Robert Michael (Bob) Johnson, age 69, a resident of Fort Scott, Kansas, went home to be with his Lord, Friday, September 6, 2019, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri.
He was born February 13, 1950, in Fort Scott, Kansas the son of Robert Wayne Johnson and Margie Ladine Clark Johnson.
Bob graduated from Fort Scott High School with the Class of 1968. He then graduated from Pittsburg State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources. He married the love of his life, Linda Boyd, on November 20, 1976, in Fort Scott, they had two children Derrick Wayne and Michael Randell.
Bob loved spending time with his family. They took many trips to Roaring River, traveled to Pittsburg to see his son perform for the Pitt State choir, and went on numerous debate trips. Recently Bob loved spoiling his grandson, Randell Matthew.
Bob also enjoyed sports; he was an avid Chiefs, Royals, and St. Louis Blues fan.
After graduating, Bob worked as Human Resources Director for Midwestern Distribution. He then worked as Human Resources Director for the City of Fort Scott, where he served as a reserve Lieutenant and interim Chief of Police. Following retirement, he assisted with the debate and forensics program for Unified School District 234.
Survivors include his loving wife and best friend of 44 years Linda Linnett Johnson, his sons Derrick, and Michael and wife Jana, and their son Randy all of Fort Scott. Survivors also include several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, Walter and Gertrude Johnson, an uncle, Raymond Johnson, as well as several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Rev. Rob Carr will conduct funeral services at 10:00am Friday, September 13, 2019 at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow at the Memory Gardens Cemetery.
The family will receive friends and loved ones for a visitation viewing from 5:00-7:00pm Thursday, September 12th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorial donations are suggested to the Bob Johnson Memorial Fund or Fort Scott High School Debate and Forensics Program and can be left in the care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
A public program to start the Fort Scott Community College Centennial Celebration was one of speeches, a prayer and a song on Monday morning at the Ellis Arts Center on the campus.
Students, guests and the public were invited to hear the experiences of former students and teachers, then eat a quick hot dog lunch and some cake and cookies in celebration of the community college’s 100th year.
Speakers were FSCC President Alysia Johnston who welcomed the crowd and introduced Kansas Senator Caryn Tyson. Tyson then presented the college with a commendation from the Kansas Senate for its’ 100 years of serving the community.
The speakers at the Centennial Celebration were FSCC Vice President of Student Services Janet Fancher, retired FSCC instructor Jack Gilmore; Mark Muller, FSCC Class of 1979; Tyson; retired FSCC instructor Marcel Normand; Gina Findley Shelton, class of 1999; Jim Barrows, class of 1968 and Johnston. A letter read by Fancher from Esther Anne (Weeks) Sewell, class of 1941, who is 96 years old.
Additionally, FSCC Class of 2013 Taylor Bailey produced an introductory video, narrated by Tyler Covey, class of 2019. FSCC President’s Ambassador Hannah Reel led the flag salute and Dusty Drake, lead minister at Community Christian Church, said the closing prayer.
FSCC President Alysia Johnston, left, receives the commendation for the school of 100 years of continuous education in the county from Kansas Senator Caryn Tyson, right.The speakers at the Centennial Celebration from left: FSCC Vice President of Student Services Janet Fancher, retired FSCC instructor Jack Gilmore; Mark Muller, FSCC Class of 1979; Kansas Senator Caryn Tyson; retired FSCC instructor Marcel Normand; Gina Findley Shelton, class of 1999; Jim Barrows, class of 1968 and FSCC President Alysia Johnston. Not pictured is Esther Anne (Weeks) Sewell.
Following the program and lunch, the crowd was asked to stop by the tree planted in honor of the celebration near the front of the building, where a fly-by drone took an aerial photo of the group.
Some of the students, faculty and guests who stayed to be a part of the aerial picture taken by a drone, to commemorate the celebration.A tree was planted in front of the Ellis Arts Center in commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of FSCC.The plaque placed in front of the tree planted at the Ellis Art Center. John Bartelsmeyer, Kenny Blake and Stewart Gulager helped to provide the plaque to the college.
During the welcome FSCC President Alysia Johnston told the audience that the school was established in 1919 and is the oldest continuous public community college in Kansas.
FSCC President Alysia Johnston welcomes students, faculty, guests and the public to the Centennial Celebration program Monday morning at the Ellis Arts Center.
The school, established in 1919, was originally located at the Fort Scott High School building until 1967 when it moved to the 150-acre current site, and 200 students started classes. At this time, FSCC also began offering classes in Paola, according to information provided by the college.
In 1973 the administration building was completed and was later named the Dick Hedges Administration Building.
In 1982, Arnold Arena was completed, with one side a rodeo arena and the other a basketball gym, weight training area, athletic dressing rooms, classrooms, a computer lab and athletic offices. Arnold Arena just completed a renovation of the gym in Sept. 2019.
In 1986, the college acquired the cosmetology school from Pittsburg State University and N. Jack Burris Hall was completed in 1989.
A dormitory was opened in 2002 and named Chester Boileau Hall.
In 2004, FSCC purchased and renovated the former Sisters of Mercy Convent on Burke Street for the nursing program. Also in 2004, the college remodeled a wing of the former Miami
County Hospital in Paola, which then became the FSCC Miami County Campus.
The Gordon Park Museum and Center of Diversity also was established in 2004 at FSCC to honor Fort Scott native Gordon Parks, a photographer, writer, poet, musician and filmmaker.
The Danny And Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center was opened in 2009 which included a 600-seat theater, community meeting rooms, the Gordon Parks Museum the Kathy Ellis Academic Hall.
The Kansas National Guard Armory was purchased in 2010 and houses the John Deer technician program and the welding program.
The cosmetology department moved to a newly remodeled space in 2014 on campus and the rodeo program opened a new rodeo building.
This year, an addition to the Burris Hall which was provided by donations from the Chester Boileau and Lonnie Cleaver estates, opened with new offices, classrooms, bathrooms, and a trophy display area for the FSCC Livestock and Meat’s Judging Teams awards.
There will be a banquet on Sept. 20 as part of the continuing celebration, and a tailgate party with free food at the Greyhound Football Game, Sept. 21 at 7 p.m.
For more information: 620-223-2700.
Esther Sewell, FSCC Class of 1941 waits for other speakers to arrive for the cake cutting following the Centennial Celebration program Monday.
FSCC personnel feed students lunch following the program at the Ellis Art Center.
Students pick up a cool drink at the end of the food line. With temperatures in the 90s, the drink was welcomed.
This and following is memorabilia on display in the Ellis Art Center foyer for the Centennial Celebration.
There was a display case in the foyer of the Ellis Art Center with memorabilia from years past. Here, a band uniform designed by FSCC Band Instructor Ronda Bailey.
The first Fort Scott High School home football game will take place this Friday, September 13th vs. Paola at 7 p.m. Prior to the game, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., various FSHS clubs, sports and activities will be hosting an Activity Fair.
The event will take place on the front/west lawn of the high school at 1005 S. Main St. where high school students will host free activities for all ages. There will be games, face painting, prizes, food and fun. All ages are welcome to attend and share the Tiger spirit.
The 2018 Gordon Parks Photo Winner was Kole Wagner with this photo, “First Love”. The theme was: “I am Inspired By.” Submitted photo.
Fort Scott-The Gordon Parks Celebration, scheduled for Oct 3- 5, 2019, at Fort Scott Community College, will feature a photo contest sponsored by Merl Humphrey Photography and inspired by a quote by the Gordon Parks-directed film The Learning Tree.
The theme of the contest, “My Learning Tree, Life Lessons Learned” is for any amateur photographer. Photographers are invited to capture the essence of this metaphor from Mr. Park’s film.
Non-professional photographers of any age and skill level are invited to take pictures for the project and may enter up to two photos. There will be a first place ($100), second place ($75) and third place ($50) prize and up to five honorable mentions. All photos submitted will be on exhibit during the 16th Annual Gordon Parks Celebration on Oct. 3 – 5, 2019. All photos will also be posted on the Museum Facebook page.
Photographs must be submitted via e-mail to [email protected]. All photos must be JPEG in format and limit file size to less than 2 MB. All entries will be confirmed via email. Photographers should submit (in their email) a title, along with their name, address, email, and phone number. If under 10 years old please include parent’s information. Photos should be received via email by Wednesday, September 25, 2019 at the latest.
For more information email [email protected] or by phone call 223-2700, ext. 5850.
Health Officials Report Death in Vaping Related Lung Disease
Kansas health officials have confirmed the first death in the state associated with an outbreak of serious lung disease related to vaping or using e-cigarettes.
The recent death was a Kansas resident over the age of 50. According to Kansas State Epidemiologist Dr. Farah Ahmed, the patient had a history of underlying health issues and was hospitalized with symptoms that progressed rapidly.
The national investigation has not identified any specific vaping or e-cigarette products linked to all cases. Many patients report using vaping or e-cigarette products with liquids that contain cannabinoid products, such as tetrahydrocannabinol.
Kansas does not have detailed information on what types of products were used by the deceased.
“Our sympathies go out to the family of the person who died,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Health officials are working hard to determine a cause and share information to prevent additional injuries. As that work continues, I urge Kansans to be careful. Don’t put yourself in harm’s way, and please follow the recommendations of public health officials.”
Kansas State Health Officer and Secretary for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment Dr. Lee Norman said health officials nationwide continue to work aggressively to gather information and determine what has caused these lung injuries.
“It is time to stop vaping.” Secretary Norman said. “If you or a loved one is vaping, please stop. The recent deaths across our country, combined with hundreds of reported lung injury cases continue to intensify. I’m extremely alarmed for the health and safety of Kansans who are using vaping products and urge them to stop until we can determine the cause of vaping related lung injuries and death.”
To date, Kansas has six reports associated with the outbreak. Three patients have been classified as confirmed or probable cases and three cases are still under investigation. State investigators determine if cases are confirmed or probable after examining the medical records of suspected cases and consulting with the clinical care team to exclude other possible cases.
To protect patient confidentiality, no further information will be provided regarding each of these cases.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with the addition of the Kansas report, is reporting 6 deaths and more than 450 possible cases of severe lung injury in 33 states and one jurisdiction.
While investigations into these cases continue, CDC is recommending people avoid vaping or using e-cigarettes.
Also, people with a history of vaping who are experiencing lung injury symptoms should seek medical care.
Nationally, symptoms among cases included shortness of breath, fever, cough, and vomiting and diarrhea. Other symptoms reported by some patients included headache, dizziness and chest pain.
For individuals wanting more information on how to quit tobacco products, please call 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City is looking for partners to help to distribute the National Small Business
Credit Survey
The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City is looking for small business and economic development organizations that will partner with us to help distribute the National Small Business Credit Survey. This survey is an important survey that assesses the credit and financing needs of the small businesses in the seven states we serve.
Organizations like yours have used this survey to determine the needs of the small businesses that they serve as well as an information resource for fundraising and grant writing.
The time commitment is minimal, requiring only your distribution of a survey link, specific to your organization, to small businesses in your network. All survey responses are anonymous.
Each organization that receives fifty responses from business owners will receive a specialized report exclusive to their organization.
The survey’s official launch date is September 10 and it will be open for responses through December 2.
The Federal Reserve System has recently moved to a centralized partner system to streamline the process.
If you are interested in partnering, please click here to fill out a response form.
If you are interested in learning more about small business research and analysis by the 12 Reserve Banks of the Federal Reserve System,
State Agencies Join Together to Create Youth Suicide Prevention Resource
TOPEKA – In support of September as Suicide Prevention Month and National Suicide Prevention Week September 8-14, state agencies, along with the Kansas Attorney General’s Office, are releasing a unified resource that outlines actions that all Kansans can take to protect and empower youth.
“Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Kansans age 15 to 24 and it is the third leading cause of death for youth ages 5 to 14 – this is unacceptable,” said Dr. Lee Norman, Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). “Every one of us has a role to play, whether you’re a friend, parent, community member or school employee. We need to come together to help our youth.”
The resources, which can be found online, identify actions that everyone can take. The agencies involved in its creation include: KDHE, the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, the Kansas Department for Children and Families, Kansas State Department of Education and the Kansas Attorney General’s Office, in collaboration with the Kansas Suicide Prevention Resource Center.
“As we mark National Suicide Prevention Week, I want to commend the work of all the agencies involved in creating the tip sheets as resources for Kansans and look forward to working closely together as we lead a collaborative effort to strengthen the overall Kansas response to youth suicide,” said Gina Meier-Hummel, Youth Suicide Prevention Coordinator for the Kansas Attorney General’s Office.
If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
Former Lt. Governor Tracey Mann Announces Candidacy for Congress Mann announces his campaign to bring conservative values
and a voice for Kansas agriculture to Washington
(SALINA, KS) – Former Lt. Governor and fifth generation Kansan, Tracey Mann, today announced his candidacy for Kansas’ First Congressional District.
“America faces urgent threats to our freedom. While President Trump is doing his best to right the ship, too many Washington politicians want to redefine our founding values and ideals. Socialism is on the rise. Efforts to impose government-run health care, increase taxes, restrict religious freedom and erode the Second Amendment are part of the same agenda. America needs leaders who will stand up to meet this challenge and fight to protect our founding beliefs,” Mann said.
“I was raised by wonderful parents on our family farm where I learned the values of hard work, perseverance and service. I recognize that to whom much is given much is required. When I served as Jerry Moran’s first intern I never imagined I would be the 50th Lt. Governor of Kansas. I believe that every generation of Americans has a responsibility to leave our country better off and stronger than how we found it. This is our moment to step up and serve,” Mann said.
Tracey Mann plans to run on a platform of bringing Kansas values and a voice for Kansas agriculture to Washington. The father of four beautiful children, Tracey is strongly pro-life and pro-Second Amendment. Raised on a family farm in Quinter, Kansas, Tracey learned first-hand the value of hard work and how important it is that Washington stays out of the way of Kansas producers. Tracey supports President Trump’s efforts to build the wall and curb illegal immigration.
“I will fight to restore fiscal discipline in Congress and will support sound agricultural policy. My experience in agriculture and business has taught me that politicians don’t create jobs; risk-takers and entrepreneurs create jobs. In Congress, I will do everything in my power to help job creators succeed. But above all, I will put Kansans and our Kansas values first.”
Tracey Mann served as the 50th Lt. Governor of the great state of Kansas. A fifth generation Kansan, he was born and raised on his family farm just south of Quinter.
He attended Kansas State University where he studied Agricultural Economics and was elected Student Body President. After college, Tracey started a career in commercial real estate.
Tracey has served on the Board of Directors of many Kansas organizations including: Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership (KARL), Kansas Chamber of Commerce, and The City Teen Center in Salina.
Tracey and his wife Audrey live in Salina with their 4 children (Quincy, Austin, Whitney and Elise).
Governor Kelly issues Executive Order launching Governor’s Council on Tax Reform
Governor Laura Kelly today signaled the start of a comprehensive overview of state and local taxes by issuing Executive Order 19-11, which outlines her vision for establishment of a fiscally responsible, fair and sustainable tax structure.
The Governor’s Council on Tax Reform will conduct an 18-month, in-depth study, and make specific statutory recommendations to state lawmakers.
The first meeting of the full Council is set for Sept. 24-25 at the Statehouse.
“While Kansas continues to recover from the tax experiment of the prior administration, there’s a need for tax reform designed with adequacy, equity and stability in mind,” Governor Kelly said. “I expect the bipartisan Council to deliver sound strategies and reforms that reflect my desire to keep the state tax burden as low as possible, benefiting all Kansans.”
The governor recommends a return to the “three-legged stool” approach that relies on a sensible balance of income, sales and property tax revenue.
The Council will review aspects of state and local finances discussed in the 2019 legislative session as they relate to issues such as: how best to respond to federal tax law changes; the taxation of groceries as part of sales tax revenue; and how to best provide targeted property tax relief. The Council also is charged with determining how much room will be available in future budget projections for tax relief.
The governor selected a pair of former legislators she served with in the Kansas Senate to be co-chairs for her bipartisan Council on Tax Reform; Steve Morris, Republican from Hugoton, and Janis Lee, Democrat from Kensington. Morris served 20 years in the Senate, including eight as Senate president. Lee logged 22 years in the Senate, served as ranking Democrat on the Senate’s tax committee and later was a hearing officer for the Kansas Court of Tax Appeals.
“Steve and Janis understand how important it is to ensure that our tax code supports public investment in areas such as education, public safety and infrastructure needed to help Kansas prosper,” Kelly said.
Other members of the Council appointed by the governor include representatives of the business community, agriculture, economic development and governmental entities.
Also invited to participate were the following legislative leaders: Republicans Susan Wagle, Senate president, and Ron Ryckman, House speaker; and Democrats Anthony Hensley, Senate minority leader, and Tom Sawyer, House minority leader.
Following the first meeting of the Council Sept. 24-25, subsequent meetings in 2019 are set for Oct. 15-16, Nov. 14 and Dec. 3-4.
An interim report by the Council is planned for December 2019, in advance of the 2020 legislative session. A final report is due in December 2020, in advance of the 2021 legislative session.
COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP
Kansas County Treasurers Association: Joe Grisolano, Pittsburg; Crawford County treasurer, former county appraiser and school board member.
Kansas Association of School Boards: Shannon Kimball, Lawrence; school board member and president of the Kansas Association of School Boards.
Kansas Association of Counties: Anthony Swartzendruber, Hesston, Harvey County administrator
Kansas League of Municipalities: Susan Sherman, Olathe, assistant city manager of Olathe.
Business, Economic Development or Agricultural Communities (4):
Dennis Hays, Kansas City, Kan., former county administrator for the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/KCK, currently principal at Hays and Associates, LLC.
Larry Weians, Lenexa, vice president of finance for Sprint
Lon Frahm, Colby, CEO of Frahm Farmland, Inc.
Carl Brewer, Wichita, retired operations manager at Spirit AeroSystems, former mayor of Wichita
Additional members:
Duane Goossen, Topeka, former state budget director, secretary of administration, member of the Kansas House
Audrey Langworthy, Prairie Village, former state senator who served as chair of the Senate Tax Committee.
John Wilson, Lawrence, Kansas Action for Children vice president of advocacy and former Kansas House of Representatives member
Agencies (all ex-officio members):
Mark Burghart or designee — Secretary of Revenue
David Toland or designee — Secretary of Commerce
Larry Campbell or designee — state budget director
Julie Lorenz or designee — Secretary of Transportation
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces a Merchant Madness Sidewalk Sale will take place Saturday, September 14th. From 9 am to 5 pm, eleven downtown retailers will have sales set up in front of their stores with deals and special drawings.
Participating merchants include Bids & Dibs, Books & Grannies (inside), Country Cupboard, Hedgehog.INK, Iron Star Antiques & Such, J & W Sports Shop, Main St. Gallery & Gifts, Mayco Ace Hardware, Sunshine Boutique, Trader Dave’s, and Treasure Hunt Flea Market.
The Merchant Madness Sidewalk Sale will take place in conjunction with other Fort Scott events this weekend including the Fall Town-wide Garage Sale and the Art in the Yard Festival. More information on all community events may be found on fortscott.com/events or by contacting the Chamber at 620-223-3566.
