AD: Joshua Jones for KS State House of Representative, District 4

 

Former Fort Scott City Commissioner Josh Jones and  Fort Scott Water Distribution Supervisor Bill Lemke discuss the splash pad project in this April 19, 2023 photo at the site on North National Ave.

Joshua Jones Candidate for Kansas House of Representative District 4 

As election time approaches, I want to emphasize the need for candidates to remain active even after the election is over.

Too often, elected officials only engage with the community during election periods. As an eighth-generation resident of Bourbon County, I have a deep connection to this area and believe that community service and consistent involvement are key to our success.

Over the past few years, I have had the pleasure of working on projects such as refurbishing the high school tennis courts, helping acquire and donate a historic property to the Gordon Parks Museum, organizing events to raise awareness for Memorial Hall, and assisting in the development of a community splash pad.

.Josh Jones helped the Gordon Parks Museum receive the AME Church property in June 2023.
Photo Courtesy of and Copyright by The Gordon Parks Foundation
(left to right) Josh Jones, Kirk Sharp, Gordon Parks Museum and Sarah Smith, Fort Scott Community College Foundation.

As your representative, I understand that we are all in this together and recognize the dedication required to be a positive and active elected official year-round. 

John Crain and Josh Jones paint the bathroom at Third Street Park in this October 2022 photo. Submitted photo.
Josh Jones was part of a committee that helped bring the splash pad to Fort Scott. This is opening day in 2023 from the Fort Scott Splash Pad Facebook page.

My Promises to You

 

  1. **Give Back My Salary** 

   My belief is simple: if the people I serve benefit, then I benefit. We are all in this together. I am giving back my salary because your tax dollars should work for you. 

 

  1. **Year-Round Accessibility and Transparency** 

   How often do you only hear from politicians during the election? During my time as Mayor/City Commissioner, I was the first to hold public forums to get citizens’ input. 

This ad paid for by Joshua Jones Candidate/Treasurer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

National 811 Day (Aug. 11): Separating Fact from Fiction About Safe Digging Practices 

 

Aug. 5, 2024 – Kansas Gas Service is addressing common myths about the 811 service to raise awareness about the importance of safe digging.

 

“Contacting 811 is one of the most important things that customers and workers who dig can do,” said Sean Postlethwait, Kansas Gas Service vice president of Operations. “Safety is our top priority, and taking the easy step to contact 811 is the best way to protect yourself and your neighbors.”

 

Digging into the Facts About 811:

 

  1. Is contacting 811 a complicated process?

Fact: One easy phone call to 811 or submitting a locate request online at Kansas811.com will alert owners of registered pipelines, telecommunication cables, underground power lines, etc., to mark their buried facilities. There’s no charge to you for this service.

 

  1. Do small digging projects require an 811 notification?

Fact: Every digging project, whether small or large, such as planting a tree, installing a fence or major construction, requires contacting 811 at least two full working days in advance.

 

  1. Is there a need to contact 811 if you’ve dug in the same spot before?

Fact: Even if you think you know where underground lines are located, it’s important to contact 811 every dig, every time. There may be unexpected lines or changes since your last project.

 

  1. Is it necessary to contact 811 in rural areas where there are no utilities?

Fact: Even in rural areas, there can be buried facilities, and their locations can be surprising. Always contact 811 before digging.

 

 

On 811 Day, and every day of the year, Kansas Gas Service encourages you to put safety first when undertaking any digging project — no matter the scale.

Essential tips for safe digging:

 

  • If you hire a contractor, make sure they contact 811 before digging.

 

  • Respect the tolerance zone, which is 24 inches on either side of the underground facility. Within this zone, you should exercise reasonable care using hand or soft digging techniques to avoid any contact or damage to the facility. Soft digging includes any excavation with tools and equipment that uses air or water pressure to break up soil and rock.  All damages or disturbances to a utility must be reported to the facility owner or operator and 811.

 

  • Smell Gas, Act Fast!If you smell natural gas while digging or damage a natural gas line, leave the area immediately then call 911, 811 and Kansas Gas Service at 888-482-4950.

 

For more information about safe digging practices and the importance of 811, visit beadigherokansas.com or scan the QR code below.

 

 

 

 

About Kansas Gas Service

 

Kansas Gas Service provides a reliable and affordable energy choice to more than 648,000 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.

 

 

 

Obituary of Taylor Bowman

Taylor Christine Bowman, age 31, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, completed her journey into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. She was born November 13, 1992, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Christopher Mark Bowman and Lana Lanette Hayden Bowman.

Taylor graduated from the Ft. Scott High School and the Ft. Scott Community College. Taylor had worked both as a CNA and in the dietary department at area nursing homes. She was currently employed as a cashier at Dollar Tree in Pittsburg.

Taylor had a green thumb and enjoyed tending to her many houseplants. She also enjoyed collecting owls and diamond painting. Taylor loved to travel, having made her own way to her dream trip to Ireland and Great Britain at the age of sixteen. She attended the Community Christian Church.

Survivors include her parents, Christopher Bowman and Lana Bowman, both of Ft. Scott, and two sisters, Cari Hunziker (Doug) of Drexel, Missouri and Leslie Farris (Nathan) of Decatur, Michigan. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her beloved grandparents, Raymond and Marjorie Hayden and Arthur “Tolle” and Doris Bowman.

A Celebration of Life will take place Thursday, August 8 at 1:30 pm at the Cheney Witt.

A time of visitation to follow at the chapel.

Taylor will be laid to rest next to her beloved grandparents at a later date during a private ceremony, in Centerville Cemetery in Devon, Kansas.

Memorials are suggested to the Taylor Bowman Memorial Fund 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 chenewitt.com.

Friday Night Free Concert at FSCC Features Mariam Tucker Self

 

This week’s Friday Night Concert will feature Mariam Tucker Self, Kansas City‘s only female Elvis tribute artist. Singing with professional studio tracks recreated by the EPProject, the evening will feature songs from Elvis’ famous 1973 “Aloha from Hawaii Concert,” plus additional favorite hits. The free concert, held in the Round Room at Fort Scott Community College, 2108 Horton, begins at 7:00 p.m.

 

“I’ve known this young lady since she was a child singing in church at the age of three. Her mother stood her up on the piano bench and she sang in perfect pitch. Born and raised in Fort Scott, she now resides in Peculiar, MO, with her husband Levi and their three daughters. She is the lead vocalist for the Tucker Family Band, performs solo gigs,  and sings in the church worship team in Lee‘s Summit,“ concert-series organizer Ralph Carlson said. “I am pleased to welcome Mariam onto the stage to perform for our great community. You won’t want to miss this lively show. Bring a neighbor and join your friends for a fun evening of musical entertainment.”

 

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

 

 

Ramsey Charged with False Claim of Being Shot By Assailants

Levi M. Ramsey, 30, of Redfield, was taken into custody without incident on August 3, 2024 by the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office for an incident he reported to authorities on July 29, according to a press release for Bourbon County Sheriff William Martin.

At that time, Ramsey reported he had been shot by serveral unknown individuals.

During the investigation, deputies uncovered that the gunshot wound was self-inflicted and he had not been confronted or shot by any other individuals.

Ramsay was booked into jail with $5,000 bond and was released a short time later after posting the bond.

Ramsey will be charged with unlawful request for emergency service assistance giving a false alarm, criminal discharge of a firearm, and interference with law enforcement.

The criminal case is being forwarded to the Bourbon County Attorney’s Office awaiting review and formal charges.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty.

Bike Repair Stations Installed in Riverfront Park Donated by the Fort Scott Rotary Club

 

Riverfront Park, North National Avenue, past the orange bridge over the Marmaton River.

Riverfront Park has slowly been transforming from the unmaintained area it once was to a public space for concerts, weddings, and other gatherings and also beautiful tree-lined walk/bike trails.

Along the trails are resting areas and as you go under the Hwy. 69 Highway, some colorful historic murals have been painted by  local artist, Stephen Toal.

City workers install the bike repair station that was donated to Riverfront Park by the Fort Scott Rotary Club. Submitted photo. Pictured during installation were city employees Norman Mackley and Chris Tourtillott.

 

Recently another enhancement has been added to the park.

“Due to the increased bicycle traffic, the need for bicycle repair and the ability to air tires has been met by the Fort Scott Rotary Club,” said Jerry Witt, president of the Riverfront Authority, which oversees the area. “Two bicycle repair stations have been added to the park. One station has been installed on the Belltown Walking trail on the north side of Marmaton River and a second station has been installed on the south River Loop Road.”

One of the new bike repair stations at Riverfront Park.

 

“The concrete foundations were funded by the Riverfront committee at a cost of $2,400.,” he said. “The repair stations consist of a bike rack, air pump, and various tools  and were funded and donated by the Fort Scott Rotary Club.”

AD: Joshua Jones for KS House of Representatives District 4

 

Josh Jones.

Joshua Jones: Candidate for Kansas House of Representatives District 4

Hello there! I’m Joshua Jones, a proud resident of Bourbon County, where my family’s legacy spans back to the 1850s. My wife Karen shares this deep connection, with her family settling in western Bourbon County around the same time. Together, we’ve celebrated 23 years of marriage and have been blessed with three wonderful children: Taylor and Madison, both 23, and David, who is 19. 

 

**My Promises to You:** 

 

  1. **Give Back My Salary** 

   My belief is simple: if the people I serve benefit, then I benefit. We are all in this together. I am giving back my salary because your tax dollars should work for you. 

 

  1. **Year-Round Accessibility and Transparency** 

   How often do you only hear from politicians during the election? During my time as Mayor/City Commissioner, I was the first to hold public forums to get citizens’ input. 

 

“The position I am running for encompasses all of Bourbon County and most of Linn County. Over the past few years, through my business, I have expanded my connections in Linn County.  

 

As your state representative, I plan to leverage these relationships, along with engaging with other citizens, to address Linn County concerns and work together to create beneficial legislation. 

 

In Bourbon County, I am the only candidate who resides here.

Issues such as the lack of an emergency room directly affect me and our community. While the announcement of Freeman Health System coming to town gives me hope, we must remember past promises, like the one involving Noble, which did not materialize. 

 

 Being the only Bourbon County candidate, it is crucial for me to ensure that Freeman’s arrival becomes a reality. Securing state-level support will be essential to ensure Bourbon County has adequate healthcare. 

 

Issues like Pike Reservoir where the proposed lake would encompass cemeteries where I have family buried. No matter if I am for or against a project I would commit to involving citizens in the process like I did when I was City Commissioner. 

 

Living in Bourbon County also provides me with a unique understanding of medium to smaller issues, such as trains blocking intersections for hours or the challenges faced by public schools competing in the same KSHSAA class as private schools, which I have personally experienced as an injustice.  

 

These are issues I can address at the state level, and my residency in Bourbon County gives me a unique perspective and dedication to tackling them. I am committed to working tirelessly for the betterment of both Bourbon and Linn Counties.” 

 

 

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This ad paid for by Joshua Jones Candidate/Treasurer

AD: Rick James For KS State Representative District 4

Rick James is a Republican candidate for the 4th district House of Representative, a position currently held by Trevor Jacobs. Trevor announced that he is not seeking another term.

Rick is passionate about protecting the conservative values of fellow Kansans. He understands that freedom is not merely a privilege but a birthright. He was raised in La Cygne, Kansas where he attended La Cygne elementary school and graduated from Prairie View High School in 1981. He entered the Marine Corps a few short days later serving a 30-year career. This career included serving in Desert Storm, Haiti, Iraqi Freedom, serving on embassy duty and as a Marine Drill instructor. He achieved the rank of Sergeant Major and was awarded the Bronze Star and Legion of Merit. He also obtained a bachelor’s and a master’s Degree from the American Military University.

There was never a doubt, that he would return to Eastern Kansas. He moved his family to a small farm near highway 69 in 2008 and completed his Marine Corps career at Richard Gebauer Base in Belton. He retired a decorated Marine in 2011.

Since retiring from the Marine Corps he opened two local businesses, Semper Fi Auction Services and Bravo Realty. The Marine Corps instilled a dedication to serving his community. In 2014 he ran for the district 1 Linn County Commissioner. He served 2 full terms from 2014-2022. He did not seek reelection for a third term because, he believes there should be term limits in government at all levels.

He has a personal interest in Kansas, he was a military leader and a small Business owner.  He has conservative views!! He believes in the right to bear arms, he is pro-life, he believes in a smaller government and reduced taxes.

Politicians represent the people they serve, and he takes that very seriously! He would appreciate your vote on August 6. Click here to follow him on Facebook.  Semper Fi and God Bless!

Paid for by Rick James for KS State Representative.

Two Kansas Notable Books Selected for 2024 Great Reads from Great Places

Two Kansas Notable Books Selected for 2024 Great Reads from Great Places


TOPEKA
– The Kansas Center for the Book, part of the State Library of Kansas, selects one youth and one adult book to represent the state in the annual Great Reads from Great Places program. The program highlights books that are written by authors from the state, take place in the state, or celebrate the state’s culture and heritage.

The Kansas great reads for this year feature two Kansas Notable Book winners: One Boy Watching, written and illustrated by Grant Snider and Hell’s Half-Acre: The Untold Story of the Benders, A Serial Killer Family on the American Frontier, by Susan Jonusas.

One Boy Watching celebrates the extraordinary found within the ordinary. This book puts into words what it feels like to be a passenger, inviting young readers to climb aboard bus number four as it opens a new world of discovery.

Hell’s Half-Acre: The Untold Story of the Benders, A Serial Killer Family on the American Frontier tells the story of how the people of Labette County, Kansas, in 1873, made a grisly discovery. Buried by a trailside cabin beneath an orchard of young apple trees were the remains of countless bodies. Below the cabin itself was a cellar stained with blood. The Benders, the family of four who once resided on the property, were nowhere to be found. The discovery sent the local community and national newspapers into a frenzy that continued for decades, sparking an epic manhunt for the Benders.

The Kansas selections officially join the 2024 Great Reads from Great Places at the National Book Festival in Washington D.C. on August 24, 2024. To view previous years’ selections visit Library of Congress Great Reads from Great Places. You can start in Kansas, then discover literary highlights from the other 49 states and 6 territories that have Center for the Book affiliates.

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Bourbon County Local News