Newly Created Position at KDOT Filled

Alexander named KDOT Transportation Electrification Manager

Tami Alexander has been named the Transportation Electrification Manager for the Kansas Department of Transportation. The position was recently created to help the agency focus on strategic planning for electric transportation and to administer federal program funds. Alexander started her new role on May 2.

Alexander previously worked for Metropolitan Energy Center, a nonprofit organization, as their Senior Program Coordinator and served as the Central Kansas Clean Cities Coordinator. She was responsible for programs within the transportation department on alternative fuel infrastructure and vehicle deployments and also educated the public and governments on electric vehicles (EV) and EV charging equipment.

“I am passionate about promoting the economic and environmental benefits of alternative fuels and vehicles and working with rural and urban communities to help them plan and implement projects that support their goals,” she said.

Alexander has bachelor’s degrees in mathematics-statistics and geology and a master’s in environmental science, all from Wichita State University. She is a Kansas native and lives in Wichita with her husband and their three children.

Tami Alexander

Obituary of Helen Farney

HELEN PHILIMENA FRIEDEN FARNEY WENT TO BE WITH HER LORD AND SAVIOR, MAY 2, 2022 AT THE AGE OF 93 YEARS, 6 MONTHS, AND 24 DAYS. SHE WAS BORN ON OCTOBER 8TH, 1928 IN THE FAMILY HOME NORTH OF BURLINGTON, OKLAHOMA, THE 3RD CHILD OF FRIEDA AND JEFF FRIEDEN.

HELEN WAS PRECEDED IN DEATH BY HER HUSBAND, HUBER BENJAMIN, THE LOVE OF HER LIFE, PARENTS, FRIEDA AND JEFF FRIEDEN: BROTHERS, HAROLD (KEARNEY, NEBRASKA), JOE (KIOWA, KS.),AND  SISTER MARIE TUCKER(KIOWA,KS.): BROTHERS  IN LAW: DALE TUCKER, DWAINE REEVES, AND JEFF GROOM.

HELEN IS SURVIVED BY HER TWO CHILDREN: SON TOM AND WIFE GAY LEE (KIOWA, KS) AND DAUGHTER ALETA BANWART AND HUSBAND DON (FORT SCOTT, KS)

GRANDCHILDREN: BRANDON THOMAS(MARIANNA) FARNEY, KRISTEN JILL (EDGAR) FLAVELL (COLWICH, KS),  JUSTIN RAY BANWART , ALESHA DAWN (JARED) MARTIN , FORT SCOTT, KS, AND ALYSSA LEE (LEVI), OLATHE, KS.

GREAT GRANDCHILDREN:  SHANIA TRISTIN FARNEY, LIMESTONE, TN,  BRIAN BENJAMIN (JENNIFER),HAZELTON, KS, JOSEPH THOMAS (MALORIE) FARNEY, SHARON, KS:  BRAYDEN LEIGHTON, &  CHANDLER RAY FLAVELL, COLWICH, KS,:  MADELYN ALEXIS (AUSTIN)LATSHAW, KANSAS CITY, KS, EMMA ROSE,  & CEDRIK JARED MARTIN ( FT SCOTT),  AVA GRACE AND LILA JOANN ARNOLD, OLATHE, KS.

GREAT-GREAT GRANDCHILDREN:  MANHATTAN ELAINE LATSHAW(MADELYN AND AUSTIN),  AND SOPHIA MARIE FARNEY,(BRIAN AND JENNY)

HELEN IS SURVIVED BY 2 SISTERS:  ROSEANN REEVES(WICHITA, KS.) AND MARILYN SUE GROOM (OREGON) AND 2 BROTHERS:  IVAN JAMES (TEXAS), AND JEFFREY (HOWARD, KS). : SISTERS  IN LAW: EILEEN FRIEDEN(KEARNEY, NB) AND MILDRED FRIEDEN(KIOWA,KS) AND MANY FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

HELEN ATTENDED ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND GRADUATED FROM BURLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL IN 1946.

AS A YOUNG WOMAN, IN HIGH SCHOOL, SHE HELPED THE NEIGHBORS BY WATCHING THEIR CHILDREN,

CLEANING THEIR HOMES ETC. FOR THE GOING RATE OF $3.OO PER WEEK.  AFTER GRADUATION , SHE WAS ASKED TO DRIVE HER AUNT AND UNCLE, PETE AND MARIE FARNEY, TO ILLINOIS.  WHEN THEY RETURNED HOME, HER DAD HAD A JOB WAITING FOR HER BEGINNING THE FOLLOWING MONDAY AT THE FIRST STATE BANK IN KIOWA.  1946 WAS AN IMPORTANT YEAR TO HELEN AS SHE WAS BAPTIZED IN THE APOSTOLIC CHRISTIAN CHURCH IN  BURLINGTON, OK.  TWO YEARS LATER SHE MARRIED HUBER BENJAMIN FARNEY, THE LOVE OF HER LIFE, AND MOVED TO THE FARNEY HOME EAST OF KIOWA.

HELEN WORKED AT THE BANK OF KIOWA , DORIS FASHION SHOP, AND FISHER-WOOD HARDWARE, WHERE SHE WAS TOP SALESWOMAN DURING CHRISTMAS AND WON A BEDROOM SUITE.  LATER IN LIFE, SHE WORKED AT KIOWA HOSPITAL AS A SPECIAL, WHEN NEEDED TO CARE FOR TERMINALLY ILL PATIENTS THAT NEEDED EXTRA CARE DURING THE NIGHT.

HELEN AND HUBER ENJOYED TRAVELING TOGETHER.  THERE WERE MANY ROAD TRIPS, AND TRIPS TO VISIT THEIR SIBLINGS.  A HIGHLIGHT WAS A MEMORABLE TRIP TO SWITZERLAND WITH ANNIE AND AARON YAUSSI(HUBER’S SISTER AND HUSBAND)

IN AUGUST 1985, HELEN AND HUBER OPENED THE COUNTRY CORRAL ANTIQUE SHOP.  THEY ENJOYED ATTENDING ANTIQUE SHOWS AND AUCTIONS,  COLLECTING MANY SPECIAL ITEMS TOGETHER.  HELEN HAD A VAST KNOWLEDGE AND EYE FOR UNIQUE ANTIQUES AND APPRECIATED THEIR VALUE.   SHE RETIRED IN 2012 AFTER HAVING OPEN HEART SURGERY.

OVER THE YEARS, SHE ENJOYED COOKING MANY MEALS FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS.  SHE COULD PUT A MEAL TOGETHER AND ON THE TABLE IN 30 MINUTES.  SHE WAS A GRACIOUS HOSTESS.  FOR MANY YEARS, HELEN HOSTED A CHRISTMAS BRUNCH FOR THE LADIES OF THE APOSTOLIC CHRISTIAN CHURCH.

SHE ENJOYED SHOPPING FOR OTHERS AND TAKING FOOD TO THEIR HOMES WHEN THEY WERE ILL. HELEN WAS WELL KNOW AROUND KIOWA FOR HER FAMOUS FUDGE.  THOSE, LUCKY ENOUGH TO BE GIFTED WITH THE FUDGE, HAVE NOt FORGOTTEN THE DELICIOUS CONFECTION.

HELEN LOVED HER CHILDREN, GRANDCHILDREN AND GREAT GRANDCHILDREN, BABYSITTING, ATTENDING THEIR SPORTS AND MUSICAL EVENTS. IT WAS IMPORTANT TO HER TO BE PRESENT FOR HER FAMILY.  SHE HAD A WAY OF MAKING EVERY DAY INTO SOMETHING FUN AND SPECIAL.

 

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Thursday, May 5th at the Apostolic Christian Church in Ft. Scott, Kansas.

A second service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, May 6th at the Apostolic Christian Church in Kiowa, Kansas.

Private burial will take place in the Apostolic Christian Church Cemetery in Burlington, Oklahoma.

Memorials are suggested to either the Ft. Scott or Kiowa Apostolic Christian Church or to Ft. Scott Christian Heights School 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.

Kiwanis Prayer Walk Tomorrow, May 5

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Sending on behalf of Chamber member Kiwanis Pioneers of Fort Scott.

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Join the Prayer Walk for the

National Day of Prayer

Thursday, May 5th

4:30-6:00pm

Riverfront Park

Sponsored by Kiwanis Pioneers

Overflow parking available at Twister Trailers

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The public is invited to stroll the loop and stop at four designated reflection points to pray.

On May 5th, Americans from all walks of life will unite to lift up our country in prayer for the National Day of Prayer. Our nation has endured tragedy and pain, but we know prayer has carried us through these days and the hand of God will move us into a brighter future.

The theme for this year’s event is

“EXALT THE LORD WHO HAS ESTABLISHED US.”

Thank you to our Chamber Champions listed below.

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Facebook  Twitter  Instagram
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

Graduation Season Starts: New Generation Preschool (For the Last Time)

New Generation Preschool graduates sing “Moving Up To Kindergarten” for their parents and grandparents on May 3, 2022.

It’s May, the time for graduations throughout the county.

On May 3,  the 15 New Generation Preschool students performed songs for their loved ones during a graduation ceremony.

The graduates were featured on a bulletin board at the entrance to the preschool.
The list of all the preschool graduates.

Amy Boyd, director of the childcare facility, introduced the teachers and thanked them for all they have done for the children during the year. Preschool teachers are Cynthia Witham, Angel Harper and AnnaMarie Simon.

Just before the graduation program started, Linda Logan, a trainer and program coordinator for Kansas Association for the Education of Young Children, presented Boyd and Beth Nuss, administrator of the New Generation, with a recognition of their 32 years commitment to young children.

Amy Boyd, left and Beth Nuss, right, were given recognition from the Kansas Association for the Education of Young Children organization. Linda Logan, KAEYC coordinator and trainer, middle, presented the recognition before the final preschool graduating class program on May 3, 2022.

Boyd and Nuss are retiring.

“As of May 13, we are finished with this building,” Nuss said in an interview. “New owners will start in about a week after that.”

The New Generation staff offered a child-centered and developmentally appropriate program for children ages two weeks through grade school age.
“The last two years through the COVID-19 Pandemic have been challenging with children and staff continually in and out of care due to precaution, quarantine, and illness,” according to a sign on the door of the childcare facility at 1502 Scott Avenue in March.
“Workforce challenges, in general, have made it increasingly difficult to recruit and retain qualified employees.”
“We have appreciated the partnership with USD234 operating preschool out of our facility the past three years,” according to the sign.
New Generation, Inc. opened its doors on September 1, 1990, seeking to provide quality care of children and offered both daycare and preschool services.

 

New Generation Daycare and Preschool.

 

 

Chamber Coffee at Drywood Creek Cafe May 5

Join us for this week’s
Chamber Coffee!
Hosted by Dry Wood Creek Café
Thursday, May 5th, 8am
750 S. National Ave.
Marty and Carrie Elton purchased the two former Lyons Mansions on National Avenue in June 2021. A new chapter for the Twin Mansions started when the Elton family opened the Mansion at 750 S. National as Dry Wood Creek Café. It is a Historical bed and breakfast with a restaurant and bar on site. Dine in or take out and let comfort ignite your tastebuds
Visit Dry Wood Creek’s Facebook page HERE!
Visit Dry Wood Creek’s website HERE!
Thank you to our Chamber Champions listed below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

Caryn Tyson

 

April 30, 2022

 

The legislature began the 2022 veto session on April 25.  It has been an unusual year and the schedule confirms this since the legislature will return May 23 and the final day of session will not be until June.  The last day is usually in mid-May.  The delayed schedule is a response to the Congressional map being challenged in court.

 

Sales Tax on Groceries, Conference Committee Report (CCR) 2106, passed the Senate unanimously and the House with super-majority.  January 1, 2023, the state sales tax on groceries will decrease from 6.5% to 4%, in 2024 it will decrease to 2%, and in 2025 it will be 0%.  The Governor’s plan never cut “sales tax on food”.  It was sales tax on groceries.  Groceries are to be defined as non-prepared foods with a few quirky items.

 

My updates do tend to focus on tax.  As the Senate Tax Chairman, I have worked diligently to lower taxes in Kansas.  Someone in the Capital commented to me that we wouldn’t have passed any tax legislation this year if I would not have been working on it.  We have had some major wins this year, including lowering property tax for homeowners.  (Hopefully, local governments will not take the savings from you by increasing local taxes.)  The Governor took credit for it even though she never worked on it.

The legislature passed a budget that puts over $750 million in reserve.  That money should be returned to the taxpayers – Kansans need it with inflation and skyrocketing prices.  Let’s cut more taxes by passing CCR 2597.  It would remove income tax on Social Security, increase the standard deduction based on inflation, and implement other common-sense tax solutions for Kansans.

Fairness in Women’s Sports, Conference Committee Report (CCR) 160, would have ensured participation in women’s sports is for biological women.  For a second year, the Governor vetoed the legislation.  The Senate had the votes for an override.  However, the House fell three votes short of an override.  I supported the legislation and the override.  It will be interesting to see how much impact this has on 2022 elections.

The Parents’ Bill of Rights, CCR 58, would have been a first step for addressing Critical Race Theory (CRT), age-appropriate material, and transparency for parents of students attending elementary or secondary school in this state.  The Governor vetoed the legislation.  The Senate overrode the veto but the House fell short by 12 votes.  I had introduced a bill banning CRT and the teaching of inaccurate history.  Due to social pressure the bill didn’t even get a hearing.  The Parents’ Bill of Rights was the only legislation to pass out of committee this year.

The Governor vetoed Welfare Reform CCR 2448, requiring able-bodied adults without dependents to complete an employment and training program in order to receive food assistance.  The House and Senate were able to override this veto.  I voted Yes.

A Constitutional Amendment will be on the November 2022 ballot, allowing voters to decide if the Kansas Constitution should be amended to require County Sheriffs to be elected, except for Riley County.

More legislation that passed can be found at www.KSLegislature.org.  I’ll include more items in a later update.

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

Caryn

Kiwanis Pioneers Host Prayer Walk for the National Day of Prayer on May 5

 

The Kiwanis Club of Fort Scott Pioneers will hold a Prayer Walk for the National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 5th at the Riverfront Park.  The walk will take place at the Belltown walking path between 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.   The public is invited to stroll the loop and stop at each of four designated reflection points to pray.

On May 5th, Americans from all walks of life will unite to lift up our country in prayer for the National Day of Prayer.  Our nation has endured a year marked by tragedy and pain, but we know prayer has carried us through these days and the hand of God will move us into a brighter future.  The theme for this year’s event is “Exhalt the Lord who has Established Us.”

Parking near the trailhead is limited but overflow parking is available at Twister Trailers across the street.

 

 

 

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Fort Scott Christian Heights Country Store and Auction May 7

Fort Scott Christian Heights
56th Annual
Country Store & Auction
Saturday, May 7th | Opens at 9am
Crusader Charge
5k and 2 Mile Fun Run
Saturday, May 7th
Register below.
Country Store: 9am-3pm
The entire gym and all of the classrooms will be filled with items for sale.
Also featuring a big bakery room with every treat imaginable.
Buffet Dinner: 4pm
Fried chicken, B-B-Q Beef, Salads, Rolls and Handmade Pies
Adults $6 | Children $3
Benefit Auction: 6pm
NEW & USED items from local businesses and individuals will be auctioned. All proceeds will be used to purchase needed equipment for the school.
EVERYONE IS WELCOME!
Race and fun walk will be conducted on Margrave Street.
Registration begins at 7A.M. on Margrave between 10th & 12th Streets.
Race and walk begin at 7:30A.M.
Entry Fee: $15.00
Categories:
Male- 12-18 years Female- 12-18 years
Male- 19-30 years Female- 19-31 years
Male- 31years & up Female- 31 years & up

Obituary of Jimmy Ford

Jimmy Duane Ford, age 71, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Monday, May 2, 2022, at Medicalodge of Ft. Scott.

He was born on February 26, 1951, in Red Key, IN, the son of Hubert Wilson Ford and Gladys Bernice Tabor Ford.

He married Neta Dame on August 3, 1968, in Lebanon, MO.  Jim worked most of his life as truck driver, 13 years being with the Earp Meat Company.  Following that, he built, opened, and operated his own mechanic shop.  He was known by friends and family as an excellent mechanic.

Jim enjoyed having his wife Neta cook for all the family at holiday meals.

 

Survivors include his wife Neta of the home; a son, Jimmy Ray Ford, Sr., Ft. Scott; a daughter Natonya Lyne Beerbower and husband Larry, Jr., Uniontown, KS; a nephew, Duane Glasscock, who was raised in the household, and wife Tawnya, AR; 7 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren and one more on the way; and several nieces and nephews who all adored him.

He was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Paul Edward “E” Hobbs, and Hubert Mitchell “Junior” Ford; 2 sisters, Vicky Lynn Ford, and infant Evelyn Kay Ford; and his parents.

 

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, May 6th, in the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Osaga Cemetery, Fulton, KS.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM Friday until service time at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to the Medicalodge Activity 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.

Obituary of Mary “Kaye” Beaman

Mary Kathryn “Kaye” Beaman went to be with the Lord on April 28, 2022, after passing peacefully at the age of 93. Kaye was born in Fort Scott, KS on July 26, 1928.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald O. “Nate” Beaman, parents Everett and Ethel Henson, brother Everett Henson Jr., sister Jane Broeren, and nephew Bill Henson.

 

Kaye and Nate moved from Kansas to the Imperial Valley (CA) in 1955, where they lived in the cities of Holtville and El Centro. While in Holtville, she started a retail antique business named “Forty Karats”. Kaye was active in the El Centro Hospital Auxiliary for many years and also partnered in an antique store in that city. Kaye continued her business tradition after she and Nate returned to Kansas in 1995, operating “Mary Kaye’s Place” antique shop for several years in the city of Uniontown.

 

Kaye is survived by her four children: Jan Beaman of Uniontown, KS; Michael Beaman (wife – Teri) of Moreno Valley, CA; Curtis Beaman of Uniontown, KS; and Ty Beaman of San Diego, CA.  Her grandchildren are: Ryan Marini of Indio, CA; Anthony Marini of Palm Desert, CA; Katelyn Beaman of Riverside, CA; Carly Patchin (husband – Colin) of Riverside, CA; Travis Beaman (wife – Katherine) of Richmond, VA; Cristina Millan Beaman of Tucson, AZ; as well as six great grandchildren. Kaye’s family also includes nieces Carla Henson of W. Sacramento, CA and Deana Rice (Ohio), as well as cousins Billy Lowry of Redding, CA and Brad Finch (Philippines).

 

Pastor Marty DeWitt will officiate graveside services at 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 6, 2022, at Uniontown Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. Friday morning at the funeral home and family and friends will then leave for the cemetery at 10:30 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Integrity Hospice 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.

 

McCoy: Encouraging Small Businesses Through REDI

Mark McCoy. Submitted photo.

Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc. has created a small business development division and Mark McCoy has been volunteering as coordinator in that endeavor since March 15, 2022.

“We want to help entrepreneurs and small businesses in Bourbon County: exploring a business opportunity, expanding a business and knowing how to grow the business,” McCoy said.

“I am happy to work with anybody and we could gather at any location,” he said. ” I work by appointment”

Currently, hours are set for Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to noon and Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the REDI office on the second floor of the Landmark Bank at 200 S. National.

Landmark Bank houses the office of Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc.

McCoy can be reached at 620.719.7841 for more information or an appointment.

McCoy’s Business Background

McCoy brings with him a business background of most recently interim City of Fort Scott Manager, until the current one was hired.

Prior to that he has 46 years of business experience owning and operating McDonald’s Restaurants.

His first 27 years he worked in the McDonald’s Corporation in California.

“I operated, supervised and was operations manager, responsible for 13 restaurants,” he said. “Then I worked with owner-operators in business development operations.”

“I worked from ground-breaking to opening, 58 restaurants in California, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Nebraska,” he said. “I opened the first McDonald’s in Jamaica.”

 

Robert Harrington. Submitted photo.

About REDI

Rob Harrington is the executive director of Bourbon County REDI.

“He is the economic director for both the City of Fort Scott and  Bourbon County, with a contract with each,” McCoy said.

REDI is currently looking for people to fill a grant writing position and additionally a administrative assistant position.

The Mission of REDI:

“To enable quality business retention, expansion and recruitment in Fort Scott and Bourbon County by coordination of the community assets as well as local, state, and federal grants and incentives,” according to information on the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce website.

Their goal is to facilitate business retention and the growth of employment. To  accomplish this they work with current employers as well as the recruitment of businesses that improve the quality of life for the citizens of the community.

Contact information:

Bourbon County REDI (Regional Economic Development, Inc.)
BEDCO (Bourbon County Economic Development Council)

Rob Harrington, Director
200 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS  66701
(620) 215-0144
[email protected]

Bourbon County Local News