Obituary for Berniece Buell
Berniece Buell, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed
away July 10, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.
She was born on December 8, 1929, in Lake City,
Missouri, the daughter of William and Ruth Pitts. Despite
a challenging early life, Berniece faced adversity with
strength and grace. She married the love of her life, John
Buell, on July 22, 1967, in Independence, Missouri, where
they were living at the time. Berniece and John later
relocated to Ft. Scott. Together, they shared a life full of
love, adventure and dedication to family and community.
Berniece was a talented and creative woman. She found
joy in crafts, especially ceramics, macrame, tole painting,
and stained glass. She was a gifted seamstress and she
made costumes for her grandchildren, toys for the
Shriners and formal wear for herself. Quilting was one of
her passions, and each family member proudly owns one
of her handmade quilts. Berniece was a proud member of
the Daughters of the Nile and served as their queen in
1987. She and John organized many fundraisers for the
Mirza Shrine and traveled on several Shriners cruises.
Her commitment to service and community left a lasting
impact on all who knew her. An adventurous spirit,
Berniece and John traveled the United States extensively
in their motorhome. They spent their winters in Texas for
over twenty years. Even after John’s passing, Berniece
continued to travel as much as possible. Berniece adored
her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her presence
brought laughter, warmth, and a sense of joy to every
gathering. Some of her bold and fun adventures in her
later years included parasailing, riding a donkey through
the Grand Canyon, riding a camel, white water rafting, water skiing, motorcycling, and even doing donuts in
snow-covered parking lots with her grandkids.
Berniece is survived by her daughters, Paula Hochstedler
and her husband Mike of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, and
Karen Mix and her husband Mike, of Ft. Scott, seven
grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren. She is also
survived by her beloved dog Buttons, who literally stayed
be her side at all time, and a longtime family friend, Patty
Buell.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John; her
son, Rick Petrechko; granddaughters, Missy and Tina; and
stepson Steve Buell. Let us remember and celebrate
Berniece’s remarkable life – a legacy of love, laughter,
creativity and fearless adventure.
Thank you to the staff of Presbyterian Village for their
loving care and support they provided to Mom and all of
the family.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday,
July 16 th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will take place
at the Evergreen Cemetery in Fort Scott, Kansas. The
family will receive friends from 10:00 A. M. until service
time at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested
to the Mirza General Fund 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.
Death Notice of Palmer Don May
Palmer Don May, age 78, resident of Fort Scott, KS passed away Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at Nevada Regional Medical Center in Nevada, MO. Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main.
Obituary of Charles Howard Cress
Charles Howard Cress, age 89, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas commonly known as Charlie to his friends and loved ones, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 10, 2025, in Ft. Scott, Kansas. Born on July 5, 1936, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to the late Col. Howard C. Cress and Arnstina Cissna Cress, Charlie’s life was
marked by dedication to his family, his country, and his community. Charlie’s early years were spent in the heartland of America, where he developed a strong sense of patriotism and service. After completing high school, he followed this calling by enlisting in the United States Army in 1957. During his time in the service, he was
stationed primarily in Germany, where he met the love of his life, Gertie Konrad. Charlie and Gertie were united in marriage on October 22, 1960, in San Antonio, Texas, and cherished fifteen years together until Gertie’s untimely passing on September 15, 1975. Following his military service, Charlie began a long career with the United States Postal Service, where he worked diligently for twenty-seven years. Charlie attended both the First Christian Church and the First Presbyterian Church, where he found solace and fellowship. An avid history enthusiast, Charlie absolutely loved re-enacting wild west gunfights. He took great joy in participating
with the Plainsmen and the Border Creek Raiders re-enactment groups, sharing his passion for the Old West with others. His performances were not just a hobby but a way of connecting with people and keeping history alive. In addition to his love for re-enactment, Charlie was involved in his community. He volunteered his time with the Ft. Scott Pride Program and contributed to the betterment of the lives of many through his work at the Tri-Valley Developmental Center. His generosity and willingness to help others were hallmarks of his character. Charlie is survived by his son, Allan Cress of Ft. Scott, Kansas; his daughter, Ingrid Bohm of Germany; and his nephew, Jim, and niece, Patty. He was preceded
in death by his parents; his sister, Mary Lou Welch; and his half son, Karl Heinz.
Pastor Sarah Gengler will conduct a memorial service at 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, July 15th at the First Presbyterian Church. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society 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.
Obituary of Nicholas Ryan Payne
“I will enter in His gates with Thanksgiving in my heart I will enter His courts with joy I will say this is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice because He has made me glad.” Psalm 100:4-5
Nicholas Ryan Payne, age 34 of Pittsburg, KS died in his sleep in the early morning hours of July 4, 2025 from heart failure. He was born in Fort Scott Kansas on November 14, 1990 to his mother, Vonda K. Ngigi (Payne), and father Daniel G. Payne.
Nicholas was an only child who was raised by a single mother. Throughout his life, he had lived in various places in Kansas but resided in Pittsburg, KS. He had just recently moved to Parsons, KS and was there for only a short amount of time before his passing. He had gone there to begin an apprenticeship to obtain his licensing to be a tattoo artist. Nicholas loved the Lord God and had given his life to Christ when he was young. Nicholas has four children: Ivan Lee Robert Newberry, 16, Capri Paris Hart, 12, Riley Jacob Payne, 11, and Avery Joyce Payne, 4. Nicholas loved his children with all of his heart. He and his son Riley were two peas in a pod, as close as any daddy and son could be. Nick worked hard and did his best to be a good dad and provide for his kids. Nick was a fun-loving person and always up for a good laugh. Everyone who knew Nicholas well, loved him. He had a heart for people. He was dedicated to helping his Oxford family in Pittsburg, KS. He was a chapter leader in Oxford and head over three different Oxford houses on different occasions. He was chosen to represent Pittsburg Oxford at the convention in Wichita, KS in 2024. Nicholas struggled with alcohol addiction for many years, but had been sober, involved in, and living in Oxford for 3 and 1/2 years. He loved his Oxford family deeply and worked very hard to do his best by them all.
Nicholas’ best friend and love, Amber Nichole Tillisch, stood by his side, come what may, his entire 3 and 1/2 years in Oxford. His Oxford brother Paul Gronda and wife, Tanya helped Nicholas through his sobriety and encouraged him. Nicholas was someone who always made sure to help anyone, as his heart was full of care and compassion for others.
Nicholas was an excellent artist and was pursuing a career as a tattoo artist. He was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan as well.
Nicholas is preceded in death by his father, both paternal grandparents, Michael and Hilda Payne, and his maternal grandparents, Orville H. McGehee, and Verda F. McGehee, who he was extremely close to. Nicholas is survived by his mother, Vonda K. Ngigi and stepfather Daniel N. Ngigi of Pittsburg, KS. His children Ivan, Capri, Riley, and Avery.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, August 2nd at the Pittsburg Seventh Day Adventist Church, 430 E. 21st St., Pittsburg, Kansas with Pastor Douglas Elsey officiating. Memorials are suggested to the Nick Payne Memorial Fund 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.
FSHS Senior Ali Simhiser Is Competing At The Junior National Wrestling Championship
Ali Simhiser, who will be a senior at Fort Scott High School this fall, is the only female Fort Scott wrestler to be invited to the 2025 U.S. Marine Corps Junior National Women’s Freestyle Wrestling Championship, held July 10-19 in Fargo, ND.
The event is at the Fargo Dome and men’s wrestling Freestyle and Greco-Roman athletes will also compete.
“It’s the largest in the world and a pretty big deal to be invited,” said her Aunt Stephannie Erie, who submitted the information. “She is the first female from First Scott to attend. She is also ranked 2nd in her weight class of 190lbs in the state for 4A.”
“She is a two-time state qualifier, placing 3rd at state, winning a Southeast Kansas League Championship, and reaching a huge milestone—100 career wins and pins as a junior.”
Alvin Metcalf is the head wrestling coach at Fort Scott High School.
The Hats Teachers Wear by Patty LaRoche
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)
School will start soon. We need to pray for our teachers. Since the time Covid kept students out of the classroom, teachers have attempted to correct the physical/mental/emotional damage done to these children. Add to that the use of A.I. to keep students “thinkless,” and the task of teaching well creates monumental problems.
There are few jobs that require the number of hats teachers must wear. They are mentors, psychologists, nurses, seamstresses, food preparers, EMT’s, confidants, mediators, resource officers, role models, listeners, organizers, researchers, and technology gurus, for the short list.
For centuries, a teacher’s responsibility was to expect students to follow his/her lead. “Do as I say and your day will go well.” No longer. Now, teachers are expected to offer rich, tailored learning experiences to each child. Their job is to nurture healthy curiosity in their students, and considering their classroom contains a range of I.Q.’s, home life situations, economic opportunities and personality styles (all changing over the six classes taught each day), the job can seem overwhelming.
Educators teach to make a difference; that is their reward. But the job has become increasingly stressful. Students sneak cellphones into the classroom. Many parents defend their children, even when there is proof of guilt. Now, kids can wear pajama bottoms and slippers to class, and the school system is forced to give multiple chances for a student to pass a class.
As I run into educators in our community, the stories do not change. “How much longer until retirement?” “I used to think I would teach until I drop. No longer. Now the students are running the show and many parents don’t have our backs. I can’t wait until I can retire.” “We still have not recovered from the Covid mess where few students actually participated in the Zoom calls, and unless we wanted to visit them at their homes, there was nothing we could do.”
Over 40 times in the Gospels, Jesus is called a teacher. The apostle Luke writes in Acts 1:1 that his Gospel is a “record of all that Jesus began to do and teach.” Ephesians 4:11 says it was Christ “who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers.” Good teachers are a blessing.
In “Keep Believing Ministries,” Ray Pritchard wrote, “You don’t have to be famous or brilliant to teach. You don’t have to be highly educated. You don’t have to be clever or witty or unusually attractive. You don’t have to be anything but willing. It won’t cost you anything but your life. If you don’t mind being a sower, you can be a teacher. There are hungry minds and open hearts all around us. The door of opportunity is wide open.” Jesus knew that. Jesus had a way of speaking that caused people to listen.
Next month, I will be coming out of retirement to teach again, and one of my classes is “Introduction to Education” which I will rename “So, You Want to be a Teacher!” I pray that I can encourage my students to understand their calling: God doesn’t ask everyone to be a teacher, but should they choose this job, they need to pray that He will give them a love for their students that supersedes all the negativity causing people to quit. I pray that you make that your prayer as well.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports July 11
Agenda for USD234 for July 14
Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
July 14, 2025 – 5:30 P.M.
AGENDA SUMMARY WITH COMMENTARY
1.0 Call Meeting to Order David Stewart, President
2.0 Flag Salute
3.0 Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)
4.0 Reorganization of New Board (Action)
5.0 Financial Audit Review
6.0 Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)
6.1 Board Minutes
06-09-2025
06-13-2025
6.2 Financials – Cash Flow Report
6.3 Check Register
6.4 Payroll – June 20, 2025 – $2,017,520.07
6.5 Activity Funds Accounts
6.6 USD 234 Gifts
6.7 June KASB Policy Updates
6.8 Extended Trips 2025-26
6.9 Fundraising Applications 2025-26
6.10 Resolution 25-01 Destructions of Records
6.11 Resolution 25-02 Waiver of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
6.12 Resolution 25-03 Rescinding Policy Statements found in Board Minutes
6.13 Resolution 25-04 Establish Home Rule by Board of Education
6.14 Designation of Banks for deposit of school funds
6.15 Set fees for copying records
6.16 Mileage reimbursement – current state mileage rate
6.17 2025-26 School Fees
6.18 Recreation Commission Board Member Term
6.19 Designation of newspaper for official school publications
6.20 Offices for the 2025-26 School Year
6.21 Resolution 25-05 KMIP Signers
7.0 Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)
8.0 New Business
8.1 2025-26 District Handbooks (Action)
8.2 2025-26 Emergency Operations Procedures (Action)
8.3 Set Dates for Budget Presentation, Revenue Neutral Hearing and Budget Hearing (Action)
8.4 Revenue Neutral Declaration to the Bourbon County Clerk (Action)
Resolution 25-06
8.5 Resolution 25-07 Supplemental General Budget Percentage (Action)
8.6 iReady Subscription Renewal (Action)
8.7 Edgenuity License Renewal (Action)
8.8 2025-26 KASB Workers’ Compensation Renewal (Action)
8.9 Preschool Gym Heater Bids (Action)
8.10 Eugene Ware & Winfield Scott Rooftop Unit Replacement (Action)
9.0 Public Forum
10.0 Other Business – Personnel Matters – Time __________
11.0 Adjourn Meeting _____ (Time) David Stewart, President
Obituary of Donald Ray Barnard
Donald Ray Barnard, age 85, known affectionately as Don to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at his home in Pittsburg, Kansas. Born on October 12, 1939, in the small town of Arcadia, Kansas, Don’s life was a testament to his enduring spirit, and his love for his family. After graduating from Pittsburg High School, Don began what would become a distinguished thirty-three-year career as an engineering technician and maintenance supervisor with the Kansas Department of Transportation. He was also dedicated to the Masonic fraternity. A respected member of the Arcadia Masonic Lodge, which later merged with the Girard Masonic Lodge, Don served with distinction as a Past Master, providing leadership and guidance to his fellow
Masons. In 1957, Don was united in marriage to the love of his life, Barbara J. Pummill. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and shared adventures. As a couple, Don and Barbara ventured to the warmer climates of South Texas for about twenty years, where they cherished the sunshine and the vibrant community they found there. Don’s Christian faith was a cornerstone of his life, providing him with strength and comfort throughout his years. He lived his life as an example of kindness, generosity, and faith. A man of many talents and interests, Don had a passion for music that was as deep as it was infectious.
Whether strumming his guitar with local bands in Texas or serenading his loved ones at home, his music brought joy to all who listened. His love for the outdoors was evident in the care he took in maintaining his garden and the patience he showed during his fishing excursions, both activities that allowed him to appreciate
the beauty of nature.
Don’s legacy is carried on by his beloved wife, Barbara, of the home in Pittsburg, his four children, Scheryll Hodges (David) of Lonoke, Arkansas, Richard Barnard (Connie) and Robert Barnard all of Arcadia, Kansas and Joeseph Barnard (Jody Lea) of Ft. Scott, Kansas, and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are a brother, Wayne Barnard of
Burlingame, Kansas and two sisters, Sharon Foster of Pittsburg, Kansas and Linda Turner of Ft. Scott. Don was preceded in death by his son, Donald Barnard, Jr. and two granddaughters, Andrea and Jennifer. He will be remembered as a loving husband, a devoted father, and a loyal friend. As we bid farewell to Donald Ray
Barnard, we celebrate a life well-lived, a journey well-traveled, and a soul that has truly made a lasting impact on this world. His memory will continue to inspire those who knew him, and his spirit will live on in the hearts of his loved ones forever.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Monday, July 14 th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Private burial will take place at the Sheffield Cemetery near Arcadia, Kansas. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 P.M. Sunday at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society 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.
What’s Happening in Fort Scott July 10 Edition
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Grab your flock and come shop at participating stores Downtown & Around, Fort Scott!
Early bird gets the worm & deals! 
Shop $5+ in at least THREE stores for a chance to win $50 Chamber Bucks!
Look for the bright pink flamingos out front! 
Tiger Ice
OffShore Tropix
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ArtEffects 2025 Spotlight Prize Awardees Highlighted
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