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All posts by Submitted Story
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports July 31
Chamber Coffee is Today at Twister Trailer at 8 a.m.

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KS DCF Denies USDA Data Request
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Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition Agenda for August 6
Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition
General Membership Meeting Agenda
August 6, 2025 1:00 PM
Scottview Conference Room
315 S. Scott Ave
- Welcome:
- Member Introductions and Announcements:
- Program: Pamela Thompson, Family Strong Community Outreach Liaison
- Open Forum:
- Adjournment: The next General Membership meeting will be September 3, 2025.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report July 30
AUTHENTIC REPRODUCTION SABER DRAWING TO BENEFIT FORT SCOTT NHS
If you are from Southeast Kansas, chances are you have visited Fort Scott National Historic Site and learned about the elite fighting force, known as the Dragoons. One of the essential tools in the Dragoon’s arsenal was the saber. Measuring 39 inches long and weighing nearly 2 pounds, Dragoons were trained to use them to fight on foot as well as on horseback.
You may become the proud owner of one of these impressive historic weapons, as the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site are offering chances to win an authentic reproduction of a 1833 Dragoon saber. Tickets are $10 each or $25 for 3 tickets. Funds raised will be used to benefit programs and operations at Fort Scott National Historic Site.
Chances will be sold throughout the summer at the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce during their operating hours or from any Friends of FSNHS board member. The drawing will take place on September 8, 2025, at the Friends of FSNHS annual meeting. Don’t miss this opportunity to own a piece of history!
The Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site is a non-profit organization established in partnership with the National Park Service to support and promote the preservation and interpretation of FSNHS.
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Trivia Fundraiser is Sept. 6

Notice of Services for Nicholas R. Payne

Nicholas R. Payne, age 34, passed away July 4, 2025. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 P.M. Saturday, August 2nd at the Pittsburg Adventist Church, 430 E. 21st St., Pittsburg, Kansas. Private burial will take place at a later date in the Clarksburg Cemetery near Garland, Kansas. Memorials are suggested to the Nicholas Payne Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.
Obituary of Jo Ann Thomas
Jo Ann Thomas, 83, of Fort Scott, passed away peacefully on the morning of July 27, 2025, surrounded by family.
Jo Ann was born on May 4, 1942, in Ft Scott, KS to Oscar and Jimmie Sapp. As a young girl, a serious bicycle accident with her sister led her to Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott for recovery. It was there she first felt called to become a nurse—a decision that would define much of her life.
She attended the Mercy School of Nursing, living in the convent with the sisters. After briefly parting ways with her boyfriend at the time, Hubert, the sisters themselves summoned Hubert and encouraged a reunion as her grades were being impacted. Those same sisters would later be present for the births of their children.
Jo Ann’s passion for nursing guided a remarkable career. After earning her bachelor’s degree from Pittsburg State University, she went on to receive her master’s from the University of Kansas and later graduated with the first class of Nurse Practitioners at KU. She began her career as a supervisor at Mercy Hospital before moving with her husband, Hubert, to Germany, where they worked at the same hospital. Hubert often joked that the Army had made him a medic just so Jo Ann could serve as a civilian nurse at the Army Hospital.
When they returned to Kansas, Jo Ann resumed her work at Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott, eventually serving in multiple leadership roles, including Chief Nursing Officer. She later founded Executive Rural Nurses, a consulting group dedicated to helping rural hospitals move from operating “in the red back into the black”. Her success in that role led to her appointment at Allen County Hospital as Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Operating Officer, where she achieved financial stability for the hospital after years of losses.
Even in retirement, Jo Ann continued to give back, accepting the role of Director of the School of Nursing at Fort Scott Community College to ensure a local pathway for future nurses. During these years, she was also elected by her peers to the Kansas State Board of Nursing, where she served for several years as President, leaving an enduring mark on the profession she loved so deeply.
Jo Ann’s Catholic faith was a constant source of strength and meaning throughout her life. She gave generously of her time to Saint Mary’s Catholic Church and School, where she was a familiar and devoted presence. While she cherished her faith deeply, she also delighted in life’s simple joys—music, sunshine, and long afternoons at Thomas Lake, floating in the water and making sure her hair stayed perfectly dry.
Jo Ann and Hubert, whom she lovingly called Tommy, built a life together that was full of kindness, patience, and unwavering love. They raised three children—Gregory Owen, Elizabeth Ann, and Natalie Sue—and their home was later filled with the laughter and love of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Some of the family’s fondest memories are of the many trips Jo Ann and Hubert took their grandchildren on in their motor home. Adventures that were always filled with joy and togetherness. Passing only months apart, Hubert and Jo Ann leave their family with the peace of knowing their love story continues beyond this life.
She is survived by her three children Gregory Thomas, Elizabeth (Joe) Wright, Natalie (John) Snyder, her seven grandchildren, Bart (Nicole) Wright, Nicholas (Chelsea) Thomas, Drew (Hannah) Wright, Zachary (Stevie) Snyder, Lucas Snyder, Ella Snyder, Thanya Brown-Thomas, and four great grandchildren, Raelynn Wright, Sofia Thomas, Brooks Wright, and Ellison Thomas. One sister Bobbi Kemna.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Hubert Owen Thomas, and her parents Oscar & Gladys “Jimmie” Sapp, grandsons Nathanial Wright, Hunter Thomas and soon to be daughter-in-law Nong Brown.
A Funeral Mass will be held on August 1st at 10am at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, with burial to follow at Clarksburg Cemetery. A Rosary will be held at Cheney Witt Funeral Home on Thursday, July 31 at 5:00 PM with Visitation to follow at 5:30 PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Jo Ann Thomas Memorial Nursing Scholarship in care of Cheney Witt. Donations may also be dropped off at City State Bank, Ft. Scott, KS.
Jo Ann will be remembered for her compassion, her unwavering love, and her devotion to both her family and her profession. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched.
Obituary of Julie Ann Elbrader

Julie Ann Elbrader, 79, passed away tragically on July 8, 2025, in a fire at her lifelong home. She was born on July 7, 1946, to Levi Albert Thompson and Elnora Josephine (Lewis) Thompson. Julie was the second youngest of six siblings, all of whom have passed away: Mary, Marjorie, George, Doug, and Levi. On August 14, 1964, Julie married Robert Elbrader, who preceded her in death after 60 years of marriage.
Julie’s life was marked by selflessness and quiet strength. She opened her heart and home to those in need, especially children, and was a steady and loving presence. Julie was an unofficial historian, the keeper of her family’s stories, memories, and photographs. Her gentle spirit, unwavering generosity, and deep love for her family leave a lasting legacy.
A devoted mother of five, Julie is survived by her children Ricky (Archie) Thompson of Colorado Springs, CO; Marty (Dena) Thompson of Ft. Scott, KS; Ambrosia (James Greene) Shapiro of Richmond, CA; Tara (Jason) Peters of Puyallup, WA; and Jessica (Matt Bower) Shapiro of Iola, KS. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, including Natasha Thompson of Fort Scott, KS and great-great niece Claire Bower, of the home.
Following cremation, graveside services will take place at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, August 1, 2025, at the Fort Scott National Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Clair Bower fund and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS, 66701. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.
Obituary of Peggy Ann Lowery “Hill”

Peggy Ann Lowry “Hill”, walked through the gates of Heaven on Monday, July 28th, 2025. Peggy was born on October 12, 1955, to Donald Eugene and Rosetta Mae (Proctor) Lowry. Peggy had two children, Jennifer Rose Lowry and James Robert Lucas.
Peggy loved to cook and everything she made was amazing, from her special Hawaiian Chicken to fried chicken and baking was her way of showing love. If she found a new recipe that she liked, she would write it down on whatever she could find. Peggy will be remembered for her famous Black Walnut Banana Bread. Peggy worked as a waitress in Fort Scott, Kansas at the Flamingo, Flanner’s Owl Roost, and the Colonial restaurants. Peggy also worked as a CNA in Arma Kansas and in Nevada, Missouri (where she lived for many years).
Peggy graduated in 2016 with her diploma from Chanute High School in Chanute, Kansas. Peggy had a quick smile and an infectious laugh. Peggy loved dancing and listening to music, her favorite artists being Elvis Presley, the Oak Ridge Boys, and Gary Allen. Peggy enjoyed driving in the country, listening to music and spending time with her friends. She loved day trips to wherever the road took them. Peggy was a bright spot in this world that will continue to shine in the hearts and minds of all that knew her.
Peggy is survived by a daughter, Jennifer Arnold (Troy) of Fort Scott, Kansas; a son, James Lucas, Fort Scott; and a brother, Bobby Proctor of Wichita, Kansas.
Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, Donald Eugene and Rosetta Mae Lowry; two brothers, Donald “Donnie” Eugene Lowry and Jeffrey “Jeff” Roe Lowry; one of her best friends/sister-in-law Debra Sue (Long) Lowry; and many aunts and uncles.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, July 31st, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Memory Gardens Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM Thursday until service time at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.




