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Fort Scott, Government, Housing

Openings on FS Land Bank

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There are four (4) openings for the Fort Scott Land Bank Board.

The function of the Fort Scott Land Bank Board is an independent agency and instrumental with the City on acquiring, holding, managing, transforming, and conveying surplus City properties and other abandoned, tax foreclosed, or otherwise underutilized or distressed properties in order to convey these properties for productive use. This Board meets on an as needed basis.

These four positions will be appointed by the Fort Scott City Commission and is recommended, but not mandatory, that a position from each one of the following professions be applied for:

One individual who represents the banking industry

One individual who represents developers

One individual who represents real estate

One individual at large in the community

If you have a desire to serve on this board and meet the above requirements, please submit a letter of interest to the City Clerk, Diane Clay, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. She will then submit your letter of interest for consideration to the City Commission. All of the boards and commissions serve on a volunteer basis and are not compensated. If you would like more information on this board, please contact Diane Clay, City Clerk at 620-223-0550 or [email protected]. Please submit your letter of interest by January 21st, 2022.

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

USD234 Agenda For Jan. 10

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USD 234 January 10, 2022 Board Meeting

5:30 p.m. – Winfield Scott Cafeteria

  1. Open the meeting
  2. Flag Salute
  3. Oath of Office for newly-elected board members
  4. Consider official agenda
  5. Consider consent agenda
  6. Public Forum
  7. Consider Neighborhood Revitalization Renewal – Rob Harrington
  8. KNEA Report
  9. Presentation by Fort Scott High School administration on Individual Plans of Study
  10. Principals’ Report
  11. Director of Academics Report
  12. Superintendent’s Report
  13. Business Manager’s Report
  14. Consider KASB Board Policy updates
  15. Consider Resolution 21-10 – Establish Election of School Board Officers
  16. Consider desktop computer purchase (part of the initial ESSER II application)
  17. Consider Agreement of Cooperation and Partnership between USD 234 Special Education and SEK-CAP Head Start 0-5
  18. ESSER III Update
  19. Board member comments
  20. Executive session – for preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property
  21. Executive session – to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel
  22. Consider employment
  23. Adjourn
Opinion

Missing the Obvious by Patty LaRoche

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Patty LaRoche

At this year’s Christmas family reunion, we played the “Name That Song” game. Twenty-four individual, cartoon-graphic images were printed on a single piece of paper, each representing a different Christmas carol, and points were awarded for the couple with the most correctly-named songs within a ten-minute period.

For example, one picture showed “O’s” stacked as a Christmas tree. The correct answer? “Oh Christmas tree.” Most weren’t quite so easy. This was one that caused problems: ABCDEFGHIJKMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ. As I walked from room to room, a twenty-two-year-old couple kept reading those letters aloud…over and over again.

One time through should be sufficient, but my granddaughter, Britney, and her boyfriend, Cole, could not figure it out. “There is no ‘L.’ There must be a clue in that somewhere.”

They had answered much more difficult pictures but had completely missed this one. How was that possible? When time was up and we congregated to hear the correct answers, they could not believe that they had failed to answer something so obvious.

“We kept saying ‘no L’ but never put it together that the answer was ‘Noel.’” Another couple had done likewise.

Have you ever missed the obvious? I sure have. I don’t see the Christmas tree farm for the firs.

That’s what happened when, following a Sunday service one morning, a church congregant asked the pastor this question: “If you were stranded on a desert island and could only have one book, which book would it be, and why?” The pastor answered with his “obvious”: The Bible because “it would give me spiritual strength to get through the challenge of being alone on a desert island.”

He asked his questioner what he would choose. The answer was immediate. “I would want a book titled ‘How to Build a Boat.'” The pastor realized his mistake. After all, they were in a church when the question was asked. Surely a spiritual answer was expected.

Unfortunately, the pastor missed the obvious. If God sent that marooned man a Bible, he probably would have remained on the island. While it may not have cost much for the pastor to miss the obvious, it can cost us everything.

Following Jesus’ death, he appeared to two disciples on their way home from his execution. Downtrodden, they were appalled when Jesus asked them why they were so sad. After all, everyone knew that the one they believed would be their king had been crucified. Who wouldn’t be heartbroken?

It’s a Biblical mystery as to how they didn’t recognize the Messiah until he later broke bread with them at which time their eyes were open and Jesus’ resurrection became real to them.

Over the holidays, a granddaughter said that she wondered how many times she, as a child, had missed what God was doing in her life, how many times He saved her from disaster or even favored her but she took credit. I told her that I think that when we get to Heaven, we all will be overwhelmed by stories God shares about how much He was involved in our lives, and we never recognized it or gave Him credit.

I pray that 2022 is filled with opportunities to become aware of all the ways God is working in our lives. Just being aware will help us not miss the obvious.

Obituary

Obituary of Edward Wolf

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Edward Theodore Wolf, age 61, resident of Fort Scott, Kansas passed away peacefully on Christmas Eve in Fort Scott, Kansas.

He was born February 13, 1960.

He attended and graduated from Fort Scott High School, USD 234.

Ed was a member of Mary Queen of Angels Catholic  Church

He was a master carpenter who framed many homes and a very organized and hard-working person who wanted his work done correctly the first time.

Ed loved to be outdoors with nature and animals.

He is survived by his mother Erma Knight of Fort Scott, his Step-Father Warren Knight and Step-Mother Helen Wolf of Valley Falls, Kansas.

Ed’s sister Brenda Savage of Fort Scott. Also a niece Kelsa Jo Savage, and a great-niece Charlie Jo.

Ed also leaves a step-daughter Jill Cochran of Olathe, her husband Trent, and 3 granddaughters, 2 grandsons.   In addition a step-son John Cronin and 2 step-grandsons.

Also his close friend Chris Cronin the mother of Jill and John.

One of Ed’s best friends was his cousin Joe Wylie.

Ed was preceded in death by his Father Theodore Melvin Wolf on April 25, 2019.

There will be a Graveside service at a later date.

Memorial contributions can be left to Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, 705 S. Holbrook , Ft. Scott, Kansas 66701 and/or Ft. Scott Animal Shelter, 600 N. Barbee, Ft. Scott, Ks 66701

 

Opinion

Letter to the Editor: Allen Schellack

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On behalf of the Salvation Army, I have been truly amazed at the generosity of the contributions received this year. Because of you, the wonderful people of Bourbon County, we have raised $11,398.00, which goes to help our neighbors here in Bourbon County. Since our local partnership with the Salvation Army began in 2015, this was our best year ever.

Thank you for those who donated through our Red Kettles outside of Walmart, to those who gave at our mini-kettles at 5 Corners and Dairy Queen, and to those who mailed in checks. No mattter the size of your donation, whether it be pocket change, you demonstrate that you are willing to help others

Of course, this would not be possible without the numerous individuals and families who came out multiple times, our school and civic groups, as well as the Bourbon County Sheriffs Dept standing in front of Walmart ringing the bells for several evenings.

The Salvation Army is here for you and your neighbors. Because of your giving, The Salvation Army can continue to help your neighbors with Disaster Relief, Rent and Utilities, prescriptions, temporary lodging, gasoline for work and doctors appointments, plus other miscellaneous needs. This is money that will stay in Bourbon County to help those in need for the next year.

Next year, I would like to invite you to come and ring the bells and help our neighbors. Each year, people come to help and return the following year. You will find that it is truly a blessing. Thank you again for your service and generosity for helping The Salvation Army in “Doing The Most Good.”

Allen Schellack

Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries

Bourbon County Salvation Army Extension Unit

Bourbon County, Government

Agenda For Uniontown City Council on January 10

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CITY OF UNIONTOWN

COUNCIL AGENDA

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 10, 2021 MEETING STARTS AT 5:30PM ON MONDAY

CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by

ROLL CALL:

___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Josh Hartman ___ Amber Kelly ___ Bradley Stewart

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Administer Oath of Office to elected Mayor and two Council positions

Elect President of Council

CITIZENS REQUESTS

FINANCIAL REPORT

Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

A. Minutes of December 14, 2021 Regular Council Meeting

B. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

D. Resolution 2022-0110-1 – 2022 GAAP Waiver

C. Destruction of records for 2011 and prior

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent: Bobby Rich

Roots in sewer main –

Codes Enforcement: Doug Coyan

Storage containers/fences –

Clerk Report: Sally Johnson

Local Government Day at the Capitol – January 22 –

Mental Illness-The Silent Epidemic –

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin –

Councilwoman Esslinger –

Councilman Hartman –

Councilwoman Kelly –

Councilman Stewart–

Mayor Jurgensen –

OLD BUSINESS

Traffic control on several streets –

Dog/Cat Ordinance and amendments review –

Wholesale water supply –

Pond Improvement Project –

City Utility Low-Interest Loan update –

American Rescue Plan Act update–

NEW BUSINESS

Street Repair –

ADJOURN Time __________

To view the submitted financial reports:

2021 Financials – December

Bourbon County, Government

Unapproved Minutes of the Uniontown City Council for Dec. 14

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CITY OF UNIONTOWN

UNIONTOWN, KS 66779

DECMBER 14, 2021 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

The Regular Council Meeting on December 14, 2021 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Kandyce Cox, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

CITIZENS REQUEST

Kandyce Cox requested permission to have a fourth adult dog. After some discussion, the council declined her request. Clerk Johnson will send her a copy of the ordinance limiting the number of adult dogs per household.

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger was absent. November written Treasurer report presented. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $350,214.68, Receipts $29,230.09, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $28,195.21, Checking Account Closing Balance $348,223.56. Bank Statement Balance $349,966.93, including Checking Account Interest of $28.57, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $1,743.37, Reconciled Balance $348,223.56. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $27,033.20, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $17,493.63, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $23,317.91, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $416,068.30. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $340.75 and Utility CDs $311.83 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $652.58. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of November 2021, Beginning Balance $195.75, Receipts $0, Expenditures $195.75, Ending Balance $0. November Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00, from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, Total Transfers of $3,026.00. Net Loss for the month of November $1,991.12, Year-to-Date Net Loss $52,874.91. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $103,267.64 (103.5%), Expenditures $98,167.62 (79.3%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $33,763.44 (97.2%), Expenditures $32,681.90 (74.9%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $134,210.29 (103.9%), Expenditures $248,727.85 (75.2%); General Fund YTD Revenue $132,245.25 (115.5%), Expenditures $134,793.23 (82.1%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $9,287.36 (155.3%), Expenditures $12,368.20 (82.8%). The December 2021 estimated payables, including End of Year transfers, in the amount of $67,987.50 were presented.

Mayor Jurgensen handed out gift cards to employees in attendance and will personally deliver to those not in attendance.

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda:

  • Minutes of November 9, 2021 Regular Council Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent Rich reminded the Council they approved giving a gift to Matt Wells, Bob Hull, Inc for all the assistance he has volunteered, but they never specified what type of gift or monetary value.

Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to gift Matt Wells with a $200 Visa gift card

He reported the tractor has an engine noise in the area of the water pump. It also “hesitates” when put in gear after it is first started or restarted. PrairieLand Partners estimated $1,600 for water pump repairs. He also talked to Ol’ Boys Tire and Auto but they decided they didn’t want to work on it. It was suggested to check with FSCC John Deere program and Councilman Stewart offered to contact a mechanic they use.

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to allocated up to $3,000 for tractor repairs out the city streets and special highway funds

Rich gave the Council a list of trees available from Travis Russell, Traveling Trees. Two Autumn Blaze Maples and two Autumn Fantasy Maples were decided upon with one of each to be planted at the pond and in the park. Clerk Johnson will contact the school district about the location for planting at the pond.

Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan gave an update. 205 Washington now has utilities on; 104 Fulton does not have utilities on; a letter was sent to 210 Sherman to remove or replace the awning; 103 Third St wants to replace the sidewalk in front; 201 Fulton, 204 Fulton, 103 Sherman, new owners; 401 Sherman building permit for privacy fence behind house. Storage containers and buildings (306 Washington, 402 Washington, 302 Sherman) were discussed and what requires a building permit and what doesn’t. Clerk Johnson was directed to check with other cities to see what they have regarding storage containers, storage sheds, and fences.

Clerk Johnson has received complaints about traffic on Hill St. One citizen suggested speed bumps or all way stop signs at Fourth and Hill.

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to table discussion until January 10, 2021 meeting

She asked the Council if they wanted to participate in the Low Income Water Assistance Program through Kansas Department of Children and Families.

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to participate in the Low Income Water Assistance Program through Kansas Department of Children and Families

An update on natural gas winter pricing was given to all.

An email was received today regarding submitting Statement of Substantial Interest annually. She will check to see into statutes and check with the County Clerk.

A discussion was had concerning the January meeting conflicting with the School Board meeting.

Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to change meeting time for the January 10, 2021 meeting to 5:30PM

Mayor Jurgensen has been researching splashpads and outdoor exercise equipment. Three designs for recirculating splashpads were received from RainDeck and distributed to all. The Council will continue discussion on splashpads and outdoor exercise equipment at the February 8, 2021 meeting. Ruritan did receive $10,000 grant from Bourbon County REDI for the splashpad project. Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s Placemaking pathway could be used for the splashpad and there is $10,000-$17,000 allocated for Uniontown.

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – Thanked Frankie & Sally Johnson for the lights in the park.

Councilwoman Esslinger – Lights around town look nice, especially Clay and Hill Streets.

Councilman Hartman – nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – Wants to review dog ordinances at next meeting. Thank you to BBCO Sheriff deputies monitoring traffic on Fifth St.

Councilman Stewart – Inspected fishing dock walkway, it appears the east railing has only been spot welded. Rich will inspect and contact vendor if needed.

Mayor Jurgensen – nothing

OLD BUSINESS

Pond Improvement Project – The contractor installed the walkway and has been paid in full. Bourbon County Public Works has brought rock for the riprap. Some is north of the pond and the rest is on the railroad right-of-way.

City Utility Low-Interest Loan update – Two closed accounts have been finaled, but not paid. If not paid by January 10, they will be submitted to Collection Bureau of Kansas for collection. She was asked if she had received an update on the Attorney General’s investigation of pricing during the February extreme weather event. She has not but will check into.

American Rescue Plan Act update – US Treasury has opened the portal for NEUs report submitting.

NEW BUSINESS

CMB License Renewal – Union Station – application and fees for off-premises consumption received.

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to approve the 2022 off premises consumption CMB license renewal for Union Station

Water Rate Increase – notification of a 7.5% increase ($0.55/1000 gallons) was received from Bourbon County Consolidated Rural Water District #2. Discussion ensued about the possibility of finding an alternate supplier.

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to adopt Ordinance No. 195 – inside city limits a minimum charge of $25.81 for the first 1,000 gallons or part thereof and $12.11 per 1000 gallons after the first 1,000 gallons and outside city limits a minimum charge of $26.99 for the first 1,000 gallons or part thereof and $12.65 per 1,000 gallons after the first 1,000 gallons

Moved by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 9:35PM

Government, Kansas

Governor Issues Disaster Declaration

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Governor Laura Kelly Issues 15-Day Disaster Declaration, Two Executive Orders to Aid Kansas Hospital and Adult Care Home Capacity

~No new mandates or closures will be issued~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today signed a State of Disaster Emergency to alleviate healthcare staffing shortages and facilities’ constraints caused by the surge in COVID-19 cases. Governor Kelly also signed executive orders 22-01 and 22-02 which temporarily suspend certain statutes and regulations for adult care homes and certain health care providers.

“Just as I did at the start of the pandemic, today I am again issuing orders to provide our hospitals and nursing homes with the necessary staffing flexibility to keep the residents, patients, and staff safe,” Governor Kelly said. “This disaster declaration provides a 15-day solution to give our front-line health care workers the support they need as they battle this COVID-19 surge. This action is temporary until the legislature returns, at which I time I will work with them to pass legislation to extend my executive orders through the month of March.”

The 15-day disaster declaration activates the state’s disaster response and recovery portions of the Kansas Response Plan. The declaration also allows for the Governor to suspend certain statutes, orders or rules and regulations that prevent, hinder, or delay in any way necessary action in coping with the disaster.

E.O. 22-01 provides temporary relief from certain restrictions and requirements governing the provision of medical services.

E.O. 22-02 relaxes or suspends licensure, certification, and registration for persons and licensure of adult care homes.

“I urge all Kansans to do their part by getting vaccinated and boosted, which will both help prevent COVID-19 transmissions and more severe cases that require hospitalization, and also help in maintaining our critical infrastructure and economy intact” Governor Kelly said.

Kansas is currently experiencing significant increases in COVID-19 cases following the winter holidays and from the new Omicron variant. Medical professionals anticipate that the numbers will worsen throughout the month of January and into early February.  Early data indicates that while the Omicron variant causes milder symptoms, it is more transmissible, even amongst vaccinated individuals.

Please find the state disaster declaration here.

COVID-19, Health Care, Kansas

COVID-19 Update and Status on Kansas Hospitals.

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COVID-19 Courtesy photo.
The COVID-19 Update for Kansas, per Kansas Department of Health and Environment:
There have been 15,332 new cases, 15 new deaths, and 104 new hospitalizations since Monday (1/3/22).
The average age of the COVID-19 case is 39.

Rebecca Johnston, Southeast Kansas Multi-Health Department Administrator, presented a  link to a Youtube video on a presentation about the dire state that Kansas Hospitals are in right now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nz62gGguXhw

“I urge our residents to wear a mask in large gatherings, use good hygiene, practice social distancing, get vaccinated if able and stay home when sick!” she said.

The following is the updated Kansas guidelines:

2022 Updated COVID-19 Guidelines

For General Population + K-12 Schools

January 6, 2022

IF YOU TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID-19:

ISOLATE

EVERYONE, REGARDLESS OF VACCINATION STATUS:

  • Stay home for at least 5 days
  • Stay home as long as you have symptoms. If you have a fever, continue to stay home until your fever resolves.
  • If you have no symptoms or your symptoms resolve, you can leave your house after a minimum of 5 days of isolation.
  • Continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days after you leave isolation.

IF YOU HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO COVID-19:

QUARANTINE PROCEDURES

IF YOU ARE VACCINATED:

IF YOU: Have been boosted

OR

Completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine within the last 6 months

OR

Completed the primary series of J&J vaccines within the last 2 months

OR

Have had lab-confirmed COVID-19 within the last 90 days

 YOU SHOULD:

  • Wear a mask around others for 10 days
  • Test on day 5, if possible
  • If you develop symptoms at any time, get tested and stay home.

IF YOU ARE NOT FULLY VACCINATED:

IF YOU: Completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine more than 6 months ago and are not boosted

OR

Completed the primary series of J&J more than 2 months ago and are not boosted

OR

Are unvaccinated

 YOU SHOULD:

  • Stay home for 5 days
  • Wear a mask around others for 10 days
  • Test on day 5, if possible
  • If you develop symptoms at any time, get tested and stay home
  • Household contacts may leave home quarantine on the positive case’s day 11 as long as:
  1. the positive case has worn a mask in the home while around the household contact during their isolation
  2. the household contact is not experiencing symptoms, are fever free and wear a mask around others for the remaining 5 days

*Please note: these guidelines are not for healthcare workers or congregate settings (correctional facilities, long-term care facilities, daycares).

Obituary

Obituary of Anna Rose

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Anna Marie Rose, 100, of Uniontown, Kansas, passed away, Monday evening, January 3, 2022, at the Medicalodge Nursing Home in Fort Scott.  She was born December 23, 1921, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, the daughter of Rupert Marcus and Clara Alma (Price) Warren.

 

At the age of five, she and her family moved from Muskogee to McCune, Kansas where she attended Idell Grade School and McCune High School, graduating in 1941. After graduating she attended the Coffeyville School of Cosmetology. She had her own business for a short time in McCune.

 

She married Floyd Rose on February 2, 1944, and lived in the Girard, Kansas area for a short time before moving to the Uniontown area. She was a farmer’s wife for many years. In 1968 she went to work at the IMP Boat Plant where she was an upholsterer for ten years. After retiring from there she started sewing for other people and did alterations for the Boot Jack in Fort Scott. She altered wedding dresses and made bride’s maid dresses for many people in Fort Scott and the surrounding area. In her later years she made quilts and hand quilted them. She was very proud of the many quilts she made.

 

Anna was a member of the First Missionary Baptist Church of Uniontown. For many years she was an active member of the ABW and held office in the District Organization. She was a member of the Uniontown Red Hat Society for many years. They ventured out to many places of interest and enjoyed restaurants in the surrounding area for their monthly excursions. She always enjoyed the luncheons and visits with friends.

 

Anna is survived by son, Merle Rose and wife Betty of Uniontown, daughter Linda Inkelaar of Derby, Kansas, daughter Carol Cameron and husband Mike of Muskegon, Michigan; eleven grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren, and fifteen great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Floyd, son Gary, and infant son, an infant daughter, two grandsons, Jeff and Greg Shriver, brothers, Bill and George Warren, and son-in-law, Leo Inkelaar.

 

Rev. Marty DeWitt will conduct funeral services at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 11, 2022, at the First Missionary Baptist Church in Uniontown with burial following in the Uniontown Cemetery, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 6:00-7:00 p.m. Monday, January 10, 2022, at the Funeral Home. Memorial contributions are suggested to Alpha Christian Children’s home and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.