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Obituary of Catherine Beth
Catherine C. Costin Beth passed away Friday, December 6, 2024, at Credo Senior Living, Fort Scott, KS. She was born May 24, 1925, in Oil Hill, KS, the town that City Services built near Towanda, KS.
Her mother was Edith Neeley Costin, and father was Cass Cartell Costin.
Catherine accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her Savior and was baptized in 1937. In 1939 she came to live with Frank and Jessie Gifford as their foster daughter. She graduated from Fulton High School in 1943.
In 1944 she was united in marriage to Ellis Lee Beth, her high school sweetheart. They were married more than 75 years before his passing. She and Ellis Lee farmed their entire life together. She also worked for the Agriculture Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS) for over 27 years. She served as the County Executive Director in her last ten years at ASCS.
She was preceded in death by her husband, her mother and father, a daughter, Cathy Lee Beth, a son, Darrel E. Beth, a sister, Mary Jane Berry and two half-brothers, Verne and Floyd Costin.
Those surviving are two daughters, Marilyn (John) Sipe and Marsha (Doug) Bell; a daughter-in-law, Sandra Beth; grandchildren, Shana (Mike) Emerson, Clifton (Whitney) Beth, Beth Ann (Casey) Alexander, Catherine Bell (Nick Sterner) and Elizabeth Bell; and great-grandchildren, Cali, Nick and Austin Emerson, Ella and Carter Beth, Isaac and Eli Alexander, Bryn and Claire Sterner, and great-great-grandchild, Lincoln Emerson.
There was cremation. A private family burial will take place at a later date at the West Liberty Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to the American Diabetes Association 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.
Obituary of Norma Wood
Norma Lee Wood, age 88, resident of Tulsa, OK passed away Friday, December 6, 2024, at St. Francis Hospital, Tulsa, OK. She was born June 28, 1936, in Independence, MO, the daughter of William Vasco Dunnam and Laura Amanda Roundtree Dunnam. She married James “Bill” Wood, Sr. on January 11, 1954, in Kansas City, MO. He preceded her in death in 2003. Norma enjoyed being a preacher’s wife. She liked reading, shopping, and spending time with her family. Norma was a wonderful homemaker and cook.
Survivors include her children, Sandra Mullins (Danny), Oak Grove, MO, James W. Wood, Jr. (Darlene), Fort Scott, KS, Laura Cavin, Teague, TX, Debra Wood (Mona McIntosh), Tulsa, OK, Joe Wood (Sharla), Enid, OK, and Merl Wood (Amy Murray), Tulsa, OK; special child Cherry Ann; siblings Russell, Earl, Billy, and Bobby Dunnam, Margaret Williams, and Betty Warren; 6 grandchildren; and numerous great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Besides her husband Bill, she was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Thomas and Wesley Dunnam; 2 sisters, Nina Allen, and Beatrice Pellett; and her parents.
Merl Wood will conduct funeral services at 11:00 AM Thursday, December 12th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Sheffield Cemetery, Arcadia, KS.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until service time Thursday at the funeral home.
Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.
Starlite FCE minutes November 2024
Starlite FCE minutes
November 2024
The November meeting of Starlite Family and Consumer Education was held at the Presbyterian Village meeting room. President Glenda Miller called the meeting to order and vice president Joyce Allen led the members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Club Collect. Thirteen members were in attendance and reported that they had volunteered forty-five hours and had recycled forty-five pounds.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. Doris Ericson presented the Treasurer’s report.
Old business consisted of announcing that Jackie Warren had been selected as the Heart of FCE for Southeast Kansas. Glenda Miller also reported on the Fall Follies that were held in Humboldt and announced that next years State Convention will be in Dodge City. It was also announced that Taylor Bailey had won the Gorden Parks Poetry contest.
New Business of assigning 2025 lessons and hostesses was completed. The Club also voted to decorate a Christmas Tree in the Christmas Tree decorating contest at Presbyterian Village. Claudia Wheeler, Joyce Allen, Betty Johnson, Letha Johnson, Taylor Bailey and Glenda Miller volunteered to decorate the tree. The date of the December meeting was set for December 9th at the Yeager Building to start at 10:30. The members signed up to bring items to go in the gift bags for Tri-Valley clients as well as dishes to bring for their dinner. It was motioned by Doris Ericson to donate money to Preferred Living in leu of exchanging Christmas presents, Deb Ericson seconded the motion, motion carried. Claudia Wheeler moved that the meeting be adjourned, La Anna Taylor seconded the motion, meeting adjourned.
The Lesson on exotic vegetables was present by Joyce Allen. Refreshments of Pecan Cobbler, nuts and mints were provided by Glenda Miller and Terri Williams.
Prepared by
Terri Williams
Tourism Grants Awarded to The Artificers and The Lowell Milken Center Today
Kansas Tourism Department Director Bridgett Jobe handed over two grants today in Fort Scott.
“You can see that Fort Scott is going through a renaissance,” Jobe told attendees at the Artificers reception for the award presentation.
The Artificers
Kate and Trent Freeman were awarded the $25,000 grant designed to help local businesses develop new attractions.
“They have had an instrumental role in rehabilitating our downtown area….with an innovative approach to enhance the beauty of this community for years to come,” Bourbon County Economic Development Director Rob Harrington said.
Jobe told reception attendees that the Freeman’s “passion for the community really came through.”
Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes
The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes also received a $6,300 check from Kansas Tourism Director Bridgett Jobe today.
The grant is to help expand attractions that draw tourists to the community.
The center will use the funds to create a new history panel on an unsung hero in Ukraine who saved 100’s of children from starvation in her Ukrainian town, said Ronda Hassig, spokesperson for LMC.
“The Lowell Milken Center is a treasure,” Jobe, said. “Coming here inspires me to be a better person. It inspires me that it’s here in Kansas.”
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Dec. 9
Jesus, Jackhammers, and Elvis by Carolyn Tucker
Keys to the Kingdom
By Carolyn Hayward Tucker
Jesus, Jackhammers, and Elvis
Just so you know, the results of my MRI were fine. Now back to the beginning. I didn’t research what all goes on with having an MRI, but I knew there was nothing for me to do before or during the procedure. I’m certainly acquainted with colonoscopies, so I thought the MRI would be a piece of cake. As I completed the questionnaire at the hospital and read, “Are you claustrophobic?“ I checked the “NO” box. (In retrospect, I now believe that was a big fat lie.) The female technician was very cordial and she instructed me to remove my watch and a certain undergarment. No problem. Lying flat on my back, she asked if I preferred silent headphones or headphones with Spotify. She said she could play anything I wanted, so I asked to listen to Elvis. So into the tube I went. I closed my eyes knowing I’d tolerate it better without seeing my enclosed surroundings.
After I got in there, I soon realized it was hot and stuffy. Using my outside voice I said, “It’s hot in here!” She turned the fan on high speed and asked if that was better. I responded, “No, not really.” So she immediately brought me out of the tube. I knew I was in serious trouble if something didn’t drastically improve. I asked, “Are we the only two in here?” She said, “Yes.” So I candidly said, “OK, I’m taking off my socks, shoes, and jeans.“ She responded that she would cover me with a sheet. I said, “No, I don’t want a sheet.“ So back into the tube I went with my eyes closed. I’d done everything I knew to do and could tell I still needed help beyond myself. So I desperately prayed a simple short prayer, “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, help me.” You know, there’s something wonderful and powerful about that Name.
The Elvis music was an excellent distraction as it began playing softly. Thankfully, I no longer felt like a smoldering hotdog suffocating in a bun, but I still kept my eyes closed. As the jackhammers began banging out their varied rhythms for about 20 minutes, I gratefully realized that Jesus had indeed answered my prayer. I had lost my pants, but not my marbles, and that was a supernatural victory.
A few days after the procedure, I read a fitting scripture that I personalized: “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are Mine. When you go through deep waters (the tube), I will be with you” (Isaiah 43:1-2 NLT). I definitely felt His presence while the jackhammers, accompanied by Elvis, serenaded me. Jesus said, “And remember that I am always with you until the end of time” (Matthew 28:20 GW).
I didn’t need grace as I drove to the hospital, nor as I entered the building, nor as I filled out the paperwork. But I sure needed “tube grace” and I got it in that precise moment. “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most” (Hebrews 4:16 NLT). God didn’t help me early or late, but right on time. I’ve always been fond of Isaiah 41:10 and I experienced this promise during my tube adventure: “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” God will not fail us nor abandon us at any stress point in our lives. There is strength in the Lion of Judah and in the name of the Lord.
The Key: I wonder how many MRI tubes Jesus has climbed into for all those with claustrophobia?
King & Queen Mattress & Box Spring Sale at Sleep Inn Hotel on Dec. 9
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Bourbon County Coalition Minutes of Dec. 4
Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition
General Membership Meeting Minutes
December 4, 2024
- Welcome: Eighteen members representing thirteen agencies attended the meeting held at the Scottview Apartments Conference Room.
- Member Introductions and Announcements:
- Michelle Stevenson- Home visiting program prenatal-6 years old. Keep families updated on developmental progress and activities to encourage growth.
- Kellie Mengarelli & Janelle Tate – Early Childhood Block Grant – Winter assessments are underway. ECBG supports early childhood programs in 9 counties in Southeast Kansas.
- Norman & Brenda Hunter – New Core Community coaches in Bourbon County. Core Community assists families in getting out of poverty.
- Heather Shepherd – CHW USD 234/CHC – Chase Program works with students at risk of not finishing school. Chase will be in Fort Scott next Friday. They are seeking presents for children in Fort Scott. Students involved with Chase will help organize and wrap the presents. See the attached flyers for more information.
- Craig Campbell – Good Neighbor Action Team – Keeping busy, especially building wheelchair ramps. Have a person in need of a wheelchair-accessible van, let Craig know if you have any resources or contacts that might be able to help with this need. GNAT is working with the city to provide free firewood to those in need. They are also helping with gas and water lines breaking during freezing weather. SEKAAA has helped with grants. GNAT also works with the Codes Dept. to help property owners who don’t have the finances/ability to bring their property into compliance.
- Stephanie Breckenridge – Family Response Advocate in Bourbon County – Stephanie works with families to keep kids safe at home.
- Lauren – Angels Homecare – Lauren educates community members about available services to keep patients out of the hospital.
- Angela Handly – Salvation Army/Compassionate Ministries-Salvation Army is desperate for bell ringers. The bell ringers schedule is available online. Funds raised will keep the Salvation Army going for the next year. The goal is $15,000 this year. Individuals and groups are encouraged to help by taking a shift ringing bells at WalMart.
- Lea Kay Karleskint -K-State Research & Extension SNAP Educator- Fresh Conversations program takes place on the third Tuesday of each month at 1:00 in the Scottview Conference Room. The program is geared toward seniors and includes cooking demonstrations and healthy living conversations. Walk With Ease program will be starting January 6th at BRCC, also geared toward seniors.
- Holly Fritter- SEK Multi-County Health Dept. MCH/Breast feeding peer counselor- Community baby shower focused on safe sleep will be on June 3, 2025. Looking for a location to host the event. More details will be available closer to the date.
- Tammy Alcantar- Crawford County Health Dept -Just completed second hybrid prenatal class. Baby and Me Tobacco Free and Teen Pregnancy services are available for Bourbon County residents.
- Lora Wilson CHCSEK Community Health Worker supervisor
- Shanna Willey – CHCSEK – Shanna assists clients with resource applications. Currently working on LIEP. Also can help with SNAP, Kancare, marketplace enrollments.
- Christine Abbott – SEKANSASWORKS -Staff are here on Tuesdays right now 9-4. Send anyone looking for employment, training, resume, or interview help. Christine works with youth 16-24. She islways looking for referrals.
- Patty Simpson – Housing Authority – Pick up applications for anyone needing housing assistance. Currently have a short waiting list, anywhere from 10 days to two months, but will have openings coming up soon.
- Program: Abigail Striler, Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center
SEKMHC and Ashley Clinic provide a variety of services to residents in Southeast Kansas. Some of these services include:
- Therapy and Counseling – Outpatient and teletherapy for adults and kids, includes individuals, couples, and family counseling. SEKMHC currently employs 45 licensed clinical therapist.
- Public education and workshops- Professional training courses, community consultation, and personal growth/parenting workshops are available.
- School based- SEKMHC has partnered with 15 different school districts to keep kids in school while receiving mental health services. SEKMHC currently employs 130 children’s providers.
- Substance use and addiction-Chemical abuse treatment and gambling treatment services are available.
- Crisis Intervention-Emergency services are available 24/7. Call a local SEKMHC office or 1-866-976-2241
- Psychiatric/Medication Management-Psychiatric providers prescribe, monitor, and oversee psychotropic medications.
- Community Support & Groups-
- SEKA after school/summer, teen group. Doubled in size from 2015 to now.
- Case Management services, attendant care, psycho-social groups,
- Respite care
- Parent support.
- Open access is available in Garnett, Humbolt, Iola, and Yates Center.
- Ashley Clinic has locations in Chanute and Humbolt. Services include: family medicine, pharmacy, walk-in clinic.
- New services
- Parent-child interaction therapy for children 2-7 years old. Helps caregivers improve their child’s behavior.
- Medication-assisted treatment to treat substance abuse.
- Botox and Spravato available at Ashley Clinic.
- Open Forum: Nothing further came before the membership.
- Adjournment: The next General Membership meeting will be February 5, 2025.
USD235 Board of Education Agenda for Dec. 9 and Minutes of The Last Meeting
USD234 Board of Education Agenda for December 9
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
December 09, 2024 – 5:30 P.M.
PUBLIC AGENDA
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
- 11-11-24
4.2 Financials – Cash Flow Report
4.3 Check Register
4.4 Payroll – October 18, 2024 – $1,693,896.64
4.5 Activity Funds Accounts
4.6 USD 234 Gifts
4.7 MS Band Fundraising
4.8 December 2024 KASB Policy Updates
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 Eugene Ware Update & Report
7.0 Old Business
7.1 KESA Accreditation Plan (Information only)
7.2 Pre-Employment Drug Screening (Action)
7.3 Board Vacancy (Discussion)
8.0 New Business
8.1 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation, Inc Grant (Action)
8.2 Kingbird Solar Energy Contribution Agreement (Action)
8.3 TowerPoint Acquisitions Letter of Intent to Purchase Interest in Wireless Site (Action)
8.4 School Bus Purchase(s) (Action)
8.5 Maintenance Truck Purchase
8.6 10 Passenger Van Purchase
9.0 Public Forum
10.0 Other Business – Time ____
10.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item
11.0 Adjourn Meeting _____ (Time) David Stewart, President
First Presbyterian Church invites you to their Blue Christmas Service of Remembrance
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