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Obituary of Candy Bergemann
Candy Sue Bergemann, 71, of Fort Scott, passed away Tuesday morning, August 6, 2024, at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas. After suffering major health problems in 2017, she resided at Arma Health and Rehab in Arma, Kansas. She was born in Fort Scott, Kansas on March 23, 1953, to Earl J. and Jennie Irene (Adams) McGee.
Candy graduated from Mound City High School in 1971. She married Marvin Bergemann on April 8, 1973, in Mound City, Kansas.
Candy loved her family and friends so very much. Her grandkids were her favorite. She had a deep love for music and dancing, and she loved watching thriller movies and wrestling. She loved her cats. She was truly a crazy cat lady. She had several different jobs over the years; she was a homemaker, a babysitter, a housekeeper, and a waitress.
Candy is survived by her son, Aaron (& Julia) Bergemann, of Willis, Texas; her daughter, Cara (& Rickey) Stewart, of El Dorado, Kansas. She also leaves behind seven beloved grandchildren, Reagin Bergemann and Brittany, Clay, and Crocket Allen, and Harley, Briar (& Jillian) Thornton, Anastasia Stewart.
Candy became a great grandma on April 2, 2024, to Asa Mae Thornton. She is also survived by three sisters, Rettie Jean Weeks, Abilene, Kansas, Brenda Graves, Vass, North Carolina, Jane (& Perry) Townsend, Redfield, Kansas and three brothers, Wayne (& Heather) McGee, Park City, Illinois, Larry McGee, Nixa, Missouri, and Gary (& Barbie) McGee, Fort Scott, Kansas. She has many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin Bergemann, her parents, and one brother, Vernon McGee.
Following cremation, the family will hold a Celebration of Life Service in Fort Scott at 12pm at Gunn Park Shelter House #7 on Saturday, October 12, 2024.
Bring your favorite side or dessert to share in a potluck.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Candy S. Bergemann Memorial Fund, and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.
Obituary of Jo Ann Hudson
Jo Ann Hudson, 79, of Fort Scott, passed away Tuesday morning, August 6, 2024, at her home.
Jo Ann Brillhart was the first and orneriest child of Josephine (Johnson) and Raymond DeLoss Brillhart. She was born on January 31, 1945, and she began to test the limits early. Raymond always felt he was too hard on her, and, of course, she would remind him how tough she really was. She was later joined by two brothers, Terry and Randy, whom she bossed around as much as she could for as long as she could.
In July of 1965, Jo Ann married Garyl Erie, and they soon had one daughter, Kendra Alayne, in March of the following year. They made their home in Fort Scott, Kansas, and though they lost their son, Jeffrey Scott, on the same day he was born in March of 1971, they were blessed with another daughter, Karee Jo, in January of 1972. Three grandsons, Jesse, Saylor, and Zander, joined the family in the coming years.
Jo Ann worked for Dr. Douglas Weddle for many years at Fort Scott Family Physicians, and she later passed her realtor exam. She cared for her husband, Garyl, in his last few months, and she never went back to full time work after that.
She and her friend, Blake Hudson, got together in December of 1996, and decided to marry on April 1, 2000. Jo Ann became Jo Hudson, and she and Blake enjoyed their lives together for many years, which were mostly filled with fun.
Jo fought on until the morning of August 6, 2024. Being as stubborn as she was, no one who knew her was surprised by her tenacity. She is survived by her loving husband, Blake, who cared for her to the end with the truly appreciated help and care provided by several caregivers, aides, home health, and hospice nurses the last months of her life. They were wonderful.
Jo is also survived by her daughters: Kendra Purtle and her partner, Aaron Gaston of Osage Beach, Missouri, and Karee Erie of Pittsburg, Kansas; her grandsons, Jesse Purtle, and his daughter Purslane Everett Purtle, of Joplin, Missouri, Saylor Purtle, Tacoma, Washington, and Zander Purtle, of Osage Beach, Missouri; and her stepdaughter Nancy Wilson and her husband, Jack, and their three children, Josephine Wilson, Landon Wilson, and Cole Wilson, of Overland Park, Kansas. Also surviving are her brother Rev. Terry Brillhart and his wife, Fran, of Topeka, Kansas, and their big, beautiful family, and her brother Randy Brillhart and his wife Ann, of Wichita, Kansas, and their children and grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Josephine, her first husband Garyl, and their son Jeffrey Scott Erie.
Following cremation, Rev. Terry Brillhart will conduct services for Jo at 11:00 a.m. on Monday morning, August 12, 2024, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.
Interment will follow at the St. Mary’s Cemetery. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.
Fort Scott Fire Department Invites the Community to Join Them in a Stair Climb to Remember 9/11
The Fort Scott Fire Department is promoting an event they perform every year amongst members to commemorate 9/11- the day the United States was attacked by terrorists, in 2001. Many firefighters on duty died that day attempting to help people.
“I thought this would be a neat tribute to get the public involved as well,” FSFD Deputy Chief Mike Miles said. “The purpose is to remember those who sacrificed and served on September 11.”
“We are also using this to start a scholarship for high schoolers who may want to venture into the Fire Service,” he said. “We could provide them with tuition for the academy. There would be steps and measures one would have to take to receive the scholarship. That will be discussed at a later date when we get the Junior Fire Fighter program going.”
“We would also use some proceeds to donate to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation,” he said.
September 7, is the event, located on South Main Street, at the Fort Scott High School football stadium. Registration and walk-ups start at 8 a.m. The event will begin at 9 a.m.
There are three different options to participate.
“You can perform the stair climb, which would consist of 15 trips back and forth, up and down the stadium stairs. Or walk a 5k around the track or run a 5k through downtown and back to the stadium.”
One can register on the link provided on the fire department’s Facebook page.
“You receive a T-shirt with your registration and the cost is $25 for adults, $15 for kids.”
“We have flyers also at local businesses and gas stations you can scan the QR code and it takes you to the registration page.”
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports August 9
Viral Infections On The Rise In The Region
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As respiratory illnesses such as colds, flu, COVID-19, and other viral infections are on the rise in our region, it is crucial for our community to take preventive measures to protect both individual and public health. The SEK Multi-County Health Department is urging everyone to be vigilant in practicing habits that can reduce the risk of infection and help control the spread of these viruses.Here are some key steps everyone can take:
- Practice Good Hand Hygiene: Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of viruses.
- Wear a Mask: Masks are particularly important in crowded or enclosed spaces where social distancing may be difficult. They help reduce the transmission of respiratory droplets.
- Cover Coughs and Sneezes: Always use a tissue or your elbow to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. This simple action helps prevent the spread of germs to others.
- Stay Home if You Are Sick: If you are experiencing symptoms of a respiratory illness, please stay home to avoid spreading the virus to others. Rest and recovery are essential for your health and the health of our community.
- Get Vaccinated: Staying up to date with your flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine (when available) is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and others from serious illness. You may also want to consider getting the RSV vaccine if you are pregnant or are 60 years or older.
We encourage everyone to follow these guidelines and stay informed about the latest public health recommendations. Together, we can make a significant impact in reducing the spread of respiratory viruses in our community.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter. By working together, we can keep our community healthy and safe.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Johnson, BSN, RN
Administrator/SEK Local Health Officer
SEK Multi-County Health Department
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Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes Newsletter August
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Stay tuned! The big announcement is just around the corner.
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FSCC Meets Today at 4 p.m.
Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees will be holding a special meeting Thursday, August 8, 2024 at 4:00 pm in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall. The meeting will be to address items that need attention prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting on August 26, 2024, including personnel additions.
Immediately following the originally scheduled special meeting referenced , the Board will conduct another special meeting. They will adjourn to executive session to discuss non-elected personnel.
U.S. EPA Suspends a Pesticide
KDA Advises Public Regarding EPA’s Emergency Suspension of DCPA
MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture is sharing notice that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has ordered the emergency suspension of all registrations of pesticide products containing the active ingredient dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA). EPA previously approved registrations for pesticide products containing DCPA to control weeds in both agricultural and non-agricultural sites, including non-residential turf sites, nursery stock and produce.
This emergency suspension is a result of EPA’s determination that DCPA is an imminent health hazard, in particular for babies whose mothers were exposed to DCPA during pregnancy. EPA’s determination that led to the emergency suspension comes as a result of the registration review process in which registered pesticides are periodically evaluated to ensure they cause no unreasonable adverse effects on human health or the environment. The emergency suspension is effective immediately, and prohibits the continued sale, distribution and use of any pesticide products containing DCPA.
Dacthal Flowable Herbicide, (EPA Registration Number 5481-487) is the only pesticide product containing DCPA which had been approved for use in Kansas. Although most usage of this product was likely in commercial operations, it is possible that individual consumers may have purchased it as a general use product. If you are in possession of Dacthal Flowable Herbicide, you are advised to cease use of that product and contact the manufacturer for details on the return procedure. Retail or wholesale businesses must remove the products from their sales inventory and contact the manufacturer for details on the return procedure. Do not dispose of the product by any means until you are provided with instructions by the manufacturer.
KDA’s pesticide and fertilizer program oversees the use of pesticides in the state, including registration of pesticide products and enforcement of federal orders that apply to products that are registered for use in Kansas. Additional information about the emergency suspension of DCPA, including the text of the emergency order, can be found on the EPA website at www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-
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New USD 234 Teachers: Page, Coen, Williams
This is part of a series of new teachers in USD 234 School District, Fort Scott. There are 24 new teachers and two new administrators in the district.
School starts for students on August 16.
There are five campuses in the district:
- Fort Scott Preschool Center (serving pre-kindergarten students ages 3+)
- Winfield Scott Elementary School (serving kindergarten through through second-grade students)
- Eugene Ware Elementary School (serving third through fifth-grade students)
- Fort Scott Middle School (serving sixth through eighth-grade students)
- Fort Scott High School (serving ninth through twelfth-grade students)
According to its website, the district has nearly two thousand students enrolled within the district and over 350+ staff members.
Marcus Page, 31, is a new biology teacher at Fort Scott High School.
He earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Pittsburg State University and a Master of Arts in Teaching from P.S.U.
He has been a middle school science teacher in Kansas City, KS for two years, a school science teacher in Olathe for one year, and the Director of Admissions at Fort Scott Community College since Spring of 2022.
“While at FSCC, I had the privilege of being a part of LEAD Bourbon County, allowing me the opportunity to meet many people within our community.”
His family attends Fort Scott Nazarene Church.
His wife is the communication instructor at FSCC and they have two children, Carter, age 6, who attends Fort Scott Christian Heights, and Ellie, age 1, who attends Happy Kids Daycare.
“By far the best part of teaching is getting to know the students and building a relationship with them to encourage them throughout their education.
“A challenge in education is having a healthy work/life balance. Now that I have two children at home it will be important to utilize my time at work to its fullest.”
Jessica Coen, 35, is the district- Early Childhood Special Education teacher at Fort Scott Preschool Center.
She earned a Masters In Art of Teaching, K-6th grade and undergrad in Unified Early Childhood from Kansas State University, has a bachelor’s in accounting through the University of Phoenix, and completed Applied Behavior Analysis training in 2023.
This is her second year teaching ECSE.
She has one year of experience in ECSE teaching at Paola Cottonwood Elementary and 6 1/2 years of experience working with Headstart and Early Headstart in Linn County.
“I have a busy house with five children Serenity,17, Kyle, 15, Bella,12, Jensen, 9, and Marek, 6 years old. ” My husband, Michael, and I just celebrated our 18th anniversary. We also have 6 dogs and 6 cats.”
The best thing about being an educator for her is “being a part of a team (family, teachers, paras, etc.) to be part of their growth and success of reaching goals and development. It’s an awesome perk to get some great smiles, hugs, and ‘I love you’ from the students. I love the laughs and the dancing while we learn and grow.
A challenge as an educator, I think is… to make sure all needs are met. But we can always do our best each day.”
Courtney Williams, 24, is a new 5th Grade Math/Science Teacher at Eugene Ware Elementary School.
She earned a Bachelor of Science, in Elementary Education from Pittsburg State University.
This is her second year of teaching, last year she taught first-grade rat R.V. Haderlein in Girard.
“I would love to find some ways to involve myself in the community since I have returned to Fort Scott!,” she said.
“I love meeting my students for the first time. To watch them come into the room and explore the space and introduce myself to them. I want to make a fun, exciting first impression so they know they will always be welcome into my classroom and I will be available when they need help.”
A challenge for her will be learning how to handle older students. “But I have confidence in myself and my new team to help me continue to grow my knowledge in the pursuit of education.”
Fort Scott Area Community Foundation Opens Annual Grant Process
The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation (FSACF) is now accepting applications for the 2024 General Funds Grant program. Applications will be accepted through August 31, 2024.
For 2024, up to $87,348 will be available to fund charitable projects in Bourbon County, including $28,579 for healthcare-related requests and $58,769 for others.
The mission of FSACF is to serve the region by encouraging charitable giving benefiting the common good and improving the quality of life. The Foundation is committed to making a making a meaningful contribution in the areas of civic improvements, arts and humanities, health, education, human and social services, and the conservation and preservation of cultural and environmental resources.
Grant funds are available to local 501(c)(3) public charities, schools, government agencies, and religious institutions. The Foundation considers proposals based on how they improve the quality of life for residents, and is particularly interested in projects that are sustainable in the future. Collaborative projects are strongly encouraged.
In 2023, the Foundation awarded $42,117 to 19 non-profit recipients through its General Funds Grant cycle. Projects in Fort Scott, Mapleton and Uniontown received funding. A history of funded projects can be viewed at https://fsacf.com.
Interested organizations should submit their grant application through the online portal. The link to the portal can be found on the FSACF website.
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The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation (FSACF) is now accepting applications for the 2024 General Funds Grant program. Applications will be accepted through August 31, 2024.
The mission of FSACF is to serve the region by encouraging charitable giving benefiting the common good and improving the quality of life. The Foundation is committed to making a making a meaningful contribution in the areas of civic improvements, arts and humanities, health, education, human and social services, and the conservation and preservation of cultural and environmental resources.
Grant funds are available to local 501(c)(3) public charities, schools, government agencies, and religious institutions. The Foundation considers proposals based on how they improve the quality of life for residents, and is particularly interested in projects that are sustainable in the future. Collaborative projects are strongly encouraged.
In 2023, the Foundation awarded $42,117 to 19 non-profit recipients through its General Funds Grant cycle. Projects in Fort Scott, Mapleton and Uniontown received funding. A history of funded projects can be viewed at https://fsacf.com.
Interested organizations should submit their grant application through the online portal. The link to the portal can be found on the FSACF website.
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Obituary of Frank Burchett
Frank A. Burchett, age 92, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Monday, August 5, 2024, at his home. He was born June 21, 1932, in Richards, Missouri, the son of Cecil A. Burchett and Julia A. Lowry Burchett.
Frank graduated from Richards High School and was salutatorian of his class. Following high school, Frank went to work at Wall Street Body Shop in Ft. Scott. In addition, Frank also farmed and raised dairy and beef cattle. Frank eventually converted his dairy barn into a body shop and later moved his shop to 54 Highway on the east side of Ft. Scott.
Frank was a member of the First Christian Church where he served as a deacon and on the building committee. Frank married Mary Boggess Trowbridge on February 14, 1989.
Frank was not afraid of hard work and enjoyed keeping busy. After selling his auto body shop, Frank and Mary remodeled several homes that they resold or used as rental properties. They also owned and operated Frank & Mary’s Sales, an antique store/flea market located on Tenth Street just east of the railroad tracks. Frank also kept busy with his small engine repair shop.
Favorite times were spent surrounded by the large family where Frank often served up his famous homemade ice cream.
Frank will be lovingly missed by his wife, Mary of the home; his six daughters, Vicki Kerley (Robert) of Ozark, Missouri, Sherry Kellogg (Roger) of Springfield, Missouri, Regina McAllister (Cam) of Ft. Scott, Donna Banwart (Jim) also of Ft. Scott, Tonia West (Mike) of Norman, Oklahoma, and Trina Whitson (Kirk) of Clarksville, Tennessee; his step-children, Todd Trowbridge (Susan) of Pittsburg, Kansas and Shelly Dakil of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Also surviving are sixteen grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, twenty-eight great-grandchildren, and eight great-great-grandchildren.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Alice Palmer.
A celebration of life service will be held at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, August 17th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
A private burial will be in the Memory Gardens Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to St. Jude’s Hospital and may be left in the 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.