Chamber of Commerce Blue Health Insurance Offering Until August 18
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Obituary of Betty Barnes
Betty Jean Barnes, 90, of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away Friday, August 5, 2022, at the Fort Scott Medicalodge. She was born January 6, 1932, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the daughter of Grover B. and Florence (Lounsbury) Barnes. She was the last of her immediate family.
Betty graduated from Fort Scott High School with the Class of 1949, and received a B.S. degree in 1953 and an M.S. degree in 1956 from Pittsburg State University. She taught high school mathematics in Bonner Springs, Kansas, returning to Fort Scott in 1966 where she was a high school counselor until her retirement in 1993.
From childhood she was a member of the Presbyterian Church in which she served in a variety of ways, including that of Elder. In 1999 she became a member of Trinity Lutheran Church where she also served.
Betty especially enjoyed her church work as well as her volunteer work at the hospital and in the Presbyterian Village office. Her special interests included music and animals.
Pastor Michael Apfel will conduct funeral services at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 13, 2022, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Fort Scott, with burial following in the Prescott Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.
Friends may come to call at the funeral home any time until 7:00 p.m. Wednesday through Friday.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Good Samaritan Fund at Presbyterian Village 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 Marvin Taylor
Marvin Lee Taylor, 81, of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away at his home Friday, August 5, 2022. He was born August 3, 1941, in Fort Scott, the son of Joseph Marvin and Geneva Francis (Hall) Taylor. He married Dorothy Nell Bloesser on November 26, 1966, in Redfield, Kansas, and she survives of the home.
Marvin served in the US Army from November 7, 1963, until being released from active duty on November 5, 1965. He worked for the railroad, retiring after 36 years. He was a member of Post 25 American Legion and Color Guard and the First Southern Baptist Church in Fort Scott.
In addition to his wife Dorothy, Marvin is also survived by his children; Marvin Lee Taylor, Jr., of Dallas, Texas, Evan Randall “Randy” Taylor (Kayla), of Fort Scott; two sisters, Leanna Taylor, of Fort Scott, Nancy Holt, of Uniontown, Kansas; a brother, Kenny Blake (RoAnn), of Redfield, Kansas; four grandchildren, Dayton Lee Taylor (Lauren), of Manhattan, Kansas, Kyle Mitchell, Courtney Shelton, and Jackson Marlow, all of Fort Scott; and nine local nieces and nephews, Rick Taylor, Bill Taylor, Quentin Taylor, Lisa Ziegler, Dennis Ziegler, Chad Holt, Bryan Holt, Kerri Snyder, and Eric Shoemaker.
He was preceded in death by his parents and step-father Kenneth Blake, a brother, Richard Taylor, and a sister, Joyce Ziegler.
Pastor James Collins will conduct funeral services at 11:30 a.m. Friday, August 12, 2022, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, with burial following at the Fort Scott National Cemetery.
The family will receive friends 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Thursday evening, August 11, 2022, at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Post 25 American Legion or First Southern Baptist Church, 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.
News from USD 234
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
NEWS RELEASE
Monday, August 8, 2022
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, August 8, 2022, 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:
- Minutes from July 11, 2022, Board of Education Meeting (with modification) and minutes from July 25, 2022, Special Board of Education Meeting
- Treasurer’s Report
- Check Register
- Payroll – July 20, 2022 – $1,289, 232.37
- Activity Fund accounts
- Audiology Contract with Greenbush
- Low Incidence Contract with Greenbush
The board heard reports from FSKNEA, the Assistant Superintendent, and the Business Manager. The board received a presentation of the budget and reviewed a copy of the District Needs Assessment. Budget publications will also be posted to the district website.
The board approved the following items:
- Superintendent Brown to proceed forward with negotiation and finalization of a MOU with the City of Fort Scott to expand the School Resource Officer program to include a second School Resource Officer.
- Participation in the KDHE School Board Grant. The board heard from Ashley Hooper and Dan Duling with CHC regarding a KDHE grant to provide a school-based clinic that would provide access to a medical provider, additional nursing services, and mental health services for students and staff. The planned site is the Fort Scott High School, but services would be available to all students.
- COVID updated guidance for the upcoming school year
- 2022-23 Employee Handbook
- 2022-23 No Limits Contract for physical therapy services
- 2022-23 Happy Kids Contract for preschool slots and classrooms
- Middle school chiller replacement up to $200,000
- Personnel Report – following
- 2022-23 Negotiated Agreement as amended to reflect an increase to the base salary and agreed upon items
- Recommended increases for Administrators, Directors, and Special Services personnel
The board went into an executive session for personnel matters, negotiations to discuss reopening the 2022-23 negotiations, and then into an executive session for personnel matters.
President Danny Brown adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
- Lannette Wood – Resignation as FSHS paraprofessional, effective August 6, 2022
- Norma Floyd – Resignation as Winfield Scott paraprofessional, effective July 25, 2022
- Lacey Miles – Resignation as Winfield Scott cook, effective August 2, 2022
- Angella Curran – Resignation as FSHS speech/debate/forensics teacher, effective August 15, 2022
- Delynn Abati – Resignation as FSHS play assistant
- Josh Hudiburg – Resignation as FSMS basketball coach
EMPLOYMENT/REASSIGNMENTS – FOR THE 2022-23 SCHOOL YEAR
- Instructional Coaches – Additional 10 days added to contract
- Ashley Wilcox – Winfield Scott After-Care Program Coordinator
- Adam Feagins – FSMS Intramural Coach for the first, second, and third nine-weeks
- Shelly Sanborn – FSHS paraprofessional
- Jannah Farrington – District Dynamic Learning Map (DLM) Coordinator
- Marci Mix – Eugene Ware Building Test Coordinator
- Tracy Homan – FSMS Building Test Coordinator
- Josh Messer – FSHS Building Test Coordinator
- Ashley Wilcox – Winfield Scott Professional Development Chair
- Marci Mix – Eugene Ware Professional Development Chair
- Angie Kemmerer – FSMS Professional Development Chair
- Sara Jackman – FSHS Professional Development Chair
- Gordon Harris – Reassignment from FSMS custodian to FSPC/Eugene Ware Custodian
- Dylan Goucher – Reassignment from FSPC/Eugene Ware custodian to FSHS Custodian
- Allen Davis – Reassignment from FSMS/BOE custodian to FSMS Custodian
- Alisha Watkins – Reassignment from FSHS custodian to FSMS/BOE Custodian
- Anthony Ogle – Assigned to FSMS custodian position
- Dixie Jackson – Assigned to FSHS custodian position
- Kenny Hudiburg – FSHS assistant girls’ tennis coach
- Jered McKay – Reassignment from Eugene Ware focus room teacher to Winfield Scott focus room teacher
- Anna Anderson – Reassignment from Eugene Ware paraprofessional to Eugene Ware focus room teacher
- Megan Hull – Reassignment from Eugene Ware paraprofessional to speech paraprofessional
- Siarra Willard – Eugene Ware paraprofessional
- Tamra McReynolds – Eugene Ware paraprofessional
- Sara Rood – Eugene Ware paraprofessional
Letter to the Editor: Deb McCoy
There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.”
Margaret J. Wheatley
We have the privilege to vote for those who run for the public service of representing us to do the right thing. It is important that we do not become complacent. I would encourage each and every one of you to watch the (Fort Scott City) commissioner meetings on YouTube and pay attention to what is going on in these meetings. The meetings can be viewed live or at a later date on youtube.com. Simply type, fort Scott city commission meeting, into the search bar. Become involved!
We had two scheduled Commissioner Meetings scheduled this past week. The normally scheduled meeting on Tuesday, August 2, 2022 was abruptly postponed after an executive meeting. The stated reason was“because the commissioners did not receive their packets until the morning of Monday August 1st, 2022, and “they did not have time to review them.” One of the commissioners quoted a statement from the Code of Ethics for the City of Fort Scott, Kansas “the agenda must go out on time, usually on the Wednesday before a regular meeting.” Take note “usually”. I would also like to add the next sentence written under the above quote. “Surprises at meetings from the City Commissioners or Staff can be unwelcome and counterproductive.” Our City Code of Procedures does not specify a day in which the agendas are to be distributed. It states “The agenda is required to be supplied to Commissioners and staff in advance of the meeting”. How many people in the audience, who were there to speak, were inconvenienced by the decision that was made? For those involved in this decision, why did you not address your concerns on Monday or Tuesday prior to the meeting?
In revelation to the circumstances surrounding the above there was an explanation. Our City Clerk has been in their position for 24 years. The Commissioners Agendas have been processed and sent out on Fridays for the past 24 years. Our City Clerk requested a two week vacation for the first time in 15 years, with the understanding that the Agendas would be sent out first thing upon returning to work on the Monday, August 1st, which happened. Where is adaption and clemency for someone who has dedicated 24 years to a job that has many demands and that includes shuffling their personal time to cover all of the meetings?
At our second Commissioner meeting on August 4th, 2022, a revision of Ordinance 3290 was introduced. This particular City Ordinance on filling a vacancy also included the State Statute regarding residency. The verbiage in Ordinance 3290 has been manipulated over the past several groups of commissioners with the appearance of trying to meet the needs of their personal or group agenda when it comes to replacement of a City Commissioner position. The revised Ordinance 3618 was well written and inclusive of all situations and scenarios and included the necessary Kansas State Statutes that should be followed. It would certainly alleviate any questions of the processes that should be followed. This is the second revision of the ordinance presented to two different groups of commissioners. This present group of commissioners tabled the discussion of the presented Ordinance until the next meeting in two weeks, and will allow them to take no action on truth, transparency, and doing the right thing.
We need City Policies, Procedures and Ordinances because it gives guidelines for everyone to follow when presented with different situations. It provides consistency. It provides fairness. It provides cohesiveness and takes the guessing game out of what should be done. Where in the Rules of Professional Conduct does it say that we can manipulate the Rule of Law to fit our needs? It doesn’t. It states as a professional, the Rule of Law should be followed and respected. Making decisions on the basis of public policy and being consistent to avoid favoritism will improve and enhance the trust of our community in the decisions that are made.
With Sincerity, Deb McCoy
New FSHS Educators: Mike Durnell and Christie Smith
This is part of a series featuring the 26 new Fort Scott educators.
USD 234 students first day is August 18.
Mike Durnell, 54, is a new math teacher at Fort Scott High School.
His hometown is Moundville, MO.
He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in education from College of the Ozarks, a Master’s Degree in education from Missouri State University, and a Specialist’s Degree in Education from William Woods University.
He has taught for 31 years.
Durnell began teaching high school math in LaMonte, Missouri, then taught math in Billings, Missouri and Aurora, Missouri at the middle and high school levels, then junior high math in El Dorado Springs, for many years before serving as the Activities Director. Most recently, he have taught junior high math in Uniontown.
He is married to Suzan and has two grown daughters, Jenna and Tessa. “Suzan will be working in the elementary schools in Fort Scott this coming school year, my daughters are married, working, and making the world a better place,” he said.
Outside of the classroom he enjoys hunting and fishing.
Durnell was influenced to teach by his high school teacher and coach, Randy Robertson, he said.
Students are the best part of teaching for Durnell, although there are some challenges.
“In teaching, we are faced with students being more distracted than ever,” he said. “It is a challenge to keep things interesting for them.”
Christie Lutter Smith, 48 is the Speech Language Pathologist for Eugene Ware Elementary, Fort Scott High, St. Mary’s Elementary, Christian Heights and Christian Learning Center all in Fort Scott.
“I am really looking forward to being a part of the Fort Scott School District,” she said. “I am looking forward to the upcoming school year and can’t wait to work with the kids and their families.”
Smith earned a Bachelor’s in Communication Disorders (Speech Language Pathology), then a Master’s in Early Childhood Special Education, taught school, then earned a Master’s in Communication Disorders.
“I have been a speech therapist for over 20 years and have practiced in a variety of settings: schools, hospitals, and skilled nursing facilities. I love them all and feel blessed to love what I do.”
She and husband Dallas have been married 25 years and have three girls: Meg, 22, is getting married this fall; Ellie,17 will be a senior and “can’t wait for basketball season, and Cate,10a, ttends Saint Mary’s and pretty much loves everyone,” she said.
In her spare time she loves to travel, read, and has hobbbies of photography, music and art.
Smith’s other involvements in the community: Catholic High School Youth Leader, past Mercy Hospital Foundation Board member, a nursing home volunteer, Parent Teacher Organization, past board member of Mother to Mother Ministry, Relay for Life, PEO, and Magazine Club.
“I started college as a pre-med student; however, after taking a few classes in speech pathology I fell in love. Probably because I love to talk! As my classes went along I also fell in love with the special education field and became actively involved in the Special Olympics. All these exposures and experiences have aided me throughout my career.”
“Some of the greatest challenges I have faced in my career and continue to face is finding the resources our families need in Southeast Kansas. It may not be easy to find but there are amazing people and companies out there, a lot of them in our community.”
FS City Drops Water Pressure to Change Hydrant on August 10
The City of Fort Scott Water Distribution Department will be changing out a fire hydrant at 1st and Grant Street on Wednesday, August 10th, 2022.
In order to do this safely and without a long term water outage, the water pressure in the area from Broadway to Cameron along 1st Street will need to be reduced.
Some residents may experience low or no water pressure during this time.
The Water Distribution Department will try to keep this situation as short as a time frame as possible.
Please watch for the water pressure drop around 9:00 a.m. that morning.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have any questions or concerns, please call 620-223-0550 and ask for Water Distribution Department.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports August 9
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter
Senate Passes SFC Heath Robinson PACT Act
This week, the Senate approved historic health care for our nation’s veterans through the SFC Heath Robinson PACT Act, passing with a vote of 86-11. I introduced this bipartisan legislation, advocated for it and voted for it because our veterans have waited long enough for care and benefits. I look forward to the President signing this important legislation into law this week.
This is an historic moment for our nation’s veterans. My legislation with Sen. Tester will provide comprehensive relief for all generations of veterans, from Agent Orange to the 3.5 million post-9/11 veterans exposed to burn pits during their deployments. Our nation’s veterans and their families will no longer have to fear being turned away from the VA for illnesses related to toxic-exposures. Thank you to SFC Heath Robinson’s family and all the veterans and advocates for their input and commitment to get this long-overdue bill passed through Congress.
I spoke on the Senate floor regarding the SFC Heath Robinson PACT Act shortly before the bill’s final passage. You can watch my full speech here.
Voting to Oppose Senate Democrats’ Tax and Spending Bill
I voted to oppose the Democrats’ tax and spending bill. The idea that spending more money and increasing taxes will be helpful in combating inflation is false and confirmed by the Congressional Budget Office. Rather than taking steps to curb spending and expand energy production, the so-called Inflation Reduction Act will raise taxes on small businesses and working families, including by hiring 87,000 more IRS agents to target more Americans with tax audits. Instead, the Senate should be focused on pro-job, pro-growth policies to reduce the cost of gas, goods and services for Kansans.
Meeting with the Kansas National Guard
On Tuesday, I met with Major General David Weishaar, the Adjutant General of the Kansas National Guard. As the Adjutant General, Major General Weishaar serves as the Commander for 7,000 Airmen and Soldiers in the Kansas National Guard and oversees their training and readiness. MG Weishaar is also responsible in assisting more than 100 county emergency managers and 2,300 state and federal employees, all aligned toward the mission of providing rapid response to crises and security in Kansas. Our conversation this past week centered on the military’s current recruiting concerns which has the potential to greatly impact the readiness of the Kansas National Guard.
I remain committed to finding solutions to the military’s recruiting crisis and will continue to advocate for sound policies that maintain the high standards to serve in our military while working to bring testing requirements into the 21st century. We also discussed the incredible work of the 284th Air Support Operations Squadron (ASOS) and their Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) Airmen that provide critical support in coordinating aircraft, fires and aerospace operations for the Joint Force. Many thanks to MG Weishaar for his leadership of our Kansas National Guard and thank you to all of our brave men and women who continue to answer the call to serve our country.
Meeting with National Association of Police Athletic Leagues Youth Summit
On Thursday, I met with Detective Elaine Moore, Officer Rodney Boston, members of the Kansas City Kansas Police Department, as well as four young Kansans who were in Washington, D.C. attending the National Association of Police Athletic Leagues Youth Summit. During our meeting, we spoke about the work the Police Athletic League of Kansas City is doing to provide our youth with positive interactions with members of law enforcement and the positive impact it has on their lives. The Police Athletic League of Kansas City offers interactive programs for youth and members of the Kansas City Police Department. Five full-time officers, two sergeants and a captain are dedicated to building lifelong relationships with encouragement and commitment to the children they serve every day. I remain committed to assisting the Police Athletic League of Kansas City Kansas and other youth-focused organizations with their work of providing young Kansans with opportunities. Thank you to the Police Athletic League and all the officers who are involved for your dedication to making a better life for many.
Meeting with Colombian Ambassador Juan Carlos Pinzón
This week, I met with Ambassador Juan Carlos Pinzón of Colombia again to discuss maintaining strong relations between our two countries and the challenges currently facing Colombia. I sponsored legislation that promotes economic growth, strengthens security cooperation and advances peace and democratic governance. All of this is crucial as China and Russia expand their influence in Latin America and other countries in the region are ruled by authoritarians. Colombia has recently elected a new president, and Ambassador Pinzón will be returning home. I have appreciated the insight he has provided during his visits to my office, and I look forward to continuing to build relationships that serve the interests of the United States and our friends in Colombia.
Voting to Admit Finland and Sweden into NATO
Finland and Sweden have long been our partners in Europe, and this week I supported admitting them into NATO to further strengthen the alliance. These countries joining NATO will enhance defense and security cooperation in Europe and beyond.
Meeting with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Mark Milley
On Wednesday, I met with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley, to discuss the military issues facing our nation today. I especially appreciate the interest General Milley has taken in Kansas, when I hosted him at Fort Riley and during his visits to Fort Leavenworth. During our meeting, I asked General Milley about the military’s recruiting crisis and expressed my commitment to continue working with my colleagues in the Senate to assist in finding solutions to these issues. We also discussed at length the war in Ukraine and how Vladmir Putin has destroyed the rules-based order established to maintain peace between sovereign nations. In addition, we discussed the growing competition between the U.S. and China and the risks posed to our national security by China’s continued aggression towards Taiwan. As a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, I will continue to support and advocate for funding to increase the readiness of the Joint Force to protect our country at home and abroad. Thank you to General Milley for your service and leadership of our country’s military.
These photographs are provided by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff – Public Affairs as a courtesy and may be printed by the subject(s) in the photograph for personal use only. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not otherwise be disseminated, reproduced, or broadcast without the written permission of the CJCS – Public Affairs Officer. These photographs may not be used in any commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement by the Secretary of Defense, Department of Defense, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, or the Joint Staff.
Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Media and Broadband Hearing
On Tuesday, I attended a Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Media and Broadband hearing about the future of spectrum policy in the U.S., including the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) expiring spectrum auction authority. Spectrum is a critical resource that allows you to talk on your cell phone, enables music to play on the radio and ensures weather satellites are able to track storms. Congress has authorized the FCC to allocate portions or “bands” of spectrum for specific uses, like cellular communications, and to auction licenses to these bands to companies for their exclusive or shared use. These spectrum auctions raise revenue for the federal government and, if Congress has specifically authorized the sale of the band, Congress may have a say in how the funds are spent. Unfortunately, the number of spectrum bands that Congress has specifically authorized and will have a say in how the funds are spent is small.
This year, at the end of September, the FCC’s spectrum auction authority given to it by Congress will expire. During Tuesday’s hearing, I stated that Congress should authorize the FCC’s spectrum auction authority for 18 months to allow time for a “pipeline” of spectrum bands to be specifically authorized by Congress. This will make certain that Congress has a say in how the auction proceeds are spent and will provide certainty to industry stakeholders that are working to increase access to 5G. I will continue to work with my colleagues on the Commerce Committee to maintain the FCC’s spectrum auction authority and to increase the availability of advanced communications networks across the country.
Speaking at the Commercial Drone Alliance Reception
This week, I spoke to a gathering of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) industry leaders in Washington, D.C. The gathering was a great opportunity to celebrate U.S. leadership in advanced aviation. For nearly 100 years, Kansans have promoted and embodied a culture of innovation in aerospace, which is more crucial today than ever before if the United States is to maintain our superiority in aerospace development. The innovation happening within industry and academia back home is critical for our future, and it was great to have the opportunity to highlight this fact to the more than 250 industry representatives in the audience.
Announcing Federal Investment for Pittsburg State University
On Monday, I joined Pittsburg State University President Dan Shipp to announce a $3 million federal investment to establish a new Center for Commercialization at the National Institute for Materials Advancement (NIMA) at Pitt State. The Kansas Polymer Research Center and NIMA are internationally-recognized research facilities in the world of polymers and plastics, leading cutting-edge projects that could revolutionize the plastics industry. The new center will provide opportunities for the innovators at the university to take their work and turn it into job-creating businesses. I appreciate Pitt State’s commitment to ensuring that the advancements made in the lab make it out into the world to benefit our local and regional economy. It was great to meet PSU President Dan Shipp for the first time, and I know he will do an excellent job in his role. Thank you to President Shipp and Shawn Naccarato for your hospitality, and to Daron Hall and Jay Byers at the city and Blake Benson with the chamber of commerce for the community’s support of Pitt State in their efforts of remaining a global leader in polymers and plastics.
Visiting the Girard Medical Center
Also on Monday, before heading back to Washington, I had the opportunity to visit the Girard Medical Center, where I toured their facility and met with the center’s medical staff and administration. It was great to meet members of the faculty and learn more about their experiences working in a small-town Kansas medical center. With the negative impacts from the pandemic, supply chain issues and workforce shortages, I appreciate the dedication of health care providers now more than ever. Thank you to the center’s CEO, Ruth Duling for the warm welcome, and to everyone at Girard Medical for your continued efforts to provide southeastern Kansas with exceptional care.
Announcing New Federal Resources for Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office
Earlier this week, I announced new federal resources for the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office. As the lead Republican on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee that funds the Department of Justice, it is my priority to support our law enforcement and provide officers and departments with the resources they need to keep our communities safe, including our more rural areas. I look forward to working with Sheriff Groves and law enforcement leaders across the state to continue bringing these crucial public safety tools to Kansas. Thank you to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Dave Groves, and County Commissioners Lorie Johnson, Myra Carlisle Frazier and Cory Moates for joining me for this announcement.
Touring Key Apparel in Fort Scott
While in Bourbon County, I toured Key Apparel in Fort Scott, a clothing wholesaler that manufactures durable workwear from men, women and children. This local Kansas business first opened in Fort Scott in 1908 and has expanded throughout the years as it rapidly gained a reputation for producing quality work apparel. Known for their iconic bib overalls worn by farmers, ranchers and blue-collar workers, Key Apparel was announced as the official clothing supplier of the Kansas FFA earlier this year. This company also partners with the Kansas State Fair. Thank you to President and CEO Chris Barnes for providing a tour of the facility and for sharing how consistent, long-term policies are important to him and other business owners to provide stability as they navigate markets and government regulations. Special thanks as well to Rob Harrington, Bourbon County Economic Development Director, Katie Harrington, Fort Scott Mayor, and Kelly Zellner, Fort Scott City Manager for joining us.
Meeting with Kansans in Washington, D.C.
Kallisti Mandanis from Andover High School
During this past summer, Kallisti Mandanis has been serving as my Senate page in Washington, D.C. I appreciate her hard work throughout her time here in the Senate, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for her as she returns back to Kansas this fall. I hope her time in the Senate, learning about our federal government and serving Kansans, has been a valuable experience for her.
Capitol Tour Groups
Visiting with Kansans during their trips to Washington, D.C. is a highlight for me. This past week, I met with several groups during their visits to my office for Capitol tours. It is always great to meet with these folks and to speak with Kansans about the issues that are important to them.
This great group below includes visitors from many areas: Barbara Gatewood (Manhattan), Deborah Marsh (Rostraver, PA), and Karrah Timko (Elizabeth, PA); Marcia Williams (Topeka), Kim Williams-Gaston (Topeka), and Jaelyn Gaston (Topeka); Dustin and Ashleigh Mengarelli and children, Cooper and Keaton (Topeka) and Jon and Desiree Gaul and son, Adler (Springfield, VA); Ellis and Karen Hutchison and foster son, Tommy Reynolds (Belton, TX).
Stendebach Family from Olathe
I enjoyed meeting Randy and Steven Stendebach from Olathe this week while they were Washington for a Capitol tour with my office.
Grandcolas Family from Leawood
It was great to meet with Gary and Margaret Grandcolas and their son David from Leawood during their visit to my D.C. office for a tour this week.
1st Infantry Division Soldiers from Fort Riley
It was great to visit with 1st Infantry Division soldiers from Fort Riley as they were getting ready for the Dodge City Days 5k & 1 Mile Shootout!
Obituary of Elizabeth Hall
Elizabeth Ann Hall, age 58, loving mother of two children, Amanda Knorr and Willis Hall and granddaughter Jessica Knorr, passed away in the early hours Friday, August 5, 2022, due to kidney failure, at Stormont Vail Hospital, Topeka, KS.
She was born on May 20, 1964, in Fort Scott, KS, the daughter of Barbara Kramer May. Elizabeth had one brother, Michael May. She was a loving and caring mother and nana. She loved her two children and was so excited when she became a grandmother in 2016. She spoiled her granddaughter who was the world to her. Elizabeth loved watching movies, listening to music, and hanging out with her family, especially her granddaughter. She will be greatly missed.
Survivors include two children, Amanda Knorr and husband Robert, Junction City, KS, and Willis Hall, Ft. Scott; and a granddaughter, Jessica Knorr.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Barbara May, a brother, Michael May, and her husband Charles Hall.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Wednesday, August 10th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 9:00 AM until service time Wednesday morning at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to the Elizabeth Hall Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Nelson Blythe Selected to Fill District 1 Commissioner Position
A convention of the Bourbon County Republican party committee members was held on August 4 to decide who would fill Lynne Oharah’s Bourbon County Commissioner District 1 position.
To view a prior story on Oharah’s resignation:
After the rules of selection were explained, the Republican committee had two individuals who asked to be considered: Donald Coffman and Nelson Blythe.
“Each candidate was given three minutes to address our meeting, after this portion, the candidate and any of the public were asked to leave,” said Chairman Mark McCoy. “Much discussion took place amongst us. A motion was made to appoint Mr. Blythe by an acclamation motion, it was seconded, and all in attendance answered in the affirmative.”
The required state form was sent certified mail on Friday, August 5 to the governor’s office, McCoy said.
“In my experience, the governor will notify our county clerk within 10 days,” he said.
Nelson Blythe will start mid-August as the new commissioner.
Nelson Blythe
Nelson Blythe, 28, worked as a deputy for the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office for approximately four years. Since 2021, he has worked as a deputy for the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office.
The sheriff in Linn County is flexible in scheduling personnel, he said, and that will allow him to be present at the commission meetings, which typically meet at 9 a.m. on Tuesdays at the courthouse.
One thing that motivated him to run for the commissioner position was being involved in Bourbon County.
“When I went to Linn County, I didn’t like missing out on what is going in Bourbon County,” he said.
“I maintained good working relationships with most of the people who work in the court house, especially in the county attorney’s office,” according to a press release from Blythe. “I believe that my professional relationship with the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office will help smooth the sometimes rocky relationship with the commission.”
Additionally, Blythe said he is glad he will be “in a position to defend our rights from state and federal governance.”
“Local elected officials need to be willing to stand up to state and federal authorities that violate the Constitution,” he said. “This isn’t an extreme view. It is a methodical, constitutional, conservative, law-abiding, Christian mindset.”
Blythe has been married to Euna for six years.
He is the son of Bud and Lee Belle Blythe of rural Uniontown. He lives on part of the farm that has been handed down in his family for over 150 years. His grandparents were Kaley and Julia Blythe.
He is the youngest of Bud and Lee Belle’s five children and one of the three triplets. His older brother, Paden, works for the Fort Scott Police Department; his older sister, Katie Dyastra lives with her husband and three children in Fort Scott, and his sister, Hannah Stark and husband live in Fort Scott.
His identical twin brother, Kaley, is married to Kelsey and they have one child. He also lives on a part of the Blythe family farm.
Blythe earned a bachelors of science degree from Pittsburg State University in business administration.