Fort Scott, Schools

FSHS Thespians Host 3rd Annual Royal-Tea Party and Revue

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The Fort Scott High School Thespians host their 3rd Annual Royal Tea Party and a special Royal Revue on March 6 at the FSHS Auditorium. The show was postponed to this date due to weather conditions.

Join your favorite princesses and princes, queens and kings as they sing, dance, and perform for you. Take photos with your favorite characters and take home special crafts and treats as momentos.

 

The Revue includes performances by junior Jenna Stockstill; sophomores Israel Carreno, Jordyn McGhee, and Karen Primeaux; and freshmen Rex Wells, Silvia Moreno, and Cadence Tuck.

Performances begin at 5 and 7:30 p.m. with an immersive theatre experience to follow where audience members can interact with nearly 20 other characters and take home a goodie bag.

Tickets are $6 for children and $8 for adults. Tickets must be purchased online in advance at fortscotthighschooltheatre.ludus.com. Tickets may be available at the door, but are not guaranteed. Masks and social distancing are required. All children must stay with and be accompanied by an adult as they enjoy the festivities and attendees are encouraged to join us in dressing as royalty. Doors will open 15 minutes early.

 

The musical is directed by Theatre Director Angie Bin, Music Director Mary Jo Harper, Assistant Music Director Taylor Qualls, and Choreographer Delynn Abati.

 

For more information, please see the Fort Scott High School Thespians Facebook page or contact Bin at [email protected] or 620-719-9622.

 

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Angie Bin, 620-719-9622, [email protected]

Government, Kansas

Kansas Business COVID-19 Recovery Effort Announced

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces New Effort to Support Kansas Businesses in COVID-19 Recovery

~Hospitality Industry Relief Emergency Fund has been converted from loans to grants~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that funding provided to Kansas’ hospitality industry through the Hospitality Industry Relief Emergency (HIRE) Fund has been converted from bridge loans to grants.

Originally established as a working capital loan program through NetWork Kansas, these funds will no longer need to be paid back. Businesses that have made repayments will be reimbursed.

“There’s nothing more important my administration can do than give Kansas businesses the long-term, continued support they need to not only recover from the pandemic but prosper now and into the future,” Governor Kelly said. “In communities of all sizes, hospitality businesses provide a source of shared space and shared identity. This action allows the loan dollars we delivered at the beginning of the pandemic to no longer need to be paid back, helping businesses maintain operations as we work to recover from the challenges brought about by COVID-19.”

Governor Kelly joined Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland today at Jenny Dawn Cellars in Wichita for the announcement.

“Hospitality businesses like restaurants, bars, lodging facilities, conference centers and event spaces were among the businesses hit hardest by closures, cancellations and social distancing requirements,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary Toland said. “Working with our wonderful partners at NetWork Kansas, we moved quickly to roll out a working capital loan program that delivered millions of dollars to hundreds of hospitality businesses in communities statewide. Today, we’re announcing an important step forward in helping these businesses get back on their feet and recover from a very difficult situation.”

The HIRE Fund was established in March of 2020 to provide immediate relief to Kansas hospitality businesses faced with revenue losses due to COVID-19. In total, $5 million was delivered to 344 businesses in communities statewide.

“We were happy to play a small role in assisting Governor Kelly and the Department of Commerce during the HIRE fund process,” said Erik Pedersen, Vice President of Entrepreneurship for NetWork Kansas. “NetWork Kansas values and respects all of the hospitality-industry businesses, as well as all other Kansas businesses as they navigate these difficult times.”

All HIRE recipients will receive an email with details on the process and timeframes involved with this conversion. The Department of Commerce will notify the partners/organizations that are assisting with collections to stop collections and forward all funds to NetWork Kansas for reconciliation.

Businesses can expect the process of issuing repayment and other paperwork to be completed in the next 30 days.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses.

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Water Line Breakage Closes Dragoons Barracks at FSNHS

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Fort Scott Kan. – Fort Scott National Historic was impacted by the sub-zero temperatures last week when a fire suppression line valve and pipe failed and ruptured on Saturday, February 20, 2021 around 6:30pm in the Dragoons Barracks. The rupture caused flooding in the attic space, the exhibit area on the second floor, and the Laundress, Married Non-Commissioned Officer’s quarters, and the mechanical room on the first floor.

 

“The park is currently assessing the damages and undergoing a thorough inspection of the building, its fire suppression system, and electrical systems,” said Betty Boyko, Superintendent, Fort Scott National Historic Site. “We are also working closely with the regional Museum Curator and Harpers Ferry Center’s Museum Curation staff on how to best conserve and store affected museum objects and artifacts.” The Dragoons Barracks monitoring system has been restored but the building will remain closed through the assessment and rehabilitation process.

 

From November 1-March 31, Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, will be open for its winter hours of operation. The site exhibit areas and historic buildings are open daily from 8:30 am-4:30 pm. The park grounds are open daily from ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset. To find out more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.

 

Obituary

Obituary of Randy Ballweber

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Randy Scott Ballweber, age 62, a resident of Fort Scott, passed away Saturday, February 20, 2021 surrounded by his wife, mother, and children. He was born June 26, 1958 to Harold and Ruth (Stiers) Ballweber in Salem, Oregon.

Randy became a Christian in 1982 and was a member of the Church of Christ. His hobbies included being outdoors, gardening, concerts, and anything that involved his family. Randy loved playing pranks and making others laugh. He would go out of his way to help others. He was always the quietest in the room but had the biggest personality. On June 24, 1983, he married his soulmate, Veneita Eleanor Griffin in Fort Scott, Kansas. Together they had two daughters. In 2015, both daughters married, giving Randy the sons he always wanted. Danielle Dercher of Lenexa, Kansas, married to Robert Dercher. Jacquelyn Karleskint of Nevada, Missouri, married to Jonathan Karleskint. In 2019, Randy became a “Grandy” a nickname representing being a great and grand Randy to his grandson, Jalen Karleskint.

Randy is survived by: his wife, Veneita Ballweber and their two children, Danielle Dercher (Robert Dercher) and Jacquelyn Karleskint (Jonathan Karleskint); one grandchild, Jalen Karleskint; two fur grandpups, Henry Dercher and Barret Karleskint; His mother, Ruth Rice, sister Lesa Jones, (Marvin) and his brothers, Daryl Ballweber (Anna), Terry Ballweber (Joanne), Don Ballweber (Sandy), Eric Ballweber (Rose), and Gary Ballweber. In-laws that became brothers and sisters: Melissa Hulbert (Warren), Joe Griffin (Deborah) Ron Griffin (Carey), Letitia Stockton (Gary), and Sandra Everhart (Paul). He leaves behind numerous loving relatives and friends.

Randy is proceeded in death by his father Harold Ballweber, stepfather James Falwell, and sister Linda Ballweber Holm.

Services will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, February 26th, at Memorial Hall. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 Thursday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Lewy Body Dementia Association and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary

Obituary of Karin “Sue” Morrison

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Karin “Sue” Morrison, 67, of Redfield, passed away Friday February 19, 2021, at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg due to complications from COVID. She was born July 21, 1953, in Colony, Kansas, the daughter of Russell Don and Vinita Ruth (Potter) Robb. She married Leonard Dean “L.D.” Morrison June 31, 1972, in Xenia, Kansas, and he survives of the home.

Sue graduated from Blue Mound High School in 1971. Over the years, Sue worked for Key’s, The Western, FSCC Truck Driving School. She retired from Valu Merchandisers in December of 2018 after eleven years with the company. Sue was a member of Marmaton Community Church in Redfield. She enjoyed spending time with her family, her cats and her chickens, and she loved to garden.

In addition to her husband L.D., Sue is also survived by her two sons, Clint Morrison of New Orleans, Louisiana, and Jeff Morrison, of the home; two sisters, Dona Spencer and husband Harry of Fort Scott, and Kathy Budd and husband Albert of Richards, Missouri; three step-grandchildren, Lance, Michael, and Donovan; two nieces, Amber Cain and Holly Fritter; and five nephews, Albert, Russell, and David Budd, and Jess and Andrew Spencer. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Following cremation, the family will hold private services at a later date. Services are under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society 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.

Fort Scott, Schools

USD234 School Bus Involved In An Accident on Feb. 22

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Submitted photos by Clayton Whitson at the scene.

 

On Monday afternoon, Feb. 22, a USD 234 School Bus was attempting to cross  12th Street at the HWY. 69 bypass with a  destination of the Fort Scott Middle School, according to a USD 234 Facebook post by Superintendent Ted Hessong.

 

A semi-trailer hit the front of the bus, he said

 

“Everyone on the bus is fine physically,”Hessong said on the Facebook post.  “The bus driver was obviously shaken up, and the students, around 20 of them appeared fine.”

 

“A few USD 234 staff were on the scene to help with the students and I want to thank them for helping to manage the students and parents, they did an excellent job,” he said.  “We were able to send most of the students with their parents once the highway patrol released the students from the scene. We did need to transport a few students on a substitute bus.”

 

“We are thankful no one was seriously injured and I appreciate everyone who helped to manage the situation for the safety of our students and driver.”

 

Fort Scott Police Chief Travis Shelton said the Kansas Highway Patrol worked the accident.

 

 

Bourbon County, Business

Local Photographer Featured in FARMtographer Magazine

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Erica George. Submitted photo.

A local photographer, new to the business is featured in a farm magazine.

 Erika George, 25, owns her own business,
Erika George Photography, which she started in 2017.
“I have always loved photography and enjoyed taking lots of scenery photos when I was younger,” she said. “It wasn’t until I moved to Uniontown after college that I started photography as an actual business.”
“My sister-in-law, Lacey (George) Wray, had just started a photography business in Ottawa so I got to tag along and second shoot with her at weddings,” George said. “I started doing a few free sessions just for fun around the area, but then started having more and more people ask me for sessions.”
The interest turned serious and she changed careers.
“I was working at the Uniontown daycare as the preschool teacher and decided I wanted to do something a little different,” she said.
She started her business promotion with social media.
“I created a Facebook page for my business to post previews for the sessions I had been doing and it started growing from there,” she said. “It has grown more and more every year as I gain new clients and broaden my education of photography. This past year has definitely been my busiest year and I foresee it getting busier this next year.”
“I love to create the session that you have envisioned in your mind, no matter the location,” George said .”I love to travel and find new locations for sessions too.”
” While I do love outdoor photoshoots, I did just start renting a studio space in downtown Fort Scott at 118 S.  Main Street, so that I can offer more options, especially during the winter months,” she said. “I offer most sessions that you can think of from weddings to newborns. I have many different packages for families, kids, seniors, newborns, engaged couples, and expecting parents! “
George rents the middle section of the building at 118 S. Main, behind the barbershop storefront that is coming this summer.
Her favorite photoshoots are Western-inspired, she said.
Featured In FARMtographer Magazine this month
She recently was honored with being featured in a photography magazine, FARMtographer Magazine.
“I saw the magazine advertising on Instagram for their upcoming categories, so I used their hashtag on one of my photos,” she said.
“I got a message saying my photo was going to be entered into a contest for the cover photo based on a Facebook contest.”
“There were 10 other photos in the contest and mine was chosen as the cover photo for the CHILDREN/KIDS issue,” she said. “You also had the chance to enter as the featured photographer by entering a story about the photo or photos you entered and a story about your editing style.”
George decided to do that for the chance to be featured as a magazine spread.
“I entered a few more photos along with the story,” she said. ” They don’t tell you until the issue is printed who the featured photographers are so I found out that I was the first featured photographer once I bought the magazine issue.”
“FARMtographer Magazine is an agriculture photographer’s magazine and some of the other photos featured in the issue were from Wyoming, Texas, Australia, Canada, and Utah,” she said.
The winning photo is of a five-year-old cowboy, Miles Pollack, helping bring in calves at G3 Ranch near Uniontown. G3  is a family-owned business.
Miles Pollack. Submitted photo. This photo was on the front cover of FARMtographer Magazine.
Miles is the son of Jared and Delta Pollack of Uniontown. Jared works for G3 Ranch.
Miles on his horse, Doc. Submitted photo.
“He was riding on his horse, Doc, alongside his dad and cousin, Cole George,” she said. Erica is married to Cole George who also works at G3 Ranch.
Miles Pollack. Submitted photo.

 

” My favorite type of images to capture are western-influenced, whether it be western fashion, western lifestyle, or the equipment and livestock that go along with farming and ranching,” George said. “I grew up in the western lifestyle so it has always been what is natural to me!”

To view the magazine cover page online:
Contact info: 620.381.4783 – [email protected] – Facebook page @EGphotography1650 or Instagram @erikageorgephotography
Ascension Via Christi, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee At Ascension Via Christ Emergency Department Feb. 25

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SAVE THE DATE FOR THE CHAMBER COFFEE ON FEBRUARY 25, 2021 HOSTED BY ASCENSION VIA CHRISTI ER DEPARTMENT.

Save the date for Chamber Coffee for February 25, 2021!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces that the Chamber Coffee will be hosted by Ascension Via Christi ER Department on Thursday, February 25th at 8:00 a.m. at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd. Ascension Via Christi ER Department will be celebrating their Two-Year Anniversary in Fort Scott with a Drive-Thru hosting and serving coffee, donuts and a Free Mug for the Chamber Members and guest.

The Fort Scott Chamber President, Lindsay Madison will able to livestream video via Facebook while meeting and greeting the staff of the ER department. Other Chamber Members are welcomed to be part of the meet & great as well.

All attendees are strongly encouraged to wear masks and masks will be available for those without one and practice social distancing.

The Chamber is now booking Coffees for 2021 calendar year. Any member business or organization wanting to host may contact the Chamber to reserve a date at 620-223-3566 or email [email protected].

Chamber members and guests are invited to Chamber Coffee events each Thursday at 8 a.m. to network, make announcements, hear about happenings in the community as well as learn about the host business or organization.

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Obituary

Obituary of James Tucker

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James Paul Tucker, age 63, Fort Scott, KS, died Sunday, February 21, 2021, at his home.  He was born on July 24, 1957, at the Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott, the son of Rev. James D. and Betty J. Tucker.

He was united in marriage to Carolyn Ann Hayward Tucker on April 18, 1980, in El Dorado Springs, MO. To this union was born two children, Mariam Ann Tucker Self and Aaron James Tucker.

Survivors include his devoted wife Carolyn Ann, two children and their spouses: Mariam and Levi Self of Peculiar, MO, Aaron and Cynthia Tucker of Asbury, MO; three granddaughters: Lydia Mae, Felicity Ann, and Vivienne Hope Self; his parents Rev. James D. and Betty J. Tucker; brothers Roger and Genie Tucker, Mark and Brenda Tucker, Joe and Belinda Tucker; sisters Carma Tucker, and Kerri and Kirk Bland; brother-in-law Randy and Corda Hayward,  many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

As a “preacher’s kid” he was exposed to the love of God and the way of salvation from birth. He received Jesus as his Lord and Savior as a small child at home. He had a Christian education all through grade school and high school, attended Rio Hondo College in Whittier, California, and Fort Scott Community College for printing, auto-tuneup, and welding classes. He also attended a piano tuning and regulation class at Pittsburg State University. He successfully completed all four levels of the Joplin Nazarene Ministerial Studies, earning As in all 27 classes, concluding in 2006.

Jimmy was employed in Systems and Information Services at The Western Insurance Companies from 1979 to 1986. He then worked as a top pressman at Ward/Kraft from 1986 until April 2017.

Jimmy felt a call to the ministry in 1988. God spoke to him about preaching the truths he had been reading. He and Carolyn began a jail ministry in 1993 that lasted five years in Fort Scott. In 2000 the Lord gave him a dream of people waiting in line for the judgment. God told him to tell the people what He required. While reading Charles G. Finney’s theology on the attributes of love, he experienced that love shed abroad in his heart. His heart was opened to the reality of God’s love and he surrendered himself to a lifelong relationship with his Savior.

He was a passionate worker in the church, serving in various capacities of ministry: Sunday School teacher, worship leader, board member, sound engineer, home Bible studies, music ministry, counselor, and many Spirit-led endeavors. The Fort Scott First Church of the Nazarene issued nine local minister’s licenses to Jimmy, with the first one in 1998. He served as assistant pastor for the Independent Holiness Church, and fill-in preaching. He was pastor of the Diamond Community Church in Fort Scott from October 2016 until his resignation in September 2020.

He was a faithful husband, “all-in” dad and father-in-law, and a devoted and playful “Pappy” to his three granddaughters. He honored his parents, loved his siblings, and genuinely cared for his family and friends.  He loved to help people any way he could, and was especially concerned about the spiritual welfare of everyone he knew. He truly walked in love and was honest in all his dealings. He loved the Word of God and desired to know and do the will of God.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Thursday, February 25th at the Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene.  Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Wednesday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Both the visitation and funeral service are open to the public.  Memorials are suggested to Ft. Scott Christian Heights or Jailhouse Rock Ministries, Inc. 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.

Government, Kansas

Legislative Update By State Senator Caryn Tyson

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Caryn Tyson

 

February 19, 2021

 

Foster Care

The foster care system in Kansas is broken.  Senate Bill (SB) 85 is another effort to fix it.  It would require notifications by foster care contractors to the Department for Children and Families (DCF) when a foster child is missing or spends the night in a location that is not licensed.  There is a $500 fee per day the incident is not reported.  The bill passed 38 to 0.

 

Unemployment System

Many of you have experienced the flaws in the Kansas unemployment system, be it as someone trying to file for payment, someone who had a fraudulent claim filed in your name, or a business with false claims filed against.  The problems are too numerous to list. It is devastating and it didn’t happen overnight.  Documentation presented in committee, stated that millions of dollars have been appropriated to upgrade and improve the system but those upgrades did not occur.  A Legislative Post Audit in 2007 speaks to fraud and flaws in the system and still those problems have multiplied over the years.  On top of this, approximately $1 billion in the unemployment fund has been depleted in less than one year.  It is estimated over $300 million has been paid in fraudulent claims.

 

In an effort to address the problems, there are two bills being worked, one in the House and SB 177 in the Senate.  Legislators are working hard to address these issues but ultimately it is the responsibility of the Governor.  There’s plenty of blame for governors past and present.  Let’s get it fixed.

 

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.

Caryn

 

 

Bourbon County Local News