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Obituary

Obituary of Dean Brown

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Dean Brown, age 91, a resident of Fulton, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, August 10, 2022, at the Olathe Medical Center in Olathe, Kansas.  He was born October 7, 1930, in Uniontown, Kansas, the son of Durward “Duke” Brown and Pearl Ballah Brown.  Dean graduated from the Fulton High School.

He married Fern R. Wardrip on July 2, 1949, at Eureka Springs, Arkansas.

Throughout his life, Dean worked at various jobs.  He had been employed at both the Prescott and Mound City Elevators and for a time owned and operated his own service station in Fulton.  Dean loved the land and being outdoors and especially enjoyed helping his brother, Donnie, with his farming operation.  Dean enjoyed antique cars and often drove his Model A Ford in area parades.  He was also active with the Fulton Community Center.

 

Survivors include his four children, Shirley Webber (Gary) of Paola, Kansas, Ed Brown of the home in Fulton, Sharon Oakes (Jim) of Clarksville, Tennessee and Lynn Brown (Melissa) of Ft. Scott, Kansas; nine grandchildren, twenty-five great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.  Also surviving is a brother, Donnie Brown (Georgia) also of Ft. Scott and several nieces and nephews.

Dean was preceded in death by his wife, Fern, on September 15, 2013.  He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Gale and Gary Brown and two sisters, Delma Wood and Juanita Brown.

 

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct graveside services at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, August 16th at the Mapleton Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Prescott Food Pantry 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.

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Top Tips for Safe Home Canning

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Clara Wikoff. Submitted photo.

 

 

By Clara Wicoff

Southwind Extension District

 

Canning season is in full swing, which makes it the perfect time to review tips for safe home canning! According to the CDC, home canned vegetables are the top cause of botulism outbreaks. Botulism can be fatal, so it is essential to follow these tips from the K-State Research and Extension Rapid Response Center to ensure the safety of all who consume your home canned food! If you fail to follow these tips, you will be playing a dangerous game of food safety roulette.

 

First, it is of the utmost importance to use reliable, tested recipes from sources such as K-State Research and Extension, the National Center for Home Food Preservation, and the USDA Complete Guide to Home Canning. Using recipes from untested sources (such as internet websites, social media, and even old recipes from family members) can lead to a high risk of foodborne illness. Safe home canning starts with a reliable recipe which has been tested for safety.

 

Next, be sure to use the proper processing equipment. Only use a pressure canner for low-acid foods like vegetables, vegetable mixtures, red meats, wild game meats, poultry, seafood, and fish. High-acid foods (like fruits, sweet spreads, pickled products, tomatoes, salsa, and some tomato products) can be canned in a water bath canner.

 

When it comes to tomatoes, note that they are on the borderline between a low-acid and a high-acid food. Therefore, they must be acidified before being processed through either boiling water or pressure canning. To see specific acidification recommendations, visit bit.ly/AcidifyTomatoes.

 

You should also adjust for altitude. Failing to do this can cause your food to be underprocessed, which creates a risk of botulism. Recipes from reliable resources are often written for those processing at altitudes below 1,000 feet. Be aware of the altitude where you are processing food and what adjustments need to be made.

 

Other tips include ensuring you have adequate headspace in jars; not canning in an oven, dishwasher, or electric pressure cooker; following the proper processing time from tested recipes; only using common self-sealing lids once; and never modifying tested recipes to add any other ingredient.

 

Following these tips may just save your life! For more information, please contact Clara Wicoff, Nutrition, Food and Health Extension Agent, at [email protected] or 620-365-2242.

Fort Scott, Government

FS City Commissioners Meet For Budget Session August 16

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The Fort Scott City Commission will meet on Tuesday, August 16th, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. in the City Hall Commission Meeting Room at 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas to hold a work session to discuss the 2023 budget.  This work session is open to the public, but no action will be taken.

 

The City Commission regularly scheduled meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room following the work session.

 

The work session and Commission Meeting will both be available on the City’s YouTube channel.

 

Opinion

Letter to the Editor: Pete Allen

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Submitted by Pete Allen.
Submitted by Pete Allen
This is our new asphalt emulsion storage tank that was delivered yesterday to the public works facility. It is a 7,000 gallon tank that will handle a tanker load of material. It is a companion tool to work with our Total Patcher machine.
This will allow us to make our own asphalt for our SSMP and for filling potholes. This is the new norm for making street and highway repairs and it includes the latest technology in the development of asphalt emulsions.
We will have at our hands, the binder necessary for 250 tons of asphalt that will be heated and constantly agitated for proper care of the emulsion. It will also save us 24 trips to the plant in KC with our truck and patching machine…. that is 24 days of patching instead of driving to KC and back without the cost of transporting the material.
This tanker will put repairs in our hands, instead of an asphalt plant, and at a much cheaper price.
I am very proud and thankful to the governing body for making this purchase.
The tank is being paid for with sales tax revenue. The tank was ordered in March, but as with everything these days, delays caused by material and labor shortages resulted in it just now arriving. It is too late in the season to fill the tank, but it will be erected and ready to go for next season.

Opinion

Let The Fun Begin by Patty LaRoche

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Patty LaRoche

“Every cloud has a silver lining.”  John Milton

Nice thought, but sometimes you have to look pretty hard for that lining.  Take last week, when Dave and I decided to take our tandem kayak on an early morning, fun excursion around the lake. We had not kayaked for three years, so we went over our check list several times.

Look at the weather report.  Check

Key to unlock the padlock that connected the kayak to our dock.  Check

Waterproof case for my phone.  Check

Pedaling flippers for navigation. Check

Oars.  Check.

Seats that attach to the kayak frame.  Check

Life jackets.  Check

Fishing pole and lure. Check

Let the fun begin.

And it would have, were we 30 years old, but 70+ year old knees do not bend well, so just trying to lower ourselves from our dock into the kayak was not an exhibition of athleticism. After pushing off, we began circling.  Yes, circling.  Something was wrong with the toggle that operated the rudder that allowed us to go straight or turn.

“My arm really hurts when I reach behind me like this,” Hubby said, trying to jiggle the wires that support the rudder. Perhaps we really are too old for this activity, I told myself.

While circling, I realized that I had left my phone on shore, but since I didn’t really need it (unless, of course, there was an emergency and I had to call 9-1-1 which always is a possibility), we would go without.  Every time Dave leaned backwards to correct that rudder-thingy, he would groan. Perhaps I would need that phone after all.

Once Dave fixed the rudder, we took off…just not for long.  “I forgot my fishing pole,” said you-know-who.  After returning to the dock to retrieve his pole, I was instructed to peddle and operate the rudder with a hand toggle.  Dave would peddle and catch fish.

“Stop peddling,” said Captain Dave, not long after taking off.  “I’ve caught a fish.”  Only it wasn’t a fish.  The lure had snagged something at the bottom of the lake.  The next snag was an actual fish, but when Dave tried to remove the lure from its mouth, he cut his finger on the barb.  “I’m bleeding,” he said.  His injuries were mounting.

When the clouds rolled in, covering what had been a clear sky, we were at the other end of the lake.  Our fastest peddling could not outrun the downpour, so at the end of our “fun” excursion, we were drenched.  Walking uphill from our dock to our house, I was groaning, but Dave saved the day with this comment: “Well, at least you won’t have to water the grass.”

Is that the best? Little had gone the way we had planned, even with our check list, but none of this was a big deal.  I mean, maybe we were wet and bleeding and our bones hurt, but so what, right?

Dave’s comment helped me help my attitude. I needed to look for that silver lining.  I needed to know Who is in charge of my day. I needed a Proverbs 17:22 adjustment: A joyful heart is good medicine…                                                                                                                                    I’ll take that over a 9-1-1 call any day.                                                                                              

 

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, History

Bourbon County History Tour August 13

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Bourbon County
History Carpool Tour
THIS Saturday, August 13th
Make your reservation today for only $5 per person online…
Click here!
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, Old Fort Genealogical Society, and Historical Preservation Association of Bourbon County announce another carpool tour that will be on Saturday, August 13th at 8:30am. The format of the tour will be by carpool where attendees will provide their own transportation, stopping at the National Cemetery where the tour will be guided by local historians.
The tour on the 13th of August will be visiting the National Cemetery. Fort Scott National Cemetery was created during the Civil War and has continued to include all military since then. Local historians will walk you through the cemetery noting persons, telling reasons for memorial stones, and giving important information about the military campaigns our men and women were involved in while defending the United States and our allies. Volunteer Historians will include Ken Lyon, Brian Allen and Arnold Schofield.
The tour will leave The Old Fort Genealogical Society at 221 S. National Ave. (Memorial Hall) at 8:30 am and will finish by 10:30 am. The cost is only $5 per person and pre-registration is required on a first-come, first-serve basis. Those interested may register online at fortscott.com, click on Events, then Bourbon County Tour. A waiting list will be maintained if the tour reaches capacity. For questions or more information, contact the Old Fort Genealogical Society by calling 620-223-3300 or emailing [email protected].
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Government, Kansas

Rural By Choice Applications Sought

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Commerce Department Launches Rural by Choice Champions Program

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland today announced a unique opportunity for rural communities throughout the state – the Rural by Choice Champions Program (Rural Champions). This one-year pilot program will create a network of grassroots individuals who will tackle critical community projects and identified needs integral for rural prosperity. Rural Champions, which was made possible through a collaboration with the Patterson Family Foundation, will help drive success when there is a lack of capital or other resources to complete the project.

“We are continually looking at ways to keep and attract individuals that want to live and work in our rural communities throughout the state,” said Lt. Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland. “Through this program and other initiatives, such as our Grassroots Economic Development Program and Rural Opportunity Zones, we are focusing on removing barriers to success in rural Kansas.”

In 2021, Commerce’s Office of Rural Prosperity (ORP), in partnership with the Kansas Sampler Foundation, outlined the recommendation for Rural Champions in its Power Up and Go report, an effort begun by former Lieutenant Governor Lynn Rogers prior to his appointment as State Treasurer. The need for the Rural Champions program was identified through surveys and interviews of more than 600 rural Kansans under the age of 40 as something that would “move the needle” toward success.

In order to apply, communities describe current activities, challenges that are stifling progress and how a Rural Champion would benefit advancement. Twelve communities will be selected for the pilot program and will receive a stipend for wages for the Rural Champion. Projects could include anything that the community designates as critically needed, including, but not limited to:

  • a new childcare facility or rehabilitating a building to support a childcare center;
  • health and wellness projects such as a trail system or shared bike program;
  • rehabilitation or construction of new housing units; or
  • entrepreneurship development.

Eligible applicants, which must be located in counties with less than 40,000 population, include:

  • Cities or Counties;
  • Economic/Community Development Organizations;
  • Community Foundations;
  • Local Chambers of Commerce or Tourism groups;
  • Nonprofit organizations including 501(c)3 or 501(c)6;
  • Main Street organizations or affiliates; or
  • Federally recognized tribal communities.

“The program was designed to help revitalize rural communities,” said Trisha Purdon, Director Office of Rural Prosperity. “The Rural Champions will play an integral part in identifying projects – and then making them happen. Every community is unique, and this program provides the flexibility to develop a project that fits their goals.”

Rural Champions will receive direct guidance and technical assistance from the Office of Rural Prosperity to ensure project success. The Office of Rural Prosperity will assist with the development of a rural community playbook to share with other communities for future projects.

Applications will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. Friday, September 16. An informational webinar will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 18. For more information and to register for the webinar, visit our website at https://www.kansascommerce.gov/orp/ruralchampions/. Rural Champions will be announced in late September and will have one year to complete their projects.

Questions can be directed to Kerri Falletti at [email protected] or 785-207-5206.

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 was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021 and 2022, and was awarded the 2021 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

About the Patterson Family Foundation:

Where you come from says a lot about you. But what you do says even more. The Patterson Family Foundation is a family-led foundation extending the legacy of Neal and Jeanne Patterson to improve the rural communities we come from through healthcare, education, economic opportunity, and beyond. Learn more about the Patterson Family Foundation and how it can help your community at https://pattersonfamilyfoundation.org/

Area News

Kansas Gas Service Offers a Chance to Win $100 for Digging Safely 

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Kansas Gas Service Offers a Chance to Win $100 for Digging Safely

 

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. –Thursday, August 11 (8/11) is National 811 Day – a good reminder to call 811 before starting any digging project. To promote public awareness, now through August 11, Kansas Gas Service is challenging residents to “Take the Pledge” to dig safely at BeADigHeroKansas.com for a chance to win a $100 gift card.

 

“Many people don’t remember, or even know, how important it is to call 811 before planting a garden, removing trees or installing sprinklers,” said Trey Pool, manager of Public Awareness and Damage Prevention for ONE Gas, parent company of Kansas Gas Service. “We hope to help change that by raising awareness about the free 811 service, which helps increase the safety of our communities.”

 

Why Call 811?

To prevent damage to underground facilities, harm to yourself and others, unnecessary costs and service disruptions, always call 811 to have underground facilities marked before any digging project.

 

A call to 811 is the safest way to know where utilities are buried in your area.

 

Underground lines may be found in yards or below sidewalks, driveways or streets.  By making the free call to 811 or visiting Kansas811.com at least two full working days before digging begins, homeowners and contractors are connected to the local one-call center, which notifies the appropriate utility companies of their intent to dig. Professional locators are then sent to the requested digging site to mark the approximate locations of underground lines with flags, spray paint or both.

Every digging project, no matter how large or small, warrants a call to 811.  It’s easy, it’s free and it’s the law!

To learn more about safe digging and sign the Safe Digging Pledge, visit BeADigHeroKansas.com.

 

About Kansas Gas Service

Kansas Gas Service provides a reliable and affordable energy choice to more than 647,000 customers in Kansas and is the largest natural gas distributor in the state, in terms of customers.

Headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, Kansas Gas Service is a division of ONE Gas, Inc. (NYSE: OGS), a 100-percent regulated natural gas utility that trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “OGS.” ONE Gas is included in the S&P MidCap 400 Index and is one of the largest natural gas utilities in the United States.

For more information and the latest news about Kansas Gas Service, visit kansasgasservice.com and follow its social channels: @KansasGas, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and Nextdoor.

 

Housing

Make Views Known on Local Housing: Take Survey

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Housing Survey
Your response would be appreciated!
(Regional Economic Development Inc.)
on Community Needs Assessments in Bourbon County and they are now in phase two
of that work which involves the
Community Housing Needs Assessment.
They are looking for important current data
from both residents in Bourbon County
and the real estate brokers and property managers that serve the community.
Please click the link below and take the survey.
Your response will be greatly appreciated!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701