Obituary of Lois Bunn

Lois Ann (Query) Bunn, 83, resident of Hallsville, Missouri, passed away Monday evening, August 26, 2024, at The Stuart House Nursing Home in Centralia, Missouri. She was born on September 8, 1940, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the only child of L.B. “Dick” Query and Ida Mae (Wolf) Query. She married Phillip Ross Bunn in March of 2015 at the Clarksburg Valley Chapel (Clarksburg Church of God Holiness) in Fort Scott, Kansas, and he survives of the home.

 

Lois Ann was passionate about her missionary work and her work as an educator. She spent many years in the mission field from 1968 through 1981, teaching and ministering. She served in the U.S. Virgin Islands in the 70’s and 80’s. She also taught Bible School in Fort Scott. She later focused her efforts on the Clarksburg Church, and she and Phillip served there for many years.

 

In addition to her husband Phillip, Lois Ann is also survived by her step-children, Edlyn Fay Donnovan of Hallsville, Missouri, and Gregory Bunn of Ava, Missouri; three grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren, and many cousins on both the Wolf and Query sides of her family. She was preceded in death by her parents.

 

Rev. Harold Martin and Rev. Kevin Allred will officiate funeral services for Lois Ann at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 31, 2024, at the Clarksburg Valley Chapel under the direction of the Konantz Cheney Funeral Home.

The visitation is at 1:00 p.m. at the church prior to services. Burial will immediately follow funeral services at the Clarksburg Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Clarksburg Valley Chapel and may also be left in the care of the Konantz Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS, 66701. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.

 

Fort Fest 24: Blues Music and More at Riverfront Park on Sept. 27-29

 

The annual Fort Fest is September 27-29 at Riverfront Park on Fort Scott’s North National Avenue.

Blues singers entertain during the Fort Fest 23 event.

The event is an entertainment weekend that features Blues Music and brings in donations for a local cancer survivor group, Care to Share.

Care to Share/ Sharing Bucket is a grassroots volunteer organization providing support to members of the community impacted by cancer, with financial or emotional support, and even driving individuals to and from doctor appointments out of town.

To learn more more about Care to Share: C2S One Page Highlights
Teresa Davenport is the President and can be reached at

(620) 238-0902

Teresa Davenport, president of Care to Share, and Cory Bryars, vice president, hold the organization’s banner in front of the front desk area for the organization at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd.

Music begins at 6 p.m. on September 27 with Two Lane Highway, Linn County; and at 8 p.m. with Tim Hoggard and the Two-Legged Rooster, Jonesboro, AR.

On Saturday, singing starts again with Big Luke and the Soul Disciples at 1 p.m.; Alyssa Galvan, from southwest Missouri at 3 p.m.; Hamilton Loomis from Louisiana and Texas at 5 p.m., and the Divas on Fire from northwest Arkansas at 7 p.m.

In addition, there will be food and art/craft vendors, a corn hole tournament, and an ax throwing area around the park.

“There is also a MUCH IMPROVED Kidz Korner including the train that Lavetta Simmons (one of the founders of Care to Share) used to have at her house, bouncy houses, the petting zoo again, giant jenga games, a cakewalk, face painting, and much much more,” Cory Bryars said.  “We did a poor job last year, and we want the community to know that we are taking huge steps to have a great kid component of the event, We have a dedicated volunteer already rounding everything up and a PLAN!!! Last year we slipped in the kid area, and we would love the community to know that we know it and are correcting it.”

The organizers are asking that no pets be brought to the festival.

Please bring chairs/blankets/bug spray/small coolers for the event and there will be shuttles to the parking areas nearby.

New this year is the addition of another day with a switch of music genre.

“Sunday is a Gospel celebration and car show, Cory Bryars, spokesman for the Care To Share organization

Starting at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, September 29, there will be biscuits with gravy, donuts, coffee, juice, pop, and water available until 1 p.m.

At 1 p.m. the gathering will hear local choir musicians, soloists, and piano musicians along with prayers, a Scripture reading, a speaker and testimonies of cancer survivors interspersed in the event.

The event will end at 2:30  p.m. and the car show will start in the park at 3 p.m.

The car show was Saturday last year, and there was no Sunday activity, Bryars said.

 

 

A small segment of the car show at Fort Fest 23.

Bo Co Commission Holds Special Meeting on August 30

 

 

Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

Bourbon County, Kansas

Brandon Whisenhunt

1st District Commissioner

Jim Harris, Chairman

2nd District Commissioner

Clifton Beth

3rd District Commissioner

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

 

August 30, 2024 9:00 a.m.

 

A special meeting of the Board of Bourbon County Commissioners will be held on Friday, August 30, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. in the Commission meeting room of the Bourbon County Courthouse.

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(2)
  1. Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(1)
  2. Adjourn Meeting

 

 

Executive Session Justifications:

 

KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the

attorney-client relationship.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the

representative(s) of               the body or agency.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual     proprietorships

KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting

would jeopardize such security measures.

 

CFSEK Presents a Free Nonprofit Marketing Workshop

The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK) is hosting a free Nonprofit Marketing Workshop on Thursday, September 19th from 1:00-3:00 p.m. With presentations from Andra Stefanoni, Director of Media Relations at Pittsburg State University, CFSEK is offering this free workshop for nonprofit staff and volunteers to help increase their marketing capacity and skills.

“We are so excited to offer this for our nonprofit partners around the region,” said CFSEK Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Matthew Buck. “Andra Stefanoni has so much experience and insight, and I think it will be really valuable to everyone who attends!”

Some of the topics being discussed are:

  • The four kinds of nonprofit communication and best practices for each
  • How to write a press release that will get noticed by media
  • Storytelling on your own channels and how it can help you advance your organization
  • Communication and promotional tools for your tool kit

 

The free Workshop will take place via Zoom on Thursday, September 19th, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Registration is available online at SoutheastKansas.org/npm24.

For questions or more information,  contact Matt at (620) 231-8897 or at SoutheastKansas.org/Contact/Matthew.

Interested in a Good Read?

The SEKnFind Newsletter
August 2024

We hope you enjoy this newsletter sent as a courtesy to adult patrons of a southeast Kansas library using the SEKnFind catalog.
This selection of titles are NEW at a SEKnFind library and available for a hold.
Need assistance? Your local librarian can show you how!
Happy Reading!

New Fiction

After Oz : a novel
by Gordon McAlpine

Accused of murder after going missing for four days and returning with tales of a fantastical land, a young Dorothy must convince a psychologist of her innocence in 1896 Kansas, in a retelling of The Wizard of Oz.

The best lies : a novel
by David Ellis

Diagnosed a pathological liar with unimaginable skeletons in his family’s closet, crusading attorney Leo Balanoff, when his fingerprints show up on the murder weapon used to kill a ruthless drug dealer, is forced to go undercover for the FBI, finding himself backed into a corner, but has a few more cards left to play.

The perfect son
by Freida McFadden

When a high school girl vanishes from her quiet suburban neighborhood and her teenage son, Liam, was the last one to see her alive, Erika, who has always sensed something dark and disturbed in her seemingly perfect older child, must decide how far she’ll go to protect him. Original.

Five-star Stranger : a novel
by Kat Tang

A New York gig economy worker who makes a living renting himself out as a pretend fiancé, wingman or extra funeral mourner confronts his own longing for connection when a client blurs the line between what’s real and what’s fake.

Zero stars do not recommend : a novel
by M J Wassmer

When the apocalypse plunges the world into darkness during their vacation at an all-inclusive resort, professional underachiever Dan Foster and his girlfriend, as the island falls under martial law, find a way to escape, but Dan has second thoughts about abandoning the burgeoning revolution he might-have-kind-of-sort-of single-handedly started. Original.

The truth according to Ember
by Danica Nava

A Chickasaw woman who can’t catch a break serves up a little white lie that snowballs into much more. A first novel. Original.

Do what Godmother says
by L. S. Stratton

“A dual-timeline psychological thriller about a sinister white patron of Harlem Renaissance artists known as “Godmother” and a contemporary young Black woman who has inherited what may be a cursed painting”

Dungeon crawler Carl
by Matt Dinniman

Join Coast Guard vet Carl and his ex-girlfriend’s cat, Princess Donut, as they try to survive the end of the world—or just get to the next level—in a video game-like, trap-filled fantasy dungeon.

The mercy of gods
by James S. A. Corey

When the Carryx decimate the human population, taking the best and brightest of Anjiin society to serve on their homeworld, Dafyd Alkhor, swept along with them, is forced to compete against the other captive species with extinction as the price of failure.

Burn : a novel
by Peter Heller

Longtime hunting buddies Jess and Storey stumble out of the woods and into a post-apocalyptic Maine after their two-week, off-the-grid moose hunt, forcing them to fight their way home amidst bewildering secessionist violence and a shocking discovery.

The chamber : a novel
by Will Dean

Locked inside a hyperbaric chamber, six experienced saturation divers, when one of them is found dead in his bunk, must always watch one another’s backs and when another diver is discovered unresponsive, they must discover what—or who—is taking them out one by one. Original.

The journey south
by Reavis Z. Wortham

When a friend who’s in jail for murder in a small Oklahoma town needs his help, Texas cowboy Cap Whitlatch, while escorting him through Indian territory, faces bloodthirsty Cherokees, outlaws after the gold in his saddlebags and a marshal hell-bent on bringing every lawbreaker in—dead or alive. Original.

New Audiobooks

Dog Day Afternoon
by David Rosenfelt

A retired lawyer and dog rescue operator investigates after one of his recent adopters is implicated in a mass shooting at his workplace in the latest addition to the series following‘Twas the Bite Before Christmas. Simultaneous.

The Burning
by Linda Castillo

Discovering the charred body of an Amish man, chained to a stake and burned alive, in the woods, newlywed Chief of Police Kate Burkholder, at odds with everyone around her, uncovers a secret legacy that shatters everything she thought she knew about the Amish themselves?—?and her own roots.

The lost coast
by Jonathan Kellerman

PI Clay Edison, when a case of simple fraud explodes into an elaborate con game stretching back decades and involving countless victims, follows the evidence to a tiny town on California’s remote Lost Coast where he discovers the price of truth is higher?—?and deadlier?—?than he ever could’ve imagined.

New Nonfiction

That librarian : the fight against book banning in America
by Amanda Jones

Part memoir, part manifesto, the inspiring story of a Louisiana librarian advocating for inclusivity on the front lines of America’s vicious culture wars. Illustrations.

The Metaverse : Building the Spatial Internet
by Matthew Ball

“In this substantially revised and updated edition of his internationally best-selling book, pioneering theorist and entrepreneur Matthew Ball goes beyond the hype cycle to present a definitive account of the future of the internet. The Metaverse, according to Ball’s industry-shaping definition, is a persistent and interconnected network of 3D virtual worlds that will eventually serve as the gateway to most online experiences and underpin much of the physical world.”

The incorruptibles : a true story of kingpins, crime busters, and the birth of the American underworld
by Dan Slater

Drawn from never-before-seen sources and peopled with unforgettable characters, this epic and often brutal saga of crime and redemption, set in the early 1900s when a strictly off-the-books vice squad called the Incorruptibles waged war on the sin they saw as threatening the future of their New York City community. Illustrations.

What Happy Teachers Do : The Three-step Self-care System to Support You Inside and Outside the Classroom
by Michelle Auton

It’s a cliché but it’s true: teaching is the best job in the world. So why are more teachers leaving the profession than ever before? Thanks to staff shortages, accountability pressures, and heavy workloads, teachers are burning out fast. This raises the question: How do you stay happy and keep teaching?

Light : The Visible Spectrum and Beyond
by Kimberly Arcand

A visual exploration of the power and behavior of light across the entire electromagnetic spectrum reveals how types ranging from radio waves to X-rays affect life on earth and throughout the universe. –Publisher.

Puppy kindergarten : the new science of raising a great dog
by Brian Hare

The New York Times best-selling authors of The Genius of Dogs, to find out what it takes to raise a great dog, enrolled 101 puppies in the Duke Puppy Kindergarten to understand the secrets of the puppy mind to help them grow up to be the best dogs they can be. Illustrations.

What to cook when you don’t feel like cooking
by Caroline Chambers

“With three little boys less than two years apart and a packed schedule as an online creator, Caroline Chambers often doesn’t feel like cooking. Inspired by her wildly popular Substack newsletter of the same name, this book is brimming with efficient recipes that take the guesswork out of dinner-in fact, each one is a complete meal: protein, veg, starch, done! The recipes are organized by the amount of time they take to cook, so whether you have 15 minutes to throw together something or a little bit moretime on your hands, dinnertime is totally doable. On top of that, Caro gives you more ways to choose, so you can search by protein (chicken thighs waiting in the fridge? Make White Chicken Chili. Nothing but beans in the pantry? Cannellini Caprese with Burrata is it!) or mood (Tomato Farrotto is perfect for a cozy craving, and Crunchy Honey Harissa Fish Tacos are an excellent way to show off). Most importantly, these recipes include Caro’s famously extensive swaps, riffs, tips, shortcuts, and more to be sure they work best for you, helping you save money, improvise, and even learn a thing or two”

Chamber of Commerce Coffee Hosted by Tiny Greens and Herbs on August 29

Join us for Chamber Coffee!

Thursday, August 29th, 8am

Hosted by Tiny Greens & Herbs, LLC

Cherri Walrod, Owner

Chamber Coffee will be held in the back room of Common Ground Coffee Co.

12 E. Wall St.

Click here for the Tiny Greens Facebook page.

Click here for the Tiny Greens website.

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Cherri can often be found at the Fort Scott Farmers’ Market which is held thru October, Tuesdays 4-6pm

Saturdays 8am-12pm

Gathering Square Pavilion, Downtown See more details & contact information on Tiny Greens & Herbs below!

Tiny Greens & Herbs, LLC. serves Bourbon County by providing year-round access to locally grown nutrient-packed wellness food. After the Walrod family experienced physical and mental health challenges a few years ago, they were looking for a way to increase nutrients in their diet while reducing exposure to toxic chemicals. Tiny Greens & Herbs, LLC. was born out of the need for their family to have year-round access to nutrient dense produce which is free of pesticides and herbicides.

The Walrod’s envisioned starting a small family business so their special needs children could learn to work, acquire transferable job skills and appreciate meaningful gainful employment. One of their goals is for their young children to be able to learn the business as they work towards a more independent life. Growing nutritious, toxin-free food for their family and their community, while also teaching their children the value of work is a triple-play win in their book. They feel the micro-greens taste amazing and invite everyone to come learn more and have samples this Thursday!

Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information.

Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

fortscott.com

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KS Governor Signs Tax Cuts Package

Governor Kelly Ceremonially Signs
Comprehensive Tax Cuts Package in Olathe


OLATHE
— Governor Laura Kelly today ceremonially signed Senate Bill 1, the bipartisan sustainable tax cuts package, in Olathe. The bill comprehensively cuts Kansans taxes while ensuring the state’s long-term fiscal health.

“Kansans can expect to see meaningful tax cuts and can rest assured they will not threaten our ability to continue fully funding essential services,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This bipartisan bill delivers the tax relief Kansans needed, deserved, and that our state could afford.”

Senate Bill 1, passed with bipartisan support and signed by Governor Kelly in June, provides Kansans with nearly $2 billion in tax cuts over the next 5 years. The bill completely eliminates state taxes on Social Security income, saving Kansas retirees $152 million in the first year alone.

The bill also reduces property taxes by increasing the residential property tax exemption to $75,000. Residential property owners will save more than $236 million over 5 years. Additionally, the bill reduces income taxes while increasing the standard deduction and the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit.

“By responsibly reducing property and income taxes, we’re implementing comprehensive tax cuts that all Kansans will feel the impact of,” said Kansas State Senator Rob Olson, District 23. “I’m proud to have worked with Governor Kelly and lawmakers of both parties to get this bipartisan package across the finish line.”

Announcing the 2024 Lowell Milken Center Discovery Award Finalists

August 28, 2024

Vol. 7

Announcing the

2024 Discovery Award Finalists

The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes Is Pleased To Reveal the 2024 Discovery Award Finalists!

The Discovery Award honors students who bring unsung heroes to the forefront through their documentaries, performances, or websites. These young historians are making an impact by uncovering stories of trailblazers and role models who shaped our world.

LMC News

Last week, we had the opportunity to host a vibrant group of international students from Cottey College at the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes!

These bright young minds from around the globe were deeply engaged as they explored the inspiring stories of Unsung Heroes and discovered how ordinary people have made extraordinary impacts.  Thank you, Cottey College, for this wonderful visit!

Exciting News: Our New Digital Wall is Coming Soon!

The installation of our new interactive video wall featuring ARTEFFECT Projects is happening very soon! This dynamic display will showcase the creativity and dedication of students from around the world who have participated in our ARTEFFECT competition. The video wall will offer an engaging and immersive way to explore these impactful projects, highlighting the artistic talents and social awareness of young individuals committed to making a difference.

Partially funded by a grant from Walmart, this project is a testament to the innovative spirit of our youth and their ability to address important issues through creative expression.

Stay tuned for updates on the installation progress and be among the first to experience the stories behind the art. Get ready to be inspired by the unveiling of this exciting new addition to our museum!

Book Your Group Tour NOW at the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes!

Dive into the incredible stories of history’s Unsung Heroes with a group tour at our museum.

Visitors are raving:

“Truly inspiring—an experience that will change you.”  

“A powerful reminder that one person can change the world.”

 “Our students left ready to make a difference.”

Whether you’re a school group, a community organization, a book club, or a group of friends, this is your chance to explore the lives of remarkable individuals. Fall and winter dates are filling up fast—secure your spot today!

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New USD 234 Teacher: Hay

This is part of a series of new teachers in the Fort Scott School District.

Marilyn Hay, 41, is a new English Teacher at Fort Scott High School.
She graduated from Rich Hill High School in 2001, received an Associate’s Degree from Crowder College in 2017,  and a Bachelor’s Degree from Missouri State University in December 2019.

She taught four years in Rich Hill teaching middle school English.

She is involved in the community as a  member of Nevada Griffons board of directors.

She and husband Eric have five children-Ethan, Connor, Baelynn, Elizabeth-Ann, and Isabella.

What is the best thing about being an educator?

“Watching students learn new things.”What is a challenge?

“Keeping students engaged without the use of technology.”

The Kitchen C & C, Fort Scott, Awarded KS Department of Agriculture Grant

Governor Kelly Announces $5.6M to
Strengthen Food Supply Chain Infrastructure

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that $5.6 million has been awarded for 49 projects to strengthen the middle of Kansas’ food supply chain.

“Kansas’ central location and abundant agriculture production are critical to the nation’s food supply chain,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “By investing in our producers and businesses in this sector, we are strengthening economic growth across the state.”

Through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) program, administered by the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA), eight grants will improve producers’ infrastructure. The other 41 will strengthen the middle of the state’s food supply chain operations.

The projects selected for funding were informed by engagement and outreach with underserved producers to understand the needs of the agriculture supply chain.

“These grants will help Kansas food and farm businesses and other eligible organizations create diverse local and regional market options and more economic opportunities for our Kansas communities,” said Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam. “With this financial support, we will see improvements across the middle of our state’s food supply chain, including increased food processing infrastructure, producer aggregation points, and product storage.”

“Projects funded through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program are building strength and resilience in Kansas’ food system, diversifying agricultural markets, creating new revenue streams for small and mid-sized producers, and providing economic opportunities for local communities,” said USDA Marketing and Regulatory Programs Under Secretary Jenny Lester Moffitt. “USDA is grateful for Kansas’ support strengthening local and regional agricultural supply chains.”

This awarded funding is part of the $420 million available through the federal American Rescue Plan.

A complete list of the 49 projects can be found here.

Click here for more information about the RFSI program at KDA.

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Bourbon County Local News