Government

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter

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Recognizing the 79th Anniversary of D-Day in Normandy
Speaking at D-Day Anniversary Ceremony
It was an honor to represent the U.S. Senate and join Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, General Mark Milley and World War II veterans at the ceremony commemorating the 79th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, France. Sharing the stage with American and allied military leaders and dignitaries, we paid our respects to the 9,386 American soldiers buried in Normandy and the 1,557 listed on the Wall of the Missing, and we reaffirmed the importance of continued friendship and partnership across the Atlantic Ocean.

The patch of earth at Normandy holds a place in the hearts of families across the United States. Generations of Americans have grown up with only stories and photographs of an uncle, a father, a grandfather or a brother who made the ultimate sacrifice. Each loss represented here by either a white marble cross or Star of David is a loss that a family has borne for nearly 80 years. They are still loved and remembered.

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Bourbon County, Food, Fort Scott

Fort Scott Farmers Market Feature: The Hamiltons’ Artisan Bakery

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We are happy to have The Hamiltons’ Artisan Bakery as a part of the Fort Scott Farmers’ Market for their 2nd year! The Hamiltons can be found at the market Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. to noon and Tuesday afternoons from 4-6 p.m. They will be bringing sourdough breads and a variety of baked treats each week. Come out and get some!

The farmers market is located on Skubitz Plaza, in front of the Fort Scott National Historic Site.

Bourbon County, Business

Affordable High Speed Internet Project Coming to Bourbon County

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TOPEKA, June 12, 2023 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Kansas State Director Christy Davis today announced a $49.9 million loan to connect thousands of rural Kansans to reliable, affordable high-speed internet. The project will improve service for 149 businesses, 821 farms and over 4,000 people in Bourbon, Cherokee, Crawford, Labette and Neosho counties.

“High-speed internet is essential in today’s world of online business, learning and communication,” Davis said. “This investment will help ensure rural Kansas remains a place of opportunity to live, work, and raise a family.”

This is the fourth funding round of the USDA ReConnect Program. Since the beginning of the Biden-Harris Administration, the Department has invested in 142 ReConnect projects that will bring high-speed internet access to 314,000 rural Americans.

Today’s announcement is part of a larger national announcement totaling $714 million in USDA investments in Kansas and 18 other states.

The Kansas details are:

  • The Craw-Kan Telephone Cooperative Inc. in Kansas will receive a $49,954,702 loan to connect 4,189 people, 821 farms, 149 businesses and three educational facilities to high-speed internet in Bourbon, Cherokee, Crawford, Labette and Neosho counties.

Background: ReConnect Program

Applicants to ReConnect Program funding must serve a rural area that lacks access to service at speeds of 100 megabits per second (Mbps) download and 20 Mbps upload. Applicants must also commit to building facilities capable of providing high-speed internet service with speeds of 100 Mbps (download and upload) to every location in the proposed service area. Additionally, to ensure that rural households that need internet service can afford it, all awardees will be required to apply to participate in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The ACP offers a discount of up to $30 per month towards internet service to qualifying low-income households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal Lands.

To learn more about investment resources for rural areas, visit www.rd.usda.gov or contact the nearest USDA Rural Development state office.

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.

Obituary

Obituary of Neva Carol Boyd Coberley

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Neva Carol Boyd Coberley, age 88, passed away peacefully Friday, June 9, 2023, at the Medical Lodge of Neosho, MO. She was born in Rural Bourbon County on February 2, 1935, to Margaret (Lind) and Claude Stainbrook. She had five sisters Irene, Marjorie, Claudia, Nancy, and Florence. They preceded her in death.

She married her high school sweetheart Donald Boyd with whom she had 4four children: Dennis, Kimberly, Gary, and Lisa.  They eventually moved to Lawrence, KS where she was employed by Kansas University and The Lawrence School System. She lost Donald Boyd to cancer in 1976 and decided to move her youngest back home and settled in Redfield KS.

 

She met and eventually married Wade Coberley, and they melded their children Jesse, Cathy, Bud, Mae, and Angie to make a family of nine. They moved from Ft. Scott, KS to Aurora, MO, and settled.  She loved KU sports, singing, Blue Grass festivals, and flea marketing.

She loved her family fiercely and doted on her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She loved to travel, which they did until health declined. She lost Wade Coberley in 2017 and moved to live with Lisa in Aurora, MO.

Ill health led her to Medical Lodge where she was loved until the end of her life. She was quick witted, loved crossword puzzles, reading extensively, and her family.

She was loved by everyone who knew her.

Survivors include nine children and stepchildren, 27 grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren. She loved them to the moon and back. She was preceded in death by her son Dennis in 2011.

 

Services for Neva are planned for 1:00 PM Friday, June 16th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Hatch Cemetery, Uniontown., KS.

Donations are suggested to the Multiple Sclerosis Society 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 to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

 

Obituary

Obituary of Nicholas Naveira

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Nicholas Humberto Naveira, age 87, resident of Elizabeth, NJ, and more recently of Farlington, KS, died Friday, June 9, 2023, at the Comfort Care Home, Pittsburg, KS.

He was born December 6, 1935, in Cuba, the son of Gregorio and Caridad Rodriquez Naveira.  He married Joaquina Garcia.  They arrived in the United States in their 30’s and settled in New Jersey.  Nicholas worked as a mechanic, and later a machinist for the Red Devil paint supply company.

 

Survivors include his wife Joaquina Naveira, Farlington, KS; a son Jose Naveira and wife Becky, Farlington; a daughter, Daisy Naveira, Farlington; and a sister, Cira, Florida

He was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Luis and Soillo Naveira, and a sister, Luisa Naveira.

 

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct graveside services at 2:00 PM Tuesday, June 13th, at the Farlington Cemetery.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

 

Exercise, Fort Scott, Youth

Lucas Kelley: New Buck Run Recreation Director as of July 1

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Lucas Kelley is the new Buck Run Community Center Recreation Director. Submitted photo.

Lucas Kelley will assume the position of recreation director at Buck Run Community Center on July 1, with the retirement of Tom Robertson. Robertson served for 23 years in the position.

Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Avenue.

“He has been here since May 1, and will take over on July 1,” Robertson said.

“I feel so fortunate,” Kelley said. “Tom has done wonders with the rec. department, he has made it (the transition) easy on me.”

Kelley, 24, graduated from Houston, MO. high school and attended Fort Scott Community College on a basketball scholarship, where he earned an associate of science degree. He then went to Pittsburg State University where he earned a bachelors degree in exercise science in December 2021.

“All through high school I worked at the rec. department, then at FSCC I was assistant coach for one year and also refereed for some of the rec. programs here,” Kelley said. “I then moved to northwest Arkansas and worked in cardiac rehabilitation for a year, before moving to Fort Scott to take this job.”

He is married to Makayla Kelley.

For Kelley, the best part of this new job is “service, and getting to help people and get them involved through recreations.”

Kelley is working on making sign-up for leagues and payment of fees online, “So they won’t have to come to the building every time they want to sign up for something,” he said. “I’m in the process upgrading the system we have now.”

His community involvement so far has been with the Healthy Bourbon County’s Local Health Equity Team and also enjoys Bingo Nights at Memorial Hall to help support Veterans, he said.

 

 

Government, Health Care, Kansas

Combating Fentanyl

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Attorney General Kobach Launches Awareness Campaign To Combat Fentanyl Overdose

TOPEKA–(June 12, 2023) Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach is asking Kansans to be smart and protect themselves.

“Do not take any pill that you didn’t receive from a doctor of pharmacist,” Kobach says in a public service announcement sent to Kansas television stations for their immediate use.

More than 1,200 Kansans have already died from suspected fentanyl overdoses, and the problem is getting worse. Late last, Lawrence police responded to three fentanyl overdoses in one night. One person died and the others were hospitalized.
Kobach made combatting fentanyl a priority when he campaigned for the office of Kansas Attorney General. Lawmakers enhanced penalties for individuals who sell fentanyl. The Kansas Bureau of Investigations is redirecting some resources to combat the drug, and now the Attorney General is launching a public awareness campaign to warn Kansans of the potential dangers of taking pills that weren’t prescribed to them by a doctor or provided to them by a pharmacist.

“Law enforcement officers frequently tell me that Kansas is in the midst of a fentanyl poisoning wave that hasn’t yet crested. We must do everything we can to prevent fentanyl overdose deaths,” he said.

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CONTACT: Danedri Herbert – (913) 706-6394 [email protected]
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Bourbon County, Entertainment

Friday Night Free Concert: The Millers

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Ralph Carlson introduces the Friday Night Concert musicians May 2019.

This week’s Friday Night Concert will feature Michael and Lita Miller. The concert will begin at 7 p.m. Friday, June 16, at the Heritage Park Pavilion at 1st and Main streets.

The Millers began performing gospel music in a trio. Now the two of them sing together, bringing authentic old Southern, traditional songs with a little bluegrass gospel thrown in. They are both well-rounded musicians, playing various bluegrass style instruments.

“A lot of the music comes from down south,” Michael, pastor of the Bronson Baptist Church, said. “Everything we do has a purpose and a message.”

Michael will play finger-style acoustic guitar and Lita will play the bass.

“They are a joy to hear. Because they are a husband and wife team, they know where each other is going with the music. It’s just a great blend of voices and instruments,” Ralph Carlson, concert organizer, said. “They are one of the Friday Night Concert regulars and it’s good to have them back.”

Seating is limited so everyone is encouraged to bring lawn chairs. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall St.

The concert series is sponsored by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce.

Bourbon County

Bo Co Coalition Minutes of June 7

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Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Minutes

 

June 7, 2023

 

 

  1. Welcome:  Twenty-one members representing sixteen agencies attended.  Billie Jo shared that thirty-three family passes to the Aquatic Center had been approved allowing a total of 135 individuals to access the pool this summer.  Lea Kay Karleskint and Travis Wilcoxsin have agreed to serve on the Coalition Board and will be beginning their terms in September.

 

  1. Member Introductions and Announcements:
  • Cassidy Lutz, K-State Research: Southwind District has several classes being offered in the near future:  Strengthening Families, Choose Health: Food, Fun, and Fitness, Sewing Steam.  For more information contact Southwind Extension District, 620-365-2242.
  • Sandy Haggard, RSVP: Red Cross blood drive will be June 15 and 16 at Buck Run; contact Sandy to volunteer to help.
  • David Gillen, Beacon: Last month 329 families totaling 757 people received services from Beacon.  This number included twenty-two new families.  The first six months of 2023 have averaged twelve new families qualifying for Beacon assistance each month.  David reminded members of all the services that Beacon offers; emergency help is also provided for individuals that do not qualify for services based on income.
  • Jeanne Camac – Congratulations to Jeanne on her retirement from USD 235 where she served as the high school counselor!
  • Amy Hagan, CHC: Provides home-based help for moms; the goal is to get families “on their feet.”
  • Megan Smith, CHC: Provides in-house family support; works with infants through age 44.
  • Lisa Robertson and Lindsey McNeil, COPE: They are out in the community to help people; they are housed at the HBCAT office.  They are grant funded until December 31, 2023.
  • Rachel Carpenter, COPE: Reminded members of grant opportunities for restaurants and women beginning businesses.  Rachel is working to address inequities in our community and continues to seek partners who will help bring the transportation program to our area.
  • Lea Kay Karleskint, K-State, Snap Education: She just needs space and she brings the kitchen and all the supplies for her classes.  Her target audience is low resource persons.  She will now be housed in the CHC building as the liaison between CHC and K-State Research Extension.
  • Tammy Alcantar, Crawford County Health Department: Continues to conduct and have success with the Baby and Me Tobacco Free and Teen Pregnancy programs. Tammy reminded members about the Bourbon County Baby Shower to be held at the Health Department, 524 Lowman Street, on June 22, 10 – 12. She also noted that Holly Fritter at the Health Department is the Safe Sleep person for Bourbon County.
  • Shawna Willey: In-Clinic Community Health Worker at CHC.  Can help with applications for homelessness, health care, etc.
  • Maggie Young, CHC: Working to create a task force for youth through a tobacco cessation grant and will be working in the schools.
  • Christine Abbott, SEK Works: There is still money available; she continues to look for youth 16-24 for her programs.  A very positive recent change has allowed the youth in her programs to be paid a competitive wage between $7.25 and $20.00 per hour.  She can help with work experience, applications, resumes, etc.  Several youth from Bourbon County are involved in these programs.
  • Michelle Stevenson, USD 234 PreSchool Program: She is funded by the Early Block Grant which has been approved for another year.  Many children graduated from her program; therefore,  she needs referrals!  Contact Michelle at 620-223-8965, Extension 3005.
  • Patty Simpson, Fort Scott Housing Authority: She has a total of 190 units; however, at this time there are waiting lists for all size units – the longest waiting list she has had in seventeen years. The situation is probably due to higher rents elsewhere.
  • DeeDee LeFever, Greenbush Community Liaison: She helps match Greenbush services such as Parent as Teachers, Audiology, Infant-Toddler Networks, professional development, etc. to people who need them.  For additional information: greenbush.org or 800-554-3412.
  • Kathy Romero, Angels Care Home Health: Since 2004 they have been providing in home behavioral health care help for such things as anxiety, depression, bipolar, etc.  They also specialize in the Care Connections program for individuals who need care in their home before hospice.

 

  1. Program:  Dawn Cubbison presented a slide show explaining all the extra benefits provided through the Aetna Better Health of Kansas such as the Healthy Rewards Program, over-the-counter supply catalog, transportation services, respite care, Ted E Bear Kids Club, No Place Like Home Grant, mobile app, and many others.  For more information: AetnaBetterHealth.com/Kansas.

 

  1. Open Forum:  Billie Jo reminded members that the Coalition does not meet in July.

 

  1. Adjournment:  The next General Membership meeting will be August 2.  April Jackson, Thrive Allen County, will present the program on overdose prevention.

 

Opinion

Two Feet Wasn’t Enough by Carolyn Tucker

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Keys to the Kingdom

 

On a warm summer’s day, my brother Randy, his girlfriend Corda, and I headed to the Stockton Sac River for a fun swim. This was around 1965 BD (before the dam) and our  transportation was an old pickup with a standard transmission. Randy knew how to drive a standard, but he wasn’t much of an expert on the treacherous and rocky uphill road. When we were halfway up the steep incline, he killed the engine.  He proceeded to put one foot on the clutch and one on the brake, and desperately needed another one for the accelerator. We were in a bit of a pickle because he needed three feet and only had two.  The last thing he wanted to do was roll harum-scarum backwards into a tree. Since Corda was sitting in the middle, he coaxed her into loaning her left foot for the gas pedal. All’s well that ends well.  All I cared about was playing in the water.

 

Jesus knew that, in and of ourselves, we would not be enough without the Holy Spirit‘s help. His close disciples loved Him, needed Him, and depended on Him. Because of the depth of Jesus’ love for His followers, He left no stone unturned. “But now I am going to Him Who sent Me, yet none of you asked Me, ‘Where are You going?’ But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your hearts. However, I am telling you nothing but the truth when I say it is profitable (good, expedient, advantageous) for you that I go away. Because if I do not go away, the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you; but if I go away, I will send Him to you [to be in close fellowship with you]” (John 16:5-7 AMP).

 

When Jesus said, “I will send Him to you,” that’s a promise believers can trust in and act upon. When you need more than what you’ve got, the Holy Spirit is there inside you to help you. There’s more to a believer’s life than what meets the eye. Usually, it’s the invisible things that we need the most. When you need more guts, strength, understanding, and self-control than you’ve got, merely ask for the Spirit‘s help.

 

Simply put, God’s Word is either true or it’s not. We’re either Christians or we’re doubting imposters. Personally, whatever the Bible says is my opinion. I choose to believe that Jesus was not a liar when He said, “It is to your advantage that I go away….”  We now have hope and help by the power of the ever-present Holy Spirit. Again, Jesus says, “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit…” (John 14:16,17 NLT). Since the Spirit lives in believers, we are never alone and have what we need when we need it. You might say that we’re to take advantage of our advantage.

 

When I was young, I said to Dad, “It would have been so wonderful to be with Jesus!” His response was, “It’s better now because Jesus couldn’t be everywhere with everyone at the same time, but the Holy Spirit can.” I’ve lived many years since that meaningful conversation and I can testify that when I’m not enough, the Holy Spirit comes to my aid and makes me enough. The following scripture has an asterisk, is underlined and highlighted in my late husband’s Bible: “So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace” (Romans 8:6 NLT).

 

The Key: Partnering with the Holy Spirit is enough to make the uphill climb.

Bourbon County, Elections, Government

Candidates for 2023 Election in Bourbon County

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The following is the list of cities, schools and K-State Extension candidates who filed for by the June 1st deadline in Bourbon County, provided by Clerk Jennifer Hawkins.

“There will not be a primary election this year, so all qualified candidates will be on the ballot in November,” Hawkins said.

City of Fort Scott Commission

  • Matthew Wells
  • Edwin Woellhof
  • Dyllon Olson
  • Margaret P. Cummings
  • Tracy Dancer
  • Joshua Baseley
  • Barbara Ann Rawlins
  • Harold “Pete” Allen
  • Janice Allen

Redfield Council Member

  • Brandy Corriston
  • Leonard “L.D.” Morrison

Bronson Council Member

  • Michael Stewart

Uniontown Council Member

  • Danea Esslinger

Southwind Extension District

  • Trent Johnson
  • Deb Lust

Fort Scott USD 234 Board Member

  • Position #1-James Wood, Joe Wimmer, and Scott Center
  • Position #2-Mike Miles
  • Position #3-Robert Harrington, Aaron Judy, and Doug Hurd
  • Position At Large-Stewart Gulager and Payton Coyan

Uniontown USD 235 Board Member

  • Position #1-Troy Couchman
  • Position #2-Rhonda Hoener
  • Position #3-Seth Martin and Kolby Stock
  • Position At Large-Matt Kelly and Josh Hartman

Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees

  • Douglas Ropp
  • Ronda Bailey
  • Kirk Hart
  • David Elliott
  • Josh Jones
  • Roberta “Bert” Lewis
  • Robert Nelson
  • Chad McKinnis

 

 

 

Bourbon County Local News