Earnest Lee Riley, 79, a resident of Medicalodges, Fort Scott, KS died peacefully in his sleep on March 29, 2025. Earnie was born in Nowata, OK on July 3,1945 to Earl Riley and Ruby Irene (Harris) Riley.
For many decades, Earnie’s care was coordinated through the Kansas Guardianship Program while he resided and worked in facilities operated by Tri-Valley Developmental Services.
Declining health occasioned his move to Medicalodges. There are no known survivors.
Earnie will be laid to rest in Oak Grove Cemetery, Fort Scott, KS on April 5, 2025. Arrangements are under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Commerce today launched the Supporting Innovative Growth through New Signage (SIGNS) grant, a new initiative aimed improving the appearance and appeal of retail and commercial business signage in downtowns across the state. The total funding amount available is $250,000 and will be distributed to support innovative, high-quality signage projects.
“Downtown districts are the heartbeat of our rural communities,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Through the new SIGNS grant, we’re directly investing in locally owned businesses and their ability to attract more customers while preserving the charm and character of their historic downtowns.”
Eligible applicants are businesses or building owners, municipalities, Main Street organization, economic development groups, chambers, foundations, tribal organization and other nonprofit community entities. Communities can apply for funding ranging from $1,000 to $50,000, with a required cash match based on the community’s population:
50% match for communities with populations between 2,500 and 50,000
25% match for communities with fewer than 2,500 residents
To preserve the unique character of Kansas’ historic downtowns, the grant prioritizes projects that adhere to the Kansas Commerce Sign Guidelines, ensuring that all signage complements existing architectural features. Preference will be given to three-dimensional signs created and installed by Kansas-based businesses.
Funds will be used to enhance community vitality and contribute to the downtown’s historical and aesthetic character. Awarded funds can be used for the design, purchase, lighting and installation of signs. The program is intended to support multiple buildings and businesses in a downtown region. A minimum of three signs must be proposed in each application.
Applications will be reviewed on a monthly first-come, first-served basis, until the funds are fully allocated. Applicants should ensure proposed projects comply with state and local regulations and that all grant-funded signage is completed within six months of the award approval.
“Historically, rural and small communities often lack the resources to revitalize their towns — that’s why this new funding opportunity is critical,” Assistant Secretary of Quality Places Matt Godinez said. “These investments in our downtowns and small businesses will foster growth and drive economic vitality across the state.”
For more information about the SIGNS grant, click here or contact Quality Places Manager Sara Bloom at [email protected] or (785) 506-9278.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
About the Quality Places Division:
Established in 2024, the Quality Places Division at the Kansas Department of Commerce exists to improve quality of life in communities across the state through various programs and services. The Kansas Department of Commerce understands the immense role played by strong communities in economic development and prioritizes investments in people and communities as major contributors to the overall strength of the Kansas economy. To learn more, click here.
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Commerce today announced the launch of an innovative program to support community-driven projects that enhance the quality and functionality of public spaces in Kansas communities. The Transformative Art for Public Spaces (TAPS) grant will have a total of $150,000 available to support the creative transformation of often overlooked infrastructure into vibrant and engaging elements for the community.
“The TAPS grant program is about more than making every-day objects look more presentable,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Having attractive public gathering spots encourages more people to utilize them, stay for longer periods of time, and spend more money at local establishments. These small investments will have long-term economic benefits for communities across the state.”
The TAPS grant offers awardees amounts of $1,500 to $2,000 per project to cover materials, supplies and artist compensation. Interested applicants are encouraged to collaborate with local artists, students and community members by offering them opportunities to contribute creatively to their communities. A maximum of five projects are allowed per applicant.
Approved and funded fixtures and overlooked structures include:
Electrical boxes
Fire hydrants
Trashcans
Water utilities
Other infrastructures
Applications will be accepted through December 5 or until funds are depleted. Priority will be given to projects in communities that have not received funding from Commerce during the previous three years.
“The TAPS Grant is an exciting way to celebrate community identity while offering artists and residents the chance to make a lasting impact on their surroundings,” Assistant Secretary of Quality Places Matt Godinez said. “We can’t wait to see how these projects inspire collaboration and connections among our Kansas communities and residents.”
Organizations may submit proposals for multiple projects within a single application, provided each project meets the program’s guidelines. Projects that will not be supported include:
Signs promoting businesses
Murals or large-scale wall installations
Live performances or temporary art
Large undertakings requiring structural modifications
Applicants must work with their local municipality or property owner and be permitted to create art on the proposed structure. Documentation of this permission will be required for the application.
For more details, application forms, project examples and resources, click here.
Questions about the TAPS Grant can be directed to Quality Places Manager Sara Bloom at [email protected] or (785) 506-9278.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
About the Quality Places Division:
Established in 2024, the Quality Places Division at the Kansas Department of Commerce exists to improve quality of life in communities across the state through various programs and services. The Kansas Department of Commerce understands the immense role played by strong communities in economic development and prioritizes investments in people and communities as major contributors to the overall strength of the Kansas economy. To learn more, click here.
Donny Ray Roberts, a beloved family man and respected business owner from Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly at his home on March 27, 2025, at the age of 46.
Donny was the proud owner of Roberts Outdoor Works, a family business that was his greatest professional achievement. Beyond his work, he was known for his passion for rock crawling and show cars, with one of his most cherished memories being his top 10 placement at the Sparks of the Ozarks event.
A true family man, Donny was renowned for being the life of the party and a dependable source of support for those around him. His vibrant personality and generous spirit touched the lives of many.
Donny will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the entire Fort Scott community. His passion for life, love for his family, and commitment to his business will be remembered by all who knew him.
Survivors include his wife Jennifer (Jae) Miller-Roberts of Fort Scott, KS; his father Ronnie Roberts of Fort Scott, KS; brother Ronnie Roberts (Jennifer) of Fort Scott, KS; children Austin Robichaux (Theresa) of Bar Hill, UK, Corryn Cortner (Wyatt) of Emporia, KS, Lillian Greer of Nevada, MO, Adalay Connet of Emporia, KS, Jaeci Roberts (Arden) of Harrison, OH, Morgan Roberts of Columbus, OH, Kyleigh Roberts of Ross, OH, Cody Roberts of Fort Scott, KS, and Bella Roberts of Fort Scott, KS. Also surviving are nieces and nephews Damian Roberts (Katiria) of Louisburg, KS, Jerica Roberts (John) of Fort Scott, KS, and Jasime and Mackie Roberts of Fort Scott, KS.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Linda (Large) Roberts.
A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, April 6th at 12:00 pm at Gunn Park Shelter House #1, 1010 Park Ave., Fort Scott, KS 66701.
Lunch and drinks will be provided.
Memorials are suggested to the Robert’s Children Scholarship 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.
TOPEKA – The State of Kansas ends March 2025 with total tax collections at $636.9 million. That is $13.6 million, or 2.1%, below the estimate. Total tax collections were down 16.2% from March 2024.
Individual income tax collections were $261.6 million. That is $3.4 million, or 1.3% below the estimate. Individual income tax collections were down 28.3% from March 2024. Corporate income tax collections were $50.1 million. That is $26.9 million, or 34.9% below the estimate, and down 35.0% from March 2024.
Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $246.8 million, which is $8.2 million, or 3.2% below the estimate and down $14.5 million, or 5.5%, from March 2024.
The Consensus Revenue Estimating Group (CRE), comprised of the Department of Revenue, Division of Budget, Legislative Research Department, and economists from the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, and Wichita State University, will meet on April 17, 2025, to review the fall estimate and make any revisions it may consider necessary.
Click here to view the March 2025 revenue numbers.
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – April 01, 2025 – April typically marks the start of the spring planting season, home improvement projects and large-scale excavations. It’s also National Safe Digging Month, and Kansas Gas Service is reminding residents to contact 811 before any digging project – big or small. To celebrate those who commit to safe digging practices by taking the pledge, participants will have a chance to win a free tree.
“Safe digging is essential to protecting our communities, preventing service disruptions and keeping everyone safe,” says Trey Pool, manager of public awareness and damage prevention for Kansas Gas Service. “Through the Safe Digging Pledge and tree giveaway, we’re reminding Kansans that simply contacting 811 before digging can prevent costly damages and hazards. This initiative not only promotes responsible digging but also supports a greener, healthier environment for all.”
Dig Hero Tree Giveaway
Kansas residents can prioritize safety by taking the 2025 Safe Digging Pledge at beadigherokansas.com, and recognizing the importance of contacting 811 before their shovels or excavating equipment hits the ground – regardless of the size of the digging project. After taking the pledge, residents are automatically entered into a random drawing to win a free tree in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, the largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees in the U.S. Winners of the tree giveaway will have the opportunity to pick the type of tree they wish to plant and receive information about energy savings gained from their tree.
Why Contact 811?
With any digging project, whether planting a tree or repairing a sprinkler system, there is a high probability of underground facilities below the site, such as natural gas pipelines, electric cables or water lines. The best way to avoid damage and injury or loss of service is to contact 811 at least two full working days before digging starts to learn the approximate location of buried facilities in your area. Contacting 811 is free, and it’s the law.
By calling 811 or submitting a request at kansas811.com, professional locators will mark the underground facilities within the designated project area with flags and/or paint at no cost to the home or business owner. Once the project is marked, be aware of the tolerance zone: a minimum of 24 inches. Hand or soft dig techniques should be used within this area.
Learn more about safe digging and take the pledge at beadigherokansas.com for your chance to win a free tree.
Digital Toolkit:
Access b-roll, Safe Digging Month flyer and graphics here.
About Kansas Gas Service
Kansas Gas Service provides a reliable and affordable energy choice to more than 648,000 customers in Kansas and is the largest natural gas distributor in the state in terms of customers. Headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas Gas Service is a division of ONE Gas, Inc. (NYSE: OGS), a 100-percent regulated natural gas utility that trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “OGS.” ONE Gas is included in the S&P MidCap 400 Index and is one of the largest natural gas utilities in the United States. For more information and the latest news about Kansas Gas Service, visit kansasgasservice.com and follow its social channels: @KansasGas, Facebook, Nextdoor, LinkedIn and YouTube.
About the Arbor Day Foundation
The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. They foster a growing community of more than 1 million leaders, innovators, planters, and supporters united by their bold belief that a more hopeful future can be shaped through the power of trees. For more than 50 years, they’ve answered critical need with action, planting more than half a billion trees alongside their partners. And this is only the beginning.
The Arbor Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit pursuing a future where all life flourishes through the power of trees. Learn more at arborday.org.
As high schools around the country look for ways to help students meet the two-year foreign language requirement, Fort Scott and Uniontown have come up with an innovative way to offer a new exciting option by pooling their resources to hire a new teacher for “pirate talk” classes at both highschools.
“It was really hard to find a teacher qualified to teach pirate speak,” said a school administrator who was hard to identify on this particular date. “Especially because most people who are good at speaking pirate, are usually looking for watery waves and less amber grain. But we are proud to announce that we’ve managed to procure the services of Captain Barnaby Blackwater as a teacher for the 2025 to 2026 school year.”
When asked about the compensation package offered Mr. Blackwater, the administrator seemed a big hesitant and mumbled something that sounded like “rum, doubloons, and more rum…” but it wasn’t clear exactly what they were trying to say.
Mr. Blackwater agreed to a short interview to answer some questions.
Captian Barnaby Blackwater, what convinced you to give up the high seas to come teach our high school students how to speak like a pirate?
Arrr, that be a fine question, matey! Truth be told, sailin’ the high seas be grand, but when the good folk o’ Bourbon County waved doubloons and barrels o’ their finest rum under me nose, ol’ Barnaby couldn’t resist!
Mind ye, I’m still scratchin’ me beard ’bout the notable absence o’ oceans ’round Kansas—makes sailin’ me ship, the Salty Grammar, mighty tricky—but the thought o’ teachin’ landlocked lads and lasses the sweet tongue o’ piracy warmed me black heart. And between you an’ me, I’ve a notion to recruit a few sturdy seniors to crew me ship once their diplomas be in hand! Harrr-harr-harr!
Some people say that learning pirate speak isn’t comparable to learning a foreign language and students should be required to learn more traditional languages. What do you think of those claims?
Arrrr, poppycock and bilgewater, says I! Pirate speak be as foreign as any tongue sailed across the seven seas. Why, me hearties, Pirate speak is brimmin’ with culture, tradition, and adventure—enough to put French or Spanish to shame!
Besides, when was the last time ye heard o’ French helpin’ ye find buried treasure, or Spanish teachin’ ye how to properly swing a cutlass and shout fearsome insults at yer foes, eh?
Will Pirate Speak help students get positions in the job market?
Arrr! A wise query indeed, matey! O’ course Pirate speak be useful in the job market—more useful than a parrot that can recite poetry, I’ll wager!
Think o’ the skills these young buccaneers’ll master: assertive communication (“Hand over the doubloons, ye scallywag!”), leadership (“Hoist the mainsail and ready the cannons!”), negotiation (“Five barrels o’ rum or I be walkin’ away!”), an’ teamwork (“All hands on deck, ye salty seadogs!”).
Plus, should traditional jobs fail ’em, there’s always plenty o’ room aboard me ship, the Salty Grammar. Ol’ Captain Blackwater always be lookin’ for hearty new recruits with a flair fer proper Pirate speak! Harrr-harr!
Painting of Captain Blackwater’s ship, the Salty Grammar
CFSEK Launches 2025 Elm Acres Foundation Grant Cycle
Since 2017, the Elm Acres Foundation has hosted an annual grant cycle through the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK) to help fund projects and services supporting at-risk youth in Southeast Kansas. Since inception, the Elm Acres grant cycle has awarded over $160,000 to vital service projects benefiting area children.
“CFSEK is proud to continue the legacy of the Elm Acres Foundation, ensuring that at-risk youth in Southeast Kansas have access to essential services and programs that foster their growth and development,” said CFSEK Executive Director Devin Gorman.
Applications for the Elm Acres Foundation grant cycle are available online via CFSEK’s portal until midnight on April 30th. Questions regarding the grant applications should be directed to CFSEK Program Coordinator Kara Mishmash at SoutheastKansas.org/Contact/Kara.
Applications are available at SoutheastKansas.org/Grant-App, and more information about the fund is available at SoutheastKansas.org/EA.
In response to local concern that the Pike Creek Reservoir couldn’t be properly paid for by the proposed funding mechanism, state leaders have come up with a contingency plan that should alleviate all concerns.
Artist conception of what the Pike Creek Reservoir will look like with the integrated wind turbines.
As an additional source of income to fund the project, large wind turbines will be built in the lake which will produce power that can be sold to the local power companies in order to fund development at the lake. If there are extra funds, the state has some exciting ideas for additional amenities for the area.
“We’d really like to build an alligator petting zoo to help promote tourism,” said an official who asked not to be named because he only exists one day each year. “Neighboring states are seeing a massive increase in tourism with these petting zoos, and there is no reason Bourbon County couldn’t do the same.” The official also noted that most of the places that have built these tourist attractions have also seen a massive increase in the sustainability of their local emergency rooms. “In some places, they have gone from a five-bed facility to 50 beds to meet the increased demand. The growth in scale has made a lot of them able to operate profitably in areas where they have been losing money for years.”
Architectural drawing of proposed alligator petting zoo. (Alligators not to scale.)
Asked about what might might be the link between alligator petting zoos and an increase in the ER visits the official said he wasn’t sure. “I think it might have something to do with people spending more time in the area, so instead of going back home to deal with an emergency, they choose to do it near the place where their family can enjoy petting their reptile friends.”
The official said that the idea for the petting zoo came to him when reading about the snake pit in Gunn Park that was announced exactly one year ago on April 1st. “It just made me realize how important it is to people to be up close and personal with reptiles.”
He also said other potential ideas include a cannon that will launch tourists across the lake into a net on the other side, a “build-a-sub” attraction where you can try your hand at making a functioning sub to test on the deepest part of the lake, and adventure hang-gliding where you can try your skills at flying through the blades of the wind turbines.
The Kansas Department of Transportation has started a pavement marking project on U.S. 69 at Pittsburg. The project area begins south of U.S. 400/K-171 and continues north for 9.8 miles to U.S. 160.
A mobile operation is placing the pavement markings on the highway, with no significant effects expected to traffic. Flaggers will guide traffic through the work zone at intersections and the railroad crossing. Weather permitting, the work should be completed by the end of May.
KDOT awarded the $495,614 construction contract to Cillessen and Sons Inc., of Kechi. Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.kandrive.gov, for more highway conditions and construction details. Persons with questions may contact Bukola Oni at KDOT-Pittsburg, (620) 308-7617, or Priscilla Petersen at (620) 902-6433.
