Bourbon County

Jail Project Takes Advantage of Dry Days

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After slowing down because of recent rains, the Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center project continues to move forward, remaining on track to finish this fall.

“It’s moving right along,” Bourbon County Commission Chairperson Lynne Oharah said during their meeting Tuesday morning.

On Tuesday, the commissioners visited the site for a tour and meeting concerning the progress of the project. The pods, stairwells and interior door frames have been installed in the building, which is now almost fully enclosed with a roof and exterior walls. Upcoming tasks include continuing the brick work and beginning work on the kitchen.

Fort Scott, Submitted

FSCC Announces Women’s Luncheon, Honor Society Inducts Students

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Submitted by Heather Browne

FSCC Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Inducts New Students

The Fort Scott Community College Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (Alpha Theta Omega Chapter) inducted 33 new students during a candle lighting ceremony on Friday, April 7, at the Danny & Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center.

Students inducted this semester include: Mariah Aebersold, Heather Bahr, Adam Biby, Thomas Boatwright, Taylor Brecheisen, Mataya Cook, Rilie Creollo, Leslie Damian, Jordyn Danzer, Dustin Erikson, Madison Gray, Justin Grigsby, Sirr Green, Tyler Henninger, Heather Huesman, Genna Hull, Sarah Kelley, Keyshla Laureano Perez, Cristin Lowry, Allie Martin, Lindsey McNeil, Nathan Miller, Rachel Newquist, Nguyen Hannah Pham, Erica Pinneo, Emmah Reeves, Alexandria Rooks, Carla Salas, Mason Skiles, Lauren Sluder, Kyle Smith, Kirstie Williams and Barrett Young.

“We are pleased to welcome our new Phi Theta Kappa members this spring,” said Susie Arvidson, FSCC Director of Library Services and Phi Theta Kappa Advisor.  “Over the past year, the members and officers have worked diligently to grow the organization and in turn were very successful. We look forward to the coming year as we strive for excellence and growth as individuals and as a group.”

Phi Theta Kappa, an international honor society, recognizes the academic achievements of two-year college students. Students who have completed 12 credit hours and earned a 3.5 GPA or higher are invited to join Phi Theta Kappa. For more information, please call Susie Arvidson at 620-223-2700, ext. 3441.

Photo caption—Pictured from left to right: Nguyen Hannah Pham, Keyshla Laureano Perez, Heather Bahr, Genna Hull, Cristin Lowry, Lauren Sluder, Sarah Kelley, Jordyn Danzer, Rachel Newquist and Dustin Erikson.

FSCC Women’s Appreciation Luncheon slated for Apr. 26

Fort Scott Community College will host the annual Women’s Appreciation Luncheon 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 26, at the Danny & Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center.

The luncheon menu includes chicken salad croissant sandwiches, soup, salad, gourmet cookies and refreshments. In addition to lunch, the popular event will offer free gifts, door prizes, musical entertainment and product displays from local businesses. The event will showcase a variety of businesses including AdvoCare, All About That Xyng, Bids & Dibs, Black Dogs Farm, Custom Jewelry, FSCC Cosmetology (manicures), Gold Canyon, Hartman Spine and Joint, LipSense, Locust Hill Lamanchas, LuLaRoe, Mercy Hospital, Premier Designs Jewelry, Prüvit, Rodan + Fields, Taylor’s Lamps and Such, Thirty-One Gifts, Young Living Essential Oils, Younique and more.

Tickets are $6 per person. Attendees who purchase five tickets by April 25 will receive one ticket free. For more information or to reserve a seat, please call 620-223-2700.

 

Bourbon County, Submitted

From the Capitol: Adam Lusker

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Submitted by Senator Adam Lusker

This is the final week before the Kansas legislature adjourns for a three-week long break, during which the governor signs off on or vetoes the bills passed this session. We will return for veto session May 1.

Kansas House Fights for KPERS

On Thursday [April 7], the House and Senate passed Senate Sub for Sub HB 2052, a rescission bill that essentially fixed the budget for the current fiscal year. The current budget was in a deficit of $290 million. Fiscal year 2017 ends June 30.

The House stood its ground on this bill to ensure that the Kansas Public Employee Retirement System (KPERS) was fully funded through the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2017. The budget passed by the legislature and signed by the governor in 2016 had not made full payments to the retirement system.

As a result of the House position standing firm for working Kansans, an additional $86 million was appropriated to KPERS and payments will be made through the fourth quarter of FY 2017.

This Week on the House Floor

Before the break, several bills were passed through on the House floor. Here are a few. You can read about all of the bills to hit the floor this week here: http://kslegislature.org/li/b2017_18/chamber/house/journals/2017/4/

HB 2319: An act concerning abortion; relating to the woman’s-right-to-know act, relating to certain physician information to be disclosed.

HB 2391: An act concerning driving; relating to driving under the influence and other driving offenses; authorized restrictions of driving privileges, ignition interlock device; expungement of convictions and diversions.

SB 55: An act concerning public construction contracts; relating to performance and payment bonds; Kansas fairness in public construction.

SB 149: An act concerning the attorney general; relating to briefs in a criminal matter or post-conviction case in the supreme court or court of appeals; legal representation charges; legal services; creating the attorney general’s state agency representation fund.

HB 2360: An act concerning the administration of the state employee health benefits plan; creating the division of state employee health benefits plan in the department of administration.

H Sub for SB 70: An act concerning amusement rides; relating to the Kansas amusement ride act.

SB 184: An act establishing the Kansas intelligence fusion center act.

Sub HB 2230: An act concerning property taxation; relating to exemptions, property owned by a redevelopment authority and located in a redevelopment district within a former federal enclave.

HB 2279: An act concerning courts; relating to disposition of failure to comply with a traffic citation reinstatement fees; judicial branch nonjudicial salary adjustment fund.

I look forward to continuing to work for you and Kansas when we come back May 1. Until then, please take care. It is a special honor to serve as your state representative. I both value and need your input on the various issues facing state government. Please feel free to contact me with your comments and questions. My office address is Room 50-S, 300 SW 10th, Topeka, KS 66612. You can reach me at (785) 296-7698 or call the legislative hotline at 1-800-432-3924 to leave a message for me. Additionally, you can e-mail me at adam.lusker@house.ks.gov. You can also follow the legislative session online at www.kslegislature.org.

Fort Scott

Library Reopens after Improvement Project

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After months of work that began in September, the Fort Scott Public Library reopened its doors April 3, and held a grand opening event Thursday when they had a ribbon-cutting ceremony to recognize the accomplishments.

“The library is a great asset to our historic downtown and the services and programs are essential to our community,” Mayor JoLynne Mitchell said, adding she believes the youth programs are especially important.

Director Lisa Walther said the library began saving money in 1992 when they started the capitol improvement fund. Though tax dollars funded the project, it was funding gathered over two decades so they did not have to ask the city for more money or a large sum at once.

“We are just thrilled that people seem to be quite happy with how it looks,” Director Lisa Walther said of the completed project. “We couldn’t be happier.”

The improvements include new floors, walls, lights, restroom and ADA compliance as well as new office areas and conference room.

Walther expressed appreciation to city staff as well as library staff and board members, who remained patient throughout the process and helped make decisions as well as other volunteers who moved books and cleaned.

City Manager Dave Martin said it was refreshing working with those involved in the library project and said he is glad to see it complete as he appreciates having hard copies of books.

Library hours and programs, including the children’s reading time on Tuesdays, now continues as normal.

Obituary

Obituary: Robert Gordon Steele

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Submitted by Cheney-Witt Funeral Home

Robert Gordon Steele, age 88, a resident of Fort Scott, Kans., passed away Monday, April 10, 2017, at the Presbyterian Village in Ft. Scott.

He was born November 25, 1928, in Uniontown, Kans., the son of Ira Alva Steele and Bessie Marie Brainerd Steele.  He graduated from the Uniontown High School with the Class of 1945 and later graduated from the Fort Scott Junior College.  He served with the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.  He married Anna Faye Woodring on March 27, 1974, at Fort Scott.  Bob worked as a systems administrator for the Western Insurance Company which later became American States/Safeco.  He retired in 1988, following forty-two years of service.  In earlier years, he was a member of the Uniontown United Methodist Church and later attended the Mt. Orum Baptist Church.  He volunteered for the Old Fort Genealogical Society and the Beacon and also helped with the community Thanksgiving dinner.

Survivors include a sister-in-law, Laura Steele, of Fort Scott and several cousins.  His wife, Faye, preceded him in death on February 7, 2017.  He was also preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Russell Steele.

Following cremation, Rev. Marty DeWitt will conduct a graveside service at 10 a.m. Monday, April 17, at the U. S. National Cemetery with military honors provided by the Olson Frary Burkhart Post #1165 Veterans of Foreign Wars.  Family and friends will meet at the cemetery.  Memorials are suggested to Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

 

Obituary

Obituary: Reece Tyler Koppa

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Submitted by Cheney-Witt Funeral Home

Reece Tyler Koppa, infant of daughter of Derek Koppa and Randi Shaw Koppa, passed away Monday, April 3, 2017, at the Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Mo.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by a sister, Brylynn Koppa; maternal grandparents, Kenny and Debbie Shaw, paternal grandparets, Jim and Cheryl Koppa; maternal great-grandmother, Freda Fleming and paternal great-grandmother, Janice Ramsey, all of Fort Scott.  She was preceded in death by her maternal great-grandfather, Richard Fleming and paternal great-grandparents, Richard Ramsey and Murrel and Goldie Koppa.

Rev. Virgil Peck will conduct funeral services at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 11, at the Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene.  Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to the National Kidney Foundation and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

 

Obituary

Obituary: Linda June Harris Vann

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Submitted by Cheney-Witt Funeral Home

Linda June Harris Vann, age 69, a resident of Fort Scott, Kans., went into glory to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 1, 2017.

She was born March 24, 1948, in Fort Scott, the daughter of Ray Hugh Harris and Cleta Mae Graham Harris.  Linda graduated from the Fort Scott High School in 1967.  Immediately out of high school, Linda began a career with Mercy Hospital. She started as an aide and later worked as a ward clerk.  She retired in March of 2010 after 43 years of service. She married Harry Glenn Vann on August 29, 1974, at Miami, Okla.  Linda enjoyed sports, reading, bowling, fishing and traveling. She was also an avid Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Chiefs fan.  She formerly attended the Mt. Olive Church of God in Christ and was currently a member of the Diamond Community Church.

Survivors include her three sons, Monty Vann, of Atlanta, Ga., and Gregory and Jonathan Vann, both of Fort Scott; four grandchildren, Elijah Wright, Ezekiel, Daniel and Violet Vann, all of Fort Scott.  Also surviving are three brothers, Leon Harris of New Mexico, Eugene Harris of Los Angeles, Calif., and Roger Harris of New York, N.Y.; and four sisters including her twin, Glenda Harris of Fort Scott, Deborah Nelson of Fort Scott, Rotena Gray of Denver, Colo., and Hattie Wright of Olathe, Kans.  Her husband, Glenn, preceded her in death on May 8, 2010.  She was also preceded in death by three brothers, William Graham, Buford Harris, and Donald Drake, and a sister, Phyllis Mason.

Elder Roger Harris, assisted by Rev. Jimmy Tucker, will conduct funeral services at 11 a.m., Wednesday, April 12, 2017, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.  Memorials are suggested to the Linda Vann Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

 

Obituary

Obituary: Valeta Myrtle Kerr

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Submitted by Cheney-Witt Funeral Home

Valeta Myrtle Kerr, age 89, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away early Friday, April 7, 2017, at the Medicalodge of Ft. Scott.

She was born October 5, 1927, in Garden City, Mo., the daughter of Samuel and Myrtle King.  She first married Benjamin Hicks.  He preceded her in death, and she then married Forrest Kerr.  He also preceded her in death.  Valeta had worked as a receptionist for Social and Rehabilitation Services in Arkansas.  She enjoyed gardening and sewing.  She was a member of the Community Christian Church.

Survivors include a sons, Larry Hicks and wife, Jessie, of Fort Scott, Brent Kerr and wife, Leona, of Van Buren, Ark., Tom Kerr and wife, Deborah, of Excelsior Springs, Mo., and Jim Kerr and wife, Emily, of St. Louis, Mo.; a sister, Leota Bradford of Shawnee Mission, Kans.; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews.  In addition to her husbands, she was preceded in death by an infant son, David Hicks; two sisters and a brother.

Rev. Kevin Moyers will conduct funeral services at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 14, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.  The family will receive friends on Friday from 10 a.m. until service time at the chapel.  Services are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kans.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

 

Fort Scott

School Board Approves Contract for New Eugene Ware Principal

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During the executive session of their April meeting Monday evening, the Unified School District 234 Board of Education approved a contract with Stephanie Witt, naming her the principal for Eugene Ware for the 2017-18 school year.

Formerly a middle school instructional coach, Witt will take over the principal responsibilities in July, while current principal Dave Elliott’s contract expires in June.

“We’re excited to partner with her to help in every way possible to make that a great situation for our staff and students,” Superintendent Bob Beckham said of Witt’s upcoming year with the school district.

In February, the school board voted not to extend Elliott’s contract with the district. A number of parents and other members of the district spoke on his behalf during the March meeting.

Beckham expressed his fondness for Elliott and his years with the district, but had no comment on his upcoming departure after the current school year.

Witt’s brother-in-law and school board member, Jordan Witt, abstained from voting on the employment decision Monday evening.

Beckham also announced that the bond project continues to move forward at a good pace and is scheduled to be complete by July 4.

Fort Scott

Kiwanis Host Easter Egg Hunt

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The Fort Scott Kiwanis hosted their annual Easter egg hunt at Gunn Park Saturday, drawing a large number of children of a variety of ages who were able to leave with Easter eggs, candy and other prizes.

The event was sponsored by a number of local businesses including Marsha’s Deli, Fort Cinema, Walmart, Iron Star, McDonald’s, Landmark Bank and a number of others. The Easter bunny also made an appearance.

Further Easter event will be held this weekend, including the Eggstravaganza event to be held at Buck Run Community Center Saturday, April 15, providing a variety of games and activities. Those interested in participating are encouraged to register early with a $1 fee to make sure there will be sufficient supplies. Walgreens will also provide an opportunity for children to have their photos taken with the Easter bunny, with participants receiving a free 4×5 print.

Fort Scott, Submitted

Growing Berries in the Home Garden Program Set for April 13

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Submitted by Krista Harding

The most expensive items in the produce section are berries. The cost of berries can be overcome by growing them yourself. Learn how at the second program of the “Grow It – Prepare It” series – Growing Berries, on Thursday, April 13, at 6 p.m. at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds.

This program will give homeowners tips on growing strawberries and blackberries. Planting techniques, fertility, pruning and harvesting will all be covered. For more information on this program and to register, please contact the Southwind Extension District at 620-223- 3720.

Business, Fort Scott

Home and Garden Show Draws Crowds

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The annual Home, Sport, Farm and Garden Show hosted by KOMB-FM drew in large numbers of people to visit booths set up by more than 60 vendors at the Arnold Arena at Fort Scott Community College.

Visitors were able to gather information of local businesses and organizations, such as The Butcher Block, the City of Fort Scott, Redbud Nurseries and Skitch’s Hauling and Excavation, among a large number of others. Drawings for prizes were also held throughout the day.

Simultaneously, FSCC held a children’s fair on campus, with students as well as others such as the Fort Scott police and fire departments participating in games and other events for the children.

Bourbon County Local News