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Euna Blythe and husband Nelson were driving to Fort Scott on Hwy. 54 near Uniontown on the evening of November 7, 2021, when their car struck a black cow on the road.
“I do not remember anything from the accident and the following few weeks,” Euna said.
She was life-flighted from the West Bourbon Elementary School yard that evening to the Kansas City area for the severity of her condition.
“I was three months in the hospital and about another three months spent between Meadowbrook rehab and Madonna rehab,” she said.
Today she continues therapy for her injuries, but out of this tragic accident, came something really good: she and Nelson had their first child, a son named Isaac in January 2024.
To this couple, the birth was a miracle because they had been trying to conceive for seven years.
Here is a letter to the community from Euna.
“I would like to show gratitude to the many people who helped me during (the) terrible car accident I had on November 7, 2021,” she said. “First of all, members of Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office, that included Detectives Alvin Metcalf and Kevin Davidson, Deputies Trey Sharp, Shawn Pritchett, Andrew Penland, Zach Ross, and Patrick Brazeal, Undersheriff Ben Cole and Sheriff Bill Martin.”
“Deputy Ross and Brazeal responded to my accident and acted with great compassion and professionalism,” she said.
“Detective Metcalf was in Kansas City at the time of the accident, and went straight to KU Med Center as soon as he heard, and helped lead my family where they needed to go. Detective Davidson, Deputy Sharp, Pritchett and Penland rushed to the helicopter landing zone and stayed with my husband, Nelson …, as I was being cared for by Bourbon County EMS. I have been told that EMS staff Trace Evans and Robert Leisure transported me in the ambulance from the scene of the accident to the landing zone. Deputy Shawn Pritchett drove my husband and the other deputies to KU Med. Linn County Deputies met them at the county line and escorted them to Miami County. Miami County Deputies escorted them to Johnson County.”
“At the hospital, Nelson was met by Bourbon County Sheriff Bill Martin and Undersheriff Ben Cole, as well as the Sheriff of Linn County, Kevin Friend. Also present were Nelson’s parents and our Pastor, Tony Felich.”
“Throughout the weeks following, Nelson’s law enforcement brothers hardly left his side and for that I am forever grateful. I had many other visitors during the days I was in a coma and the days following, including my dear Jiu-Jitsu coach Brett Holder who encouraged me to never give up.”
“There are so many other people who came to visit me and provided comfort to my distressed family. I cannot name them all, but please know that I am so grateful to all of you.”
“I want to thank Fort Scott Munitions and the Kraft family for reserving hotel rooms near the hospital so my family could have a place to stay. I would also like to thank Young Yu, for lending a helping hand without hesitation.”
” I want to thank all of the Linn County Sheriff’s Deputies for donating all of their sick time so that Nelson could stay with me at the hospital. I would specifically like to thank Sgt. Tanner Ogden, who organized a fundraiser in Linn County.”
“I want to sincerely thank the people in Bourbon County and people from all over, who donated a substantial amount of money to help alleviate my family’s financial needs. Without that fundraiser, it would have been impossible for me to be admitted to Madonna Rehab, where I received much-needed care. Trey Sharp was the organizer.”
“Next, Doctors and nurses of KU Medical Center(MD Sarah Eickmeyer, MD Ifijie E Ohiorhernuan, PhD Monica F Kurylo, Taylor L, MD Alexandra N Arickx, MD Kyle R Brown, DO Erich M Wessel, CRNA Dylan C McDaniel, MD Robin R Walters, MD Sean C. Liebscher, MD Miles Sanderson, MD Kimberlee D Reets, APRN-NP Kathryn M Moore, APRN-NP Rachael A Domino, MD Jourdaen Sanchez, MD Stephen R Eaton, MD Thomas J Whittaker, MD Jason S Frederick, MD Anand Dharia, MD Adip Bhargav) Doctors, Nurses and therapists from Hanger CLINIC, Meadowbrook Rehab and Madonna Rehab and Bryan West Hospital in Lincoln Nebraska. They were the most helpful staff and workers.
” I want to thank both my American and South Korean family, Nelson’s family was tearful and rejoiced when I was finally able to wake up and my family in South Korea did the same. They managed to fly over here right after they heard about the accident and stayed for two weeks. Also, to Galen and Jeffie Mussman, thank you for your kindness shown to my family.”
” I want to thank my husband, Nelson Blythe. Nelson never gave up on me even when my recovery seemed impossible. Nelson kept fighting through the horrible abyss even when told by doctors that I would most likely never wake up.”
“Nelson made feeble attempts to clean and do chores while I was hospitalized, and managed to keep the cats alive, and the house from burning down.”
“I want to thank Else Moss and Jennifer Ballou, Krista Ogden, and my Aunt, Terry Blythe, for coming to Nelson’s rescue by assisting with house chores and taking care of me while Nelson was at work.”
“This accident has really shown me the importance of community, family and friends. This community showed me staggering kindness and care. I am humbled by the fierce loyalty and commitment displayed by all of you.”
“From the bottom of my heart, I thank every one of you.”
“I pray that the Almighty God, the Father of our Savior Jesus Christ, continues to show his love, mercy and peace to me, my family and to all of us in this community. Amen.”
FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
April 22, 2024
PRESENT: Ronda Bailey, John Bartelsmeyer, Jim Fewins, Bryan Holt, Chad McKinnis, and Doug Ropp
ALSO PRESENT: Jason Kegler-President, Juley McDaniel-Board Clerk, faculty, staff, community members
Chairman Holt called the meeting to order at 5:31 pm in the meeting rooms of the Ellis Fine Arts Center.
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: Chairman Holt stated that votes moving forward will be taken as “All in
favor say aye, all opposed say nay” in an effort to speed up the meeting.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: None.
2022 – 23 AUDIT REPORT: Neil Phillips of Jarred, Gilmore, and Phillips, PA provided a thorough explanation of
the outcome of the 2022-23 audit and explained the audit report book. He reviewed violations and highlighted the
schedule of federal awards, which included a total of $8.1 million coming to the local area.
A corrective action plan was created to address areas of violation. Items within the plan have been reviewed with
each of the staff involved with any part of the corrective action plan so appropriate structure is in place for the next
audit period ending June 30, 2024.
Chairman Holt thanked Neil Phillips and his firm for their efforts on the audit process.
REVIEW OF PROGRAMS – STUDENT ACTIVITIES: Alyssa Martin, acting Director of Student Life,
summarized student life at FSCC. She reviewed the capacity and cost of each housing option, as well as the
application process for the 2024-25 year.
She also discussed activities that took place this year to enrich student life such as Dueling Pianos, a magician,
kickball, a neon dance, the men’s basketball playoff tailgate, volleyball and basketball intramurals, and a field day
partnered with TRIO. She said the dance was a huge hit, and students are begging for another. Intramurals had 5
teams, one of which included a completely online student who had never been to campus.
She closed by sharing her vision for student life for next year, including a goal of at least 1 activity a week.
CONSENT AGENDA:
A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Bailey, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the consent agenda,
which included an amendment to the minutes of the special meeting on April 12, 2024 to reflect Dr. Kegler not
being present, reconciled treasurer’s reports through February, 2024, and an updated list of personnel actions.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A. Representative for Negotiations with FSCAPE – John Bartelsmeyer explained the duties of the Board
member during the negotiations process. Chad McKinnis agreed to serve as the board’s representative for negotiations with FSCAPE.
Bartelsmeyer recommended reading through the personnel changes in the consent agenda, and Chairman Holt
read all personnel changes represented in the consent agenda as well as the additions approved with the consent
agenda.
ACTION ITEMS:
A. Resolution 2024 – 11: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer seconded by Bailey, and carried by unanimous
vote to approve the Purchasing Policy.6
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John Trebian, Jr., resident of Fort Scott, KS, was born in Freeport, IL on October 12, 1984, the son of Jonna Williams and John Trebian, Sr. He went to school in Freeport until the family moved to Largo, FL where he finished school and met his wife. John married Lindsey on July 28th, in 2004 after being together for 5 years. For the past 25 years, they have built a wonderful life together and always helped everyone they could.
John is preceded in death by his sister Rebecca Trebian; his son James Rhea Trebian; and his father John Trebian, Sr.
Survivors include his wife, Lindsey Trebian; his children John Trebian III, Trinity Trebian, Tyler Trebian, and Sophia Trebian; his mother Jonna Williams; brother Nick Trebian and sister Carmen Trebian, brothers Bird and Rick Lester, and sister Renee Lester.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, May 23rd, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Cremation will follow. Memorials are suggested to the John Trebian Memorial Fund 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.

Do you have an “until” moment? Your “everything is going along swell…until” moment? This past week while flying from Los Angeles to Dallas, I was looking for a seat at the gate when I walked past a body-builder speaking to a lady who was practicing the splits on the carpeted area. (I would have joined her but realized there was no need to get the paramedics involved.)
Unusual pair, I thought, listening to them discuss their workout programs, except, as it turned out, they weren’t together. The muscular man was with another woman. He, funny, witty, and seemingly, adventurous, spent the next two hours entertaining everyone around him. When we began to board, he placed a beanie on his head and then protectively stuck a feather in its upturned hem. Definitely his own person.
I boarded ahead of him and his lady-friend, but as they came down the aisle, looking for their seat, I noticed a complete change in his countenance. He appeared terrified and frustrated when he found out his seat was between his gal-pal and a stranger. I could overhear her reassuring him that everything was going to be all right.
He had appeared so confident and joyful…until he didn’t. He now looked like he would strangle someone, and although two rows back, I overheard the girl loudly talking with her dad on the phone about how hard it was to calm down her friend. When we had been in the air a short time, the pilot informed us that we were in for a turbulent ride but he would “try” to find an altitude to make the trip easier. Not. Good. News.
The pilot failed to find calmer skies. An hour outside of Dallas, even the flight attendants were told to be seated as the pilots navigated the storm around us. Since they had spent much of their time at the terrified man’s seat, reassuring him, I feared that, without their constant attention, he might turn into a raving lunatic, mid-plane jostle. And jostle we did. I secretly began thanking God for engineers so smart, they could design a plane that could endure such shaking without snapping in half.
When we finally landed and were allowed to stand, passengers closer to the terrified man began to assure him that things now were okay. “Nope,” he said. “I will be on Amtrak the rest of this trip. There will be no more flying for me.”
We all have our “until” moment, don’t we? We are fine…until someone crowds in front of our merge line on the freeway. Until our boss says one more critical word. Until the customer service agent is rude instead of helpful. Until our spouse once again fails to clean up his/her mess. Until we are asked yet again to loan a tool to a moochy neighbor. Until the mechanic’s bill isn’t even close to his estimate.
Until. Until. Until. The Bible is not short of “until” moments.
In the Old Testament, barren Rachel’s moment came when, jealous of her fertile sister, she said that she would die if she did not get pregnant. Moses spent weeks in the presence of God and was a happy camper…until he saw the golden calf the Israelites were worshipping. Saul, the king of Israel, had his “until” moment when he found out that his son, Jonathan, was closer to his friend David than with his dad. The list is endless.
Paul (of New Testament fame) addressed the issue when he said that we always are to be content. Instead of there being an “until” moment, we are to rely on God and not ourselves, and until someone causes me to have one of those moments, I plan to do just that.
From Citizens for the ER to the people who compaigned for and the voters who overwhelmingly passed the ER tax: Thank You.
Your messages are clear. The message to providers that you want and will financially support an ER. The message to business, industry and individuals that Bourbon County is relevant and working to meet your needs. And most importantly, the message that you care for each other. Well Done!
While we don’t yet have an ER, this tax opens the door so when opportunity knocks Bourbon County can say come in. Without it we had no chance.
Again, Thank You
Citizens for the ER
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that she has signed House Bill 2551, the Omnibus Budget, which passed with bipartisan support. The budget increases funding to address water quantity and quality issues, invests in workforce development, and provides additional funding for essential services and critical mental health needs.
“I am proud of the Legislature’s bipartisan work to ensure we continue to make investments into our state water plan fund, strengthen our workforce, and make progress in addressing Kansans’ mental health needs,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This funding supports my administration’s work to address critical infrastructure needs, grow our economy, and make Kansas the best place in the country to live, work, and raise a family.”
The budget:
Invests in the workforce pipeline: Provides $8.3 million in need-based financial aid and scholarships, strengthening Kansas’ workforce pipeline. This funding includes $2 million to be invested in students who are pursuing careers in nursing, $1.7 million for first-generation students and children of teachers and paraprofessionals, and more than $1 million for National Guard members pursuing a master’s degree.
Addresses water quality and quantity issues in Kansas: Increases investment in the state water plan fund by $10 million, in addition to the $35 million the governor previously allocated. This funding is critical to addressing Kansas’ water quality and quantity needs. The bill also increases funding to $16 million for projects that will strengthen the state’s infrastructure for drinking water and wastewater in small communities across Kansas.
Makes critical investments in mental health services for students: An additional $4.5 million will be invested in the Mental Health Intervention Pilot to further expand students’ access to behavioral health services. This increase will provide a total of over $18 million in the upcoming school year. With this funding, the Kelly administration has invested over $78 million in this program, resulting in over 6,000 students receiving services in 90 school districts annually.
Builds capacity for mental health treatment in the South Central region: $26.5 million is being invested to build the new South Central Regional Psychiatric Hospital in Wichita. The South Central Regional Psychiatric Hospital will serve acute inpatient mental health patients. It will also be the location for adult forensic beds to alleviate jail overcrowding and shorten wait times on pending evaluations and treatment. The facility will expand access to additional in-patient mental health beds in the region and allow patients to remain closer to home and family while receiving care.
Governor Kelly also line-item vetoed certain aspects of the bill. Find more information and her veto messages here.
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They have clients from Fort Scott, Pittsburg, Louisburg, Nevada, Linn County, and Bourbon County.
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