Obituary of John Trebian Jr.
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.
An “Until” Moment by Patty LaRoche

Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)
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.
Letter To The Editor: Citizens For ER Thanks Bourbon County
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
Governor Signs Omnibus Budget Bill
Governor Kelly Signs Omnibus Budget,
Makes Investments in Mental Health, Water,
and Kansas’ Workforce Pipeline
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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Zach Ross: A Passion Turned Into A Business
They have clients from Fort Scott, Pittsburg, Louisburg, Nevada, Linn County, and Bourbon County.
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Local Museum Is Participating in 2024 Kansas Tourism Sunflower Summer Progam
The Gordon Parks Museum is a Venue for the Kansas Sunflower Summer Program
Fort Scott, Kan. – The Gordon Parks Museum is proud to announce its participation in the 2024 Kansas Tourism Sunflower Summer program. The Gordon Parks Museum Celebrates the life and work of Gordon Parks, internationally known photographer, filmmaker, writer and musician.
The Sunflower Summer Program is a benefit for Kansas families with school-aged children to encourage them to explore, and fall in love, with Kansas. The program is designed to give affordable access to tourism attractions across the state and support the Kansas tourism economy. Eligible Kansas families will download the Sunflower Summer App to claim tickets to participating venues. The 2024 Sunflower Summer season will run from May 25 – August 11.
“We are thrilled to be a venue for the 2024 Kansas Sunflower Summer program,” said Gordon Parks Museum, Executive Director, Kirk Sharp. “This opportunity allows us to welcome Kansas families to our attraction and provide them with an unforgettable experience.”
Kansas Tourism, a division of the Kansas Department of Commerce, aims to inspire travel to and throughout Kansas to maximize the positive impacts that tourism has on our state and local communities.
“Kansas Tourism is excited to have The Gordon Parks Museum as a part of the Sunflower Summer program,” said Kansas Tourism Director, Bridgette Jobe. “This program is an amazing benefit for the residents of Kansas, and we are looking forward to growing the program in the 2024 season. The Gordon Parks Museum is an important part of making this the best season yet for the program.”
For more information about The Gordon Parks Museum visit gordonparkscenter.org To discover more about the Sunflower Summer program, visit SunflowerSummer.org.
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About The Gordon Parks Museum: The Gordon Parks Museum celebrates the life and work of Gordon Parks, internationally-known photographer, filmmaker, writer, and musician. The Gordon Parks Museum strives to use his remarkable life story to teach about artistic creativity, cultural awareness and the role of diversity in our lives.
About Sunflower Summer: Sunflower Summer is a program operated by Kansas Tourism, a division of the Kansas Department of Commerce. The program aims to help Kansas families affordably explore the Sunflower State. The official Sunflower Summer mobile app is available on Apple and Android. More information can be found at SunflowerSummer.org
Tips For Kansans Traveling Oversees
Things You Should Know Heading Into Summer Travel Season
Salina, KS – As summer approaches, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D.’s office reminds Kansans traveling abroad to plan ahead and take the necessary steps to ensure their safety while abroad.
“The safety and security of all Kansans are always our team’s top priority,” Senator Marshall said. As we look ahead to the summer travel season, I encourage all Kansans to take the necessary steps to enjoy a worry-free trip abroad. Please get in touch with our office to avoid the headache of passport problems and delays; we are here to help.”
Delayed passports are the most common international travel issue. Since coming to Congress in 2017, Senator Marshall’s office has assisted more than 700 Kansans in obtaining their passports in time for their planned departure date.
Our office encourages Kansans planning to travel internationally in the next 12 months to apply for a passport as soon as possible. Passport agencies struggle to keep up with summer travel demands, which results in longer processing times. Log onto the State Department’s website for the necessary forms and next steps: https://travel.state.gov/
The U.S. State Department also offers several resources to help all Americans remain in touch with U.S. officials while abroad and better understand local laws and customs for each country. Below are resources all Kansans are encouraged to use when traveling internationally:
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Enrollees will receive emergency alerts from the U.S. Embassy while traveling abroad. Enroll by visiting https://step.state.gov/.
• Be diligent when packing for international travel and review the local laws and special circumstances page to be aware of what you are and are not allowed to bring. You can be detained or arrested for having certain medications or ammunition once you enter another country if it violates their laws, even if by accident. To learn more, visit travel.state.gov/destination.
• If you should have an emergency while traveling overseas, contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. You can find a U.S. Embassy or Consulate by visiting https://www.usembassy.gov/.
• In the event of major weather events, like hurricane season, monitor forecasts closely and have a plan in place. To learn more, visit travel.state.gov/crisis.
If you or a loved one has issues obtaining a passport or problems while traveling abroad, please contact our office at 785-829-9000 or submit a request for assistance at https://www.marshall.senate.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports May 16
Online tool supports local public agencies in addressing pedestrian and cyclist safety
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Lowell Milken Center For Unsung Heroes Newsletter May 2024

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May 2024 Volume 3 |
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Lowell Milken Center Buzzes with Field Trip Excitement |
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This spring, the Lowell Milken Center (LMC) has been a hive of activity. As the school year draws to a close, LMC has become a favored destination for field trips among local schools. Over the past few weeks, we’ve welcomed hundreds of students, teachers, and chaperones, each eager to explore and learn. The center’s vibrant programs and engaging exhibits continue to inspire and educate visitors, making every trip a memorable adventure. |
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Discovery Award Updates |
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Discover Heroes, Win Big: 2024 Discovery Award Competition Now Open! The 2024 Discovery Award Competition has officially launched, presenting an extraordinary opportunity for students in grades 4-12 to win a share of $25,000 in prizes. This competition, sponsored by the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, is designed to encourage young learners to uncover and highlight the stories of unsung heroes who have made a significant impact yet remain largely unrecognized. Competition Details
This is not just a contest; it’s a chance to integrate real-world research and storytelling into your curriculum, making history come alive for students. Encourage your students to participate and possibly win big by exploring the lives and legacies of unsung heroes and role models who have impacted history and shaped our world. For more information and to enter the competition, visit here. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact [email protected] |
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ARTEFFECT Updates |
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The 2024 ARTEFFECT Competition received a record-breaking number of entries! We extend our gratitude to all participating students and their teachers. Awardees will be announced on June 3. Stay tuned! |
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Fellows News and Updates |
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The LMC Fellowship unites top educators for a prestigious, merit-based professional development opportunity with high standards of excellence, output and benefits. Fellows gain knowledge, educational resources and ongoing support to enhance their classrooms and help students cultivate a passion for learning by creating projects that initiate positive change. The LMC Fellowship provides educators with an opportunity to reflect, reenergize and strategize. Fellows receive personal attention from our dedicated team of educational experts and time to network and collaborate with their exemplary peers. The program strengthens educators’ ability to facilitate student ownership over projects and to help their students develop skills in critical thinking, research, analysis and application. Fellows emerge prepared to develop Unsung Heroes projects with their students as they apply and evaluate the stories of role models who have changed the world. |
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“The Lowell Milken Center has connected me with some of the most outstanding teachers from across the United States and the world. These connections push me to be a better teacher. The Discovery Award project has become one of my favorite project-based learning activities to use with students. These projects create connections to people and events in history that have a lasting impact on not only the students that create them but everyone that sees their project.” Lindsey Dowell, LMC Fellow 2017- KS |
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Teacher Appreciation Week was May 6-10,but at the LMC we celebrate teachers everyday! |
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“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” – William Butler Yeats. This year, the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes celebrates our dedicated LMC Fellows and all the remarkable educators worldwide! Discover more about our impactful Fellows program here. |
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LMC News and Updates |
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We were honored to welcome Madison Glidden, the 2023 National Discovery Award-winning student from Taylor, Nebraska, to the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes! She was accompanied by her teacher, Megan Helberg, a 2021 LMC Fellow, and Dan Helberg, a 2021 LMC Fellow, along with Discovery Award project-maker Gracey Rodocker. The group enjoyed a tour of our center and then began the work of contributing to the development of a new exhibit honoring Susan LaFlesche-Picotte. Madison’s award-winning documentary on Dr. LaFlesche-Picotte is a powerful testament to her dedication and passion for recognizing unsung heroes. View the documentary and learn more about Susan LaFlesche-Picotte’s inspiring legacy. |
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April 17th was the unveiling of our new Pavel Weiner exhibit, which recounts his remarkable story of survival at the Terezin Concentration camp through his bond with his roommates. An informative presentation about Terezin by the Executive Director of the Midwest Center for Holocaust Education, Jessica Rockhold, provided many additional details about Pavel’s experience. Pavel and his roommates called themselves “Nesharim,” which in Hebrew translates to “Eagles.” To honor the name of these brave young men, our unique attraction for the day was a visit by Operation Wildlife’s Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle and their handlers. It was easy to see why these majestic birds were chosen to represent the dreams of the boys at Terezin. The attendance for these events was record-setting, and we’re deeply grateful to everyone who joined us in celebrating Pavel, learning about Terezin, and experiencing the spirit of the eagles. The presence and support of our community members truly make these events worthwhile. |
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We invite you to the grand unveiling of our newest exhibits at the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes! Join us on June 26th at 3:00 PM for an inspiring afternoon as we celebrate the stories of two new heroes who have changed the world behind the scenes. Date: June 26 Time: 3:00 PM Location: Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes These exhibits promise to move, inspire, and challenge you. Don’t miss out on the chance to dive into the extraordinary lives of unsung heroes who have made a profound impact. We hope to see you there! |
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KDOT seeks input on EV charging in Kansas
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