Obituary

Obituary of Donajean Bauer

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Donajean Bauer, age 76, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, went to be with her Lord on Friday, November 12, 2021, at her home. She was born June 30, 1945, in Moran, KS, the daughter of Leland and June Enos Mattson. Donajean attended old Elsmore rural grade school and graduated from Elsmore high school. She also attended Fort Scott Community College.

She married Duane Bauer on September 1, 1963, in Elsmore, KS. She worked for the Western Insurance Company in Ft. Scott in her early years. Donajean then worked for Security State Bank and later UMB for a total of 42 years until retirement.

She served selflessly and faithfully at Mt. Zion church where she was a member. At church she was a continuous supporter of Walk of Faith for Missions, taught Sunday school, served as VBS director and organized Gospel Tribe youth nights. Donajean was tireless in her efforts to show people Jesus and lead them in accepting Him as their Savior.

Many local organizations also benefitted from her dedication including Care to Share, FCE, United Way, founding member and board member for the Keyhole, and 31-year perfect attendance at Pioneer Kiwanis, serving as president multiple times.

Donajean loved God and her family. She delighted in her grandchildren and never missed attending a sporting event or performance.

She enjoyed flower gardening, personalizing greeting cards, decorating at Homes for the Holidays, serving on Good Ol’ Days committees, and helping with the Bourbon County Fair. She generously shared her love and was loved by so many.

Survivors include her husband Duane of the home; a daughter, Danna Wilson and husband Jeff, Pittsburg, KS; grandchildren, Mattson Gromer and husband Dylan, and Peyton Steele; a sister, Diana Fewins, Moran, KS; brothers-in-law Don Bauer and wife Donna and Darrell Bauer and wife Jan; sister-in-law Mary Ann Magnuson and husband Max Patterson; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a son, Daniel Bauer; and her parents.

Pastor Rick Womack will conduct services at 11:00 Tuesday, November 16th, at the 1st Baptist Church, Ft. Scott.

Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 Monday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to either Care to Share or Mt. Zion Baptist Church Garland 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.

Opinion

Help Wanted! by Gregg Motley

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Gregg Motley. President of the Regional Economic Development, Inc. Submitted photo.

 

“Hiring for all positions.” “Immediate openings.” “Career opportunities, inquire within.” We have all seen the signs everywhere. Why can’t employers fill positions? Is the economy really that hot? What is going on?

While the economy is experiencing growth, it really can’t be described as “hot.” In September, the U.S. had 5 million fewer jobs than it had before the pandemic, based on Labor Department data. Yet, employers have reported high rates of unfilled openings. Hiring difficulties have also increased competition for workers and put upward pressure on wages. Across the economy, there were 10.4 million unfilled jobs at the end of August, according to the Labor Department, exceeding the roughly 8.4 million unemployed Americans looking for work.

In the near-term, the number one reason why we are shorthanded nationwide is the increasing retirement rate among Baby Boomers (born from 1946 to 1964). Until this year, the overall number of retired Boomers had been growing annually by about 2 million on average since 2011 (the year the oldest Boomer reached age 65); in this last year ending September 30, the number was 3.2 million, bringing the total number of retired Americans to 28.6 million. Apparently the pandemic accelerated the retirement decision for many Boomers at just the wrong time for our economy.

Another trend that has aggravated our labor shortage is the declining birth rate. The American birth rate has fallen from 24.268 births per 1,000 in 1950 to 12.001 in 2020; less than half. As a percentage of the whole, there are simply fewer young people coming into the labor force every year.

Additionally, the labor force participation rate has dropped significantly in recent years. The labor force participation rate is the percentage of the civilian noninstitutionalized population 16 years and older who are working or actively looking for work. This measurement has been dropping and stood at 66.1% before the Great Recession of 2007 caused the rate to fall to an all-time low of 58.2% in 2010. We have recovered to a rate of 61.7% in June of this year, but it remains 1.7 percentage points below the pre-pandemic level of 63.4%.

Why are fewer working age Americans wanting to work? No one knows for sure, but speculation points to the increases in the social safety net, the difficulty of finding day care, the increasing need for care of the elderly, and a change in the work ethic, to name a few.

The bottom line is that employers will go where there is workforce. To attract and retain employers, we will have to grow our workforce in rural America. Bourbon County REDI is focused on how we can make our communities more attractive to the workforce we need. More on that in my next column.

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Sustaining Family Caregivers

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Barbara Stockebrand. K-State Extension Agent. Submitted photo.

November is National Family Caregiver’s Month. It gives us a reminder to acknowledge those family members who have taken on the ‘work’ of caring for a loved one. Caregiving can really become a full-time job, where those who had other meaningful employment may have made the noble and loving choice to care for their loved one instead.

Former first lady Rosalynn Carter has said there are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers. Caregiving knows no economic or cultural boundaries. It will affect all of us or our families at some time.

Family caregivers are often doing all they can to meet the daily needs of their care recipient. In meeting those other needs, their own personal needs may continually get placed on the ‘back burner’ if they are not careful.

Research studies find high rates of depression and anxiety among caregivers and increased vulnerability to health problems. They often feel they have no control over events – and that feeling of powerlessness has a significant negative impact on caregivers’ physical and emotional health.

We might be reminded of the safety instructions given by the flight attendant before a flight. One of them is “If the oxygen masks drop down, put on your mask first before helping others.” The same goes for family caregivers. They need to make sure their needs are met so they can be the caregiver they want to be. A specific plan may be needed to take care of themselves.

How can family caregivers manage their self-care?

–Take responsibility and make it a priority to continue to include activities and relationships that are meaningful to them. Take daily breaks.

–Have realistic expectations on what a good caregiver is. Burdensome expectations placed on oneself as a caregiver can set the caregiver up for failure, resentment, and guilt.

–Focus on what can be done. The caregiver cannot change the care receiver if they have always been demanding and inflexible. However, the caregiver can control how they respond to the care receiver’s demands.

–Communicate effectively with others. These include family members, friends, health care providers, and the care receiver. The caregiver needs to convey their own needs and concerns in a positive manner.

–There will be emotional ups and downs as a caregiver. Don’t bottle up emotions. Repressing feelings decreases energy, causes irritability, depression and physical problems, and affects the ability to make the best decisions.

–Get help when needed. Don’t wait until ‘the end of your rope’ has been reached. Help might come from community resources, family and friends, or professionals. Find a way to follow through with vacation plans.

Not everyone is cut out to be a family caregiver. Kudos to those who have taken on this very caring responsibility. For those who may currently be in a caregiving situation, seek ways to take better care of yourself along the way so that you thrive, and not just survive. The rest of us need to find ways to help you succeed.

For more on support of caregivers, contact a Southwind Extension District Office. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Government, Kansas

Ks Legislature Special Session on November 22

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces Special Session of the Kansas Legislature

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced she will use her constitutional power under Article 1, Section 5 of the Kansas Constitution to reconvene the Kansas Legislature for a special session on November 22, 2021.

“Today, the legislature delivered a successful petition to my office; I take my constitutional obligations as Governor seriously, and am announcing a special session accordingly,” said Governor Laura Kelly.

This action follows the Legislature filing a legislative petition consisting of signatures of 86 members of the Kansas House of Representatives and 29 members of the Kansas Senate – surpassing the two-thirds majority needed for a legislative petition. The special session will take place beginning at 10:00 AM CT on November 22, 2021.

A copy of the proclamation can be viewed here.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda For November 16

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

 

Date: November 16, 2021

1st District-Lynne Oharah                                                                Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jim Harris                                                                      Corrected: _______________________

3rd District-Clifton Beth                                                                              Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Ashley Shelton

 

   

MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM

 

Call to Order

 

    • Flag Salute
    • Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
    • Eric Bailey – Road and Bridge Report
    • Susan Bancroft – Sewer Service Agreement
    • Anne Dare, Deb Martin, Sparky Schroeder, Donna Banwart-30 X 30 Land Grab
    • County Counselor Comment
    • Susan Bancroft, Finance Director Comment
    • Public Comment
    • Elected Officials Comment
  • Commission Comment
  • 12:00 Noon – Executive Session – KSA 75-4319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships (To be held offsite at 200 S Main, Suite 2)
  • Noble Health

Justifications for Executive Session:

          KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy

          KSA 75-4319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship

          KSA 75-4319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency

          KSA 75-4319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships

          KSA 75-4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property

          KSA 75-4319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of suc

Fort Scott, Government

FS Commission Special Meeting On November 16

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There will be a Special Meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission held at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 16th, 2021. It is anticipated the Commission will adjourn into Executive Session at this time.

This meeting will be held at the Landmark National Bank building on the 2nd floor, at 200 S. Main Street. This meeting is open to the public.

The Commissioners may gather at the Courthouse following this executive session, but no City business will be conducted.

Entertainment, Fort Scott, History

Presentation Explores The Fight For Women’s Suffrage in Kansas

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The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes is located a 1 S. Main, Fort Scott.

Fort Scott, Kansas – Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott will host “The Fight for Women’s Suffrage in Kansas,” a presentation and discussion via Zoom by Dr. Sarah Bell on Friday, November 19th, 2021 at 3:30pm, at the Lowell Milken Center at 1 South Main Street. Members of the community are invited to attend the free program. Contact the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes at #620-223-1312 for more information. The program is made possible by Humanities Kansas. Refreshments will be provided for those attending at the Center.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82602725600?pwd=UE10T0R2T1hCb2prTi9TZ1NWZmZpZz09

Meeting ID: 826 0272 5600
Passcode: 269586

Kansas was repeatedly a leader in advancing progressive issues and rights for women during the late 19th century. However, one cannot talk about women’s suffrage, without noting that the movement and its leaders were primarily white and middle class. Many of these women practiced and perpetuated prejudice against Black women throughout women’s organizations at this time. However, Black women were as actively involved in pushing for equal and civil rights in Kansas as their white counterparts. This presentation will highlight several Black women who were leaders in suffrage, the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union, and women’s clubs, while walking through the fifty-year chronology of women fighting to get the vote in Kansas. It will also touch on key events and leaders, while examining why it took so many years to achieve this milestone called suffrage.

Sarah Bell has a Ph.D. from the University of Kansas in History and is Development Officer at the Watkins Museum of History in Lawrence. Her dissertation studied woman suffragists’ participation with the Chautauqua Movement.

“The women I research inspire me to fight for progress and justice in our world today. Sharing their stories is a way to honor and recognize their hard work at advancing our society,” said Bell.

This presentation is part of Kansas’s Movement of Ideas Speakers Bureau, featuring presentations and workshops designed to share stories that inspire, spark conversations that inform, and generate insights that strengthen civic engagement.

For more information about “The Fight for Women’s Suffrage in Kansas” presentation in Fort Scott, contact the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes or call #620-223-1312 or visit our Facebook page – Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes.

About Humanities Kansas

Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit spearheading a movement of ideas to empower the people of Kansas to strengthen their communities and our democracy. Since 1972, our pioneering programming, grants, and partnerships have documented and shared stories to spark conversations and generate insights. Together with our partners and supporters, we inspire all Kansans to draw on history, literature, ethics, and culture to enrich their lives and serve the communities and state we all proudly call home. Visit humanitieskansas.org.

About the Lowell Milken Center: The Lowell Milken Center is a non-profit 501 © (3) that works with students and educators within a range of diverse academic disciplines, to develop projects focused on unsung heroes. Once their projects are finished, we advocate the student’s unsung heroes by sharing them in our Hall of Unsung Heroes or our website so people all over the world discover their individual influence and obligation to take actions that improve the lives of others. The Hall of Unsung Heroes is proudly located in Southeast Kansas and showcases some of the top projects developed in collaboration with the Center.

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Obituary

Obituary of Thorene Roberts

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Thorene F. Roberts, 93, of Fort Scott, passed away peacefully Monday afternoon, November 8, 2021. She was born February 29, 1928, in Mount Hope, Kansas, one of 4 children to Scott and Dollie (Lumbert) Johnson. She married Kale Lee Roberts on February 1, 1947, in Mount Hope, Kansas, and they had two sons, Kent and Kim. Kale preceded her in death on April 14, 2021.

Thorene and Kale were long-time residents of Wichita, Kansas, and were founding members of West Heights Methodist Church. Thorene and Kale moved to Fort Scott, Kansas in 2012 and have lived here up until the time of their deaths.

Thorene is survived by her children, Kent L. Roberts and wife Becki, of Fort Scott, and Kim A. Roberts and wife Kalyn, of Plano, Texas; three grandchildren, Brooke Roberts-Higgins, of Carthage, Missouri, Scott Roberts, of Longview, Texas, and Ryan Roberts, of Plano, Texas; four great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband Kale, she was also preceded in death by her parents, and three brothers, Paul Johnson, Garlan Johnson, and Irwin Johnson.

Following cremation, private memorial services will be held at a later date. The family requests memorial gifts be made in Thorene’s memory to: Care to Share – The Sharing Bucket, 2478 Limestone Road, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701, or 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.

Bourbon County Local News