Jerry Eugene Nafgzer, 83, of Fort Scott, Kansas, formerly of Lancaster, Ohio, went to be with his Lord peacefully, Monday afternoon, February 3, 2020 at the Guest Home Estates of Fort Scott.
He was born November 23, 1936, in Obetz, Ohio, the son of Burl Monroe and Hazel (Dewey) Nafzger. He married Judy Arlene Kilbarger on March 6, 1959 in Sugar Grove, Ohio, she survives of the home.
Jerry was a man who loved the Lord and was loved by all who knew him. He and his wife, Judy, moved here from Lancaster, Ohio, five and a half years ago to be near their son and his family.
In addition to his wife, Judy, he is survived by a son and wife, Jerry and Debbie Nafzger, of Fort Scott, daughter and husband, Victoria and Mark Alten of Lancaster, Ohio, a grandson and wife, Matthew and Stefanie Alten, and 3 granddaughters, Sarah Beth Alten, MacKenzie and husband, Ricky Salgado and Shelby and husband, Kenny Shaw and eight great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Tom Nafzger.
Pastor Adam Reynolds will officiate graveside services for Jerry Nafzger at 10:30 a.m., Friday, February 7, 2020 at the Maple Grove Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street.
Condolences may be emailed to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.
Kansas Property Taxes have increased 164% from 1997 to 2018, while inflation was 49.5%. during the same time-frame. And we have some whose property taxes have increased 15% or more just in the last year.
Senate Bill (SB) 294 and SB 295 were introduced to promote transparency and fairness in our property tax system. SB 294 would require a vote of local government to increase your property taxes. Taxpayers deserve to know why their taxes are increasing. SB 295 would stop your property tax from increasing for normal maintenance. When you need to paint your house or need a new roof it shouldn’t increase your property tax. Especially when the person who doesn’t take care of their property receives a lower tax bill.
There is an effort by some who are funded with property taxpayer dollars to try and kill or weaken the bills. It appears they want business as usual.
Value Them Both (mother and child) Constitutional amendment, Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 1613, passed the Senate on a vote of 28 Yes to 12 No. The SCR would allow Kansas voters the opportunity to amend our State Constitution and clarify the authority to enact laws on abortion is with the legislature and not the courts. The next step is for the House to debate and vote on the SCR. It must pass the House with 2/3 majority before it can be on a ballot for Kansas voters. If the amendment passes the House and goes on a ballot, a yes vote would keep Kansas abortion laws already in place. This is required because the Kansas Supreme Court ruled that our founding fathers allowed for abortion in our state constitution.
The amendment would help in stopping the courts from legislating abortion laws from the bench. The Court opinion is posted online at:
Legislating from the bench needs to be stopped. Last year a Kansas Supreme Court decision blocks the state from prosecuting illegal immigrants who use a fake Social Security Number (SSN). The majority of justices ruled Kansas has no right to prosecute an “alien” for using a stolen SSN. Two justices dissented and understood how disastrous it is to not be able to prosecute whomever breaks Kansas laws.
A loud and clear message must be sent to the justices that we will not tolerate judges rulings based on personal opinions rather than on law. SCR 1613 will help send that message.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Scott Gander and Jolynne Mitchell in front of the new office of Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial, 14 S. Main.
Another business has moved uptown.
Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial employees rented an office space at 14 S. Main in December 2019.
Modern Woodmen Financial and Bolton Law Firm are located at 14 S. Main.
“It’s a better location,” Scott Gander, managing partner for the business said. “It’s more exposure.”
“The business helps people with all financial planning,” Gander said. “Anything with protecting money and making money grow.”
“Scott and I both feel the best part of our job is helping families and their loved ones achieve their financial security through all stages of their lives,” Jolynne Mitchell, financial representative, said.
“The fraternal side is giving back to the community,” Gander said.
“We do $2,500 in matching funds every year, and
$1,000 in three service projects each year,” she said. “We plant trees, do Hometown Hero and provide educational events for our members.”
“As a Premier Chapter, we are awarded additional funds to participate in additional activities in the community to show our Modern Woodmen support,” she said.
Business hours are 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
When I was a kid in 1968, Dolly Parton released the song, “Jeannie’s Afraid of the Dark.” I thought it was a cool song and when we went to visit family in Southwest Missouri, I asked Uncle Dennis if he’d heard, “Jeannie’s Afraid of the Dark.“ The next time we visited, we asked the same question and it became a family joke. After that, sometimes when we’d get together someone would ask, “Have you heard the song, Jeannie’s Afraid of the Dark?” We had a lot of laughs out of that question.
However, fear is no laughing matter and it can destroy our faith if we allow it. We all have opportunities to be afraid. The words “afraid” and “fear” are used 593 times in the KJV Bible. Jesus said, “Do not be afraid.” A lot of people are running scared because of the deadly Coronavirus. However, there is protection from this virus and it’s faith in the Word of God. Psalm 91 is known as the soldier’s psalm for protection. But it’s God’s Word and it applies to anyone who believes and trusts in His promises. Let’s read some of His promises:
“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I trust Him. For He will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you. If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. For He will order His angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone. The Lord says, ’I will protect those who trust in My name. When they call on Me, I will answer. I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them My salvation‘“ (select portions of Psalm 91 NLT).
This scriptural promise of protection is only for those who live (remain) in Christ as their Savior, healer, and protector. It’s for those who choose to trust in His name. A godly man once said: “Either the Bible is true, or it isn’t. If it isn’t, let’s throw the whole thing out. If it is, let’s begin to act like it is.”
In Mark 5:36, Jesus said to Jairus, “Do not be afraid. Only believe.” Jesus knows that our first response to bad news is to be afraid. But He tells us to treat the symptom of fear with a healthy dose of faith — faith that God’s Word is the truth and we can depend on it.
“But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in You. I praise God for what He has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?” (Psalm 56:3,4 NLT).
The Bottom Line: Refuse to run scared. Claim the promises of Psalm 91 and trust in God.
This is a photo of Kansas Department of Transportation employees working on 69 Hwy. as seen from Eagle Road in November 2017. The census affects funding to roads, highways, schools and other community needs.
The next nation-wide census begins April 1, 2020.
The U.S. has counted its population every 10 years since 1790, according to https://2020census.gov/en
This fact may affect funding for needed community services, Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lindsay Madison said, at the recent Jan. 28 downtown meeting.
Roads, highways, schools, health clinics, and fire departments: the census can shape many aspects of a community.
Census results help determine how billions of dollars in federal funding flow into states and communities each year, according to the census website.
The results also determine how many seats in Congress each state gets, according to the website.
It’s important to promote the census, Madison said at the recent meeting.
“Starting in mid-March, homes across the country will begin receiving an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census,” according to the census website. “The best way to avoid a visit from a census taker is to fill out the 2020 Census questionnaire online, by phone, or by mail as soon as you receive your invitation to participate.”
“It will be online first, then postcards sent, then individual home visit,” Madison said.
The U.S. Census Bureau is recruiting to fill hundreds of thousands of temporary positions across the country to assist with the 2020 Census count, according to the census website.
Governor Laura Kelly appointed Dr. James E. Williams to the Kansas Complete Count Committee, according to a Kelly press release.
“The committee was established through an executive order issued by Governor Kelly and serves to coordinate efforts to promote the 2020 Census and encourage a high rate of participation.
“’Getting the 2020 Census count right is a major priority,’” Kelly said. ‘“James’ addition to the committee is an essential step to getting this count as accurate as possible.’”
Williams, Emporia, is the vice president for student affairs at Emporia State University. He will replace Reggie Robinson as the Kansas Board of Regents representative on the committee,” quoting from the press release.
Lindsay Madison, executive director of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, speaks to the Quarterly Downtown Meet and Greet attendees on Jan. 28 at Papa Don’s Restaurant on Main Street.
There is much happening in downtown Fort Scott.
New businesses that have opened up downtown were highlighted at the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Downtown Meet and Greet on Jan. 28. The meeting took place at Papa Don’s Restaurant.
Luther’s BBQ Restaurant, Moe’s Bread bakery, Ascension Via Christi’s medical office, Modern Woodmen of America office, the Bolton Law Firm, Visage Skin Care Spa-were mentioned by Chamber Executive Director Lindsay Madison to the group.
Up Dog Yoga, a fitness center, opened up at 12B North Main in September.
Common Grounds Coffee Shop, 10 E. Wall, is tentatively slated to be completed in April, Madison said. They will move from their current site on Main Street to a larger building.
Additionally, Structure by Margo, a beauty salon, will open next month at 19 S. National Ave.
And the Unsung Heroes Park, between Wall and First Street on Main Street is slated for completion this year.
Mayco Ace Hardware was recently approved for a loan for rehabilitating it’s building, Fort Scott Economic Director Rachel Pruitt told the meet and greet attendees.
The historic building at First and Main Street, is back on track to be made into apartments as well.
“We are moving forward,” Tony Krsnich, CEO of Flint Hills Holdings Group, told FortScott.Biz. “A new contractor, Rau Construction, Overland Park, will be starting in the next few weeks.”
“It will be made into 25 apartments, rents that accommodate a wide range of rents, from $300 up,” Krsnich said. “They will be one and two-bedroom units.
On the Main Street first floor there will be a commons area and some apartments also, he said.
The tentative date for completion is Sept. 1, Krsnich said.
Madison stated January is the start of a new year for grants for businesses and that Fort Scott is an eCommunity which strives to encourage entrepreneurship.
Dreamscape Innovations, Inc., Mound City, employees work on the Unsung Heroes Park in downtown Fort Scott on Jan. 28. Jerry Harrelson, Pleasanton, and Justin Robertson, Mound City work on plumbing pipes and putting mulch down on the water feature in the park.
A green space amid the concrete sidewalks and streets of downtown Fort Scott will soon be ready for public enjoyment.
Work on the Unsung Heroes Park, just south of the Lowell Milken Center at 1 S. Main, is progressing.
“It would be nice to have it done by the all-school reunion (in late June),” Beth Nuss, one of the organizers of the park told the Downtown Meet and Greet on Jan. 28. “But you know how that goes with weather.”
On January 28, some employees of DreamScape Innovations, Inc., of Mound City, were installing plumbing pipes, planting trees and laying down mulch.
Employee Justin Robertson said weather permitting, that the water feature project will be completed in a few weeks.
A frontal view of the water feature in an artist’s rendition. Elaine Buerge is the artist. Submitted artwork.
R2 Construction did the excavation and concrete work on the site.
Future Work
A stage area is being planned for the wall of the old Kress building which is on the south side of the park.
The north side of the old Kress Building on Main Street will be the location of the stage area.
The Rotary Club is donating benches and trash receptacles for the park.
A bench is also being donated by Niece Of Kansas, Inc. in honor of employee Pat Flanagan who died in September 2019.
There will be a small fenced area for dogs in the park.
“The area for dogs will try to accommodate pets of people living downtown,” she said in a prior interview.
History
The area has been vacant since 2005 when the building sitting on it, burned down.
The idea of green space in downtown Fort Scott began in 2017.
The planning group is currently comprised of Elaine Buerge, Bernita Hill, Beth Nuss, and Carolyn Sinn.
After the original research and planning took place, bids were let.
“The bids were not financially feasible,” Nuss said in a previous interview. “So we needed to revisit the plan.”
“All the money we had was donated,” she said.
Then the Timken Company stepped in with a grant of $25,000, “which got us to the top,” Nuss said.
Since it is a privately funded project, organizations and individuals who would like to contribute may contact group members, said committee member Bernita Hill.
The Gordon Parks Museum will celebrate Black History Month on Wednesday, February 5th at 11:00 a.m. with a “Lunch and Learn” presentation.
Guest speaker will be Frank Clay, Jr., author and a member of The National Speaker’s Association. The presentation titled “Find the Right Weapons and Success is Yours” will be held in the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and participants are encouraged to bring their lunch and drinks with them. Some dessert will be provided.
“Find the Right Weapons and Success is Yours” is a presentation reflecting on lessons learned from Gordon Parks and how Gordon chose the right weapons to bring about change in his life and the world.
Clay will also speak on how Gordon’s book The Choice of Weapons, helped to inspire others such as Frank to find the right weapons in life.
Frank Clay, Jr. is also a U.S. Army Veteran, business coach, entrepreneur, and the founder and principal of 2020 Solutions Inc. He is also a speaker and executive coach who holds a bachelor’s in business administration and a master’s in business management.
For more information about “Find the Right Weapons and Success is Your” presentation at the Gordon Parks Museum call 223-2700, ext. 5850 or email [email protected].
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Margo Davis stands in front of the building that is being renovated into a beauty salon for her, named Structure by Margo. The business will tentatively open in late February.
Hairstylist Margo Davis is opening a new salon at 19 S. National in late February.
The storefront and interior of the former Bids and Dibs Consignment Store are being transformed into the salon.
She is renting the building from Amy and Kent Boyd.
Structure By Margo which will offer haircuts, color services, chemical services (including perms/relaxers), waxing, special occasion (updos), shampoos and sets.
“Eventually, a nail tech will be added,” Davis said. “I would also like to have a make-up artist and someone who does lash extensions.”
When the business is up and going there will be five stylists, she said.
Davis is planning to hire students just starting their cosmetology careers, she said. She has already hired one.
“I want to be a mentor,” Davis said. “There will be a job opportunity for them.”
Davis taught cosmetology classes at Fort Scott Community College from 1989 to 2016.
“The students were my focus,” she said. “I will be a stepping stone to a cosmetologist having their own salon or getting extra training.”
To contact Davis, call 316-323-0977
Hours will be Monday-Thursday 10 am to 6 pm, Friday 10 am to 5 pm, Saturday 10 am to 2 pm, and will be closed on Sundays.
“Opening date is estimated to be in four weeks. Currently, the shop is being renovated,” Davis said.
JDQ Construction, Joshua Query, is the contractor for the renovation of 19 S. National. Pictured is the work in progress on Jan. 27.
Davis said Bourbon County Economic Director Jody Hoenor gave step-by-step guidance during the process of applying for an eCommunity loan to start her business.
“The BEDCO (Bourbon County Economic Development Council) committee gave me the grant to help with my rent while I’m working alone until I can find more stylists and for whatever I may need in the business,” she said. The City of Fort Scott Economic Director Rachel Pruitt was instrumental in this grant, she said.
“Everybody has been so helpful,” Davis said. She said her husband, Wendall Davis, has been providing additional help to her in the process.
Presbyterian Village, 2401 S. Horton, is offering tenants and the public a series highlighting new technologies, exercise, and fashion styles.
“We are calling it ‘New to You’,” Becky Kellum, PV Marketing Director said.
Monday the presentation is featuring new household items, she said.
“Roomba versus the vacuum cleaner and The Ring, the new way to see who is at your door through your smartphone, I will be giving this presentation,” Kellum said.
“Tuesday Angela Carpenter and I will be demonstrating the Instant Pot,” she said. “We are making soup and will be serving that soup to all who attend.”
” Wednesday the sheriff’s department will be coming at 3 pm to educate the public on the body camera, how it protects them and the public,” she said.
“Thursday we will be educating on the new way to exercise from home with a personal trainer (the new technology) … The Mirror vs the Pelton,” she said.
” Friday we will be displaying the latest fashion trends, with items donated for this display by Bib and Dibs Consignment Store,” Kellum said.
The presentations are Monday through Friday at 3 pm in the Presbyterian Village Community Room.
“This is to educate the tenants what the hottest trends are,” and the public is invited to attend, she said.
Jackie Sellers sits in her office at the Bourbon County Senior Citizens Center, 26 N. Main.
Jackie Sellers is the site manager for the Bourbon County Senior Citizens Center, 26 N. Main. The center is the hub of many services that are provided to seniors in the community.
Her jobs entail food distribution for Meals On Wheels, a Kansas Food Bank Senior Food Program, food commodities distribution and a monthly potluck for people with disabilities in the community.
Another venture, housed at the site, is providing public transportation service to the community.
Taxi
Sellers coordinates rides for Old Fort Transportation, a local taxi service.
The hours for Old Fort Transportation are 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. To secure a ride call 223-0750.
She said there are five employees that drive the vans that are part of the transportation fleet.
“We provide 900-1,000 rides a month,” she said. Rides to go to a job, or the doctor or shopping. “It’s been a busy year, we are looking good.”
“We will provide out of town runs,” Sellers said. “We do have drivers for that, with 24 hours notice.”
Old Fort Transportation has even occasionally provided rides home from the emergency room when people are dismissed after hours.
Sellers was co-host of the Jan. 16 Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Coffee with Fort Scott Compassion Ministries, who have an office in the center.
At the coffee, Fort Scott City Manager Dave Martin told Sellers that he appreciates her for keeping the taxi service going.
Food
The Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging Senior Nutrition Program, also known as Meals on Wheels, is delivered through the Bourbon County Senior Citizens, with Sellers coordinating.
Sellers provides drivers for 54 senior citizens who receive home delivery of a hot meal.
Four people receive frozen meals through the program, she said.
“If you are on the route of the driver coming from Pittsburg, you get hot meals,” Sellers said. “If you are not on the route, you get frozen meals.”
“Volunteers dish up the food and deliver the meals,” she said.
Once a month, Sellers also coordinates food commodities distribution.
“It is income-based,” she said. “They come in once a month on the fourth Thursday to 26 N. Main. They can come on that day and we can sign them up.”
“We serve about 120 households a month,” Sellers said.
In addition, about 78 people receive a box of food from the Kansas Food Bank’s Senior Food Program, she said. This distribution is the fourth Friday of each month.
“Come in and pick up an application, mail it to Wichita,” she said. “If the application is in at the beginning of the month, they can get the box that month.”
Included in the box: meat, vegetables, fruit, shelf-milk, cereal, juice, a loaf of cheese.
“This is income-based and age-based,” Sellers said. “You have to be 60 years plus.”
There is also a potluck on the second Friday in partnership with Resource Center for Independent Living, for those with disabilities.
“If you know someone who could use help, they can help,” she said.
Jackie Sellers, site manager at Bourbon County Senior Citizens center, places a quart of milk in a cooler to deliver with Meals on Wheels lunches.
