K-3 section will close for bridge replacement in Bourbon County
Thursday, May 18, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) plans to start work on a project to replace the Paint Creek bridge on K-3. The bridge is 1½ miles north of the Crawford-Bourbon county line. K-3 will be closed to traffic between K-146 and K-39, with a signed detour on K-47, K-7 and K-39 (see map).
KDOT awarded the construction contract of $1.8 million to Bridges Inc., of Newton. Weather permitting, the new bridge should be open by the end of November.
Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.Kandrive.org, for more highway condition and construction details. Persons with questions may contact Construction Manager Warren Ebberts at (620) 901-6549 or Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen at (620) 902-6433.
Map: www.kandrive.org
Governor Kelly Announces $30 Million in Tourism Grants
TOPEKA –Governor Laura Kelly announced today that $30 million has been awarded to 18 recipients developing and improving tourism sites statewide. Funding was made available through the State Park Revitalization & Investment in Notable Tourism (SPRINT) program launched by the Department of Commerce earlier this year.
“A thriving tourism sector is critical for the Kansas economy,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “These grants enhance attractions that draw visitors to the state and showcase what makes Kansas a great place to live, work, and raise a family.”
The funds were designated by the Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Executive Committee and approved by the State Finance Council to support capital projects that spur regional economic development in the tourism industry, one of the most affected industries by COVID-19.
“Increasing the appeal of our state parks and other tourist attractions will have a notable impact on local communities as well as the entire Kansas economy,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The SPRINT awards support major projects that will attract new visitors across the state.”
Visitor spending, which generates a total annual economic impact of $11.2 billion in Kansas, has yet to return fully to pre-pandemic levels.
“Tourism is an important aspect of the Kansas economy, a sector in which 85,000 Kansans already are employed,” Senate President Ty Masterson said. “From parks to other attractions, Kansas has so much to offer those traveling and seeking to learn more about our state. The SPRINT grants will help ensure they remain vibrant for decades to come.”
SPRINT applications included investments in state parks, museums, convention and visitor bureaus, conference centers, performing arts centers, entertainment venues, and other tourism-focused businesses and tourism agencies. Recipients will use funds towards infrastructure enhancements, renovation and repair of facilities, general construction, public land development, recruitment costs for permanent and semi-permanent exhibits, and costs for national museum affiliation. Awardees will have two years to complete their projects and utilize all awarded funds.
“Our attractions and outdoor recreational opportunities benefit residents and visitors alike,” House Speaker Daniel Hawkins said. “The SPARK Committee wanted to enhance these sites and improve the quality of life in nearby towns and cities.”
To see a list of SPRINT grant awardees and for more information about the program, click here.
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Your Creations are Here: Artificers
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Your Creations are Here!If you’ve taken a class here and made a piece of art come in and take it home today! They would look so good in your cabinet or on your table instead of on a shelf here! |
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Obituary of Leanna Leatherman
Leanne Ruth Leatherman, age 62, resident of Fort Scott, KS, died Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at her home. She was born February 25, 1961, in Fort Scott, the daughter of David and Ruth Whiteside Milburn. Leanne was always a country/farm girl and an avid horse lover throughout her life. She rode with the Young American’s Drill Team. Leanne worked in the family Whiteside’s grocery store throughout her early days. She graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in animal science. Leanne married Mark Leatherman on February 15, 1986, in Fort Scott. She was a lifetime member of the Bourbon County Fair Board and helped many area youth through 4H. Assisting her community was paramount. She enjoyed all crafts including crocheting, sewing, stuffed animals, blankets, and more. She loved spending time with family, especially camping trips, and trout fishing.
Survivors include her husband Mark of the home; a son, Clint Leatherman, and fiancé Jodi Hardin; 4 grandchildren, Caden, Cian, Lukas, and Xabier; brothers and sisters-in-law Tom and Connie Leatherman, Deerfield, MO, and Steve and Debbie Leatherman, Joplin, MO, brother-in-law David Cannon, Louisburg, KS; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a sister-in-law Beth Cannon, and her parents.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Monday, May 15th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Clarksburg Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 Sunday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to either Care to Share or the Bourbon County Fair Board and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Local Children’s Book Author: Maria Whitson
Maria Whitson, rural Garland, is the mother of five children and married to Clayton.
She is also a children’s book author.
The Process
Her journey as an author began with a college assignment to write and illustrate a children’s book.
“That is when the whole series of books called ‘Lessons for the Least’ was birthed,” she said. “But it was a couple years before I wrote down all the ideas for the series.”
She wrote the main content for all the stories while single, assisted by family in refining and editing her writings.
When she started looking for someone to illustrate her books, she looked to family. She worked on one book and sent another to her Aunt Judy Walters to illustrate. Then a second cousin, Zoe Acuna, got involved in the illustrations.
Every time Acuna sent her preview illustrations, “I was so thrilled with her style and ideas,” Whitson said. “We made a small tweaks and then they sat for a while as life got busy.”
About the same time she and her husband were working on a manual for disaster preparedness, for a class on the subject.
They edited that book, then published it, on their own. This began a business called Swift Word Publishing.
“He loves helping others take their written work and getting it into a tangible product,” she said.
With her husbands help, she published her first book Reuben the Rooster in 2020. It is available on Amazon.com and also can be purchased at the Shead Farm Festival, rural Garland, on May 20.
About the Books
The first book, Reuben the Rooster, tells of a courageous rooster who learns the value of standing up for his friends. Children will learn how courage and empathy can help overcome adversity, Maria said.
Currently they have three books in the Lessons from the Least series, with another being published this week.
Each book in this series has a double story, according to Maria. Each young animal’s adventures are encountered with relatable-to-children life lessons. There is also a secondary story unfolding in the illustrations, with directions at the end of each book on how one can uncover the mystery story. The hidden story is there to be discovered as the child is ready. The rhythmic verses, make them an enjoyable read-aloud experience for parents and children.
About The Author
“My husband, kids and I love being in God’s creation,” she said. “We have a passion for growing in our knowledge of the Kingdom of God and how it operates here on earth.”
“Most of my writings are birthed from that passion and I have so many more books in me, waiting on timing,” Whitson said. “There has been many times that the Holy Spirit will give me an idea that takes a while to figure out how to go about writing it and publishing it.”
Her family lives on a small farm close to her parents Larry and Vickie Shead’s farm, where she grew up. They home school their children.
They launched a family business called The Journey Home that is an umbrella for their whole family’s creations, including two of their children
Book publishing, art, jewelry, cast iron accessories, homeschooling, foraging, homesteading, disaster prep, herbal remedies, are some of the interests of the family business.
“The Journey Home name meaning captures our heart,” she said. “Our company is about everything that is centered on the home life and family, but going even deeper it centers on our eternal home (the kingdom of God) and living life in a way that lives that life out now.”
Kansas State University Selected for National Science Foundation Award
Created through the CHIPS and Science Act, K-State Among First Recipients
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today congratulated Kansas State University for being awarded $1 million from the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Regional Innovation Engines program for the Advancing Biosecurity, Biodefense, and Biomanufacturing project.
Established through the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, the NSF’s Regional Innovation Engines project selected 44 teams including universities, nonprofits, businesses and other organizations across the U.S. states and territories to receive a $1 million award. These awards will help organizations create connections and develop their local innovation ecosystem within two years to prepare a strong proposal for becoming a future NSF Engine, where they will have the opportunity to receive up to $160 million.
“Congratulations to K-State University and their team for winning this award and building on the many new significant research and development projects in the Manhattan region,” said Sen. Moran. “This award is part of the national effort created by the CHIPS and Science Act to geographically rebalance federal research and development to universities across the country. K-State has demonstrated that participation in this new program will create jobs, strengthen our nation’s global competitiveness and encourage innovation.”
“These NSF Engines Development Awards lay the foundation for emerging hubs of innovation and potential future NSF Engines,” said NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan. “These awardees are part of the fabric of NSF’s vision to create opportunities everywhere and enable innovation anywhere. They will build robust regional partnerships rooted in scientific and technological innovation in every part of our nation.”
“This will set up a path for more companies to locate and expand in the Greater Manhattan region, creating new jobs, attracting talent and investing in our communities,” said Daryn Soldan, director of economic development, Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce.
“The region of northeast Kansas and northwest Missouri is home to significant activity in the domain of biosecurity, biodefense and biomanufacturing, including academic and government research and the private sector,” said Beth Montelone, senior associate vice president for research at K-State. “Partners in the region aspire to build upon this activity to make northeast Kansas and northwest Missouri a hub of research, education and manufacturing in biosecurity, biodefense and biomanufacturing.”
“Over the next two years, K-State Innovation Partners looks forward to supporting the project by facilitating collaboration among the university, industry and communities through industry engagement, technology commercialization and economic development,” said Rebecca Robinson, president and CEO of K-State Innovation Partners.
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Prepare For Severe Weather With Simple Natural Gas Safety Tips
Prepare For Severe Weather With Simple Natural Gas Safety Tips
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – May 11, 2023 – May is the month in Kansas when the state typically sees its most severe weather, including tornadoes. Kansas Gas Service wants to remind all customers to keep safety in mind before and after a storm.
“Taking steps to protect your natural gas meter is often an afterthought, but it’s important to keep in mind for the safety of yourself and your community, especially during severe weather season,” said Sean Postlethwait, vice president of operations for Kansas Gas Service. “Preparedness is key, and we encourage our customers to join us in taking a few simple steps to plan for any storm.”
Here are some helpful steps to take in preparation for severe weather:
- Check around your natural gas meter and remove any objects that could be blown into the meter by strong winds or pushed into the meter by heavy rain and flooding.
- Remove any branches or other objects above the meter that could fall onto and damage the meter.
Safety should always be a priority, even after severe weather. Here are some important things to remember once the storm passes.
- If you smell natural gas, usually described as a “rotten egg” odor, leave the area immediately, then call 911 and Kansas Gas Service at 888-482-4950. Be sure not to operate any electrical appliances, including light switches.
- If you don’t smell natural gas, still do a maintenance check around your home by checking all gas appliances for damage and chimneys and flues for any fallen objects.
- If you need to remove any fallen tree limbs or uncovered debris, contact 811 to locate underground natural gas pipelines and other utility lines if this requires digging.
- If your natural gas meter was turned off or your service was interrupted during the storm, call the Kansas Gas Service customer service line at 800-794-4780 to restore your service. DO NOT attemptto turn your natural gas meter back on.
Customers can visit KansasGasService.com/safety for year-round safety tips.
About Kansas Gas Service
Kansas Gas Service provides a reliable and affordable energy choice to more than 645,000 customers in Kansas and is the largest natural gas distributor in the state, in terms of customers.
Headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas Gas Service is a division of ONE Gas, Inc. (NYSE: OGS), a 100-percent regulated natural gas utility that trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “OGS.” ONE Gas is included in the S&PMidCap400 Index and is one of the largest natural gas utilities in the United States. For more information and the latest news about Kansas Gas Service, visit kansasgasservice.com and follow its social channels: @KansasGas, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube
Tri-Valley Holds Award Ceremony
On Friday, May 5th, Tri-Valley Developmental Services held their 2023 Award Ceremony celebrating achievements from individuals and community support in Bourbon County. The ceremony took place at 1 pm at the Tri-Valley offices in Fort Scott. Awards were presented to the following:
Business of the Year – Heidrick’s True Value
Employer of the Year – McDonalds of Fort Scott
Achievement Award – Samantha Durossette
Ed Bideau Advocacy Award – LaDonna Thompson from Dollar General
Jennie Masterson Family Award – Carson Felt
TVDS Employee of the Year – Grace Kramer
CEO Award – Brenda Harrison
Entertainment was furnished by the Fort Scott High School Chamber Orchestra. Refreshments were served following the ceremony.
USD234 Board of Ed. Notice of Gathering
Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
www.usd234.org
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent
Date: May 10, 2023
Submitted by Gina Shelton, Board Clerk, USD 234
Notice of Gathering Saturday, May 13, 2023
7:45 p.m.
Fort Scott High School Class of 2023 Graduation
Fort Scott High School
There may be a majority of USD 234 Board Members present at the Fort Scott High School, 1005 S Main, Fort Scott, Kansas, on Saturday, May 13, 2023. Even though a majority may be present, no school district business will be conducted.
Homeless Man Arrested for Vandalism of Eight Businesses
Jesse Dean Frye was arrested on May 8 for vandalism of some businesses, a residence and a vehicle in the early morning hours on that day.
Charges for Frye are theft, a misdemeanor and criminal damage to property, a felony, with bond set at $2,500.
“He was involved in throwing rocks or objects through windows,” Lt. Caleb Bell, with the Fort Scott Police Department said.
“From the info we have, he is believed to be homeless,” Bells said.
“We have identified him in several security surveillance videos.” he said.
Those who were victims of the vandalism are the Lowell Milken Center, Empress Event Center, Iron Star Antiques, Merle Humphrey Photography, City State Bank, Patterson Dental Office, Farmers Insurance and the Jerry Witt residence in downtown Fort Scott.
In addition, a vehicle was vandalized as well.
Norm Conard, director of the Lowell Milken Center on North Main Street in the historic downtown area, said “On our security camera, the man threw a rock, it didn’t break the window. Then he put his feet in our fountain (adjacent to the building), then thew a rock a second time.”
The Witt’s have a residence in the historic district and said that they had some outside decor knocked over and some strewn about.
The next step in the process for Frye is “We will forward all the info to the Bourbon County Attorney’s office, then court proceedings will take place at a later date,” Bell said.
Youth Tractor Safety Training Offered May 23 and 24 in Fort Scott
District Extension Agent, Crop production and Forage Management
Southwind District
210 S. National
Fort Scott, Kansas 66701
Office: 620-223-3720
Cell: 308-991-8415
[email protected]
On May 23 and 24, the Southwind Extension District will be offering a youth tractor safety training at the Cloverleaf Event Center in Fort Scott, Ks. The training will be offered to 14 and 15-year-old youths who wish to be certified to legally operate farm tractors and powered machinery for hire, which would otherwise be illegal under the US Department of Labor’s Hazardous Occupations Order in Agriculture.
The youth tractor safety training will cover topics such as general agriculture safety, tractor and equipment safety, and highway transportation. The two-day event will feature both indoor lectures and agricultural tours from Kansas State Research and Extension staff, industry professionals, and staff from the John Deere Technician Training of the Fort Scott Community College.
The training will run from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm each day. Lunch and snacks will be provided.
Youths can register by calling 620-223-3720. Registration is due by May 19, and study materials can be picked up at Southwind Extension District offices after registration. There is a $10 registration fee, due when study materials are received. Rides will be offered from Southwind Extension District offices in Yates Center, Iola, and Erie each morning