Obituary

Obituary of Karen Mabery Atkins

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Karen (Mabery) Atkins formerly of Fort Scott passed away suddenly on June 23, 2020 in Nixa, Missouri.

Karen was born March 15, 1949 in Fort Scott, Kansas, the only child to Frank and Faye (Duncan) Mabery. She graduated from Fort Scott High School with the Class of 1967.

She lived and worked in Fort Scott until 2002 when she moved to Nixa, Missouri to help with the family business, Atkins Weatherproofing in Springfield, Missouri, along with her children and husband, she worked and help run the business until her untimely death.

She loved car racing, sports and spending time with her family.

She became interested in The Alzheimer’s Association when her cousin was diagnosed. Karen helped organize the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Abilene, Texas and for the yearly auction she made a special quilt that hangs in the office in Abilene TX.

She was also interested in family history, traveling, and she made a lifelong wish trip to Ireland.

Karen was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Frank Lee and Faye Mabery. Karen was a devoted daughter and caretaker to her parents in their later years.

Karen leaves behind to cherish her memory, husband, Wayne, and her children all of Nixa, Missouri: Karalee Taylor (John Lowe) and Frank Atkins, grandchildren, Kelby Taylor, Madison Shelden, and Tru Atkins, great-grandchild, Sophie Taylor, Taxen and Asher Cosens. She, also, leaves behind her lifelong friends and cousins who will cherish a lifetime of memories.

Karen grew up with an idyllic childhood in Fort Scott surrounded by doting parents and a huge extended family, including incredible aunts, uncles, and cousins. She enjoyed dozens of close friends and a loving relationship with her cousins. She was blessed with small town, rural hometown living where she and friends could explore the streets and countryside of Fort Scott on horseback.

Karen was an avid animal lover and her family is asking that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the donate to C.A.R.E Rescue Animal Shelter or the Missouri Forget-Me-Not-Horse Rescue and Sanctuary, and may be sent to or left in the care of Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701.

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct Graveside services, 2:00 p.m., Friday, July 10, 2020 at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Fort Scott, Kansas under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, Fort Scott, Kansas. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Fort Scott, Schools, Sports

FSHS Has New Gym Seating

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The Fort Scott High School gym bleachers, 2020. Submitted photo.

The old Fort Scott High School bleachers were installed over 50 years ago in 1964, and have served the school activities since that time.

Recently USD 234 purchased and installed new ones. The new bleachers are located in the main gymnasium at FSHS.

“They have served their purpose, and in the past several years have needed numerous repairs,” Jeff DeLaTorre, U234 Athletic/Activities Director, said.

They were identified as an area to address for many years by the school leadership.

“The cost and skill to maintain the bleachers to function safely versus replacing them were prohibitive, which is why it was decided to replace them,” Gina Shelton, U234 Business Manager and Board Clerk, said.

The new Fort Scott High School gym bleachers, 2020. Submitted photo.

 

“The new bleachers also provide a more modern look to the gym, as well as provide more comfort to our fans and spectators,” DeLaTorre said.

“They were installed over the past two weeks. The backs to the bleachers will be installed later this summer,” he said.

The total cost was $314,020 and was paid out of the school district’s contingency part of the bond funds, according to Shelton.

“We feel the new look in the gym will benefit our students daily, providing a brighter look that will enhance pride in their school,” DeLaTorre said. “They will also benefit our parents, spectators, and fans that attend events in our gym by providing more comfortable seating. The addition of these bleachers is a positive addition to our gym that has been the site of some wonderful memories in the past, and we know will be home to more wonderful moments in the future.”

 

 

Fort Scott, Schools

FS High School Prom July 25, 2020

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Fort Scott Prom  Walk-In 2017.

Fort Scott Junior/Senior Prom, July, 25, 2020

The Fort Scott High School Class of 2020 Parent Group will be hosting PROM 2020, held July 25 at The River Room in Fort Scott, KS.  The Walk-in will begin at 6:15 PM, with the dance to begin at 8:00 PM and end at 11:00 PM.

This is a free event and is open to all Fort Scott High School Junior and Senior students along with their dates. Nobody over the age of 21 will be allowed to attend the prom.

Due to COVID-19 concerns, all attendees will be required to turn in a signed waiver form in order to attend. Attendees over the age of 18 can sign the waiver themselves, while attendees under the age of 18 must have a parent/legal guardian signatures. The waiver can be picked up at the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, and Common Ground Coffee Shop. If you would like to print out the waiver yourself, please text or email Vanessa Poyner at (620) 719-6943, [email protected] to receive the link to the waiver. The waiver will not need to be returned before July 25th. The signed waiver will be the students “ticket” to enter the dance.

The Prom walk-in will be from 6:15 PM- 8:00 PM. The walk-in will start on the corner of Judson & Oak Street and will continue East up to the venue entrance. In order to ensure social distancing, we are requesting that only family attend the walk-in viewing, and abide by all State/County/City mandates and safety recommendations. The walk-in will also be streamed online live through www.kombfm.com City Link TV.

This years prom theme is “Hot Havana Nights”, and the Prom 2020 King & Queen candidates, are; Addison Lyons, Emma Martin, Lauren Madison, Caleb Briggs, David Milburn, and Gage Wilson.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact Vanessa Poyner at [email protected] or (620) 719-6943.

“The Senior students have had to miss out on so many important activities due to COVID-19. We are hoping that by allowing them the opportunity to have a prom will grant them a bit of closure to their senior year, and give them one last chance to celebrate with their classmates,” Vanessa Poyner said.

 

Here is the waiver the parents and students will be required to sign prior to entering the event.

Fort Scott Prom 2020 Student/Parent/Guardian Waiver

 

Parents or Legal Guardians:

 

The Fort Scott High School Class of 2020 Parent Group will be hosting PROM 2020, held July 25th at The River Room in Fort Scott, KS.  The Walk-in will begin at 6:15 PM, with the dance to begin at 8:00 PM.  By signing this form, you are agreeing to attend (students over 18), or giving permission for your child (the student is under the age of 18) to attend this year’s Junior-Senior Prom.  Furthermore, you, the student/parent/guardian, are waiving and releasing any liability on the FSHS Class of 2020 Parent Group, including any specific individuals associated with said Parent Group; The River Room (the venue); and any volunteers present, including but not limited to parents serving as chaperones at the event, helping with set-up or take-down, providing transportation, and/or assisting in any other way at or during the Walk-in or the Prom dance.

 

Any and all liabilities, injuries, illness, and/or damages that may occur to the student at or during the walk-in or Prom, including transportation to and from the event will be your (the parents or legal guardians) responsibility and not that of the named entities above.  By signing this release form, the student/parent/guardian  agree to abide by the following guidelines, especially with the current COVID-19 situation.

 

All persons in attendance will NOT be allowed to attend and enter the prom unless this release form is presented to the designated volunteers on the evening of July 25, 2020.(See back signature page for signatures needed)

 

Prom 2020 Guidelines

 

  • All temperatures will be taken prior to entering the prom venue.  Should your student have a temperature higher than 100.4 degrees, they will NOT be allowed to enter and will be asked to leave the premises.
  • All State/County/City orders will be followed. (ie. masks, social distancing, etc.)
  • All dates MUST be 21 years of age or younger.  If committee members deem necessary, they will ask for the ID of attendees present.  If not able to present ID’s as to their age, they will NOT be allowed to enter and will be asked to leave the premises.
  • No one may bring alcohol onto the premises, including inside the venue.  Failure to abide by this provision will result in your child being asked to leave the premises.
  • No one may bring controlled substances, illegal substances, vaping instruments, cigarettes, chewing tobacco, firearms, and the like on premises. Failure to abide by this provision will result in your child being asked to leave the premises.
  • We/I understand, by signing this release form, that it is possible that, due to COVID-19, sickness could possibly occur.  We, the undersigned, agree to release all parties and entities mentioned above as to any liability due to any resulting sickness or illness to the student, the student’s date, the student’s family, the student’s friends, and anyone else with whom the student may come into contact with after the walk-in and Prom dance.

 

Thank you for your understanding and support in this situation.  We know these are unusual times.  We want to assure that this year’s Prom will be an exciting and memorable time for you and your child.

 

Fort Scott High School Student Name (please print): 

 

_________________________________________________________________

Grade: __________

 

________________________________________                      _________________

Parent/Legal Guardian Signature (if student is under 18)                Date

 

________________________________________        ___________________

Signature of Fort Scott High School Student            Date

 

Guest Name (If not FSHS Student): _______________________________________

 

________________________________________                      _________________

Parent/Legal Guardian Signature (if student is under 18)        Date

 

________________________________________        ___________________

Signature of Guest (If not FSHS Student)                Date

 

Government, Kansas

Foster Care Report Card Implemented

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Governor Laura Kelly signs Executive Order Implementing Foster Care Report Card

Another Step Toward Improving Foster Care System

 

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today signed Executive Order #20-53 establishing an annual education report card for students in foster care. The report card will track educational outcomes and collect data to give state leaders, education providers, and stakeholders a picture of where the state needs to improve when it comes to educating foster care kids in Kansas.

 

“This executive order is another step my administration is taking to improve outcomes for vulnerable children in the foster care system,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Education is key to a strong future workforce in Kansas. This report will help us track educational outcomes of all Kansas students in foster care – which will in turn help Kansas’ vulnerable families and make our public education system more accountable. I will continue to preserve the foster care programs that are already in place during this unprecedented pandemic. We will grow these foundational services and continue to fight on behalf of all Kansas children.”

 

The foster care report card will track the following:

 

A:           The graduation rate of students in foster care at the end of each academic year;

 

B:           The number and percentage of students in foster care who were promoted to the next grade level;

 

C:           The number and percentage of students in foster care who were suspended during the school year, and the average number of days each student spent in suspension;

 

D:           The number and percentage of students in foster care who were expelled during the school year;

 

E:           State standardized assessment scores for students in foster care, including the number and percentage of students meeting academic standards as determined by the state board of education;

 

F:           The number and percentage of students in foster care enrolled in any preschool-aged at-risk program, Kansas preschool pilot program or early childhood special education program under section 619 of part B of the individuals with disabilities act;

 

G:           The number and percentage of students in foster care who participated in the mental health intervention team pilot program or a similar mental health program;

 

H:           The total number of students in foster care enrolled in a school district or accredited nonpublic school and the disaggregated number and percentage of students in foster care enrolled in school districts and accredited nonpublic schools; and

 

I:             De-identified disaggregated race and ethnicity data for each data set required in (A) through (H); and

 

J:            Any additional data elements that both the Kansas State Department of Education and the Kansas Department for Children and Families deem appropriate for inclusion.

 

The executive order directs the Department for Children and Families to work with the Kansas Department of Education to accumulate the data. The report card will be published annually and presented to the House and Senate Educations committees by the Kansas Department for Children and Families by January 15 of each year.

 

“I commend Governor Kelly for her continued leadership and commitment to building a strong foster care system in Kansas,” Secretary of Children and Families Laura Howard said. “I have long supported the idea of a foster care report card because I believe that a child’s success in education is a predictor for their success in life. The Department for Children and Families has already engaged with the Department of Education to begin gathering data. I look forward to seeing where the data leads us so we can identify ways in which both agencies can support foster youth in meaningful ways that ensure their wellbeing.”

 

The foster care report card was a provision in House Bill 2510 during the 2020 Legislative session that was vetoed by Governor Kelly due to the fiscal crisis the state faces.

 

Please find the executive order here.

 

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Opt-Out: Credit Offers

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Joy Miller, RD, LD
Family and Consumer Science Extension Agent
Adult Development and Aging
Family Resource Management
K-State Research and Extension
Southwind Extension District
210 S. National
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Office: 620-223-3720
Fax: 620-223-0332
[email protected]

 

Mail Call: Bills, a birthday card from Mom, a store circular, or your monthly bank statement. From time to time, you may receive “pre-approved” credit card offers in the mail, too. Do you ever wonder what they are and where they come from?

These credit card offers are not random, they are prescreened and targeted to you. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), the Consumer Credit Reporting Companies are allowed to include your name on lists used by creditors or insurers to make firm offers of credit or insurance that are not initiated by you. Prescreened offers are based on information in your credit report that indicates you meet the criteria set by the offeror.

You have the option to opt-out of these offers, why might you? Some people prefer not to receive these kinds of offers in the mail to limit access to their credit report information for solicitations or to reduce some mailbox “clutter”.

As you consider opting out, you should know that prescreened offers can provide many benefits. These offers can help you learn about what’s available, compare costs, and find the best product for your needs. The terms of prescreened offers also may be more favorable than those that are available to the general public. Some credit card products may be available only through prescreened offers.

The official Consumer Credit Reporting Industry website to accept and process requests to Opt-In or Opt-Out of prescreened offers is OptOutPrescreen.com or call 1-888-5-OPTOUT. Whether you call or visit the website, you will be asked to provide certain personal information. You will have two choices for opting out. The first is to opt-out for five years and the other is to opt-out permanently. You can always Opt-In and be eligible to receive prescreened offers again if you have previously completed an Opt-Out request.

A reminder that it may take up to 60 days for offers to stop being mailed. You may continue to receive mail from companies who send offers not based on prescreening.

How does this affect your credit report? There will be “inquiries” showing which companies obtained your information for prescreening, but those inquiries will not have a negative effect on your credit report or score. Removing your name from prescreened lists has no effect on your ability to apply for or obtain credit or insurance.

To learn more about Credit, visit our website at southwind.k-state.edu/home-family/financial/. Also follow us on Facebook @southwindextensiondistrict or Instagram @southwind_ext. For more information, please contact Joy Miller at [email protected] or by calling 620-223-3720.

Fort Scott, Government

Tourism Advisory Board Meets July 9

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The Tourism Advisory Board will meet on Thursday, July 9th, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main.

Please call the City Clerk at 620-223-0550 or email Diane Clay at [email protected] to sign up to speak.

The meetings are limited to 45 total in number due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however the room will only hold 14 due to the 6’ social distancing rules. Patrons will be let in one at a time at their scheduled time to ensure the public health orders are followed.

The Tourism meeting will be available on the City’s YouTube channel.

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

Governor Recommends Staying in Phase 3 To Reopen

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Governor Laura Kelly Recommends Kansas Continues to Use Phase 3 of “Ad Astra” Plan

 

TOPEKA — Governor Laura Kelly today announced that her administration, and officials with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, recommend that most local communities again do not move into Phase Out of “Ad Astra: A Plan to Reopen Kansas” at this time, and instead stay in Phase 3.

 

“Nearly 3,500 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Kansas over the past two weeks – which is the steepest rate of new case development since the pandemic began,” said Governor Kelly. “After careful consideration, Secretary Norman’s team at KDHE and members of my administration have decided we still do not feel most communities are ready to move into the final phase of the ‘Ad Astra’ plan at this time.”

 

The emergency disaster declaration issued by the Governor on May 26 transfers reopening decisions back to local officials, which means counties continuing with Phase 3 of the plan is only a recommendation. However, the State continues to monitor health metrics daily, and remains committed to supporting local communities in a safe, gradual transition.

 

“If we’re going to keep our loved ones healthy and keep Kansas open for business, every Kansan must step up, wear a mask, socially distance, and practice good hygiene,” said Governor Kelly. “I will continue do everything in my power to save lives and keep our economy open, and I strongly encourage other elected leaders in our state to do the same.”

 

Key Phase 3 highlights for communities:

 

  • Mass gatherings of more than 45 individuals are not recommended;

 

  • All education, activities, venues and establishments may operate and are recommended to follow all public health guidelines;

 

  • On-site staffing has no recommended restrictions;

 

 

As always, Kansans should continue to adhere to hygiene and social distancing protocols, including:

 

  • Washing hands frequently, while avoiding contact with one’s face;

 

  • Remaining home when sick or running a fever;

 

  • Following isolation and quarantine orders issued by state or local health officers;

 

  • Wearing a cloth face mask when in public;

 

“Ad Astra: A Plan to Reopen Kansas,” is available in full at covid.ks.gov, in addition to industry-specific guidance for Kansas businesses.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Is In A Drought Watch

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Governor Declares Drought Emergency, Warnings and Watches for Kansas Counties

The Governor’s Drought Team examines conditions; fire dangers and encourages Kansans to be mindful of the state’s worsening conditions

 

TOPEKA – Today Governor Kelly issued Drought Declarations for Kansas counties with Executive Order #20-54.  The declaration includes 74 out of 105 counties either in an emergency, warning or watch status.

 

“Unfortunately, the majority of the state of Kansas has been considered in drought or abnormally dry conditions for the past several weeks, which has led to high risk of fire hazard,” said Governor Kelly. “This declaration will allow affected communities to access the water they need. I encourage Kansans to continue to be mindful of drought conditions, and work to minimize the threat of fires across the state.”

 

The drought declaration placed 13 counties in emergency status, 18 into a warning status and 44 into a watch status. This action was recommended by Earl Lewis, Director of the Kansas Water Office and Chair of the Governor’s Drought Response Team. Most of the state has received fewer than 70% of its normal rainfall since January, and many southwestern counties have received less than half of their normal precipitation.

 

“It has been a very dry winter and spring, especially in western Kansas, and forecasts into the coming summer months predict higher temperatures and fewer chances of precipitation,” said Lewis. “The Governor’s Drought Response Team will continue to monitor the situation closely as future outlooks call for drought persisting and make recommendations to the Governor as necessary.”

 

Counties who are in emergency stage are eligible for emergency use of water from certain state fishing lakes due to the Kansas Water Office (KWO) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Kansas Department of Wildlife Parks and Tourism (KDWPT).

 

Individuals and communities need to contact KWO for a water supply request prior to any withdrawals from lakes. They will in turn be referred to the appropriate KDWPT office to obtain the necessary permit to withdraw the water.

 

This Executive Order shall remain in effect for those counties so identified until rescinded by Executive Order or superseded by a subsequent Executive Order revising the drought stage status of the affected counties. Effective immediately:

 

  • Declare a Drought Emergency, Warning or Drought Watch for the counties identified below;
  • Authorize and direct all agencies under the jurisdiction of the Governor to implement the appropriate watch or warning level-drought response actions assigned in the Operations Plan of the Governor’s Drought Response Team.

 

The Governor’s Drought Response Team will continue to watch the situation closely and work to minimize the effects the drought has on Kansans.

 

For more detailed information about current conditions, see the Kansas Climate Summary and Drought Report on the Kansas Water Office website at: www.kwo.ks.gov

 

County Drought Stage Declarations:

 

Drought Watch:  Allen, Anderson, Barton, Bourbon, Butler, Chase, Chautauqua, Coffey, Cowley, Decatur, Dickinson, Edwards, Elk, Ellis, Gove, Graham, Greenwood, Harper, Harvey, Johnson, Kiowa, Labette, Linn, Lyon, Marion, Miami, Mitchell, Montgomery, Morris, Neosho, Norton, Osborne, Pawnee, Phillips, Republic, Rooks, Rush, Sedgwick, Sheridan, Sumner, Trego, Wilson, Woodson, Wyandotte

 

Drought Warning:  Barber, Cherokee, Cheyenne, Clark, Comanche, Crawford, Ford, Gray, Hodgeman, Jewell, Lane, Logan, Meade, Ness, Rawlins, Sherman, Smith, Thomas

 

Drought Emergency:  Finney, Grant, Greeley, Hamilton, Haskell, Kearny, Morton, Scott, Seward, Stanton, Stevens, Wallace, Wichita

 

To view a Kansas drought map, click here.

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Quarterly Downtown Meet and Greet July 7 at The Courtland Hotel

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Join us for the Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet, Tuesday, July 7, 2020!
8:30 am to 9:30 am
hosted by the Chamber at Courtland Hotel & Spa
Rita Schroeder, Administrative Assistant
Lindsay Madison, President & CEO
620-223-3566
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 Local News