title I funds, which are used to support math and reading support at WBE.  These funds are stated to still be usable for the coming year.  This is good news as it represents our largest area of allocation and would be extremely difficult to adjust for in its absence.
I’d encourage you to visit with our federal legislators during this period of review to help them consider this change in direction and priority, as ultimately, they SHOULD control the disbursement of funds.  Most likely, none of us enjoys making these contacts, but I want you to be informed and involved, as these decisions will affect us all.”
To contact your elected representatives, according to the Bourbon County, KS website:

US Senator


Roger Marshall – (R)
PO Box 1588
Great Bend, KS 67530
(202) 224-4774

Jerry Moran – (R)
PO Box 1372
Pittsburg, KS 66762
(620-232-2286

Derek Schmidt
1223 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC  20515
Phone: (202) 225-6601

 

This graphic is taken from a Newsweek online story dated July 7, 2025.
Fort Scott, Government

Work Continues on the Street Corner at 6th and Main

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FS Public Works Staffer Christian looks on while Kenny Allen works on the Bobcat at 6th and Main Streets.

 

Fort Scott Public Works Department staff were preparing for a concrete pour at the corner of 6th and Main Streets today.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of July, unless other issues are identified.

The project was on the list for work, but water issues at the Neice building, which is being renovated, sped up the timeline.

A staff person said water was pooling in the street corner, which was leaking into the Neice building.

Area News, Business, Kansas

Evergy Is Allowed to Recover Costs, From Customers

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KCC approves settlement agreements allowing Evergy to
recover costs to build two gas plants and a solar facility

TOPEKA – This afternoon, the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) approved two settlement agreements which allow Evergy Kansas Central (EKC) to recover the cost of three new generation facilities intended to meet increasing electric demand and improve reliability. Last fall, the utility announced plans to build two gas plants and a solar facility. Evergy filed an application with the Commission in November, requesting a determination of how costs incurred will be recovered from customers.

The application generated a great deal of interest. In addition to Evergy and Commission Staff, 31 parties sought and were granted the right to intervene and formally participate in the proceedings. As a result of their work, the Commission was presented with two settlement agreements for consideration: a unanimous settlement agreement regarding the solar facility, and a non-unanimous settlement agreement on the gas plants.

Evergy is proposing the new solar facility (Kansas Sky) to be located in Douglas County and owned 100% by Evergy Kansas Central. The estimated cost of construction is $228.1 million. After careful review, the Commission found the unanimous settlement agreement related to Kansas Sky was supported by substantial, competent evidence, will result in just and reasonable rates, and is in the public interest.  In making this finding, the Commission found the arguments regarding resource diversification compelling.  To date, very little utility-scale solar generation has been successfully developed in Kansas, and the profile and attributes of solar energy, if developed, will be complimentary to existing generation in the region, including wind generation.

Evergy’s gas plant proposal calls for two 710 MW combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) plants. The Viola plant will be located near Evergy’s Viola Substation in Sumner County and is expected to operate by January 1, 2029. The McNew plant will be built in Reno County and is expected to operate by January 1, 2030. Evergy Kansas Central and Evergy Missouri West will each have 50% ownership in the gas plants. The cost of construction to Evergy Kansas Central is estimated at $788.75 million for the Viola plant and $800.52 million for the McNew plant.

The Commission finds approving the CCGT Settlement is in the public interest.  The Commission believes the CCGT Settlement is an efficient and reliable plan to add generation capacity to Evergy’s fleet.  Furthermore, the Commission believes the CCGT Settlement contains sufficient safeguards and guardrails to protect customers in the event of cost overruns.

The CCGT settlement will not immediately impact rates. Other than the Construction Work in Progress (CWIP) rider recently authorized by the Legislature, which Evergy can begin utilizing 365 days after construction begins on each plant, no other costs will be added to rates until Evergy files a subsequent rate case.

The frequency of rate cases is also addressed by the Commission in today’s order.

“The Commission is troubled by the frequency and magnitude of rate cases and strongly encourages Evergy to focus on pacing investment to better align with load growth and mitigate large rate increases. The Commission understands new investment is needed to support reliability and economic development in Kansas. However, affordability must be a major priority and proactively pursued as Evergy addresses a seemingly endless list of “justifiable” projects and initiatives. To meet future capacity needs, for example, the Commission will expect Evergy to demonstrate its serious consideration of less capital-intensive options like demand response, utilization of surplus interconnection sites and grid-enhancing technologies.”

Today’s order is available here.

The Kansas Sky unanimous settlement agreement is available here.

The CCGT non-unanimous settlement agreement is available here.

A recording of today’s Business Meeting featuring comments by Commissioners, is available on the KCC YouTube channel.

 

 

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Bourbon County, Government

Revised Agenda for the Bourbon County Commission Meeting Today, July 7

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BOURBON COUNTY,
KANSAS
Bourbon County, Kansas
Bourbon County Commission Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Chambers, 210 S National Ave.
July 07, 2025, 5:30 PM (Revised)
I. Call Meeting to Order
 Roll Call
 Pledge of Allegiance
 Prayer
II. Approval of Agenda
III. Approval of Minutes from 06.30.25 & 07.01.25
IV. Consent Agenda
 Approval of 06.24.25 Accounts Payable Totaling $110,518.99
V. Public Hearing 5:35 Plaster Road Closing
VI. Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to
protect their privacy.
VII. Old Business
 Zoning Advisory Board – Milburn
 Fence Viewing Resolution – Beerbower
 Juvenile Detention– Beerbower
 Stronghold Update – Milburn
 Housing agreement with Johnson County – Beerbower
 Ealyn Taylor – Animal Control – Beerbower
 Public Works Safety Audit – Dr. Cohen
 Cameras – Beerbower
VIII. Public Comments for Items Not on The Agenda
IX. New Business
 Resolution for the Cancellation of Outstanding Checks – Susan Walker
 KAC Convention – Beerbower
 Audit Agreement for Fiscal Year Ending 2025
 Policy & Procedures – Beerbower
X. Commission Comments
XI. Adjournment
Future business that has been tabled in past meetings or planned for future meetings:
 Economic Development Direction
 911 Agreement
 Precinct Legal Resolution
 Doherty Health Benefits review – Executive Session August 2025
 NRP Update July 14th
 Courthouse Repairs August 4th
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS – FORM OF MOTION
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their
privacy
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body of agency which would be
deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in
consultation with the representatives of the body or agency
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations,
partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of acquisition of real estate
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters
at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures
The subject to be discussed during executive session: ________________________________________
State persons to attend
Open session will resume at _____ A.M./P.M. in the commission chambers.

Obituary

Obituary of Joycelyn Elaine Malone

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Joycelyn Elaine Malone, age 92, resident of Fort Scott, KS passed away July 3, 2025, at Presbyterian Village in Fort Scott. She was born June 22, 1933, to William (Bill) and Nina Norris in Nevada, MO. She graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1951, then attended the Mercy School of Nursing. She married Keith Farley Malone on November 2, 1952.

Joycelyn babysat for several families while her three children were young, then worked at the Newman-Young Clinic for several years. Later, she worked full time keeping books for their family business –
Malone Plumbing.

Joycelyn was an active member of the Church of Christ for her entire life and attended the Church of Christ on Margrave Street. She was devoted to her Lord and to the brethren of her congregation.

Joycelyn is survived by her husband Keith; her three children, Brent Malone (Connie), Brandon Malone (Kathy), and Gaynor Crane (Stephen); 9 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild. She was an active influence in the lives of her family members and contributed much to their character, success, and well-being throughout her entire life.

Joycelyn was preceded in death by her parents, parents-in-law Carl and Billye Malone, sister-in-law Karen Heppler (Malone), step-granddaughter Leesa Meree Haehn (Hite), brother Claude Norris and sister-in-law Phyllis Norris, and brother Bill Norris and sister-in-law Lois Norris.

Joycelyn enjoyed raising flowers and working in her yard. She was an avid supporter of family events opening her home to large groups of relatives from both sides of the family every year. She spent a great deal of her time supporting her children’s and grandchildren’s school and sporting activities. She was a cheerful, devoted, and practical example of love to us all.

Joycelyn chose cremation and has requested no funeral service but visitation and interment at a future date. Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Downtown Meet and Greet is July 8

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Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet scheduled for July 8th!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces a Downtown Meet & Greet will be held Tuesday, July 8th at Landmark National Bank, 200 S. Main St., from 8-9am.

These informal, quarterly meetings are hosted by the Chamber for downtown business owners, representatives, and community members to network and share ideas on events, promotions and anything related to downtown. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served.

Contact the Chamber at 620-223-3566

with any questions.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Business, Fort Scott

Local Author Levi Qualls Publishes His First Book

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Local author Levi Qualls. Submitted photo.
Local author Levi Qualls, 29, grew up in Baxter Springs and graduated from Pittsburg State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in illustration. While at P.S.U., he met his future wife, Taylor Schilling, and then earned his Master of Fine Arts in comics and storytelling from the Academy of Art, California, through its online program.
He became an author through the encouragement of an acquaintance.
“My first semester of college, my mom’s coworker saw some of my art and said I should be an artist. I wasn’t enjoying my first degree plan (biology), so I made the switch and never looked back.”
“After I earned my master’s degree and was working on the graphic novel of Calder, I realized that I was more interested in the actual story than I was in illustrating it. I have always loved to read, and it just made sense. I love it and it’s fun.”
“I still love drawing, and it was fun to illustrate a cover and chapter illustrations for this book!”
They moved to Fort Scott shortly before their first son was born, and it is here that he wrote most of this, his first book.
The Book
The front cover of Quall’s new book. Submitted photo.
Qualls sent this synopsis of his book: The Sea and The Sword is
 an escape into the world of Aegindus, where the gods of Olympus reign and destiny hangs in the balance. It is packed with fantasy, action, suspense, mythology, and magic. The Sea and The Sword is an adventure for anyone who loves getting lost in a great story.
There is a Parental Advisory with the book because it contains descriptions of battle scenes, but nothing more graphic than video games or even the Bible, he said.
To order the book: https://a.co/d/jbfK20z
Bookmarks that depict each chapter in Quall's book Submitted photo.
A bookmark depicts the different gods of Olympus, but they are also used for chapter headings. (There are a lot more than 12 chapters.) Submitted photo.
 Aside from being a full-time stay-at-home father of two and author, he also runs Hercules Hobby, a local trading card store in downtown Fort Scott.
Opinion

In God We Trust by Carolyn Tucker

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Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker

In God We Trust

About 30 years ago, my husband built a tree house for our kids that was fit for Robin Hood himself. He chose a big sturdy hedge tree and began to build the fortress, complete with trap door, fireman‘s pole, and a basket on a rope to pull up and let down through an opening in the floor. A few years ago, my daughter and her girls were in the pasture and Lydia Mae and Felicity wanted to go up into the tree house. Mariam agreed, so she got hammer, nails, and boards to add some steps to make the climb doable. Mariam went up first, and then from the top she instructed each little girl where to put their feet and hands as they made their climb. The girls had never done this before, and it was a little scary for them, but they trusted their Mommy to get them through it. And she did.

Without the help of their mother, who knew all the ins and outs of climbing that tree, Lydia Mae and Felicity could not have accomplished their desire. Their high level of trust was very obvious. I love this scripture, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths“ (Proverbs 3:5,6 MEV). This verse is not just something appropriate to write in a graduation card, it’s an everyday-all-your-life command to put into practice.

It’s a downward crash to the bottom of the tree if you think you don’t need God. Proverbs 3:7 NLT reads, “Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.“ Trusting in yourself is pretty worthless and leads to a miserable life; and unless you change your ways and begin to honor God, your afterlife will be way worse than your earthly life.

“In God We Trust” is the official motto of the United States of America. It was adopted by the U.S. Congress in 1956. The motto was first printed on paper money in 1957. Back then, money was handled by most adults every day. I believe that printing this motto on our money was divinely inspired. In fact, the plastic cards should have “In God We Trust“ printed on them too! Sixty-nine years ago, our Country’s leaders thought it was important for Americans to put their trust in God — and it still is.

God is absolutely trustworthy. You won’t find a better track record anywhere. Moses and the children of Israel came up to the Red Sea with Pharaoh’s army breathing down their necks. God rolled up His sleeves and basically said, “Just watch Me work.” God is not looking at our beloved U.S.A. while wringing His hands and saying, “I don’t know how this is going to turn out.“ No, God’s Word is firm: “I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me. I make known the end from the beginning…I say, ’My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please’” (Isaiah 46:9,10 NIV). God knows the future before it even happens. Everything He plans will come to pass. He simply needs His children to trust Him with childlike faith.

I encourage you to stand firm and beef up your trust in God as the apostle Paul instructed Timothy: “…We trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe” (1 Timothy 4:10 NKJV).

The Key: Quit trying to climb the tree by yourself, and ask for God’s help.

K-State Extension

Sweet Savings: Teaching Kids about Money This Summer!

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Amanda Clasen- Community Vitality Agent

July 2025

Summer break is and can be full of opportunities for our kids: Sports, vacations, sleeping in, and a break from the school routine. But it’s also the perfect time to teach youth real-life lessons that often get overlooked during the busy school year, like how to manage money.

From lemonade stands to lawn mowing gigs, summer offers an abundance of ways for kids and teens to earn and spend their own money. That means parents, caregivers, and educators have a golden opportunity to help youth learn budgeting basics and develop lifelong financial habits.

Money management doesn’t have to be complicated. Start small with conversations about saving, spending, and sharing. Help young children divide their allowance into jars labeled “Save,” “Spend,” and “Give.” This visual approach teaches them that money has purpose and that not all of it is meant to be spent right away.

Older youth and teens can take it a step further by setting savings goals. Whether they want a new pair of shoes, a bike, or to start saving for college, having a goal in mind makes budgeting more meaningful. Try having them track their spending for one week or one month; the results might surprise both you and them!

Summer also brings real-world financial decisions: Will they buy ice cream every time the truck comes around, or save for something bigger? Can they stick to a budget at the county fair or amusement park? These small, everyday choices offer excellent teaching moments along with responsibility.

Teaching children to handle money doesn’t need to be difficult. It just takes a little time, patience, and practice. When youth learn to make smart money choices now, they’re better prepared for the financial responsibilities that come with adulthood.

So, this summer, skip the lecture and go for the lesson in the form of a lemonade stand, a school shopping plan, or a savings challenge. “Sweet savings” today can lead to even sweeter financial success tomorrow.

For more information or assistance, contact Community Vitality Agent Amanda Clasen at any Southwind District office or [email protected]

Obituary

Obituary of Jacqueline A. Webster

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Jacqueline A. Webster, affectionately known as Jackie, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at the age of 85. Born on September 17, 1939, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, the daughter of Jonathan Reagan and Mary Rea Reagan, Jackie’s life was marked by her unwavering dedication to her family and her faith.

Jackie was a proud graduate of Ft. Scott High School, where she formed the foundation of lifelong friendships and the strong values she carried throughout her life. On June 29, 1957, Jackie united in marriage to Robert Webster, and together they embarked on a
journey that would be filled with love, laughter, and the joyous task of raising a family. Jackie’s professional life was as varied as it was fulfilling—she worked at Western Insurance Company and IGA in her early years, but her heart was always with the people she served at St. Mary’s School as a secretary and lunch lady, and at the Ward/Kraft Day Care. Her time at the Ralph Richards Museum further showcased her love and commitment to preserving local history.

Jackie’s Catholic faith was a cornerstone of her life, guiding her actions and providing comfort in times of need. She lived her faith through her actions, always ready to lend a helping hand or offer a kind word. A woman of many interests, Jackie’s zeal for life was contagious. She volunteered with the Ft. Scott Community College Drama Department. Her passion for travel took her on numerous adventures, including memorable trips to New York City, where she enjoyed the lights and performances on Broadway. Closer to home, she frequented the dinner theater in Kansas City and enjoyed the local melodramas in Ft. Scott. Jackie was also an avid bowler and square dancer.

Jackie’s legacy is lovingly cherished by her devoted children: Barbara Cassidy and her husband, Kent of Ft. Scott, Kansas; Mary; Ginger; Gregory of Pittsburg, Kansas; Nancy Peterman Webster of Nevada, Missouri; Liz Ulrich and her husband, Brek, of Iola, Kansas; and Matthew Webster and his wife, Chrissa, of Towanda, Kansas. She was a proud grandmother to sixteen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her immense joy and pride. Also surviving her are her brother, Tom Reagan of Kansas City, Missouri, and her sister, Patty Spielbusch of St. Paul, Kansas. Jackie was preceded in death by her husband, Bob, on November 24, 2023. She was also preceded by her parents, a sister, Margaret Butler and a brother, Mike Reagan.

Jackie’s journey through life was a testament to the beauty of a life well-lived, and she will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known her.

Father Yancey Burgess will conduct the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 A.M. Tuesday, July 8th at the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church. Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery. The family will receive friends beginning at 5:00 P.M. Monday at the Cheney Witt Chapel. The rosary will be recited at 6:30 P.M. Memorials are suggested to the St. Mary’s Building 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.