FS City Commission Meets at 5 p.m. Today in a Work Session
There will be a City Commission Work Session on Monday, Jan.13th at 5:00PM. The session will begin at City Hall and may move to 118 E Wall for the Commissioners to view the building with the owner.
Who Is This Voice? by Carolyn Tucker
Keys to the Kingdom
By Carolyn Tucker
Who is this Voice?
A few years ago, a new guy moved to my country neighborhood. While walking one day, I stopped to introduce myself and welcomed him to the area. I met his three beautiful short-haired dogs; I wanted to pet them, but they were unfamiliar with me so they kept their distance. The dogs are often outside playing with each other when I‘m walking by. They used to bark at me, but now they just basically ignore me. After all these years, the dogs and I still don’t know each other. They see me and I see them, but we’re still strangers. Sometimes I call for them to come closer but, since I‘m not their master, they don‘t pay any attention to my voice and sometimes run away from me.
While reading in the Book of John, I felt like my New Year’s priority should be to listen and follow the voice of Jesus more vividly in 2025. Let’s focus on Jesus’ illustration in John 10:2-5 TPT: “But the true Shepherd walks right up to the gate, and because the gatekeeper knows who He is, he opens the gate to let Him in. And the sheep recognize the voice of the true Shepherd, for He calls His own by name and leads them out, for they belong to Him. And when He has brought out all His sheep, He walks ahead of them and they will follow Him, for they are familiar with His voice. But they will run away from strangers and never follow them because they know it’s the voice of a stranger.”
The gatekeeper was in charge of a large fold where several flocks were kept. The sheep only recognized the voice of their own shepherd and responded only to him. Believers are members of Jesus’ flock, so there is only one voice, one way, and one will for us. In a culture of exceedingly-complex living, the sure way to peace of mind, purpose, and meaningful commitment is found in knowing and following the true Shepherd’s voice. There’s a lot of false/evil voices in the world that we should run away from.
Jesus is faithful to speak to us about how to proceed in every area of our lives. God’s Word reminds us that we can hear the voice of the true Shepherd: “Your own ears will hear Him. Right behind you a voice will say, ’This is the way you should go,’ whether to the right or to the left” (Isaiah 30:21 NLT). Before Jesus ascended to Heaven, He made sure His disciples would not be left stranded. Jesus said to them, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not behold Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you, and will be in you” (John 14:15-17 NASB).
When we hear the inside voice of the Spirit of Truth speak to our heart, we are to follow because we know Him. Sheep who follow the true Shepherd won’t be led astray. I have a long-time dear friend who phones and greets me by saying her full name. Since I’m very familiar with her voice, she doesn’t need to identify herself. When I once mentioned this to her, we had a good laugh. It was just a habit for her to say her full name whenever she called anyone.
The Key: I’ll be somewhere listenin’ for my name; and then I will follow Him wherever He may lead.
The Obituary of Patricia Ann Barker Wallace
Patricia Ann Barker Wallace, age 72, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at Freeman Hospital in Joplin, Missouri.
She was born July 4, 1952, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Earl Barker and Velma Mealman Barker. Patricia grew up in Prescott, Kansas and received her early education at the Prescott Grade School. She later went on to graduate from the Prairie View Grade School in Lacygne in 1958.
In 1976, Patricia became a client with Tri-Valley Development Center. She kept busy in the workshop and enjoyed the companionship of the other clients and staff. She was active with the Open Hand Friends program at Tri-Valley and enjoyed taking group trips to Branson, Wichita, Topeka and other destinations.
Patricia had a reputation for being hardworking, trustworthy and friendly. While working at Tri-Valley, Patricia fell in love with Archie Wallace, another Tri-Valley client. Patricia and Archie were married on July 4, 2000, in Ft. Scott. Thanks to services provided by Tri-Valley, they were able to live privately for most of their twenty-four years of marriage.
Patricia loved watching the Kansas City Royals and KU Jayhawk Basketball. She also enjoyed cross stitch where her work received several awards at Tri-Valley exhibitions. Patricia attended Ft. Scott Church of the Nazarene. She will be remembered for her happy personality with her ever-present smile.
Survivors include her husband, Archie, two sisters, Barbara Wicks of Nevada, Missouri and Betty Jo Gardner, of Hutchinson, Kansas and a brother, James Barker, also of Hutchinson. Also surviving are an aunt, Norene Mealman and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Velma Barker and her feline children, Tiger and Snowball.
Rev. Virgil Peck will conduct funeral services at 10:30 A.M. Monday, January 20th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Prescott Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to Tri-Valley Developmental Center and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywit.com.
The Power of Imagery and Civil Rights Experience: Jan. 20 at The Gordon Parks Museum
Presentation Explores the Power of Photography During the Civil Rights Movement
Fort Scott, KS – The Gordon Parks Museum in Fort Scott, KS will host “The Power of Imagery and Civil Rights Experience,” a presentation and discussion by Ann Dean on Monday, Jan 20, 2025 at 12:00p.m. at the Danny & Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center. Members of the community are invited to attend the free program. Contact the Gordon Parks Museum at 620-223-2700 ext. 5850 for more information. The program is made possible by Humanities Kansas.
This is a free Lunch and Learn event, with lunch provided by Dunk’s BBQ and drinks and desserts provided by Great West Dining. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend this celebration event” said Museum Director, Kirk Sharp.
Since its inception, photography has been used for raising awareness of social issues, provoking emotions, and thoughts, and reshaping our perceptions of the world. This presentation will delve into the impact of photography on the civil rights movement in the aftermath of the and mark Supreme Court case, Brown v. Board of Education, tracing the evolution of how Black individuals and communities have been portrayed from historical beginnings to the era of Brown v. Board and up to the present day.
Ann Dean is an artist and freelance photographer and artist who teaches photography classes at the Lawrence Art Center.
“The Power of Imagery and Civil Rights Experience” is part of Humanities Kansas’s Speakers Bureau, featuring humanities-based presentations designed to share stories that inspire, spark conversations that inform, and generate insights that strengthen civic engagement.
About Humanities Kansas
Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit leading a movement of ideas to empower the people of Kansas to strengthen their communities and our democracy. Since 1972, our pioneering programming, grants, and partnerships have documented and shared stories to spark conversations and generate insights. Together with our partners and supporters, we inspire all Kansans to draw on history, literature, ethics, and culture to enrich their lives and serve the communities and state we all proudly call home. Visit humanitieskansas.org.
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Agenda for the Bo Co Commission On Jan. 13
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Brandon Whisenhunt
1st District Commissioner
David Beerbower
2nd District Commissioner
Leroy Kruger
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
January 13, 2025 5:30 p.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute
- 5:30 Flood Plain Management Public Hearing
- Organization of the Board
- Approval of Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 12/30/2024
- Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $679,618.29
- Approval of Payroll Totaling $294,2023.75
- Public Comments
- Cory Bryars-Care to Share
- Lora Holdridge-Cemeteries
- Department Updates
- Public Works
- County Clerk
- Hidden Valley Cereal Malt Beverage Licenses
- 2025 Resolutions
- County Counselor Candidates
- Susan Walker-Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(1)
- Shane Walker-Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(1)
- Commission Comments
- Adjourn Meeting
USD 235 Agenda for Jan. 13 Meeting and Minutes of Dec. 9 Meeting
FSCC Trustees Will Meet January 13 for a Special Meeting
The FSCC Board of Trustees will hold a brief special board meeting at 1:00 pm on Monday, January 13 in the Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Agriculture Building to approve personnel actions needing addressed before the regularly scheduled meeting on January 28. Immediately following adjournment of the special meeting, the Board will stay until approximately 5:00 pm for a board retreat/training. No action will be taken during this training time.
Juley McDaniel
Director of Human Resources
Fort Scott Community College
USD 234 Agenda for Jan. 13
Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
January 13, 2025 – 5:30 P.M.
PUBLIC
1.0 Call Meeting to Order David Stewart, President
2.0 Flag Salute
3.0 Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)
4.0 Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)
4.1 Board Minutes
- 12-09-24
4.2 Financials – Cash Flow Report
4.3 Check Register
4.4 Payroll – December 20, 2024 – $1,735,450.74
4.5 Activity Funds Accounts
4.6 USD 234 Gifts
5.0 Employee Recognitions
6.0 Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)
6.1 Superintendent’s Report
6.2 Assistant Superintendent’s Report
6.3 Special Education Director’s Report
6.4 Fort Scott Middle School Presentation
7.0 Old Business
7.1 Maintenance Truck Purchase – Final Approval (Action)
8.0 New Business
8.1 Hinton Creek Solar Contribution Agreement (Action)
8.2 Resolution 24-08 To Establish Regular Board Meetings 2025 (Action)
8.3 Resolution 24-09 To Establish Election of School Board Officers (Action)
9.0 Public Forum
10.0 Other Business – Time ____
10.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)
10.2 Exit Executive Session – _______ (Time)
10.3 Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)
11.0 Adjourn Meeting _____ (Time) David Stewart, President
Obituary of Donald Wunderly
Donald Fredrick Wunderly, resident of rural Fort Scott, passed away January 4, 2025, at Research Medical Center, Kansas City, Missouri.
Born July 26, 1950, in Fort Scott to Fred and Julia (Brennan) Wunderly, Don graduated from FSHS in 1968. He was active in football, FFA and 4H. He attended University of Arkansas pursuing a Physical Education degree. He excelled in football and served as a team captain. Don went on to play football for the British Columbia Lions and briefly in the NFL.
He found true contentment on the family farm where he settled with his wife and children. He was known for his physical strength and unwavering work ethic as well as his willingness to help anyone in need. An avid outdoorsman, Don had a passion for hunting and fishing, and he enjoyed chopping firewood – a task he continued until shortly before his passing. He enjoyed simple pleasures like daily country drives with his wife, Peggy, always passing by neighboring family farms and stopping at Dayton Cemetery to pay respects to departed loved ones. Don also treasured spending time with his children and grandchildren, engaging in outdoor activities and playing pitch or dominos. He loved sharing stories around the bonfire.
Don married Mary Margaret (Peggy) Grillot in Saint Francis Church in St Paul, KS, on September 27, 1974. She survives of the home. Also surviving are his children; Megan Weddle, Fort Scott, and Nate (Jade) Wunderly of Overland Park, and grandchildren Kaeli (Clay) Holloway and Delani Weddle of Fort Scott, Brennan and Braylan Wunderly of Overland Park, and great-grandson Trey Holloway of Fort Scott.
Surviving siblings include a sister, Barbara Schmidt and brothers Mike Wunderly, Dan (Stephanie) Wunderly, and twin brother Ron Wunderly, all of Fort Scott, Joe (Marsha) Wunderly of Fulton, sister-in-law Linda Wunderly of Mapleton and numerous and beloved nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Julia, sister; Pat Cook and brother Lawrence Wunderly.
Following cremation, Father Yancey Burgess will celebrate the Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. The Rosary will be at 9:00 a.m. prior to services at the church. Private family interment will take place at a later date in the Dayton Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Don Wunderly Memorial and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS, 66701. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.
Don’s family would like to extend special thanks to the nurses and supportive staff of Girard Medical Center and all of Research Medical Center.
Make SMART Financial Goals in 2025
Amanda Clasen- Community Vitality Agent
January 2025
The past few years have been challenging, from a global pandemic to rising inflation rates. As a result, many people have had to put their financial goals on hold. But with 2025 upon us, now is the perfect time to prioritize your financial freedom. Setting clear financial goals is essential to successful budgeting and saving.
Recent surveys reveal that the top five financial resolutions for Americans this year are: paying off current debt, building a savings account, spend less, and make more money.
While most of these goals hit what a lot of us want to accomplish in 2025, it is important to make you’re your goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-based.
Once you’ve set your goals, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and put in the work. Here are some actionable tips to help you stay on track toward financial freedom this year:
- Write Your Goals Down
Research shows that writing down your goals increases your likelihood of success. Not only does it solidify your commitment, but sharing your goals with a trusted friend or accountability partner can provide extra motivation and encouragement. Having someone to check in with helps keep you focused and on track.
- Stick to Your Timeline
If your goal is to save a certain amount for that Special fund, make sure to have a set date in mind for that goal. Break it down into manageable monthly steps. It’s easy to push back deadlines, but doing so could delay your progress. Staying firm on your timeline helps you maintain momentum and ensures that you stay on course.
- Dream Big for the Future
While focusing on short-term goals is essential, don’t forget to think long-term. If paying off credit card debt is one of your objectives for 2025, consider the benefits of achieving that goal. Picture what your monthly budget will look like once your debt is cleared—perhaps you can finally take that dream vacation or buy that newer car you have had your eye on. Achieving short-term financial milestones will set you up for long-term success and peace of mind.
Wishing you a prosperous and financially secure New Year!
For more information, contact Amanda Clasen, Southwind Extension District- Community Vitality Agent at [email protected] or by calling 62-244-3826.
Young Entrepreneur: Dancer Kenna Miles
This is part of series on young entrepreneurs in our community.
If you would like fortscott.biz to feature a young business person you know, please send name and contact info to [email protected]
Kenna Miles is a 17-year-old Fort Scott High School student and Fort Scott native.
She is offering dance classes on Sundays starting on January 12 at Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Avenue.
For more information call 620.644.8050.
More details are given on Kenna’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571544970552
She and, Leslie Godden, her momanager, are offering drop-in classes, to remove the commitment of a monthly class.
“We know life is crazy, kids do many events and sports so we can’t always make every class time,” Godden said. “This way you can decide which class you can attend and miss out on those other full fees and obligations. Kenna is also a wrestler and is busy with wrestling season. This is also why for now we are choosing Sunday classes.”
Class️es are for girls and boys ages 2 to teen and are $20 each.
“We do NOT believe in an age defining your athlete’s ability,” Godden said. “Every dancer grows, develops, and learns at their own rate. For now, we are going to have three classes: Tinys are 2-6-year-olds, then 7-12 years, and also 13 years and up. You are not required to be in any of these classes just because you are the age of the class. If you are able to move classes due to skill – you will be moved. The key to learning is pushing yourself and getting out of your comfort zone.”
” Anyone and EVERYONE is welcome,” Godden said. If a child has a disability “we probably need to know a little about the disability so we can help figure out a way to be able to help the student without singling them out or causing a distraction to the rest of the students. We would also offer a short private possibly to see how they do and if it’s something they’d be comfortable with. Then we would be better equipped to see how we can make their experience the best possible!”
“We will offer a sibling discount if more than 1 child wants to dance,” Godden said.
“Kenna has danced since age 4 competitively around the U.S.,” said her mother Godden. “I could tell when she was little she would dance around all the time. I would say she is gifted, it always came naturally to her.”
Kenna said she started dancing because of her mom’s friend, Brenna Stewart. “She only had boys and she put me in a dance class. After she passed away, I did it for her. I wouldn’t be where I am with dancing, if not for her.”
Kenna interviewed and was on TV’s Nickelodeon show at age 10, and this was her first dancing job.
At age 12 she was involved in Abby Lee Miller’s dance competition TV show, at 14 she danced at a Kansas City Chief’s half-time game with their cheerleaders, after training for six months.
This past summer she created choreography for the Northeast High School Vikings dance team, creating four dances for them to use throughout the year.
Her plans for the future:
“I am going to try to get into a Division 1 College for a dance team or try out for the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders,” Kenna said. “I eventually was to travel and dance with music artists and later to open a dance studio and continue teaching.”