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One Case of Measles Confirmed in a Kansas Resident
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Stevens County Health Department have reported a positive case of measles in a resident of Stevens County. It is currently unknown whether this case is linked to any ongoing measles outbreaks in the United States. KDHE, along with the Stevens County Health Department, are notifying individuals who may have been exposed to this case of measles. This incident marks the first measles case in Kansas since 2018.
Early symptoms of measles are a fever of more than 101 degrees Fahrenheit, runny nose, cough, and red, watery eyes. Usually, one to four days after these early symptoms, a red rash appears on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. Measles symptoms typically develop 10-14 days after exposure. Symptoms can develop as soon as seven days and as long as 21 days after exposure.
Measles is a respiratory disease caused by a virus. Measles is spread through the air by breathing, coughing or sneezing. Measles can be spread from an infected person to others from four days before, to four days after the rash appears.
Because measles is a highly infectious disease, it is very important for anyone exposed and experiencing symptoms to isolate from others with the exception of visiting a health care provider.
The best way to prevent measles is to get the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends children get their first dose at 12 to 15 months of age, and a second dose at age 4 to 6 years. Infants ages 6 through 11 months old should get the MMR vaccination if traveling outside the United States. Adults are protected from measles if they have had at least one dose of the MMR vaccine, were born before 1957, or have evidence of immunity from a blood test.
If an individual has known exposure to someone with measles and they are not immune through vaccination or prior infection, they are recommended to:
- Consult with a health care provider to determine if post-exposure prophylaxis is recommended.
- Exclude themselves from public settings for 21 days from the last time they were exposed unless symptoms develop.
- If symptoms develop, individuals should notify their local health department and stay away from public areas until four days after the rash appeared.
- Individuals seeking health care are advised to call ahead to their health care provider and let them know their symptoms and exposure concerns. This will help limit exposure within the healthcare setting.
Per K.A.R. 28-1-2, measles is a four-hour reportable disease. If a health care provider, laboratory or hospital suspects, tests, or diagnoses an individual with measles, KDHE should be notified immediately. KDHE will work with the health care provider on testing recommendations. Teachers and school administrators are also required by law to report suspected cases to KDHE.
Measles cases rarely occur in Kansas and are usually associated with international travel.
For questions, call the Stevens County Health Department at 620-544-7177 or KDHE Epidemiology Hotline at 877-427-7317 (option 5).
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports March 13
Sign up For Florida Strawberries at Perry’s Pork Rinds and Country Store
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Chamber Coffee Hosted by The Iron Star Antiques on March 13
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Obituary of Tommy Keith
Tommy C. Keith, age 83, resident of Arma, KS passed away Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg, KS. He was born on May 15, 1941, in Chanute, KS the son of Frank and Virginia Keith. He graduated from Chanute High School then Pittsburg State University.
Tom worked his entire career for the State of Kansas as an SRS supervisor until retirement.
He married Cindy Cole in 1989 in Fort Scott.
Tom enjoyed working at the sale barn after retirement.
His hobbies included fishing and attending all the grandkids’ activities and athletic events.
He would often be found at Jo’s One Stop in Arma, swapping stories over coffee with friends.
Survivors include his wife Cindy of the home; 4 children, Tracey Bogina (Greg) Arma, KS, Piper Richardson, Arma, KS, Shane Shepherd, Kansas City, KS, and Doug Shepherd, Joplin, MO; 5 grandchildren, Austin Bogina (Karley), J. T. Richardson (Hunter), Kaylee Bogina, Caedence Shepherd, and Zachary Shepherd; and one great grandchild, Cove Richardson.
Besides his first wife, Kyle, he was preceded in death by his parents.
There was cremation. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, March 21st at the Evergreen Cemetery
The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 Thursday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to S.E.K. Animal Advocates 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.
State Agency Jobs at March 19 Virtual Job Fair
KANSASWORKS Highlights Available State Agency Jobs at March Job Fair
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland encourages jobseekers and employers searching for available talent to take part in this month’s Virtual State Agency Job Fair, hosted by KANSASWORKS, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 19.
“Our state agencies have provided thousands of Kansans with fulfilling careers in public service,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “For those who are beginning the search for a professional career or those looking for a change of scenery — I encourage you to consider a purpose-driven role at one of our many departments and see what the State of Kansas has to offer.”
There are nearly 500 open agency positions located all across the state that range from entry to senior level careers. The virtual job fair format allows anyone searching for a state position to fill out applications, chat live and interview virtually with participating agencies.
This month’s Virtual State Agency Job Fair portal features helpful information such as a jobseeker training video, a list of participating agencies, and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as they might be asked to engage in an interview.
Candidates can participate through any digital device. Any individual with a disability may request accommodations by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.
Registration is required to participate in virtual job fairs, regardless of previous participation. To register, click here.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
About the KANSASWORKS:
KANSASWORKS links businesses, job candidates and educational institutions to ensure that employers can find skilled workers. Services are provided to employers and job candidates through the state’s 27 workforce centers, online or virtual services KANSASWORKS is completely free for all Kansans to use. Learn more at KANSASWORKS.com. State employment opportunities can be found at jobs.ks.gov.
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Women’s Luncheon March 26 at FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center
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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports March 12
ARTEFFECT Celebrates Women’s History Month
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USD234 Board of Ed. Minutes of March 10
Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
NEWS RELEASE
Monday, March 10, 2025
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, March 10, 2025, for their regular monthly meeting at 409 S Judson.
President David Stewart opened the meeting.
The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:
Board Minutes
Board Minutes
02-10-25
Financials – Cash Flow Report
Check Register
Payroll – February 20, 2025 – $1,699,042.60
Activity Funds Accounts
USD 234 Gifts
March is Theatre in Our Schools Month. Cooper George, President, and Emi King, Secretary, presented to the Board. Cooper has been involved for six years and he explained the benefits such as working as a team and learning how to become adults. Emi was excited to share about the creativity and development of many skills that she has been able to acquire in the last two years she has been involved. They both had a presentation that included many activities, plays, and events that the department is involved in. Everyone is invited to attend the upcoming Talent Show on March 28, 2025.
Meredith Tucker, No Limits Rehab, was recognized by Special Education Director Tonya Barnes. Meredith is one of the district’s Physical Therapist. She said she loves being a part of the community and school district. Mrs. Barnes thanked her for her willingness and excitement to help our district’s students.
Superintendent Destry Brown reported that the district has been chosen for the Stepping Up Initiative Grant. This first year will be mostly planning, and he said that the group will be great to work with and is excited for this grant.
Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided the Board with a shared update. The building on Horton Street will be starting demo soon. He also updated about the Cell Phone Tower purchase and how he is working for a bid soon.
Special Education Director Tonya Barnes updated the Board on Categorical Aid with a payment on March 15.
Nick Johnson, Preschool Principal, staff, and several students were present to inform the Board about the Preschool program. There are 122 students with five teachers. Principal Johnson recognized the excellent staff that works with these students. A few of the students help everyone in attendance with their morning pretzel song. Staff also recognized Principal Johnson for helping in every area throughout the Preschool including driving a van and more.
Michelle Stevenson, Early Childhood Coordinator, works with prenatal to six-year-olds. She works on building relationships with parent/child/community. It is a literacy and strength-based program that with each visit the children receive a new book. This program provides different events for families each year.
The Board Approved the following items:
- 2025-26 School Calendar (Pending Negotiations)
- Designate Make up Day due to missed weather
- JAG Kansas School to Work Program Renewal
There was discussion about possible sale of district owned property. This was discussion only.
There were none present for public forum.
The Board went into an executive session for personnel matters.
President David Stewart adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED
March 10, 2025
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
Hall, Kathi – Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Wrestling Coach
Holm, Susan – Resignation – Paraprofessional – High School
Mills, Lacy – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware
Trimble, Aidan – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware
TRANSFER:
Rainey, Taylor – KRI SPED Teacher to Eugene Ware SPED Teacher
Pitts, Jaxon – Maintenance II Groundskeeper to Maintenance I Groundskeeper/Athletic Fields Manager
Torres, Cynthia – ELA Teacher to Spanish Teacher – High School 2025-26
EMPLOYMENT:
Certified Recommendations
Carney, Drew – PE & Weights – High School
Erie, Aleana – English Teacher – High School
Classified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:
Bowman, Kinsley – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
Chaplin, Mercedes – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware
Miller, Martha – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware
Weber, Shelia – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware
Supplemental Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:
Abati, Delynn – Head Dance Team Coach – High School
Glades, Matt – Assistant Football Coach – High School
Horton, Curtis – Assistant Football – High School
Martin, Dave – Assistant Girls’ Swim Coach
Woods, Nick – Assistant Track Coach – High School
Administration Contracts – Extended 26-27
Terry Mayfield
Tonya Barnes
Nick Johnson
Chris Garzone
Nicole Gilmore
Yasmina Query
Brandon Boyd
Zach Johnson
Matt Harris
Scott Kimble
Jeff Johnson
Obituary of Lucille Goltra
Lucille R. Goltra, age 97, resident of Fort Scott, KS passed away Monday, March 10, 2025 (12 days shy of her 98th birthday) at the Medicalodges in Fort Scott. She was born March 22, 1927, in rural Bourbon County, KS, the daughter of Charles O. and Helen Grace (Roberts) David. Lucille married Robert J. Goltra, Sr. on January 24, 1947. He preceded her in death on July 20, 1991.
Lucille grew up on the family homestead in rural Bourbon County. She graduated from the Fort Scott High School with the class of 1944.
Lucille worked briefly outside the home, however, with the birth of her and Bob’s 9 children, her life was filled with being a homemaker and Mother. Her life became more enriched and fulfilled with the births of grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.
Lucille is survived by 3 sons; Robert Goltra, Jr (Carol) of Emporia, KS, David Goltra (Eileen) of Fort Scott, and Tim Goltra (Shirley) of Fort Scott; 4 daughters, Mary Brown of Satanta, KS, Margie Fountain (Rick) of Fort Scott, Carole Minor of Fort Scott, and Teri Crays (Brent) of Fort Scott; and a son-n-law Ron Wunderly, Fort Scott. Also surviving are 28 grandchildren, 69 great-grandchildren; 12 great-great grandchildren; 4 nieces; and 1 nephew.
Preceding her in death were her husband, Robert; her parents; a sister, Maxine Foote; a brother Ralph David; 2 daughter’s Patricia Hall and Kathryn Wunderly; a grandson Daniel (Danny) Hall; and 2 sons-in-law Monty Brown and Floyd Minor.
Robert Joseph Goltra, III will conduct funeral services at 10:00 AM Tuesday, March 18th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 Monday evening at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.