Betty Jean Hall, age 91, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at the Medicalodge in Ft. Scott. She was born August 25, 1931, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Alfred Marion Wratchford and Myrtle “Sis” Coombs Wratchford.
Betty attended the Humboldt School west of Ft. Scott and went on to graduate from the Ft. Scott High School with the Class of 1949.
She married Forrest E. “Slim” Hall in 1953. Betty and Slim moved to Ft. Benning, Georgia where Slim was stationed with the United States Army. They later returned to Ft. Scott in 1955. Betty was employed as a machine operator for Key Industries for over forty years.
Survivors include her son, Danny Hall of Ft. Scott and several nieces and nephews.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Slim Hall on January 8, 2019. She was also preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Mary L. Hurd.
Rev. Paul Rooks will conduct funeral services at 1:00 P.M. Friday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.
The family will receive friends on Friday from 12:30 until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to Integrity Hospice and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Agenda Bourbon County Commission Room 1stFloor, County Courthouse 210 S. National Avenue Fort Scott, KS 66701 Date:January4, 2023 1stDistrict–Nelson BlytheMinutes:Approved:_______________ 2ndDistrict–JimHarrisCorrected: _______________________ 3rdDistrict–Clifton BethAdjourned at: _______________ County Clerk–Ashley Shelton MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM BEGINNING AT 9:00AM Call to Order •Flag Salute •Jim Harris–Executive Session KSA 75–4319(b)(1) to discusspersonnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy Justifications for Executive Session: KSA 75–4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters ofindividualnonelected personnelto protect their privacy KSA 75–4319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney–client relationship KSA 75–4319(b)(3) To discussmatters relating toemployer–employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of thebody or agency KSA 75–4319(b)(4)To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships KSA 75–4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property KSA 75–4319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.
Our first Walk Into Books, Bourbon County! walking contest featured a virtual walk down the Yellow Brick Road, with 118 local residents participating, and the Reading Rangers team winning the contest. Our next contest begins on January 9. Please help us get the word out about this free fitness & literacy program!
Submitted by:
Valetta Cannon
Youth Librarian & Assistant Director
Fort Scott Public Library
WALK INTO BOOKS, BOURBON COUNTY!
The Little House Trail Challenge
Walk off those holiday pounds and compete for prizes with the library’s walking program. Fort Scott Public Library & The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team invite you to virtually walk a trail from Little House on the Prairie Museum in Independence, Kansas to the Laura Ingalls Wilder Home “Rock House” in Mansfield, Missouri. This walking contest is for people of all ages & fitness levels.
• Record your daily step counts through the Reader Zone app or browser version OR in Google Sheets
• Connect with teammates & compete against other teams
• Receive a pedometer & t-shirt just for signing up!
• Each member of the winning team will earn a free book & may also win coupons or gift cards from local businesses
• Reception after the contest ends for all participants
• Book club for all participants after the contest ends (depending on interest)
Register here: https://forms.gle/WUpQakNKiK1rZtfW8 or fill out a paper form at the library.The contest begins on January 9, is open to everyone, and free of charge. If you need help using the technology, come to the library for help or send an email to [email protected].
For persons with special needs, library staff will do their best to make accommodations. Send a message to the above email detailing your needs.
Sponsors include After Affect Salon, Buck Run Community Center, and Hedgehog.INK!. If you’re interested in sponsorship opportunities, please email Valetta Cannon at the above address.
This program is made possible in part by a dream grant from the Southeast Kansas Library System. Funding for this Story Telling Project is also being provided by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas as a part of the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s Pathways to a Healthy Kansas grant.
Department of Commerce announces Building a Stronger Economy (BASE) 2.0 Grant Application
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Commerce today announced $50 million will fund a second round of projects under the Building a Stronger Economy (BASE) grant program. BASE 2.0 will continue addressing infrastructure and economic development needs that were delayed or slowed due to COVID-19 in an effort to expand the state’s base of businesses and residents.
The additional funds were designated by the Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Executive Committee and approved by the State Finance Council in December.
Previous applicants that were not funded in round one will be considered for BASE 2.0 and do not need to reapply unless they would like to submit a new application. Awardees from the first round are not eligible for a BASE 2.0 award.
The Commerce Department received more than 440 applicants requesting more than $1 billion in identified projects during BASE 1.0 for the available $100 million funding. This new round will follow the same regulations established for the first round, including the requirement that awardees provide a 25% match.
County and local governments, economic development organizations, local chambers of commerce, and other stakeholders are eligible to apply. Awardees will have two years to complete their projects and utilize all awarded and required matching funds. Applications submitted are required to document how the project was delayed or affected negatively due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting downturn in economic conditions.
The BASE 2.0 grant application process opens at 2:00 p.m. today. The deadline for submissions will be 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, January 31.
An informational webinar on BASE 2.0 will be available to the public at 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 6. Registration for the webinar and guidelines for the grant application can be found at www.kansascommerce.gov/basegrant/.
Applicants can contact [email protected] for any questions regarding this funding opportunity.
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 in 2021 was awarded Site Selection Magazine’sGovernor’s Cup award, Area Development Magazine’s Gold Shovel award for two years in a row and was named Site Selection Magazine’sBest Business Climate in the West North Central region of the United States. Find the Department’s strategic plan for economic growth here: Kansas Framework for Growth.
Governor Kelly Announces December Total Tax Collections Surpass Estimate by $140.1 Million
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced that total tax collections for December were $1.1 billion — $140.1 million, or 14.8%, more than the monthly estimate. That is also 21.9%, or $194.6 million, more than December 2021.
“Because of my administration’s work to put the state’s finances back on track, we are able to fully fund education, improve roads and bridges, and work to address mental health issues across the state, all while also providing Kansans immediate tax relief,” Governor Laura Kelly said.
Individual income tax collections were $374.8 million. That is $5.2 million less than the estimate but $19.6 million, or 5.5%, more than the previous December. If it were not for higher-than-normal refunds in December, receipts would have surpassed the estimate by over $5.0 million. Corporate income tax collections were $281.0 million, which is $151.0 million, or 116.2%, more than the estimate.
Retail sales tax collections were $234.0 million for December. That is $14.0 million, or 5.6%, less than the estimate but $9.7 million, or 4.3%, more than December 2021. Compensating use tax collections were $73.3 million and met the $73.0 million estimate for December. Those collections are also $4.1 million, or 5.9%, more than December 2021.
“Collections for the four major tax types all show growth over December 2021,” said Secretary of Revenue Mark Burghart. “The corporate income tax receipts are much higher than expected due in large part to the influence of the recently enacted SALT Parity Act, which, beginning with tax year 2022, allows owners of pass-through entities, such as S corporations and limited liability companies, to elect to have the pass-through entities pay tax on the income flowing through to the owners.”
Click here to view the December 2022 tax receipts spreadsheet.
Gordon Parks Museum is located on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton.
The Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration will be held, withseveral events planned in Fort Scott.
The events will start on Thursday, January 12that the Gordon Parks Museum.
The day willbeginwith a hosting of the Fort Scott Area Chamber Coffee at 8:00a.m.and a filmshowing at 10:00a.m., “Martin”, atribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by Gordon Parks.
This is a ballet tribute to Dr. King, written and directed by Gordon Parks.
On Friday, January 13th, the community is invited to the Ellis Fine Arts Center for a free Lunch and Learn event that willbe held at 12:00p.m.featuring a music and speaking presentation by multicultural artist, community organizer, researcher, and educator,Alex Kimball Williams. A reception will follow with birthday cake. Lunch and dessert will be provided by Great WesternDining.
The day will also include three film showings at 9:00am, 1:30pm, and 3:30pm.
The celebration will wrap up on Monday, January16th, with a(Lunchand Learn)event and Canned Food Drive.Canned and non–perishable (non–expired) food items for the Beacon Food Pantry in Fort Scott, Kansas, will be collected at the museumfrom 9:00am–till 2:00p.m.
The Lunch and Learn speaker presentation event “Good Trouble” by John Edgar Tidwell will be held at 12:00pm. Lunch will be provided by Dunk’s BBQ.Drinks and desserts will be provided by Great Western Dinning.
Films will also be shown throughout the day on Monday at 9:00a.m., 10:30a.m., and 1:30p.m. All events will take place at both the Gordon Parks Museum and Ellis Fine Arts center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College.
A full list offilm showings and events can be found athttps://www.gordonparkscenter.org/events.For more information call the Gordon Parks Museum at 620–223–2700 ext. 5850. For more information call (620) 223–2700, ext. 5850, or email[email protected].
About Humanities Kansas Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit spearheading a movement of ideas to empower the people of Kansas to strengthen their communities and our democracy. Since 1972, our pioneering programming, grants, and partnerships have documented and shared stories to spark conversations and generate insights. Together with our partners and supporters, we inspire all Kansans to draw on history, literature, ethics, and culture to enrich their lives and serve the communities and state we all proudly call home. Visit humanitieskansas.org.
I was headed in the right direction, but when I spotted the detour and roadblock signs alongside the highway, I had to turn north and follow the detour route. I was then driving in the wrong direction to get where I needed to go and there were no more signs to direct me. The GPS didn’t have a grip on reality and kept telling me to return to the main highway with a non-existing bridge. It quickly became obvious that I couldn’t trust the GPS to get me to my destination. I was getting nowhere and I needed to talk to a real person who understood my dilemma, knew the countryside, and could direct me to a sensible route. There was simply no way to get from here to there without human help.
Fortunately, I found a welcoming farmhouse and pulled in under a shade tree. A kindly man wearing denim overalls greeted me in the backyard. Although I was smiling, I’m sure I had a lost look on my face. As I shook his firm and rough farmer’s hand, he pretty-much knew my problem before I told him. Since he knew the area like the back of his hand, he told me how to beat the detour at its own annoying game. He gave me concise directions, which consisted of four turns on gravel roads, and then I was back on the road again. I finally arrived in Parsons after losing 40 minutes of time and fuel — but I got there because someone cared enough to point me in the right direction.
There are occult and false-religion books that offer alternative ways to navigate through life. Some individuals read them because they’re truly searching for answers, and some read them out of sheer curiosity. But dabbling in the evil spiritual abyss is a dangerous detour because it opens the door to demonic influence.
There is a broad divergence of opinions regarding gods, the true God, and living life in general. Earthlings simply can’t follow our own map and expect to get to heaven. The only true authority on spiritual beliefs and life issues is God’s Word. I once heard a pastor say this great one liner: “Whatever the Bible says, that’s my opinion.” God’s Word carries authority, weight, and power. It’s the believer’s foundation for everything on earth and in heaven, and it will be the last Book standing. “Heaven and earth will disappear, but My words will never disappear” (Mark 13:31 NLT).
Christ followers, who’ve found the one and only way to God, need to keep a sharp eye out for lost people who are needing someone to extend a hand of hope to them. The only way to make it to heaven is through Jesus. Many people are wondering, “How do I get to heaven from here?” Some think that “all roads lead to heaven.” But Jesus explicitly said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through Me. There is more than enough room in My Father’s Home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?” (John 14:6,2 NLT). By reaching out to those who have spiritual and real-life needs, we open a door for God to work in their lives. A genuine love walk with Jesus is a lot more than words on a cool t-shirt. It’s a weighty realization that the only Bible some people ever read is you and me.
The Key: Jesus is the mercy bridge between here and there. Our job is to lovingly point the lost in the right direction so they can get to the other side.
Agenda Bourbon County Commission Room 1stFloor, County Courthouse 210 S. National Avenue Fort Scott, KS 66701 Date:January 3, 2023 1stDistrict–Nelson BlytheMinutes:Approved:_______________ 2ndDistrict–JimHarrisCorrected: _______________________ 3rdDistrict–Clifton BethAdjourned at: _______________ County Clerk–Ashley Shelton MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM BEGINNING AT 9:00AM Call to Order •Flag Salute •Reorganization of Board •Approval of Minutes •Eric Bailey–Road &Bridge Report •Approval of Accounts Payable •Matt Quick–NRP Renewal •Teri Hulsey–Grant Approval •Ashley Shelton–Resolutions, KAC Renewal, KONE, 6thJudicial Coroner, Forensic Medical, Presentation of Filed Documents •Lora Holdridge–Part–time Employee to Full–timeEmployeeRequest •Susan Bancroft–Chief Financial Officer oBank Bids oHandbook–Section 2 oBroker Selection •Justin Meeks–County Counselor Comment •Shane Walker–Chief Information Officer Comment •Jim Harris–Executive Session KSA 75–4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy •Public Comment •Commission Comment
DBB Letter(1)Handbook Section 2(1)Assured Partners Timeline(1)Lora Holdridge – Agenda Request Form(1) Justifications for Executive Session: KSA 75–4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters ofindividualnonelected personnelto protect their privacy KSA 75–4319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney–clientrelationship KSA 75–4319(b)(3) To discussmatters relating toemployer–employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of thebody or agency KSA 75–4319(b)(4)To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships KSA 75–4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property KSA 75–4319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating tosecurity measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.
