Obituary of William “Buddy” Pruitt
William Stanley “Buddy” Pruitt, 82, resident of Garland, Texas, passed away March 1, 2023.
He was born July 26, 1940, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the son of Thomas William Pruitt and Lazetta Fae (Ridenour) Pruitt.
Buddy is survived by his sons, Troy William Pruitt, and Richard Thomas Pruitt, both of Garland, Texas; a sister Fay Farley, of Catoosa, Oklahoma, and seven grandchildren.
Ronnie Pruitt will conduct graveside services 10:30 a.m., Monday, March 13, 2023, at St. Michael’s Cemetery in Fulton, Kansas.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.
Obituary of Suella Hornby
Suella Jean Hornby, 63, a resident of Springfield, Missouri, passed away Sunday, March 5, 2023, at the Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence, Missouri.
She was born September 8, 1959, in Madison, Wisconsin, the daughter of Kenneth Ross Wood and Jennie Louise (Reynolds) Wood.
She married Charles Matthew Hornby July 16, 1988, and he survives of the home.
Suella worked in sales and marketing, and she was a member of the Brainerd Church of the Nazarene, where she was the church pianist.
In addition to her husband, Charles, Suella is also survived by a brother, Stanley Wood (Denise), of Easton, Kansas, and two sisters, Melody Richardson (Lonnie) of Louisburg, Kansas, and Joy Parke (Philip), of Raymore, Missouri.
Rev. Jim Brackett will conduct funeral services at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 11, 2023, at the Hammond Methodist Church, with burial following at the Maple Grove Cemetery, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.
The family will receive friends beginning at 12:00 p.m. prior to the services.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Maple Grove Cemetery, and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.
Obituary of John Jackson
John Lyle Jackson, 93, of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away on March 6, 2023. John was born April 13, 1929, at Isabel, Kansas. He was one of eight children born to John Ervin Jackson and Jessie Eva (Hollister) Jackson. He married Norma Jean (Smith) Jackson Nov. 25, 1951, in Bronson, Kan.
He is preceded in death by his wife, parents, two brothers and five sisters, Calvin Jackson, Fern Jackson, Dean Jackson, Ruth McEndree, Stella Ludlum, Lila Ludlum and Shirley Ludlum.
John and Jean were married for 68 years at the time of her passing in September 2020.
John is survived by son Dan and wife Jeannie of Bartlesville, Okla., son Rick and wife Denise of Bartlesville, Okla., daughter Diana Myers and husband Vincent of Overland Park, Kan.; Grandchildren Janett (Chris) Ferrell, April Jackson, Zeb (Mandi) Jackson, Danielle (Mark) Bernal, Rachel Myers, Evan Myers, Skyler Myers; great-grandchildren, Collin, Foster, Carley, Justin, Nayeli, Brady, Everly, Larkin, Boone, Keith and Kassius; great-great-grandson Jaxxen; and grand-dog Bubba John.
John graduated from Isabel High School and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1948. He was stationed in Germany before returning to Kansas in 1950. He was then recalled in 1951, for the Korean War, training many soldiers for deployment at Ft. Monmouth, New Jersey, completing service in 1953.
John and Jean made their home in Iola, Kan., purchasing 17 acres on Park Street, where they raised their three children and ran an office for MFA Insurance. They attended every football, basketball, baseball game and horse show that their children were involved in. John was the head of the Spur Club with Bud Sifers and they rang the Mustang bell at every home game.
He enjoyed fishing and hunting with his best friend Gene Sallee.
In 1975, they relocated to Fort Scott and opened Jackson Real Estate. After 15 years, they closed the real estate office and opened Outpost Antiques in downtown Fort Scott, for another 10+ years. John enjoyed finding a good deal…he had an eye for antiquities and collectibles of all types.
He eventually retired from H & H Real Estate in Fort Scott, at 80 years young.
John was a voracious reader and kept the staff in the public library busy every week, often reading one or two books a day. In his last years, he still enjoyed reading, garage sales, puzzles, and visiting with anyone that called or stopped by – even though he would never wear his hearing aids.
He was known to break out in song at any time with his favorites being ol’ Dan Tucker or Ramblin’ Bob.
John was a devoted fan of KU Basketball, the Kansas City Royals and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Following cremation, Chaplain Lloyd Houk will conduct graveside services at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 17, 2023, at the Fort Scott National Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.
Flowers are welcome as well as cards and letters to the family. Memorial contributions may be made to the Fort Scott Public Library and left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.
Looking for Your Roots?
Want to learn more about ancestors that have lived or died in our community?
For those who would like to learn more about their roots in Bourbon County, there is a place to start: the Old Fort Genealogy Society, located in the basement of Memorial Hall, Third and National Avenue.
Recently, the staff has started a Facebook page.
“We started at the end of February, the Old Fort Genealogy and History at Fort Scott, Kansas Facebook page,” Ann Rawlins, librarian at the society said.
“We wanted to post stories and and pictures and answer questions,” she said. “We wanted a site for genealogy questions. and have an internet presence.”
People are invited to post pictures, stories, or ask questions on the Facebook page.
The Old Fort Genealogical Society researches people’s ancestors who have lived in Bourbon County.
They can be reached at 620.223.3300 or the website is ksgenweb/society/ft.scott.
Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The following is a recent humorous post on the Facebook page.
Obituary for Louise Shattuck
Louise Marie Shattuck, age 89, Prescott, Kansas passed away Monday March 6, 2023. She was born in a farmhouse west of Prescott on November 28, 1933 the daughter of Ed and Avis(Smith) McIntyre. She traveled by herself to Tacoma, Washington, at the age of seventeen, to be united in marriage to Lyle Shattuck on June 12, 1951. She was involved in 4-H, P.T.A., Jayhawk Linn Booster Club, and Teen Town. She was a member of the Prescott United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women, as well as, PHILO Study Club. She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister LaVerne. Louise is survived by her husband Lyle, three daughters, Debra Wood(Dave), Diane Springer(Randy), and Danna Schneider(Scott), eleven grandchildren, and eighteen great grandchildren.
Funeral service will be 10:30 am Friday, March 10, 2023 at the Prescott United Methodist Church. Burial in the Prescott Cemetery. Individual respects and guest registry may be made Thursday March 9, from 11 am to 5 pm at the Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory, Pleasanton Chapel. Memorial contributions are suggested to Prescott Food Pantry or American Heart Association c/o Schneider Funeral Home, P.O. Box 525, Pleasanton, Kansas 66075.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports March 8
Psychiatric Bed Capacity Increases More than 30% Under Kelly Administration
TOPEKA – Today, on Kansas Mental Health Advocacy Day, Governor Laura Kelly announced that psychiatric bed capacity has increased by 32% since the start of her administration. The Kelly Administration has added 233 needed beds at child inpatient facilities, psychiatric residential treatment facilities (PRTF), and adult inpatient psychiatric facilities.
|
Child Inpatient Acute Beds
|
Adult Psychiatric Beds
|
PRTF Beds
|
Total
|
|
|
2019
|
170
|
243
|
308
|
721
|
|
2023
|
212
|
318
|
424
|
954
|
|
Total added
|
42
|
75
|
116
|
233
|
“A lack of psychiatric beds has been one of the largest barriers preventing mental health resources and care from reaching Kansans who need them. A 30% increase in capacity reflects a major step forward,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Now, we must continue our progress in addressing the mental health crisis here in Kansas by reducing the stigma around mental illness and substance use disorders and by dedicating additional, much-needed resources to these challenges.”
Under the Kelly Administration, more resources have been put toward mental health, including for the launch of the 9-8-8 Crisis and Suicide Prevention Hotline, the creation of KansasAgStress.org to provide mental health resources for Kansas farmers and ranchers, and expanded mental health programming in schools.
The Administration has also applied federal funding to help 13 community mental health centers expand access and availability of mental health services and qualify as certified community behavioral health clinics, a new model of care being implemented across the state.
“Addressing mental health and substance use issues play a huge role in breaking down the barriers that might be keeping people from seeking help,” KDADS Secretary Laura Howard said. “We have made great strides in Kansas toward funding mental health and recovery services and building compassionate and cost-effective programs and policies that can improve the lives of adults and children living with mental illness.”
“Governor Kelly has been a leader for behavioral health, from supporting Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics to ending the state hospital’s moratorium on voluntary admissions to supporting the 9-8-8 Crisis and Suicide Prevention Hotline,” Kansas Mental Health Coalition President Mary Jones said. “As we face the current workforce shortage and mental health crisis, her ability to work with the Kansas Legislature is crucial.”
The Governor spoke at the Kansas Mental Health Advocacy Day rally hosted by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services and the Kansas Mental Health Coalition in front of the statehouse.
Application Deadline Approaching for Energy and Water Assistance Programs
TOPEKA – Qualifying Kansans are encouraged to submit applications to receive assistance paying for water and energy bills this month. The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) and Emergency Water Assistance Program (EWAP), both managed by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF), will stop accepting applications at 5 p.m. on March 31.
LIEAP is an annual program that provides financial assistance to families struggling to pay their heating bills during the cold winter months. Information about the program, including how to apply and Frequently Asked Questions, are available at www.dcf.ks.gov/services/ees/
EWAP was created in 2021 in response to the COVID pandemic. It was established to help families restore or prevent the disconnection of drinking water and wastewater services. This temporary program will close permanently on March 31. Learn more and apply for the program by visiting www.dcf.ks.gov/services/ees/
The income qualifications for both programs are:
|
Persons Living at the Address |
Maximum Gross Monthly Income |
|
1 |
$1,699 |
|
2 |
$2,289 |
|
3 |
$2,879 |
|
4 |
$3,469 |
|
5 |
$4,059 |
|
6 |
$4,649 |
|
7 |
$5,239 |
|
8 |
$5,829 |
|
|
*Add $590 for each additional person |
EWAP is funded by the American Rescue Plan of 2021 and the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. Funding for LIEAP is provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Community Service through the Federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
###
Advance Bourbon County: New Non-Profit
Local businessman, Josh Jones, has started a non-profit foundation that will provide funding for projects in the community.
“This community has meant a lot to me and my family and we wanted to find a way to give back,” Jones said. “We felt like this was a good way to make a long term impact.”
“The purpose of Advance Bourbon County is to find ways to make our community better through charitable contributions and work,” Jones said.
“I have asked Bailey Lyons and Katie Hueston to come on board and help me with this adventure, as they have been just amazing and have put so much time, effort, and passion into the splash pad and sensory park project,” he said.
“We are a 100% volunteer foundation with 100% of all proceeds going back to the community,” according to the Advance Bourbon County Facebook page. “Our fundraising tactics will be through events, grants, and grass root donations from citizens with a vested interest in seeing our community thrive.”
The splash pad and sensory park will be put in place in 2023, following the fundraising efforts of Jones, Lyons and Hueston and others.
“My goal is a core of us handle the majority of day to day things and we work with other groups/people on different projects as a team, as the need arises,” he said. “We really want this to be a grass roots foundation that involves all.”
In the past few months, this group has bought a comedy show and an illusionist to town to help fund the splash pad/sensory park that will be located in the downtown area of Fort Scott.
They have many events they are collaborating with others in town to make happen for 2023.
The following are those projects:
On April 1, the group is helping to organize the Blue Collar Awards, that will be honoring the manual workers in the community.
“We are working together with Aaron Judy on this,” Jones said.
On April 15, they are organizing the Greg Morton Comedy Show for the community, comedian Andrew Rose will be opening for Morton.
On June 9, they are working together with Cory Bryars and Brad Matkin to make a Live Band Karaoke happen.
On July 1, in collaboration with Bill Michaud, they are bringing the Game Show Road Show to the community.
On August 26, another comedian, Todd Royce, will be coming to town.
On November 18 in collaboration with Cory Bryars and Brad Matkin the Almost Kiss Tribute Band will be in town.
On December 1-2 there will be Christmas on the Bricks
There are working with another group, Elevate Fort Scott, which includes Diane Striler, Kirk Sharp, Cory Bryars, Lindsey Madison, and Brad Matkin.
- Fundraising to help purchase AED units for the Fort Scott Fire Department.
An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a medical device designed to analyze the heart rhythm and deliver an electric shock to victims of sudden cardiac arrest, to restore the heart rhythm to normal, according to https://www.osha.gov/aed
- Fund raising that will go towards updating Memorial Hall.
- Rehabbing and refurbishing the caboose at Fisher Park and possibly moving it to a focal point at the entrance of Fort Scott.
- Continuing to bring in more events for the community to enjoy, according to the ABC Facebook page.
For those interested in donating:
“Getting a foothold as a new non profit is challenging,” according to the ABC Facebook page. “In just a few short months we have already raised over $20,000 through events and fundraisers. However raising awareness for our cause is crucial if we are truly going to make any long term impact.
We would love if you would consider making a donation to our cause of making Bourbon County an even better place for us to live and helping us with our charitable projects.”
“They can follow and message us on Facebook at Advance Bourbon County 501C3,” he said. “They can bring donations by Bourbon County Cars (where Jones is the general sales manager), send donations through Venmo, or take donations to Citizens Bank in Fort Scott and deposit into our charity account”
Sen. Marshall Seeks Input from Kansans on 2023 Farm Bill, Launches Online Survey
(Washington, D.C., March 7, 2023) – Today, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. launched a web page for Kansas’ agriculture community to share its input on the 2023 Farm Bill. The U.S. Senate is currently in the early stages of writing the 2023 Farm Bill, which will impact agriculture in Kansas and around the world for the foreseeable future.
“This legislation needs to deliver the critical resources and support that our farmers, ranchers, growers and producers have long relied upon,” Senator Marshall said. “That is why I am asking members of Kansas’ agriculture community to take our 2023 Farm Bill survey. Your input through this survey will be informative as we continue our work on this important piece of legislation. We only write a Farm Bill every five years so it is important we get it right.”
Additionally, Senator Marshall released a video announcing the launch of the webpage. You may click HERE or on the video below to view the video.
Kansans may click HERE or on the image below to take Senator Marshall’s 2023 Farm Bill survey. Additionally, the 2023 Farm Bill survey can be found under the “For Kansans” section on www.marshall.senate.gov.
Background:
The original Farm Bill – The Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA) was a federal law passed in 1933 as part of U.S. president Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal. The law offered farmers subsidies in exchange for limiting their production of certain crops. The subsidies were meant to limit overproduction so that crop prices could increase. This was so farmers wouldn’t go out of business and then ultimately not produce enough food for the U.S. Today, along with crop prices, the Farm Bill authorizes federal programs related to conservation, trade, crop insurance, and nutrition.
Last month, Senator Marshall launched a new initiative to highlight conservation efforts within the Kansas agriculture community. The series will also feature ongoing federal conservation programs taking place in Kansas. Stories will be released throughout the legislative process on the 2023 Farm Bill on Fridays.
To date, the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry has held three hearings on the 2023 Farm Bill. These hearings have focused on the Farm Bill’s titles related to trade, horticulture, crop insurance, commodity programs, nutrition, conservation, and forestry. You may click on the titles or images below to watch Senator Marshall’s remarks and questions from each hearing.
March 1: Conservation and Forestry Programs
February 17: Nutrition Programs
February 9: Commodities and Crop Insurance
February 1: Trade and Horticulture
###
USD234 BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR March 6 MEETING
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
NEWS RELEASE
Monday, March 6, 2023
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, March 6, 2023, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.
President Danny Brown opened the meeting.
The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:
- Board Minutes from the 02-13-23 regular board meeting and 02-27-23 special board meeting
- Financials-Cash Flow Report
- Check Register
- Payroll – February 17, 2023 – $1,583,201.90
- Activity Fund accounts
- Items of Interest: Preschool Spring Fling – April 6, 2023, 5:30 – 7 pm
The board heard from FSHS Thespians in honor of March being Theatre in Our Schools Month. FSHS Troupe members Kinsley Davis, who also serves as President, and Emma Guns updated the board on the many things the performing arts programs offer and the importance of theatre in our schools. FSHS Thespians put on productions, compete at several levels, and contribute to the community through service projects.
Assistant Superintendent Dalaina Smith updated the board on the upcoming KESA visit on Thursday, March 9 and noted that state assessments will begin after Spring Break.
Gina Shelton, Finance Director, noted the Federal Fiscal forum that Mrs. Smith and she would be attending at the end of March specific to federal funds in Wichita.
Superintendent Brown summarized the February 27, 2023, work session in regard to long-range facility and maintenance planning. The board identified the Fort Scott High School HVAC, district-wide roof maintenance, and preschool expansion as the top three priorities. Superintendent Brown discussed the planned special education space remodel at the high school. Chad Remboldt, Nathan Compton, and Jason Dial with TRANE gave a presentation and answered questions from the board in regard to the potential high school HVAC project.
The board discussed the MOU with Community Health Center.
The board approved obtaining additional bids for the high school tennis courts resurface.
The board approved the following items:
- Activity Bus Purchase
- Football Uniform Bids to Jock’s Nitch
- Two payments to Meridian Roofing in the amounts of $392,669.67 and $343,205.28
- Kansas Infinitec Coalition contract for 2023-24
- Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) – Kansas School-to-Work Program for the 2023-24 school year
- Pre-Funding Early Retirement Payments
- Greenbush Contracts for Low-Incidence and Audiology for the 2023-24 school year
- FSHS Courses for 2023-24
- Approval of Personnel Report (following)
The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.
President Danny Brown adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT
March 6, 2023
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
- Bowman, Carissa, Resignation, FSHS FACS Teacher, at the end of the 2022-23 school year
- Mayginnes, Krystle, Resignation, Winfield Scott Assistant Principal, at the end of the 2022-23 school year
EMPLOYMENT/REASSIGNMENTS:
- Blackburn, Brendon – transfer from FSMS Student Support Center to 6th grade Science Teacher for the 2023-24 school year
- Brown, Harmony – FSMS Paraprofessional for the 2022-23 school year
- Deatsch, Erin – Winfield Scott Kindergarten Teacher for the 2023-24 school year
- Feeback, Brennen – FSHS Special Education Teacher for the 2023-24 school year
- Short, Samantha – transfer from FSMS 6th-8th Spanish/ELA to FSMS 6th – 8th Grade ELA Interventionist for the 2023-24 school year
- Stanley, Tammy – transfer from FSMS 6th Grade Math Teacher to FSMS 6th – 8th Grade Math Interventionist for the 2023-24 school year
District Administrators:
- Dalaina Smith – Assistant Superintendent – Contract extension – 1-year renewal for the 2023-24 school year
Building Administrators:
- Scott Kimble – FSHS Principal – 2-year renewal for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years
- Zach Johnson – FSMS Principal- 2-year renewal for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years
- Yasmina Query – Eugene Ware Elementary Principal – 2-year renewal for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years
- Shelly Charter – Winfield Scott Elementary Principal – 1-year renewal for the 2023-24 school year
- Nick Johnson – Fort Scott Preschool Principal – 2-year renewal for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years
Assistant Building Administrators:
- Alex Specht – FSHS Assistant Principal – 2-year renewal for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years
- Jeff DeLaTorre – FSHS Activities Director – 2-year renewal for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years
- Matthew Harris – FSMS Assistant Principal – 2-year renewal for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years
- Brandon Boyd – Eugene Ware Elementary Assistant Principal – 2-year renewal for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years