Ralph Bernard “PeeWee” Button, age 83, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away early Thursday, June 2, 2022, at his home. He was born March 5, 1939, in Ft. Scott, the son of Merle Button and Mable Dunham Button.
PeeWee grew up running the streets and playing along the river in Bell Town where he also helped with the family business, Button’s Auto Salvage.
He married Rosemary Mann on February 11, 1956. Together, they had two children Steve and Debbie. Ralph co-owned Button’s Auto Salvage and later opened his own business, PeeWee’s Auto Salvage on south 69 Hwy in Ft. Scott. In addition to working at the salvage yard, PeeWee was also a firefighter. He began working for the Ft. Scott Fire Department in 1973 and retired as Captain in 1994.
His wife, Rose, passed away on June 12, 1996. He later married Charlotte Martin in February of 2000. Following his retirement from the fire department, he went to work for a time at Wal-Mart.
PeeWee will be remembered for his friendly and cheerful personality.
He had a hard time sitting still and enjoyed tinkering on different projects, going fishing and metal detecting.
Survivors include his wife, Charlotte, of the home; a son, Steve Button and a daughter Debbie Button, both of Ft. Scott, five grandchildren, Shannon Miner (Bob) and Kyle Holmes all of Ft. Scott, Tommy Button of Texas, Misty Gorman (Devin) of Pittsburg, Kansas; a step-son, Brian Harper (Linda) of Ft. Scott; three step-grandchildren, Jackie McCool (Clayton) of Joplin, Missouri, Jacob Harper of Humansville, Missouri and Jace Harper of Houston, Missouri and several great and step-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are three sisters, Mary Button and Merlene Button, both of Ft. Scott and Judy Snow of Mound City, Kansas and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his first wife, Rose, Ralph was preceded in death by his parents three brothers, Ronald, Donny and Bobby Button and five sisters, Shirley Armstrong, Patty Smith, Tammy Merriman, Patsy Button and Bonnie Phillips.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, June 8th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Centerville Cemetery.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 5 to 7 P.M. at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association 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.
Dalaina Smith, who has served as the Fort Scott High School Director of Academics will become USD 234 Assistant Superintendent, as of July 1.
Dalaina Smith begins duties as assistant superintendent of USD234 on July 1. Submitted photo.
Although she will maintain many of her previous duties, she is “excited to move into an administrative role and get more involved with staff and students in the classroom,” she said.
She highlighted some of the changes in the district as of this date.
New Teaching Model
“This past academic year, the district embraced the Professional Learning Community model and began training teachers and administrators,” Smith said. “A group of twenty, including staff and a board member, had the opportunity to attend the PLC Summit in Phoenix, Arizona in February and returned excited for the direction the district is moving.”
At this summit there were keynote speakers and breakout sessions designed to help infuse the PLC at Work process into every aspect of the district, according to information from Smith.
The group returned to their school system ready to work in collaborative teams to achieve results for the students, according to the information from Smith.
“In May, the district was able to bring in Regina Owen from Solution Tree, to speak to the certified staff about the PLC framework and the district’s continued commitment to giving all students the best,” she said.
“The Professional Learning Community model focuses on four questions,” she said. “1. What do we want students to know? (Essential Standards); 2. How do we know that they know it? (Common Assessments); 3. What do we do when they don’t know it? (Remediation) and 4. What do we do when they already know it? (Extension).”
“Through this framework, the district is committing to giving teachers time to ensure that there are clear expectations, data driven decisions, and appropriate interventions for all students,” Smith said.
COVID-19 Effects Student Achievement
“Since the Covid-19 Pandemic, we have seen an increase in student achievement gaps,” Smith said. “Although Spring 2020 affected all students, we see the greatest impact in our elementary students who missed out on fundamental skills. Continuing into the 2020-21 academic year, numerous students had their learning interrupted when they were out ill or for quarantine. For many they were able to participate remotely while absent, however, for others they were unable to continue their learning during the time they were offsite.”
“Additionally, we must consider the social emotional effects we’ve seen in the students,” Smith said. “I don’t know that we still truly know the impact. From feelings of isolation and loneliness to students who struggled to learn to identify emotions and facial expressions through masking, it’s hard to say that many were untouched. Thankfully students are resilient and our teachers are rock stars! Together they’re working to overcome the gaps that Covid created, however, it is a process.”
“Through the use of PLCs, the district will provide a structured environment for teachers to make the necessary changes to approaching student learning. USD 234 is excited for the impact to come,” she said.
Early Release on Wednesdays
For parents these PLC days will mean students will be released early nearlyevery Wednesday through the USD 234 2022-23 school calendar.
“During Early Release, teachers will be meeting in grade levels or departments (depending on their building) to work collaboratively as professionals,” Smith said. “It’s during this time that they will determine their essential standards, build and refine common assessments, review student data, and plan for interventions.”
“Preschool will operate in a different manner, to ensure they are in compliance with their required minutes,” she said. “More details related to preschool will come following the approval of a new preschool principal.”
“This time will allow teachers to participate in their PLCs and ensure the grade levels and departments can give their best to all students,” Smith said. “The district recognizes that not all families have the ability to pick up their students early on Wednesdays and will have age appropriate opportunities for students to stay in a fun, safe, and educational environment until the regular dismissal time.
“At this time, students K-8 will have supervised activities/areas in place during the early release (Wednesday until 3:15),” she said. “Additionally, the elementary schools will both offer a daily After School Program that will run until 5:15 p.m. More information about each of these opportunities will be shared as the district administrative team solidifies the necessary details.”
New Faces at USD 234
“Each school year brings new faces as some retire and others explore new opportunities, and this year is no different,” Smith said.
“Mr. Destry Brown will be joining Fort Scott from Clinton, MO and serving as the USD 234 Superintendent,” she said. “Brown brings numerous years of experience, as he returns home to Fort Scott. Although he doesn’t officially start until July 1st, he has already begun working with staff in a variety of capacities to ensure a smooth transition and clear direction for USD 234. Not only will Brown be seen within the district, but also within the community as he works to encourage the relationship between the school and local organizations.”
“Mrs. Shelly Charter will be serving as the Winfield Scott Principal. Charter comes from Independence, where she has taught gifted, third grade, and Title for over 20 years,” Smith said. “In addition to her years of experience in education, she also has served in a variety of leadership roles and is excited to begin her work with her staff and students.”
“Mrs. Krystle Griem will be coming to Winfield Scott from Junction City, KS,” Smith said. “Griem will be serving as the Assistant Principal, where her licensure as a Registered Behavioral Technician and summer work at children’s camp will serve as valuable experiences. In addition, Griem has taught English Language Arts at the middle and high school level. Griem and Charter have already been collaborating on ideas for next school year.”
“Dr. Zach Johnson will be joining the Tiger Team at Fort Scott Middle School,” she said. “Johnson has been the assistant principal and athletic director for Coffeyville’s Field Kindley High School for the past four years. Previously, Johnson was a physical education teacher. Johnson brings experience with the PLC process, as well as a student-centered approach to education. Johnson began his first day of summer joining the current administration to learn more about becoming a Tiger!”
“The district is still in the process of hiring a preschool principal and will be sharing information once a candidate is board approved,” she said.
Familiar Admin Faces
“Although there are many new faces, there will also be familiar ones returning next year Mina Query (Eugene Ware Principal), Brandon Boyd (Eugene Ware Assistant Principal), Matt Harris (Fort Scott Middle School Assistant Principal), Scott Kimble (FSHS Principal), Alex Specht (FSHS Assistant Principal), and Jeff DeLaTorre (FSHS Athletic/Activities Director),” Smith said. “USD 234 is excited for another great year.”
With $500 pesos ($25) tucked inside my pocket, I started the two-mile walk to Looney Bean, a famous coffee shop here in Mazatlán, to buy carrot muffins for friends who were arriving that day. The walk is a pleasant one since a new bike trail has been built in the large median separating the four lanes of traffic.
About half way there, I noticed a young woman on the other side of the road, picking up sticks and dead grass and placing it all in plastic bags. A few yards away from me in the median, a child’s bike rested against a tree, and since someone recently asked me if I had seen a tree bed in the branches of one of the large trees, I assumed this might be the spot. Nearing the tree, I looked up and saw a makeshift, camouflage tent nestled in the leaves and balanced on a branch. I took the picture that you see here.
God was preparing an experience I never expected. Then again, He usually does.
I arrived at Looney Bean and found their sweets’ display case empty. When I asked the waiter for carrot muffins, he politely said that they wouldn’t be ready “for hours” but he had no idea how many hours. Not typical for this popular tourist spot.
Walking back on the path, I neared “the tree” and spotted that same woman I had seen earlier. This time, she stood under the tent, staring up at it. I grabbed my phone and videoed her, and without her seeing me, she raised her arm and pointed straight up. She remained frozen in that position while I continued moving closer. I stopped the video as I passed her.
Continuing to look back and noticing her in that same stance, I walked about 20 yards before feeling a definite God-tug to return to the lady at the tree. Reversing my steps and staying on the bike trail, I stood adjacent to where she stared upward.
“Senora,” I said. She didn’t move. I repeated “Senora” louder, and she turned to look at me. She was delicate, maybe 30 years old, with kind eyes. In Spanish, I asked her name (which, of course, I immediately forgot). Then I said, “Estás bonita” (“You are beautiful.”) Her smile was gentle and sincere.
Reaching into my pocket, I handed her the carrot-muffin pesos and said, “Dios le bendiga” (“God bless you”). She seemed surprised to be given the money. “Gracias,” she answered genuinely, and I walked home.
I cannot get her out of my mind. What led this woman to this life? Did she choose this tree because our area of Mazatlán is safe? Or because she is near the beach where she can bathe? Or simply because the tree is always lush with leaves, unlike many of the others surrounding it at this time of year?
Later that day I drove back to Looney Bean and saw my new amiga sitting on a board under her tree, eating. I smiled, realizing that God somehow had made sure I didn’t put my money where my mouth was but instead gave someone else the chance to do the same.
PRATT – June 4 and 5 are Free Fishing Days in Kansas, when anyone can fish on any public waters without a fishing license. The free weekend provides the perfect opportunity to introduce someone to the joys of angling; kind of a “try it before you buy it” opportunity. In Kansas, anyone age 16-74 must have a fishing license to fish, except on Free Fishing Days, and although license requirements are waived, anglers must still abide by all other regulations such as length and creel limits, and equipment requirements.
If you’re looking for a place to drop a line during Free Fishing Days, visit ksoutdoors.com/fishing and click “Where To Fish” for a list of fishing locations near you.
After you’ve found an ideal spot or two, consult the 2022 Kansas Fishing Regulations Summary prior to hitting the water. The summary contains vital information specific to all public waters and even has some handy tips and tricks on tying knots and identifying fish. View an electronic version at ksoutdoors.com/fishing, or pick up a hard-copy at your nearest license vendor.
With the right location, a variety of baits to choose from, and some cooperative weather, Kansas fishing can be a blast. Give it a try; we can bet you’ll be hooked.
Governor Laura Kelly Signs Bill Providing $50 Million of Financial Relief to Kansas
Small Businesses
TOPEKA –Surrounded by small business leaders in downtown Topeka, Governor Laura Kelly today signed bipartisan House Bill 2136, which will invest $50 million to help small businesses recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Providing $50 million of financial assistance for small businesses is just one more way my Administration is working to make Kansas the most pro-business state in the country,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The financial assistance legislation I signed today will support our entrepreneurs by ensuring they can make the investments they need to hire workers, strengthen their product lines, and better serve their communities.”
“Small businesses are what power our economy, and this legislation builds on years of work to ensure they have the resources they need to continue to serve customers and create jobs,” said Senator Tom Holland. “Through bipartisan collaboration, we will be able to continue to make sure that our economy continues to grow a strong base of businesses here in Kansas.”
Governor Kelly was joined at the bill signing by small business owners, the Greater Topeka Partnership, and the Kansas Chamber of Commerce.
“House Bill 2136 is a product of the many people who have shown unwavering commitment to Kansas small businesses,” Eric Stafford, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, said. “On behalf of the Kansas business community, thank you to Governor Kelly and the legislature for supporting this legislation. It will provide relief for the small businesses that make up the backbone of our state.”
Report notes the COVID-19 impact on Child Care in Kansas
TOPEKA – The 2021 Child Care Supply Demand Report is available. The report, created in partnership with the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) and Child Care Aware of Kansas, is focused on the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on child care in the state.
“We deeply appreciate the work of Child Care Aware of Kansas collecting data for the report,” said DCF Secretary Laura Howard. “The report will be a valuable tool moving forward in our efforts to strengthen child care in Kansas.”
“This report highlights the challenges facing not only families and child care providers, but Kansas’ economy in general,” said Kelly Davydov, Executive Director of Child Care Aware of Kansas. “Dependable, high-quality early care and education is a basic requirement that all working families need.
“This report represents a critical first step in finding possible solutions for the child care system. ‘Know Better, Do Better’ is not only the title of the report, but also a moto we can all follow when tackling these challenges,” Davydov continued.
Walt was born July 19, 1925, on the Sadie Beck farm near Odense, Kansas, to Walter and Marguerite (Woodruff) Fredericksen. He attended Savonburg grade school and graduated from Neodesha High School in 1943.
Walt served in the U.S. Army Infantry in the ETO from 1943-1946, fought at the Battle of Metz, the Battle of the Bulge, participated in the liberation of a concentration camp, and was awarded the Bronze Star and France’s Knight of the Legion of Honor medal. Walt was always proud to say he was a member of the famous 95th Infantry “Victory” Division, known as the “Iron Men of Metz.”
After the war, Walt studied geology at K-State from 1946-1951 and later completed classes at KU to become a Licensed Professional Engineer in Geological Engineering. Walt worked until retirement for the Kansas Highway Commission in northeast and southeast Kansas from 1951-1986.
Walt was married for 66 years to Juanita Murken of Neodesha, Ks. The couple lived on a farm near Thayer, Kansas, before moving to Fort Scott in 2002. Walt especially enjoyed fishing, attending his grandkids’ activities, rockhounding trips, and cheering for his K-State Wildcats. Walt was a lifetime member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Walt was predeceased by his wife, Juanita, their son Larry Eugene, his two sisters Delores Catlett and Patty Fernandez, and his nephews, Jim Catlett and Russell Fernandez.
Walt is survived by two daughters, Sue Fredericksen, Fort Scott, and Linda Fredericksen (Brian Caldwell), Sanibel, Florida, and grandchildren Alexander (Neal Nurnberg), Marguerite (Justin Whittaker), and Hannah (Kurtis West) Fredericksen, sister-in-law Ruth Hackworth, and his nephews Tom and Don Catlett, and Lloyd Fernandez, Jr.
No services are planned. The family requests donations to Sami’s Legacy, supporting the youth activities he so loved, c/o Konantz Cheney Funeral Home, 15 West Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: (620) 223-1212. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.
Kathryn Harrington, 38, was selected to be the new Fort Scott City Commissioner at the June 1 special commission meeting.
Fort Scott City Hall.
Seven people sent letters of interest to the commission: Cheryl Adamson, Chuck Begulia, John Coon, Harrington, Nicolas Philpot, Dean Striler and Robert Uhler, according to the City of Fort Scott Facebook page.
Harrington will be filling the vacancy of Kevin Allen, who resigned last month.
Her hometown is Clarence, MO.
Harrington earned a degree in healthcare administration from the University of Phoenix.
She has had a career in health care for 18 years and is currently the director of Country Place Senior Living, Fort Scott.
She is married to Rob Harrington and they have four children.
Her community involvement is with Community Christian Church and volunteering at Bourbon County Regional Economic Development, Inc.
Harrington is passionate about health care and wants the city to look at the issues that surround it more closely, she said in an interview with fortscott.biz.
She said she wanted to “Step up to make a difference.”
To view the special commission meeting on YouTube:
Governor Laura Kelly Administration Formally Kicks Off Unemployment Insurance
System Modernization
~~Governor Kelly Sends Letter Urging U.S. Labor Secretary to Provide Additional Federal Funding for Modernization~~
TOPEKA – Today, the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) formally kicked off a $48 million, 26-month-long effort to modernize the state’s unemployment insurance (UI) system. Governor Laura Kelly also built on her previous support for the project by sending a letter to U.S. Secretary of Labor Secretary Marty Walsh urging him to provide additional funding previously allocated by the U.S. Congress for modernization.
“My administration is working quickly to update our antiquated computer systems so Kansans who need unemployment benefits don’t experience the same problems they faced during the pandemic,” Governor Kelly said. “Congress promised to help states modernize their unemployment insurance systems and allocated the resources to get them started. Kansas upheld its end of the deal by investing millions of dollars in a new system. It’s now time for the U.S. Department of Labor to release these modernization funds to the states as Congress directed. It’s the only way to ensure we are prepared for the next economic downturn.”
Kansas’ current mainframe system used to process UI benefits was created in the 1970s. The last major push to modernize began under Governor Sebelius in 2005 but was subsequently abandoned in 2011 by the Brownback administration. That shortsighted decision directly led to the systemic inefficiencies and vulnerabilities that occurred within the state’s unemployment system during the pandemic. The effort to bring Kansas’ UI system into the 21st century will be led by information technology experts Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).
“We have been looking forward to this day and to bringing everyone together to begin the formal process of developing a new, modernized unemployment system,” said Kansas Labor Secretary Amber Shultz. “TCS is a capable partner for KDOL to set a path for technology and process transformation that will enable the delivery of software that will be responsive to the future needs of the state.”
Upon completion, the KDOL’s new system will improve the experiences of unemployed Kansans and businesses that interact with the UI systems by:
Modernizing technology: Replace the agency’s antiquated IT legacy system that supports unemployment insurance taxes, payment of unemployment insurance benefits, and delivery of employment services.
Enhancing customer experience: Deliver improved services such as online self-service, automation, access to data, and integration with partners.
Transforming business processes: Provide improved efficiencies in business processes, offer new tools for KDOL employees, and support more effective service delivery to Kansans.
Improving data security: Better anticipate and respond to security threats and prevent unemployment insurance fraud.
Providing expandable technology: Deliver a system capable of supporting new programs and functionality, as well as connections to other systems like workforce tools.
A page has been created on the KDOL website to keep the public updated on the modernization project’s progress. For the most recent information, visit www.dol.ks.gov/ui-modernization.
