Jaqueline Delores Gunsaullus, age 87, a resident of Chanute, KS, passed away Saturday,
September 28, 2024. She was born July 29, 1937, in Salina, KS, the daughter of Les and Dorothy Stucker Culp.
Jackie graduated from Fort Scott High School and attended Fort Scott Community College for one year.
Jackie married Jack Gunsaullus in 1956. He preceded her in death in 2003. Jackie worked as a clerk for the Bourbon County Treasurer’s office for many years. In her younger years, she enjoyed teaching Sunday school classes at First United Methodist Church, playing in a bowling league, reading and spending time with her children.
Later in life, Jackie enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, taking care of her beloved pets, and keeping in touch with friends and family. She was always an avid KC Royals and Chiefs fan, loved watching Days of Our Lives and watching a good movie.
Survivors include her son Steve Gunsaullus (Chanute, KS) and daughter and son-in-law, Debraand Rodney Perkins (Chanute, KS), and 6 grandchildren, Angie Hall, Tabetha Lane, Amanda Harper, Brandy Cruse, Chadley Cruse, and Tatum Cruse and many great and great-greatgrandchildren. Jackie was preceded in death by her father and mother, Les and Dorothy, herhusband, Jack, daughter, Nancy Hembree, daughter, Donna Gunsaullus, and granddaughter,Danielle Cruse.
There was cremation. Private burial will take place later in Evergreen Cemetery, Fort Scott, KS. Donations, gifts and memorials are suggested to the Allen County Animal Rescue Facility in Iola, KS 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
Several of these Harris/Walz signs have been stolen in the county.
Political signs are a form of freedom of speech and going on someone’s property to take them is against the law.
“Carol MacArthur, the Chairwoman of the Democratic Party, informed us that a few signs have gone missing,” said Fort Scott Police Chief Jason Pickert. “The fact that it’s a political sign isn’t relevant. If they steal a bicycle, a garden gnome, or a political sign it’s a theft. Since the value of the property is under $1,500 it’s misdemeanor theft. This would be a misdemeanor theft and a municipal citation would be issued if the subjects were identified.”
MacArthur said there have been some Kamala Harris signs and some Nancy Boyda signs stolen and some vandalized. The signs are paid for by private citizens.
MacArthur said there are 25 missing Democratic Party signs missing in Fort Scott and three 4-foot by 8-foot signs in the rural part of Bourbon County. “Those three stolen in the county were 4 x 8s. Two other 4 x 8s in the county were vandalized,” she said.
MacArthur said it is disheartening, “but people in town are replacing their signs.”
“The city police are doing a good job of cruising around, and this has slowed down the thefts,” she said.
Fort Scott Police Department is located at 1604 South National and can be reached at 620-223-1700.
Billy J. Graham, age 92, a lifelong resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Monday, September 30, 2024, at the Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas. He was born November 8, 1931, in Ft. Scott, the son of Louis Graham and Helen Briggs Graham.
Billy graduated from the Ft. Scott High School with the Class of 1950. He married Shirley Nutter on July 3, 1954. The couple honeymooned in Chicago and since Billy was an avid baseball fan, part of their trip was spent at a ball game.
Throughout his life Billy was well known in his community. He worked at Master Printers, Mid-America Business Forms and Mayco Ace Hardware. He also managed the Fox Theater and the Mo-Kan Drive-In. Billy enjoyed baseball, basketball, and football. He faithfully supported the St. Louis Cardinals, KU Jayhawks and the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs. Billy will also be remembered for his bowling skills where he rolled several perfect games.
During the 1960’s and 70’s he worked as a scout for the Ft. Scott Community College Greyhound Basketball Team. Later in life, he enjoyed eating ice cream, listening to baseball on the radio and working puzzles on his computer. He was also frequently seen, on his scooter, “walking” his dog Suzie.
Survivors include his wife, Shirley, a son John Graham (Carol) of Parker, Colorado and a daughter, Grace Sweat (Bill) of Ft. Scott; four grandchildren, Robert Nolan (Alisa), Kim Nolan, Christopher Graham (Heather) and Timothy Graham (Ruth) and two great-granddaughters, Ashton and Adelynn Nolan as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Billy was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Kenneth, Robert and Harold Graham and a son, David Graham.
There was cremation. A celebration of Billy’s life will be held on Saturday, October 12th from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. at the Carriage House, 301 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, Kansas.
Memorials are suggested to Care to Share 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 cheneywitt.com.
According to Kansas Renewal Institute Chief Operating Officer T.J. Denning, information is not flowing between the Bourbon County Commission and K.R.I.
Denning spoke to the commission on September 30 at their regular meeting.
K.R.I. is in negotiations with Legacy Health Foundation to take ownership of the former Mercy Hospital building at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd.
He told the commission that he “needs to be in the loop” in talks with Legacy Health Foundation and the commission.
Apparently, the negotiations are at a standstill between Legacy and K.R.I.
Denning told the commission that they are trying to get the Emergency Department opened at the facility.
“I have a concern that we still don’t have an update on the equipment donated to you, as the county. There is a list of things that aren’t there, there is a list of things that have to be fixed in order for Freeman (Health System) to come here. We don’t have answers,” Denning said.
Bourbon County Commission Chairman Jim Harris said “We think we have a lot of things resolved as of this morning. We just can’t talk publically yet. That’s what the County Counselor told me.”
“I’m pulling the license and also managing everything that is going on for that to happen,” he told them. “I have already signed contracts for service agreements to make this happen, basically at the will of everybody else.”
“Also, I don’t know where we are with the building purchase,” he said. “K.R.I. is in the process of negotiating and is ready to take ownership of the building through Legacy but I haven’t heard anything back. You said the tax deal was all worked out…I need some answers to carry on our business and make things happen. We’ve invested a ton of money into that facility and constantly going through CMS inspections…along with the fire marshall inspection on a building that isn’t in our name yet.”
CMS means Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, according to usa.gov.
Harris said that they could possibly have discussions with Legacy and “go forward.”
“I came here and tried to build partnerships with everybody else and be an open book,” Denning said. “I am local to Nevada (MO) and am passionate about rural communities. I’ve also got a ton of employees and I am passionate about their success. I need this information so I can make sure that we are established and here for a long time.”
“We will work hard to get you the info you need and I want to thank you personally as a citizen and the commission of what you’ve done for us here in Bourbon County,” Harris said.
Jim Harris, 2nd District Bourbon County Commissioner, and current chair.
Commissioner Brandon Whisenhunt asked how soon the commission could get the info to Denning.
Bourbon County 1st District Commissioner Brandon Whisenhunt, Submitted photo.
Harris said he would appoint Commissioner Clifton Beth, who has been working with Legacy, to talk to them right away.
Denning said he needed answers before the end of this week.
“By the end of this week, I have to have drawings between Freeman (Health System) and myself, stamped and signed and sent into CMS,” Denning said.
Bourbon County 3rd District Commissioner Clifton Beth. Submitted photo.
“I don’t have a problem reaching out,” Beth said. “But they are a private company.”
In the referenced November 17, 2022 donation agreement above the county donated the Mercy property to Legacy Health Foundation along with $2 million dollars.
The Tucker Family Band will present their ’24 Comeback Special at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 12, held in the Fort Scott River Room, 3 W. Oak Street (upstairs with elevator access). Doors open at 6:15 p.m.
The TFB is comprised of Carolyn Tucker (keys and vocals) Fort Scott; daughter Mariam Tucker Self (lead vocals and saxophone) Peculiar, MO; son Aaron Tucker (drums and vocals) Asbury, MO; cousin Jessie Bergen (electric bass) Anderson, MO; and J Williams (lead guitar) Columbus, KS. Kitten Lagoon from Anderson, MO, is the sound engineer and emcee. There is no admission fee; tips are appreciated.
The Band is excited to come back “bigger and better” to the River Room. Carolyn Tucker explains, “’Bigger’ means we’re doing a two-part show this time with Elvis gospel in the first half, and then our favorite ‘70s Elvis songs for the second half. ‘Better’ means our sound equipment is new state-of-the-art and we’ve added stage lighting. We’re calling our show ‘24 Comeback Special after the televised ’68 Comeback Special that Elvis performed after he concluded his movies contract.”
“All these musicians have been playing or singing since they were youngsters,” concert-series organizer Ralph Carlson said. “So when all their experience, talent, and camaraderie unites together, the band is really tight. The fun they have on stage is contagious. You won’t want to miss this free energy-packed show.”
The venue fee is sponsored by the following local businesses: Diehl Banwart Bolton CPAs PA, Cheney Witt Funeral Chapel, and Varia Quality Resale Clothing Shop. The concert is sanctioned by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce and promoted by Carlson.
We hope to see you there for Networking * Community News * Refreshments!
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee this Thursday, October 3rd at 8am hosted by the Gordon Parks Museum, 2108 S. Horton, on the campus of Fort Scott Community College. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, and attendees will have the opportunity to win a door prize drawing.
The Chamber Coffee will kick off the 21st Annual Gordon Parks Celebration to be held this weekend for which the full schedule of events may be found on gordonparkscenter.org. The Celebration is in honor Fort Scott native Gordon Parks, noted photographer, writer, musician, and filmmaker. Kirk Sharp, Executive Director of the Museum, and the committee work throughout the year to bring in artists, speakers, programs, and events that have enriched our community and world for all ages.
A highlight this year is the “Celebration Dance Party” featuring The Full Flava Kings at the Liberty Theatre on Friday, October 4th starting at 8pm. The Full Flava Kings, from Tulsa, Oklahoma, are one of the best party bands in the region. The Celebration will culminate with a Tribute Dinner and presentation of the Choice of Weapons Awards along with the presentation of the Learning Tree Award to Arnold Schofield and the late Daryl Roller. The weekend celebration will also feature the Choice of Weapons Conversation, Premier Screening of the documentary I Needed Paris, and free Lunch and Learn events on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Tickets are available at the Gordon Parks Museum, online at gordonparkcenter.org, or call 620-223-2700 ext. 5850.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below…
KDHE Reminds Kansans to be Aware as Respiratory Virus Season Approaches
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) would like to remind Kansans as we approach the respiratory virus season to remain aware of symptoms, preventative measures and when to seek medical treatment.
Every year, respiratory viruses such as influenza (flu), COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and pneumococcal disease cause hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and thousands of deaths during the fall and winter virus season.
“We know the risk of contracting and spreading respiratory viruses will increase as we move into the fall and winter months,” KDHE Chief Medical Officer Dr. Dereck Totten said. “It is imperative that people follow common-sense preventative measures and consider getting a vaccine, especially if they fall into a high-risk category.”
Getting an immunization is an important preventative measure against respiratory viruses. Vaccines are available for all three major fall and winter respiratory diseases – flu, COVID-19, and RSV (for groups eligible for RSV immunization). In addition, pneumococcal vaccines are recommended for children younger than five years, adults, 65 years and older, and individuals at an increased risk for pneumococcal disease.
Kansas will receive approximately $780,000 from the federal government this year to cover about 9,380 COVID-19 doses for uninsured and underinsured adults. These doses will be equitably distributed across Kansas to Local Health Departments, Federally Qualified Health Centers, Rural Health Clinics, and other vaccination locations to help provide vaccine coverage to uninsured and underinsured adults in Kansas.
While anyone can become sick from common respiratory viruses like COVID-19, flu, RSV, and pneumococcal disease, some individuals have risk factors that can increase their chances of getting a severe illness.
Groups of people at a higher risk for respiratory illnesses
Older adults
Young children
People with weakened immune systems
People with disabilities
Pregnant and recently pregnant individuals
If you believe you may have a respiratory virus (if you feel sick or tested positive for one) and you have risk factors for severe illness, seek health care right away for testing and/or treatment.
If you test positive for the flu or COVID-19, treatment may be an option to make your symptoms less severe and shorten the time you are sick. Treatment should be started within a few days of when your symptoms begin.
Examples of respiratory virus symptoms include fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny or stuffy nose, decrease in appetite, sore throat, vomiting, new loss of taste or smell, headache, muscle or body aches, diarrhea, and/or weakness.
Keep in mind:
Washing hands and improving airflow in the places where people live and work are important to lowering risk from respiratory viruses.
Effective treatments are available for those who get flu or COVID-19 and are recommended for those at higher risk for severe illness. Treatment can reduce severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
You should seek emergency care if you have an emergency warning sign (like trouble breathing or chest pain), seek emergency medical care immediately.
Everyday actions like masking and physical distancing can provide an additional layer of protection and can protect their family, friends, and coworkers.
Tests are available that can quickly detect these respiratory viruses.
For more information on respiratory viruses from KDHE read here.
Read here for more information on respiratory viruses from the CDC.
On Wednesday, Oct. 2, the Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin resurfacing work on U.S. 54 in Allen County. The work will start at the east city limits of LaHarpe and continue east for 12.3 miles to end at the Bourbon County line.
The contractor will place ultra-thin bonded asphalt surfacing on the roadway. Flaggers and a pilot car will direct one-lane traffic through the work zone. Expect delays of 15 minutes or less during weekday daylight hours until early November.
KDOT awarded the $1.7 million construction contract to Bettis Asphalt & Construction Inc., Topeka. Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.Kandrive.gov, for more highway condition and construction details. Persons with questions may contact Construction Manager Warren Ebberts at (620) 901-6549 or Public Information Officer Priscilla Petersen at (620) 902-6433.
Sending on behalf of Chamber member Gordon Parks Museum…
Gordon Parks Museum invites you to take part in the 21st Annual Celebration
This weekend ~ October 3rd-5th!
The Celebration kicks off with the Chamber Coffee hosted by the Gordon Parks Museum, Thursday, October 3rd, 8am ~ everyone welcome!
The 21st Annual event will include photo exhibits, poetry contest/exhibit, sign and mural display, films, a special Gordon Parks themed trolley tour & more!
Friday will feature the Celebration Dance Party with “Full Flava Kings”, see below for more details.
Saturday will feature the Celebration Tribute Dinner with the presentation of the Choice of Weapons Awards along with the presentation of the Learning Tree Award to Arnold Schofield and the late Daryl Roller.
The Choice of Weapons Conversation, Premier Screening of the documentary I Needed Paris and the free Lunch and Learn events on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Tickets are available at the Gordon Parks Museum, online at gordonparkcenter.org, or call 620-223-2700 ext. 5850
Click here for the Gordon Parks Museum website and a list of detailed events.
Click here to download a printable copy of the schedule of events linked below.
A highlight this year is the “Celebration Dance Party” featuring The Full Flava Kings at the Liberty Theatre. The Full Flava Kings from Tulsa, Oklahoma are one of the best party bands in the region.
A special thank you to our Chamber Champion members!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
