Connie Sue Raymond, age 63, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at her home. She was born November 10, 1960, in Paola, Kansas, the daughter of Jess Warren Edwards and Shirley Jean Thatcher Edwards. She married David Hayes on June 10, 2008, in Ft. Scott.
Connie was disabled due to a car accident she had as a youth. This same accident took the lives of her mother and older brother. She was a woman of faith and was proud of her Cherokee heritage. Connie enjoyed crocheting and spending time on her computer. She was currently doing an online Bible study.
Survivors include her husband, David Hayes of the home. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers.
There was cremation and no services are planned at this time. Memorials are suggested to the Connie Raymond Memorial Fund 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.
Adelynn Nolan; Stewart Davenport; Caitlynn Tate; John Ravenscraft; Kellen Pool; Sypher Cannon
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HERE:
TROUPE
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7365
SHINES
AT
FESTIVAL!
CHAMBER
COFFEE
AT
FSHS
ON
FEBRUARY
8TH!
(facilitated by Lead Student Support Coordinator Lewis Dunkeson with SparkWheel)
A Message from Sparkwheel’s Lewis Dunkeson
Hey Friends,
We hope this message finds you well as we gear up for the new semester! With fresh challenges and exciting support initiatives on the horizon, we continue to work together in identifying students who might benefit from an extra boost in the right direction.
As we navigate the sometimes unpredictable winter weather, let’s remain optimistic that the worst of it is behind us, and we can look forward to a month filled with focused and productive schoolwork.
In the spirit of student engagement, we’re thrilled to announce that Future Now Finance (FNF) for all the Freshman class is scheduled for February 28th. If you’re interested in having any of your non-Freshman classes participate, please reach out to us for further details.
Additionally, we’re excited to share that mentoring opportunities are underway through collaboration with the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce. The focus is on College and Career, providing valuable insights and guidance to our students as they explore their future paths.
Let’s make this semester one filled with achievement, growth, and memorable experiences for our students!
Be the Spark!!
Lewis Dunkeson
SparkWheel
Lead Student Support Coordinator
Fort Scott High School
402-212-9826
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HERE:
COLLEGE
SCHOLARSHIP
INFORMATION!
The above link connects applicants to needed college scholarship information and is updated daily. Please note when applications are due as many deadlines are quickly approaching!
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HERE:
FSHS
PARENT-STUDENT
HANDBOOK!
From the 2023-24 FSHS Parent-Student Handbook…
Parents/guardians are asked to call the office whenever a student is absent (speak only with an adult). If parents make no contact with the office, the absence is considered unexcused (after 48 hours). Students with unexcused absences will not be allowed into class without an admission slip from the office. In addition, students with unexcused absences are subject to disciplinary action, as well as notification to the county attorney. Students who miss school may be asked to present documentation, i.e., doctor’s note, etc.
The Winter Homecoming Basketball game is Friday, February 16th, with the Tigers hosting the Pittsburg Purple Dragons. Games begin at 4:30 p.m. Winter Formal/Homecoming Dance is Saturday night, February 17th. It from 7 p.m. until 10 pm. at FSHS, admission is $5 per student and there will be professional photographer offering photo packages.
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HERE:
SENIOR
WRESTLERS
VISIT
WINFIELD
SCOTT!
Click photo below to play news video.
Fort Scott wins Cannonball Clash 42-36 over Frontenac
The Tigers win a hard-fought dual at Frontenac.
launch koamnewsnow.com
STRIKE
UP
THE
BAND!
A PUBLIC PERFORMANCE BY THE FSHS JAZZ BAND
under the direction of Justin Robinson
During the Tiger basketball games on Friday, February 23rd, Tiger Seniors in Basketball,
Band, Cheer, Dance, Powerlifting and their parents will be honored.
We look forward to seeing you at Fort Scott High School for
Senior Night!
FSHS
FFA
CHAPTER
HOSTS
ANNUAL
BLOOD
DRIVE!
Information about Caps and Gowns…
Here are the links (in blue) to order caps and gowns:
Cap and gown unit with custom 2024 stole and tassel.
There are 6 choices of tassel ranging from $8 to $15.
COME
ONE,
COME
ALL!
FSHS
TO
ADMINISTER
THE
ACT
ON
FEBRUARY
27TH
All Juniors will have the opportunity to take the ACT for FREE the morning of Tuesday, February 27th. The test will be held in the FSHS Aux Gym and should last until lunchtime.
Students that complete the test will be excused the rest of the day.
The vote here sign sits in front of the north wing of the Bourbon County Courthouse, 210 S. National.
Bourbon County Clerk Jennifer Hawkins spoke to the commissioners on January 23 about the upcoming Presidential Preference Primary election on March 19.
Hawkins stated the last day to register to vote will be February 19th. Early voting will begin at the courthouse on March 11 and run until noon on March 18. On March 19 residents will be able to vote at their normal polling place.
Unaffiliated voters will not be able to vote in this election, Hawkins said. “They would have to register to be a Democrat or Republican, but they can affiliate up until election day. They can re-register as an independent after the election.”
Commissioner Clifton Beth asked who will be paying for this election and Hawkins said the State will be reimbursing the County for what they consider hard-costs such as ballots, building rent, and personnel costs.
Bourbon County Clerk Jennifer Hawkins. Submitted photo.
The following is from the Kansas Secretary of State’s website about the election:
What is a Presidential Preference Primary?
A presidential preference primary takes an act by the Kansas legislature to be conducted. The enactment takes the responsibility from the two state parties (Republican and Democrat) in Kansas from conducting a caucus, and instead, having the state of Kansas conduct a primary election. It is a “preference” primary because it is an election where the vote totals are given to a political party to allocate delegates to candidates at the national convention. This is not a primary where the voters selected the party candidate.
What is the History of Presidential Preference Primary in Kansas?
In Kansas, it is a function of the state political parties to allocate delegates to presidential candidates at each party’s national convention to select each party’s presidential nominee. Such delegates are chosen via caucus or convention by the political parties. This year, the state legislature decided to resurrect the state-run presidential preference primary, which had only been used in Kansas in 1980 and 1992.
When is the Election?
The Republican and Democratic parties can have a state-run primary election on March 19, 2024. However, either party may opt out of participating in the primary by notifying the Secretary of State on or before December 1, 2023.
Who is on the Ballot?
Presidential candidates must file their candidacy with the Secretary of State 60 days before the election (12:00 p.m. January 19, 2024). Candidates must either pay a $10,000 filing fee or present a petition with 5,000 signatures of registered Kansas voters of the applicable political party.
What Voters Can Participate?
Each political party must notify the Secretary of State in writing on or before January 16, 2024, as to who may vote in the party’s primary election.
Where is my Polling Location?
Like other elections, the county election office will determine where the voting locations are held. Advance voting by mail and advance voting in person are also an option. You will vote at your regular polling place unless you receive a notification by mail from your county election office. You may also verify your polling location on the VoterView website.
Eight Candidates File for the Kansas Presidential Preference Primary
Friday, January 19, 2024
TOPEKA – Secretary of State Scott Schwab announced that eight candidates, four Democrats and four Republicans, met today’s filing deadline for the state’s Presidential Preference Primary. The preference primary will be held on March 19. Candidates were required to pay a $10,000 filing fee and submit notarized paperwork with the Kansas Secretary of State’s office.
The Democrat filed candidates are:
Dean Phillips
Jason Michael Palmer
Joseph R Biden Jr.
Marianne Williamson
The Republican filed candidates are:
Donald J. Trump
Nikki R. Haley
Ron DeSantis
Ryan L. Binkley
“I am pleased to have four candidates from each major political party file with our office,” Schwab said. “I encourage Kansans to get out and vote in this historic election.”
As a reminder, the deadline to register or update voter registration is February 20 to participate in the preference primary.
In accordance with K.S.A. 25-4503(d), the Secretary of State’s office conducted the random selection of the ballot order for both political parties on January 22, at the Memorial Hall Auditorium in Topeka.
In addition to the ballot order selected by the Office, each ballot will have four candidate names, as well as a “none of the names shown” option. To learn more about this one-time Presidential Preference Primary visit VoteKansas.gov.
UNIONTOWN UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 235
Uniontown, Kansas 66779
Regular Meeting 8 JANUARY 2024
The Board of Education of Uniontown Unified School District 235, State of Kansas, met in regular session on Monday, January 8, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. in the BOE Meeting Room in Uniontown, Kansas.
Board members present: Mike Mason,Tyler Martin, Brian Stewart, Troy Couchman, Seth Martin, Rhonda Hoener and Matt Kelly
Others present for all or portions of the meeting: Vance Eden, Sherri Hartman, Robert Onelio, Tammy Townsend, Scott Sutton, and Tim Endicott
President Mason called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Mason then led the group in the flag salute and welcomed the new members.
Superintendent Eden read the District Mission Statement.
T Martin, seconded by Stewart, made a motion to approve the agenda with change of STRIKE Information Item B: Sparkwheel update.
Motion passed 7-0.
T Martin, seconded by Stewart, made a motion to approve the minutes of the December 11, 2023 Regular meeting and the December 18, 2023 Special Meeting Minutes.
Motion passed 7-0.
Martin, seconded by Hoener, made a motion to approve the consent agenda.
Motion passed 7-0.
A. Pay bills in the amount of $337,912.65.
B. Approve Treasurer’s Report for December 2023.
No patron addressed the Board.
Principal Onelio gave an oral report to the board.
Superintendent Eden gave written and oral reports to the Board on the Walking Trail, KASB Policy review, Strategic plan update, Graduation on May 5, 2024 at 2:00 p.m, and a Capital Project Grant update.
Hoener, seconded by Stewart, made a motion to approve the KASB Policy updates.
Motion passed 7-0.
T Martin, seconded by S Martin, made a motion to go into executive session to discuss an individual employee’s performance pursuant to non-elected personnel exception under KOMA, and the open
meeting will resume at 9:15 p.m.
Motion passed 7-0.
Into Executive Session at 9:00 p.m.
Eden was invited into session.
Out of Executive Session at 9:15 p.m.
T Martin, seconded by Kelly, made a motion to accept the resignation of Luke Davis as UJHS Math Teacher effective 12/31/2023.
Motion passed 7-0.
T Martin, seconded by Couchman, made a motion to approve Schotze Griffiths as a cook.
Motion passed 7-0.
T Martin, seconded by Stewart, made a motion to approve Heather Tarwater as a vehicle driver.
Motion passed 7-0.
T Martin, seconded by Couchman, made a motion to accept the resignation of Bugs George effective March 15, 2024.
Motion passed 7-0.
T Martin, seconded by Kelly, made a motion to approve Jacy Walker as Elementary teacher. Motion passed 7-0.
Martin, seconded by Stewart, made a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Motion passed 7-0.
Meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m.
Date minutes approved ______________________
______________________________
President, Board of Education
__________________________________
Attested: Clerk, Board of Education
The next Regular board meeting is Monday, February 12, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces a Love Local Chocolate Crawl shopping event which will take place on Saturday, February 10th. Most stores in the Downtown Historic District and several additional locations will be participating in the fun.
Customers are invited to shop local retailers while sampling a variety of chocolate treats along the way, and many will also be offering drawings and promotions. Locations included in the event will have a Chocolate Crawl poster and red and white balloons displayed at their entrance.
The Chamber encourages the community to shop local, love local and join the Chocolate Crawl on February 10th to celebrate Valentine’s Day. “You can’t buy love, but you can buy local!”
Contact the Chamber for more information at 620-223-3566.
The January meeting of the Starlite FCE was held at the Presbyterian Village meeting room. Vice President Joyce Allen called the meeting to order and led the Club in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Club Collect.
Thirteen member and two guests were in attendance. The members reported that they had volunteered eighteen hours and had recycled ten pounds. The meeting of the previous meeting was read and approved. Doris Ericson presented the treasurer’s report. Doris reported that the club members had donated $160 to Preferred Living and that she had forwarded the money along with $80 donated by others. Doris Moved that the Club purchase our Wreaths across America this month since you can get two for the price of one. Deb Lust seconded the motion, motion carried.
Karen Peery presented some coloring books she had from the American Legion that we may use for our Citizenship project. Terri Williams was going to inquire if we could reproduce them and report at the next meeting. Letha Johnson moved that the meeting be adjourned, Deb Lust seconded the motion, motion carried, meeting adjourned.
After the meeting Claudia Wheeler and Ida Ford presented the lesson on Operation Christmas Child along with the help of Donna Burschell. Claudia and Donna had recently traveled to North Caroline to help with the packing and shipping of the Shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child. The club received many tips and ideas of items to make and pack.
Refreshments of Sunflower cupcakes, mints, coffee and water was provided by Betty Johnson and Joyce Allen and enjoyed by all.
In this 3-hour class, you will learn the basics of bobbin lace while creating a leaf motif suitable for use as a pin or pendant. Learn a little from the past and Sally Brandon! Use of bobbins and pillow included for class. These can be purchased at the end of class if you’d like to.
This is a 2-hour class taught by Master-Artist Sally Brandon! Bring small found objects: buttons, small heirloom pieces, clasps etc, or use some provided, and we’ll get creative weaving in or around the objects to create a piece of unique custom jewelry! Tag your Crafty Friends!!
Come in the studio and make your unique conversation heart dish just in time for Valentine’s Day! Use them as a special gift or something just for you!!
returning Master Artist Phillip Ortiz is teaching another amazing watercolor with pen and ink Class, learn how to work different media types and have a blast!
Kansas Department of Revenue Announces Launch of Online Portal for Property Value Information
TOPEKA – Today, the Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR), in partnership with Tyler Technologies, announced the launch of Assessment Connect, a new application that will allow KDOR’s Property Valuation Division to access statewide property appraisal data and provide improved analytical tools for county appraisers. In addition, the project will feature the Kansas Property Valuation Division Data Portal, an open data, public facing website with up-to-date and easily accessible property value information.
The launch of Assessment Connect is part of the KDOR’s ongoing efforts to streamline the property appraisal process and increase transparency and accountability. By making this data available to the public, KDOR hopes to empower citizens to make informed decisions about their property and their community.
“We’re excited to launch this new site and provide Kansans with easy access to important property valuation data,“ said David Harper, KDOR Property Valuation Division Director. “We believe that transparency is key to building trust between government and citizens, and this site is an important step in that direction.”
The open data portal of Assessment Connect will feature appraised value data on all property types from every county in Kansas. Kansans will be able to view the most up-to-date data in easily readable charts and graphs.
Assessment Connect was funded by a grant from the Information Network of Kansas (INK).
Susan Elaine McClure, age 72, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, went home to her Heavenly Father on Tuesday, January 30, 2024. Susan was born to Raymond Roy Bassett and Virginia Bassett on April 21, 1951. As a young girl, Susan enjoyed playing softball where she played first base. She was a good seamstress and loved to sew. As much as she loved to sew, she hated to dust and was often teased about it by her sister. Susan graduated high school in 1969. She married Kenneth Ray McClure on June 26, 1970. To this union, three children were born, Bryan, Aimee and Amber. One of Susan’s joys was attending as many of her grandchildren’s school activities as possible. She could be seen sitting in the stands at football, basketball and even wrestling events. Susan was also an avid collector of the Pillsbury Dough Boy. Susan loved getting out and having an occasional girl’s day with her sister. The day usually included a manicure and pedicure, visiting flea markets, and enjoying a piece of pie. Everyone who knew her knew how much she loved God. Susan was known for her card ministry and collecting magazines to give to the shut-ins. Susan was looking forward to attending her granddaughter’s wedding in August and her other two granddaughters’ graduations in May.
Survivors include a son, Bryan McClure of the home; two daughters, Aimee McClure of Ft. Scott and Amber Goodbody and husband, Ryan, also of Ft. Scott; one sister, Nancy Orton and husband, Mike, of Joplin, Missouri; daughter-in-law, Debbie McClure of Ft. Scott and numerous nieces and nephews. Also surviving are six grandchildren, Macayla, Emma and fiancé, Jeremiah, Brittany, Skyler, KW and Tristen.
She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, two brothers and a grandchild.
Rev. Dusty Drake will conduct funeral services at 10:00 A.M. Friday, February 2nd at the Community Christian Church.
A graveside service will be held at 2:30 P.M. Friday at the Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery in Joplin, Missouri.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Thursday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to the American Stroke Association 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
