Area News, Bourbon County Sheriff's Office, Fort Scott Police Department

Woman’s Body Found in Marmaton River

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On October 16, 2018, at 1:05 p.m. Fort Scott Police Department officers were dispatched to 402 S. Clark in reference to a missing person report.

Upon arrival, it was learned that Edith Hawkins, 72, had left her residence earlier in the day at approximately 10 a.m. and had not been seen since.

Family members reported that Hawkins suffered from Alzheimer’s Disease.

Members of the Fort Scott Police and Fire Departments,  Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office, Mercy Emergency Medical Services and three rural fire departments began a search for the woman in and around Fort Scott.

At approximately 3:01 p.m. a deceased body believed to be Hawkins was found in the water of the Marmaton River between Second Street Bridge and the North National Bridge.

The body was sent to Frontier Forensics in Kansas City to assist in the investigation.

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee At Pioneer Harvest Fiesta Oct. 18

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Join us for Chamber Coffee hosted by
Pioneer Harvest Fiesta
 Location: Bourbon Co. Fairgrounds
(across the street from Fort Scott 
Community College)
Thursday, October 18, 2018


Click here for Pioneer Harvest Fiesta’s home page.
Click here for Pioneer Harvest Fiesta’s Facebook page.
Chamber members and guests are encouraged to attend for networking, community announcements, and to learn about the hosting business or organization.
Members may pay $1 to make an announcement about an upcoming event, special/sale/discount, or news of any kind.
Upcoming Coffees:
October 25th – Trinity Lutheran Church
November 1st – Fort Scott Area Community Foundation
@ Landmark Bank
November 8th – VFW
November 15th – Bourbon Co. Arts Council
Area News

Tri-Yak-Athon Tentative For Oct. 20

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Frank Halsey speaks to a group of young riders in July before a mountain bike race at Gunn Park.

An annual outdoors athletic event has tentatively been rescheduled for Oct. 20.

“The Tri-Yak-AThon is rescheduled for this Saturday, weather permitting,” Frank Halsey, who is the original organizer of the event. “We are praying the forecasted rain for Thursday night and Friday morning misses us.”

” The Tri-yak-a-thon is a race where participants run on Gunn Park’s beautiful trails, kayak up and down the Marmaton River, and then tackle the trails again on a bike”, according to a press release. ” The goal of the event is to have fun and raise money to support the bike share program. ”

“I can tell you there is a lot of interest again this year,” Halsey said. “We are just so dependent on weather it’s hard to tell how many will show.”

The 6th Annual Tri-Yak-A-Thon, at Gunn Park Trails, was postponed for the scheduled race on Oct. 13, due to Marmaton River flooding.  Organizers rescheduled tentatively for October 20.

The Gunn Park Trails volunteers extend an invitation to enjoy the fall weather and watch the 6th annual Tri-yak-a-thon. 

This year’s proceeds benefit the new City of Fort Scott Bike Share Program.

The competition is scheduled on October 20 at 10:00 AM in Gunn Park.

The trail run is approximately four miles, the kayak portion is 2.5 miles, and the final portion is a 7-mile mountain bike ride.

Participants may be part of a relay team or do the entire race solo.

Participants must bring their own kayak, life jacket, helmet, and mountain bike.  Riders must wear a helmet.

Onsite registration and packet pickup will be from 8:00 to 9:45 AM Oct. 20 at Shelter House 6.

You can register online at https://www.trireg.com/tri-yak-a-thon.

“Whether you enter the race or just come and cheer, please join us and support our park, our trails, and our bike share program,” according to the press release.

Fort Scott started a Bike Share program June 2018,

Ten yellow bikes are available for community members and visitors to take and ride for free check out.

Nate’s Place eatery, 750 S. National Avenue is a hub for Bike-Share.

Bikes are available  from the following hub locations:
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce/CVB, 231 E. Wall St., 620-223-3566
Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton St., 620-223-2700
Nate’s Place/Lyons Twin Mansions, 750 S. National Ave., 620-223-3644
Peerless Products, Inc., 2403 S. Main St., 620-223-4610

Riders must be at least 12 years of age to ride.  If under 18 a parent/guardian must sign the waiver form.
Hub location will take a copy of driver’s license upon bike check-out.
Click here to view the waiver form.

Bourbon County, Elections, Kansas

Introducing the Candidates: Trevor Jacob

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This is part of a series featuring candidates in the Nov. 6 election.

State Representatives, 4th District (vote for one)

Lawrence Forbach 305 Dement Street Mound City 66056 Democratic

Trevor Jacobs 1927 Locust Rd Fort Scott 66701 Republican

Name: Trevor Jacobs

Age: 42

Candidate for the position of 4th District Kansas House of Representatives

Place of residence: Fort Scott Ks

Current occupation: BNSF Railway

Community involvement:

Preach on KMDO 1600 AM, KOMB 103.9 FM, Sunday mornings, for the radio broadcast Jesus Saves Ministries, preach at Linn County, Mound City Jail, Fort Scott Country Place, Fort Scott Guest Home Estates, Fort Scott Medical Lodge, and have a Bible outreach program, with Jesus Saves Ministries.

Party affiliation: Republican

1) What is the biggest issue, if elected, and how do you plan to address it?

To stand for our God-given rights of “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.” I stand to protect our constitutional freedoms. To stand for true American and Kansas traditional values that have made this nation and state great. I stand for the life of the preborn and the protection of the elderly. I stand unashamedly for Biblical morality. I stand for our God-given right to protect ourselves, our families, and our property from government intrusion.

2) Give your views on food sales tax:

I oppose sales tax on food. I voted every time to abolish the sales tax on food. This issue had been introduced and debated multiple times, in the Kansas House Chamber and was voted down everytime by the liberal fringes of both parties. If it wasn’t for partisan politics this issue would have already been resolved.

3) Give your views on legalizing marijuana:

I oppose legalizing marijuana.

4) Give your views on health care for our state, including Medicaid:

This is a very important topic and issue and when considering the future of our healthcare system, the state has put itself in obligation to provide a safety net of healthcare to the elderly, disabled, and the poor. This program is taxpayer funded. It is extremely important to maintain the mindset that there must be serious checks and balances and a degree of accountability with the healthcare programs. Healthcare is not about the quantity of recipients on a particular plan, but of the quality of healthcare that the recipients are receiving.

5) Give views on abortion and Planned Parenthood:

I oppose the murder of children in the womb and I strongly believe it is contrary to the traditional values of the Founding Fathers and documents of this nation. “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.” God has formed and created every person for a purpose and a plan.

As for Planned Parenthood, I believe they do not deserve any taxpayer money…given the chance, I would vote to defund Planned Parenthood.

Government, Kansas

Kansas Water Conference Next Month

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Registration is Open and Agenda Continues to Build

 

Registration is open and speakers continue to be confirmed for the seventh annual Governor’s Conference on the Future of Water in Kansas. This two-day event will be Tuesday, November 13 and Wednesday, November 14, at the Hilton Garden Inn Conference Center in Manhattan, Kansas.

 

The conference topics include:

  • Reservoir Management to Meet Growing Demands
  • Market Forces That Influence Conservation and Management Practices
  • Infrastructure for the Future
  • Water Technology Farms and Ogallala Aquifer Impacts
  • Kansas Water Vision Implementation
  • Why Does Navigation in Kansas Matter

 

To view the brochure for a current list of speakers and panelists visit: www.kwo.ks.gov

 

Some day one speakers include: Tom Kula, Executive Director of North Texas Municipal Water District; Amy Larson, President of National Water Ways Conference; Jim Macy, Director of Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality; Mark Lambert, Associate Director of Quantified Ventures.

 

Day two will build on the water policy, funding and vision implementation discussions from the previous day with technical presentation posters and talks. Graduate and undergraduate students will also present their research. Student proposals are due October 22 and more information can be found on the website.

 

“We encourage anyone to attend who has an interest in our state’s water resources. Legislators, water managers, state, federal, city and county officials as well as scientists, organizations and agricultural producers are all welcome,” said Tracy Streeter Kansas Water Office Director. “Kansas must continue to prioritize our commitment to creating a future that provides safe and reliable sources of water to households, cities, industries, producers, and the list goes on. Dedication to our water resources is critical and necessary for each and every one of us.”

 

Registration is available online at www.kwo.ks.gov. The deadline is November 1! Conference details, brochure, speakers, sponsors and hotel information can be found online as well.

 

The Governor’s Conference on the Future of Water in Kansas is hosted by the KWO, K-State /Kansas Water Resource Institute. Major sponsors for the event include Black & Veatch, Burns & McDonnell and Great Lakes Dredge & Dock.

 

If accommodations are needed for persons with disabilities, please notify the KWO, (785) 296-3185, at least five working days prior to the meeting.

 

# # #

 

As the state’s water office, KWO conducts water planning, policy coordination and water marketing as well as facilitates public input throughout the state.

The agency prepares the KANSAS WATER PLAN, a plan for water resources development, management and conservation.

 

Bourbon County, Entertainment

Enjoy The Music at Pioneer Harvest Fiesta: No Friday Night Concert

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There will be no Friday night show this week due to the Pioneer Harvest Fiesta activities, according to Ralph Carlson, coordinator for the Friday night concert.
The public is encouraged to visit Pioneer Harvest Fiesta, located at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds on South Horton Streets on Saturday and Sunday where musicians will be entertaining the attendees.
There will be music in the entertainment tent at the festival, starting at 10 am Saturday, Carlson said.
The following is the list of music events.
Saturday
10 am Mike Lundeen on the keyboard. Old time music
11:45 am Sekanaires Quartet
1 pm Leta and Mike Miller
2 pm to 4, open mike with walk-ons welcome.
Sunday
9 am Rev Paul Rooks- Grace Baptist Church worship service
10:15 am Fuss and Feathers with Don and Mim Carlson and Ralph Carlson
walkons welcome and open Jam.
2 pm Marilyn Adcock
3 pm Open Mike jam with Fuss and Feathers
Fort Scott

Diane Clay: Kansas Outstanding Clerk of the Year

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Diane Clay holding her award for Kansas Outstanding Court Clerk of the Year.

Fort Scott City Clerk Diane Clay earned the Kansas Outstanding Court Clerk of the Year Award recently.

This award is selected by the Kansas Association for Court Management Past President’s Committee to a clerk who has shown outstanding service.

The award was presented to Clay by Amy Spitler, Past President of the K.A.C.M. organization on September 27.

Clay has been a part of the K.A.C.M. organization for 19 years and been Fort Scott City Clerk/Municipal Court Clerk for 19 years.

She has served as the  K.A.C.M. Ambassador Chair for many years, secretary for two years and served as a trustee on the board of directors for many years.

She has been with the City of Fort Scott for 20 years where she served as the city manager’s administrative assistant for one year.

Clay’s duties as a court clerk are to enter all new citations that are given by the Fort Scott Police Department, create a weekly docket, attend court every week and keep accurate records of fines assessed by the Municipal Court Judge, Blake Hudson. She then receives payment of fines and sends all convictions to Driver Solutions in Topeka electronically.

“I enjoy being the court clerk for the city very much,” she said. “I enjoy working with the public on a daily basis and assisting people whenever I can,” she said.

“Diane is very well versed in the workings of the court and has a tremendous amount of knowledge and understanding of the ordinances that govern the court,” Deb Needleman, Human Resource Director for the city, said. “She treats everyone with respect and serves the city well.”

Kansas Association for Court Management was formed over 30 years ago and meets twice a year at a spring conference and a fall conference. Over 300 cities in Kansas belong to this organization.

Bourbon County, Elections, Mercy Hospital

Introducing the Candidates: Jeff Caldwell

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This is a part of a series of candidates for the November 6 election.
Governor/Lt. Governor (vote for one)

Kris Kobach/ Wink Hartman P.O. Box 1993 Topeka 66601 Republican

Laura Kelly/Lynn Rogers P.O. Box 2098 Topeka 66601 Democratic

Jeff Caldwell/ Mary Gerlt 4900 W 108th St, Apt. 1202 Leawood 66211 Libertarian

Rick Kloos/Nathaniel Kloos 5339 SW 22nd Pl. Topeka 66614 Independent

Greg Orman/John Doll 18001 W 106th St Olathe 66061 Independent

Name:Jeff Caldwell
Age: 32
Candidate for the position of Governor of Kansas
Place of residence: Leawood, Kansas
Current occupation: Sales
Community involvement: Volunteer for Harvesters, Food Banks, and Food Pantries
Party affiliation: Libertarian
1) What is the biggest issue, if elected, and how do you plan to address it?
The Kansas government spends way too much money and is $3.2 billion in debt. It’s time for Kansas to stop borrowing money from different agencies and stealing from KPERS. I will work with the legislators to responsibly cut government spending, abolish unnecessary agencies like the Board of Cosmetology, and eliminate overburdensome regulations and red tape. I will also look at returning state responsibilities back to local city governments and find ways to have nonprofit organizations take over some services provided by the state.
2)Give your views on food sales tax:
Kansas is one of only seven states in the entire United States that taxes food without a reduced rate or no rate at all. Kansas has one of the highest tax rates on food in the entire United States. Missouri, Nebraska, and Colorado have a reduced tax rate on food. Oregon and Montana have no tax on food. Having some of the highest sales tax on food in the nation is a burden on everyone. My platform includes abolishing the tax on food and water, lowering private property taxes, and abolishing the income tax for the service industry.
3) Give your views on legalizing marijuana:
I am the only Kansas Gubernatorial candidate running to fully legalize cannabis. I am also the only Kansas Gubernatorial candidate running to pardon all nonviolent cannabis offenses. Earlier this year, Kansas passed a $525 million school funding increase. The politicians in Topeka have not told us how they are going to pay for it or how they are going to improve our economic outlook. The unemployment rate in Kansas has been stuck at 3.4% for over 6 months; however, the Kansas legislators are telling us an improving economy will cover the funding. I want to use funds from full legalization of medical and recreational cannabis, hemp, and sports betting to cover the cost.
4) Give your views on health care for our state, including Medicaid:
I am running to keep Medicaid at current levels while cutting government regulations to allow free market solutions to health care [not privatization like Brownback, which created government granted monopolies]. This means more direct primary care doctors, ushering in coverage from insurance companies out of state, allowing more nonprofit organizations to enter health care, and allowing for importation of medicine from other countries. Having more doctors who do not require health insurance allows for there to be more doctors able to perform tasks without charge and have more flexible payments for people who cannot afford treatment. This offsets costs from catastrophic injuries and sickness. If we can cut enough government spending, and Medicaid expansion passes the house and senate, I will sign the bill for expansion. I will work to ensure expansion does not create more red tape and operates closer to a free market than having corporate or government monopolies on health care.
5) Give views on abortion and Planned Parenthood:
I would like to keep abortion laws the same as they are. To stop polarizing politics, I support allowing Kansans to choose where their tax dollars are spent. If a citizen does not want their tax dollars to go to Planned Parenthood, they should not be forced to fund Planned Parenthood. Furthermore, if a citizen believes in funding Planned Parenthood, they should be allowed to direct their tax dollars to Planned Parenthood.
Bourbon County, Elections, Kansas

Introducing the Candidates: Marci Francisco

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This is part of a series of candidates for the November 6 election.

State Treasurer (vote for one)

Marci Francisco 1101 Ohio Lawrence 66044 Democratic

Jake LaTurner P.O. Box 67177 Topeka 66667 Republican

Name: Marci Francisco

Age: 68

Candidate for the position of Kansas State Treasurer

Place of residence: Lawrence, KS

Current occupation:

  • Kansas State Senator, 2nd District
  • Small business owner – My husband, Joe Bickford, and I renovate distressed properties to create quality affordable housing

Community involvement: As a member of the Lawrence City Commission from 1979-1983 and two-term Mayor from 1981-1983, I led efforts to protect the city’s vibrant downtown, revitalize existing neighborhoods, plan for new development, and start the city’s recycling program. I have remained involved in my community and state, serving as a member of my neighborhood association, the League of Women Voters of Lawrence-Douglas County and of Kansas, the Kansas Grassroots Arts Association, the Lawrence Preservation Alliance, the Kansas Preservation Alliance, the University of Kansas Student Housing Association, Depot Redux, as a member of the Lawrence Advisory Board of Housing and Credit Counseling, Inc., and as the Chair of my congregation’s Endowment Committee.

Party affiliation: Kansas Democratic Party

What is the biggest issue, if elected, and how do you plan to address it: The State Treasurer must ensure that all programs overseen by the office are managed responsibly. I do believe that it will be vital for legislators and the public to have an accurate picture of the state’s finances so we can plan appropriately to dig ourselves out of the fiscal hole created by the failed Brownback/Kobach tax experiment. Towards that end, all reports generated by the office must be made publicly available along with information about contracts and personnel expenditures made by the state. The legislature and the public need to have a good understanding of the state’s financial health and be able to address any concerns regarding inappropriate expenditures.

I am also concerned about reports indicating the state’s Learning Quest program, overseen by the State Treasurer, is among one of the poorest performings in the nation. Although the state should be encouraging families to save for post-high-school education, I would examine opportunities to restructure and rebid the program before advertising it more widely. One of my goals as Treasurer would be to increase the interest earned by its investments and its productivity for participants. I also will explore alternative opportunities to provide every child in Kansas an education savings account.

Give your views on food sales-tax: The sales tax on food is regressive, and as a Kansas State Senator, I have voted for amendments to reduce it. As Treasurer, however, I will only have an advisory role. With that in mind, I would advise the legislature to consider the impact on municipalities, alternative income possibilities such as a tax on internet sales, and an intermediate step to restore refundability to the food-tax sales rebate program to provide financial help for at-risk, low-income Kansans.

Give your views on legalizing marijuana: As a State Senator, I have supported the availability of medical marijuana for individuals whose medical conditions warrant such treatment.

Give your views on healthcare – including Medicaid: Healthful habits and healthcare are both important in maintaining and active and engaged population. As a State Senator I have voted to expand Medicaid; doing so would increase opportunities for insurance coverage, provide needed support for our hospitals, and create more jobs in healthcare. As Treasurer, I would publish information about the costs and the benefits of expanding the program in our state.

Give your views on abortion and Planned Parenthood: Federal law entitles women to direct their own healthcare in consultation with their physician. The public should be aware that no tax dollars are being used in Kansas to perform abortions. Planned Parenthood is one of many organizations that run clinics in our state to provide needed healthcare services for men and women; their services include reproductive health care for women and couples who are hoping to start a family.

Bourbon County Local News