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Obituary

Obituary of Raymond Harper

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Raymond Tyler Maxwell Harper, 19, of Fort Scott, passed away Sunday evening, September 13, 2020. He was born February 7, 2001, in Topeka, Kansas.

Ray attended Fort Scott schools, and worked for both Twister Trailers and Laco Guttering. He enjoyed fishing, carpentry and building things, and loved to be outdoors.

Survivors include his parents, Charles Ray and Connie Jean (Riley) Harper, of Fort Scott; numerous brothers and sisters: Melonie Harper, Donald Harper, Jessie Harper, all of the home, Nicole Hall and husband Derek, Tiffani Bradley and husband Keith, both of Uniontown, Kaylie Harper and husband Clayton Miller of Fort Scott, Jenna Clayton and husband Ty of Redfield, Elijah Roberts, Ethan Roberts, and Gloria Roberts, all of Texas, Taylor VanZant, Kristal Castillo, both of Fort Scott, Lorenza Burris of Pittsburg, Kansas, Angelica Gonzalez, Christina Ramirez, both of Girard, Kansas, and Cassidy Riley of Harrisonville, Missouri; grandmothers Leah Riley of Fort Scott, and Marguerite Harper of Kansas City, Kansas; great-grandmother Mary Ellen Harper of Devon, Kansas; numerous nieces and nephews.

Raymond was preceded in death by paternal grandfather Gary Harper and maternal grandfather Tommy Riley.

Jeff Michael will conduct graveside services at 1:00 p.m. Monday September 21, 2020, at the Centerville Cemetery in Fort Scott under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

A visitation will be held following the service at 3:00 p.m. at Gunn Park, Shelter #5.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Raymond Harper Fort Scott High School Cross Country Scholarship and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Government, Kansas

Motor Carriers COVID 19 Relief Extended

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Governor Laura Kelly Issues Executive Order Allowing Continued Delivery of COVID-19 Recovery Supplies

 

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced she has signed Executive Order #20-65, which extends temporary relief for motor carriers from certain rules and regulations allowing them to quickly deliver supplies necessary to assist Kansas in its COVID-19 recovery efforts.

 

“I want to thank motor carriers across the nation who have been working diligently throughout the pandemic to make sure medical supplies, food shipments, and other critical items reach those who need them,” Governor Kelly said. “I will continue following the lead of our federal partners to decrease the burden on our motor carriers, and ensure these supplies reach their destinations as quickly as possible.”

 

Executive Order #20-65 extends temporary relief for motor carriers from certain rules and regulations until rescinded, until December 31, 2020, or until the statewide State of Disaster Emergency expires, whichever is earlier. It is an extension of measures put in place by Executive Order #20-62. 

   

The order lifts certain weight restrictions and permitting requirements to allow needed medical supplies, food shipments, and other items to move through Kansas as quickly as possible. These exceptions apply only to motor carriers actively participating in COVID-19 response efforts.  

  

View E.O. #20-65 here.

Bourbon County, Schools, Sports

Uniontown Football and Volleyball Sept. 11-12

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Adelay Martin. Submitted photo.

Submitted by Adelay Martin, UHS Sports Media Reporter

UHS Football

On Friday, September 11, the Uniontown Eagles’ football team faced the Wabaunsee Chargers. The Eagles were defeated 20-14, bringing their record to 1-1.

Hunter Schaaf rushed 26 times over 118 yards and scored 1 touchdown, and Drew Perry rushed 16 times over 102 yards scored the other touchdown. Perry also completed 4 out of 8 passes over 12 yards.

“The past couple of weeks, we’ve come out and we’ve dug ourselves a hole by turning the ball over to start the game and giving up an easy score. That’s my fault as a head coach for not having the team ready to go at the start of the game,” says Coach Stark. “This past week, we played a pretty poor first half and Wabaunsee really put it to us; they deserve a lot of credit. They’re a well-coached team, and they have some pretty talented players. They wanted to win the game more than what we wanted to the entire first half. After going into halftime down 13-0, I challenged the team and they came out and played the second half with much more heart and passion than in the first half. The second half, we were a different team. Unfortunately, we dug ourselves too big of a hole to get out of.

“One thing I am proud of is how hard we played in the second half. At one point in the second half, we were down 20-7 and we went on a 23-play scoring drive to put ourselves down one score in the fourth quarter. We overcame multiple penalties and we easily could have quit, but we didn’t, and we got into the endzone.

“One thing we have to improve on is how many penalties we’ve been having. I take responsibility for that as head coach for not having the team ready to play a clean, mistake-free game. In order to win in the future, we’re going to have to do a much better job of starting the game off strong and playing a clean game and eliminating our mental mistakes of false starts and holding penalties. I’m confident we’ll get those things corrected and be ready moving forward.”

JV Volleyball

Members of the Junior Varsity Volleyball team competed at the Moran JV Tournament on Saturday, September 12. The tournament was modified, moving to just pool play within each gym. Uniontown swept their pool with three wins!

Uniontown defeated SCC in two matches with scores of 25-17 and 25-23. Kristy Beene scored 9 points, and Skyler Coulter was 3/3 on attacks with 1 kill.

Uniontown also defeated Northeast, with scores of 25-15 and 25-19. Landry George scored 15 points, and Rylee Coulter was 6/8 on attacks with 1 kill.

Lastly, the Lady Eagles defeated Pleasanton with matches scoring 25-10 and 25-18. Hannah Moore scored 12 points and Landry George was 7/7 on attacks with 2 kills.

Let’s congratulate our Junior Varsity Volleyball team!

-Adelay Martin, UHS Sports Media Reporter

Government, Kansas

Grant For Historic Kansas Properties

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces $500,000 Grant to Protect Historic Kansas Properties

~National Park Service awards $500,000 Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grant to the Kansas Historical Society~

 

TOPEKA—Governor Laura Kelly today announced a new program that will assist Kansans who own historic properties in communities with populations under 30,000. The National Park Service has awarded the $500,000 Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grant to the Kansas Historical Society. The Historical Society’s Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) will develop this new sub-grant program, Kansas Rural Preservation.

 

“Kansas is home to many historical and cultural sites that tell the story of our state and our country’s past,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Thanks to the National Park Service and the Kansas Historical Society, we can be assured that markers that are part of our history will be protected for future generations to learn from and enjoy.”

 

More details about the sub-grant program and applications will become available this winter at kshs.org/20430. Or contact Katrina Ringler, SHPO grants manager, at 785-272-8681, ext. 215; [email protected]; to be placed on a notification list for further details.

 

Kansas was among eight recipients to receive the Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grants this year. A total of $4.8 million was awarded in 2020 to support the preservation of historic buildings in rural communities across America. Now in its second year, the Paul Bruhn Historical Revitalization Grants are named for a former executive director of the Preservation Trust of Vermont.

 

Congress appropriates funding for various programs, including the Paul Bruhn Revitalization Grant, through the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF). The HPF uses revenue from federal oil leases on the Outer Continental Shelf to assist preservation projects in all states, territories, and many tribal lands. For more information about the Paul Bruhn Revitalization Grant, find more at go.nps.gov/revitalization.

 

Fort Scott, Fort Scott National Historic Site

FLY THE U.S. FLAG TAKING NEW SUBSCRIPTIONS

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Submitted by  FRIENDS OF FORT SCOTT NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE, KELLEY COLLINS, 417-684-2484

 

The Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site Inc. is taking new subscriptions for their “Fly the U.S. Flag” project. The Friend’s U.S. flag project provides homeowners and businesses, within the city limits of Fort Scott, the opportunity to fly the Stars and Stripes on five different flag holidays without the hassle of purchasing, erecting, and storing a flag and pole. You don’t even have to remember the holiday!

For $35 annually, the Friends will install a 3’x5′ flag on a 12-foot staff at your home or business on each of the following Flag Holidays in 2021:

Memorial Day

Flag Day

Fourth of July

Labor Day

Veteran’s Day

Sign up by October 8, 2020, and you will also get Veteran’s Day 2020 included in the offer–SIX DAYS for the price of FIVE!!!

Agreements can be obtained at the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce or can be emailed to you. Contact Kelley Collins at 417-684-2484 or Martha Scott at 620-224-9924 for further information.

All proceeds support programs at Fort Scott National Historic Site. These include Symbols of Sacrifice, a Citizenship Ceremony, Candlelight Tour, Youth Engagement, and many others.

Show your patriotism and help our local National Park by lining the streets of Fort Scott with our nation’s symbol!

The U.S. Flag Project is a yearly project sponsored by the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site. This offer is for new subscribers only. Current subscribers will be mailed a renewal notice in January for the 2021 season.

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Obituary

Darrel George Celebration of Life on Sept. 20

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Darrel George, age 66, a resident of rural Uniontown, Kansas, passed away March 21, 2020.

\A celebration of Darrel’s life will be held from 4-6 P.M. on Sunday, September 20th at the Bourbon County Fair Pavilion.

Friends and family are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and enjoy food and fellowship.

Private burial took place in the Uniontown Cemetery.

Donations to the Bourbon County Fair Association are still being accepted and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.

Fort Scott, Schools

USD 234 Board of Education News Release

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NEWS RELEASE

 

Monday, September 14, 2020

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at the Fort Scott Middle School Commons on Monday, September 14, for their regular monthly meeting.

President David Stewart opened the meeting.  The board approved the official agenda.  The board also approved the consent agenda as follows:

 

A.    Minutes

B.    Bills and Claims

C.    Payroll – August 20,  2020 – $1,259,778.71

D.    Financial Report

E.     Activity Fund Accounts

 

One patron participated in the public forum.

Terry Sercer with Diehl, Banwart, Bolton, gave an audit report for the district with no violations of state statutes or federal regulations.

Board members heard a report from Brenda Hill, KNEA President.

In addition, reports were given by principals from each building on the beginning days of

school.  The board heard reports from Dalaina Smith, Director of Academics; Ted Hessong, Superintendent; and Gina Shelton, Business Manager/Board Clerk.

Board members approved contracts for provision of educational services, the 2020-21 Emergency Operation Plan, and the appointment of Ted Hessong as a USD 234 BEDCO representative.

Board members shared comments and then went into executive session to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel and returned to open meeting

The board approved the following employment matters:

 

A.    Resignation of Shelley Rooks, middle school teacher aide, effective at the end of the 2019-20 school year

B.    Resignation of Haley Jones, high school paraprofessional, effective September 10, 2020

C.    Resignation of Julie Carpenter, high school paraprofessional, effective September 16, 2020

D.    Employment of Carissa Bowman as high school FCCLA sponsor for the 2020-21 school year

The board adjourned.

 

Government, Kansas

Ag Marketing Board Meets Virtually

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Agriculture Marketing and Promotions Advisory Board to Hold Virtual Meeting on September 17

 

MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Marketing and Promotions Advisory Board will meet at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 17. This is a regularly scheduled board meeting that will be held via virtual meeting or by utilizing a call-in option.

 

The mission of the KDA Agricultural Marketing, Advocacy and Outreach Team is to serve all Kansans through innovative programming and delivering solutions designed to create an environment that facilitates growth and expansion in agriculture while increasing pride in and awareness of the state’s largest industry — agriculture.

 

The meeting is open to the public. To request a copy of the agenda or directions on how to participate in the virtual meeting, please contact Kerry Wefald, agriculture marketing director, at 785-564-6758 or [email protected].

 

Persons who require special accommodations must make their needs known at least two days prior to the meeting.

 

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WHO:            Marketing and Promotions Advisory Board

Kansas Department of Agriculture

 

WHAT:          Regular Board Meeting

 

WHEN:          September 17, 2020, at 9:00 a.m.

 

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Quarterly Downtown Meet and Greet Oct. 6

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Join us for the Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet, Tuesday, October 6th
8:30 am to 9:30 am
hosted by the Chamber at Sharky’s Pub & Grub
Rita Schroeder, Administrative Assistant
Lindsay Madison, President & CEO
620-223-3566
Come see Sharky’s new windows & doors
installed during recent renovations!
These informal, quarterly meetings are hosted by the Chamber for downtown business owners, representatives and community members to network and share ideas on events, promotions and anything related to downtown. Coffee, juice and light refreshments will be served.
Special Note from the Chamber Board:
Following KS state safety recommendations & health practices ~subject to Bourbon County’s continued advancement through the reopening phasing plans.
You may wear a mask at your own discretion.
Bourbon County, COVID-19, Government, Health Care

Bourbon County Has 30 Active COVID-19 Cases

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SEK Multi-County Health Departments

Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, and Woodson Counties

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

September 14, 2020

Allen County

Current Active Cases 10
Presumptive Cases 7
Positive Out of State-Staying in Allen County 4
Total Hospitalizations 3-1 in hospital
Current Recovered Cases 46 (recovered positives + recovered presumptives )
Total Positives Since Testing 49 (Allen County + out of state)
Deaths 0

Anderson County

Current Active Cases 7
Total Hospitalizations 1-0 in hospital
Current Recovered Cases 47
Total Positives Since Testing 54
Deaths 0

Bourbon County

Current Active Cases 30
Presumptive Cases 15
Positive Out of State/County-staying in Bourbon 17
Total Hospitalizations 9-0 remaining in hospital
Current Recovered Cases 114 (recovered positives + recovered presumptives)
Total Positives Since Testing 131 (Bourbon County + out of state/county)
Deaths 2

Woodson County

Current Active Cases 4
Presumptive Cases 2
Total Hospitalizations 1-0 remaining in hospital
Current Recovered Cases 12
Total Positives Since Testing 114
Deaths 0

“Woodson is at 14 total positives, not 114,” noted Rebecca Johnson, SEK Multi-County Health Departments Administrator

Bourbon County, Bourbon County Sheriff's Office, Fort Scott

Body Found at Lake Fort Scott

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On September 13, 2020, Fort Scott Police and Fire Departments, Fort Scott Rural Fire, Bourbon County EMS and Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office responded to a missing person call at Fort Scott Lake. Kansas Wildlife and Parks along with an Air Methods helicopter also assisted in the search.

Raymond Harper, 19, of Fort Scott, had been kayaking in the lake.

His kayak had been found but friends were unable to locate Harper.

First responders searched until 1:15 a.m. on Sept. 14, when the search was stopped until daybreak.

Kansas Highway Patrol joined in the search today. Sheriff Bill Martin reached out to the Overland Park Dive Team and Fire Chief Dave Bruner to the Newton County Dive Team to assist in the search.

At 1:53 p.m. today, a body was found, that was suspected to be Harper’s. The body was sent to Frontier Forensics for an autopsy.

“At this time our thoughts and prayers are with the Harper family,” Fort Scott Police Captain Jason Pickert, said.