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Entertainment, Fort Scott Community College

FSCC Theatre to stage Sartre classic

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Fort Scott Community College

Considered an “existential classic,” the play “No Exit,” written in 1944 by French author Jean-Paul Sartre, explores the burning question, “What is hell?”

“That query stays relevant as long as the afterlife remains ambiguous,” said Allen Twitchell, Fort Scott Community College’s theater instructor, who is directing a version of the play that opens at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the Ellis Family Fine Arts Center. “In the end (or the beginning, if you will) hell might just turn out to be the eternal tortures we devise for ourselves.”

The play also runs at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Admission is free (donations are always appreciated), but Twitchell cautions that some content might be a little intense for younger children.

Sartre’s tale involves an apparently unlikely trio of newly assigned residents of the netherworld who struggle to gain an understanding of the transgressions committed during their lives that resulted in eternal damnation and their relocation together.

“It is a powerful presentation, wrought with conflict and emotionality,” said Twitchell, “and the cast was eager to take on the challenge. I believe the results will speak for themselves.”

The cast features sophomore Isaiah Subbert as Garcin, and freshmen Jericho Jones as the Valet, Jaedyn (Ray) Lewis as Inez, and Regen Wells as Estelle.

The stage manager is freshman Jesse Dinneen, while Joshua Ramsey serves as technical director and Zachary Loper as audio engineer.

“No Exit,” however worthy, is not the show originally scheduled as the spring theater offering.

“Honestly, until fate determined otherwise, it was the plan to stage a musical, ‘The Fantasticks,’ which 30 years ago helped launch the career of film and television actor/writer/producer Jason Sudeikis, then a student-athlete at FSCC,” said Twitchell. “Unable to effectively match our talent pool with the vocal ranges required for the musical, we prudently decided to shuffle that show to the back burner and replace it on the schedule with a play that more adequately suited our resources.”

Theater scholarships are available for the 2025-26 school year. Contact Twitchell at [email protected] for information.

The play opens next Thursday (March 27) and runs through Saturday (March 29.

 

 

 

 

Opinion

Scam by Patty LaRoche

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Patty LaRoche. 2023.
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)

 

When my credit card sent an alert that Netflix had increased our monthly charge, I called Netflix to ask why.  A kind, young man answered and said that he would investigate.  Within minutes, he asked if we (Dave or I) had given someone in Ohio permission to use our account.  We had not.  Did we want that account removed?  We did.

To do that, he needed to get into my account.  And that’s when I became a fool. I gave him access to my computer, something my brother, Jim, years before had told me never, ever to do.  How stupid can one get?

 

He told me that we had $145 due in refunds.  He knew what we had paid and when.  He seemed trustworthy.  Thirty minutes later, I was passed on to another technician, and when he asked me to type in my phone number, I became suspicious.  “Why do you need that?” I asked.  He then told me he already knew it and said it correctly.  They would refund my bank account in two installments, one for $20 and one for $125.  I was told to type in $20.00.  When I did that, $20,000 appeared.  I immediately tried to correct it, to no avail.

“What have you done?” the technician yelled at me.  You just tried to get $20,000 from us!”  I recognized the scam.  I had read about it.  Next, they would tell me that I need to refund the $20,000 to them, and they would take money out of my account.  I wanted to throw up.

I hung up and immediately called my bank in Fort Scott.  Did they see any attempt to take money out of my account?  Yes–$20,000 from our savings to our checking.  I panicked. “Stop it.  Please.  It’s a scam.”    The bank employees shot into action, teaming to stop the transaction.  Had it been a few seconds later, our savings account would have been wiped out.

Meantime, the scammer tried multiple times to call me back. I refused to take his calls.

You know what happened next.  Our bank accounts had to be closed, all our creditors needed to be alerted, automatic payments had to be changed, etc.  For two days I labored to make all the corrections.

With every contact, I became madder at myself…and the scammers.  How many people had they ripped off?  Wiped out their life savings?  I contacted the Geek Squad with Best Buy where I had bought my computer.  The scammers had added an app that would give them access to my computer (which was removed), but, praise God, there was no other damage.

But how did I know if the Geek Squad was trustworthy?  Is there anyone we can trust?  Clearly, I couldn’t trust myself to make wise decisions. I’ve met spouses who could not trust each other, kids who could not trust their parents, parishioners who could not trust their pastors, and businesspeople who could not trust their partners.  The list is endless.

The Bible gives us direction on the One we can trust.  In Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV), we read: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Why didn’t I pray for guidance when this call began? In spite of myself, I believe that God made my paths straight by having me hang up in time, by banking in a small town where I could connect with caring women instead of a robot, and by having a credit card company that walked me through the steps to stay safe.

I learned a valuable lesson.  I hope my foolishness prevents you from making the same mistake.

 

Government, Kansas

Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission to Meet in Topeka on March 27

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission will hold its next public meeting on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at the Topeka & Shawnee County Library in Topeka. The meeting will begin at noon and continue until all agenda items are addressed.

The meeting will open with a report from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, during which commissioners will hear about regulations currently in promulgation. Following the department report, commissioners will take comments on non-agenda items and listen to remarks from KDWP Secretary Christopher Kennedy.

A discussion on the night vision coyote hunting season will then take place, followed by workshop session items – topics that may be voted on in the future – including:

  • 2025-26 Waterfowl Season Date, Bag and Possession Limits
  • Kansas Duck Zones
  • K.A.R. 115-25-8 – Elk; open season, bag limit, and permits
  • K.A.R. 115-25-9 – Big Game Regulations
  • 2025 Deer Permit Quotas

The meeting will conclude with an additional opportunity for public comment on non-agenda items. The complete agenda can be viewed HERE.

Attendees can participate in the meetings in person or virtually. Instructions for joining via Zoom, phone, or live streaming are available HERE under “Instructions to Participate in Virtual Meeting.” Those who wish to provide input but cannot attend may fill out the “Contact All Commissioners” form HERE.

An interpreter for the hearing impaired can be requested by calling the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at 1-800-432-0698. Individuals with disabilities may request other accommodations by contacting the Commission secretary at (620) 672-0702.

The next commission meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 24, 2025, at the Flint Oak Hunting Resort in Fall River.

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Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee at Briggs Auto of Fort Scott on March 20

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Join us for Chamber Coffee

hosted by

Briggs of Fort Scott
Thursday, March 20th

8am

Briggs of Fort Scott

1819 S. Main St.

Chamber Coffee on Thursday, March 20th at 8am hosted by Briggs of Fort Scott, 1819 S. Main St. in the Ford Showroom. Briggs will be celebrating their 9th anniversary in the community and 42nd anniversary corporate-wide with additional locations in Manhattan and Topeka. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served in addition to door prize drawings.

The primary focus of Briggs is on building relationships with their customers and to make the car buying experience fast, easy, and hassle-free. Brands sold out of the Fort Scott dealership include Toyota, Buick, Chevrolet, Ford, GMC, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and Wagoneer. In addition, they offer Fiat, KIA, Nissan, and Subaru at the other locations. Briggs also offers a variety of automotive maintenance and repair services on all the brands they sell and more.

Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information. Visit the Events Calendar and category of Chamber Coffees on fortscott.com for upcoming locations.

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
 
Government

USDA Expediting $10 Billion in Direct Economic Assistance to Agricultural Producers

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Marking National Agriculture Day, Secretary Rollins Prioritizes Timely Support for Farmers

WASHINGTON, March 18, 2025 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, on National Agriculture Day, announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is issuing up to $10 billion directly to agricultural producers through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) for the 2024 crop year. Administered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), ECAP will help agricultural producers mitigate the impacts of increased input costs and falling commodity prices.

 

“Producers are facing higher costs and market uncertainty, and the Trump Administration is ensuring they get the support they need without delay,” said Secretary Rollins. “With clear direction from Congress, USDA has prioritized streamlining the process and accelerating these payments ahead of schedule, ensuring farmers have the resources necessary to manage rising expenses and secure financing for next season.”

 

Authorized by the American Relief Act, 2025, these economic relief payments are based on planted and prevented planted crop acres for eligible commodities for the 2024 crop year. To streamline and simplify the delivery of ECAP, FSA will begin sending pre-filled applications to producers who submitted acreage reports to FSA for 2024 eligible ECAP commodities soon after the signup period opens on March 19, 2025. Producers do not have to wait for their pre-filled ECAP application to apply. They can visit fsa.usda.gov/ecap to apply using a login.gov account or contact their local FSA office to request an application once the signup period opens.

 

Eligible Commodities and Payment Rates

 

The commodities below are eligible for these per-acre payment rates:

 

  • Wheat – $30.69
 Eligible oilseeds:
  • Corn – $42.91
  • Canola – $31.83
  • Sorghum – $42.52
  • Crambe – $19.08
  • Barley – $21.67
  • Flax – $20.97
  • Oats – $77.66
  • Mustard – $11.36
  • Upland cotton & Extra-long staple cotton – $84.74
  • Rapeseed – $23.63
  • Long & medium grain rice – $76.94
  • Safflower – $26.32
  • Peanuts – $75.51
  • Sesame – $16.83
  • Soybeans – $29.76
  • Sunflower – $27.23
  • Dry peas – $16.02
  
  • Lentils – $19.30
  
  • Small Chickpeas – $31.45
  
  • Large Chickpeas – $24.02
  

Producer Eligibility

 

Eligible producers must report 2024 crop year planted and prevented planted acres to FSA on an FSA-578, Report of Acreage form. Producers who have not previously reported 2024 crop year acreage or filed a notice of loss for prevented planted crops must submit an acreage report by the Aug. 15, 2025, deadline. Eligible producers can visit fsa.usda.gov/ecap for eligibility and payment details.

 

Applying for ECAP

 

Producers must submit ECAP applications to their local FSA county office by Aug. 15, 2025. Only one application is required for all ECAP eligible commodities nationwide. ECAP applications can be submitted to FSA in-person, electronically using Box and One-Span, by fax or by applying online at fsa.usda.gov/ecap utilizing a secure login.gov account.

 

If not already on file for the 2024 crop year, producers must have the following forms on file with FSA:

 

  • Form AD-2047, Customer Data Worksheet.
  • Form CCC-901, Member Information for Legal Entities (if applicable).
  • Form CCC-902, Farm Operating Plan for an individual or legal entity.
  • Form CCC 943, 75 percent of Average Gross Income from Farming, Ranching, or Forestry Certification (if applicable).
  • AD-1026, Highly Erodible Land Conservation (HELC) and Wetland Conservation (WC) Certification.
  • SF-3881, Direct Deposit.

 

Except for the new CCC-943, most producers, especially those who have previously participated in FSA programs, likely have these forms on file. However, those who are uncertain and want to confirm the status of their forms or need to submit the new Form-943, can contact their local FSA county office.

 

If a producer does not receive a pre-filled ECAP application, and they planted or were prevented from planting ECAP eligible commodities in 2024, they should contact their local FSA office.

 

 

 

ECAP Payments and Calculator

 

ECAP payments will be issued as applications are approved. Initial ECAP payments will be factored by 85% to ensure that total program payments do not exceed available funding. If additional funds remain, FSA may issue a second payment.

 

ECAP assistance will be calculated using a flat payment rate for the eligible commodity multiplied by the eligible reported acres. Payments are based on acreage and not production. For acres reported as prevented plant, ECAP assistance will be calculated at 50%.

 

For ECAP payment estimates, producers are encouraged to visit fsa.usda.gov/ecap to use the ECAP online calculator.

 

 

More Information

To learn more about FSA programs, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center. Producers can also prepare maps for acreage reporting as well as manage farm loans and view other farm records data and customer information by logging into their farmers.gov account. If you don’t have an account, sign up today.

FSA helps America’s farmers, ranchers and forest landowners invest in, improve, protect and expand their agricultural operations through the delivery of agricultural programs for all Americans. FSA implements agricultural policy, administers credit and loan programs, and manages conservation, commodity, disaster recovery and marketing programs through a national network of state and county offices and locally elected county committees. For more information, visit fsa.usda.gov.

 

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

 

Obituary

Obituary of Morris “Joe” Bradshaw

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Morris “Joe” Bradshaw, 94, passed away March 7, 2025, at his home in Mound City, Kansas. He was born July 4, 1930, in Gatesville, Texas, the son of Joe Berry Bradshaw and Eva (Blackwell) Bradshaw. He married Sandra Jones September 10, 2002, in Fresno, California, and she survives of the home.

 

Joe served his country as an Airman in the U.S. Army from 1952 until 1954, and then in the AIR National Guard until 1958, in Fresno, California. Following his military service, Joe did a variety of things over the years. He was a farmer, a trucker, and an aviator.

 

In addition to his wife, Sandra, Joe is survived by his brother Gene, Bradshaw. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his daughter Darla Bradshaw.

 

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 21, 2025, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, with burial following at the U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Scott. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.

 

Obituary

Obituary of Darrell Stephen Houston

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Darrell Stephen “Steve” Houston, 75, of Fulton, Kansas, passed away March 11, 2025, at Advent Health in Shawnee Mission, Kansas. He was born July 18, 1949, in Nevada, Missouri, the son of Willard Lafayette Houston and Margaret Ann (Barnes) Houston. He married Aleen, and they have been married for over 51 years.

 

Steve served his country in the United States Army during Vietnam and was stationed in Germany where he graduated from Army leadership training, which helped him build a successful career.

He attended college earning degrees in chemistry and construction management. Steve worked in construction quality control for more than 35 years with Fluor Daniel company, serving on an elite travel team that took him and his family across the country where he worked in 15 states on multiple projects, including nuclear power plants, oil refineries and building bridges.

Steve was an incredible leader with many talents and abilities.

 

Steve and his brother, Stuart, loved farming and cattle ranching. They began buying land at the age of 19 and continued to build a family farm legacy throughout their lives.  Steve enjoyed driving around and looking at cows with his children and grandchildren.

He loved classic rock and enjoyed watching concerts and movies with his children.

had a quiet spirit and was often found sitting out on the porch and enjoying the view of his farm.

He loved to laugh, tell stories and tinker on projects.

He was a hard worker and a man of integrity, character and faith.

He regularly attended the West Liberty United Methodist Church with his family.

 

In addition to his wife Aleen, Steve is survived by his children, Scott Houston (Adam G.), El Segundo, California, Jenny Houston, Olathe, Kansas, Melissa Houston (Erich K.), Lenexa, Kansas, Travis Houston, also of Lenexa, and Trent Quinston (Helen Q.), of Torrance, California; a brother, Stuart Houston (Clara), of Hume, Missouri; three grandchildren, Sydney Sayler, Catriona and Caroline Quinston, and nephew Jake Houston.

He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Melanie Ann Houston.

Rev. Jim Brackett will officiate funeral services at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, March 23, 2025, at the West Liberty United Methodist Church with burial following at the Underwood Cemetery, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

The family will receive friends Saturday, March 22, 2025, 3:00-4:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be gifted to the family to help with funeral costs and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS, 66701. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.

 

Obituary

Obituary of Viola Campbell

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Viola May Campbell, 92, of Fort Scott, passed away Friday morning, March 14, 2025, at Guest Home Estates. She was born September 17, 1932, in Pleasanton, Kansas, the daughter of Harley Otis Johnson and Pearl May (Shaffer) Johnson. She married Fred Campbell, Jr. September 2, 1951, in Fort Scott, and he survives of the home.

 

Vi graduated from Mound City High School with the Class of 1950, and later Nurses Training through Mercy Hospital. She worked for Central Supply as a clerk, and later for Mercy Hospital, retiring in 1986 after 17 years. Vi was a member of the St. John’s Global Methodist Church.

 

In addition to her husband Fred, Vi is also survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Bush and four grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Isabell Read; brothers Harley P. Johnson, John C. Johnson and Otis Leroy Johnson, her son, Joseph Frederick Campbell, and her daughter, Nancy Marie House.

 

Pastor Jim Brackett will officiate funeral services for Vi at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at St. John’s Global Methodist Church, followed by burial at the Maple Grove Cemetery, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Global Methodist Church and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS, 66701. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.

 

Obituary

Obituary of Faye Cowan

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Faye Cowan, 106, a resident of Mapleton, Kansas, passed away Sunday, March 9, 2025, at Guest Home Estates in Fort Scott. She was born September 3, 1918, in Franklin Township in Bourbon County, Kansas, one of ten children to Samuel Fredrick Brillhart and Lillie (Tyler) Brillhart. She married Floyd A. “Buck” Cowan December 14, 1941, in Mapleton, and he preceded her in death in 2003.

 

Faye and Buck had no children of their own, but there were alot of nieces and nephews to love. Faye loved to bake and was known in the community for her pies and angel food cake.

 

Faye is survived by her sister Betty Walker of Lakeland, Florida, and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband Floyd, Faye was also preceded in death by her parents, and eight of her siblings.

 

Pastor Connie Edgerton will officiate graveside services for Faye at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 22, 2025, at the Mapleton Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.

 

Government

Obituary of Tonja Stockton

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Tonja Lynne Stockton, previously of Odessa, Missouri, died on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at Centerpoint Medical Center, Independence, Missouri.  She was 56.  She was born on August 12, 1968, in Northridge, California, and later adopted in 1974 by Ronald and Barbara Albright.  She attended Fort Scott schools, graduating from Fort Scott High School in 1987.

 

While a student at K-State University, Tonja did research leading her to a unique gift: she traveled to California where she met her sister Lynette Graff and her extended family.  While in California, she married Chris Stockton and together they had two children, Tyler Christopher Stockton and Nickolas Reid Stockton.  They divorced and Tonja was later re-married to Jeffrey Richter.  Tonja will be greatly missed by her family.  A loving Mother, she tried to give Tyler, Nick, Jayme, Aaliyah, and Harli all she could.

 

The loved ones listed in this obituary are a who’s who of her family, whether related by adoption, birth, or marriage:  Surviving are her parents, sister, sons, and granddaughters; her brothers Chip (Jennifer) Albright, Des Moines, IA, and Andy (Shanna) Albright, Frontenac, KS; her aunts Judith Augustine, Liz Simons (Gary), her uncle Richard Albright (Paulette); her nieces Katelyn Norman, Lillian Albright, Annabel Albright, Abigail Albright, Emerson Albright, Lakin Albright; her nephew Scott Grunow; her cousins Simone Wisler, Mac Wisler, Hilary Velandia, Charity Long, Mike Wisler, Chris Simons, Sara Kohlstaedt, Joe’ Fritter, and Dani Vonfeldt.

Tonja was predeceased by her husband Jeffrey, her cousin Tess Wisler Keane, her grandparents Richard and Betty Hixon, Frank and Lillian Albright, and Delores Albright.

 

Following cremation, a Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 28, 2025, at the Konantz Cheney Funeral Home.

Memorial donations may be made in Tonja’s name to the Safehouse Crisis Center, Inc. and left in care of Konantz Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS  66701. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.