Jess Francis Fletcher III, age 46, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Monday, September 21, 2020, at his home.
He was born April 29, 1974, in Lawrence, KS, the son of Jess Francis Fletcher II and Suzanne Marie Garfield Fletcher.
He married Kim Bailey on March 10, 1997, in Ft. Scott.
Jess worked a handful of jobs in his lifetime including Packer Plastics Plant, grocery store, and Taco Tico where he would wear the taco costume for local parades and handing candy to kids. He later worked at Carlisle and most recently for Ward Kraft. Jess had a strong work ethic, making sure he provided for his family.
Jess enjoyed fishing, mobile games, and grilling. He really liked beef jerky, often receiving it for Christmas and birthday gifts. He had a quick wit and funny response.
Great importance was placed on his girls knowing the Lord and the values that come from that relationship. Spending time with his girls provided his most cherished memories.
Survivors include his wife Kimberly of the home; two daughters, Rayna and Kandace; his father Jess and Neila; four sisters, Alicia Alcorn and husband Chief, Sherri Harleman, Kathi Wagner, and Sandi Rowe and husband Jason; and eight nieces and nephews, Allie Bailey, Cassidy Alcorn, Destiny Alcorn, Jaina Harleman, Darsie Harleman, Jordan Rowe, Kaylee Rowe, and Tyler Rowe.
He was preceded in death by his mother; two nieces; and a nephew.
Pastor Ben Heffernan will conduct graveside services at 1:00 PM Friday, September 25th, at the Memory Gardens Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to the Fletcher Children Education Fund 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.
As an editor who receives weekly submissions from K-State Southwind Extension, I noticed I wasn’t receiving submissions from a few of the agents.
It turns out that one agent resigned, one retired and in addition, Kansas State University Research and Extension is in a hiring freeze.
Here is the Southwind Extension District Director Carla Nemecek’s response:
Carla Nemecek is Southwind District Director and agent.
“No doubt we are living in a season of change, and the fresh autumn weather is likely the very best of times for many. The virus that has taken over our world and everyday lifestyles is hard enough to cope with, but add heated local and national political battles, school safety and mask debates to the dynamics and the chaos can be overwhelming.
“The Southwind Extension District is also going through a season of reorganization, but I am optimistic for a bright future because of these changes. Christopher Petty, Livestock Production & Forage Management Agent for the Southwind District resigned in May.
Christopher Petty, former Extension Agent Livestock Production and Forage Management K-State Research and Extension Southwind Extension District. Petty resigned in May. Submitted photo.
“Then in September, Kathy McEwan, Foods & Nutrition Agent and who was also the SNAP Education Coordinator for the Southwind District retired.
“Without a full-time Agent to manage the SNAP program, the federal SNAP grant was regretfully ceased for FY21. The bad news is that K-State Research & Extension is in a hiring freeze for an indefinite time, and although replacing our agents will certainly happen, it just won’t be soon. Let’s choose to focus on the good news because the Southwind Extension District has a diverse and talented pool of staff who will see to it that all of your questions are answered.
“Southwind Agents Barbara Stockebrand and Joy Miller continue to provide a broad base of expertise to help solve complicated problems by teaching essential living skills including finances, aging well, caring for your home, food preparation skills, strengthening family relationships and raising your children.
Barbara Stockebrand Southwind Extension District – Yates Center Family and Consumer Sciences 211 W. Butler Yates Center, KS 66783 [email protected] 620-625-8620; Fax: 620-625-8645
“We are coming into the open enrollment season for Medicare, and Joy can help you navigate Medicare and Market Place Insurance, too.
Joy Miller, RD, LD Family and Consumer Science Extension Agent Adult Development and Aging Family Resource Management K-State Research and Extension Southwind Extension District 210 S. National Fort Scott, KS 66701 Office: 620-223-3720 Fax: 620-223-0332 [email protected]
“Krista Harding is actively engaged in educating adults and youth in the science and art of growing fruits, vegetables, flowers, ornamental plants, and trees through her Horticulture role in the Southwind District. Whether you have a question about lawns, vegetables, flowers, or landscape maintenance, Extension information is created for use by everyone, including homeowners, lawn services and nurseries.
Krista Harding District Extension Agent, Horticulture Southwind Extension District 111 S. Butler Erie, KS 66733 Office: 620-244-3826 Cell: 620-496-8786
“Our 4-H program is going strong with Jennifer Terrell, 4-H/Youth Agent leading our team of professional 4-H staff as we transition into the new 4-H year. MaKayla Stroud and Cassidy Lutz serve as our 4-H program assistants and their activity on the Southwind District 4-H Facebook page is energizing and a fun way to engage youth and families in 4-H project learning.
Makayla Stroud. Submitted photo.
“If you want your kids to be involved in something that will teach them skills for a lifetime, then you should consider joining 4-H!
Jennifer Terrell, District Extension Agent 4-H Youth Development Southwind District – Erie Office 620-244-3826
“Dale Lanham and James Coover are actively managing our Extension Agriculture programming and answering questions about pastures, weed control, pesticide management, cropping systems and livestock production.
Dale Lanham. Submitted photo.
Dale is our resource for livestock-related concerns and James is knowledgeable in issues related to agronomy. Farm management is vital to the success of our rural communities, so don’t overlook their availability for your ag-related questions.
James Coover. Submitted photo.
“In addition to my role as the Southwind District Director, I have educational programming responsibilities related to Community Vitality. I am available to facilitate strategic planning for community groups or businesses, foster skills in board leadership for all organizations, assist with community needs assessments through First Impressions, and I will be offering a Grant Writing Workshop in Yates Center on November 5th.
“Even though we are down a couple of Agents, it is my opinion there is a new level of energy and excitement across our staff and offices. We have high expectations for the future by expanding opportunities for all our programs and look forward to providing trusted, research-based information in Allen, Bourbon, Neosho and Woodson Counties for years to come.
“If you haven’t already, you can find more information about the Southwind District on our website, www.southwind.ksu.edu or our Facebook page: Southwind Extension District. “
Lake Advisory Board – Fort Scott Airport – Ellis Hangar – 1869 Indian Road
September 26, 2020 @ 9:00 am
Call to Order: Nancy Van Etten
Flag Salute and Opening Prayer: Jeff Fischer
Roll Call and Special Recognition for Tom Brink: Nancy Van Etten, Nancy Maze, Jeff Fischer, Dean Striler, Shane Wood, Kevin Allen, Don Banwart, Debbie Mc Coy.
City Staff: Dave Martin, Tom Graham
City Commissioners: K. Allen, P. Allen, R. Nichols, L. Watts, J. Mitchell
Other Attendees: Board and City Staff can attend in person. To observe meeting go to the City of Fort Scott’s You Tube Channel.
Approval of July 18, 2020, meeting minutes.
Safety Update Will Always Be First: Tom Graham. In addition: Follow up on private buoys, replacement of rubber bumpers on public docks, safety signs and broken down docks.
Old Business
Real Estate Auction of City Property at the Lake: Open discussion with the Public, City Commissioners and Lake Advisory Board.
Sewer District Update – Nancy VE, Jeff.
Fire Service at the Lake – Don, Jeff. Appoint person to attend Fire District Meetings.
Lake Fort Scott Ordinances – Nancy VE, Nancy M, Tom G.
Airport and Indian Road Update – Jeff
Amended Lake Advisory Board Ordinance 3550 – Dave
New Business
Advisory Board Member opening for West Side Full Time Resident.
Due to the recent increase in probable cases and presumptive lab cases, we are combining probable, presumptive, out of state and positive cases together into a “Total Cases Since Testing” column. Please call your local health department if you would like a further breakdown of cases. We will have this weekly update posted to our website tomorrow morning (www.sekmchd.com, under about us and FAQs)
Latroy Franklin “Troy” White, Jr, age 77, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Friday, September 18, 2020, at his home.
He was born February 26, 1943, in Bilaspur, India. Troy’s parents, Latroy F. White, Sr and Ada Rue Stiles White were serving as missionaries in India. Troy grew up in India and moved to the United States after he graduated high school.
He later served for four years with the United States Air Force where he was stationed primarily in Montana.
Following his military service, Troy began a career with A. T. & T. where he served as a network engineer for over thirty years.
While working in Oklahoma City, Troy met the love of his life, Millie Kelley. Troy and Millie were married April 5, 1969, at Parsons, Kansas. Because of Troy’s work, Troy and Millie made their home in Oklahoma, Illinois and later in Olathe, Kansas. Following Troy’s retirement in 1998, they moved to Ft. Scott.
In addition to electronics, Troy enjoyed hunting, fishing and woodworking.
He was an active member of the Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene.
Survivors include his wife, Millie, of the home; two sons, Scott (Michelle) White, of Houston, Texas and Steve (Maggie) White, of Orlando, Florida; six grandchildren, Tyler, Allison, Nickolas, Braden (Sam), Joe and Mollie White and a great-granddaughter, Mia White. Also surviving is a brother, Timothy White, of Oregon.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Lucy Tindle.
A private graveside service will be held on Wednesday, September 23rd at the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott, Kansas.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the Ft. Scott Church of the Nazarene and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS . Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Care to Share/The Sharing Bucket is a local helping agency that provides financial and emotional support to cancer patients, survivors, and their families and caregivers.
Care To Share/The Sharing Bucket is having its 14th annual festival on October 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 2480 Limestone Road.
To get there, go on K-54 Hwy. east to 240th Street South to Limestone Road, and then east.
Handicap parking is available.
There is family fun for everyone, according to Lavetta Simmons, who with help of family, friends, and the board of directors, hosts the event each year.
Submitted photos.
The purchase of a $10 wristband allows pony rides, a maze, an obstacle course, horse, tractor, and wagon rides, train rides, gunny sack races, turtle races, hedge-ball slingshot, face painting/tattoos, a petting zoo, and garden bombs.
Submitted photos.
Food, sold separately, includes funnel cakes, cotton candy, popcorn, muffins, apple cider, homemade pies, chili, chili dogs/polish, Frito chili pies, nachos, chips, soda, and water.
Craft booths include Tupperware, crocheted animals, Color Street, pumpkin patch, Paparazzi jewelry, “Pic Me Ups”, canvas paintings and more.
Submitted photos.
For more information call-Lavetta Simmons 620-224-8070
The directors of Care to Share/Sharing Bucket are Dona Bauer, Donna Beerbower, Mathew Boban, Kathy Clark, Teresa Davenport, Denny Heidrick, Carol Hill, Nancy Hofer, Randy Holt, Richard Long, Jerry Witt, and Simmons, who is the secretary/treasurer of the directors.
Do you have a hard time staying focusedwhile working on the computer or studying? Do you ever feel like your brain is on idle or taking a nap? If you have ever felt like this, then you should try taking a brain break! A brain break is an exercise that gets you out of your chair while using different parts of your brain. These challenges can be altered for all ages, abilities and working environments. Brain breaks help one to refocus, increase energyand helps you have fun!
Brain breaks can be used within a classroom setting, office environment or any place that includes long periods of stationary work. These exercise bursts should last between one to four minutes in length. It is recommended that for elementary students to have a brain break after 20-30 minutes of sedentary work. A quick brain break allows physical energy to be burned allowing the brain to reawake while also utilizing regions that aren’t used when students are sitting down. For adults, a brain break can allow for a quick session of stretching to make sitting at a desk more comfortable.
Since brain breaks require you to stand or participate in light exercise, this benefits the participant by improving cognitive skills while encouraging muscle growth, increasing motor skills and strengthening cardio-vascular systems. By using both the brain and body simultaneously this allows for the brain to be reset while increasing the flow of blood & oxygen that in return boosts energy.
Having fun is anotherreason to break up your workday with a short brain break. These activities allow you to take a breather from work while being silly and testing your personal best. Some brain break activities can be completed as a group to have fun with colleagues or classmates. When participating in a fun activity it boosts your mood, encourages smiling, causes laughing while helping to decrease stress.
If you’re interested in more information,go to our Facebook page or YouTube channel named Southwind District 4-H and watch various brain break activities. Other youth development resources can be found at southwind.ksu.edu.
