Luke George, Redfield, was named a 2020 Kansas Governor’s Scholar by Kansas Governor Laura Kelly.
This award recognizes and honors the top academic one percent of Kansas high school seniors.
To view the full award, click below:
Obituary of Wanda Larsen
Wanda Audine (Smith) Larsen, 89, formerly of Fort Scott, KS, passed away Thursday evening, May 7, 2020 at the Ozark Nursing and Care Center in Ozark, MO. Wanda was born August 3, 1930 in (a farmhouse near Dry Ridge) Blue Mound, KS, the daughter of Artie Douglas and Charlotte Opal (Bray) Smith.
She graduated from Uniontown High School with the class of 1948. She was a member of the Richards Christian Church in Richards, MO. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She loved all children and “adopted” many friends of her children and grandchildren as well as students from Fort Scott Community College as her own. Many remember her fondly as Grandma Wanda. Before her health declined, she was very active and enjoyed walks, long drives and shopping. She had a big heart and managed to find friends everywhere she went. She loved her family, church, cooking, sewing, gardening and playing cards with friends. She often reminisced about her time working at The Western Insurance Company, The Bourbon County Court House, The Red Barn Restaurant and Fort Scott Community College.
She is survived by two sons, Steve (Joyce) Larsen, Willard, MO and Brad (Sharon) Larsen, Winfield KS and two daughters, Beverly Larsen, Ozark, MO and Belinda (Joe) Tucker, Fort Scott, KS. She is also survived by eleven grandchildren, Dustin (Stacey) Larsen, Springfield MO; Nicole Adams, Nevada, MO; Noelle (Shane) Fast, Eldorado Springs, MO; Ty Larsen, Springfield, MO; Travis (Beth) Larsen, Springfield, MO; Caylin (Jesse) Overfield, Waunakee, WI; Kyle Larsen, Winfield, KS; Anne (Tom) Colvin, Ozark, MO; Joely (Scott) Womeldorff, Kansas City, MO; Miles (Emmah) Dikeman, Fort Scott, KS; and Monica (Jared) Snyder, Fulton, KS, and twenty great-grandchildren, Elsie and Kinley Larsen, Caleb Kettner, Carli Bouray, Monroe Adams, Hailey and Madi Fast, Mason Shy and Maggie Larsen, Amaya Campbell, Adilyn and Paxton Overfield; Christian and Sophia Colvin, Talon, Tannyn, Truett and Tesher Womeldorff, Korbin and Kinsley Snyder with a baby girl on the way. She is also survived by a sister, Mary Luker of Holton, KS; a sister-in-law, Ida Mae Smith of Overland Park, KS and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, Billy, Richard and Dale Smith, a sister-in-law, Betty Smith, brother-in-law, Kenny Luker, two sons, Mike and Richard (Dick) Larsen, and her great-granddaughter Gabriella Campbell.
Services will be private with burial at Evergreen Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. The family suggests memorials to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or Autism Speaks. Donations 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, KS 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.
Momma’s Cookie Jar
“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:14-15
My mother died on Mother’s Day. I was only a child when she died. It’s been over forty years now, but I still miss her. I suppose that as long as I am on this earth, I always will.
When I think back on that time, which I inevitably do every year around Mother’s Day, one thing sticks out in my mind. I remember on the day my mother died, family members came to our home and divided up her things. Everybody wanted a family heirloom following Momma’s death. Since I was just a child, I was left out. Nothing of my mother’s was given to me. There was, however, one item that I really wanted – Momma’s cookie jar.
The cookie jar was nothing special. It wasn’t an antique. It wasn’t valuable. But, like a treasure chest, so many of my most precious childhood memories were locked away inside the cookie jar. Momma always kept my favorite treats inside – Nutter Butters, Nilla Wafers, Nabisco Famous Cookies, Keebler Cremes, and my all-time favorite – Momma’s Homemade Snickerdoodles. We didn’t have much money and times were tough when I was a kid, but there were always delicious goodies in Momma’s cookie jar.
I watched as an aunt walked out the door with the cookie jar. I thought, “That should be mine. I hate her for taking it.” As time passed, those feelings grew, and I resented her. So, I avoided my aunt. One of the few family ties in my life was broken over a cookie jar.
Years later, I was in the kitchen with my wife, Amanda. She said, “I want to get a cookie jar for the kitchen counter.” When she said that, I told her about Momma’s cookie jar and what it meant to me. Amanda lovingly asked, “Why don’t we try to find one just like it?” I thought that was a great idea. So, we logged on to eBay and ordered a cookie jar identical to Momma’s.
A few months went by and my cousin came to visit. She noticed the cookie jar and asked about it. I said, “It’s a replacement for the one Momma had when I was growing up.” I didn’t know it, but my cousin had the original at her house. Not long after, she gave it to me.
The Lord Jesus Christ once said, “But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:15). For years, I refused to forgive a relative for something as silly as a cookie jar. Besides, my aunt didn’t even know that I wanted it in the first place. Looking back now, I realize how childish I was to be so angry and upset. Too many years were wasted being out of fellowship with God and family. Too many years were wasted living in a state of bitterness and unforgiveness.
How many “cookie jars” are there in our lives? How many things, as insignificant as a ceramic cookie jar, in light of eternity, separate us from fellowship with God? How much does a lack of forgiveness keep us from fellowship with other people?
The point is: Let go of your “cookie jar.” I can tell you it’s not worth hanging on to. Forgive and find forgiveness.
It’s what your mom would want you to do.
James Collins is the senior pastor of First Southern Baptist Church. Sunday Service starts tomorrow at 11 am. For more information, go www.fortscottfsbc.com.
When Your Income Drops
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]
The COVID-19 situation has affected many families. From layoffs and closures to limited schedules, farm markets and potential furloughs, financial strain is a real issue.
A sudden drop in income, no matter the reason, can result in panic and stress when the bills keep coming. Proactively figuring out what you have and developing a plan can help buffer those feelings and take control of your financial position.
K-State Research and Extension recently published “When Your Income Drops”, a series of five fact sheets to help you find your way when your finances have changed.
The first in the series is Don’t Panic — Take Control. It provides basic ‘to do’ tips to minimize financial hardship.
The second one, Making Ends Meet, addresses the five “C’s” to keep in mind when income changes or becomes uncertain. These include control as much of the situation as you can. Claim benefits you qualify for. Communicate with family members and develop a plan together. Don’t ignore, confer with creditors and any company you have financial obligations with. Be prepared to change your lifestyle, at least temporarily, to maintain basic essentials.
Coping with Stress outlines recognizing stress, management tips, and knowing when and where to get help. In Kansas, professional help is available from numerous community agencies and protective services.
Community and Family Resources includes sources of supply, support and aid in Kansas including Unemployment Insurance, Kansas Works, and Legal Services. The fact sheet also includes Kansas organizations that focus on situations specific to farmers including Kansas Ag Stress Resources and the Kansas Agricultural Mediation Services. United Way supports 211, a free and confidential service that helps people across North America find the local resources 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Sharpening Survival Skills focuses on developing a plan, substitutions, conserving, utilizing your talents and times, cooperating to stretch resources, and accessing community resources such as parks, museums, and libraries.
A sudden loss of income can be traumatic, but being proactive by taking stock of where you are financially, investigating potential resources and creating a spending plan can help buffer the shock.
The full series can be downloaded at https://www.southwind.k-state.edu/covid_19_resources/your_money/money%20index.html
For more information, please contact Joy Miller at [email protected] or by calling 620-223-3720. Follow us on Facebook @southwindextensiondistrict.
Fort Scott Public Library Story Time May 12
Storytime at Fort Scott Public Library is Tuesday,
May 12 at 10 am: Kites Storytime on Zoom
11 am: Kites Storytime on Facebook Live
Join Miss Val online for virtual storytime! The library will use the Zoom platform for the 10 am storytime and Facebook Live for the 11 am event. This should remain the schedule until the library reopens, but stay tuned to Fort Scott Public Library’s Facebook page for all event updates. To attend the Zoom meeting, you will need to message the library for the meeting link, unless you have attended in the past. You may receive the link by one of two methods:
Message Fort Scott Public Library through Facebook or email Miss Val at [email protected] before the start (10 am Tuesday) of storytime, and they will send you the link. The same link will be used for all future Zoom storytimes.
Zoom can be accessed on any pc with a camera and headset, smartphone, or tablet with online access. The application will allow families to see and interact with one another, in addition to being a part of storytime. Storytimes will be recorded and posted afterwards, when possible, for anyone who misses part or all of the meetings to view later. You will have the option of turning your video and audio on and off anytime during the meeting.
This week’s books: “We Like Kites” by The Berenstains
This week’s craft: Homemade Kite
Materials Needed: Paper bag or sheet of paper, string or yarn, crayons, markers, or pencils, and decorations (think stickers, stencils, pom poms, etc.), and glue, stapler, or tape.
This week’s snack: Edible Kite
Materials Needed: Rectangular-shaped snack, such as a graham cracker or Rice Krispie treat OR pretzel sticks arranged in a rectangle. Also, food for a tail, such as pepper strip, string from string cheese, or even a spaghetti noodle, and spread of some kind, such as cream cheese or peanut butter.
For activity suggestions and more see the library’s Storytime Pinterest board: https://www.pinterest.com/fortscottpublic/story-time/.
Read digital books related to the theme at http://sunflowerelibrary.overdrive.com or https://www.hoopladigital.com/ (seknfind.org account required) or https://kslib.info/963/eBooks-for-Kids (for residents of Kansas only).
Read digital books related to the theme at http://sunflowerelibrary.overdrive.com or https://www.hoopladigital.com/ (seknfind.org account required) or https://kslib.info/963/eBooks-for-Kids (for residents of Kansas only).
Teens & Tweens:
Join Miss Val for a virtual crafternoon on Wednesday, May 12 at 4 pm. Dragon crafts are the theme of the day, so bring along a few sheets of paper, scissors, and drawing/coloring tools and/or Sharpies and clear marbles (with or without a flat side) for the second craft.
The library would like to know what days and times work best for you! Please take this poll to help decide the future of this virtual program.
The same Zoom link will be used for each meeting. If you did not attend, to receive the link, message the library or Miss Valetta on Facebook, or send an email to [email protected] Zoom meetings require a device that has a camera and microphone, such as a smart phone, tablet, or laptop. You may choose to disable your video or audio at any time, and feel free to use a free Zoom background (just do a search and lots of them will pop up, along with instructions) if you don’t want everyone seeing your real life background. You may want to install the Zoom app before the meeting starts to make things easier. It is available on Google Play, Apple, and on their website. This event is for middle and high school students only. #FSPLFighters
Early Childhood System Transformation
Kansas receives grant to transform the Kansas early childhood system
Governor Laura Kelly and other early childhood leaders from across Kansas announced today that an $8.9 million grant from the Administration for Children and Families has been awarded to continue efforts to strengthen the early childhood system in Kansas. The funding is the first installment of a 3-year renewal of Kansas’s Preschool Development Grant Birth Through Five (PDG B-5) initiative.
“These funds will be imperative in helping to keep up our current momentum as we work to improve our state’s early childhood system,” Governor Kelly said. “This grant is particularly welcome now, as the COVID-19 pandemic has caused an additional degree of stress on early childhood in Kansas. With it, we will continue to fight for the health and safety of children and families in our state.”
Leaders from the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund, the Kansas State Department of Education, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas Department of Children and Families began this collaborative work with a PDG B-5 planning grant in January 2019. The initial grant funded a comprehensive statewide needs assessment, which illuminated what Kansans need and want from their early childhood care and education system.
Over 6,100 parents, early childcare and education professionals, civic and business leaders, and community members provided input. Addressing the findings from these efforts is the foundation of a new statewide strategic plan for early childhood, which was finalized earlier this month.
“After touring the state throughout 2019, it’s clear that although Kansans recognize the importance of high-quality early childhood programs and services, we have work to do,” said Melissa Rooker, Executive Director of the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund. “This grant will allow us to focus on implementation of our strategic plan as we work to strengthen our system and achieve our vision that every Kansas child has the best possible start in life.”
Funding from this grant will support systems-alignment, infrastructure, and innovation at the local and state level. Kansans can expect to see investments in activities that build a sustainable infrastructure for the early childhood system.
Visit the Systems Building tab at www.kschildrenscabinet.org for more information and to stay engaged in the work to strengthen the early childhood system in the coming years.
Funds for this project are provided through the Department of Health and Human Services (HSS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five 90TP0016-01-00 ($4,482,305) was awarded to the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE). The Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund, the Kansas Department for Children and Families, and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment are leading this work with KSDE. This information or content and conclusions should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HHS, ACF, or the U.S. Government.
###
Driver’s License Offices Reopen May 12
Kansas Department of Revenue announces plan to reopen driver’s license offices
TOPEKA – Since March 24, 2020, extensions to driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations have been made through Executive Order 20-12 signed by Governor Laura Kelly. While those extensions are still valid, the Kansas Department of Revenue will start to reopen driver’s license offices on Tuesday, May 12, 2020.
Under Ad Astra: A plan to reopen Kansas, presented at the end of April by Governor Kelly, steps will be made to ensure the health and well-being of all who enter Kansas Department of Revenue offices. This includes requiring appointments and screenings before entering offices and implementing all social distancing guidelines.
“Following the procedures of the Ad Astra Plan and data presented by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, we are making concerted efforts to open in a thoughtful and safe manner,” Secretary Mark Burghart said.
“This is done by looking at the county COVID-19 case data and applicable guidelines on social distancing to make the necessary decisions to reopen and possibly temporarily reclose offices.”
Only essential services will be conducted in reopened driver’s license offices. These include:
- Drivers needing to transfer a license from another state
- Teen drivers receiving a license for the first time
- Drivers turning 21 or turning 50 years-of-age
- Applications for a new state identification card
- If there is no online access to the customer or other restriction to online service apply by statute, including not having an eye exam within the last 12 months
“It is important to note that Governor Kelly’s Executive Order 20-12, which allows extensions on driver’s license renewals and vehicle registrations, is still in effect,” David Harper, Director of Vehicles said.
“We encourage customers who can perform these services online to do so as we continue to evaluate the reopening of the more than 100 office locations with the partnership of county governments.”
Renewals to Governor Kelly’s extensions must be completed within 60 days of the expiration of the State of Disaster Emergency Proclamation, originally made in March, and extended due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19 to the state.
To schedule an appointment, customers are asked to call their driver’s license office or use the already established scheduling program, Q-Flow, for offices with that availability.
Beginning on May 12, the following offices will reopen by appointment only:
| County | Office | Appointment method |
| Sedgwick | 1873 W. 21st N.
Wichita Twin Lakes CDL ONLY |
785-940-1353 |
| Johnson | 30750 W. 193rd Street Edgerton CDL ONLY |
785-581-2864 |
| Shawnee | 3907 SW Burlingame Road
Topeka CDL ONLY |
785-940-1309 |
| Douglas | 1035 N. 3rd Street, Suite 119
Lawrence |
QFlow |
| Ellis | 1222 Canterbury Drive
Hays |
785-625-6917 |
| Riley | 8200 S. Port Drive, Suite 105
Manhattan |
QFlow |
| Thomas | 990 S. Range Street, #3
Colby |
785-462-3620 |
| Barton | 1400 Main Street, Room 207
Great Bend |
620-793-9531 |
| Franklin | 225 S. Walnut Street
Ottawa |
785-242-1276 |
| Nemaha | 203 N. 8th Street, Suite 2
Seneca |
785-336-6454 |
| Crawford | 202 E. Centennial Drive, Suite C11A
Pittsburg |
620-231-0711 |
Moving forward, the reopened office listing is available at https://www.ksrevenue.org/reopening.html.
Online renewals of identification cards, driver’s licenses, and vehicle tag renewals can be done online at ikan.ks.gov or in the iKan app available in the Apple iTunes or Google Play stores. Some statutory restrictions apply. For those restrictions, an office visit will need to be scheduled.
To contact the Division of Vehicles about issues relating to a title, registration, or driver’s licenses, phone and email information can be found at ksrevenue.org/dovcontact.html.
Kansas COVID 19 Update May 8
Death Notice of Mary Barrett Irvin
Mary Barrett Irvin, 99, of Fort Scott, passed away Friday morning, May 8, 2020 at the Presbyterian Village in Fort Scott. Funeral arrangements for Mary Irvin are incomplete and will be announced later by the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.
Death Notice of Wanda Larsen
Wanda Audine Larsen, 89, formerly of Fort Scott, passed away Thursday evening, May 7, 2020 at the Ozark Nursing & Care Center in Ozark, Missouri. Funeral arrangements for Wanda Larsen are incomplete and will be announced later by the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.
What’s Happening In Fort Scott By The Chamber of Commerce
UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS – MAY 2020
MANY RESTAURANTS ARE NOW OPEN FOR
DINE-IN AND OFFERING CURB-SIDE & DELIVERY!
8 – Corona Cruise Night – cruise National Ave. with your family starting at 7pm! Cruise runs back and forth between 6th and 18th Streets. Click here for Facebook event.
8 – Fort Cinema serving Cruise Night concessions from 5 to 8pm, click here for Facebook event.
9 – Fort Scott Farmers’ Market on Skubitz Plaza in front of the Fort, 8am to noon. Bourbon County Master Gardener’s will also be having their annual plant sale.
9 – Iron Star Antiques & Such special on the popular Myra bags, treat your mother with a Myra purse or bag of all sizes and different designs with a special of 10% off.
9 – Live music at the Boiler Room Brewhaus, corner of Wall & National, 7 to 9pm. Enjoy Wade D. Brown while enjoying some craft beer, or other alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages, snacks available, or have your own food delivered! No cover charge, tips encouraged. Due to the virus only a limited number will be allowed in, so come early for a seat.
10 – Country Place Living on Horton invites you to a Mother’s Day Drive-thru Parade from 10 – 10:30am, see below for more info.
10 – Boiler Room Brewhaus brings back Trivia night for teams of 2 to 6 people, $5 entry per team, 5-7pm
THIS WEEKEND – Courtland Hotel & Spa invites you to treat your Mother, or maybe yourself, to a gift card for some personal service specials. See below for more details!
SAVE THE DATE!
12 – 1/2 Price Plant Sale at Tri-Valley Developmental Services, see more info. below.
16 – Perry’s Pork Rinds & Blue Spoon Pop-up Shop at Tractor’s Supply, 10am-7pm, click here for Facebook event.
Fort Scott Farmer’s Market Continues on Saturdays and Tuesdays
The Fort Scott Farmer’s Market will continue on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon and Tuesdays from 4-6 p.m. at Skubitz Plaza, directly in front of the Fort Scott National Historic Site.
This farmer run market provides a friendly, safe, and fair local market of fresh locally produced items for the community, according to its’ Facebook page.
Linda Bower and husband Chet, have been involved in the market for 25 years she said.
Things will be a little different in 2020 with the pandemic in that social distancing will be maintained, Bower said.
“The public health nurse, Becky Johnson, has OK’d the farmer’s market,” she said. “We have to do social distancing. Masks are optional. Hand sanitizers will be available.”
The Bowers will be bringing spring harvested food produce.
“We will be bringing broccoli, onions, lettuce, spinach, and radishes,” she said.
The Fort Scott Garden Club will have their annual plant sale this Saturday, May 9.
Other vendors are:
R and B Produce, owners Ronnie and Beverly Brown, will be selling nuts and nut bread: (pumpkin, banana, poppy seed, apple nut), caramel rolls, jelly, and salsa.
Locust Hill Lamanchas, owner Sue Reinecke and family, will be selling goat’s milk products: soap, lotion, body cream, all-natural deodorant, and candles.
Micki Kraft will be bringing fabric facemasks in three sizes-$3 each. and also aprons (kids and adults), kitchen towels, hot pads, dish rags, and microwave potato bags.
Leta Herboldsherimer will be selling baked goods, pot holders, and dish rags.
Some Amish families will be selling plants and a new vendor will be selling glassware yard decor, Bower said.
To learn more about becoming a vendor, please click the application and guidelines here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tmtWzbD4woEHX7618JRrH2xvuouv08Pl/view?usp=sharing