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Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott Interim City Manager Report Dec. 9

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Interim City Manager Report

The Honorable Mayor and December 9, 2020

City Commissioners

City of Fort Scott, Kansas Letter No. 20-002

FROM: J. Jeff Hancock, Interim City Manager

SUBJECT: City Manager Report

Dear Mayor and Commission Members:

Observations and Activities

As previously indicated, I plan to continue to provide you a written report ahead of each regular Commission meeting that will go out with the Agenda. Hopefully, this will not only provide a running report on my activities, communicate to the Press and our citizens, but may also provide recommendations and comments for your review during the Interim City Manager Report previously at the end of the Commission meeting. This upcoming Commission meeting moves this report further up on the Agenda.

Although I started work at City Hall on Wednesday November 18 and have met many city staff members and fellow employees, I still have not had time to take individual tours with all the Department Directors. Hopefully, I can find time to make this happen. Although telephone conversations have taken place, I still want to meet in person and spend some personal time with Commissioners Kevin Allen and Pete Allen.

Monday of last week, I attended a Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting and then a Special City Commission meeting whereupon the Commission voted to replace former Commissioner JoLynne Mitchell with new Commissioner Josh Jones. Congratulations to Josh. I look forward to working with you.

Throughout my stay, I have been fortunate to meet several Fort Scott citizens. Tuesday morning of last week I met with Deb McCoy. At six p.m. that same day I attended the Fort Scott City Commission meeting. Wednesday morning, I participated in the weekly City Department meeting and then met with City Development staff to discuss the departure of Nathan Stansberry and the short term and long-term efforts for Community and Economic Development. As a result of that meeting, I appointed Allyson Turvey Acting City Zoning Administrator. I was also able to meet with a developer and city staff on the alley project and water drainage concerns at the Union Lofts project. Although I left the office Wednesday afternoon, I was able to make and take several telephone calls driving home. City calls continued at home on Thursday and Friday. These calls included discussions on the Christmas Trolley tours, the City Chamber coffee scheduled for December 17 and street concerns, among others. I continue to coordinate Commissioner and citizen concerns.

This week, I arrived on Monday and was able to meet with Commissioners Watts and Jones Monday morning. At noon I met with Rachel and Ally and representatives from the Kansas Department of Commerce. Tuesday morning of this week, I met with Chad Brown and toured an alley site in the downtown. I also was able to formally meet with former Commissioner JoLynne Mitchell. Later I met with Mayor Nichols. Tuesday afternoon included attendance at a Design Review Committee meeting followed by a City Commission work session meeting on the upcoming sales tax ballot issue, and the Charter Ordinance 31 January ballot issue. Wednesday included a Department Director meeting. I then toured with Chad Brown to review Horton and Cooper Streets and the recent water line break. A meeting took place that afternoon with a County Commissioner, County Counselor, City Commissioner Watts and Jones on potential City/County shared services.

I was not in the city Thursday and Friday but took several city e-mails and phone calls concerning City business. I plan to return to Fort Scott on Tuesday, December 15. That evening we will have the second regular City Commission Meeting for the month of December. I plan to attend the Thursday Chamber City sponsored coffee at the Municipal Auditorium.

Some Existing Projects Ongoing:

Time permitting, I may have some additional information to verbally share with you at this upcoming Tuesday City Commission Meeting. Some of these may include:

New Street Cut Permit and Process.

10 N. National building.

Street projects.

Union Loft projects.

Chamber City Sponsored Coffee.

City/County Shared Services.

Strategic Plan.

If you have any questions or if you need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me through e-mail at [email protected] or through my cell phone.

Fort Scott, Government

FS Commission Agenda Dec. 15

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR
MEETING OF
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
BUCK RUN COMMUNITY CENTER

COREY LARSON GYMNASIUM

735 SCOTT AVENUE
DECEMBER 15, 2020
6:00 P.M.

Call to Order

  1. Roll Call:

K. Allen P. Allen J. Jones L. Watts R. Nichols

II. Flag Salute:

  1. Invocation: Led by: Pastor Ian Johnson, Community Christian Church

  2. Approval of Agenda:

  3. Proclamations/Recognitions:

  4. Consent Agenda:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of December 1st, 2020, and special meeting minutes of November 30th, 2020

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1277-A totaling $428,332.67.

  1. Certificate of Appropriateness – Signage at 17 S. Main – Star Emporium Downtown General Store

  1. Schneider Electric – Final Payment – $176,049.20

  1. Request to Pay – Insituform #2 – $63,600.28

  1. Lauber Municipal Law Firm – November – $22,382.50

  1. HDR Engineering – River Intake Project – $7,906.99

  1. November financials

2021 Package Sales: (Copies on file in Clerk’s office)

Pete’s of Erie, Inc. #20 – 998 N. National

Pete’s of Erie, Inc. #27 – 605 S. National

Pete’s of Erie, Inc. #14 – 1902 S. Main

Pete’s of Erie, Inc. #28 – 1138 E. Wall

Hill’s Service, Inc. – 308 N. National

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. #39 – 2500 S. Main

Walgreen Company – 2229 S. Main

Casey’s General Store #3399 – 2216 S. Main

G & W 2, L.L.C., 911 E. 6th Street

Consumption on the Premises:

Debra Cagle DBA Fifthwheel Tavern – 206 Humboldt

Woodland Hills Golf Course – 2414 S. Horton

2021 Public Dance License: (Copies on file in Clerk’s file)

Elks Lodge #579 – 111 W. 19th

Sharky’s Pub & Grub – 16 N. National

Liberty Theatre – 113 S. Main

Holmtown Pub – 206 N. National

Buck Run Community Center – 735 Scott

Memorial Auditorium – 1 E. Third Street

  1. Public Comment:

(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at Commission discretion)

  1. Interim City Manager Report

  1. Old Business: None

  1. Appearances: None

  1. New Business:

  1. Municipal Advisory Services Agreement – Stifel

  2. Refinancing of Bonds – Gilmore & Bell – Approval of Resolution and all supporting documentation for the Mayor to sign

  3. Sales Tax Resolution – Approval of either Option 1 or Option 2 and all supporting documentation for the Mayor to sign

  4. Water Rate Increase – Approval of Ordinance No. 3570

  5. Scope & Fee for Engineering Services for Phase 2 of the River Intake Project – Dam Improvements

  6. Timken Grant Application

  7. Consideration of Scooters Funding

  8. Fuel Flow Fee Agreement – AG Spraying Company – Approval for the Mayor to sign the agreement

  9. Donation of Fire Truck

  10. Consideration of Board Appointments:

Planning Commission (6)

Board of Zoning Appeals (1)

Airport Advisory Board (4)

Design Review Board (2)

XII. Reports and Comments:

  1. Director Reports: None

B. Commissioners Reports and Comments:

C. City Attorney Reports and Comments:

XIII. Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for Executive Sessions)

XIV. Adjournment:

Government, Kansas

CARES Act Fraud Protection Updates

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces Fraud Protection Updates to CARES Act Investments Portal

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today, in a continued commitment to transparency and accountability, announced updates to the online dashboard that tracks the investments funded through the Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF) of the federal CARES Act. The portal has been updated to include all spending through October 31, 2020, and a newly expanded fraud protection online reporting portal.

“Kansans deserve to know how their tax dollars are being spent, and that they are protected against potential fraud,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “My administration continues to prioritize transparency and accountability, and these resources are another way for us to make this valuable information accessible to the public.”

If Kansans suspect fraud, waste, or abuse of CARES Act funds, they can report their allegations via an online portal, which will help direct their concerns to the appropriate place. Previously, Kansans could call or email the Office of Recovery with their claims. The new portal will streamline the process and offer Kansans the opportunity to submit claims anonymously if they fear retribution.

Kansans can report fraud, waste, or abuse by visiting: https://covid.ks.gov/report-fraud-waste-or-abuse/

Additionally, the online dashboard, which launched at the end of October, has been updated to include the spending reports submitted to the Office of Recovery in mid-November. These reports include all spending through October 31, 2020. Kansans can view how and where the $1.034 billion of Coronavirus Relief Fund dollars the State received have been invested. These investments were recommended by the SPARK Taskforce and approved by State Finance Council.

“From the beginning, we’ve been committed to ensuring Kansans have visibility in how their tax dollars are being invested and confidence that they will be used as intended,” Julie Lorenz, Executive Director of the Office of Recovery, said. “I’m pleased that we can continue to make enhancements in these areas.”

The dashboard can be viewed at https://covid.ks.gov/covid-data/

Government, Kansas

Flags Half-Staff For COVID-19 Deaths

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Governor Laura Kelly Directs Flags be Flown at Half-staff to Honor 2,072 Kansans Who Lost their Lives to COVID-19

TOPEKA – Kansas surpassed 2,000 Kansas deaths due to COVID-19. In honor of the lives lost and the families they left behind, Governor Laura Kelly has directed that flags be lowered to half-staff throughout the state effective immediately to sundown Monday, December 14, 2020.

“For the second time since the COVID-19 pandemic began, I am ordering flags be lowered to half-staff in commemoration of the Kansans we have lost,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “While COVID-19 has impacted each Kansas community differently, we all share this collective loss of our family, friends, and neighbors. We can all honor their memory by protecting each other and working together to slow the spread of this virus.”

To receive email alerts when the governor orders flags to half-staff, please visit: https://governor.kansas.gov/newsroom/kansas-flag-honor

Obituary

Obituary of Grace Hill

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Grace Berniece Hill, age 95, a former resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas and more recently of Olathe, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, December 9, 2020, at the Evergreen Community of Johnson County in Olathe.  She was born on February 14, 1925, in Oakley, Iowa, the daughter of Leonard Pottorff and Dollie Marker Pottorff.  She first married Eugene Coombs they had five children and later divorced.  Grace then married William J. Hawkins on July 2, 1955, and three more children were added to the family.  Bill preceded her in death on April 17, 1992.  She later married Gerald Ray on November 7, 1993.  They were married for five years until his death on December 29, 1998.  On June 1, 2001, she married Willis William “Bill” Hill and he too preceded her in death.  Grace worked for a time in housekeeping at Mercy Hospital, but her main priority was taking care of her family.  Grace was a devoted wife and a loving mother to her eight children.

 

Survivors include five children, Larry Coombs (Sherry), of Batesville, Arkansas, Penelope Sue Reasoner (Randy) of Ft. Scott, Kansas, Paul Hawkins (Connie) of Carterville, Missouri, Hugh Leonard “Leo” Hawkins (Brenda), of Kearney, Missouri and Mike Hawkins (Wanda), of Kansas City, Missouri and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.  Also surviving is a sister, Bertha Tobey, of California.  In addition to her husbands, Grace was preceded in death by a daughter, Carol Hull, two sons, Jerry Coombs and Gary Coombs, two brothers, Calvin Pottorff and Olan “Shorty” Pottorff and three sisters, Vera Ogren, Dorothy Hovey and Iva Bley.

 

Funeral services will be held at 12:30 P.M. Wednesday, December 16th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.   Pallbearers will be Bill Hawkins, Mike Smith, Kincaid Hurst, Isaac Hurst, Jerry Coombs, Jr., and Dawson Russell.  The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Tuesday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to the Evergreen Community Hospice 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

Carrying on Traditions Through Holiday Foods

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Barbara Stockebrand. K-State Extension Agent. Submitted photo.

Barbara Stockebrand

Southwind Extension District –Yates Center

Family and Consumer Sciences

Carrying on Traditions Through Holiday Foods

Knowing this Christmas season may look a lot different from Christmas past, we may be struggling to find ways to carry on some of our traditions. Previously, I had written about simplifying our holiday festivities this year, and that may involve starting some new traditions.

Traditions help to explain our family stories. They give meaning to our family culture and explain where we came from. Those stories need to be passed on.

Our sense of smell can often bring back memories in a matter of seconds. What better way to activate our sense of smell, and recall some of those memories and stories, than with food?

Specific foods are closely tied with family traditions. Those foods, of course, will be different for each of our families. I mentioned last week that some of those favorite foods might be able to be sent through the mail to family members to help maintain some traditions this Christmas.

Keep food safety in mind when shipping homemade food gifts through the mail. Why is this an issue? Foodborne pathogens grow faster between 40°F and 140°F, potentially doubling every 20 minutes, in what is often referred to as the temperature danger zone.

Food products requiring refrigeration should be frozen solid and packed with a cold source prior to shipping. Double-check the shipping method is adequate for your gift to arrive timely, ideally overnight. Make sure the recipient knows a perishable item is coming their way, so it can go straight to the refrigerator. It’s important to take the extra precautions to ensure recipients of your food package feel the love and not the effects of food poisoning when they receive their gift.

Sending only non-perishable foods through the mail is a good set of rules to follow. Non-refrigerated foods stay fresher longer and are safe at room temperature. Some examples of non-perishable foods include: Dried meats, dense and dry baked goods such as fruitcakes and biscotti. Chocolates, hard candies and homemade sweets, such as pralines and toffee, are safe to send either cold or at room temperature.

Cookies and crackers are safe to mail, but should be shipped in airtight packaging. Non-perishable ingredients that are already measured can be sent for specific food products. Food items such as cookies, hot teas or drink mixes, favorite dip mixes, and snacks, like trail mix, can easily be shipped through the mail. Don’t forget to include the recipe!

While you don’t need to worry about the temperature of non-refrigerated foods, you should protect the original packaging. Sturdy packaging helps keep it undamaged for the bumpy ride ahead.

If you would like to add a new twist to your holiday traditions involving food, choose one or two favorite family recipes that everyone can make. Set a time when you can meet by Zoom or some other virtual option, have the food prepared ahead of time, and let everyone enjoy that favorite dish or snack while on the virtual meeting. Conversation always goes better with food!

A virtual process of sharing foods from different locations reminds me of the progressive dinner concept that is a lot of fun. In that process, participants all enjoy the same meal, but travel from house to house to consume a different part of the meal. We may not be able to physically travel to other homes this year, but technology gives us options to still ‘visit’ each other’s homes.

For more information on food products that ship well, contact the Southwind Extension Office in Yates Center at 620-625-8620. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

 

Bourbon County, Schools

UNIONTOWN HS 2020-21 BASKETBALL RESULTS GAME 2

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Adelay Martin. Submitted photo.

Submitted by Adelay Martin, UHS Student Sports Reporter

The Eagles’ Varsity basketball teams traveled to Humboldt once again to face the Erie Red Devils. Both teams were defeated by Erie.

The Lady Eagles lost to Erie on Thursday 29-32. Sammie Hampton scored 10 points and had 9 rebounds and 2 steals. Gwenyth Fry had 1 assist and 8 rebounds, and Karleigh Schoenberger had 10 rebounds and 2 steals. Rylee Coulter, a freshman, had 4 rebounds and scored 4 points, one basket being a buzzer-beater that took us into a second overtime.

“As much as we hate losing, we really needed this experience tonight,” said Coach Miller. “Foul trouble, coupled with our usual top performers stumbling, required us to step outside of our comfort zone. This unfortunate outcome may have helped our team more than the sting of the loss will let us realize right now. Get bitter, or get BETTER. I know what these girls will choose.”

The boys’ Varsity team also lost to Erie 39-53. Jake Harvey scored 15 points and had 9 rebounds and 2 assists. Clay Sutterby scored 7 points and had 4 rebounds, and Luke Perry scored 6 points and had 5 rebounds. Drew Perry had 1 assist and 2 steals.

“I’m extremely proud of the guys on our team,” Coach Hays said. “We competed hard and left it all on the court. We defended and rebounded much better tonight. We need to continue to work on our chemistry on the offensive end, but that will come with time.”

Fort Scott

Rotary Close to Bikes for Children Goal This Year

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Rotary is close to meeting their goal of 87 bikes ~
no amount is too small to give!
You may drop off your donation to the E3 store at Wall & National Ave. or click here to pay via the Chamber PayPal and we will forward your donation.
Call Rhonda Dunn for questions or more info:
620-224-1186
Rotary asks for your
partnership in meeting
their goal on
purchasing Bikes
for Children this Christmas!
Rotary Christmas Bikes 2020
The Fort Scott Rotary Club is working with The Beacon
again this year to bring Christmas bicycles to Fort Scott children.
We really came together last year and met the needs and
think we can do it again this year. We need over
80 bicycles, scooters, or tricycles this year.
How can you help?
– Buy a bicycle, scooter, or tricycle and bring it to
Rotary c/o Rhonda Dunn 13 S. National between 9-6 Mon-Fri.
– Make a donation for bicycles and we will do the shopping for you. Mail it to: Fort Scott Rotary Club at 13 S. National Fort Scott.
– Click here to make a donation online via the Chamber’s PayPal and we will forward the money to Rotary.
– PM or call Rhonda @ 620.224.1186 with questions or for more info.
We will be collecting bicycles until December 16 and delivering them on December 17 to the Community Christian Church for distributions to the families on December 18.
Let’s make Christmas special for local families!
Thank you in advance for your consideration and possible contribution to this project!
Government, Kansas

Governor’s Race Equity Recommendations Released

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Governor Laura Kelly’s Commission on Racial Equity and Justice Releases Recommendations

TOPEKA –Governor Laura Kelly today announced that her Commission on Racial Equity and Justice has released to the public their initial report on law enforcement and policing in Kansas.

In June of 2020, Governor Laura Kelly signed Executive Order No. 20-48, establishing the Governor’s Commission on Racial Equity and Justice. The Commission was tasked with studying issues of racial equity and justice in Kansas. It began its work focusing on law enforcement and policing.

“I’m proud to see that the Commission has engaged with so many diverse communities and stakeholder groups across Kansas to compile recommendations that get to the heart of these issues,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I implore legislators and law enforcement agencies across the state to take a close look at these recommendations and see how they can create real change for the communities they serve.”

The governor appointed a diverse group of professionals from law enforcement, academia, public education, public health, local government, the justice system, and more to spearhead the Commission’s work. Over the past five months, the Commission met with dozens of stakeholders, community members, and law enforcement professionals across the state and collected input for recommendations on improving law enforcement interactions with the communities they serve.

The Commission, led by co-chairs Dr. Tiffany Anderson and Dr. Shannon Portillo, held five months of bi-weekly meetings and hosted 26 learning sessions with community members and stakeholders.

“We are thankful for the hundreds of community members, law enforcement professionals, and all those who took the time to candidly and selflessly present their ideas and expertise to help lead us to become a more equitable state,” said the co-chairs. “Through the many hours of virtual meetings, we have learned how dedicated so many fellow Kansans are to do what it takes to create a safer, more trusting, and more inclusive environment for all. Our work was given deeper meaning and value through their participation and recommendations.”

Last week, the Commission submitted to the Governor a report with more than 60 recommendations on ways that state agencies, the legislature, and local governments can take action to improve racial equity around law enforcement and policing in the state of Kansas. The recommendations address topics including law enforcement training, accountability, data collection, and behavioral health.

The Commission will convene today, Thursday, December 10, 2020, to discuss future topics of study. Commissioners will analyze racial equity and justice in the context of various systems in Kansas, such as mental health, education, housing, and economic opportunity. Per Executive Order No. 20-48, the Commission is tasked with submitting to the governor a second report by July 1, 2021, and a final comprehensive report by January 1, 2022.

Read the full report here.

See a summary of the report recommendations here.

Bourbon County, Entertainment

Prom for People with Special Needs

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Submitted by
Michelle Hudiburg and Clayton Whitson,
[email protected]

Fort Scott Nazarene to Host Night to Shine Prom for People with Special Needs

Sponsored by Tim Tebow Foundation

FORT SCOTT, KS, The Tim Tebow Foundation’s NIGHT TO SHINE, hosted in Fort Scott Kansas is holding a raffle to raise funds to help make this year’s Night to Shine unforgettable. It is a 50/50
raffle.

Proceeds from the ticket sales will go into a pot, 50% will go to Night to Shine and one winner will win the other 50%.

Last reports put that pot at over $400. You can purchase tickets in FORT SCOTT at Common

Ground Coffee or Five Corners anytime or Nazarene Church THIS Saturday from 10-1.

In NEVADA, you can purchase tickets at Verco / Davidson Shoes or Western Finance.

The winner will be drawn on DECEMBER 14th, 2020

.
We are still looking for Honored Guests, Volunteers, and Corporate sponsors. To register or for more information you can email: [email protected] or visit our Facebook page:
facebook.com/fsnighttoshine

Please like and share the Fort Scott Night to Shine Facebook page for the most up to date information.
********
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For 2021, due to the global circumstances of COVID-19, the Foundation has chosen to provide Night to Shine as a virtual event in 2021.

We feel that the best way to honor and love our guests is
to forego in-person proms in order to keep them as safe as possible. We are incredibly disappointed that we are not able to celebrate each amazing king and queen in person this year,
but we are committed to throwing one spectacular, safe, virtual celebration in their honor .

While this year’s event will be virtual, Fort Scott Nazarene and partners are anticipating hosting this event for years to come. This is just the beginning for Night to Shine in our community and
surrounding areas AND we are looking for sponsors to ensure a high-quality, high-impact evening for our honored guests. If you are interested in sponsoring, please visit our website or email
[email protected] .

An event of this magnitude requires an army of volunteers to make it successful. The Night to Shine Steering Team is actively seeking people to help make this celebration a reality. Register to
be a volunteer by using the provided link (you must be at least 16 years old to volunteer).

Volunteer Registration: https://forms.gle/7HFfz8KwqxcZ5RMt8

For additional information on the Night to Shine hosted by Fort Scott Nazarene, please visit our site or find us on Facebook. These will be the best sources of information as we approach Night to
Shine.

https://fsnighttoshine.wixsite.com/

https://www.facebook.com/FSNightToShine

For more information on the worldwide movement of Night to Shine, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, visit: http://www.timtebowfoundation.org/index.php/night-to-shine/

ABOUT TIM TEBOW FOUNDATION
The Tim Tebow Foundation exists to bring Faith, Hope and Love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need. This mission is being fulfilled every day through outreach in the fields of
Orphan Care + Prevention, Special Needs and Children with Profound Medical Needs. To learn more about how the Tim Tebow Foundation is serving children and sharing God’s love by fighting for those who can’t fight for themselves, visit www.timtebowfoundation.org .

Obituary

Obituary of Marsha Hudson

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Marsha Ann Hudson, age 69, passed away surrounded by family on Wednesday, December 9, 2020. She was the beloved wife of 48 years to Leigh Carleton Hudson; dear mother of Tyler William Hudson (Jenn) and Ryan Carleton Hudson (Alka); and cherished grandmother to Reece Ricci Hudson, Rory Ann Hudson, Uma Hudson, and Ian Hudson. She treasured her family, her friends, her church, and her community in Fort Scott. She was a person of deep faith, integrity, beauty, positivity, frugality, and love. Marsha was born in Wichita, Kansas, December 5, 1951, the daughter of Ralph William and Mildred L. (Parker) Corn and younger sister to Jim Corn (Cheri).

A proud graduate of Emporia State Teachers College in 1973, she was a member of the Tri Sig Sorority and won “Miss Sunflower” as the most photogenic student. After graduation, Marsha was a home economics teacher for several years and helped to put her husband through law school.

After raising two young boys, she became a free-lance interior decorator in 1983 and worked with Ruddick’s Furniture in Fort Scott until her retirement many decades later. Marsha was very active in all parts of her community. She was a Charter Member of the Pioneer Kiwanis Club; she began working with the Bourbon County Red Cross in 1982, becoming President in 1985; she was a member of the P.E.O. Chapter AQ, becoming the Vice-President in 1985; she worked on the “Holiday Homes Tour” and Good Old Days committees; she was a member of PTO and was a Debate and Cook-Off Judge; she was Winfield Scott School pictures chairperson; she was a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, Yearbook Chairman 1985-1986; and she was a member of Magazine Club and Bridge Club.

Marsha was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Fort Scott, having served as both Deacon and Ruling Elder. Marsha was strongly committed to the local schools, and in particular the debate and forensics programs, and she helped these programs take root and blossom. She was surrounded by many strong friends throughout the community and was both grateful and proud to live in Fort Scott. More than anything, she had a remarkable ability to get along with—and relate to—everybody. Marsha’s go-to phrase was: “If you can get along with people, you can do anything.” As so many in Fort Scott can confirm, Marsha lived this statement with a smile on her face every day of her life.

Her family is extremely thankful for the Kansas City Hospital and Palliative Care team. Due to the public health situation, the family will be conducting a family-only graveside service under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, and a celebration of life will be next year (on a date to be announced and circulated by her family). In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her name to First Presbyterian Church in Fort Scott. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.