Obituary of Shirley Doty
Shirley Mae Andrews Doty, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great great grandmother passed away Friday, December 1, 2023, in Fort Scott, KS. She was 84 years old.
Shirley grew up in Arma, KS. She married Orval in August 1960. The fall of 1966, Shirley started college at Fort Scott Community College. After graduation, Shirley attended Pittsburg State University. She graduated with a major in Education in 1971. Shirley taught Kindergarten in Lansing, KS for one year. She then taught Kindergarten at Sunflower Elementary, DeSoto, and then moved to teaching Second grade at DeSoto Elementary. She retired after teaching 33 years. Shirley then joined Orval and lived in Fort Scott the remainder of her life.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Orval, her parents, Harold Andrews and Mary Endicott Jones, a sister, Betty Andrews Holland, and an infant son, Terry Wayne Colvin.
She is survived by her children; Jacque Doty, Ft Scott, Orval Doty (Teresa), Blue Mound, David Doty, DeSoto, Susan Plummer, (Dave) DeSoto, John Doty Ft Scott; her grandchildren, Brooke Crossley, Brad Crossley (Emma), Brittany Kibel, Amy Reynolds (Wally), William Doty (Andrea), Kristina Lohmyer (Eric), Amanda Plummer, Dylan Doty; her great grandchildren, Amy, Cameron, Kimber, Tristan, Kaylee, Madaline, Julia, Lucas, Adeline, Emma, Chase, Peyton, Brady; and her great great granddaughter, Luna. She also leaves behind her sister, Josie Harris Stilwell Ok and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family who will miss her very much.
There was cremation. Memorial services will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, December 16th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Interment will take place at a later date in the U. S. National Cemetery, Fort Scott. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Sen. Moran Introduces Legislation to Expand Rural Emergency Hospital Designation
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today introduced the Rural Emergency Hospital Adjustment Act that would allow previously closed rural hospitals to potentially re-open and apply for the Rural Emergency Hospital designation if they can demonstrate they met all eligibility requirements between Jan. 1, 2015 and Dec. 27, 2020.
The REH designation was created as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 to enable certain hospitals to convert to the new Medicare provider designation, which helps rural hospitals to continue operating with limited services rather than closing. Currently, hospitals are only eligible for the designation if they met the requirements when the legislation was signed into law on Dec. 27, 2020.
“Access to outpatient and emergency services often determines if a rural community can survive,” said Sen. Moran. “More than 100 rural hospitals have closed since 2015, and this legislation will allow these hospitals an opportunity to re-open and serve their communities.”
The Rural Emergency Hospital Adjustment Act would extend the eligibility date back to Jan. 1, 2015, for hospitals that were either critical access hospitals or rural hospitals with no more than 50 beds.
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Lowell Milken Center Participating in the 35th Annual Toybox Campaign
The Lowell Milken Center has joined the 35th Annual Toybox campaign which runs through December 12. It is one of the 4-States’ largest toy drives to benefit underprivileged children in Southeast Kansas, Southwest Missouri, and Northeast Oklahoma. KOAM News Now, Salvation Army and many other community service organizations and businesses have organized this worthwhile endeavor.
In Fort Scott, new, unwrapped toys for children birth through 16 years of age may be dropped off during regular business hours at the Lowell Milken Center at 1 South Main. (The Lowell Milken Center is open from 10 am–5 pm, M-F, and 10 am–4 pm on Saturdays.) The toys will be distributed through Compassionate Ministries/Salvation Army here in Bourbon County.
Toybox Tuesday Telethons will be conducted during the Noon, 5:00, 6:00, and 9:00 pm newscasts on KOAM and FOX14 and its KOAM+ streaming platforms. Dates for the telethons are November 28, December 5, and December 12. Viewers have the opportunity to make a tax-deductible financial contribution to support Toybox during the telethons. All monies raised are used to purchase new toys and gifts.
Additional information can be found at http://koamnewsnow.com/Toybox.
Memorial Service for Wilma Graham is December 9
Wilma Kay Graham, age 77, a resident of Redfield, Kansas, passed away Sunday, November 12, 2023, at her home in Redfield. There was cremation.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, December 9th, at the Redfield United Methodist Church.
Memorials are suggested to the Redfield Ruritan 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.
Uniontown Ruritan Organizing Christmas Wreath Laying at Uniontown Cemetery
The Inaugural Christmas on the Bricks: An Enjoyable Weekend
Diane Striler said she is overwhelmed by the positive feedback she has received from the community about the Christmas on the Bricks Festival this past weekend.
Striler was the Elevate Fort Scott Christmas Chairman who facilitated the first annual event.
First Ever Christmas on the Bricks: Something For Everyone
“While planning this event, my goal was to have a variety of activities available throughout the weekend so everyone could find something they would enjoy doing,” she said. “I wasn’t sure how things would fall into place, but was just hoping that people would show up and have a good time.”
“The best part for me is hearing that businesses profited, the community had fun, people traveled to attend the event, our downtown looks beautiful and people are already talking about next year,” she said.
There were some challenges to creating the event.
“Any time you plan something like this, you will run into some challenges,” she said.
Even though the weather was cold and damp, “People still showed up,” she said. “As for other challenges, I did a lot of praying and things just seemed to fall into place.”
” Lindsay Madison…was my main sidekick in this and I couldn’t have done this without her,” Striler said.
“We are compiling a list of people we want to thank, and we don’t want to miss anyone who supported us,” she said. “We’ll be publishing the list once we have that complete.”
The committee is planning a wrap-up meeting at the Chamber office this Friday from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
“We welcome feedback from those involved,” she said. “We’ll use this info to tweak next year’s event to make it even better!”
Next year Christmas on the Bricks will be Dec 6- 8th, staying consistent with the first weekend in December.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports December 5
Chamber Coffee Hosted by Compassionate Ministries on December 7
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U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter
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Remembering Harold Stones
I was saddened by the news of Harold Stones passing on Thursday. Harold was an exceptional Kansan. He was a representative for bankers across Kansas and a true public servant, who never shied away from hard work and was dedicated to making Kansas a great state. He was always present – offering a helping hand, showing leadership, working to solve problems – and always treating others with care and compassion. I enjoyed talking with Harold and was encouraged by his constant optimism. Robba and I are praying for his loved ones, and he will be dearly missed.
You can read more about Harold here.
Recognizing Leawood Mayor Peggy Dunn
This week, I spoke on the Senate floor to honor retiring Mayor Peggy Dunn. Leawood Mayor Peggy Dunn has been serving as mayor since 1997 and contributed greatly to the Leawood community. Through her leadership, new shopping centers, religious buildings, fire stations, parks and recreational centers have been developed and bring beauty and life to the area. I congratulate Peggy on her retirement and wish her the best in the future.
You can watch my floor remarks for Mayor Peggy Dunn here.
Recognizing Lenexa Mayor Michael Boehm
Lenexa Mayor Michael Boehm is the longest-serving Mayor in Lenexa’s history. During his time as mayor, Lenexa grew exponentially both residentially and economically with nearly 20,000 new residents and the development of a new downtown district known as City Place. Congratulations to Mike on his retirement, and I look forward to seeing what this next chapter holds for him.
You can watch my floor remarks for Mayor Mike Boehm here.
Celebrating 4 Years of Space Force
This week, I attended the 4th Anniversary celebration of the U.S. Space Force and engaged in discussions with the Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall and General Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations. I had the opportunity to talk with Air Force Secretary Kendall about the strategic significance of the B-21 Raider. Contributions to a major weapon system such as the B-21 underscores Kansas’ vital contributions to national defense initiatives. I also talked with General Saltzman about the establishment of the Space National Guard. I highlighted my support for the Space National Guard Establishment Act, which proposes the formation of a Space National Guard in the seven states and one territory who already have Air National Guardsmen currently performing space missions.
As a Space Force Caucus Co-Chair, I will continue advocating for the Space Force and all our military services, ensuring they are adequately resourced to meet the national security objectives of the United States.
Visits Across Kansas
Osage City High School
On Friday, I had the opportunity to tour Osage City High School. I was encouraged by the staff’s dedication to their students and the opportunities students have to pursue their many and varied interests. Thank you to Superintendent Ted Hessong and the staff and students for giving me a tour.
Council Grove Chamber of Commerce
Later on Friday, I visited the Council Grove Chamber of Commerce. I was able to meet with members and leaders of the community and discuss the Farm Bill, securing the Southern Border, and funding to Ukraine and Israel. Thank you to the Council Grove Chamber of Commerce for hosting me at their Trade and Tourism Association Annual Meeting.
Commanding General’s Holiday Reception
On Friday evening, I attended the First Infantry Division Commanding General’s Holiday Reception at Fort Riley. This event was attended by numerous community leaders who work tirelessly to support Fort Riley, its soldiers and their families. This reception was also a reminder that even in the absence of U.S. involvement in war, servicemembers and their families continue to sacrifice to protect our freedoms.
Please be thinking of the soldiers and families of the 1st Infantry Division Combat Aviation Brigade, which is currently deployed to Europe and will be separated from their loved ones during this Christmas season. Thank you to Major General Meyer for hosting myself and the Fort Riley community for this special event.
Minutes of the Bourbon County Commission for November 27
November 27, 2023 Monday, 5:30 p.m.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the Deputy County Clerk present.
Clint Walker, Patty Ropp, Mary Pemberton, and Jason Silvers were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim Harris opened the meeting with the flag salute followed by a prayer led by Nelson Blythe.
Nelson made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 11/13/23. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
Clint Walker talked about the process of the canvass committee after an election and spoke of the process of how provisional ballots are counted. Mr. Walker spoke about a program he heard about on the radio that is for rural communities. Mary Pemberton spoke about the ER situation and questioned stationing an ambulance in the western part of the county and suggested expanding the ambulance service.
Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, says Eagle Road from 69 Highway to 230th Street is now complete and the road is open. Eric stated they have had to rent a rubber tire roller for their chip and seal program and he has located a rubber tire roller for sale for $19,900. Eric stated that he could purchase for 36 months with 0% interest which would work with his budget. Eric said last year they rented a roller for a total of $6873.55. Eric said he has looked at used rubber tire rollers on Purple Wave but they have all sold for over $20,000. The rubber tire roller is a 2018, has 1578 hours, and is being sold by Berry Tractor. Jim stated it is very good price a no-brainer since our payment would be approximately what we have spent renting a roller. Eric stated he needs approval since it would be purchased with a contract. Clifton made a motion to allow Eric to enter into a contract for 0% interest for 36 months for a Bomag 9Wl roller for $19,900. Jim seconded the motion and all approved. Eric said they are clearing overburden at Shepard Quarry for a blast. Eric presented a contract for the first engineering phase with Schwab Eaton for bridge 5.0-S.9 for the grant received from KDOT. Eric stated they would have to pay a total of $74,000 in match for the project of $916,000. Clifton made a motion to enter into a contract for engineering services for project # 5.0-S.9. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Eric stated the motor graders have been delivered and the company will be here tomorrow to do some training on them. Eric asked permission to sell unit #9 and unit #36 on Purple Wave as those are the machines that are being replaced. Clifton made a motion to allow Eric #9 and #36 from the road grader fleet on Purple Wave to be sold. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Eric said they have plows and spreaders installed and the salt storage building is full in anticipation of winter weather. Jim asked if they still plan on applying brine and Eric said yes, but the conditions have to be right and if rain is in the forecast first they cannot. Eric informed Nelson that he spoke with the gentleman that Nelson requested him to at the previous meeting.
Amber Page, Deputy Clerk, stated Jennifer was ill and could not be here tonight. The Kansas Association of Counties meeting is next week, December 5-7, in Wichita and Amber questioned if the Commissioners still plan on having a meeting Monday evening. Jim stated he would like to have a meeting that night to have a budget amendment discussion. It was discussed and decided a meeting will be held next week as regularly scheduled.
During Commission comments Jim asked Susan and Justin into the meeting and said it was just one Commissioner speaking and that he would then get input from the other two. Jim stated that in the past Justin has worked on the handbook and then Susan worked on the handbook and that it seems like there has not been cooperation with elected officials on input for whatever reason and he said, as only one Commissioner speaking, that it is time to finish the employee handbook to meet what we need for the employees the Commissioners are in charge of or everybody, whatever the law says. Jim said this protects employees and us if we have any problems. Nelson said he would like to make it as simple as possible so that any employee can read and understand in 20 minutes. All three Commissioners agreed to finish the employee handbook. Jim said the City of Fort Scott has invited the County to a luncheon on December 8th. Susan said the county holiday dinner is on December 8th.
Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 5:53. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________, Commissioner
ATTEST: ___________________, Commissioner
Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk
12-4-2023 Approved Date
Sign-Up For A 2024 Chamber of Commerce Coffee Event
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