Obituary of Janice (Jan) Elliott
Jan (Janice when she was in trouble) Elliott, 70, passed away Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at home with family by her side. She was born in August of 1955 to Charles and Virginia (Christner) Urano in Greeley, Colorado. Jan graduated from University High School in Greeley and attended Aims Community College.
In July of 1981 Jan married Dave Elliott and they raised one son, Steven. In 1993 the family moved to Ft. Scott, Kansas from Greeley. Jan worked as a paraeducator for USD234 schools for 24 years and became quite skilled in assisting students with autism to be successful. All of the students she touched, either at school or at the Keyhole Youth Center, knew that while she wouldn’t put up with much nonsense, she truly loved them and wanted to help them be the best they could be.
Jan retired in 2017 and enjoyed collecting, repainting and repairing Breyer horses. She staged these models in dioramas and successfully competed in photo competitions. She was an avid writer, creating many wonderful stories. She also enjoyed attending card making classes and sending the cards to family and friends. Throughout her life, Jan loved pets and the house was always full of critters, often to Dave’s dismay. One of her favorite pastimes was fishing and the family enjoyed many such outings with the boat.
Jan was well known for folding paper cranes for friends or family who were ill. Following Japanese tradition, she would fold and send 1000 paper cranes to each person as a wish and prayer for good health. She estimated that she folded easily over 10,000 paper cranes for others.
Jan is survived by her husband, Dave, of the home and their son Steven, daughter-in-law Nicole, and grandson Charlie, all of Ft. Scott. She is also survived by a brother, Ron Urano, of O’Fallon Illinois, and many friends who were very much part of the family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Y. and Virginia Christner Urano and a brother, David Urano.
Help Wanted – Alignment Services
We need a full-time & possibly a part-time employee that will be here EVERY DAY to change tires and perform basic auto repair.
Please apply in person or just stop by and pick up an application.Monday-Friday
8:00 to 5:00
Closed Noon hour
Alignment Services
24 West 19th street
Fort Scott, Ks
620-223-5310
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Department Feb. 26
Updated 2026 Unsung Heroes Directory!
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KS Wildfire Response Efforts
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Governor Kelly Urges Congressional Action on Year-Round E15
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2026 CHC/SEK Community Health Needs Assessment
Regional Health Challenges Highlighted in New CHC/SEK Study
PITTSBURG, Kan.—The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) has released the results of its 2026 Community Health Needs Assessment—a detailed look at the biggest health challenges facing people in Southeast Kansas and Northeast Oklahoma. The organization conducts this study every three years to determine what matters most when it comes to healthcare and how best to help.
To create the assessment, CHC/SEK staff talked directly with patients through surveys, interviews, and group discussions. Additionally, staff consulted a wide variety of public health data as well as needs assessments from other local health organizations. The organization’s board of directors, many of whom are patients themselves, helped guide the work.
“At CHC/SEK, listening is at the heart of what we do. Our neighbors know what they need when it comes to healthcare, and as a local organization, we’re committed to hearing them as we plan ahead,” said Jason Wesco, CHC/SEK President and Chief Strategy Officer.
Why Where You Live Matters for Your Health
CHC/SEK staff looked at how living conditions affect people’s ability to get care and stay healthy. Studies show that up to 70% of a person’s health is shaped by their environment outside the doctor’s office—where they are born, where they live, and where they work. Especially in rural areas, these everyday conditions create major obstacles to good health and contribute to higher disease rates.
What’s Getting in the Way
CHC/SEK identified several barriers to better health in the region:
- Fewer people living in rural areas and changing demographics
- Struggles with poverty and finances
- Shortage of healthcare providers and difficulty accessing care
- Challenges with housing and community infrastructure
- Lack of affordable childcare
- Social isolation and weak community connections
- Gaps in education and unhealthy habits
Top Health Problems
The region sees higher-than-average rates of chronic disease, mental health issues, and preventable deaths. The most common health problems include heart disease, cancer, obesity and lack of physical activity, diabetes, mental health conditions, substance use, lung disease, pregnancy and infant health challenges, injuries and accidental deaths, and Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
What Comes Next
Based on what was learned, CHC/SEK has developed a strategic plan that includes specific programs, more efficient use of resources, and partnerships with other organizations—all aimed at tackling health challenges while making care easier to access and focusing on prevention.
“Our region faces serious challenges: a shrinking population, widespread poverty, fewer healthcare resources, and rising costs. Healthcare providers can’t just keep doing things the old way—we need new approaches to long-standing problems,” said Wesco. “Working together isn’t optional; it’s essential if we want healthier communities. We hope this report sparks conversations and leads to action as we build a healthier future for everyone.”
The full CHC/SEK Community Health Needs Assessment is available at chcsek.org/2026/02/2026-chna.
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About Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas
The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) serves as a healthcare hub for communities in Kansas and Oklahoma. CHC/SEK delivers quality, integrated care to nearly 90,000 patients each year with a goal of improving health, sustaining rural communities, and providing purpose-driven work to 950 staff members. Beyond healthcare, CHC/SEK finds innovative ways to improve lives by focusing on education, housing, and transportation. Regardless of income or insurance status, CHC/SEK ensures everyone receives the care they need. For more information, visit chcsek.org.
KS Supreme Court, Court of Appeals now give advance notice of decisions to be released
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Early Childhood Spring Fling is April 23
On behalf of the USD 234 School District, we would like to invite you to the 2026 Early Childhood Spring Fling. This year’s event will be held on Thursday, April 23rd from 5:00-6:30 PM at the Fort Scott Preschool Center. All children ages birth-six years old and their families are invited to attend.
For this event, we are asking family resource providers and community partners to bring an interactive activity for students and families. We will provide space and a table for your activity. During the event, you will also have an opportunity to visit with families and distribute flyers, handouts, giveaways, etc. Our goal is for children and families to interact, be active, and learn about the resources available in our community. If you are a preschool or childcare provider, please share the attached flyer with your families. We also welcome you to set up an activity and table for your program.
If you plan to attend our event, please complete the short form below by Friday, April 17th so we can have a table reserved for your organization. If you have questions, please let me know.
Nick Johnson, FSPC Principal
Calling all Vendors! FSCC’s Annual Women’s Luncheon Thursday, April 16
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FS Chamber: Working to Provide Opportunities for the Community
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce staff have been working to provide educational, financial, and marketing opportunities for businesses.
Kansas Main Street
At the Feb. 20 Quarterly Downtown Meet and Greet at the Courtland Hotel, President and CEO Lindsay Madison said that the City of Fort Scott passed a resolution to apply for Kansas Main Street. The Kansas Main Street Program is a self-help, technical assistance program that targets revitalization and preservation of downtown districts. Currently, Fort Scott is listed as an affiliate. She is waiting for the new Kansas Department of Commerce/Kansas Main Street training. This training is provided to equip participants with knowledge, skills, and strategies to effectively engage with decision-makers and drive meaningful change, according to information she passed out.
Legislators In Town at Chamber Coffee on Saturday
This Saturday, February 28, the Chamber is having a Capitol Update over coffee with Kansas legislators, which will be held at the Kansas Renewal Institute, at 401 Woodland Hills. It will be in the McAuley Center from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. The public is invited.
Guests should enter through the main east doors; the meeting room is located down the hallway on the right. KRI will sponsor coffee and light refreshments provided by Common Ground Coffee Co. Tours of the KRI facility will be offered immediately following the event. according to a press release.
Kansas Senator Tim Shallenburger and State Representative Rick James are confirmed to attend. The legislators will provide an update on the current legislative session, share information about the committees on which they serve, and address questions and issues presented by attendees. Bryan Holt will serve as moderator for the event, according to the release.
Other items from the meet and greet meeting:
A Destination Creation course will be offered from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, April 13. This one-day course will help towns to work towards becoming a tourist destination. The cost is $50, including lunch. Contact the Chamber at 620.223.3566.
There are two upcoming business builder workshops: March 10 at 1.30 p.m. for creating a smarter social media strategy for small businesses, and March 31 at 1.30 p.m. for Google Business 101.
For more opportunities http://www.score.org/kansascity/local-workshops
There is a Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks state-wide leadership training on March 7 at the River Room, with approximately 100-150 people attending.
The Fort Scott Community College Rodeo is March 13-15.
The 2026 Schedule of Events, a community guide, is almost complete. There will be 10,000 copies available for distribution.
The Fort Scott Downtown Clean-up will be in April or May, with Craig Campbell leading. The Elks have provided a grant for clean-up supplies for the event. Businesses are requested to send notices of clean-up needs to the Chamber.
Grants Available
An E-Community Grant is available at .networkkansas.com Grants are for $5,000 to $50,000 at 6% for 10 years.
Grow KS maximum grant for $100,000 at 4% for five years and 6% for 10 years.
There are technical assistance grants available for up to $1,000 to current loan participants.
The next Meet and Greet is Tuesday, May 5 from 8-9 a.m. at City State Bank.