Category Archives: Uncategorized

Obituary of Tobiah Nighswonger

Tobiah G. “Toby” Nighswonger, 45, of Fort Scott, passed away Sunday evening, October 27, 2019 at the Medicalodge Nursing Home. He was born September 19, 1974 in Fort Scott, Kansas the son of Thomas Henry and Glenda Frances (Painter) Nighswonger.

Toby graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1993. He graduated from the Police Academy in 2002. He was a Police Officer here in Fort Scott for 13 years, during which time he was a School Resource Officer for U.S.D. 234 and an advocate for the S.A.F.E. program at F.S.H.S. He was well known for his sense of humor and his love of the outdoors. He will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his wife, Nicole Pellett of the home, four sons, Michael Nighswonger and Alli of Fort Scott, Thomas Nighswonger and Brian Nighswonger both of Fort Scott, and Jacob Pellett of the home; two sisters, Vicky Nihiser and Lewis of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, and Debby Myers of Fort Scott; and four brothers, Pete Nighswonger and Kristin of Lenexa, Kansas, Joe Nighswonger and Marcy of Osawatomie, Kansas, Kenny Nighswonger of Frontenac, Kansas and Chris Nighswonger of Springfield, Missouri, and his parents, of Fort Scott.

He was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Tim Myers.

The family would also like to recognize Jannah Farrington, as well as Wade and Julie Pellett as special caregivers throughout his illness.

Following Cremation, Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, November 1, 2019 at the First United Methodist Church.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday evening, October 31, 2019 at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

The family suggests Memorial Contributions to the Avalon Hospice, 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. Condolences may be submitted to the online guest book at konantz-cheney.com.

Obituary of Charles Hennessey

CHARLES DAVID HESSESSY

Charles (Chuck) David Hennessy, passed away peacefully in his sleep, on August 2, 2019. He was born on May 20, 1939 in Kansas City, Kansas to Gertrude (Shannon) and John Hennessy. Chuck was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved brother, John.

He served in the United States Marine Corps in the Philippines, earning the rank of E4. He was also very active in the Boy Scouts of America for many years, starting two Boy Scout troops in the Colorado Springs area. Chuck volunteered with the El Paso County Search and Rescue and enjoyed mountain climbing, including many of the Colorado “14ers” and the twenty-thousand-foot peak of Mt Chimborazo in Ecuador. He was an avid hiker with the Colorado Mountain Club and the American Volkssport Association. Chuck retired from the US Post Office after 30 years of carrying mail.

He is survived by his loving wife, Ilene (Mallett) Hennessy, 4 children, 2 step-children, 13 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren, as well as many friends.

Father Robert McElwee will offer the burial rites at St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery in Fulton, Kansas, 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 25, 2019 under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, PO Box 309, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Members of the United States Marine Corps Funeral Detail will present Military Honors. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Abode Hospice of Colorado Springs at 5465 Mark Dabling Blvd, Floor 1, 80918

Obituary of Rex Moore

Rex Bryant Moore, age 56, a resident of Redfield, Kansas, passed away Thursday, September 26, 2019, surrounded by his loved ones at the Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas.  He was born on April 22, 1963, in Lawrence, Kansas, the son of William Lee Moore and Shirley Jean Rogers Moore.  On May 21, 2004, Rex married the love of his life, Stacy.  Rex and his father traveled across the United States so he could pursue his dreams of racing professional motocross.  Although his career was cut short, the love he had for the sport never stopped.  He enjoyed watching his favorite rider, Austin Howell.  He lived week to week to watch this young man aspire at his dreams.  He also played his motocross video games and took pride in them knowing that “Rocket Rex” was still out there whooping everyone even though it was not in person.  His favorite thing to do was attending his daughter, Hannah’s activities.  He enjoyed every minute of watching her in action.  She was his pride and joy and he loved her very much, just as she did him.  They had an unbreakable bond.  Hannah was his “baby girl.”  Rex loved being around his family and friends.  Rex will forever be remembered for his beautiful smile, gentle eyes, caring heart, loving embrace and unconditional love.  Rex loved so many and was loved by so many more.  He had an energy that with just one encounter with him you would remember for life; he definitely left his mark.  He made friends everywhere he went including Hannah’s friends which all adopted him as their dad.  He brought so much joy to our lives and those around him.  Although our hearts are heavy, we will celebrate his life and find comfort in knowing that he has no pain and is in heaven watching over us.  Yet, we continue to hurt as he has left us.  He yearned for that place in which he could breathe.  Now he sits with God in the natural beauty and astounding light of heaven and he can finally breathe.

Survivors include his wife, Stacy, of the home; six children, Hannah Moore, of Redfield, Kansas, Sarah Powers, of Eldorado Springs, Missouri, Austin Moore, of Boliver, Missouri, Shelby Morillo, of Bronson, Kansas, Tyler Wilkerson, of Kincaid, Kansas and Dalton Church, of Coleman, Alabama and six grandchildren.  Also surviving is a brother, Ronald Moore, of Shawnee, Kansas.  He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

Lloyd Houk will conduct funeral services at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, October 10th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Burial will follow in the Woods Cemetery near Redfield, Kansas.  The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Wednesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to the Rex Moore Memorial Fund 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.

Mommy Who Was Irena Sendler? Book Signing Today from 3:30-5:30 p.m.

REMINDER:
The book signing event
celebrating the
20th Anniversary of
“Life in a Jar: The Irena Sendler Project” is TODAY, September 19th at 3:30pm
The Lowell Milken Center
For Unsung Heroes
invites you to a book signing event celebrating the 20th Anniversary of
“Life in a Jar: The Irena Sendler Project”
on Thursday, September 19th from
3:30-5:30 p.m.
Author of the book “Mommy, Who Was Irena Sendler?” Cathy Werling, along with characters from the book Megan & Blair Felt, will be there to sign autographs. The book will be available for purchase and refreshments will be served.
Cathy Werling is a retired Fort Scott elementary teacher and author of:
  • Why Did Grandpa Cry?
  • Why Did Sergeant Stubby Go To War?
  • Mommy, Who Was Irena Sendler?
  • What If Higgins Had Given Up?
For more information, call
The Lowell Milken Center at
620-223-1312, or visit the website by clicking HERE

Work Ready Employer Lunch Sept. 24

Employer Luncheon to Educate and Celebrate Bourbon County as a WorkReady Community
What:  The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces invites local employers to a Luncheon on WorkKeys and Bourbon County becoming a WorkReady Community this coming Tuesday, September 24th from 11:30am to 1pm at FSCC in Burris Hall. Lunch will be complimentary, provided by Fort Scott Community College.
RSVP’s are requested for the luncheon by noon Monday 9/23 by clicking here.
Who:  This luncheon and WorkReady initiative are applicable to employers of any size and any type of business!
Why: The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce has been leading Bourbon County to become a WorkReady Community, as one strategy to close the gap on workforce needs of local employers and align those needs with students and traditional job seekers. This effort is in partnership with local employers, school districts, FSCC, Bourbon County and others who recently supported a local team to attend the required WorkReady Boot Camp as part of the certification process. The timing is now for us to become WorkReady as Kansas state-wide passed last year for for all high school juniors to take the WorkKeys test and earn a WorkReady Certificate. Part of our mission is now to educate employers on what the certificate and scoring means and how employers can implement recognizing the WorkReady Certificate into their hiring practices. Adults may also take the WorkKeys test and we want to increase awareness of the availability of that testing to the benefit of employers.
Where: The luncheon will be held at FSCC, 2108 S. Horton in Burris Hall, on the back side of the campus just north of Arnold Arena.
How:  What is the plan to educate employers on the initiative? A team of 9 from FS/BB County attended the Boot Camp in August to become educated on the program. At the luncheon on Tuesday, remarks will be made by USD-234, FSCC, KANSASWORKS and the Chamber. Attendees are encouraged to bring a laptop, if available, in case they would like to access any of the WorkReady information during the luncheon.
Now that Bourbon County’s application has been approved and a team has attended the required Boot Camp, this event will also be the “Go Public, Get Lit” event to officially be reflected as a WorkReady Community on the WorkReady website and for our county dashboard to become live. There is a plethora of information and resources about the program on that website, including recorded podcasts by clicking here.
Please RSVP for the luncheon, we hope to see you there! If you are not able to attend and another representative of your company would like to,
please forward this information to them or invite them to come with you.
The Chamber would like to recognize and thank the following businesses/organizations who sponsored the WorkReady Boot Camp:
Bourbon County
Fort Scott Community College
Niece Products
Peerless Products
Ward/Kraft, Inc.
USD-234
USD-235
Special thanks to Fort Scott Community College for sponsoring this Employer Luncheon!
WorkReady Boot Camp Attendees pictured below include (L to R):
Front: Dawn Parker (Dairy Queen), Lindsay Madison (Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce), Cathy Bishop (Niece Products), Jody Hoener (Bourbon County)
Back: Ralph Beacham (FSCC), Frank Adamson (Courtland Hotel & Spa), Josh Messer (FSHS Counselor), Sara Lancaster (Cobalt MedPlans), Ted Hessong (FSHS Superintendent)

Kansas Opens New Park Oct. 12

Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park to Open October 12

 

Topeka, KS – The wait is finally over. The Nature Conservancy and Kansas Department of Wildlife Parks & Tourism (KDWPT) announce the much-anticipated Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park will open on Saturday, October 12. Located in southern Logan County, Little Jerusalem is easily accessed from Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 83.  A grand opening celebration with speeches and a ribbon cutting will take place at 10:00 a.m. The two permanent trails will open after the ceremony and close at sundown, approximately 7:00 p.m. Free snacks and water will be available.

 

Grand opening activities include free, guided tours departing from the parking lot on Saturday at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., and 5:30 p.m. Space for the guided tours is limited and advance registration at nature.org/littlejerusalem is required. All visitors may hike the two permanent trails at Little Jerusalem at their own pace. The Overlook Trail extends one-quarter mile along a crushed rock surface to a scenic viewpoint. The Life on the Rocks Trail winds 1.5 miles along the rim of the formations from which visitors can enjoy a variety of views and two scenic overlooks. Visitors are not allowed off-trail unless accompanied by park staff on a guided tour.

The 332-acre area encompasses 220 acres of dramatic chalk rock formations and is owned by The Nature Conservancy, a global non-profit conservation organization. Beyond the impressive scenic views, the area serves as nesting habitat for ferruginous hawks and is home to rare plants. Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park was established by the Kansas Legislature in 2018 after The Nature Conservancy partnered with KDWPT to have the area designated as a state park. Together, the organizations developed two trails, parking and additional infrastructure at the park. A long-term agreement allows KDWPT to manage outdoor recreational activities in a manner that protects the fragile rocks while The Nature Conservancy continues to own the land and manage the natural resources.

 

“The Nature Conservancy’s chief purposes for Little Jerusalem are, first, to protect the pristine natural features and, second, to provide opportunities for people to enjoy the natural beauty of the area,” said Conservancy director Rob Manes. “Striking that balance took time and we are confident that the partnership between The Nature Conservancy and KDWPT provides the public with the best possible experience. We can’t wait to share Little Jerusalem with everyone next month.”

 

“From the start, we’ve envisioned this property as a special kind of state park, where natural resource conservation is the highest priority,” agrees Linda Lanterman, KDWPT state parks director. “That means that public interaction with the landscape will necessarily be limited to only activities that have the least impact. We’ve struck a great balance with the trails that allow visitors to experience a diversity of views.”

After the grand opening, Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park will be open to visitors from sunrise to sunset daily, all year round. Visitors will be required to purchase a daily vehicle permit, currently $5, at the park or have an annual Kansas state parks vehicle pass. Guided tours provided by KDWPT staff will be available by appointment.

 

For more information, please visit nature.org/littlejerusalem and KSOutdoors.com/Little-Jerusalem.

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The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. Working in 72 countries, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit www.nature.org or follow @nature_press on Twitter. In Kansas, the Conservancy has protected 140,000 acres of the state’s most ecologically important lands and waters. To learn more, visit www.nature.org/kansas.

 

The mission of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) is to conserve and enhance Kansas’ natural heritage, its wildlife and its habitats to assure future generations the benefits of the state’s diverse, living resources. The Department also strives to provide opportunities to use and appreciate the state’s natural resources. The Department provides opportunities to promote diverse communities, natural assets, and the State of Kansas as a tourism destination. It is a cabinet-level agency with a Secretary appointed by the Governor of Kansas. A seven-member, bipartisan commission, also appointed by the Governor, advises the Secretary and approves regulations governing outdoor recreation and fish and wildlife resources in Kansas. Visit KSOutdoors.com or TravelKS.com for more information.

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Ribbon Cutting For Stutesman’s Action Realty Sept. 12

Submitted by: Lindsay Madison, Executive Director, [email protected]
Monica Walden, Administrative Assistant, [email protected]
Phone: (620) 223-3566
FORT SCOTT – The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony celebrating the new location of Stutesman’s Action Realty at 120 East Wall Street in Fort Scott, next door to Hole In The Wall Liquor. The event will take place immediately following the Chamber Coffee on Thursday, September 12th at 8:00 a.m.
In May of 2019, Stutesman’s Action Realty entered into a long-term agreement to lease the space at 120 East Wall Street from Pat & Stacy Wood, and began the large remodeling project to convert the downstairs into new office space for their growing business in Bourbon County and the surrounding area. After approximately 3 months of renovations, Stutesman’s Action Realty is now proud to be a permanent establishment in the community. They are thrilled to invite all to stop in and check out the transformation that this early 1900’s historic building has undergone. It has been updated and modernized for doing business in the 21st century, while keeping intact aspects of the original charm and character of the historic building.
Please join the Chamber of Commerce and Stutesman’s Action Realty on Thursday, September 12th, 2019 for the ribbon cutting ceremony at 120 East Wall Street in Fort Scott.
Contact the Chamber at 620-223-3566s for more information.

Free Concert Features the Leta and Mike Miller Family

This Friday Night Free Concert at the Heritage Park Pavilion, 1st, and Main Street features the Miller Family.

The concert starts at 7 p.m. and is sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce.

The  Leta and Mike Miller Family perform hymns, gospel, classic country, and classic popular music.

“The Millers are regular supporters of the music at the Pavilion and have performed for several years,” Ralph Carlson, event coordinator said. “Leta sings and plays the upright bass. Mike on vocals and guitar. Our crowds love the Millers music and they are one of the most popular of the groups in the pavilion.”

In the event of bad weather, the program will be moved to the Common Grounds Coffee Shop just down the street.

Come early and bring a lawn chair as seating is limited.