Leanne Ruth Leatherman, age 62, resident of Fort Scott, KS, died Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at her home. She was born February 25, 1961, in Fort Scott, the daughter of David and Ruth Whiteside Milburn. Leanne was always a country/farm girl and an avid horse lover throughout her life. She rode with the Young American’s Drill Team. Leanne worked in the family Whiteside’s grocery store throughout her early days. She graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in animal science. Leanne married Mark Leatherman on February 15, 1986, in Fort Scott. She was a lifetime member of the Bourbon County Fair Board and helped many area youth through 4H. Assisting her community was paramount. She enjoyed all crafts including crocheting, sewing, stuffed animals, blankets, and more. She loved spending time with family, especially camping trips, and trout fishing.
Survivors include her husband Mark of the home; a son, Clint Leatherman, and fiancé Jodi Hardin; 4 grandchildren, Caden, Cian, Lukas, and Xabier; brothers and sisters-in-law Tom and Connie Leatherman, Deerfield, MO, and Steve and Debbie Leatherman, Joplin, MO, brother-in-law David Cannon, Louisburg, KS; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a sister-in-law Beth Cannon, and her parents.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Monday, May 15th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Clarksburg Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 Sunday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to either Care to Share or the Bourbon County Fair Board and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Maria Whitson, rural Garland, is the mother of five children and married to Clayton.
She is also a children’s book author.
The Process
Her journey as an author began with a college assignment to write and illustrate a children’s book.
“That is when the whole series of books called ‘Lessons for the Least’ was birthed,” she said. “But it was a couple years before I wrote down all the ideas for the series.”
She wrote the main content for all the stories while single, assisted by family in refining and editing her writings.
When she started looking for someone to illustrate her books, she looked to family. She worked on one book and sent another to her Aunt Judy Walters to illustrate. Then a second cousin, Zoe Acuna, got involved in the illustrations.
Every time Acuna sent her preview illustrations, “I was so thrilled with her style and ideas,” Whitson said. “We made a small tweaks and then they sat for a while as life got busy.”
About the same time she and her husband were working on a manual for disaster preparedness, for a class on the subject.
They edited that book, then published it, on their own. This began a business called Swift Word Publishing.
“He loves helping others take their written work and getting it into a tangible product,” she said.
With her husbands help, she published her first book Reuben the Rooster in 2020. It is available on Amazon.com and also can be purchased at the Shead Farm Festival, rural Garland, on May 20.
About the Books
The first book, Reuben the Rooster, tells of a courageous rooster who learns the value of standing up for his friends. Children will learn how courage and empathy can help overcome adversity, Maria said.
Currently they have three books in the Lessons from the Least series, with another being published this week.
Each book in this series has a double story, according to Maria. Each young animal’s adventures are encountered with relatable-to-children life lessons. There is also a secondary story unfolding in the illustrations, with directions at the end of each book on how one can uncover the mystery story. The hidden story is there to be discovered as the child is ready. The rhythmic verses, make them an enjoyable read-aloud experience for parents and children.
The age range for her books is 3-8 years old. Submitted pages.Maria Whitson’s first book, Reuben the Rooster. Submitted pages.A book in the series that Maria Whitson has authored. Submitted pages.A sample page. Submitted.A book in a series, by Maria Whitson. Submitted pages.A sample page. Submitted.
About The Author
“My husband, kids and I love being in God’s creation,” she said. “We have a passion for growing in our knowledge of the Kingdom of God and how it operates here on earth.”
“Most of my writings are birthed from that passion and I have so many more books in me, waiting on timing,” Whitson said. “There has been many times that the Holy Spirit will give me an idea that takes a while to figure out how to go about writing it and publishing it.”
Her family lives on a small farm close to her parents Larry and Vickie Shead’s farm, where she grew up. They home school their children.
The Whitson family. Submitted photo.
They launched a family business called The Journey Home that is an umbrella for their whole family’s creations, including two of their children
Book publishing, art, jewelry, cast iron accessories, homeschooling, foraging, homesteading, disaster prep, herbal remedies, are some of the interests of the family business.
“The Journey Home name meaning captures our heart,” she said. “Our company is about everything that is centered on the home life and family, but going even deeper it centers on our eternal home (the kingdom of God) and living life in a way that lives that life out now.”
Created through the CHIPS and Science Act, K-State Among First Recipients
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today congratulated Kansas State University for being awarded $1 million from the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Regional Innovation Engines program for the Advancing Biosecurity, Biodefense, and Biomanufacturing project.
Established through the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, the NSF’s Regional Innovation Engines project selected 44 teams including universities, nonprofits, businesses and other organizations across the U.S. states and territories to receive a $1 million award. These awards will help organizations create connections and develop their local innovation ecosystem within two years to prepare a strong proposal for becoming a future NSF Engine, where they will have the opportunity to receive up to $160 million.
“Congratulations to K-State University and their team for winning this award and building on the many new significant research and development projects in the Manhattan region,” said Sen. Moran. “This award is part of the national effort created by the CHIPS and Science Act to geographically rebalance federal research and development to universities across the country. K-State has demonstrated that participation in this new program will create jobs, strengthen our nation’s global competitiveness and encourage innovation.”
“These NSF Engines Development Awards lay the foundation for emerging hubs of innovation and potential future NSF Engines,” said NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan. “These awardees are part of the fabric of NSF’s vision to create opportunities everywhere and enable innovation anywhere. They will build robust regional partnerships rooted in scientific and technological innovation in every part of our nation.”
“This will set up a path for more companies to locate and expand in the Greater Manhattan region, creating new jobs, attracting talent and investing in our communities,” said Daryn Soldan, director of economic development, Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce.
“The region of northeast Kansas and northwest Missouri is home to significant activity in the domain of biosecurity, biodefense and biomanufacturing, including academic and government research and the private sector,” said Beth Montelone, senior associate vice president for research at K-State. “Partners in the region aspire to build upon this activity to make northeast Kansas and northwest Missouri a hub of research, education and manufacturing in biosecurity, biodefense and biomanufacturing.”
“Over the next two years, K-State Innovation Partners looks forward to supporting the project by facilitating collaboration among the university, industry and communities through industry engagement, technology commercialization and economic development,” said Rebecca Robinson, president and CEO of K-State Innovation Partners.
Prepare For Severe Weather With Simple Natural Gas Safety Tips
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – May 11, 2023 – May is the month in Kansas when the state typically sees its most severe weather, including tornadoes. Kansas Gas Service wants to remind all customers to keep safety in mind before and after a storm.
“Taking steps to protect your natural gas meter is often an afterthought, but it’s important to keep in mind for the safety of yourself and your community, especially during severe weather season,” said Sean Postlethwait, vice president of operations for Kansas Gas Service. “Preparedness is key, and we encourage our customers to join us in taking a few simple steps to plan for any storm.”
Here are some helpful steps to take in preparation for severe weather:
Check around your natural gas meter and remove any objects that could be blown into the meter by strong winds or pushed into the meter by heavy rain and flooding.
Remove any branches or other objects above the meter that could fall onto and damage the meter.
Safety should always be a priority, even after severe weather. Here are some important things to remember once the storm passes.
If you smell natural gas, usually described as a “rotten egg” odor, leave the area immediately, then call 911 and Kansas Gas Service at 888-482-4950. Be sure not to operate any electrical appliances, including light switches.
If you don’t smell natural gas, still do a maintenance check around your home by checking all gas appliances for damage and chimneys and flues for any fallen objects.
If you need to remove any fallen tree limbs or uncovered debris, contact 811 to locate underground natural gas pipelines and other utility lines if this requires digging.
If your natural gas meter was turned off or your service was interrupted during the storm, call the Kansas Gas Service customer service line at 800-794-4780 to restore your service. DO NOT attemptto turn your natural gas meter back on.
Kansas Gas Service provides a reliable and affordable energy choice to more than 645,000 customers in Kansas and is the largest natural gas distributor in the state, in terms of customers.
Headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas Gas Service is a division of ONE Gas, Inc. (NYSE: OGS), a 100-percent regulated natural gas utility that trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “OGS.” ONE Gas is included in the S&PMidCap400 Index and is one of the largest natural gas utilities in the United States. For more information and the latest news about Kansas Gas Service, visit kansasgasservice.com and follow its social channels: @KansasGas, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube
Fort Scott High School Orchestra perform during the Tri-Valley Awards. Submitted photo.
On Friday, May 5th, Tri-Valley Developmental Services held their 2023 Award Ceremony celebrating achievements from individuals and community support in Bourbon County. The ceremony took place at 1 pm at the Tri-Valley offices in Fort Scott. Awards were presented to the following:
Unified School District 234 424 South Main Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697 www.usd234.org 620-223-0800Fax 620-223-2760 DESTRY BROWN Superintendent Date:May 10, 2023 Submitted by Gina Shelton, Board Clerk, USD 234 Notice of GatheringSaturday, May 13, 2023 7:45 p.m.
Fort Scott High School Class of 2023 Graduation
Fort Scott High School
There may be a majority of USD 234 Board Members present at the Fort Scott High School, 1005 S Main, Fort Scott, Kansas, on Saturday, May 13, 2023. Even though a majority may be present, no school district business will be conducted.
Jesse Frye, from the Bourbon County Sheriff’s website.
Jesse Dean Frye was arrested on May 8 for vandalism of some businesses, a residence and a vehicle in the early morning hours on that day.
Charges for Frye are theft, a misdemeanor and criminal damage to property, a felony, with bond set at $2,500.
“He was involved in throwing rocks or objects through windows,” Lt. Caleb Bell, with the Fort Scott Police Department said.
“From the info we have, he is believed to be homeless,” Bells said.
“We have identified him in several security surveillance videos.” he said.
Those who were victims of the vandalism are the Lowell Milken Center, Empress Event Center, Iron Star Antiques, Merle Humphrey Photography, City State Bank, Patterson Dental Office, Farmers Insurance and the Jerry Witt residence in downtown Fort Scott.
In addition, a vehicle was vandalized as well.
Norm Conard, director of the Lowell Milken Center on North Main Street in the historic downtown area, said “On our security camera, the man threw a rock, it didn’t break the window. Then he put his feet in our fountain (adjacent to the building), then thew a rock a second time.”
The Witt’s have a residence in the historic district and said that they had some outside decor knocked over and some strewn about.
The next step in the process for Frye is “We will forward all the info to the Bourbon County Attorney’s office, then court proceedings will take place at a later date,” Bell said.
Chad Guthrie District Extension Agent, Crop production and Forage Management Southwind District 210 S. National Fort Scott, Kansas 66701 Office: 620-223-3720 Cell: 308-991-8415 [email protected]
On May 23 and 24, the Southwind Extension District will be offering a youth tractor safety training at the Cloverleaf Event Center in Fort Scott, Ks. The training will be offered to 14 and 15-year-old youths who wish to be certified to legally operate farm tractors and powered machinery for hire, which would otherwise be illegal under the US Department of Labor’s Hazardous Occupations Order in Agriculture.
The youth tractor safety training will cover topics such as general agriculture safety, tractor and equipment safety, and highway transportation. The two-day event will feature both indoor lectures and agricultural tours from Kansas State Research and Extension staff, industry professionals, and staff from the John Deere Technician Training of the Fort Scott Community College.
The training will run from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm each day. Lunch and snacks will be provided.
Youths can register by calling 620-223-3720. Registration is due by May 19, and study materials can be picked up at Southwind Extension District offices after registration. There is a $10 registration fee, due when study materials are received. Rides will be offered from Southwind Extension District offices in Yates Center, Iola, and Erie each morning
The mural will be on this wall that faces the Fort Scott National Historic Site. Jerry Witt, owner of the building, had Mid-Continental Restoration Co. do the work of preparing the wall for the mural.
The Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Downtown Division is working to bring about a downtown historical mural’s creation that will feature the Civil War’s 1st Kansas Colored Infantry Regiment that were stationed in Fort Scott.
“Kansas was the first Northern state to recruit, train, and send Black soldiers into combat during the Civil War,” according to the Fort Scott National Historic Site website. “Fort Scott served as the home base for both the 1st and 2nd Kansas Colored Infantry, with both regiments being mustered into federal service on Fort Scott’s former parade ground.”
Captain William Mathews –a free Black, a businessman and station master on the Underground Railroad –recruited former slaves into the 1st Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry Regiment at Fort Scott. From the FSNHS website.
Jerry Witt is the owner of the building at 19 N. Main whose north outside wall faces the Fort Scott National Historic Site. Country Girl Cuts Salon is housed in the building currently. It is this wall where the mural will be created.
The plaque on the building at 19 N. Main states that at one time the building was a clothing store and the second floor a bordello. Submitted photo.
Witt contracted with Mid-Continental Restoration, Fort Scott, to “tighten up the building, tuck pointing, in preparation for the mural painting,” he said. “Any loose paint, etc. taken off so as not to deter the new mural going up.
Jerry and Judy Witt hand out Halloween candy in from on their home on Main Street in this photo from October 30, 2021, taken from the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Facebook page. The Witts live in a historic downtown building, and own several storefront buildings in the downtown.
“We’ve had several people want to paint a mural there,” Witt said. “But this project, we are excited about because we wanted to enhance something about the history of the fort.”
The Mural Project: Looking For An Artist
“The mural public art project will offer one artist the unique opportunity to showcase their original art in the historic district of downtown Fort Scott,” according to fortscott.com
“The chosen mural will be painted on the exterior building wall facing the National Historic site, where the group was sworn in and was the first African-American regiment to fight against the Confederacy in the Civil War.
“The artwork will remain the property of the City of Fort Scott.
For request for proposal of a mural, artists are to submit the following:
Mural sketch including the following:
At least three soldiers from the 1st Kansas Colored Infantry
The selected mural will be painted on the Star Clothing building, 19 North Main Street, on the north wall facing the National Historic site. Mural size will be 25′ x 12′, covering the existing mural.
Schedule
“All proposals are due by 11:59 pm on Monday, May 29, 2023, and must be submitted via the Visit Fort Scott web page dedicated to the mural. Late or incomplete proposals will not be accepted. All proposals will be reviewed by a panel of African-American consultants to ensure the mural is culturally sensitive, and then proposals will be judged blind by a panel of local artists, historians, and stakeholders. The winning proposal will be announced on Juneteenth (June 19, 2023). The winning artists must be prepared to have their murals installed no later than September 30, 2023.
“Proposals not selected may be invited to participate in a special art show hosted by the Artificers Gallery in Fort Scott, KS, to be held in January of 2024. Additionally, any proposal submitted may be used for marketing purposes by the City of Fort Scott or the Fort Scott Chamber. The artist will be cited for their work.
Selection Process and Criteria
“One artist will be selected by a panel of local judges comprised of local artists, historians, and community stakeholders. Criteria will include artistic merit, historical appropriateness, and how well the subject will translate to a mural.
Eligibility
“The Fort Scott Chamber Foundation , a 501c3 organization, has opened the call for artists, and is open to any Kansas resident willing to submit a proposal that can complete the requirements as specified, including the design and installation of the mural. Any design that includes advertising, soliciting, campaigning, or any other promotional or commercially-driven entries is ineligible.
Artist Compensation
“The chosen artist will be compensated through a payment of at least $5,000, which is intended as a design fee and will be paid at the completion of the mural. The selected artist will also a given a daily per diem during the project period (up to seven days) for meals/lodging if travel accommodations are required for the project. Project material costs will be covered up to $5,000 by The Fort Scott Chamber Foundation in addition to the artist fee. The artist fee could be more than the amount listed if additional funds are raised through crowdsourcing.”
TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly signed Senate Bill 131, bipartisan legislation that expands the state’s healthcare workforce and improves Kansans’ access to care. The bill streamlines the process for therapists, psychologists, social workers, and others to obtain and maintain licenses from the Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board, and it expands who can administer influenza and other vaccines to Kansans over a certain age.
“The nationwide workforce shortage has hit Kansas hard, hurting people’s ability to access the healthcare they need in a timely manner,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “Signing this bipartisan bill is part of how my administration is addressing that shortage, making it easier than ever for Kansans to deliver or access lifesaving care.”
“I am proud to have worked on this bill that expedites the licensing process so we can get more workers in the healthcare field quicker,” said Representative Brenda Landwehr (R-Wichita). “I’ve seen in my district that the shortage of healthcare workers has driven up costs and waiting times for everyday people, so I thank Governor Kelly for signing this important legislation to address this issue.”
“The Kansas Pharmacists Association is proud of the support shown to Kansas communities by our pharmacy technicians over the last three years in their ability and desire to become active parts of our local vaccination teams,” said Aaron Dunkel, Executive Director of the Kansas Pharmacists Association. “The members of the Kansas Pharmacists Association believe in providing care in the community, and Senate Bill 131 provides our technician members with the opportunity to continue to serve their friends and neighbors with meaningful, timely, and cost-effective care through vaccine adminstration.
The bill also allows the State Board of Healing Arts to set up a process by which sports medicine professionals licensed outside of Kansas can practice in the state during certain sporting events.
“The timing of the passage of SB 131 could not have been better with the successful 2023 NFL Draft here in the Kansas City area,” said Senator Jeff Pittman (D-Leavenworth). “This bill puts in place a critical process allowing team doctors and other healthcare providers for competitive sports teams to practice while visiting our great state. This ensures that players are safe and have continuous care while traveling, and gives yet another reason for professional teams to see Kansas as a great place to play ball.”
Today, Governor Kelly also signed bipartisan Senate Bill 106, the annual bill that reconciles recent changes to statute.
