Obituary

Obituary of Shirley Hutchins

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Shirley Jean Hutchins, 90, of Scammon, Kansas, passed away at her home Monday afternoon, July 19, 2021. She was born in Uniontown, Kansas, the daughter of Edmond Riley and Deloris Joan (McGuire) Brown. She married James Keith Hutchins on October 9, 1948, in Mound City, Kansas. He preceded her in death on April 24, 2002.

Shirley graduated from Fort Scott High School with the Class of 1948, and continued education in Oklahoma City and Joplin, Missouri. She was an artist, writer, and musician, and lived in a variety of places, including Uniontown, Redfield, Leavenworth, and Scammon, Kansas, Joplin, Missouri, and Truth or Consequences, New Mexico.

Shirley is survived by her children, Rilea Moyer (Rex) of Spearfish, South Dakota, Paul Hutchins (Cynthia) of Scammon, Kansas, and Kathleen Ragsdale (Fred) of Albuquerque, New Mexico; thirteen grandchildren, thirty-three great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband James, Shirley was also preceded in death by her parents, a son, Stephen Hutchins, and two daughters, Kathryn and Jeanie D., and four babies at birth.

Following cremation, graveside services for Shirley will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 26, 2021, at the Fort Scott National Cemetery, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Fort Scott, Schools

Colt Lipe Attends National Youth Leadership Forum

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Colt Lipe is attending a youth leadership forum this week in North Carolina. Submitted photo.
Colt Lipe, 11, was nominated by his Eugene Ware Elementary School Fifth-grade Teacher Abby Steppes to attend the National Youth Leadership Forum in Colorado this week.
“They are nominated for being a good role model and having leadership skills,” Steppes said of the nomination.
The forum is the Pathways to Science, Technology, Engineering, and  Math Program by Envision LLC.
Envision is a for-profit, tuition-based education company that creates, markets, and runs career exploration and leadership development programs for students in elementary school through college, according to its website.
“What an opportunity for him,” said his mother Tina Lipe.
Colt’s father is David Lipe. The Lipe’s own both Sharkey’s Pub and Luther’s BBQ Restaurants in Fort Scott.
At the forum, Colt will learn the leadership skills of communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and goal setting.
In addition, he will explore crime-solving skills, face a design challenge in engineering, and as a prospective medical student explore the anatomy of the heart and lungs and examine the medical needs of a patient then present a plan of care.
“Kids this age are figuring out who they are and what their passions are,” Steppes said.
A letter his parents Tina and Dave Lipe received to explain the forum. Submitted photo.

Steppes said flyers are sent out to teachers nationwide for teachers to nominate students.

“The hard part is it costs money,” Steppes said. “There are grants for money you can apply for or do fund-raising.”

 

Opinion

Francis Chan by Patty LaRoche

3 Comments
Patty LaRoche

After years of watching Francis Chan’s sermons on line and following his transformation from leading a mega-church to evangelizing in China to starting living room churches, I recently had a chance to meet him. Between speaking engagements in the Kansas City area, he, a few missionaries, and their families were at my son Adam’s ranch, enjoying the peace and quiet of Midwest country life. Since my Zoom Bible study for the past 22 weeks had dealt with his book Crazy Love, I couldn’t wait to share how much he impacted our group. Our conversation was light and fun, centering around his wife and children, some details of his ministry and the experience he and his team were having in K.C. Somehow the conversation turned to my trials in raising three sons, and the group of adults seemed amazed that a teenager as challenging as Adam could turn out to be so kind and gracious. (Only by the grace of God.)

That’s when Adam told Francis that I had been in the Bible study based on his book. He questioned who led it. I told him. He brought out his phone and asked how to spell the leader’s name. Strange, I thought, but I spelled “Frank Guidara” and added, “He’s the one who organized the Zoom call.” Francis checked his phone and said that he didn’t have that name in his accounts. “Is there another name the study could have registered under?” I was becoming alarmed. “Dale somebody led it. I don’t know his last name.” Alarm was morphing to panic. “Most are Vietnam vets and their wives,” I added, trying to give some credibility to our little group. Surely he wouldn’t charge a fee to a group of retired, military heroes!

No one in my group had mentioned paying a registration fee to use Crazy Love for a Bible study. I was throwing a whole group of Christians under the bus, the longer I talked. “I’m just kidding. We never had a Bible study,” I said, trying to add some humor to this ridiculously awkward situation. Everyone laughed, but then Francis continued. “That’s just so strange that there doesn’t seem to be any registration for your group.” All eyes were on me, and although I usually appreciate it when that happens, this was different. It was then that Lisa, his wife, turned to her husband. “Since when do people have to register to use your book?”

Francis started cracking up. “I’m just messing with Patty. Of course, no one has to register to do a Bible study!”

He had me. Everyone—even Francis’ close friends—started laughing. And so did I. The evangelist said that if I could raise Adam and find delight in his antics, I must have a good sense of humor. Somehow, he understood me, and I loved it. And I loved his realness. The same man who once confronted his congregation, expressing his fear that the majority of them were lukewarm Christians who would never make it to Heaven, could have turned this time into a stern sermon, or at least could have asked for my take on his thought-provoking book. Instead, he brought levity into the conversation.

I need to learn from Francis. Everything doesn’t have to be a “Heaven or Hell” lecture or have a spiritual message. Sometimes we just need to bring joy into our exchanges so that others will want to hang with us which, in turn, will reveal the reality of who Christ is in us. No doubt, that is a huge part of Francis Chan’s ministerial success.

 

Fort Scott Community College

FSCC announces Spring 2021 Honor Roll

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red blast background with "boom" written at the top and "Great job super hounds" written in the middle

Fort Scott Community College is pleased to announce the Spring 2021 Honor Roll students. Spring was completely different from the years past with all sporting events taking place, but the Hounds knocked it out of the park. At the end of the Spring 2021 semester, FSCC had 225 students on the honor roll list.

 

The honor roll system has three main levels:

  • Honor Roll (3.5-3.74) 71 students
  • Vice President’s Honor Roll (3.75-3.99) 43 students
  • President’s Honor Roll (4.0+) 111 students surprise

 

Great job Greyhounds! wink

 

For a complete list of students and their success, please click the link below.

 

Spring 2021 Honor Roll List

Jobs

Kansas Gas Service Virtual Career Fair July 28

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Kansas Gas Service is hosting a virtual career fair to
help potential candidates find jobs with the company.

On July 28, applicants will have an opportunity to learn about ONE Gas and its divisions:
Kansas Gas Service, Oklahoma Natural Gas and Texas Gas Service and apply for open positions.
“As a company, we have adapted to the new virtual environment with everything we do,
including our recruiting efforts,” said Adam Mellor, Talent Acquisition supervisor for ONE Gas,
parent company of Kansas Gas Service. “With our virtual career fairs, we’re actively looking for
individuals who are eager to join an exciting industry focused on safety and service.”
• Interested candidates can visit careerfair.onegas.com to register and submit a resume.
• Candidates can pick their department of interest and choose a 20-minute session to
speak with a recruiter. (The Microsoft Teams links will be available 15 minutes prior to
the actual session).
• A list of current job openings can be viewed at onegas.jobs
• Candidates will need a device with internet access, a front-facing camera and a
microphone for the sessions.
Visit onegas.jobs for more information on careers at Kansas Gas Service and ONE Gas.
About Kansas Gas Service
Kansas Gas Service provides a reliable and affordable energy choice to more than 645,000 customers in Kansas and
is the largest natural gas distributor in the state, in terms of customers.
Headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas Gas Service is a division of ONE Gas, Inc. (NYSE: OGS), a 100-percent
regulated natural gas utility that trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “OGS.” ONE Gas is
included in the S&P MidCap 400 Index and is one of the largest natural gas utilities in the United States.
For more information and the latest news about Kansas Gas Service, visit KansasGasService.com and follow its
social channels: @KansasGas, Facebook, Nextdoor, LinkedIn and YouTube.
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Government, Kansas

Public Health Advisories for Kansas Lakes Due to Blue-Green Algae

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) has issued several public health advisories for Kansas lakes due to blue-green algae.

Active Advisories

Warning

Gathering Pond at Milford, Geary County

Milford Lake Zone C, Geary County

Harvey County East Lake, Harvey County

Altamont City Lake “Idle Hour” Main Lake, Labette County

Big Hill Lake, Labette County

Parsons Lake, Labette County (new)

Marion County Lake, Marion County (upgraded 7/22)

Melvern Outlet Pond, Osage County (upgraded 7/22)

Webster Reservoir, Rooks County

Jerry Ivey Pond, Saline County

Hargis Lake, Sumner County (new)

Big Eleven Lake, Wyandotte County

 

Watch

Brown State Fishing Lake, Brown County

Mission Lake Horton, Brown County

Milford Lake Zones A and B, Geary County

South Lake, Johnson County

Altamont City Lake “Idle Hour” North Lake, Labette County

Marion Reservoir, Marion County (downgraded 7/22)

Overbook City Lake, Osage County

Agra City Lake, Phillips County

Atwood Township Lake, Rawlins County

 

Advisories Lifted 7/22/21

Herington Reservoir (New City Lake), Dickinson County

Herington City Lake (Old Lake), Dickinson County

Geary State Fishing Lake, Geary County

Horsethief Reservoir, Hodgeman County

Linn Valley Lake, Linn County

River Pond below Tuttle Reservoir, Riley County

 

When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

  • Lake water is not safe to drink for pets or livestock.
  • Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.
  • Water contact should be avoided.
  • Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.
  • Do not allow pets to eat dried algae.
  • If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.
  • Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

 

A watch means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.

 

During the watch status, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

  • Signage will be posted at all public access locations.
  • Water may be unsafe for humans/animals.
  • Avoid areas of algae accumulation and do not let people/pets eat dried algae or drink contaminated water.
  • Swimming, wading, skiing and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms.
  • Boating and fishing are safe. However, inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals. Avoid

direct contact with water, and wash with clean water after any contact.

  • Clean fish well with potable water and eat fillet portion only.

 

KDHE investigates publicly-accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on credible field observation and sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions.

 

Signs of a possible bloom include if there is scum, a paint-like surface or the water is bright green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.

 

For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, please visit www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm.

                                            

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Bourbon County, Government, Health Care

Special Bourbon County Commission Meeting Agenda For July 23

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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: July 23, 2021 

1st District-Lynne Oharah                                                                Minutes: Approved: _______________ 

2nd District-Jim Harris                                                                      Corrected: _______________________ 

3rd District-Clifton Beth                                                                              Adjourned at: _______________ 

County Clerk-Kendell Mason 

 

 

MEETING WILL BE HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM @ 9am. 

 

 

Call to Order 

 

  • Flag Salute 
  • Wire Transfer to Noble Health 

 

 

Fort Scott, Government

Building Partially Collapses On North National Avenue

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The front side of the Eagle Block Building on North National Avenue on July 21, 2021. Submitted photos.

A part of the Eagle Block Building on North National Avenue has collapsed, and demolition will happen soon.

“It was approved to demo Eagle Block,” Fort Scott Mayor Josh Jones said.  “Work could begin as early as today.”

Fort Scott City Manager Jeremy Frazier was told that it would take two days to mobilize all equipment and to begin the demolition, he said. “By my understanding that would mean that the demolition would start either on Saturday or Sunday.”

American Wrecking Services LLC was approved to demolish the Eagle Block building for a cost to the city of $148,500, following the special Fort Scott City Commission Meeting last evening, July 21.

To view an aerial video of the buildings:

https://www.facebook.com/fortscott/posts/10158367542834010

A nearby building owned by CDL Electric, 14 North National Avenue will need to be removed according to a letter sent to the City of Fort Scott by Earles Engineering and Inspection.

Sharkey’s Pub and Grubb, 16 N. National, can be saved by supporting the south wall and removing a low protective wall along the edge of the roof, according to the letter.

To view the letter: City of Fort Scott Main Street Building Collapse Report(2)

“After review, it was concluded that the bar (Sharkey’s) could be saved by supporting its south wall and removing the upper parapet,” Earles said in the letter to the city. “The CDL building would need to be removed.”

“The saved wall would need to be repaired, tuck pointed, sealed and a cap put over it as part of the reworked roof of the bar,” he said.

“The south wall of the structure could be saved below the upper windows,” Earles said.  “The building on the south is built between the failed structure and the current radio station. Its roof needs attention but can be saved if the adjoining wall to its north can be salvaged. This wall will need to be supported as repairs are made to it, including brick repair, tuckpointing, and sealing.”

This photo from behind the Eagle Block Building, facing west, was taken on July 21, 2021. Submitted photos.

On Friday, July 16, Earles, a civil and structural engineer and CEO for Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc., went to the site of what is known as the Eagle Block Building, at 10-12 N. National Avenue and reviewed the condition of the building with Fort Scott City Staff.

“There are four separate yet combined buildings,” Earles said in a letter to the city. “It appears that all the walls are partly or shared walls,” Earles said. “The roof and partial wall collapse happened on the three-story middle building. This roof collapse caused both sidewalls to move and partially collapse. Additionally, it caused the front of the structure to move, creating a bowed front of the building and numerous cracks in the bricks. Additionally, I was informed that what appears as white stone… was covering for previous wire strands stretched through the building and anchored in the front and rear walls to stabilize the building. These are now broken or under the piles of debris, causing additional destabilization of the structure.”

The collapsed roof of the Eagle Block Building on July 21, 2021. The pile of bricks is around the hole on the roof that isn’t collapsed is on the roof of CDL. It appears that bricks fell from the collapsing building and landed on CDLs roof and put a hole through it. Submitted photos.

“The north wall partially collapsed onto and through the roof of the CDL building to the north collapsing its roof,” Earles said. “The next north building is a bar. It suffered no damage. We were able to get onto the bar roof and look south over the CDL building and the collapsed structure further south.”

“The portion of the roof of the three-story structure is unstable and could finish the collapse at any time,” Earles said. “The upper story from the bottom of the top windows to the roof is all leaning in and could collapse at any time. The building appears to be a total loss as well as the CDL building.”

“There is a basement under all three buildings,” Earles said.  “The hope of the city is to save as much of the structures as possible.”

On Saturday, July 17, 2021, Earles and city staff met with Carl Britz, American Wrecking Services, LLC, and went through the structures.

“We were able to go into the basement of the CDL building and
the  (Sharkey’s Pub)bar,” said Earles in the letter to the city.  “The CDL basement showed stone and brick that had lost most of its mortar and was in very poor condition both north and south walls. The bar basement showed the mortar had mostly all been repaired and the wall looked in good condition.”

To view a 2019 engineers report on the Eagle Block Building:

AG Engineering Structural Review – Eagle Block(1)

 

Bourbon County Local News