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All posts by Submitted Story
Artmaking & Design for Social Impact Professional Development Session Is February 26
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Bourbon County Arts Council Fine Arts Exhibit is in March
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Emmerson Cattle Co. Bull Sale Is This Weekend
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Obituary of Hubert Thomas
Hubert Owen Thomas, “Tommy” to JoAnn, passed away Monday, February 24, 2025, at his home in Pawnee Station, Kansas where he resided with his wife, JoAnn Thomas. Hubert was born June 22, 1940, in Fort Scott Kansas, the son of Earl Owen and Edna Mae Thomas and later the brother of Karen “Sue” Thomas.
Hubert was a man of many trades, but most of all he loved providing and caring for his entire family. He grew up on a farm east of Fort Scott where he attended the Diamond School and built life-lasting friendships. He later graduated from Fort Scott High School.
Like many young men, Hubert ran from the farm and started his young adult life working for Mid-Continental Restoration where he only added to his friend list. Hubert met the love of his life sometime around 1958 while on another date in Hepler, Kansas. He married JoAnn in April 1963 and loved her until the day that he passed. Being one who was always leaning forward, he didn’t wait for a draft and voluntarily joined the Army during a period of severe unrest in Vietnam. Fortunately, Hubert was able to serve out his two years as a medic in Germany with his beautiful wife by his side. Their first child was born six months after they returned to the US. It was then, Hubert decided, life on the road was not fit for “his” family.
For the remainder of his life, Hubert would build his legacy. He learned how to run a dozer, purchased it, and turned it into a General Construction business by the early 1980’s. Thomas Construction is still alive today and has made its mark all over Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. After his father passed in 1970, Hubert was drawn back to the farm. What began as 300 acres of inherited “leased” land and an “M” Farmall tractor became the four square miles of property his next three generations of Thomases, Wrights and Snyders enjoy today. Today his legacy can be witnessed through the love these three families share and continue to cultivate.
As the years went on, Hubert found his true passion was the one he ran from as a young man. He leaned into the cattle business, as a “Cattleman”. He could often be found with a big smile on his face sitting at the livestock auctions, working cattle, and watching grandkids show cattle in shows in multiple states. In fact, he was just at a show with grandkids three weeks ago in Texas. There was always a freezer full of beef for anyone in his family to grab a steak from.
Hubert is survived by his wife JoAnn Thomas, his sister Sue Gray, his three children Gregory Owen Thomas, Elizabeth (Joe) Wright, Natalie (John) Snyder, his seven grandchildren, Bart (Nicole) Wright, Nicholas Owen (Chelsea) Thomas, Drew (Hannah) Wright, Zachary (Stevie) Snyder, Lucas Snyder, Ella Snyder and Thanya Brown-Thomas, and four great grandchildren, Raelynn Wright, Sofia Thomas, Brooks Wright, and Ellison Owen Thomas. Hubert was preceded in death by his parents Earl Owen and Edna Mae Thomas, his future daughter-in law, Nong Brown, and his grandsons Nathanial Wright and Hunter Thomas.
Hubert Owen Thomas lived big and loved even bigger! He will be missed by all he touched!
Funeral services for Hubert are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Thursday, February 27, 2025, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, with burial following at the Clarksburg Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Wednesday evening, February 26, 2025, 6:00-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home
. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic School, 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.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Feb. 25
Bridge repair on U.S. 69 begins soon
Monday, March 3, the Kansas Department of Transportation plans to start a repair project at the Marias des Cygnes River bridge on the northbound lanes of U.S. 69. The bridge is approximately one mile south of the K-52/U.S. 69 north junction.
Northbound traffic will be reduced to one lane at the work zone. Weather permitting, the work should be completed by the end of May.
KDOT awarded Bettis Asphalt & Construction of Topeka the $477,049 construction contract. Persons with questions may contact Ian Stringham, (785) 433-6116, or Priscilla Petersen, (620) 902-6433.
KDOT urges motorists to stay alert and follow posted signs in all work zones. For current road conditions, visit www.kandrive.gov or call 5-1-1.
Legislative Update from KS Senator Caryn Tyson
Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson
February 21, 2025
In a rush to pass bills before turnaround (the halfway point in session) over 60 bills were worked in two days on the Senate floor. It was a grueling pace. All bills can be found at www.KSLegislature.gov. Below is a sample of the bills that passed the Senate and were sent to the House.
A U.S. Senate, Insurance Commissioner, or State Treasurer vacancy replacement would be filled by an appointed committee of legislators providing three names to the Governor. The Governor would then select one from the three names, unless the legislature is in session. When the legislature is in session, a resolution with three names would have to pass both chambers and then the Governor would select a replacement from the three names on the resolution. Two years ago, I introduced legislation that would have held a replacement convention, much like we do with other positions, but it couldn’t get traction. Timing is everything. Now that Senator Marshall could be considered for a Presidential appointment, it has become urgent to pass replacement legislation instead of just letting the Governor name a person. SB 105 would respect the voters’ decision by requiring nominees to be a member of the same party for at least six years, as the vacated seat. It would also block any of the legislative nominating committee members from being a nominee. SB 105 passed 31 to 9.
Healthy Choices are the intent of SB 79 by excluding candy and soft drinks from eligible foods on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formally known as food stamps. Some argued that it was mean and restrictive. It doesn’t stop other welfare money from being used on these items, only SNAP. It passed 29 to 11. I voted Yes.
Bail Bonds for Illegal Immigrants would get special treatment if an illegal defendant were deported outside the U.S. in SB 105. The court would have to return 95% of the bond issued for an illegal immigrant who was then sent back to another country. The Sheriffs association expressed concern that someone could put up a bond knowing the person was a major flight risk. The bill passed on a vote of 31 to 9. I voted No because illegal immigrants shouldn’t be bonded out.
Given Name Act would prohibit students from changing their name without a parent or guardian permission and would prohibit students from using pronouns. It is an attempt to stop the woke nonsense in K-12 schools. SB 79 passed 26 to 14. I voted Yes.
Search Warrants could only be issued by law enforcement if SB 138 becomes law. Currently, anyone can issue a search warrant. It passed the Senate unanimously.
Low Income Scholarship Program would be expanded to allow children in foster care, children of active-duty military, or children of law enforcement, firefighters, or emergency medical personnel to qualify for a scholarship to attend alternative K-12 schools. Currently, any Kansas student whose family income is less than 250% of federal poverty guidelines can qualify for the scholarship program. SB 87 also increased the program cap from $10 to $15 million for the tax credit portion. It passed 24 to 16. I voted Yes.
Student Loans would have an established uniform interest rate, repayment schedules, and establish authority of the State Board of Regents to administer the student financial aid programs in SB 50. It makes more sense than using taxpayer money to pay off student loans for people. It passed 39 to 1. I voted Yes.
Help Not Harm Act was passed into law after overriding the Governor’s veto by 2/3 the legislature voting Yes. Senate Bill (SB) 63 would stop chemical and surgical sex changes on anyone younger than 18 years of age. The vote to pass the bill was 32 to 8, but one Senator who voted for the bill did not vote for the override. It passed the Senate on a vote of 31 to 9. I voted Yes on both measures.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
Obituary of Thomas Karleskint
Thomas “Tom” Frederick Karleskint (age 81), resident of Fort Scott, KS., left this earthly body and went to be with Jesus on Feb. 21st, 2025, in the comfort of his home. He was born July 14th, 1943, in Fort Scott, KS, the youngest of 13 siblings (Rita, Esther, Helen, Leo James, Marjorie, Joan, William, Rosalie, Alice, Carol, Patricia, Ruth, Tom) to Frederick and Caroline Karleskint. Tom married Nancy Ann Brooker on July 24th, 1965, and together they had four children – Michael, Richard, Randy, Matthew. They also had thirteen grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. Tom was a local farmer and rancher in the Fort Scott area for many years. In addition to his love for farming/ranching, he enjoyed hunting, eating fish that someone else caught, shooting, arrowhead hunting, and had a passion for antique guns and western memorabilia. He loved spending time with his family and friends. Tom had a deep love for God and His word. He always had a video camera in his hand, recording his grandkids any chance he could. Tom was faithful about picking up the phone, at any given time, to check on and catch up with any and everyone.
If you were acquainted with Tom, you know that everyone was special to him no matter the length of time you had known him. He was an amazing, Godly example, who lived out what he believed in and loved to tell anyone he could about Jesus. Tom served in the Army National Guard as an Engineer from 1964-1971, and had as many stories from that experience also.
He is proceeded in death by his son, Matthew Karleskint (1997) and his two great-granddaughters, Kimber and Kennedy (2024). Survivors include his wife, Nancy Karleskint, his three sons Mike Karleskint (Thosha) of Fort Scott, KS., Richard Karleskint (Sheryl) of Park City, KS., Randy Karleskint (Michelle) of Skiatook, OK.; daughter-in-law Shawna Karleskint-Cooper (wife of Matthew Karleskint), Arkansas; thirteen grandchildren: Aaron, Amber, Jeremy, Josh, Jonathan, Kari, Jordan, Savannah, Kristin, Ashley, Andrew, Luke, Shayne; and eleven great-grandchildren: Gus, Gaige, Jayston, Jayva, Case, Jalen, Jadyn, Joelle, Matthew, Kyndal, Milo.
Rev. Rod Hillhouse and Rev. Shane Swint will conduct funeral services at 10:00 AM Saturday, March 1st, at the Apostolic Pentecostal Church, 1330 215th St., Fort Scott, KS. Burial will follow in the West Plains Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Friday at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Apostolic Pentecostal Church 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.
Early Childhood Spring Fling April 3
On behalf of the USD 234 School District, we would like to invite you to the 2025 Early Childhood Spring Fling. This year’s event will be held on Thursday, April 3rd from 5:00-6:30 PM at the Fort Scott Preschool Center. All children ages birth-six years old and their families are invited to attend.
For this event, we are asking family resource providers and community partners to bring an interactive activity for students and families. We will provide space and a table for your activity. During the event, you will also have an opportunity to visit with families and distribute flyers, handouts, giveaways, etc. Our goal is for children and families to interact, be active, and learn about the resources available in our community. If you are a preschool or childcare provider, please share the attached flyer with your families. We also welcome you to set up an activity and table for your program.
If you plan to attend our event, please complete the short form below by Tuesday, April 1st so we can have a table reserved for your organization. If you have questions, please let me know.
Nick Johnson, FSPC Principal
Come support FSHS Zero Reasons Why at Papa Don’s Pizza Wednesday, February 26th
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Revised Agenda For the Bourbon County Commission for Today at 5:30 p.m.
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Brandon Whisenhunt, Chairman
1st District Commissioner
David Beerbower, Vice-Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Leroy Kruger
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda (Revised 02.24.25)
Bourbon County Commission Room 210 S National Ave.
February 24, 2025, 5:30 PM
I. Call Meeting to Order
a. Roll Call
b. Pledge of Allegiance
c. Prayer – David Beerbower
II. Approval of Agenda
III. Approval of Minutes from 02.10.25
IV. Consent Agenda
a. Approval of 02.14.25 Accounts Payable Totaling $453,861.50
b. Approval of 02.21.25 Accounts Payable Totaling $217,892.22
c. Approval of 01.10.25 Accounts Payable Totaling $320,719.40
d. Approval of 01.23.25 Accounts Payable Totaling $5,142.39
e. Approval of 01.10.25 Accounts Payable Totaling $207,748
f. Approval of 2.21.25 Payroll Totaling $296,329.92
g. Approval of 2024 Inventory List per K.S.A. 19-2687
h. Tax Roll Corrections
i. Approval of ESAC Report
j. CMB Licenses
V. Old Business
a. Work Sessions – every other week suggestion
b. Hospital Equipment Disposal
VI. Public Comments for Items Not on The Agenda
VII. New Business
a. Department Update
i. Eric Bailey
1. Relocation of Heartland Electric Utility for Bridge Project Grant 60th & Grand
b. Zoning discussion – David Beerbower
c. Chamber Membership
d. Area on Aging Board Member
e. Commissioner Comments
VIII. Adjournment
A work session for the County Commissioners will be held on February 26, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the Bourbon
County Commission Room. This meeting is open to the public and discussion topics will be Employee
Handbook and job descriptions.
Upcoming Important Dates:
Wednesday, March 12th 4:00 Budget work session