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Obituary

Obituary of Steven Howard Schmidt

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Steven Howard Schmidt, affectionately known as Steve to his friends and family, was a beacon of light and love in the lives of all who knew him. Born on March 10, 1950, in Kansas City, Missouri, Steve’s journey through life was marked by his selfless nature, his quick wit, and his amiable personality. On the serene morning of January 28, 2026, in the peaceful surroundings of Star Valley, Arizona, Steve was called home to the Lord, succumbing to heart failure at the age of 75.

Steve’s early life in Kansas laid a strong foundation for the remarkable man he would become. He was a proud graduate with an MBA in Global Management, which he utilized throughout his dynamic career. His service to our nation as a veteran of the United States Navy was a testament to his patriotism and valor. He was awarded a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart.

Professionally, Steve dedicated most of his career to the oil and gas industry, where his expertise and work ethic were greatly valued. He was also a respected member of the Masonic Lodge, where his brothers in faith held him in high regard for his integrity and fellowship.

Steve was a devoted family man. He is survived by his loving brothers, Ross and Charles Schmidt; his sister, Paula Cochran; and his cherished children, Michelle Brigge, Stephanie Gatz, Scott Schmidt, and Holly Schmidt, from his union with his first wife, the late Marilyn Houston. His second marriage to Nancy Schmidt, also deceased, blessed him with a step-daughter, Corey Gabbert. With his third wife, Tangi Schmidt, he shared a loving home and a step-daughter, Alexis Brooks. His grandchildren—Michael, Aaron, and Lucretia Brigge; Kyla Gatz; Hayden Schmidt; Angelina and Dollie Houston; Christina Gabbert; and Riley Castillo—will carry forward his legacy of kindness and joy. He was also blessed with several great grandchildren.

As a devout Christian, Steve’s faith was the cornerstone of his existence. He walked in the light of God’s love and sought to exemplify Christ’s teachings through his actions and words. His life was a living sermon of compassion and service.

Steve’s zest for life was evident in his diverse interests. An avid outdoorsman, he found solace and excitement in hunting, fishing, and camping. He embraced the freedom of the open road, riding his motorcycle and taking in the beauty of nature. Steve’s love for his four-legged companions, Buster, Maggie, Precious, and Champ, was unparalleled, and they were a source of great joy and comfort throughout his life.

In retirement, Steve’s drive and dedication did not wane. He managed campgrounds and facilities, ensuring that others could enjoy the natural world he so dearly loved. His laughter and friendly demeanor made him a favorite among those he encountered in his work and travels.

Steve Schmidt’s life was a journey of love, service, and adventure. His story does not end with his passing but continues in the hearts of those he touched. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, generosity, and unwavering faith. As we remember Steve, let us celebrate the man who brought us so much joy and who now rests in the eternal embrace of our Heavenly Father.

Graveside services will be held at 1:30 P.M. Friday, February 13th at the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott, Kansas. Military honors will be provided by the US Navy Honor Guard. The family will receive friends on Friday from 12:30 P.M. until leaving for the cemetery at the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary

Obituary of Kieth Farley Malone

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Keith Farley Malone, age 91, passed away on January 31, 2026, at 4:00 AM. He was born March 4, 1934, to Carl and Lillian (Billye) Malone in Pittsburg, KS. He graduated from Ft. Scott High School in 1952, then married Joycelyn Elaine Norris on November 2, 1952.

Keith started plumbing at the age of 20 for his father-in-law at Norris Plumbing in 1954. He later became a partner in 4-Way Plumbing in 1974, then formed Malone Plumbing in 1984. He finally closed the business out in early 2018 at the age of 83.

Keith was an avid sports fan his entire life. He coached Little League baseball for four years and girl’s fast pitch softball for six years when his children were young. He played and sponsored intermural basketball, fast-pitch softball, and slow pitch softball until the age of 60. The family spent most of their leisure time and vacations traveling to support their kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids sports activities and tournaments! When he was resting, Keith would be listening or watching the Royals, Chiefs, KU, or one of the local Ft. Scott teams. Beyond organized sports, Keith enjoyed hunting and fishing as well imparting a love for both in his sons.

Keith was an active member of the Church of Christ that met on Margrave St. where he served as a deacon and treasurer for several years. He was an excellent example of faithful attendance and brotherly kindness to all. He loved the community where he grew up and lived his entire life seldom leaving for more than a few days. He was an excellent example to his children and grandchildren demonstrating loyalty, love, and self-sacrifice. He was a good husband, father, and friend to all.

Keith is survived by his three children Brent Malone (Connie), Brandon Malone (Kathy), and Gaynor Crane (Stephen), 9 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law Bill and Nina Norris, sister Karen Heppler (Malone), infant brother Clair Michael Malone, and step-granddaughter Leesa Meree Haehn (Hite).

There was cremation. There will be a joint graveside memorial service for Keith and Joycelyn at 3:30 PM Friday, February 13th at the Memory Gardens Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to either Presbyterian Village or Alsheimer’s Association and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

Fort Scott Community College, Opinion

From the Bleachers by Dr. Jack Welch

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Leading with Love

Leading with love isn’t just a slogan or some soft, feel-good idea, it’s an attitude. Like any attitude, it shows up in the choices we make when the heat is on and everyone’s watching. It is hard to know a person’s true feelings until trouble arises.

Love guides the heart of leadership. Wisdom and counsel guide the decisions. When you lead with both, you make choices that serve people well, protect the mission, and stand the test of time.

Love in leadership means you genuinely care about people. It means seeing them as more than a job title, a résumé, or a number on a spreadsheet. Here is where folks get it wrong: they think love and tough decision-making cannot coexist. That’s flat wrong. Real love in leadership often requires making the harder call.

We’ve all seen it happen: someone gets promoted because they are liked, trusted, or a good buddy. The heart was in the right place, but the fit wasn’t. Over time, it’s clear the move didn’t serve the person, or the team. Love that dodges honesty is not love at all; it’s just comfortable. In the end, that job promotion was a detriment to all involved.

True love is considerate, yes, but it’s also truthful. A leader with love in their heart looks at the whole picture: the individual, the team, the mission, and the long-term impact. Sometimes that means saying no. Sometimes it means slowing down. Sometimes it means making the unpopular call.

Other times, a leader has to change someone’s role, or even remove them, not out of anger or ego, but out of genuine care. Those are tough decisions. They weigh heavy on the heart. In time though, people usually see the bigger picture: the decision was made with their best interest in mind, not just the leader’s convenience. That’s love with courage.

Leading with love isn’t soft, it’s high performance. It puts empathy, compassion, and authenticity ahead of fear-based control. It builds trust, loyalty, and a team that feels safe to be honest, take risks, and give their best. Leaders who lead this way listen, communicate clearly, and set expectations, because clarity itself is a form of care.

Look at companies like Southwest Airlines. For decades, they treated employees like family while still demanding excellence. It works. When people know you care, they dig deeper, think smarter, and stick around longer.

So, can leaders make tough calls and still lead with love? You bet. The best leaders do both. Leading with love doesn’t mean avoiding hard choices, it means making the right ones, with a full heart and a steady hand.

Thought for the week, “Let all that you do be done in love.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14

Dr. Jack Welch serves as President of Fort Scott Community College. With a career spanning professional sports, public education, and rural community development, he brings a servant-leader mindset and a passion for building trust-driven cultures that empower people to thrive in the classroom, on the field, and in life. He is also the author of Foundations of Coaching: The Total Coaching Manual.

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Government

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson February 6, 2026

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Property Tax Relief – Senate and House Leaders, including the tax committee chairmen, met on Monday to lay the groundwork and coordinate moving on property tax reform.  Two key initiatives were discussed: the Cap Assessment Protection (CAP) Amendment, SCR 1616, and a revenue cap proposal that would limit increases to no more than 3% without a vote of the people.  Implementing both caps is designed to deliver taxpayer protection – shielding taxpayers from sudden, steep tax hikes; transparency – eliminating hidden tax increases that occur when property assessment values skyrocket even when mill rates stay flat or decline; predictability – giving families, farmers, and small business owners a reliable way to budget for future tax bills.
The CAP Amendment is ready for debate on the Senate floor, and the House will begin committee work on a revenue limit measure.  However, some special interest groups are working to kill the progress.  Certain lobbyists claim SCR 1616 isn’t a “true” tax cut – a claim that ignores the amendment’s 2022 baseline value, which lowers the growth trajectory for everyone.  Opponents of SCR 1616 are attempting to block your right to decide.  Because it is a constitutional amendment, passage by the Legislature doesn’t change the law – it puts the decision in your hands at the ballot box.  You should have the option to vote on the 3% or less Property Tax CAP Amendment.  While the CAP Amendment and the revenue limit are still in the early stages of the legislative process, these proposals represent significant structural property tax protections.
Current law requires revenue neutral letters so that you’re notified of any increases and have an opportunity to be heard in a public meeting before the governing body increases your taxes, forcing transparency.  This combined with the CAP Amendment and revenue limits, will have meaningful safeguards.  Together, these measures would create one of the strongest systems in the country for protecting taxpayers from sudden and excessive property tax increases, while also increasing transparency and accountability in the process.
Kansas Supreme Court Nominating Commission secrecy will end if SB 299 becomes law.  The bill bars any rule that blocks public access to its records.  It requires disclosure of the commission’s files, including nominees’ names and hometowns, while keeping background‑checks and sensitive financial information confidential.  SB 299 passed unanimously and was sent to the House for consideration.
Unclaimed Cremated Remains could be released or respectfully disposed of after three years by a coroner if HB 2331 becomes law.  It also sets special procedures for veterans’ remains, codifies current education requirements for licensed embalmers and funeral directors, and creates a felony for intentionally moving a body to conceal a death or another crime.  The bill was amended again to allow all required continuing education hours for embalmers and funeral directors to be completed online, instead of requiring at least 3 hours of in-person training. That change has drawn concern from some funeral homes and is still to be decided. The bill passed unanimously and was returned to the House, which will decide whether to accept the Senate changes or call for a conference committee to negotiate the changes.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
Opinion

Dumbest Question Ever by Carolyn Tucker

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Keys to the Kingdom

By Carolyn Tucker

Dumbest Question Ever

The last time I was at an out-of-town doctor’s office, I asked an honest dumb question.  I’d already been to this medical clinic twice, so when I arrived for the third appointment the receptionist handed me the iPad so I could check myself in. I know the drill, but I asked, “Do I have to do this? I was here four weeks ago and nothing has changed.” She replied, “Yes. That’s the only way we can check you in.” I wasn’t having especially happy thoughts as I sat there wasting my time answering the same questions with the same answers as last time. In retrospect, here’s a brilliant question: Why can’t the check-in process be two simple questions: “Are you here?” “Has your personal information changed?”

Here’s the backstory to James and John’s dumb question: “As the time drew near for Him to ascend to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. He sent messengers ahead to a Samaritan village to prepare for His arrival. But the people of the village did not welcome Jesus because He was on His way to Jerusalem. When James and John saw this, they said to Jesus, ‘Lord, should we call down fire from heaven to burn them up?’ But Jesus turned and rebuked them. So they went on to another village” (Luke 9:51-56 NLT). Obviously, James and John utterly misunderstood their Master and His mission.

I doubt that Jesus was shocked when these two disciples asked if they could burn the Samaritans to a crisp because they rejected Him. For Jesus had previously nicknamed them the “Sons of Thunder.” Perhaps James and John thought that calling down fire would demonstrate their zeal, love, and loyalty to Jesus. But Jesus let them know that they were to have a different spirit. They were to practice love, mercy, forgiveness, and forbearance. Burning up people was not on Jesus’ to-do-list. He didn’t come to destroy sinners but to give them the gospel and an opportunity to repent.

Jesus knew James and John’s fiery dispositions when He called them to be His disciples. But they had to learn the right way to use their enthusiasm properly and in the Spirit of Christ. They needed to use it against Satan and evil, not to destroy the very ones Jesus came to redeem and save.

After such an outrageous question from the brothers, Jesus may have rolled His eyes, shook His head, and sighed. We know they were reprimanded for their hateful attitude and proposal of revenge. After being with Jesus for years, shouldn’t they have known they were asking a dumb question? No matter, He didn’t miss the opportunity to teach the  boys of thunder that following Him meant they were to live a life of compassion.

Jesus’ deep empathy and love for humanity is beautifully illustrated throughout the four gospels. “But when He [Jesus] saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd” (Matthew 9:36 NKJV). Jesus still has compassion for all the lost and hurting people who will welcome Him into their life. Now we, as Christ followers, are to do the same.

 The Key: Stop asking dumb questions and start showing some compassion.

K-State Extension

New Year, New Goals: Why a Financial Check-up Matters by Amanda Clasen

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A new year often feels like a fresh notebook, clean pages, new possibilities, and plenty of motivation to make positive changes. January is when many people sit down to set personal goals, and while health-related resolutions are often top of mind, your financial health deserves the same level of attention. Just like an annual physical helps you stay on track with your well-being, a financial checkup can give you clarity, direction, and renewed confidence in your money management.

K‑State Extension offers a practical and easy-to-use resource titled How Are You Doing? A Financial Checkup, which walks individuals and families step-by-step through evaluating their current financial situation. The publication is available online through the K‑State Extension bookstore, or printed copies can also be picked up at your local Extension office.

A financial checkup is simply a structured way to take stock of where you are and where you want to go. There’s no universal formula for financial success; every household faces different needs, priorities, and challenges. But having a clear picture of your finances can help you identify what’s working, what needs attention, and what steps will move you closer to your goals.

One of the first tools in the publication is the Financial Fitness Quiz, a short but meaningful self-assessment designed to help you reflect on important parts of your financial life, scoring your responses to give you a better understanding of strengths and areas where habit improvements could happen, such as:

  • Financial Management: Do you keep accurate records, use a checking account to pay bills, or follow a budget or spending plan?
  • Saving and Investing: Are you building an emergency fund, saving regularly for long-term goals, or investing for retirement?
  • Insurance & Estate Planning: Do you have the insurance coverage you need? Is your will or estate plan up to date?

The publication goes a step further by guiding you through practical tasks such as creating a net worth statement, a simple calculation of what you own (assets) minus what you owe (debts). Many people find this eye-opening, and it often serves as a motivational starting point for reducing debt or increasing savings. You’ll also find tips for setting clear, realistic financial goals and building a spending plan that reflects your priorities rather than simply tracking where money went in the past.

As part of a complete financial review, the checkup encourages you to look over your taxes, obtain and examine your credit reports, review insurance policies, and evaluate retirement accounts and other investments. These periodic reviews help ensure your financial decisions remain aligned with the changes in your family, job, income, or long-term plans.

Start the year with clarity and confidence. Your future self will be grateful for the steps you take today.

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

K-State Extension

What do we mean by eating “real food”? by Sandy Haggard

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Sandy Haggard. Submitted photo.

What do we mean by eating “real food”?

 Do you ever glance in someone’s grocery cart and see all processed, easy-to-warm-up box meals, chips, sodas, and such, and wonder how healthy they are? What does your own shopping cart look like? Do you buy ingredients to make meals? You may have seen in the news recently that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Agriculture released their new dietary guidelines for the next five years.

These new guidelines place a heavy emphasis on eating real, whole foods and encourage individuals to increase the nutrient-dense foods they consume, while reducing heavily processed foods. The new guidelines do retain many of the previous recommendations, but it is important to understand the key differences between them. The hope is that these guidelines will help Americans make informed nutrition decisions for themselves and their families for the next five years.

Key Takeaways from the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans:

 Build most meals around whole foods with limited ingredients.

  • Consume a variety of protein foods from animal and plant sources.
  • When cooking, focus on baking or grilling rather than deep-frying.
  • Incorporate fiber rich foods such as beans, lentils, and other legumes.
  • Avoid highly processed foods that contain many ingredients such as chips, cookies, candies, and sodas. When consuming processed foods, choose those with shorter ingredient lists.
  • Pay attention to portion sizes, especially for foods higher in calories.

Eating real food means choosing foods with a few ingredients without added sugars, industrial oil, artificial flavors, or preservatives. Did you know there is such a thing as a “healthy fat”? Examples would include meat, seafood, dairy, nuts, olives, and avocados. It’s also recommended to avoid trans fat oils such as canola, and to use oils such as olive, avocado, peanut, or safflower oil.

Understanding changes in dietary guidelines can be overwhelming and confusing. Research is always happening, and we are continuing to learn more about foods and what they do for and to our bodies. The first step in taking charge of your health is becoming more informed. Focusing more on protein and vegetables can support muscle health, metabolic function, gut health, and stable energy while naturally phasing out of eating highly processed foods.

You may have heard of the MyPlate Eating Plan of one fourth each of the plate for vegetables, fruit, protein, and grains. This has been replaced by an “upside down pyramid” which recommends 3 servings of vegetables, 2 servings of fruit, 2-4 servings of whole grains, and 1.2-1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day (approximately 5-7 ounces per day).

Instead of the MyPlate diagram of the past, the recommended visual is the Healthy Eating Plate from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, which emphasizes consuming more protein and vegetables:

For more information, visit realfood.gov, or contact Sandy Haggard, Nutrition, Food Safety, and Health Agent, Southwind District at [email protected] or by calling 620.365.2242.

Bourbon County

February 9 Bourbon County Commission Meeting Agenda Summary

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The north wing, east side of the Bourbon County Courthouse.

Bourbon County Commission Meeting Agenda

February 9, 2026 | 5:30 PM

  • 1. Call Meeting to Order

  • 2. Pledge of Allegiance

  • 3. Prayer

  • 4. Roll Call Introductions

  • 5. Approval of Agenda

  • 6. Approval of Minutes: January 15, 2026

  • 7. Approval of Minutes: January 26, 2026

  • 8. Approval of Minutes: February 2, 2026

  • 9. Accounts Payable & Payroll: February 6, 2026 ($332,847.69)

  • 10. Signing of Resolution 14-26

  • 11. Executive Session: Personnel matters (K.S.A. 75-4319 (b) (1)) – Samuel Tran

  • 12. Executive Session: Personnel matters (K.S.A. 75-4319 (b) (1)) – Lora Holdridge

  • 13. Old Business

    • a. Handbook Review – Samuel Tran

    • b. Forensic Audit Update – Samuel Tran

    • c. Fractional CFO Discussion – Samuel Tran

    • d. DMV Lease Agreement – Samuel Tran

  • 14. New Business

    • a. Payroll Administration – Samuel Tran

    • b. Employment Action – Samuel Tran

    • c. Bourbon County Comprehensive Plan – Samuel Tran

    • d. Noise Complaint Discussion

    • e. Employee Recognition – Joe Allen

  • 15. Agenda Topics for Future Meetings

  • 16. Commission Comments

  • 17. Adjournment

  • 18. Future Meetings

    • Special Meeting: February 12, 2026 (5:00 PM – 6:00 PM for Interviews; Work Session until 8:00 PM)

Information Packet Summary

Special Meeting Minutes: January 15, 2026 (Pages 2–9)

This meeting was dedicated to a comprehensive, methodical review of the 65-page employee handbook.

  • Handbook Governance: Clarified that while the handbook establishes county-wide policies, independent elected officials maintain statutory discretion over certain operational matters in their offices.

  • Leave and Accrual: Approved several new policies governing direct deposit, leave accrual based on employment classification, and rules for transferring between exempt and non-exempt status.

  • Sick Leave: Established a 25% payout for sick leave, but only for employees with at least 10 years of service.

  • Operational Policies: Updated policies regarding cell phone use (prohibiting use while operating heavy equipment), inclement weather pay (time and a half for essential personnel during closures), and a 90-day probationary period for new hires.

  • Final Action: The commission approved the corrected handbook pending final review by KCAMP.

Commission Meeting Minutes: January 26, 2026 (Pages 10–12)

  • Road Vacation: Following a public hearing, the commission approved Resolution 08-26 to vacate a road.

  • Procedural Conflict: The meeting became contentious during citizen comments regarding whether the public must address the commission as a whole or could target individual commissioners.

  • Abrupt Adjournment: Due to escalating tension and procedural disagreements, the meeting was adjourned early (at 5:46 PM) during the public comment section.

Commission Meeting Minutes: February 2, 2026 (Pages 13–24)

  • New Leadership: Joe Allen was officially sworn in as the District 3 Commissioner.

  • IT Infrastructure Tensions: A significant discussion occurred regarding the decision by the Clerk, Treasurer, and Register of Deeds to move to an independent mail server due to security and service concerns with the current IT provider. Chairman Tran expressed concern over the budget implications of decentralized IT systems.

  • Financial Oversight:

    • Approved accounts payable of $114,143.02.

    • Chairman Tran proposed an “operational audit” (estimated cost $20,000) to investigate potential financial irregularities, which was tabled for further discussion.

    • Discussed hiring a “Fractional CFO” service (Baker Tilly) for $5,500/month, to be split with the Sheriff’s Department.

  • Liaison Program: The commission voted to terminate the Commissioner Liaison program (established in July 2025) and return to collective board decision-making to avoid commissioners interfering with day-to-day department operations.

  • Planning: Scheduled a strategic planning work session for February 12 to focus on budget and finance deadlines.

Financial Summary: Accounts Payable (Pages 25–52)

The packet includes a detailed breakdown of the February 6, 2026, payroll and accounts payable totaling $332,847.69. This includes:

  • Standard payroll clearing and tax withholdings.

  • Departmental expenses for the Appraiser, Election, and Landfill funds.

  • A server purchase for the Clerk’s Tech Fund ($5,556) that was previously queried by the commission.

Noise Attenuation Data (Page 53)

The end of the packet includes technical specifications for sound levels of Caterpillar equipment (120M2) to assist in the ongoing noise complaint discussions. It provides formulas for measuring decibel levels at 75 feet to match county standards.

Obituary

Obituary of Robert Franklin (Bobby) Beal, Sr.

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 Robert Franklin (Bobby) Beal, Sr., age 66, resident of Hesston, KS, died and rejoined his wife Judy Saturday, January 31, 2026, in his home with his granddaughter Breanna Morales and her family.  He was born on December 18, 1959, in Austin, Texas, the son of Olan F. and Audre C. Beal.  Bobby loved watching Paranormal Activity and Bigfoot documentaries.  His favorite things in the world were working on cars, fishing, going ghost hunting in cemeteries with the boys and working on the farm with Uncle Ronny before his passing.  He was also a member of the Methodist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Olan F. and Audre C. Beal, his wife, Judy A. Beal, and his sisters Tonia E. Beal, and Katherine D. (Mammy) Howe.

Survivors include his 3 sons, Robert Beal, Jr. (Crystal), Columbus, KS, Robert O. Beal, Mayview, MO, and Dalton Beal, Mayview, MO; 2 daughters, Brandy Garner (Jason) Fort Scott, KS, and Christal Beal (Danny Lagud), Mayview, MO; 3 brothers, Uncle Olan F. (Bud) Beal, Jr. (Janet), Deerfield, KS, Alan L. Beal (Debbie), Mineral Wells, TX, Rusty E. Beal (Donna), Deerfield, MO; 11 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren with 2 on the way; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, February 7th, at the West Liberty Cemetery north of Fort Scott.  Services are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS.  Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

Government, Kansas

KS House Bill 2347 Explained

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Governor Kelly Signs Bipartisan Bill to
Combat Crime, Bolster Public Safety


TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly has signed House Bill 2347 to strengthen public safety by amending and creating laws related specifically to crimes of theft, buying sexual relations, criminal use of a financial card, and unlawful use of a laser pointer.

“This bipartisan bill takes reasonable steps to ensure that Kansans are safe and that crime is being addressed in our communities,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Enhancing public safety is essential to building a Kansas where businesses and families want to put down roots.”

Under House Bill 2347, criminal penalties will increase for buying sexual relations, which includes increasing the minimum fine from $1,200 to $2,000 and implementing more stringent educational and treatment programs for offenders.

“House Bill 2347 ensures that Kansas law enforcement possess the tools necessary to protect our most vulnerable citizens,” said Senator Kenny Titus, District 18. “Enhanced penalties and enforcement tools contained in the bill will reduce the demand for human trafficking and allow for easier prosecution of scamsters using gift cards to take advantage of vulnerable Kansans.”

The bill also amends criminal use of a financial card to include gift cards when used to commit fraud or to inappropriately obtain money, goods, property, or services. Additionally, House Bill 2347 would make theft of a motor vehicle that is valued between $500 and $1,500 a severity level 10 nonperson felony.

“From addressing theft to cracking down on fraud, House Bill 2347 makes wide-ranging changes to combat crime in Kansas,” said Representative Dan Osman, District 48. “I’m proud to support this bipartisan, commonsense legislation that will make Kansas communities safer.”

House Bill 2347 also creates the crime of unlawful use of a laser pointer when knowingly directing light at an on-duty law enforcement officer or an aircraft in flight. Anyone who commits the crime may be subject to assault or battery charges.

In addition to House Bill 2347, Governor Kelly also signed House Bill 2183, which codifies existing practice related to judicial deference to state agencies’ interpretation of rules and regulations.

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