Area News

Human Trafficking? 1-888-373-7888

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Submitted photo of Kenny Felt. Felt is promoting awareness of human trafficking by photographing local people who will post on their individual social media platforms on Feb. 22, Shine A Light On Slavery Day.

The End It Movement is about human trafficking.

Local photographer Kenny Felt decided to get involved in bringing awareness to the human rights issue.

“I don’t know a lot, but I know enough to be scared of it,” Felt said.

“It’s hard to get a number of victims because it’s a hidden practice,” he said. “The victims aren’t known, have no voice or ability to speak out.”

“How many times have we seen something and did nothing,” Felt said. “This is my attempt to bring awareness.”

The red x symbol was designed to spark a conversation, he said.

February 22 is “Shine A Light On Slavery Day”.

“I don’t have the ability to do much, but I can take pictures and post them on Feb. 22,” Felt said.

He set a goal to get 50 photos of local people with a red x  painted on them.

“More than that have joined in so far,” Felt said.

Each participant posts on their own social media.

Adam LaRoche is a supporter of the End It Movement.

“I will post a movie gallery on my Facebook page on Feb. 22,” he said.

To have a free photo taken by Felt to post on social media in support of this cause, he is available to take photos for this project at his studio 13 N. North Main:

Tuesday, Feb. 20 – 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; Wednesday, Feb. 21 – 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; Thursday, Feb. 22 – 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

What is Human Trafficking?

Human trafficking is the criminal activity of holding another person for the purposes of exploitation through forced labor and sex trafficking, according to a Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) website: dol.ks.gov/HumanTrafficking.

Even here in Kansas, men, women, and children are forced to work for long hours under deplorable conditions for little or no pay without the freedom to leave, according to the KDOL website.

Notice to Victims of Human Trafficking
If you or someone you know is being forced to engage in any activity and cannot leave – whether it is commercial sex, housework, farm work or any other activity – call the toll-free National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 1‑888‑373‑7888 to access help and services, according to the website. The toll-free hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and available in many languages.

Indicators of Human Trafficking

According to the Department of Homeland Security at dhs.gov/blue-campaign      here are some common indicators to help recognize human trafficking:

  • Does the person appear disconnected from family, friends, community organizations, or houses of worship?
  • Has a child stopped attending school?
  • Has the person had a sudden or dramatic change in behavior?
  • Is a juvenile engaged in commercial sex acts?
  • Is the person confused, or showing signs of mental or physical abuse?
  • Does the person have bruises in various stages of healing?
  • Is the person fearful, timid, or submissive?
  • Does the person show signs of having been denied food, water, sleep, or medical care?
  • Is the person often in the company of someone to whom he or she defers? Or someone who seems to be in control of the situation, e.g., where they go or who they talk to?
  • Does the person appear to be coached on what to say?
  • Is the person living in unsuitable conditions?
  • Does the person lack personal possessions and appear not to have a stable living situation?
  • Does the person have freedom of movement? Can the person freely leave where they live? Are there unreasonable security measures?

Not all indicators listed above are present in every human trafficking situation, and the presence or absence of any of the indicators is not necessarily proof of human trafficking.

 

 

Obituary

Obituary Of Michael Owen True

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Michael Owen True, age 71, a resident of Fort Scott, Kansas, died late Friday, February 16, 2018, following a heart ailment.

He was born December 11, 1946, in Kansas City, Kansas, the son of Warren D. True and Lucille Leach True. He married Joyce Haller on June 15, 1968, in Shawnee, Kansas.

Mike was retired as trainmaster with the Burlington Northern Railroad. He served in the United States Marines from 1966 to 1969. He was an active member of the MG Club and owns two MG cars. He also loved target shooting and was a member of the Bourbon County Sharpshooters. Other hobbies include fishing and remote-control airplanes.

Survivors include his wife, Joyce, of the home; one son, Steve True and wife Victoria of Ottawa, Kansas; one daughter, Julie True of Topeka; two brothers, Dave True and wife Beverly, Shawnee, Kansas, and Brad True and wife, Mary, Olathe, Kansas. Also surviving are four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Scott True.

Following cremation, the family will receive friends from 11:00 A.M. until noon, Wednesday in the Cheney Witt Chapel.

The celebration of life and memorial service will be announced at a later date to be held at his favorite fishing location. Memorials are suggested to a Grandchildren Scholarship Fund and may be sent to Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Area News, Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Submitted

Fruit Trees Should Be Pruned Now

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Are you itching to get out of the house and do something productive in the landscape? If you have fruit trees, then now is the time to prune! A little planning ahead with fruit trees can mean big rewards later in the growing season.

Are you like many who are “afraid” to prune? Don’t be. When done correctly, pruning is an essential component of growing a healthy, productive fruit tree. Fruit trees should be pruned every year and for several reasons. The first is the development of a strong tree structure. Pruning should begin when the tree is planted and continued each year thereafter. Another reason to prune is the increased penetration of sunlight for the development of fruit buds and for the fruit to mature properly.

Trees can be pruned this early (winter) because they are dormant. This can be done in January, February and even early March. Pruning when trees are dormant makes it easier to see undesirable branches because leaves aren’t present. It is important to do any pruning before dormant sprays are applied, to avoid spraying some of the wood that will later be removed. Total spray coverage of limbs, branches, and shoots will be increased after pruning. Do not prune if temperatures are below 20°F because this can cause tissue damage.

Have your fruit trees been neglected for quite some time? If so, pruning can seem like an overwhelming task; where to start, how much wood to remove, etc. But a neglected tree can be revitalized.

The first step in revitalizing a neglected tree is to prune wood around the trunk area and near the ground. Remove all sucker growth around the trunk by cutting as close as possible to the point of origin. Next, remove all branches that hang below a 4-foot level. Prune them off at the supporting limb. Stand back and study the tree and decide the next cut to make. Retain scaffolds that are growing away from the tree center at wide angles with the trunk. Scaffolds are one of the main branches making the basic framework of a tree. They should be positioned on different sides of the tree for good distribution of the fruit crop.

The right tools are needed for proper pruning. Tools always need to be sharp so clean cuts can be made. Cuts that result in bark tears, stubs, or jagged surfaces are slow to heal and may even not completely heal. A scissor type of hand shear is used to prune small size wood, usually ¼ inch in diameter. Long handled loppers should be used to cut ¼ to ½ inch wood. These will need to be used generally by the third year of tree growth. For branches larger than ½ inch, use a fine-toothed pruning saw.

The Extension office has a publication titled, “Pruning Fruit Trees,” that explains in more detail how to prune depending on the age of the tree. It also has a section devoted to pruning different types of fruit trees. The publication has diagrams that demonstrate how and where pruning cuts should be made. As with most Extension services, this publication is free of charge.
If you would like me to evaluate your trees, give me a call and a home visit can be scheduled.

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Agricultural agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at 620-244-3826 or [email protected].
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Business, Fort Scott

Nominations Please

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Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lindsay Madison speaks during a prior awards dinner.

AWARD NOMINATIONS
REQUESTED

TO BE PRESENTED AT THE 2018 CHAMBER ANNUAL DINNER & AWARDS CELEBRATION
Thursday, March 15, 2018
Liberty Theatre
Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce award nominations are being requested.
It is a great honor to recognize deserving businesses, individuals, and organizations each year at the
Chamber Annual Dinner & Awards Celebration.
This year it is at the Liberty Theater, Thursday, March 15.
 
The  public’s input is highly valued as those
recipients are selected.
 
Please click the survey link below to make nominations for any or all of the following categories:
 
Business of the Year
New Business of the Year
Agri-Business of the Year
Business Person of the Year
Young Professional of the Year
Community Spirit Award
Please mark your calendars to attend the event
Thursday, March 15.
 
Guest speaker will be Marci Penner of the
Kansas Sampler Foundation.
 
If preferred,  print the survey and mail or drop off the nominations to the Chamber.  Click here for a printable copy.  You may also email your nominations directly to the Chamber at [email protected].
 
Please call the Chamber with any questions at (620) 223-3566.
Bourbon County

CCC Celebrates 45 Years

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Community Christian Church Pastor Dusty Drake speaks at the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce weekly coffee on Thursday.

Community Christian Church hosted the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce weekly coffee Thursday.

The church is celebrating 45 years in Fort Scott.

Pastor Dusty Drake told the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce weekly coffee attendees “the most important treasure of the church is our people.”

Drake said the mission of the church is still to take people to the next step with Jesus Christ.

An upcoming Easter series will be accentuated by the congregation reading the book “Imagine Heaven”, by John Burke, Drake said.

“It explores the near-death experiences of 100s of people and puts together a picture of what happens when clinically dead,” he said.

The experiences line up with what scripture says about life after death, Drake said and Easter is the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead.

Church staff was introduced by Drake.

The staff includes Drake as the teaching and service pastor, Paul Martin as children’s and administrative pastor, Ian Johnson as the youth pastor, Marcy Reynolds adult ministry and pastoral care pastor.

Jamie Beckham is the administrative director and Jennifer Addington is the office receptionist, along with Stacey Atkins.

He welcomed those attending to the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. services each Sunday.

Announcements for the week from Chamber attendees:

  • “Waterways-Past, Present and Future, the Marmaton River, Mill Creek and Buck Run” will be from Feb. 24 to April 8 at the Beaux Arts Center, 102 S. National Ave.
  • A bloodmobile will be located at Ellis Fine Art Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College Monday, Feb. 26 from 1 to 7 p.m. and Tues. Feb. 27 from 1 to 9 p.m.
  • Nicki Traul, representing USD 234 told of the upcoming expansion of the preschool program in the district.
  • The Knights of Columbus annual Lenten Fish Fry will be every Friday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. at Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in the gym.
  • Smallville Crossfit will start a beginners class March 5. Check them out on Facebook.
  • Rotary Dancing With Our Stars is an annual event for fundraising for local charities and Rotary. The date this year is Feb. 17 at 7 p.m.
  • Bourbon County Arts Council show featuring En Power and Light and Flagship Romance date is Feb. 16 at 8 p.m.
  • Nominations are being sought for recognition of business people and others for the annual Chamber Awards Dinner, March 15. Contact the Chamber for more information.

 

 

 

 

Obituary

Obituary of Mary Elizabeth Stoughton

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Corrected Obituary

Mary Elizabeth Stoughton, age 95, a resident of Ft. Scott, KS, formerly of rural Mapleton, KS, died Sunday, February 18, 2018, at Country Place Living in Ft. Scott. She was born January 16, 1923, in rural Bourbon County, the daughter of Nixon and Eula Hutcherson Blair. She married Ellis Stoughton. He preceded her in death on November 24, 2011. Mary worked for the Postal Service in Mapleton, Redfield, and the Devon office until it’s closing. She then transferred to Ft. Scott until her retirement. She enjoyed playing cards, bingo, bowling tours, fishing, crafts, and antique auctions. She played the organ at church for many years, lastly the Mapleton Methodist Church. She was a member of Eastern Star.

Survivors include a daughter, Karen Sue Peery and husband Ed, Mapleton, KS; grandchildren Kristian Fowler and husband Sid with sons Wyatt Ellis Fowler and Jesse Lee Fowler, Olathe, KS; Andy Peery, Grove, OK, and children Ian Peery and wife Brandee with son Barrett, Mapleton, and Andrea Peery, Joplin, MO, Susan Bancroft and husband Adam with children Bailie Elisabeth Brown, Gunnar Joe Brown, Allie Nacole Brown and Kynleah Claire Bancroft, Ft. Scott, Matt Martin, Ft. Scott, Troy Stoughton and children Laura Wray, Pittsburg, KS, and Sabra Stoughton, Ft. Scott, Drew Stoughton, Mapleton, Amy Stoughton and daughter Jandyn Stoughton, Ft. Scott, and Christina Logue and husband Jason with children Brayden and Emma of Ohio. Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by sisters Wilma Kendrick Slick and Betty Nethercot; five brothers James, Marion, John, Robert, and Warren Blair; and a son, James Raymond Stoughton.

Pastor Joe Perkins will conduct funeral services at 11:00 AM Tuesday, February 20th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the West Plains Cemetery, Ft. Scott. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 Monday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to support Alzheimer’s research by contributing to KU Endowment – Alzheimer’s Research sent in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

 

Obituary

Obituary Of Sandra Sue “Sandy” Rylander

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Sandra Sue “Sandy” Rylander, 75, passed away Wednesday afternoon, February 14, 2018, at KU Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas. She was born October 16, 1942, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the daughter of John C. and Nettie Caroline (Townsend) Stanbro.

She married Gary Rylander June 4, 1961, in Fort Scott, and he survives of the home.

Sandy graduated from Uniontown High School with the class of 1960. She was a member of Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church and the Old Fort Genealogy Society.

In addition to her husband Gary, Sandy is also survived by her daughters, Susan Hedge, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Cheryl Huffman of Darien, Connecticut; a sister, Martha Murrow of Jupiter, Florida; and six grandchildren, Isabelle, Emily, Benjamin, Andrew, Nick, and Jane. She was preceded in death by her parents, and an infant daughter, Kelli Sue Rylander.

Following cremation, memorial services for Sandy will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 24, 2018, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home with interment following at the Deerfield Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Old Fort Genealogical Society and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, PO Box 309, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Submitted

Westar Energy Warns Of Scam

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Westar Energy warns customers of electric company imposters.
Callers use the threat of disconnection to get immediate payment.

TOPEKA, Kan., Feb. 16, 2018 – Westar Energy is alerting customers that imposters claiming to work for the company are threatening to disconnect service and asking for prepaid cards as payment. Several customers have contacted Westar Energy’s Customer Relations Center after receiving suspicious phone calls.

Some imposters are very convincing. They may use websites that allow them to manipulate caller ID, making the call appear to come from Westar. They speak with authority. When the targeted customer calls the phone numbers provided, the person who answers sounds like they work for Westar. In some cases, callers may even provide information like amount due that makes them sound credible.

“Scammers create a sense of urgency to get customers to act quickly rather than allowing them time to check their account,” Gina Penzig, media relations manager, Westar Energy, said. “We will never require a pre-paid card for payment. Also, we notify customers multiple times in advance if service may be interrupted for non-payment.”

Before acting on one of these calls, check your records to see if a recent payment has been made. If you are still unsure, call our Customer Relations Center, 1-800-383-1183, and check your account status. More about identifying scams: https://www.westarenergy.com/scams If a customer receives a suspicious visit from an individual, he or she should also report it to their local law enforcement agency.

As Kansas’ largest electric utility, Westar Energy, Inc. (NYSE: WR) provides customers the safe, reliable electricity needed to power their businesses and homes. We have 7,800 MW of electric generation capacity that includes renewables and traditional power sources with half the electricity supplied to our more than 700,000 customers from emissions-free sources: nuclear, wind and solar, with a third coming from renewables. We are a leader in electric transmission in Kansas coordinating a network of lines and substations that supports one of the largest consolidations of wind energy in the nation. Our employees live, volunteer and work in the communities we serve. For more information about Westar Energy, visit us on the Internet at http://www.WestarEnergy.com.

Fort Scott

Dancing With Our Stars Tomorrow At Ellis Center

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Fort Scott Rotary 
presents the 8th Annual
Dancing With Our Stars
 
Saturday, February 17, 2018 
7 pm at the Ellis Fine Arts Center
Tickets available for purchase at the
Chamber until 5 pm today
and from 10am-4pm tomorrow 2/17;
then, they will be for sale at the door at
Ellis after 5 pm Saturday.
Only $10 for eight dancing acts and two special performances benefiting great charities in our community.
The charities will also be taking donations during intermission in the lobby – vote for your favorite dancers by making a donation!
 
Questions ~ call the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce at 620-223-3566 
Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda For Feb. 20

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The following is the agenda for the Bourbon County Commission 9 a.m. Feb. 20.

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

2nd Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: February 20, 2018

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: ____________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

9:00-9:45-Jim Harris

9:15Culvert request at 625 Maple Road

9:30 AT & T 225th & Locust

9:45 -Waiver & release from Liability/ Drywood

10:00- Fire District petition

10:15- Meeting to learn about Mills/Vision Meeting

10:30- 10:45- Executive Session Attorney- Client Relationship

11:00- 12:00- Revitalization Program –Agricultural, Commercial & Residential

12:00- 1:00 -Commissioners gone to Lunch

1:15- 1:30 -Smoking Policy

1:30- 1:45- Budget & AG Opinions

2:30- Employee Handbook

Justifications for Executive Session:

Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel

Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship

Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency

Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships

Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property

Matters relating to the security of a public body or agency, public building or facility or the information system of a public body or agency, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize the security of such public body, agency, building, facility or information system

Bourbon County Local News