DEATH NOTICE
James Lee “Jim” Scott, age 79, formerly of Fort Scott, KS and more recently of Excelsior, MN passed away Monday, November 24, 2025, at the Ridgeview Medical Center in Waconia, MN. Services for Jim Scott will be announced by the Cheney Witt Chapel.
As temperatures drop and heating systems begin to
work overtime, Kansas Gas Service encourages customers to take proactive steps to keep families
safe, and homes heated efficiently throughout winter.
“Winter preparation is essential for both safety and comfort,” said Lisa Holleron, Vice President of
Operations at Kansas Gas Service. “Taking time now to winterize your home and maintain your
natural gas appliances can prioritize safety and potentially reduce energy costs all season long.”
Tips for a Safe and Warm Winter:
• Install and Test Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Place detectors on every level of
your home, especially near sleeping areas. Test monthly and replace batteries twice a
year.
• Schedule Appliance Inspections: Have a qualified technician inspect your natural
gas furnace, water heater and other gas appliances before the cold sets in.
• Seal and Insulate: Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal air leaks and add
insulation to attics and crawl spaces.
• Smart Thermostat Settings: Keep your home at 68–70°F during the day and lower
at night to save energy.
• Know the Signs of a Gas Leak: If you smell rotten eggs or hear a hissing sound,
leave immediately and call 911 and Kansas Gas Service at 888-482-4950.
Were Here to Help
Kansas Gas Service offers various programs to help customers manage winter heating costs,
including payment arrangements. More information is available at kansasgasservice.com/cares.
For more information about winter safety and energy efficiency tips, visit
www.kansasgasservice.com.
About Kansas Gas Service
Kansas Gas Service provides a reliable and affordable energy choice to more than 647,000 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&P MidCap 400 Index and is one of the largest natural gas utilities in the United States.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
FROM THE BLEACHERS-736
BY DR. JACK WELCH
Aim for the Stars, Even If You Miss
As I was visiting with my friend David Bailiff last week, we started talking about energy in the workplace, specifically the kind that employees bring to their jobs and the expectations leaders place on them. Do employers truly want people who think creatively and go above and beyond, or do they only want individuals who follow the job description word for word?
David and I agreed: any employer would rather have employees you have to pull down out of the stars than those you have to kick in the tail just to get out of the chair. We’ve all heard the sayings: “Aim for the stars and you might reach the moon,” and the opposite, “Shoot low, Sheriff, I’m riding a Shetland.” Both philosophies exist in the workplace. One pushes people to innovate; the other encourages them to play it safe and avoid taking chances. The mindset employees adopt has everything to do with the culture employers create. Here’s the truth: playing it safe has never produced greatness.
Some employees make very few mistakes but never do anything extraordinary. Others slip up occasionally but bring creativity and fresh ideas. When both can handle the basic expectations of the job, any wise employer chooses the one who takes initiative, even if it means they fail sometimes. Failure is often proof that someone is trying.
At the same time, employers must lead with vision. They must evaluate what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to change. When results lag, doing the same thing over and over leads to stagnation. Progress requires new direction, calculated risks, and the courage to break old patterns.
I once served as a junior college head football coach and will never forget a conversation with one of my sophomore players. He shared his big goals, becoming All-Conference and earning a major college scholarship. At the time, he was a second-team guard. I told him his chances were slim, but encouraged him to work hard for his goals. He did much more than that.
When he returned for fall camp, he whipped every defensive lineman on our team. He earned the starting job, became All-Conference, and signed with a four-year university. What I later learned is that he had been discouraged after our meeting, but his position coach, Tracy Welch, talked to him and said, “Coach told you where you are, not what you can be. If you want those goals, shoot for the stars, and work to accomplish your dream.”
That’s exactly what he did. This is the kind of drive employees need and the kind of belief employers must cultivate. Let’s not limit each other by focusing on obstacles. Excellence requires effort, risk, and vision, from both sides of the relationship.
Thought for the week, “Greatness never comes from comfort. Aim high, take risks, and encourage others to do the same. Even if you miss the mark, the climb will make you stronger.” Joe Welch, Assistant Superintendent of Schools, Kingsville I.S.D.
Dr. Jack Welch serves as President of Fort Scott Community College. With a career spanning professional sports, public education, and rural community development, he brings a servant-leader mindset and a passion for building trust-driven cultures that empower people to thrive in the classroom, on the field, and in life. He is also the author of Foundations of Coaching: The Total Coaching Manual.
Keys to the Kingdom
By Carolyn Tucker
Horses Peck?
We’re all familiar with the term, “pecking order” which originated from a zoologist’s study of social hierarchies among chickens. He observed how hens established their authority through pecking those of lower status without retaliation. As a youth, I was around chickens just enough to know I didn’t like them (unless they were on my supper plate). I’ve been around horses all my life and they also have a pecking order, which is fascinating to watch. This hierarchy system establishes dominance and relationships. It also helps reduce tension and potential conflicts, allowing horses to understand their roles and maintain social order. Each horse knows its place, which contributes to a more-harmonious environment, and this is
crucial for their well-being.
The dominant horse walks with purpose and expects others to move out of his way. He may pin his ears, swish his tail, or toss his head to make a point. In addition, you can watch a horse interact with another horse and witness mutual grooming or fly swatting. This bonding affirms social ties among them, indicating a good relationship within the pecking order. Amazingly, the horse pecking order in pastures actually helps prevent injuries, resolves conflicts, and promotes harmony in the herd. A structured hierarchy makes the horses feel at peace and enables them to function safely and properly.
Humans need to be as smart as a horse — maybe that’s why it’s called “horse sense.” Horses understand pecking order which means there can only be one boss. Humans need to understand that God is da Boss. My daughter Mariam worked in a preschool in Longview, Texas for two years. She had an adorable mouthy little girl who was really feeling her oats one day. Mariam told Mimi to do something and she defiantly said, “You not da boss o’ me! You not da boss o’ nothin‘!!” I don’t know if Mariam’s degree in early childhood development helped her much in this laughable case.
I suspect a lot of believers need to hand off the reins to God and let Him be the Boss. We are not more capable than God. As long as we’re holding the reins, God cannot reign in our lives. It’s one thing to sing the song, “Our God Reigns” but it’s another to put it into practice. When there’s a big mountain looming in front of us and we’re still holding the reins, we have no choice but to keep going around and around the mountain — getting nowhere fast. Until we give up and give in to the fact we’re not good at bossing our
life, God will let us do it on our own.
Apostle Paul reminds us that Christ Jesus is supreme and, therefore, qualified to be the Boss of everyone and everything. “Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through Him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see — such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through Him and for Him. He existed before anything else, and He holds all creation together“ (Colossians 1:15-17 NLT).
The Key: I’m choosing God’s pecking order, which means I ain’t da boss.
Sharon Kay Smith, age 80, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away early Thursday, November 20, 2025, at the Medicalodge in Ft. Scott. She was born December 7, 1944, in Wichita, Kansas, the daughter of Rex Hurst and Dolores Swartzetrub Hurst. The family left Wichita when Sharon was young and relocated to Mountain Grove, Missouri. Sharon spent her growing up years in Mountain Grove and graduated from the Mountain Grove High School. Sharon enlisted with the United States Army where she was stationed in Germany. Following her military service, Sharon married William R. Smith on June 13, 1975. Together they made their home in Washington State for many years. Sharon was employed by the State of Washington as a key punch operator. She later worked as an auditor for the IRS. In earlier years, Sharon enjoyed bowling. After her health failed, Sharon moved to be close to her sister, Anita. While in Ft. Scott, Sharon was a member of the Church of Christ at 15th and Crawford.
Survivors include a sister, Anita Thomas (Skip) of Ft. Scott; a niece, Stephanie Kinsley, two nephews, Shawn Thomas (Christy) and David Ferre; three great-nephews, Ryan (Sierra), Quentin, and Collin, two great-nieces, Rylee and Allie and a great-great-niece, Braxton. Sharon was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, her parents and a sister, Cheryl Stubbs.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, November 26th at the U. S. National Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Parkinson’s Foundation 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.
Ronald Charles Palmer, age 82, resident of Fort Scott, KS passed away Thursday, November 20, 2025, at his home. He was born November 23, 1942, in Fort Scott, Kansas, at Burke Street Mercy Hospital. He was the son of Dorothy (Elbrader) Palmer and Charles Palmer. He attended Fort Scott public schools and graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1960. He graduated from Fort Scott Junior College in 1962.
Ron was known as a hard worker and had quite a variety of jobs throughout his life. He worked as a “curb hop” at the Dairy Mug until 1958. He then drove a delivery truck for Brown’s Grocery and Meat Market until it closed in 1959. He was in the production departments of newspaper businesses for 17 years – starting in 1960 with the Fort Scott Tribune through 1964, then with the Leavenworth Times until 1968, then back with the Fort Scott Tribune until 1969, then for the Morning Sun in Pittsburg, Kansas, until 1977. He also drove a Mail delivery route to Wichita, Kansas during part of these years. He then spent 15 years working for Fort Cablevision as the Chief Technician until 1991. During the 1987 flood, he worked from a boat restoring service to customers in Fort Scott. He also designed cable systems for other communities and worked as Chief Engineer for the local radio station. When there was a job to be done, Ron was determined to complete a job well and on time.
He became a Master Electrician and started his own family corporation including businesses operating as the Fort Scott Ice Company, Suds-Yer-Duds Laundromat, Palmer Brothers Service Company, and the R&S cattle farm until his retirement in 2001. He was also a part-owner of the Fort Scott Lumber Company and served as President there for many years.
Ron was a member of the First Baptist Church in Fort Scott, was baptized there, and served several roles there including Deacon and Trustee. He was also a member of the Memphis Lodge in Garland, Kansas. He supported local 4-H clubs as an electricity leader, enjoyed quail hunting, boating, building and improving machinery, being a Corvette owner, and a NASCAR racing fan, but he especially loved the farm and being with family.
Ron married Shirley (Hoggatt) Palmer on June 2, 1963, and they had nearly 60 years together. They had 2 sons, Brian and wife Carla of Olathe, Kansas, and Gary and wife Kylene, of Fort Scott. He had 6 grandchildren including John and wife Katelyn of Lenexa, Kansas, Elizabeth and husband Elijah Vandepol of Spring Hill, Kansas, and Sadie Marchiano of Fort Scott, Lexi and husband Cody Wilson of Fort Scott, Riley Marchiano and Jentry Palmer of Fort Scott, and 4 great-grandchildren: Noah Palmer, Emma Palmer, Brooks Vandepol, and Braden Vandepol.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Shirley, and his sister Nancy Ransom. He is survived by his sister Betty Kay Clary of Fort Scott and his brother Robert and wife Vanessa Palmer of Garnett, Kansas.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Tuesday, November 25th at the First Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the Clarksburg Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until service time at the Church. Memorials are suggested to either the First Baptist Church or the Ronald and Shirley Palmer FSCC Scholarship 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.
Amanda Clasen- Community Vitality Agent
November 2025
The holiday season is full of warmth, generosity, and celebration, but it also brings a lot of pressure to spend. Between sales, gift exchanges, and festive outings, it’s easy to swipe the card without thinking. Many shoppers report that they don’t realize how much they’ve spent until January’s credit card statement arrives like an unwelcome guest.
According to Capital One Shopping, 89% of consumers report having made an impulse purchase, and 54% have spent $100 or more on an impulse buy. The good news is that impulse spending isn’t inevitable. With a little planning and awareness, we can keep holiday spending meaningful and manageable.
Start With a Spending Plan
Before gift shopping begins, take a few minutes to outline a holiday budget. List who you want to give to, set a spending limit for each person, and include seasonal extras like holiday meals, travel, décor, and community events. Seeing it written down not only helps you stay accountable but also reduces stress—you know what to expect.
Don’t Shop Without a List
Much like grocery shopping, heading into a holiday store or online sale without a list is a fast track to overspending. Sales are designed to trigger quick decisions. A list anchors your attention to what you actually planned to buy.
Use the 24-Hour Rule
When you find something you want but didn’t plan for, pause—don’t purchase right away. Save the item to your cart or take a picture, then wait 24 hours. Often, the excitement wears off, and you realize you didn’t need it after all.
Beware of Emotional Shopping
The holidays can stir up a lot of feelings—joy, nostalgia, stress, and sometimes guilt. Retailers know this and use it to their advantage. If you find yourself adding items to your cart because “it was a good deal” or “It just feels festive.”, take a breath and remind yourself that the value of a holiday is not measured in the number of packages under the tree.
Make Memories, Not Expenses
Research consistently shows that shared experiences are more meaningful than material gifts. Consider alternatives such as baking together, crafting homemade gifts, or planning a family game night. These experiences build connection—and often cost little to nothing.
Keep the Focus on What Matters Most
The purpose of the season is connection, gratitude, and reflection—not perfection. Your presence and kindness hold more value than anything wrapped with a ribbon.
By slowing down, planning ahead, and being mindful of spending triggers, you can enjoy a holiday season that feels full without financial regret come January.
For more information, please contact Community Vitality Agent Amanda Clasen at any Southwind District office or [email protected].
