Area News

Johnson County U.S. 69 Hwy. Expansion/Modernization Announced

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces U.S. 69 Expansion and Modernization Project in Johnson County

~Kelly Administration’s Bipartisan Transportation Plan to Improve Accessibility, Safety, and Spur New Business Growth~

OVERLAND PARK – Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced in Overland Park that the region’s number one priority, the U.S. 69 Expansion and Modernization project – totaling a $300 million investment – has been committed to construction as part of the Kelly Administration’s bipartisan transportation plan.

“This project will enhance accessibility, address long-term safety concerns, and relieve congestion to recruit new businesses and families to Johnson County,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Since day one, we’ve honored our commitment to ending the practice of using infrastructure dollars for projects they were never meant for – and instead use these dollars to directly fix our roads, bridges, and expand broadband access. Today’s announcement is further proof that our commitment to good stewardship of these funds is benefitting our communities, taxpayers, and businesses.”

Express toll lanes (ETLs) are a new-to-the-region strategy for managing congestion along busy highway corridors like U.S. 69. While the two existing lanes will remain free for drivers to use, the project will add a new, third tolled lane in each direction from 151st and 103rd streets, replace 50-year-old pavement and reconfigure interchanges at Blue Valley Parkway and I-435.

“This project improves traffic flow for all drivers on U.S. 69,” said Secretary Julie Lorenz. “The Overland Park Council voted to use this approach to manage congestion and provide their local contribution through tolls. The Kelly Administration’s transportation program is built on partnerships.  Communities across the state are providing a local funding contribution or phasing projects so their projects can be constructed sooner.”

“I’m glad to join Governor Kelly, Secretary Lorenz, and Overland Park City Councilmembers as they take the next step on this project to expand US 69—a project that has been a longtime priority for our community. It’s a team effort, and with the recent passage of the bipartisan INVEST in America Act through Congress, we are one step closer to bringing home additional federal funds for the US 69/167th Street interchange,” said Rep. Sharice Davids. “I look forward to continuing my work in Congress to secure smart, sustainable infrastructure investments that create good-paying jobs here in the Third District.”

“Commuters on U.S. 69 corridor are frustrated with increasing congestion and travel times,” said Overland Park Mayor Carl Gerlach. “We must address these issues to keep the Overland Park community and economy growing.”

Moving this project to the construction phase will take place as soon as preliminary engineering and right of way acquisition is complete. The U.S. 69 project is scheduled to be let for construction in fiscal year 2022 and open to traffic in 2025.

KDOT will turn to informing the public on what to use ETLs between now and when the project opens to traffic.

For more information, visit www.69Express.org or follow @69ExpressKS on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Nextdoor. Social media posts can be tagged with #69Express.

The below photos of today’s event are available for media use:

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Area News

Tri-Valley Raffled Truck Winner: Gary Thomas

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Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation Announces Winner of 21st Annual Raffle Truck Drawing

The Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation is proud to announce the winner of the 21st Annual Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation Truck Raffle Drawing: Gary Thomas.

Mr. Thomas’ ticket was drawn from 1,894 entries on Friday, June 25th at 1:30 pm by TVDS CEO Bill Fiscus. Mr. Thomas was notified immediately and was both surprised and excited to hear that he had won the raffle drawing. Mr. Thomas is now the proud owner of a 2021 Dodge Ram 1500 Long Horn Edition Truck, purchased from Shields Motor Company in Chanute, KS.

Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s raffle drawing.

This year’s raffle drawing raised $29,600 which will go to provide quality and affordable housing as well as aid in the delivery of services for our neighbors with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD).

Since 2001, the Foundation has built six houses as well as acquired six houses and one duplex. These thirteen houses are home to 62 individuals with I/DD that reside in the SE Kansas counties of Allen, Bourbon, Chautauqua, Elk, Greenwood, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson. The Friends of Tri-Valley is licensed through the State of Kansas for this raffle (RAF000005).

Bourbon County, Government

K-7 in Bourbon County To Be Improved

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces Eight Highway Improvement Projects in Eastern Kansas

~Kelly Administration’s Bipartisan Transportation Plan to Improve Accessibility, Safety, and Spur New Business Growth~

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced that eight Expansion and Modernization highway projects in eastern Kansas – totaling more than $297 million investments – have been committed to construction as part of the Kelly Administration’s bipartisan transportation plan.

“These eight highway improvement projects will enhance accessibility and road safety to recruit new businesses and families to eastern Kansas,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Since day one, we’ve honored our commitment to ending the practice of using infrastructure dollars for projects they were never meant for – and instead use these dollars to directly fix our roads, bridges, and expand broadband access. Today’s announcement is further proof that our commitment to good stewardship of these funds is benefitting our communities, taxpayers, and businesses.”

These are the first IKE highway modernization and expansion projects KDOT is committing to construction. Previously, these projects were in the IKE development pipeline.

The largest project featured at this event is the replacement of Topeka’s Polk-Quincy Viaduct and expanding I-70 to six lanes from MacVicar Avenue to Topeka Boulevard. Work will remove a sharp curve on the viaduct while also making improvements for motorists traveling through or entering the downtown area.

Others include a diverging diamond interchange at U.S. 40/K-10 near Lawrence, sections of K-7 widening and shoulders in Crawford and Bourbon counties and sections of passing lanes on U.S. 400 in Greenwood, Neosho and Cherokee counties.

“This week we are announcing projects totally nearly three-quarters of a billion dollars as part of the Kelly Administration’s transportation plan,” said KDOT Secretary Julie Lorenz. “This significant investment in the state’s transportation infrastructure proves that by listening to Kansans and working with communities, we can complete more projects and identify better ways to deliver them.”

The projects announced today in Topeka are currently scheduled to be let in 2023, except for Polk-Quincy, which will let in 2024.

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As promised, one phase of all T-WORKS projects will be let to construction before construction begins on the IKE projects. KDOT will host Local Consult meetings this fall to identify additional regional priorities to be added to the development pipeline and continue working on those projects placed in development in May 2020.

The below photos from the event are available for media use:

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Bourbon County, Business

Local 19-Year-Old Starts Fashion Business

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From left: Addy Labbe, owner; Lindsay Majors, model; Amy Labbe, her mother; Kinlee Batchelor, model; and Karleigh Arndt, model. Photos are by Kelsey Stanley, Addy Labbe and Amy Labbe.
Addy Labbe, 19, is following in her mother’s footsteps and starting her own business, Stylz By Addy.
“I provide great quality, stylish clothing that is super affordable as well as handmade jewelry, shoes, accessories, and more!” she said. “I started my business from my mother’s studio and with her and all her workers’ help. I mostly do Facebook Lives to sell my clothing so that I can show people how everything fits, looks, and feels.”
“I started this business because I have traveled the U.S. selling jewelry with my mother all my life,’ Labbe said.
Her mother is Amy Labbe, owner of Art By Amy, Uniontown, known for her creative jewelry designs.
“I have always loved fashion and traveling with her helped me figure out that I wanted to find a way to grow on that love and bring different fashions to Kansas,” she said.  “We sell my mother’s jewelry at wholesale markets so I figured why not spend my downtime at the Dallas market bringing some of these amazing styles back to Kansas.”
From left: Lindsay Majors, model; Addy Labbe, owner, and model;  Kinlee Batchelor, model; Madi Toth, model, and customer service; Rhian Gorman, model;  and Massiel Ordoñez, model. Submitted photo.
She has been inspired by two women.
“My mother, Art by Amy,” she said.  “She started her business on her own, grew it for the last 20 years, and is still going strong today. She is the hardest working person I know. Every new person she meets she treats with the same kindness as she would treat her dearest loved ones.”
“The other biggest influence in my new business is a woman named Melanie Hutchins, who I consider another amazing mentor,” Labbe said.  “She owns a very successful boutique in Ohio. She has helped me grow and gain confidence in myself and has been a huge support in my business.”
Products can be seen on Stylz By Addy on Facebook and Instagram @stylzbyaddy or email: [email protected]
or phone:620-756-4125.
Addy Labbe, owner of Stylz By Addy. Submitted photo.
Addy Labbe is a Fort Scott High School graduate and still debating a university degree, she said.  “But I know I love what I’m doing right now!”
Obituary

Obituary of Charles Bolling

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Charles Edward Bolling, age 75, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, July 6, 2021, at the Medicalodge in Frontenac, Kansas.   He was born July 23, 1945, in Ft. Scott, the son of Byron Francis Bolling and Lucille Julia Judy Bolling.

He graduated from the Ft. Scott High School with the Class of 1963 and went on to attend Pittsburg State University.

He worked for the Ft. Scott Tribune as a press operator for over sixty years.  Following his time at the Tribune, he worked for a few years at Valu Merchandisers.

Charles enjoyed spending time outdoors and tending to his garden.  He enjoyed baseball and basketball.  Charles valued his relationship with God and spent many hours reading Bible.

Survivors include his twin sister, Charlene Sipe and her husband, Roger, of Ft. Scott, a nephew, Ryan Bolling and three nieces, Melanie Alvares, Kristy Beshore and Leigh Ann Martin.  He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Gary, LeRoy and Lawrence Bolling and a sister, Doris Linville.

 

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, July 12th at the Evergreen Cemetery.

Family and friends may meet at the Cheney Witt Chapel on Monday prior to leaving for the cemetery at 10:45 A.M.

Memorials are suggested to the First United Methodist Church 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

Obituary of Patricia Johnson

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Patricia Ann Johnson

Patricia Ann Johnson, age 85, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Tuesday, July 6, 2021, at her home. She was born June 29, 1936, in Eldorado, KS, the daughter of Clayton and Leona Clark Day. Patricia worked as a CMA for Mercy Hospital on Burke St. as well as Medicalodge and Ft. Scott Manor. She married Kenneth Johnson in March of 1982 in Miami, OK. In her younger years, she enjoyed fishing, crocheting, playing aggravation with Kenny, and visiting with family and friends.

Survivors include her husband Kenny of the home; 3 daughters, Teresa Stewart (John) Moran, KS, Tamaca Houk (Clay Price) Moran, KS, and Alisha Raines, Ft. Scott; a son, Tommy Tucker, Ft. Scott; 12 grandchildren; numerous great and great-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by 2 daughters, Debra Lowry, and Donna Kay Long; 2 sisters, Betty Hill, and Donna Leech; and her parents.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, July 9th, in the Deerfield Cemetery, Deerfield, MO. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 Thursday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

 

Bourbon County, Schools

Jim Lambert Returns As Principal of Uniontown Junior/Senior High

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Jim Lambert. Submitted photo.
Jim Lambert, 75, is the new U.S.D. 235 Prinicipal for the junior high and senior high. He starts August 1.
He replaces Mike Reith, who resigned.
Lambert has been in public education for 54 years, 12 years as a teacher, 36 as an administrator, and six as a substitute teacher.
He worked 16 years in Bourbon County as an administrator, six in USD 234 from 1979-85 and  10 in USD 235 from1985-95; as the high school principal/superintendent.
Lambert earned a  bachelor of science in history from McPherson College and  MEd in Education Administration from Wichita State University.
His hometown is Inman, KS.

He is married to Phyllis and has four children and eight grandchildren.

Outside of his career, he likes to read on a variety of topics, travel trailer camp, yard work, church activities, and is a “military history nut,” he said.

He became an educator because of a lifelong need to learn “stuff” and a love of history, he said.

Several people inspired him in his career.
“Two college professors focused me on what an understanding of history does for society; two colleagues in my early years in teaching
taught me how to work effectively with teenagers,” he said. “Fred Campbell, Dale Hammons, and Dick Hedges, in their leadership roles in USD 234, taught me how to balance all the demands on an administrator and strive for fairness in all decisions.”
The best part of being an educator?
“That’s easy!” he said. “Working with students and teachers on a daily basis. There is an energy in grades 7-12 that causes me to enjoy every day regardless of what has happened. Students want to know their administrators care for them as people and I try to bring that to every interaction.”
What are the greatest challenges?
“Helping students understand how focusing on school activities and work will make them successful as adults,” he said. “Young people don’t always understand that learning to show respect, working hard, following rules for the good of everyone, and being a contributing part of a team will take them a long way as students and adults.”
Government, Kansas

Kansas Reemployment Plan

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Kansas Department of Labor Urges Claimants to Participate in the My Reemployment Plan Program

~Claimants who do not participate in the program may have their benefits suspended under the new state law~

TOPEKA – On May 13, 2021, the Kansas Legislature passed House Bill 2196, which includes an enhanced My Reemployment Plan (MRP) program designed to help unemployed Kansans reenter the workforce.

Claimants who do not participate in the program may have their benefits suspended under the new state law. The Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) encourages individuals who received notice of their participation in the program to complete the requirements immediately in order to prevent a disruption in their benefits.

The program, developed in collaboration with the Kansas Department of Commerce (KDC), KDOL and KANSASWORKS Workforce System, connects unemployment recipients with workforce service professionals in their area.

The program began June 1, 2021 and requires claimants who have received three (3) continuous weeks of unemployment to complete the following actions:

  • Upload/build a resume at KANSAScom or provide work history
  • Complete the online job search (including the O*Net Interest Profiler) attached to the email/included with the mailed information.
  • Complete the Job Search Plan and email completed form to the Kansas Department of Commerce at [email protected]

KDC has notified a group of claimants included in MRP and will continue to notify additional claimants as they become eligible. Failure to complete all items within seven (7) days of receiving KDC’s instructions may result in denial of unemployment insurance benefits. Claimants who do not comply may have their benefits continued or reinstated upon showing compliance to KDC or good cause to KDOL.

To assist claimants who are receiving benefits the following services will be provided from KANSASWORKS, free of charge, personalized job search assistance, including:

  • Creation of a personalized My Reemployment Plan that focuses on goals and accountability.
  • Skills assessment to match interests and skills with occupations.
  • Resume, interview and networking assistance.
  • Labor market information highlighting current in-demand jobs.

Any questions regarding this program should be directed to the KANSASWORKS.com Live Chat.  For additional support, contact your local Workforce Center at 877-509-6757.

Bourbon County Local News