Area News

Ten-digit Dialing Starts April 24 For Area Code 620

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Ten-digit dialing begins soon in Kansas area codes 785 and 620

 

TOPEKA – Kansans that live in area codes 785 or 620 will soon be required to use 10-digit dialing when making local calls. This change will make it easier for persons in crisis to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

 

Last July, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved 988 as the new abbreviated number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. As a result, any area code that uses the 988 prefix in telephone numbers is mandated by the FCC to adopt 10-digit dialing.  That includes Kansas area codes 785 and 620, which cover the majority of the state. In total, 82 area codes in 36 states will make the change.

 

It will take time to get in the habit of using 10-digit dialing (example: 785-XXX-XXXX), so a practice period has been established.  Callers are encouraged to begin using 10-digit calling on April 24, 2021. Any calls dialed with 7-digits will still go through during this practice period.

 

Beginning October 24, 2021, callers in 785 and 620 area codes must use 10-digit dialing or the call will not go through. The only exceptions are any three digit abbreviated numbers available in the community, such as 911. Callers will still dial 1 + the area code and telephone number for all long distance calls.

 

Beginning July 16, 2022, callers can reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 988. Until then, callers will continue to dial 1-800-273-8255 (TALK).

 

More information about the change to 10-digit dialing is included in the attached flyer “Ten things to know about 10-digit dialing”. Information is also available on the KCC’s website https://kcc.ks.gov/ and from telephone providers.

 

Obituary

Obituary of Marilyn Barker

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Marilyn Margaret Barker, age 76, went to be with the Lord on Friday, March 26, 2021. She was born on January 17, 1945 in Parsons, KS to Roy Emil Tarvin and Alice “Evaleen” Duffield Tarvin.

Marilyn is survived by her husband, Melvin Eugene Barker of Fort Scott, KS; two sons and one daughter, Mark Eugene Barker and wife Renea of Johnston, IA, Paul Leroy Barker and wife Tammy of Peculiar, MO, and Ruthanne Renee Arace and husband Mike of Kansas City, KS; two sisters, Edwina Brennon of Erie, KS and Jackie Cross and husband George of Parsons, KS; four grandchildren, Ethan William Barker, Ellie Elizabeth Barker, Tessa Margaret Barker, and Isaac Eugene Barker, and numerous nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Betty Jo Collins and Carolyn Evel, brother David Tarvin, two brothers-in-law, Dale Evel and Jim Sexton; and two sisters-in-law, Gwen Tarvin and Mary Allen.

Marilyn was devoted to her earthly home and her faith. She combined her love of Jesus and children in owning and operating the Sunbeam Christian Preschool for over 30 years. In addition, she worked with children and youth in church. She was a member of First Sothern Baptist Church. During her walk on earth, Marilyn modeled living her life for the Lord with devotion and love to her family who look forward to being reunited with her in heaven.

Matt Hamilton will conduct the Celebration of Life service at 11:30 AM Friday, April 9th, at First Sothern Baptist Church, Fort Scott. Private burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:30 AM until service time at the church. Memorials are suggested to First Southern Baptist Church and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS 66701. With respect to the families wishes please wear a mask or face covering if attending and refrain from attending if you are experiencing any COVID symptoms. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary

Obituary of Rosa Buras

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Rosa Marie Buras, age 86, a resident of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, March 27, 2021, at the Medicalodge of Fort Scott.

She was born November 27, 1935, in Liberal, Missouri, the daughter of George Garrison and Ruth Arline Harper Garrison.

She graduated from Fort Scott High School.

Rosa married George Anthony Buras III, on July 28, 1990 in Fort Scott.

She worked at White Grill and later as a nurse’s aid at Fort Scott Manor.

She was a member of the V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary, and the Cherry Grove Baptist Church.

Rosa enjoyed flowers, gardening, and loved to travel.

She is survived by her sister, Marilyn Gerhardt, and husband Jerald Sr., of Miami, Oklahoma, and four nephews; she is preceded in death by her husband, George, her parents, three brothers, Melvin, Claude, and Roy Garrison, and two sisters, Lucy Taylor and Alta Kramer.

Rev. Ken Ansell will conduct graveside services Monday, April 5, 2021 at the U.S. National Cemetery.

Memorial are suggested to the Cherry Grove Baptist Church 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.

Fort Scott, Government

Bob Farmer Replaces Jeff Deane as Fort Scott City Attorney

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Fort Scott City Hall.

Bob Farmer has returned as the Fort Scott City Attorney.

He previously served for 45 years in the position and started again on March 23, 2021.

“Since joining our office Mr. Farmer has been extremely accessible and responsive,” Fort Scott City Manager Jeremy Frazier said. “I feel that our relationship will strengthen over time as we work on behalf of the community and I look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with Mr. Farmer.”

“The city attorney is a position by statute,” Farmer said. “The position is an officer, you have to sign an oath because it’s additional obligations above and beyond an employee. The general responsibilities are to give advice and protect the city in that capacity.”

In the agreement between Farmer and the city manager provided by the city,  it states that “the city attorney will represent the city in civil actions, prosecute violations of the city ordinances, give legal advice to city officials and employees on city matters, prepare ordinances, legal papers, and documents, assist with public improvement proceedings and assist the governing body and other city agencies in the conduct of city meetings.”

“For service in addition to normal duties, the city will pay the attorney his hourly billing rate on a per hour basis, plus all out of pocket expenses incurred…in areas such as litigation, economic development, claims filed with the city as an adjunct to litigation and out-of-city services,” according to the agreement.

The agreement is for one year, at $4,000 per month.

His office, the firm of Nuss and Farmer PA, is located at 323 Judson in the Security Professional Building and he can be reached at 620-223-0150.

Bob Farmer.

City Manager Frazier, who came to the position in February 2021, said he had the pleasure of meeting Farmer prior to the commission approving his contract, at Crooner’s Restaurant by chance, while at dinner one evening.

“He struck me as someone who cared about the community and offered, if ever I needed, to assist me with anything that would help me be more successful on behalf of the community,” Frazier said.  “I walked away from our initial encounter with a positive impression of Bob. Again, at this time, I had no idea that he would soon become our new city attorney, but I am glad that he submitted his name for consideration and was selected by the council.”

“It was undoubtedly a difficult decision by the council as there were many great candidates to consider,” Frazier said. “However, Bob is very knowledgeable and has held the city attorney position before, so I consider myself lucky to have his legal guidance. For a new city manager, it is great to have a city attorney of his caliber to lean on as we strive to move the city forward.”

In the community, Farmer has served previously in Fort Scott Kiwanis, as United Way Chairman, and the Fort Scott Planning Commission.

Farmer earned his Juris Doctorate in 1972 from the University of Kansas.

Farmer takes over from Jeffrey Deane, Lauber Municipal Law, LLC, Lee’s Summit, MO.

“Mr. Deane has assisted in the transition,” Farmer said. “He has been very courteous and professional.”

Deane served from 2019 to 2021 as the Fort Scott City Attorney.

 

To view the agreement:

DOC032521-03252021091322

 

 

Obituary

Obituary of John Henry Bower

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John Henry Bower, age 84, a resident of rural Deerfield, Missouri, passed away Friday, March 26, 2021, at his home.  He was born May 3, 1936, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, the son of Jesse Bower and June Dunbar Bower.

He had served with the United States Army.

John married Amelia E. Jones on July 17, 1964, at Miami, Oklahoma.

John had worked for several years as a truck driver.

He enjoyed spending time with his family and exploring the outdoors with his grandchildren.

He also liked to garden and watch western movies.

Survivors include his wife, Amelia, of the home; and children, Rick Jones, of Ft. Scott, Jill Love and husband, Ron, Tony Bower, and Jason Bower and wife, Thabena, all of Deerfield; twelve grandchildren, Dustin Jones, Kendria Brown, Josh Jones, Haley Jones, and Garrett, Alyson Love, Quentin Love, Gavin Love, Evan Love, Jessica Bower, and fiancé, Jacob, Rebecca Bower, Micala Bower and Preslee Bower and ten great-grandchildren, Elijah, Hannah, Faith, Glory, Silas, Jordan, Romey, Madison, Taylor and David.  Also surviving are two sisters, Mable Green, of Colorado and Roberta Rickman, of Girard, Kansas and two brothers, Perry Bower and wife, Helen and Chet Bower and wife, Linda, all of Ft. Scott, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his son, Doug Bower, three brothers, Jay, Floyd and Leroy Bower and a sister, Margaret Rhodes.

There was cremation and no services will be held at this time.

Memorials are suggested to Care to Share 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.

Area News

Cold Weather Rule to End March 31  

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Cold Weather Rule ends on Wednesday, March 31. That means Kansans who are behind on electric and natural gas utility bills may be subject to disconnection of service unless they contact their utility company to make payment arrangements.  A variety of payment options are available and will vary by utility, as well as the date disconnections will resume.

Utility customers experiencing difficulty keeping up with their bills are encouraged to call their utility no later than Wednesday to be eligible for the Cold Weather Rule 12-month payment plan to catch up on overdue accounts. Under the plan, the customer must make an initial payment of 1/12 of the overdue amount, 1/12 of the bill for current service, the full amount of any disconnection or reconnection fees if any, plus any applicable deposit owed to the utility. The balance is billed in equal payments over the next 11 months, in addition to the regular monthly bill.

On December 15, 2020, the Commission extended an earlier order related to COIVD-19 that requires utilities under its jurisdiction to offer 12-month payment plans and waive late fees through the official end of the pandemic.  That order is still in effect, but customers who have two previous broken pay agreements may not qualify. That is why it is important to make arrangements before the Cold Weather Rule ends.

To find out more about utility assistance programs in your area, please contact your utility or the KCC Consumer Protection Office at 800-662-0027 or 785-271-3140. Utility assistance program information is also posted on the KCC’s website.

Obituary

Obituary of William Carl Jowers

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William Carl Jowers

William Carl Jowers, 69, of Fitzgerald, Georgia, died Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri after a battle with COVID 19.

Mr. Jowers was born on December 2, 1951 to the late Betty Sarah Harden Jowers, of Fitzgerald, GA and Carl Edison Jowers, of Rhine, GA. William is a graduate of Fitzgerald Highschool Class of 1969. William is survived by his former wife Leonida Arboleda Jowers, Calapacuan, Subic Zambales Philippines who he married in 1974 and their three children Lars Michael Jowers (Alicia), Justin Leif Jowers, and Sarah Ashley Jowers. He also leaves behind grandchildren Elijah Jordan Jowers, Preston David Jowers, Zoë Isabella Jowers, Lily Leonida Jowers, Sophia Rose Jowers, and William Cardell Norton.

In 1995 he married Myra Barco Jowers of Jacksonville, Florida they have four furry babies Miller, Kahlua, Rebel and Ebony. William leaves behind two stepchildren Kevin Pickett (Pamela) their children, and Jennifer Johnson (Michael) and their children.

Carl was a Veteran Petty Officer First Class of the United States Navy (1970-1991) of the Vietnam War Era. He earned many decorations such as Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, Navy Achievement Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Fifth Good Conduct Award, Second Meritorious Unit Commendation, Second Battle E Award, Fourth Overseas Service Ribbon, and Second National Defense Service Medal.

Carl began his post graduate education while in the Navy, attending a variety of colleges in California and Florida. He earned his master’s degree from Jacksonville University. Following his retiring from the United States Navy Carl was employed by Florida State College at Jacksonville (formerly FJC, FCCJ) as Manager of Testing and Assessments (1991-2013) and intermittently teaching GED classes before retiring again.

Carl was an avid genealogist who was able to connect to ancestors, through his tireless research, who provided him eligibility for his expressing pride of his Southern heritage by joining the Sons of Confederate Veterans Forest’s Escort Camp 1239 in Villa Rica, GA. He and his wife, Myra then purchased a trike so that he could become a member of the Mechanized Cavalry. Following their move to Fort Scott, KS he transferred to the Thomas J Key Camp1854 in Kansas City, KS. With his servant’s heart he spent most of his retired life giving back to Veterans.

Carl was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Olson-Frary Burkhart Post 1165 in Ft. Scott, KS and was currently serving as Commander of the American Legion Thompson – Harkey Post 25 in Ft. Scott as well as Kansas District 2 Adjutant. Carl had the unique ability to join all four components of the American Legion family, The Sons of the American Legion, The Legion Riders and the American Legion Auxiliary which was formerly only open to female spouses of Legionnaires but recently opened their membership to ”spouses” of veterans who are Legionnaires. He earned his eligibility through his wife, Myra, being an Air Force veteran and Legionnaire.

Carl will be dearly missed by his wife of 25 years, family, friends, brother and sisters in arms, and his pets.

Memorial services will be held in Fort Scott, KS at the Cheney Witt Funeral Chapel, 201 S Main St. on Sat, April 3, 2021 at 1:00 PM and later in his hometown, Fitzgerald GA, at Prospect Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Legion Thompson – Harkey Post 25; PO Box 25, Fort Scott, KS 66701 or His home church, First Southern Baptist Church, Building Fund 1818 S Main St, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Donations can be sent to Cheney Witt for distribution. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William Carl Jowers please visit our Tribute Store.
Government, Kansas

Guest Worker Program Webinar Offered April 7

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KDA to Host Webinar on H–2A Agricultural Worker Program

MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture will host a free informational webinar focused on updates to the H–2A guest worker program including CDL requirements for custom harvesting and farm employees. The webinar will take place virtually on April 7, 2021, at 7:00 p.m.

This educational webinar will information on current legislation concerning the U.S. Department of Labor’s H–2A program for temporary agricultural employment of foreign workers via the Farm Worker Modernization Act. The webinar also will provide insight on the process and necessary documentation needed for obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and the differences between a CDL and farm vehicle operations. The final piece of the webinar will feature a facilitated discussion allowing participants to ask questions and provide comments on issues concerning the H–2A program.

Many custom operations and grain producers struggle to find local skilled labor to fill temporary planting, harvesting and transportation jobs. The H–2A program offers a solution to finding those employees from outside the United States who are willing to fill those temporary positions.

Highlights will include updates from industry experts on these topics.

  • Representatives from the National Council of Agricultural Employers will be on hand to provide updates related to the Farm Worker Modernization Act and the impacts it could have on H–2A program users.
  • Mandi Sieren, Operations Manager with U.S. Custom Harvesters, will brief participants on the services offered through the organization.
  • Dixie Cravens, Foreign Labor Certification Manager, and Wendy Inzunza, State Monitor Advocate with the Kansas Department of Commerce, will provide a brief overview of the programs and services offered through Kansas Workforce Centers.
  • Kent Selk, Drivers Services Director, and Brian Brunt, Kansas state CDL Coordinator, with the Kansas Department of Revenue will provide information related to requirements for CDL and farm vehicle operations.

To participate in the webinar, please click the registration link here: www.agriculture.ks.gov/Workforce.

The Kansas Ag Growth Strategy project has identified federal immigration reform, specifically visas for agricultural workers, as a high priority outcome for several critical ag sectors. Developing a strong agricultural workforce is key to furthering KDA’s mission to providing an environment that enhances and encourages economic growth of the agriculture industry and the Kansas economy. For more information contact Russell Plaschka, KDA ag business development and workforce program manager, at [email protected] or 785-564-7466.

Entertainment, Fort Scott

Fort Scott Public Library Offerings

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Maker Kit Videos are offered on YouTube at the Fort Scott Public Library. Submittted photo.

Youth Services & Programs Provided by Fort Scott Public Library

In the interest of serving the needs of our community whilst making every effort to ensure the safety of our patrons, FSPL is offering the following programs and services through either curbside pickup, virtual programming, or a combination of both. Please call the library at (620)223-2882 or email Miss Val at [email protected]for more information or to sign up.
Storytime: Miss Val films and uploads a pre-recorded video of herself reading two – four books, along with singing a welcome song and demonstrating a craft, each week for a themed storytime. Virtual storytime videos designed for kids of all ages are made available on YouTube (unlisted – email [email protected] for the link) or within the private Facebook group for local Storytime families. The library provides a weekly snack and craft (available through curbside pickup) to go along with each storytime, and one – two months’ worth of kits are created at a time for the convenience of storytime families. Upcoming themes are: Easter, Spring Babies, Gardens, Rain, and Butterflies & Caterpillars. Email Miss Val to sign up.
Spring babies is one of the subjects of the program for little ones. Submitted photo.
 
Program for 6th – 12th Graders: The Dragon’s Nest Library Teen & Tween Group meets virtually, weekly on Wednesdays, from 4:20 – 5 pm. Miss Val hosts the meetings and provides participants with snacks, including both food and beverages, along with any supplies they’ll need for each week’s meeting, through curbside pickup. Activities include: Virtual games such as Pictionary or trivia, book discussions, crafts (such as painting canvases, clay pots, and pumpkins; decorating coffee mugs, or weaving hats with jumbo yarn), parties, and solving virtual escape rooms. Upcoming activities are: Game Night, Making Marshmallow Catapults, Virtual Escape Rooms, Making Ever-Spinning Tops, and playing Codenames & Catchphrase. To sign up for the program and receive the secure meeting link, email Miss Val at [email protected] or call and ask to speak with Miss Val.
 
Book Bags: Miss Val compiles book bags on popular topics for easy curbside checkout. Each bag contains ten books, plus some stickers and/or a bookmark. The drawstring bag, bookmarks, and stickers are free for the patron to keep, while books check out for three weeks. You must be a card-holder in SeknFind with an unrestricted account in order to check out a book bag. There is no limit on how many bags you may check out at one time. Current topics are as follows
 For ages Birth – 1st Grade: Boys’ General Interest, Girls’ General Interest, Careers & Local Heroes, Character Building, Construction, Cozy Books, Early Readers Level 1, Early Readers Level 2, Fantasy, LEGO, Preschool Science, Princesses & Queens, Real Heroes, Silly Stories, Space, Spring, and World Travel.
For Grades 2nd – 5th: Early Readers Level 3, Fantasy, Real Heroes, Space, Tech & Games, and World Travel.  Call to order yours!
Maker kits are offered by the Fort Scott Public Library. Submitted photo.
 
Maker Kits: Make something cool with Miss Val.
To order & participate:
1. Choose which maker kit you’d like. Currently you may select from:
Kit #1: Paper Weaving (Easy/Preschool)
Kit #2: Yarn Bowls (Intermediate/Elementary)
Kit #3: Paper Cup Towers (Easy STEM)
Kit #4: Straw Structures (Intermediate STEM)
Kit #5: Pipe Cleaner Challenge (Intermediate STEM)
Kit #6: Garden in a Cup (Easy/Preschool)
2. Contact the library to order yours by calling (620) 223-2882 or email [email protected].
3. You may order 1 kit PER CHILD at a time. Once you have finished with the kit, order the same one again or a different one. Available while supplies last. Caution: Some kit items are not safe for young children. Parental supervision is strongly advised for children ages 3 and under.
4. Go to the Maker Kits Playlist on YouTubeto watch the accompanying video so your child can use the items in their kits right along with Miss Val.

Continue reading Fort Scott Public Library Offerings →

Area News

Red Cross Offers Virtual Children’s Preparedness Lessons

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Get Prepared Today! 

The American Red Cross is offering FREE, interactive virtual preparedness presentations to Kansas and Oklahoma Children! March forward with us into preparedness by inviting the children in your family and their friends to join one of our interactive learning sessions in 30 March – 29 April 2021.

The Presentations being offered are:

Prepare with Pedro: Kindergarten-2nd grade students 

redcross.org/preparewithpedro 

In this 30-minute presentation, a Red Cross presenter will read students a storybook about Pedro the Penguin who learns how to prepare and respond safely to home fires. Students will learn about smoke alarms, evacuating a home safely, and reuniting at a designated meeting location outside their home. This virtual storybook presentation is interactive and engaging to students.

 

The Pillowcase Project: 3rd-5th grade students 

redcross.org/pillowcase 

In this 60-minute presentation as part of The Pillowcase Project, students will learn what the American Red Cross does in their communities, and how to prepare for local hazards (tornados, home fires, and general emergency preparedness). Students will also learn emotional coping skills to help them become more resilient and navigate stressful situations. This virtual presentation is interactive and engaging to students, incorporating core curriculum standards.

Attached is a list of the dates/times and platforms that are being offered.  If you are interested in any of the presentations, please send an email to [email protected] and we will send you a link to the presentation.

 

Come and learn to be safe with us! Hope to see you soon! (virtually, of course)

 

Barbara Martin

Youth Preparedness Program Volunteer Coordinator 

American Red Cross I Kansas and Oklahoma Region 

[email protected]

 

Uncategorized

Restoring the Family Table by Carolyn Tucker

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Carolyn Tucker. Submitted photo.

Keys to the Kingdom

Carolyn Tucker

 

I didn’t grow up in a home with a formal dining room, so when Jimmy and I built our house 40 years ago, we customized the original plans. Raised in the country, I changed the dining room into a utility room and opted for a big comfortable kitchen. Early in our marriage, we purchased an antique walnut drop-leaf table that would seat ten when expanded with two additional leaves. This table was in mint condition and beautiful.

There’ve been a few times when I’ve considered getting rid of the table and chairs because they’ve been run through the mill and have seen better days. But when I get right down to it, there are simply too many memories in that table. We’ve spent hundreds of hours sitting at that table praying, talking, laughing, playing games, and sharing meals with family and friends. Nope. The table stays — it just needs to be restored.

The other night I was praying and, after a few sentences, my own words seemed to fail me. I then began to pray the words of the young shepherd boy. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul. He restoreth my soul. He restoreth my soul.” I could not get past the revelation of what those four words meant. The definition of “restore” means to return something or someone to a former condition. Just like the kitchen table, some of us have some boo boos in our soul that need to heal.

The soul is our mind, our will, and our emotions. The soul processes our circumstances, thoughts, emotions, and decisions. God has made a wonderful promise that in tough times He will restore our soul back to its former joyful condition. God has a unique path designed for all His children. If we will allow Him to be our Shepherd, He’ll guide us by His Holy Spirit to complete restoration.

I memorized Psalm 23 either in Sunday School or Vacation Bible School. I’m thankful for the teacher that realized the importance of children memorizing this valuable chapter. “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You” (Psalm 119:11 NKJV). God’s Word is a powerful and precious gift to treasure. You can pull it out when you need it if it’s as close as your heart.

It’s interesting that David mentions a table later in the chapter: “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over” (Psalm 23:5 KJV). For me, the kitchen table represents happy times sharing food with those you love. Even though David was a mighty warrior and had enemies, God prepared a banqueting table for him. There was no worry or confusion even though his enemies were lurking just outside the door. Likewise, God prepares a table for us right in the middle of storms and sorrows and we can choose to sit down, rest, and eat as if everything is in God‘s hands.

The Key: If your soul has been run through the mill, give it to the Shepherd and He will restore it.

Bourbon County Local News