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All posts by Submitted Story
Bourbon County Commission Benefits Work Session
The Bourbon County Commission will hold a benefits work session on 10.23.25 at 5:00 PM at 210 S National Avenue.
Obituary of Doris Marie Cullor
Doris Marie Cullor, 92, Beloved Stepmother, Grandmother, Aunt and Passionate Lifetime Educator
Doris Cullor, a beloved teacher and fierce advocate for education, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2025 at the age of 92 at Aberdeen Village Assisted Living in Olathe, Kansas. She was born in Crocker, Missouri on April 3, 1933 to Warner Otis McDowell and Augusta Jane (Van Loon) McDowell. Doris dedicated her life to nurturing the minds of young students, and encouraging them to embrace the joy of reading.
Doris grew up on a farm near Deerfield, Missouri, the youngest of seven children. She attended Nevada High School and was a member of the NHS Honor Society. She graduated second in her class and received a full five-year scholarship from the L.F. Richardson Foundation in 1950. She attended the University of Missouri at Columbia, Missouri where she earned her Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Education degrees, followed some years later by a Specialist degree in Education from the University of Kansas at Pittsburg, Kansas.
Her remarkable teaching career spanned over six decades, mainly at Winfield Scott Elementary School in Ft Scott, KS where she taught remedial reading and inspired generations of learners to read vigorously and widely. She sometimes repeated the humorous quote “You don’t need to read every day, just on the days you eat.” to students at reading award assemblies. Her faith and dedication to uplifting others through education were central to her life. She was an active member of the Alpha Etta chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma International Society of Women Educators. And in the course of her teaching career she received multiple awards in recognition of her commitment to excellence in teaching.
She married Reason William “R.W.” Cullor, a Ft. Scott businessman, on November 23, 1974. During their marriage of 20 years they enjoyed traveling the world together. Doris enjoyed her large family and she had many friends. She was a joyful person and was fun to be around. She learned to decorate cakes and over the years she gifted her friends and family members with dozens of beautiful birthday and wedding cakes. She also taught cake decorating and English literacy at the Ft. Scott Community college, and decorated cakes for the Village Market bakery in Nevada. She never wasted a minute living life to it’s fullest.
Doris was also known for her strong religious faith and her generosity, giving her time, energy and resources to many causes and charities. She was an engaged citizen and a life long member of the Democratic party, and helped work elections. She thought it an honor to live along the National Cemetery route. Driving by her home, one would often see her outside mowing her grass, keeping her yard extra tidy out of respect for the cemetery and her feelings of civic duty.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Otis and “Gussie”, and her three brothers and three sisters, including many of their spouses: Gilbert O. McDowell (and Irene), Hubert McDowell, Kathryn Hayes (and Walter), Bill McDowell (Mona, still living), Ruby “Tiny” McConnaughey (and J. R. “Buck”), and Eva Capelle (and Oscar). Also 2 nephews, 3 nieces and a great-nephew from her siblings side.
She is also preceded in death by her step-daughter, Janet Cullor and her grandson, Ty Cullor.
She is survived by her step-son, Gary Cullor (and Sally), and grandchildren, Chandler (and Cara), Spencer (and Sarah), Courtney (and Seth Thompson), and Jordan. Also 7 great grandchildren: Tyler Ann, Landon, Reese, Ty, Carter, Collins and Leighton.
On her parents side she is survived by 16 nieces and nephews, 29 great-nieces and nephews and 26 great-great nieces and nephews.
Doris’ legacy of enthusiasm for learning will surely live on in those lucky to have been in her classroom. Her wish for those who will miss her is to continue to support education and encourage reading in young people.
As she did not wish for a funeral, after cremation friends and family may pay their respects and sign Doris’ guest book at the Konantz-Cheney funeral home or share memories online at www.konantzcheney.com.
A charitable donation can be given in her name to:
-The Fort Scott Community College Doris M. Cullor scholarship fund for a future student pursuing a career in teaching
-The Walter Jeremy Hayes scholarship fund at Nevada High School
-The Kathy Hayes Thompson scholarship fund at Bronaugh High School
-or a charity of your choice
Doris Cullor will forever be remembered for her optimistic zest for life and her strong commitment to teaching and learning.
Candidate Forum This Evening at The Ellis Center
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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports October 22
Halloween Festivities This Saturday Downtown for Youth
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If Federal Government Shut Down Continues, SNAP Benefits For November Are In Question
Kansas Department for Children and Families Shares Update on Status of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Amid Ongoing Federal Government Shutdown
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) has received a letter from the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) regarding Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November amid the ongoing federal government shutdown. That letter to all states says that if a lapse in funding, caused by the shutdown, continues, there will not be enough money to pay full SNAP benefits for November.
The letter directs agencies to hold off on processing November benefits until further notice. Until a budget agreement or continuing resolution is reached at the federal level, or the federal government identifies a funding pathway, November SNAP benefits may be delayed or interrupted entirely. If no federal action is taken by October 28, 2025, November SNAP benefits will not be disbursed until the federal government reaches a resolution.
SNAP provides benefits for approximately 42 million people across the country. That includes a total distribution of more than $34.4 million to more than 93,000 Kansas households – nearly 188,000 Kansans – who depend on SNAP each month to help put food on their tables.
Impact on Kansans
This potential interruption in benefits comes at the start of the holiday season – an already busy time for food banks and food pantries helping people in need and when many children have days off from school without access to school meals.
DCF is monitoring the situation closely and is exploring what this may mean for Kansans. November benefits for current SNAP recipients are set to begin processing on October 28 and appearing on Kansas Benefits Cards beginning November 1-10 on an established staggered schedule based on last names. If an agreement is not reached by October 28, benefits could be delayed or suspended until the shutdown has ended.
“As soon as an agreement is reached or the federal government finds an alternative funding source, and DCF receives approval from FNS, we are prepared to act quickly with contracting partners to get benefits out to Kansans,” said DCF Secretary Laura Howard. “Depending on the timing of the approval, DCF and its partners could have benefits available on cards within 72 hours.”
October SNAP benefits were distributed as planned. At this time, SNAP recipients should continue using their October benefits as normal. SNAP recipients should continue meeting program requirements, including reporting required changes and completing recertifications.
DCF is continuing to process SNAP applications as usual. Applications can be accessed online at dcf.ks.gov or by visiting a local DCF service center. A map with service center locations can be found on dcf.ks.gov.
What happens next?
DCF is closely monitoring the impact the federal government shutdown is having on programs and services the agency delivers and will provide updates through its various communication channels as this situation evolves. Information about federal shutdown impacts on DCF programs and services is available at dcf.ks.gov.
Help for Kansans
For Kansans in need of additional support, Kansas Food Source, kansasfoodsource.org, and Harvesters.org provide locations of food banks and food pantries across the state. The United Way’s 211 hotline or website, 211.org, and 1-800-CHILDREN, 1800childrenks.com, also connects Kansans to resources in their communities.
The loss of federal funding places additional stress on Kansas food banks, pantries and meals programs, which are already strained to meet the needs of those who utilize them. Kansans wishing to help their local food resources can find those locations on the Kansas Food Source website, kansasfoodsource.org.
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2026 Arteffect Competition Step by Step Guide
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Obituary of Arleen Louise Wilson
Arleen Louise Wilson, 89, of Iola, Kansas, passed away at her home early Friday morning, October 17, 2025, surrounded by her daughters and granddaughters. She was born in Walnut, Kansas, the daughter of Wayne and Pearl Blanche Wright Geiger. She graduated from High School in Hepler, Kansas.
She married Ira E. Wilson in Kansas City, Kansas, on September 8, 1957, he preceded her in death in June of 2014. Their first date was to the American Royal Rodeo. They lived in Kansas City, Kansas for six years before moving the family to Fort Scott, then three years later, they moved to Porterville where they lived until they retired and moved to Iola, Kansas to be closer to family. She retired from the Western Insurance Company after 30 years. Their Last vacation was to Niagara Falls.
Arleen is survived by her three daughters, Connie and Carey Lockwood of Fort Scott, Debbie and Keith Phillips of Shawnee, Kansas, and Karen and Robert McKarnin of Iola, Kansas, a brother, Frank Geiger of Erie, Kansas, six grandchildren, Cody Phillips, Kimberly and Lee Pierce, Timothy and Maria Lockwood, Stacy Lockwood, Emily, Casey and Brandon McKarnin, eight greatgrandchildren, Rayce and Conner Pierce, Tyson and Addyson Lockwood, Parker and Abigail Kaifes and Emmette and Eowyn. In addition to her husband Ira, she was preceded in death by her parents, and her two sisters, Maxine Watkins and Wanda Wilson.
Graveside services will be at 11:00am, Friday, October 24, 2025 at the Rosedale Cemetery near Porterville with Pastor Dusty Drake Officiating. Memorials may be given to the Allen County Animal Rescue Foundation. Contributions may be sent to or left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. Friends and family may sign the online guestbook and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.
$25,000 Awarded to HBCAT Bronson For City Park Project
The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team/Bronson, KS was recently awarded $25,000 to complete Rural Champion Community Project on Bronson City Park.
Earlier this summer The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, in collaboration with The City of Bronson, was awarded $25,0000 for an implementation grant for the City of Bronson as part of the Office of Rural Prosperity Rural Champions grant program announced last year in collaboration with the Patterson Family Foundation for a placemaking project specifically a Bronson City Park renovation.
Bourbon County’s Rural Champion, Kelly Perry, led efforts to address safety concerns and challenges within Bronson city park. This funding will support the implementation of the Bronson Park Placemaking and Renovation Project. During the first six months of their 1-year program, Rural Champions were busy connecting with their communities, gathering volunteers, engaging local organizations, and building connections with resource partners around their unique challenges. This work was used in developing the project implementation plan to utilize the $25,000 grant to assist in the next steps for their project.
These grants will fund park renovations that are slated to be completed in the Summer of 2026. As the Champion works through this final phase of implementation, they will develop a comprehensive guidebook that documents their experiences, resources and strategies – and serve as a valuable resource for other communities to implement similar strategies. The Office of Rural Prosperity will continue to support this cohort of projects, ensuring that the Rural Champions have the resources and guidance needed. To view the other awardees or to learn more about the Rural Champions and stay updated on their progress, visit the webpage here ( https://www.kansascommerce.
From Kelly Perry:
” The need for the Rural Champions program was identified in the Power Up & Go report through surveys and interviews of more than 400 rural Kansans under the age of 40 as something that would “move the needle” toward success. Many of those individuals wanting to make a difference are volunteers who are passionate about their communities but unable to take on a community improvement project without receiving appropriate resources, training and compensation.
“The Rural Champions program removes the funding gap for those passionate rural dwellers by connecting them with resources that will help them accomplish their critical community project. That’s when in early 2024, The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team applied for and was awarded a $20,800 grant for the Rural Community Champion Grant program and HBCAT provided $5,200 cash and in-kind match. HBCAT contracted with Kelly Perry to serve as the Rural Champion for a Bronson Placemaking Project. The time for the initial grant work started a year ago October 2024 and her contract was up in September 2025. In September 2025, The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team was awarded the $25,000 to then implemented the placemaking project.”
When will the project start?
“The project is currently under way with work from the Professional Engineers taking place right now. All Rural Champion projects must be completed by the end of 2026. The Bronson project is anticipated to be completed in the summer of 2026.”
Bronson City Park Placemaking Project
“The Bronson City Park Placemaking Project focuses on revitalizing the city’s park to create a safer, more vibrant, and family-friendly gathering space for the community. With support from the Kansas Office of Rural Prosperity’s Rural Champion Grant, the project includes upgrading playground equipment, improving accessibility and safety. The goal is to strengthen community pride, encourage outdoor activity, and enhance the overall quality of life in Bronson.
The office of rural prosperity shows this on their site for all the 2024-2025 Rural Champions. Bronson is the only Placemaking Project in the 2024-2025 Rural Champions.”
Wetmore Community Development Champion – Analyssa Noe
Cheyenne Housing Champion- Lisa Krull
Herrington Downtown Revitalization Champion – Lisa Schlesener
Comanche Regionalization & Grant Writer Champion – Julie Lyon
Grinnell Downtown Revitalization Champion- Stacy Tholen
Harvey County Childcare Champion – Melissa Bogunovich
Bronson Placemaking Champion – Kelly Perry
Hodgeman County Housing Champion – Michelle Walters
Dighton Food Access Champion – Carrie von Leonrod
Cowley County Food Access Champion – Amy Jo McWhirt
Rooks County Workforce Recruitment Champion – Kandie Morain
Stafford County Childcare Champion – Sarah Hampton
TBC Community Development Champion – Beth Ann Falstad
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports October 21
Social Media Can Drive Sales: Nov. 5
