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Obituary of Marjorie Earline (Hildabrand) Wulz Foster
Marjorie Earline (Hildabrand) Wulz Foster, age 93, former resident of Fort Scott, KS passed away Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Arma Health and Rehab in Arma, KS. She was born August 13, 1931, in Hunter, OK, the daughter of Chester Austin and Clara Neil (Blanchard) Hildabrand. Earline graduated from Hunter High School in 1949. She then attended community college in Tonkawa, OK and graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1963 with a degree in dietetics and nutrition.
Earline served as director of food service at FSCC from 1972 to 1975, and as state school food service inspector for Kansas from 1975 to 1980, and as director of food service for Independence, KS schools from 1980 to 1990.
Earline was active in the Presbyterian Church. She also participated in the Airstream club in Kansas and traveled in her Airstream from Hudson Bay to Mexico City to Alaska. She was an avid quilter, won numerous awards in quilting and made over 50 quilts for her family and friends.
She married Charles Wulz in 1956. He preceded her in death. Earline then married Leon foster in 1976. He also preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her parents, her sister Lois Hatfield, her brothers Clifton and Homer Hildabrand, and her twin brother Marvin Earl Hildabrand.
Survivors include her three children, LuAnn Baker (Robert), Steven Wulz (Lauren), and Curtis Wulz; two stepchildren, Stephen Foster and Joan Foster; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 10:00 AM Thursday, May 29th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM Wednesday, May 28th at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to Arbor Day Foundation 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.
Ultimate Patriotism by Carolyn Tucker
Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker
Memorial Day is a day set apart to honor the sacrifice and loss of any man or woman who died while serving in the U.S. military, whether during deployment overseas or in training and service in the United States. Military organizations and bases nationwide honor all fallen military warriors on Memorial Day. The best way for us to pay respects to our military freedom fighters is to attend a Memorial Day ceremony at a veterans’ cemetery, or visit the grave of a loved one who gave the ultimate sacrifice of patriotism.
Patriotism means you love, respect, and are willing to serve your Country and, if need be, sacrifice your life to protect a fellow American. The American flag stirs a very proud patriotism when we see its stars and stripes waving majestically in the blue skies of liberty. Many of the best have bravely died for this flag. Military warriors have guts — and they’ve proven it by spilling them.
After viewing the 1998 film, “Saving Private Ryan” for the first time years ago, I emphatically said, “Everyone living in the United States of America needs to see this movie.” It’s a hard watch, but a necessary one if you want to get a true pulse of American heroism and patriotism. Politics and patriotism are not two peas in a pod. Although Saving Private Ryan was fictional, it was inspired by the true story of Frederick Niland, who was sent home after two of his brothers were killed in action during World War II. And if you want to read or watch a true September 11, 2012 account, I recommend “13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi.” Heroes don’t wear capes, they wear dog tags.
Saving Private Ryan’s historical accuracy in the opening sequence was praised by both WWII historians and actual survivors of the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944. Charlie Company’s horrific experiences in the early scenes of the film, including those seasick in the landing crafts, the catastrophic number of casualties as they exited the crafts, and the struggle in linking up with the nearby units on the shore are all true to history. Many minor details, including the sound of the bullets and the unique “ping” of the U.S. soldiers’ M1 rifles ejecting their clips, are accurately recreated. Even the correct code names for the different sectors of Omaha Beach were used in the film.
Never, ever shall we disregard the words of Jesus which perfectly describes all the brave hearts of our military men and women who have given their ultimate patriotism. “No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13 CSB). I also appreciate the same scripture from The Passion Translation: “For the greatest love of all is a love that sacrifices all. And this great love is demonstrated when a person sacrifices his life for his friends.”
I was taught not to argue with God or His Word and, honestly, it would be ridiculous to try to do so. With the meaning of Memorial Day weighing heavily on my heart, the following scripture clearly illuminates an appropriate response to what Peter writes: “Show proper respect to everyone. Love the community of believers. Have respect for God. Honor the king” (1 Peter 2:17 NIRV). We should obey God’s Word and give proper regard to those who sacrificed all.
The Key: Believers have an ethical obligation to honor and properly respect our U.S. fallen heroes.
May 25 Parent Empowerment Circle Speaker: navigating systems for those with special needs.
Angel Brazeal will be speaking at the Parent Empowerment Circle on Sunday, May 25, 2025, from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM at First Southern Baptist Church , 1818 S. Main, Fort Scott, where she’ll share her experiences and insights on navigating systems for individuals with disabilities and special needs.
Angel Brazeal, LMSW, is an outpatient therapist, foster parent of 10 years, and lifelong advocate for children and families. With a background in early childhood education and mental health services, Angel brings a wealth of experience to her work. She holds a Master’s in Social Work from Kentucky University with certifications in clinical practice and substance use disorders. As a mother to four children ranging in age from 5 to 21—including two with special needs—Angel draws from over two decades of hands-on parenting experience, both biological and adoptive. Her life and work have also included supporting loved ones with complex mental health conditions, further shaping her compassionate and trauma-informed approach. She has served in roles from preschool director to manager of children’s services at Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center. Born and raised in Fort Scott, Kansas, Angel is passionate about helping families and individuals with autism and other needs access care and support. She brings valuable personal and professional insight into navigating the complex systems that serve individuals with disabilities and special needs.
Wet Conditions Affect Soybean Plants
Soybean planting is well underway in Kansas with 43% planted, based on the USDA-NASS Crop Progress and Condition Report from May 19, 2024. However, heavy rainfall has occurred in many locations across the eastern half of Kansas, with some fields underwater and others with completely saturated soil. If you have been fortunate to get some early soybeans planted here are things to remember.
Wet soil conditions will slow emergence, make the soil more susceptible to compaction (limiting root growth), and cause poor plant-to-plant uniformity after emergence.
Sidewall compaction occurs when soybeans are planted when the soil is too wet, immediately followed by dry weather.
Soil surface crusting is another potential challenge for soybean emergence.
If soybean plants are submerged for less than 48 hours, there is a good chance they will survive. Plants can survive underwater longer in cool temperatures than in warm temperatures. Submerged soybean plants can survive for up to 7 days when temperatures are less than 80 degrees F.
To determine whether the soybeans are damaged after the water recedes, split the stem at the tip and examine the growing point. A healthy growing point will be firm and white or cream-colored. A soft, dark growing point indicates injury. In some cases, the silt coating the plant after short-term flooding can cause more injury than the water itself, possibly even plant death.
Even if the fields do not have standing water, and plants are not totally submerged, waterlogged soils can cause problems if the waterlogging lasts too long.
When soils are saturated for a prolonged period, a lack of oxygen in the roots can lead to the accumulation of lactic acid and other products of anaerobic respiration. This is the underlying cause of damage to plants in waterlogged soils where only the roots are flooded.
Injury can depend on variety, growth stage, duration of waterlogging, soil texture, fertility levels, and diseases present.
Interactions of these factors make it hard to predict how a given soybean field will react to waterlogged soils. Variety differences have been reported, and researchers have identified possible genes associated with tolerance to waterlogged conditions.
Scientists in Missouri have screened a number of soybean varieties, subjecting them to two periods of flooding, each two weeks in duration. The average yield reduction for all varieties was 61%. Yields were reduced by 39% for the most tolerant varieties and 77% for the least tolerant. Producers should check with their seed supplier regarding information about a particular variety.
As always if you are noticing issues in your fields feel free to contact me through your local K-State Extension Office to set up a consultation and field visit to asses and try and alleviate the problem.
If needed, I will work with you to send photos of the problem (close-up, seedling, field shot) and plant samples to the K-State Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab.
Lonnie Mengarelli is a K-State Research and Extension Agriculture agent assigned to Southwind District. He may be reached at [email protected] or 620-223-3720
Tina Sullivan, Northeast Area Agronomist
[email protected]
Rodrigo Onofre, Plant Pathology
[email protected]
Chandler Day, Associate Diagnostician, Plant Pathology
[email protected]
Cut the Clutter and Get Organized
[email protected], 620-244-3826Kansas State University’s Extension Office. Submitted photo.
Do you have to clear a spot just to sit down? Always searching for lost items? Tired of being the family’s go-to picker-upper? You’re not alone. Clutter creeps in from every corner of the home—but the good news is, you can take control.
Getting Started
Set aside a few days for big cleanups. In each room, start in one spot and move clockwise. Use boxes to sort items into: Keep, Store, Give Away/Sell, and Throw Away.
- Keep Box
Put items back where they belong. Group similar things and create ‘centers’ for tasks like cooking, cleaning, or hobbies. - Storage Box
Label items clearly, including names and seasons (e.g., “Sarah’s Winter Clothes”). Use vacuum bags to save space. - Give Away/Sell Box
Donate gently used items to charities (call first). Sell items online or at consignment shops. - Throw Away Box
Toss anything broken, worn, or stained. Use a trash bag or can, and consider a trip to the landfill or recycling center if needed. - Remember the One Touch Rule
Touch things once—like mail. Sort immediately into pay, file, or trash to avoid clutter buildup.
Closet Organization Tips
- Declutter: Turn hangers backward. Flip them after wearing an item. After a few months, donate or store what you haven’t worn. Things to toss now: Anything with a stain, hole, or tear; worn-out purses and shoes; outdated clothing or accessories; ratty weekend clothes; clothing that does not fit.
- Space Matters: Leave 2–3 inches between clothes to prevent odor, mold, and pests.
- Smart Choices: Pick mix-and-match clothing in a consistent color scheme. Dark, solid bottoms and classic pieces save space and money.
- Hang It Up: Use hooks, shelves, baskets, and hangers to keep everything visible and off the floor.
- Creative Storage: Try clear bins, vertical folding, and DIY solutions like shower curtain rings for accessories.
- Use All Space: Store out-of-season clothes under beds, in other closets, or above doors. Measure your space before buying storage systems.
Tips to Maintain a Clutter Free Home
- Everyone needs to do a little bit every day.
- It is everyone’s job to keep items picked up and put away.
- Tasks need to be appropriate for age and abilities.
- Share your ideas and expectations of what is expected and acceptable.
This article was adapted from the fact sheet Cut the Clutter and Get Organized. For more information contact Tara Solomon-Smith, [email protected], 620-244-3826.
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Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service
What’s Happening In Fort Scott May 23 Newsletter
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Sunflower Summer Program Wins National Award for Tourism Impact
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced Kansas Tourism received national recognition for its work on the Sunflower Summer program, which was named the Best Local Impact Campaign at the 2025 eTSY Awards. The honor was presented during the eTourism Summit, held April 22-24 in Las Vegas.
“The Sunflower Summer program is an investment in our young Kansans, highlighting for them all the great and exciting things to love and experience across our state,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “This program not only encourages exploration; it supports Kansas residents vacationing right here at home while showcasing our many quality attractions. We are grateful to be recognized on a national level and are excited to build on last year’s success.”
This award recognizes the outstanding success of the 2024 Sunflower Summer program, which provided Kansas families with school-aged children complimentary access to more than 200 attractions statewide. Nearly 500,000 tickets were redeemed – a 55% increase from the previous year. Tickets are claimed through the free Sunflower Summer app and redeemed at participating attractions upon arrival.
“The Sunflower Summer program has been extremely successful since its conception. It entices Kansans to travel around the state of Kansas and it promotes venues throughout the state on what Kansas has to offer,” Representative Troy Waymaster said. “This award only intensifies the success of the Sunflower Summer program, and I will always advocate for its continuation and the service it provides for our points of interest and Kansans.”
The eTSY Awards, organized by Informa Connect, celebrate excellence in digital tourism marketing by highlighting campaigns that demonstrate creativity, engagement and effectiveness in promoting travel and tourism. Presented annually at the eTourism Summit, these awards honor the most innovative and impactful digital marketing campaigns in the tourism industry.
“This award is a testament to the creativity, dedication and passion of the hardworking team that has brought this program to life for our residents,” Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “Kansas is the only place in the nation with a program like Sunflower Summer, and while we were proud of what we accomplished in the 2024 season; we are looking forward to what the 2025 season will bring for our partner sites across Kansas.”
Thanks to bipartisan support from the Kansas Legislature, the popular Sunflower Summer program will return July 12 to August 3, 2025. For more information, visit the webpage here or download the Sunflower Summer app.
About Kansas Tourism:
The mission of Kansas Tourism is to inspire travel to and throughout Kansas to maximize the positive impacts that tourism has on our state and local communities. Kansas Tourism works hand in hand with other Commerce community programs to elevate and promote Kansas as a tourist destination. Kansas Tourism oversees all tourism marketing and PR for the state, produces travel publications and advertising, manages state Travel Information Centers, manages both the Kansas By-ways program and the Kansas Agritourism program, approves tourist signage applications, produces the KANSAS! Magazine, and provides financial and educational support to the tourism industry in Kansas through grants, education and support.
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.
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Fort Scott National History Day State Champions Set to Present at Christian Learning Center
Southeast Kansas will send two projects to the National History Day Championship in College Park, Maryland, June 8-12. Five projects from Christian Learning Center attended the State National History Day Championships in Topeka in April.
The Fort Scott State Champion groups competing at Nationals in June will present their performances at 6:30 PM on Thursday, May 29th, at the Christian Learning Center in Fort Scott. This presentation will allow the students to practice sharing their projects and raise funds for their trip to College Park, MD. The community is invited to attend and support the two groups of students. Attendees can enter through the CLC Gym doors.
The following students are State Champions and will be sharing their projects on May 29th:
Kenlee Eden, Blair Felt, and Kodie Wells from Fort Scott Christian Learning Center will participate in the Senior Group Performance category, coached by Megan Felt and Rachel Wells. Their project is entitled Elzbieta Ficowska: Embracing Her Responsibility to Take a Stand for the Rights of the Polish People. Their project is a performance based on Elzbieta Ficowska. As a baby, Elzbieta was rescued by Irena Sendler from the Warsaw Ghetto and would grow up to become a leader in the Polish Solidarity Movement. As a leader in the Polish Solidarity Movement, Elzbieta Ficowska worked to bring rights and freedoms back to Polish citizens in the 1980s. The people of Poland believed it was their responsibility to free the nation from Communism.
Bella Antone, Klaire Kobernat, Charlee Wells and Hadley Wells from Fort Scott Christian Learning Center participated in the Junior Group Performance category at the State National History Day competition, coached by Rachel Wells. Their project is Miners Labor Rights: Mary Skubitz the Voice Above the Ground Who Rose to Fight. The performance is based on the actions of Mary Skubitz and the Amazon Army in Crawford County. In 1921, Mary Skubitz led the Amazon Army to march for the rights of the men and children working in coal mines. They felt it was their responsibility as family, to march for fair payment and working conditions. This march of over six thousand women brought the miners’ struggles for fair labor laws to the surface all around the state of Kansas.
History Day encourages students to express their knowledge of and interest in history through creative and original dramatic performances, media presentations, historical papers, website design, or three-dimensional exhibit projects. The research and study for district, state, and national competitions take place throughout the entire school year.
The national competition involves the top 2,800 students from across the nation, chosen from over 800,000 who compete to advance from local to state to national competition. All 50 states and several countries will be represented at the National competition. The theme this year is “Rights and Responsibilities in History.”
The Lowell Milken Center provides critiques and helps with research for National History Day Unsung Hero projects from Kansas and throughout the United States.
First Baptist Youth Fundraiser For Mission Trip on June 6 and 7
First Baptist Church, 123 Scott Avenue, will be having a Youth Fundraiser Rummage Sale on Friday, June 6, and Saturday, June 7, from 8:00-?.
During the Good Ole Days Festival in downtown Fort Scott.
This is a HUGE fundraiser rummage and bake sale for the YOUTH Oklahoma Mission trip.
The sale will be happening in the First Baptist Church Basement, with LOTS of items!
Unapproved Minutes of the Uniontown City Council on May 13
The Regular Council Meeting on May 13, 2025 at Uniontown Community Center was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, Savannah Pritchett, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Codes Officer Doug Coyan, City Treasurer Sally Johnson, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, and City Clerk Danea Esslinger.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
None
CITIZENS REQUESTS
None
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Johnson presented the April 2025 financial reports. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds for April was $323,763.55, Receipts $30,247.46, Transfers Out $3,024.00, Expenditures $54,009.88, Checking Account Closing Balance $296,977.13. Bank Statement Balance $298,347.71, including Checking Account Interest of $64.45, Outstanding Deposits $0.00, Outstanding Checks $1,370.58, Reconciled Balance $296,977.13. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $38,072.00, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $22,822.26, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $44,900.89, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $402,772.28. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $251.23, and Utility CDs $640.47 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $891.70. Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,622.00 for Total Transfers of $3,024.00. Net Loss for the month of April $26,786.42 Year-to-Date Net Income $33,113.39. Appropriations to date for April 2025 are $31,355.12.
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Brad, Approved 3-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
- Minutes of April 9, 2025 Regular Council Meeting.
- Treasurer’s Reports & Monthly Transaction Report for April 2025 and the Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Codes Enforcement: Doug Coyan
405 Hill Street-letter sent to owner with requested repairs needed, some repairs have been completed, he will contact owners about the other repairs needed
406 Fulton Street-letter sent to regarding nuisance vehicles, no reply at this time
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
Fire truck in park-he will apply an adhesive to the bolts
Mosquito spraying-will start soon
City Wide Dumpster-dumpster’s not as full as in the past and no complaints
Clerk Report: Danea Esslinger
Quickbook Online Course-attended May 8th, city office was closed.
Evergy is giving a presentation regarding the energy assistance program on 6/3/25 at 10 AM.
Fish Food has arrived.
Thank you card for the donation to the SOS.
Summer Food Program in June at the West Bourbon Elementary School.
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Ervin – None
Councilman Kelly – stop signs needed at 2nd, 3rd, and 4th of Fulton St, ask school if another pond signage regarding no parking at the East side of Pond
Councilwoman Pemberton – Zoning Public Forum meeting 5/14/25 at 6 PM
Councilwoman Pritchett – no ordinance about chicken and ducks
Councilman Stewart– Bolts needed for the Pond Dock
Mayor Jurgensen – Ruritan may help with the Public Restroom replacement and repairs
City fixed the sewer main, and this issue caused a citizen to have major flooding issues
Motion by Kelly, Second by Pritchett, Approved 5-0 to accept paying for the citizen’s insurance deductible of $1,000.
OLD BUSINESS
SEED Grant – work has started on the City Library and City Office, have new lighting in the City Office, and they have started the electrical work for the ceiling in the Library, and the Council stated to close office to the public during the 1st week of June to complete the City Office flooring, shelves, and new window.
FEMA Flooding– Hydrology study not complete yet by Ag Engineering, and we have another new FEMA project manager.
Warehouse Insulation – is planned to start on May 13, and work has started today
Sidewalk-Ag Engineering preliminary study is completed. He stated that we will receive completed documentation when finalized.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0 in regard to the East Sidewalk of the Square, send pictures and a letter to ask lawyer if we can proceed with replacing said sidewalk as we own it per survey
Park electric – CrawKan will do the boring for the electrical line needed for the park electric. We will wait to complete this when CrawKan has an opening in their schedule.
NEW BUSINESS
New Ordinance No. 206-presented to Council for changes or approval.
Motion by Pemberton, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to approve the New Ordinance No. 206
Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:39.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 9:20.
Danea Esslinger called in at 8:40, out at 9:15.
ADJOURN Time 9:25 Moved by Ervin, 2nd Stewart, Approved 5-0
