Charles Baker has retired from the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) following 41 years of service to the agency.
Baker was hired in 1979 as an Equipment Operator at Erie. He was promoted to Equipment Operator Specialist in 2002 and became Highway Maintenance Supervisor in 2006. As the supervisor at Erie, Baker directed a maintenance crew that worked on state highways throughout the area.
In retirement, Baker said he was planning to put family first and then work on his hobbies. He and his wife, Janice, live in Hepler. They have two children and four grandchildren.
Joyce Elaine Wilkins, age 72, a resident of Bronson, Kansas, passed away Saturday, December 19, 2020, at the Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri.
Services for Joyce Wilkins will be announced by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott.
Bobby John Dennis, age 89, a former resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas and more recently of Blue Ridge, Texas, passed away Thursday, December 17, 2020, at his home in Texas.
He was born March 21, 1931, in Mapleton, Kansas, the son of Hollie J. Dennis and Ella Blodgett Dennis.
He married Raylene Hall on August 5, 1951, in Ft. Scott.
Because of his service with the United States Air Force, Bob and Raylene made their home at various bases throughout the United States. He later worked as an inventory specialist for the Civil Service for forty years.
He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Survivors include his children Michael Dennis and John Dennis, both of McKinney, Texas, Mary Johnson of Hurricane, Utah and Holly Dennis, of Blue Ridge, Texas.
Bob’s wife, Raylene, preceded him in death on May 28, 2014. He was also preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, H. L. “Kid” Dennis and David Dennis and three sisters, Fern Shipley, Hazel Stoughton and Erma Clayton.
Private burial will take place in the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott, Kansas.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Governor Laura Kelly Extends Deadline for Expiring Driver’s Licenses and Identification Cards
~ Kansas Department of Revenue removes service fees from online renewals. ~
TOPEKA –Today Governor Laura Kelly signed Executive Order 20-70 extending the deadline for renewal of driver’s licenses to June 30, 2021.
With this order, Governor Kelly extends a previous provision that allows Kansans 21 to 64 years of age to renew online. By statute, the restriction is 21 to 54 years old.
“As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, it is clear that we must extend this provision to continue protecting Kansans’ health and safety,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I encourage all Kansans eligible to take advantage of the opportunity for online license renewal to protect themselves and their communities from the spread of the virus.”
In addition to Executive Order 20-70, the Kansas Department of Revenue is removing service fees for all Kansans who use iKan to renew their license. These fees are generated to keep the online renewal system running but will be covered by COVID-19 funding to encourage the use of online renewals. This, in turn, assists in combatting community spread of the disease.
“By waiving the service fees, we hope Kansas drivers see this as an opportunity to experience a safe alternative to visiting our offices in person,” Kansas Department of Revenue Secretary Mark Burghart said. “This helps our customers not see delays in service and our staff to continue regular operations in a health-conscious manner.”
The iKan program can be utilized by downloading the app from Apple App or Google Play stores on mobile devices or by visiting iKan.ks.gov. Even with the temporary removal of some restrictions, by statute, other restrictions apply.
Bob D. Sipe, age 87, a resident of rural Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Sunday, December 20, 2020, at the Medicalodge in Ft. Scott. He was born March 10, 1933, in Ft. Scott, the son of Harold Gano Sipe and Harriett Thelma Fitzgerald Sipe.
Bob married Joyce Beckford on December 3, 1950, at the Devon United Methodist Church
. In earlier years, Bob helped his dad do carpentry work. He later took a job with the Hercules Powder Company in DeSoto, Kansas where he worked for several years. In 1973, Bob moved back to Ft. Scott where he worked for a short time for Bruce Marble and Granite Works and then for Mercy Hospital where he served as boiler operator for twenty-four years. In addition to working at Mercy, Bob also operated his own farm.
Bob was a good man; he was always willing to help a friend or family member in need.
He enjoyed fishing, hunting and going to auctions, but above all, he enjoyed spending quality time with his grandchildren. They have many wonderful memories of Grandpa Bob telling stories, singing silly songs and exploring the family farm and the banks of Mill Creek on the jeep. Bob was a member of the Devon United Methodist Church, the Masonic Lodge and the Eastern Star.
Survivors include his wife, Joyce, and their three children, Jeff Sipe (Candy), of Linwood, Kansas, Cheryl Ross, also of Linwood and Chana Marshall (Shawn), of Ft. Scott; seven grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. Also surviving are a brother, John Sipe (Marilyn), of Ft. Scott and a sister, Patsy Vaughn of Nevada, Missouri as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Shirley Loubier and his son-in-law, Mark Ross.
There was cremation.
A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Michael Richard Conroy, 71, of Fort Scott, went to be with the Lord on Saturday morning, December 19, 2020. He was born in Ottawa, Kansas, to Clarence Richard Conroy, Jr. and Mary Ann Welton Conroy. He moved to Fort Scott when he was ten years old.
He married his high school sweetheart Connie Sue Magee on July 19, 1969, in Fort Scott, Kansas, and she survives of the home. They are the proud parents to three sons, Brian (Jamie), Brent Michael (Crystal), and Matthew (Krista). They were blessed with eight grandchildren: Austin (Saundra), Patrick, Grace, Evan, Anna, Bailey, Jake, and Hunter.
Mike was a 1967 graduate of Fort Scott High School. He graduated from Fort Scott Community College in 1970. He attended two years at Pittsburg State in automotive technology. His first job was plant manager for Henkle Bottling Company. He worked several years for Norris Heating and Air Conditioning. He served on Fort Scott Rural Fire before joining the Fort Scott Fire Department in 1977. He worked there fifteen years and excelled at his job as a firefighter. He then was employed at Fort Scott U-234 on the maintenance staff at the high school for eleven years.
Mike was an avid sportsman all his life. He taught his sons and many of their friends the enjoyment of fishing and hunting. He was a friend to many and enjoyed helping others. He was a member of the First Baptist Church. He attained his Eagle Scout at age fourteen, and was a member of Ducks Unlimited.
He is survived by his wife Connie and his three sons, their wives, and eight grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two infant sisters.
Rev. Ken Ansell will conduct graveside services at 2:00 p.m. Monday, December 28, 2020, at Memory Gardens under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, Care to Share, or charity of donor’s choice and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.
President and CEO of Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas Krista Postai gave an update on some recent collaborations.
Food Storage With New Ft. Scott Grocery Store
One collaboration is with the Star Emporium Downtown General Store, owned by Bill Michaud of BAJA Investments.
Michaud reached an agreement with the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas to provide food storage space to expand the food distribution and delivery programs CHC/SEK is currently offering in Crawford County into Fort Scott, with services beginning in January, he said. The store will provide the food storage piece.
“With the pandemic, we’re finding more and more people are struggling and challenged to find food, so we’re going to be adding food distribution to our list of services,” Postai said. “The folks in Ft. Scott are providing our freezer and refrigerator space within the basement of the grocery store for any donated food or purchased food from Kansas Food Bank or other local partners.”
“This will not be used as a distribution point for community members, just a place for us to store it,” she said. “Our long-term plan is to create a Food Rx program for chronically ill and food-insecure patients and to offer grocery delivery to homebound patients throughout our region. It’s always great to find partners willing to help and this is a great example.”
Part of Kansas Distribution Plan For COVID-19 Vaccine
“We are part of the state’s overall plan for (COVID-19 vaccine) distribution and are anxiously awaiting its arrival,” Postai said. “We just learned that we may be receiving one of the ‘super’ freezers from the state which would make the vaccine more accessible. Once available, we will be following state guidelines on priority immunizations which I believe will be front-line medical personnel first. For the latest information on the state’s plan, go to https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/284/COVID-19-Vaccine.”
Adonis Lamonte Johnniel Brown, 6-day old son of Macretia Brown, passed away Sunday, December 20, 2020 at the Via Christi Emergency Room in Ft. Scott, Kansas.
He was born December 14, 2020, in Nevada, Missouri. In addition to his mother, he is survived by two sisters, Adele and Avaya. Also surviving are his grandmother, LaToya Grant, great-grandmother, Willa Wilson, two uncles, Tabias Wilson and Eric Grant, an aunt, Synee Brown and a host of extended family members.
Funeral services will be held at 3:30 P.M. Monday, December 28th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Following services, there will be cremation. Memorials are suggested to the Adonis Brown Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O Box 347 Ft. Scott, KS 66701.
Nevada Regional Center Center (NRMC), is pleased to announce the addition of two new podiatrists who will begin visiting the NRMC Professional Practice Clinic next month. Shelly Sedberry, DPM, AACFAS and Brittany Ciaramello, DPM, AACFAS will take over for Dr. David Dowell who is leaving to practice closer to his home in Tennessee.
Dr. Sedberry received her doctorate from Des Moines University and has served practices in Des Moines, suburban Chicago and Joplin. She specializes in the treatment of all ailments related to the ankle and foot.
Dr. Ciaramello received her doctorate from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine with additional credentialing in reconstructive rearfoot and ankle surgery. She has served patients in New Haven and Waterbury, Connecticut and Joplin.
Drs. Sedberry and Ciaramello will alternate weeks, providing a podiatric care and surgery five times each month beginning January 5. The Professional Practice Clinic is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is located on the second floor of the south tower at NRMC. For more information, or to make an appointment, call the NRMC Specialty Clinic at (417) 448-2121.
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About Nevada Regional Medical Center Serving a six-county area since 1937, Nevada Regional Medical Center is a 71-bed acute, intensive and skilled care hospital. Nevada Regional Medical Center has earned recognition as a respected regional medical center for its comprehensive health care services, skilled and caring employees and state-of-the-art medical technology. Staff represent more than a dozen medical specialties, including family practice, women’s services, neurology, urology, psychiatry, orthopedics, wound care services, and general, vascular, thoracic and oncological surgery. Additionally, consultation clinics are held regularly by specialists in oncology, pulmonology, podiatry, ear, nose, and throat and cardiology.
Patricia Ann Enslow, age 62, resident of Redfield, KS, died Saturday, December 19, 2020, at the Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, KS.
She was born on April 20, 1958, in Wichita, KS, the daughter of Miles Rollin Veach and Alexandria Elizabeth Christina Ure Veach. Patty, nicknamed Gypsy, enjoyed shopping and everything Christmas. She collected snowmen and snow globes and driving to see the Christmas lights. She was an avid watcher of all the Christmas shows on Hallmark television.
Patty loved her family and had the greatest joy in spending time with them, especially her grandchildren. She was a free-spirited person who will be greatly missed.
Survivors include 3 sons, Corey Breese, Wichita, KS, Butch Burns (KayLynn), Redfield, KS, and Sylvester Burns, OK; 5 daughters, Katina Veach-Forwerck, OH, Christina Lucas, Frontenac, KS, Angela Hixon (Travis) Redfield, Heather Burns (Kalob Chaplin), Ft. Scott, KS, and Clara Burns, OK; a sister, Denice Kellum, Wichita; 18 grandchildren, Brian, Gage, Audra, Lorenza, Kristal, Alex, Angelica, Christina, Destiny, Jenna, Earnest, Libby, Mason, Harley, Christina Marie, Corey Jr., Joshua, and Vivian; 5 great grandchildren; 2 nephews; and her beloved Chihuahua, Todd Eugene.
She was preceded in death by a son, Joshua Veach; and her parents.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 AM Wednesday, December 23rd, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Cremation will follow. Memorials are suggested to the Patty Enslow Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Susan Bancroft is the Fort Scott Finance Director. Submitted photo.
The Fort Scott City Commission is discussing a charter ordinance that will be voted on in a special election on Jan. 5, 2021.
“The purpose of Charter Ordinance 31 is to clean up language to our local ordinance that is in direct conflict with Kansas Law and to prevent property tax increases during difficult budget years,” Susan Bancroft, Fort Scott’s Financial Director.
Also to discuss is the issue that money transfers are an accounting mechanism to reimburse other funds or departments for work performed on behalf of a utility, she said.
The Fort Scott City Commission will meet at 6 p.m. today, Monday, December 21, in the City Hall Commission Meeting Room at 123 S. Main Street, to discuss Charter Ordinance No. 31 and in addition, some insurance issues: Supplemental Extended Reporting Law Enforcement Liability, Public Officials Liability, and Employee Benefits Liability coverage for the city, according to a city press release.
This meeting is open to the public, but no action will be taken.
“Early in the year, Commissioner Pete Allen pointed out that past administrations had been illegally making transfers to the General Fund based on City Ordinance 2842 adopted in 1982,” Bancroft said.
Bancroft followed up during a regular commission meeting agreeing that the local ordinance essentially states all funds ‘shall’ stay in the sewer fund. Research done also showed that transfers from the sewer fund to the general fund had been made dating back to 1980 according to audited financial statements, she said.
“Prior to 1978, the City of Fort Scott had a combined ‘water and sewage system’ under K.S.A. 12-856,” Bancroft said. “Ordinary Home Rule Ordinance 2692 of May 1978 separated these systems and created various utility funds for each utility. The city now has separate funds for water, sewer, and stormwater.”
“Precedence of the law is as follows: 1. the Federal Constitution and laws, 2.the Kansas Constitution, including valid charter ordinances, 3. state statutes, and 4. local ordinances and laws,” she said.
Bancroft gives a history of the precedence:
“In 1973, K.S.A. 12-631p passed which governs sewer reserve funds,” Bancroft said. “The statute allows cities to deposit funds in a reserve fund or funds for ‘construction, reconstruction, expansion, operation and maintenance’ of municipal sewer systems. The statute also allows transfers from these reserve funds back to the originating fund. K.S.A. 12-852d amended in 1977 give certain powers to cities that own waterworks. Cities may use monies ‘derived from the sale and consumption of water’ for the purposes set out in K.S.A. 12-825d. Sewer monies are derived from the sale and consumption of water. The statute later also allows the governing body ‘in judgment’ to authorize transfers to other funds. K.S.A. 12-631p gave all cities powers and limitations and later K.S.A. 12-852d allows governing bodies additional power.”
“In 1982, the city passed ordinance 2842 that conflicts with K.S.A. 12-825d,” she said. “Because this is an ordinary home rule ordinance, not a charter ordinance, the favor would be given to K.S.A. 12-825d. Because the current state law is in conflict as well as our own ordinary ordinance, charter ordinance 31 was presented to make the language clear, giving the governing body the ability ‘in judgment’, to authorize transfers.”
“During the August 18, 2020 commission meeting, the commission voted 4-1 to approve Charter Ordinance 31 which would allow for transfers to other funds,” Bancroft said. “A petition was filed on October 5th with the County Clerk to call an election so that the voters can decide whether the ordinance shall take effect. The commission had 30 days (November 5th) to decide whether to have an election or rescind the ordinance. The commission chose to move forward with the election. The election is required to be held within 90 days of October 5th and is scheduled for January 5, 2021.”
The following are questions that Bancroft answered regarding the ordinance:
“Why was Charter Ordinance 31 presented?
“Currently, the governing body has the cash available to transfer $200-400K each year into the sewer reserve fund. The ability to sell wastewater to a commercial industry allows the utility to generate additional revenue on top of regular service fees.
“Over time as the utility improves infrastructure, systems will improve and should become more efficient and reduce operational costs which will keep rates stable and possibly generate excess funds.
“No transfers are scheduled in the sewer fund for 2020 or 2021 with the budget changes presented to the commission on October 20, 2020. These changes required a 10-13% reduction in the general fund budget across all departments which results in $300,000 less to operate. The budget is tight, and any emergency or annual inflation costs could affect quality of life amenities or public safety services.
“”The funds being transferred are not property tax dollars but could prevent a property tax increase.
“Charter Ordinance 31 was an option presented to allow the governing body the ability to make financial decisions when appropriate or during times of need. Good financial practice would be to limit the amount of funds that can be transferred and noted in the governing body’s financial policies. The suggested maximum amount of transfer would be 5% of gross revenues which is similar to normal utility franchise fees for the use of right of way and street oversight, maintenance, street cuts etc.
“The movement of funds allows for reimbursement of costs incurred when the utility is making infrastructure changes in the cities right of way. Furthermore, it covers the cost of permitting, inspections, equipment, and material for the utility cuts made and legal fees.
“Transfers are an accounting mechanism to improve efficiencies in all departments to not have to track each detailed expenditure supported by General Fund departments.
How is the city ensuring sewer infrastructure is being addressed?
“City administration continues to develop plans on how, when, and where to rehabilitate the city’s sewer system. Inspections of the condition of the city’s sewer infrastructure, rating the condition, and then mapping these findings through GIS will ensure customers that plans are developed methodically. In addition, through a five-year capital plan, the utility resources will be managed prudently.
Are city sewer rates sufficient to support the failing infrastructure?
“City administration will be seeking governing body approval in 2021 to pursue a professional rate analysis to see if any changes are needed to the current declining rate structure.”
