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Art COMPETITION COUNTDOWN: — Submissions due April 27
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Establishing Task Force to Tackle Kansas’ Water Challenges
Governor Kelly Signs Bipartisan Bill Establishing Task Force to Tackle Kansas’ Water Challenges
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly has signed Senate Substitute for House Bill 2172, creating the water program task force to create a long-term investment program for water with a dedicated revenue source, similar to the state’s rolling 10-year transportation programs. The task force will also evaluate current funding for water and the state’s water planning statutes, submitting reports detailing its findings to the governor and the Kansas Legislature in 2026 and 2027.
“Developing a comprehensive, long-term, and sustainable water program is long overdue and a significant step forward in ensuring Kansas’ water supply is preserved for generations to come,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Thanks to this legislation, there will now be a bipartisan strategic plan with a dedicated funding source to tackle Kansas’ most pressing water challenges. I commend the Legislature for advancing my proposal and acting on this critical issue.”
The task force will include 13 voting members spearheaded by a bipartisan group of legislators. Of those 13 voting members, six members will be Kansans appointed by legislative leadership. The task force also includes a five-member water planning work group, which is tasked with reviewing and modernizing the State Water Resources Planning Act.
“Water is truly vital to Kansas agriculture, business, and communities throughout the state,” said Speaker of the Kansas House of Representatives Dan Hawkins. “I commend Chairs Minnix and Rahjes, along with the members of the House Water and Agriculture and Natural Resources Committees, for their leadership in forming the Water Task Force, an essential step toward maintaining our precious water resources.”
The task force is charged with evaluating major risks to Kansas’ water quality and quantity, including any impact on current and future economic growth. It will also examine current funding for water and determine whether this funding is sufficient to address the water issues included in the State Water Plan, including Kansas’ current and future water infrastructure needs. The task force will represent every corner of Kansas by including at least one member from each of the five conservation regions of the state.
“This is a critical step forward in addressing Kansas’ water challenges by establishing a dedicated task force and work group to guide our state’s water policy and funding decisions,” said Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson. “This bill reflects a bipartisan legislative commitment to ensuring sustainable water resources for future generations, and I’m proud to see it move forward with the governor’s support.”
The task force will prepare and submit a preliminary report to the governor and Legislature on or before Jan. 31, 2026, and a final report on Jan. 31, 2027. The report will include recommendations on the water program’s long-term structure to address Kansas’ current and future water needs, the roles and responsibilities of the state, municipalities, and regional entities, and identifying a dedicated funding source for the State Water Plan fund.
“Establishing a task force that is dedicated to making progress on Kansas’ water issues is critical to the success of our agriculture industry and economy,” said Representative for House District 110 Ken Rahjes. “This bill will allow us to take steps so our agriculture communities and rural areas can thrive. It’s crucial we secure Kansas’ water supply now, so our state remains an agricultural and economic powerhouse for decades to come.”
Governor Kelly encouraged the Legislature to form the task force during her State of the State address in January. The Kelly Administration and Kansas Water Authority also conducted 14 public meetings across the state in 2024 to gather feedback from Kansans on local priorities and needs for a long-term program. The results of these meetings were published in the Strategic Implementation Framework for water, which can serve as a blueprint for the task force’s work in constructing a long-term, well-resourced water program.
“Protecting Kansas’ water is paramount for our generation and future generations of Kansans,” said Representative for House District 22 Lindsey Vaughn. “In passing this legislation, the Legislature and Governor Kelly are taking a critical step to ensuring we have a long-term strategic plan for a safe and secure water supply. I’m proud to support this groundbreaking bill and look forward to seeing everything the task force accomplishes.”
In addition to Senate Substitute for House Bill 2172, Governor Kelly also signed the following bipartisan bills:
Substitute for Senate Bill 45: Adjusts how certain K-12 students are included in graduation rate calculations.
Substitute for Senate Bill 54: Enhances transparency by creating a process for judicial review of third-party funding agreements in court proceedings.
House Bill 2016: Ensures that active military members, their spouses, and dependents that are stationed in Kansas but have maintained residency in another state are able to serve as poll workers for Kansas elections. The bill also allows county election officers to remove the name of a registered voter from the registration books when an obituary for such voter is published online, as well as clarifying technical requirements for advanced ballot applications.
House Bill 2030: Excludes dealers and manufacturers of non-motorized trailers from certain provisions of the Vehicle Dealers and Manufacturers Licensing Act.
House Bill 2118: Provides new protections for Kansas consumers by requiring any private entity that solicits a fee for filing or retrieving certain government documents to provide disclaimers to consumers that said solicitations are not made by or on behalf of a government agency.
House Bill 2122: Increases the annual license fees of electric and hybrid vehicles, ensuring that electric vehicle drivers pay their fair share to maintain Kansas highways. The bill also aligns quarterly truck payment statutes for interstate and intrastate motor carriers.
House Bill 2168: Extends the amount of time required for certain reports to be filed by public land surveys from 30 to 90 days, aligning Kansas with industry standards.
House Bill 2242: Authorizes the governor to accept requests of concurrent jurisdiction from the federal government in certain circumstances, allowing juvenile incidents that occur on federal military installations to be adjudicated with state resources and in state juvenile courts which are better equipped to address such matters than federal courts.
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Obituary of Judith Beasley
Judith Ann (Franklin) Beasley was born in Chanute, Kansas on June 3, 1951, to Robert Lee Franklin and Frances Ilene (Tripp) Franklin. As the oldest of four children and as her mother battled sickness, she learned early on to take care of those around her.
She graduated from Ruskin High School in 1969, got married and had two beautiful daughters with John Ronald Burch.
Somewhat of a nomad after losing her mother, she moved a lot to try new jobs, always searching for the one that would provide the best for her and her family.
In Colorado, she found her love of police work and became a Sherriff Deputy. She worked in many other lines of business from secretary to EMT to dispatch, and after planting roots in Fort Scott, Kansas, she found her favorite job as a corrections officer from which she retired.
Her hobbies included soaking in a hot bubble bath and cross-stitching. She made beautiful creations that she gave as gifts and donated to the local hospital after her husband, Delbert passed away.
One of her favorites showed devotion to Jesus, depicting The Last Supper. This piece won the purple grand champion ribbon at the Kincaid Farmers Fair which she was very proud of.
She was a loving sister, mother and grandmother who was not afraid to say anything that came to mind. She enjoyed cracking jokes that would sometimes make people blush and she would giggle when she knew she caught them off guard. She never knew a stranger and loved so much that if you were a friend, you knew you were also family.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Frances, father, Robert, brother, Robert Eugene “Gene” Franklin, and her husband, Delbert Lee Beasley, Jr.
She will be greatly missed by her sister, Linda Diana Langley and husband, Brad, brother, Howard Russell “Rusty” Franklin and girlfriend, Sonji Clary, daughter, Deanna Ilene (Burch) Maiseroulle and husband, Paul, daughter Holly Jeanette (Burch) Welton and boyfriend, Brandon Graham; two bonus children, Susan (Beasley) Crews and Tim Beasley; grandchildren Jordan Woods and wife, Haley, D.J. Blethen and wife Angela, Logan Woods and wife, Jordan, Kimberlee Blethen, Brock Johanning, Blake Johanning, Brenna (Johanning) Whittington and Cameron Johanning; five great-grandchildren, Olivia, Copelan, Bryson, Beau and Isaiah, three nephews, Robbie, Danny and William, one niece, Alyssa and numerous other family members.
A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, April 14th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to the Judy Beasley 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.
Obituary of Linda Pruitt
Linda Ann Pruitt, age 71, resident of Fort Scott, KS passed away Monday, April 7, 2025, at Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence, MO. She was born May 8, 1953, in Fort Scott, the daughter of Walton “Walt” and Evelyn Vest Ham. She attended Prescott, KS grade school, Pleasanton, KS high school, and Fort Scott Community College.
She married Urvy Pruitt on February 14, 1991, in Fort Scott. Linda worked for the Prescott State Bank and later as City Clerk in Prescott.
Her many interests included crocheting, crafts, jewelry, homemaking, and visiting the casino.
She formerly attended the Prescott Baptist Church.
Survivors include her husband Urvy of the home; 3 sons, Jeff Fugate (Robin) of Greeley, Co, Derek Fugate (Michelle) of Kearney, MO, and James Pruitt (Megan) of Wichita, KS; a daughter, Aleah Stice (Jacob) of Emporia, KS; a brother, Larry Ham (Pam) of Fort Scott, KS; a cousin Debbie Taylor of Fort Scott, KS; and numerous grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, mother-in-law Francis Pruitt, and a grandson, Johnathan Wane Fugate.
There was cremation. No services are planned.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations are suggested to the Linda Pruitt Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.
2025 Family Swim Pass Scholarship Apps. Are Ready to Pick Up
The Bourbon County Coalition would like to announce that the 2025 Family Swim Pass Scholarship Applications are ready to pick up.
They are located at the Beacon and Buck Run Community Center.
They can be filled out and returned to either location.
questions can be pointed to our email, bourboncountycoalition@
Chicken & noodle fundraiser for Pavie Tucker Friday, April 11
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Application Deadline for 2025 Boys State of Kansas Session Nears; Keynote Speaker Announced
April 8, 2025 — Less than a month remains to apply for the 2025 session of the American Legion Boys State of Kansas, to be held Sunday, June 1, through Saturday, June 7, at Kansas State University in Manhattan. The deadline is set for Wednesday, April 30. Applications are accepted after that date, but on a space-available basis. This will be the 87th session of the Kansas Boys State program and the 33rd consecutive year at KSU.
Traditionally, Kansas Boys State has been for individuals who will complete their junior year of high school in the spring just prior to the start of each session. However, the ALBSK program has again expanded the pool of applicants for this year’s session to also include those who will complete their sophomore year of high school this spring. There is no limit on the number of delegates a school, community or American Legion post can send to attend Kansas Boys State.
The American Legion Boys State of Kansas program provides a relevant, interactive, problem-solving experience in leadership and teamwork that develops self-identity, promotes mutual respect and instills civic responsibility to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to community, state and nation. Boys State is a “learning by doing” political exercise that simulates elections, political parties and government at the state, county and local levels, providing opportunities to lead under pressure, showcasing character and working effectively within a team. It’s also an opportunity to gain pride and respect for government, and the price paid by members of the military to preserve democracy.
The cost to attend the Boys State of Kansas program is $375; however, in many instances, sponsors pay the majority of the fees, with the delegate or his family paying $50. Those wishing to attend the 2025 session should visit ksbstate.org to apply.
Kansas Boys State attendees are eligible to receive a three-hour course credit (Introduction to Political Science [POLSC 110]) through Kansas State University, as well as earn merit badges to attain the Eagle Scout rank through Boy Scouts of America. Additionally, attendees can apply to win a Samsung American Legion Scholarship. The American Legion Department of Kansas finalist is guaranteed to receive a $1,250 scholarship, with the opportunity to receive up to $10,000 as a national scholar.
Mike Finnegan, Ph.D., assistant professor and director of K-State Strengths initiative within the Staley School of Leadership at Kansas State University, and a 1998 Kansas Boys State delegate, will be the featured keynote speaker during the Kansas Boys State opening session on Sunday, June 1, starting at 1:30 p.m. in McCain Auditorium. The mission of K-State Strengths is to be a catalyst for students to develop their unique talents in pursuit of being their best selves with a goal to increase student engagement and well-being across campus so students can thrive.
In addition, Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab, also a 1998 Kansas Boys State delegate, will provide remarks and swear-in the elected mayors of KBS cities during a ceremony on Monday, June 2, starting at 6:50 p.m. at the Boys State Assembly Area (Goodnow/Marlatt Hall parking lot).
Potential sponsors, such as American Legion posts, civic organizations, businesses, clubs and interested individuals should visit ksbstate.org/sponsor-a-delegate. Questions? Contact the ALBSK at [email protected] or (785) 550-6492.
For complete information about the American Legion Boys State of Kansas program, visit ksbstate.org. For information about the 2025 American Legion Auxiliary Sunflower Girls State, which will be held Sunday, June 1, through Friday, June 6, at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, visit ksgirlsstate.org.
— #KSBoysState —
The American Legion Boys State of Kansas is an interactive simulation that teaches high school seniors-to-be the value of democracy and civic duty. Participants form mock governments and campaign for positions at the city, county and state levels. After the elections, participants find out firsthand the difficult decisions made daily by those in government through a series of challenging simulations. Delegates, nominated to attend by their high school counselors and other influential people in their lives, are sponsored by American Legion posts and various civic organizations from across the state. All delegates demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities in student government, athletics and/or other activities.
The Boys State program was founded by Legionnaires Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card in Illinois in 1935, and was first held in Kansas two years later in Wichita. The Kansas program moved to the University of Kansas in Lawrence in 1963 and remained there until 1991. The following year, it moved to its current location at Kansas State University in Manhattan. For more information about the American Legion Boys State of Kansas, visit ksbstate.org.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports April 8
Experience Life at Fort Scott During the Civil War…Without Needing to Enlist!
Fort Scott, Kan. – Fort Scott National Historic Site is hosting its Annual Civil War Encampment, April 12 and 13, 2025. Join us each day to experience cavalry and infantry troops drilling, preparing for battle, and sharing stories of life during the Civil War. Talk to a blacksmith as he brings raw metal to life with his hammer, learn the process of crafting lead musket balls, and speak with volunteers portraying some of the women who provided support to the troops and operations during the Civil War.
Long-time volunteer Michelle Martin will share the incredible Civil War experience of Emma Caroline Morely. Emma helped the women of Fort Scott care for the sick and wounded in the aftermath of the Battle of Mine Creek. Emma’s diminutive diary provides us with incredible information and insight about the roles of women and communities during times of war. Long-time volunteer Jan Elder will share stories about the many women who participated in battles during the Civil War in “They Fought like Demons.” Listen to roving minstrels, learn about Civil War medicine and candle making, and participate in discussions about artillery of the times. Bring the family or friends and challenge them to a tug-o-war and other play historic lawn games. Saturday evening the Friends of Fort Scott is hosting a Civil War-era camp dance. The weekend is full of fun for the whole family straight from the 1800’s!
Encampment Program Schedule:
SATURDAY, APRIL 12
Interpreters will be around the site throughout the day.
9:30 a.m. Raising the Colors (Garrison Flagpole)
10 a.m. Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort (Meet at Visitor Center)
10:30 a.m. “They Fought Like Demons”: Women Soldiers in the Civil War (Hospital Porch)
11 a.m. Infantry Firing Discussions (Black Powder Area)
Noon Artillery Discussion (Post Headquarters)
1 p.m. Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort (Meet at Visitor Center)
1:30 p.m. “I Thought This Place Doomed”: Emma Caroline Morely’s Fort Scott Service
2 p.m. Infantry Firing Discussions (Black Powder Area)
3 p.m. They Fought Like Demons, Women Soldiers in the Civil War (Hospital Porch)
3:30 p.m. Mustering Out (Near Quartermaster’s Storehouse)
4:30 p.m. Flag Retreat with Infantry (Garrison Flagpole)
7 p.m. Camp Dance (Memorial Hall)
SUNDAY, APRIL 13
Interpreters will be around the site throughout the day.
9 a.m. Raising the Colors (Garrison Flagpole)
9:30 am Historic Church Service (Near Dragoon Barracks)
10 a.m. Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort (Meet at Visitor Center)
10:30 a.m. Artillery Discussion (Post Headquarters)
11 a.m. Infantry Firing Discussions (Black Powder Area)
Noon Artillery Discussion (Post Headquarters)
1 p.m. Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort (Meet at Visitor Center)
1:30 p.m. “I Thought This Place Doomed”: Emma Caroline Morely’s Fort Scott Service
2 p.m. Infantry Firing Discussions (Black Powder Area)
3:30 p.m. Mustering Out (Near Quartermaster’s Storehouse)
4:30 p.m. Flag Retreat with Infantry (Garrison Flagpole)
Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, exhibit areas and visitor center are currently open Friday through Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Park grounds are open daily from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset. To find out more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.
-NPS-
Credit Photo as: NPS Photo/V. Wright, Holmes Brigade Infantry Marching
CIVIL WAR CAMP DANCE FEATURED THIS WEEKEND
Dust off your dancing shoes and mark your calendar for the Civil War Camp Dance this Saturday, April 12. The fun filled evening, hosted by the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site Inc., is being held at Memorial Hall 1 East 3rd Street in Fort Scott and will feature 19th century music, Victorian dance instruction and light refreshments. Doors open at 6:00 pm with dancing to begin at 7:00 pm. Admission is $15 per person or $25 per couple. Period dress is encouraged but not required.
Dancing was a favorite form of entertainment during the Victorian era (1840s-1890s) and especially during the Civil War as it offered respite from the worries and horrors of a war that affected the entire nation. Come find some respite from your own busy schedule as you are transported to times past. All ages are welcome and no prior dance experience is necessary to enjoy the evening.
This event is being offered in conjunction with Fort Scott National Historic Site’s (FSNHS) Civil War Encampment. For more information concerning FSNHS’s Civil War Encampment go www.nps.gov/fosc.
The Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site is a non-profit organization established in partnership with the National Park Service to support and promote the preservation and interpretation of FSNHS.
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Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition General Membership Meeting Minutes, April 2, 2025
- Welcome: Twenty members representing eighteen agencies attended the meeting held at the Scottview Apartments Conference Room.
- Member Introductions and Announcements:
- Henry Coronado – SER Corporation – SER works with students going into the vocational field, especially those with an ag background.
- Robin Paulie – CHC SEK –
- Susan & Jimmie Jones – Celebrate Recovery – Celebrate Recovery is a faith-based group that helps people with hurts and habits they can’t control. They help with more than just drugs and alcohol.
- April Jackson Thrive Allen County & SEK Recovery Resources – Cover the SEK area for anything related to addiction. Services include peer support, navigation, and harm-reduction services. Drug Endangered Children’s kits are available.
- Andrea Pontious – Thrive Allen County – community health worker
- Christine Abbot & Amber Ames -SEKWORKS – Located in Fort Scott HBCAT office, offer resources for employment, training, etc. Can also help build and post resumes and provide general training assistance.
- Kathy Brennon – SEK AAA -The meal site at Buck Run is going well and currently serves 6-10 people. There is no waiting list for on-site meals, there is a waiting list for meal deliveries. Harry Hynes Hospice will be coming in once or twice a month and other activities are being arranged. The AAA is trying to set up a legal assistance event in June for those over age 60 and trying to grow programs and resources for those 60+.
- Jenny Layes- Community Health Worker with HBCAT – Work with a Pathways grant connecting people to services, and growing mentorship program.
- Don Tucker – FS Youth Home – The Youth Home has recently been rented to Jenni Simhiser for her Recovery House program.
- Kelli Mengarelli – Family Resource Center/Early Childhood Block Grant
- Janelle Tate – Early Childhood Block Grant – ECBG is always looking for referrals
- Nick Johnson – USD 234- Early Childhood Spring Fling 4/3 5:00-6:30, Preschool Round-Up 4/11, and Kindergarten Round-Up 4/9
- Kathy Romero – Angels Care home health – Angels serves five counties in SEK. They provide in-home skilled services. Angels Care has been serving for 25 years
- Michelle Stevenson – FS Early Childhood Program – Provide home visiting services. Work with families with children ages prenatal through 6. Her program is Literacy-based. Michelle will be graduating several families in June and looking for families to join. You can contact Michelle by phone, 620-223-8965 or by email, [email protected]. FSECP has two parent-child cafes coming up, Spring Fling and Shead Farm Homestead Festival May 17th. Michelle has a caseload of 30 kids, about 25 families.
- Lea Kay Karlieskint – SNAP ED educator – Offers free nutrition ed programs for ages 3rd grade through senior citizens. Always looking for partners who can provide a space for programs. Lea Kay is looking for connections with churches to set up a food pantry.
- Dee Dee Lefever – Community Liaison Greenbush- Birth-3, PAT, Audiology, Autism Team. Wrapping up an early childhood resource project for Bourbon County. Materials will be distributed soon. Dee Dee is also helping with Inspire Health Foundation activities at Early Childhood events in the SEK area.
- Angela Handly – Salvation Army Compassionate Ministries – Angela can help clients with bills and resources, and recently set up a pantry with Community Foundation of SEK grant funding. Angela is in the office Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10:00-2:00. Also available by phone.
- Program: Jenni Simhiser, The Path of EASE Associate (Redemption House) 501(c)(3)
Jenni comes from a background of drug and alcohol addiction. A year and a half ago, she overcame her addiction with the help of the Oxford House in Topeka. When she came back to Fort Scott, she recognized the need for more resources for those stuck in addiction. She decided to move back to Fort Scott with the goal of opening recovery homes and building a recovery community. Jenni is opening the first women’s and children’s house in Fort Scott. She eventually plans to open a men’s and children’s house. She has received a lot of support in Fort Scott. She hopes to partner with AA and Celebrate Recovery to coordinate services. Jenni is also waiting for approval to place a Narcan vending machine in the downtown area. Applications for recovery homes can be found on The Path of EASE Facebook Page, DCF, and soon Salvation Army/Compassionate Ministries. Currently have housing for 7 women and their children. Clients will only be responsible for paying $60 per week to cover the cost of living in the house. Jenni will be living in the house and helping run it. A Grand Opening and ribbon-cutting event will be announced. Jenni also plans to incorporate a Farm-to-Table project with those living in the house. On April 26, a Paint and Praise fundraiser and raffle will be taking place at the Recovery House, 728 Heylman. The Path of EASE has a CashApp and will take monetary donations for anyone interested in helping.
- Open Forum: Nothing further came before the membership.
- Adjournment: The next General Membership meeting will be May 7, 2025.