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Veterans Claims Clinic to Provide Assistance in Overland Park

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Office of Veterans Services, VA Health Care – Kansas City and Eastern Kansas, and the VA Veterans Benefits Administration are proud to sponsor a comprehensive Veterans Claims Clinic on July 25 – 26 at the American Legion Post 370, located at 7500 W 75th St, Overland Park, Kan. The hours on Thursday, July 25, will be from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Friday, July 26, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. All services are free of charge.

The clinic aims to assist Veterans and their families in filing VA disability claims, applying for VA health care, and providing information and screenings related to the PACT Act. The event will also feature participation from Veteran-focused community organizations, offering a wide range of resources and support.

No appointment is necessary to attend the clinic. Veterans should bring copies of their separation documentation, medical records and marriage and dependent birth certificates.

“We will have trained and credentialed Veterans Service Representatives ready to assist with both enrolling in VA health care and the filing of claims to gain access to benefits and compensation they have earned,” said Bill Turner, director of the Kansas Office of Veterans Services. “We hope word will spread and all Veterans and their families will take advantage of this outstanding opportunity to connect with federal, state and local community resources dedicated to their service and well-being.”

While the event is Veteran focused, Kansas City employers are encouraged to visit and learn more about Veterans’ benefits and ways they can assist them in their employment.

This event is a collaborative effort to ensure that Veterans and their families have access to the benefits and health care they are eligible for. It is essential for Veterans to secure the benefits they have rightfully earned through their service to our country. All Veterans, families and caregivers are encouraged to attend.

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Office of Veterans Services, VA Health Care – Kansas City and Eastern Kansas, and the VA Veterans Benefits Administration are proud to sponsor a comprehensive Veterans Claims Clinic on July 25 – 26 at the American Legion Post 370, located at 7500 W 75th St, Overland Park, Kan. The hours on Thursday, July 25, will be from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Friday, July 26, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. All services are free of charge.

The clinic aims to assist Veterans and their families in filing VA disability claims, applying for VA health care, and providing information and screenings related to the PACT Act. The event will also feature participation from Veteran-focused community organizations, offering a wide range of resources and support.

No appointment is necessary to attend the clinic. Veterans should bring copies of their separation documentation, medical records and marriage and dependent birth certificates.

“We will have trained and credentialed Veterans Service Representatives ready to assist with both enrolling in VA health care and the filing of claims to gain access to benefits and compensation they have earned,” said Bill Turner, director of the Kansas Office of Veterans Services. “We hope word will spread and all Veterans and their families will take advantage of this outstanding opportunity to connect with federal, state and local community resources dedicated to their service and well-being.”

While the event is Veteran focused, Kansas City employers are encouraged to visit and learn more about Veterans’ benefits and ways they can assist them in their employment.

This event is a collaborative effort to ensure that Veterans and their families have access to the benefits and health care they are eligible for. It is essential for Veterans to secure the benefits they have rightfully earned through their service to our country. All Veterans, families and caregivers are encouraged to attend.

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Bourbon County, Elections

Republican Candidate Forum: July 30

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The Bourbon County Republicans will hold a local republican candidate forum on July 30th, 6pm at the Empress Center, 7 N. Main.
This will be for Republican candidates only and registered Republicans.
Each candidate will be allowed an opening statement and a closing statement with a question and answer period in between.
Candidates that are unopposed or unable to attend are encouraged to bring a statement to be read or they may email their statement to [email protected].
Questions may be submitted for consideration to [email protected].

Obituary

The Obituary of Joyce Martin

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Joyce Irene Martin, age 81, a former resident of Bronson, KS, died Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at Credo Assisted Living, Fort Scott, KS.  She was born November 18, 1942, in Moran, KS, the daughter of Haskell Howell and Mildred Horner Howell.

She married Charles Joseph Martin on February 14, 1960, at Community Baptist Church in Iola, KS.  He preceded her in death on October 22, 2003.  She and her husband and 5 children, Charles, Jr., Samuel, James, Rachel, and Nathanael served one term as missionaries in the Samoan Islands of the South Pacific.  Joyce was a member of the Iola Baptist Church.

 

Survivors include four sons, Charles, Jr. and wife Michelle, Vista, CA, Samuel and wife Barbara, Festus, MO, James and wife Lori, Summerdale, AL, Nathanael and wife Dedra, Newton, KS; a daughter, Rachel O’Dell and husband Mark, Independence, MO; 11 grandchildren, Jennifer, Benjamin, Lynelle, Michael, Steffenie, Logan, Liam, and Caitlyn Martin, and Tyler, Sarah, and Justin O’Dell; 21 great-grandchildren; and 3 siblings Ella Britt, Iola, KS, Hazel Bahner, Topeka, KS and Wayne Howell, Topeka, KS.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by a sister, Pauline Mitchell, a brother, Allen Howell, and her parents.

 

Samuel Martin will conduct funeral services at 10:30 AM Friday, July 19th, at the Fairview Chapel in Mildred, KS.

Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 9:30 AM until 10:30 at the Fairview Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to World Missions Bearing Precious Seed 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.

Bourbon County, Government, Kansas

KDOT to replace guardrail along U.S. 69

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The week of July 22, the Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin replacing guardrail on the northbound lanes of U.S. 69 in Bourbon and Linn counties. The 27-mile project area starts at the south U.S. 69/U.S. 54 junction and continues north to Pleasanton.

 

The speed limit will be reduced to 60 miles an hour in the work zone, with alternating lane closures for northbound traffic. The ramp from westbound U.S. 54 to northbound U.S. 69 in Fort Scott will be closed to traffic between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, July 22-23. Use alternate routes during the closure.

 

KDOT awarded construction contracts totaling $1 million to Bettis Asphalt & Construction Inc., Topeka. Weather permitting, the work should be finished by the end of 2024. Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.Kandrive.gov, for more highway condition and construction details. Persons with questions may contact Construction Manager Warren Ebberts at (620) 901-6549 or Public Information Officer Manager Priscilla Petersen at (620) 902-6433.

Obituary

Obituary of Larry Stewart

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Larry William Stewart, age 63, a resident of rural Garland, Kansas, passed away Saturday June 29, 2024, at his home.  He was born September 18, 1960, in Long Beach, California, the son of Luther William “Stu” Stewart and Lela Williams Stewart.  Since his father was in the military, Larry lived in a variety of places throughout the United States while he was growing up.  He graduated from high school in Hernando, Mississippi.  Larry married Deborah Ervin in 1993.  While living in Ft. Scott, Larry worked at Hammond Seed and Elevator, Shepard Team Auto Plaza and as a clerk at area service stations.  He also enjoyed traveling to various malls and trade shows selling sports memorabilia.  He also enjoyed photography.

 

Larry is survived by his wife, Debbie, of Ft. Scott, Kansas and his children, Shelby Watkins and Virina Stewart, both of Ft. Scott, Dustin Stewart of Garland, Kansas and Savannah Stewart of Carl Junction, Missouri; twelve grandchildren and a great-granddaughter with another great-granddaughter on the way, and a brother, Mike Stewart of Hernando, Mississippi. Also surviving are Larry’s loyal dogs, Harley and Smiley who were by his side when he passed away.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents and a granddaughter.

 

There was cremation.  Private services will take place at a later date.  Arrangements were under the direction 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.

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott

Patio Concert at the Liberty Theater on July 20

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

Bourbon County Arts Council…

Bourbon County Arts Council is excited to announce our third Patio Concert for the 2024 season!

Details are as follows:

“Flagship Romance”

Liberty Theatre Patio

Saturday, July 20th

(Please refer to the attached flyer.)

Crooners will be closed in the month of July.

Jared graciously agreed to provide “BAR SERVICE” the evening of the patio concert.

      Jonny O’s Food Truck – Nashville Hot Chicken & Burgers will be parked in front of Crooners.

      Please support them by choosing them as your dinner option.

If you would like to purchase tickets, please text Terri Floyd at 620-224-7221 or Deb Anderson at 620-224-8650

(Do NOT respond via this email to reserve tickets.)

Reservations are REQUIRED.  If you are interested in purchasing tickets, do not delay.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Fort Scott Sidewalk Sale Saturday July 13

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Save the Date for a Summer Sidewalk Sale ~ Downtown & Around in Fort Scott! Enjoy fruity drinks and great deals while supporting local!

Participating Retailers:

110 South Main Mercantile, 110 S. Main St.

Angie Dawn’s Boutique, 108 S. Scott St.

Barbed Wire & Roses, 18 N. Main St.

Be The Light Boutique, 12 N. Main St.

Bids & Dibs, 108 S. Scott St.

Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore, 16 S. Main St.

Laree + Co, 3 S. National Ave.

Museum of Creativity, 102 S. National Ave

Ruddick’s Furniture & Flooring, 117 S. National Ave.

Shirt Shack, 11 E. 18th St.

Sunshine Boutique, 18 E. Wall St.

Bourbon County Democrats will be set up Downtown with an information booth & Chamber Bucks drawing along with Riggs Chiropractic that will be doing free screenings!

There will be Business Bingo where you can pick up a card at any participating store, make a purchase of $5 or more from at least 3 stores during the Summer Sidewalk Sale, get your bingo card marked, and turn in at the third store for a chance to win $50 in Chamber Bucks. Chamber Bucks certificates can be used at over 60 local retailers and restaurants around the community!

A fun time to support local while finding some great sales inside and out of participating merchants! Most stores are open 10am to 5pm, but some hours may vary.

Don’t forget to support the Fort Scott Farmers’ Market which will be open Saturday from 8am-12pm under the Gathering Square Pavilion.

Organized by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce.
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
Bourbon County, Government

Citizens Group Plan A Petition to Increase the Bourbon County Commissioners from Three to Five Members

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PRESS RELEASE
A bi-partisan Bourbon County citizens group, aptly named The Three-to-Five Committee, has published and received preliminary sufficiency, on a petition to place a question on the November 2024 general election ballot; “Shall the current number of
Bourbon County Commissioner Districts setforth on KSA 19-203(a)(b)(c)(d)&(e), be increased to five (5) Commissioner Districts?”

As provided in the Kansas Statutes the Districts will be five districts “as compact and equal in population” as possible. The change will have no impact on the County budget. The additional Commissioners will allow better collaboration and focused
representation on their respective districts.

As the Commission is currently constructed, the group noted, “Even two Commissioners having conversations on any topic that may
come before the Commission, is a violation of the Kansas Open Meeting Act (KOMA).”

Allowing an opportunity for collaboration and discussions with two Commissioners will improve the decision-making process and should provide improved transparency and accountability.

Signatures will be collected by registered voters in Bourbon County over the next few months to place the question on the November ballot to prevent the need for a special election and the expense associated with such an election.

Additional information is being assembled to make sure every petition signer is well informed on the benefits of this expansion in Bourbon County in the Bourbon County Commission.
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To view the petition:

Petition to increase the number of Commissioners 7-9-2024 printable

Submitted by Michael Hoyt.