Vana Lynn Rash, age 59, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Thursday, June 24, 2021, at Mercy Hospital, Joplin, MO. Services for Vana Rash will be announced by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main.
Chamber Golf Classic July 23
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Obituary of Thelma Thomas
Thelma Opal Thomas, 83, of Fort Scott, passed away Wednesday, June 23, 2021, at her home. She was born October 10, 1937, in Boicourt, Kansas, the daughter of Benjamin and Viola (Brant) Wurtz, and was the next to the youngest of twenty-five children. She married Marion Elmer Phillips on September 24, 1958, and he preceded her in death on March 25, 1984. Thelma married Otis Thomas on June 20, 2015, and he survives of the home.
Thelma’s first job was at the Western Insurance. She and Marion started Phillips Insurance Agency in 1961 and retired from there in 1996.
In addition to her husband Otie, Thelma is survived by her children, Diana Cavin (Roger), Brenda Bailey (David), and Randy Phillips (Laura), all of Fort Scott; her sister, Lillie Mae Jackson, Pleasanton, Kansas; six grandchildren, Brent (Danielle) Cavin, Fort Scott, Ashley (Peytonn) Cavin, Pleasanton, Kansas, Austin Bailey and fiancée Valerie, of Holland, Michigan, Breanna (Mitchell) Newman, Fort Scott, Bethany (Kahn) Phillips, Shawnee, Kansas; and Jordan Phillips, Kansas City, Missouri; three great-grandchildren, Ginnyfer Cavin, Graham Cavin, and Hagen Newman, all of Fort Scott; and her niece that she was very close to, Carolyn Butler, of Fort Scott, Kansas.
Thelma was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband Marion Phillips; ten brothers, Virgil Wurtz, Ray Wurtz, Robert Wurtz, Roscoe Wurtz, Willie Wurtz, Lester Wurtz, Lee Wurtz, Albert Wurtz, Ollie Wurtz, Irvin Wurtz; one sister, Rosella Jane Clemens. She was also preceded in death by three half-brothers, and nine half-sisters.
Rev. Dr. Jared Witt will conduct funeral services at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 29, 2021, at the First Presbyterian Church in Fort Scott with burial following in Evergreen Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday, June 29, 2021, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church and 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.
Republicans Meet: New County Attorney Selected Next Week
The Bourbon County Republicans met June 24 for their regularly scheduled meeting, but a meeting to select the new county attorney, was set up for next week.
Jacquie Spradling, who resigned recently as the county attorney, will be replaced on July 1, said Chairman Mark McCoy.
“We will be selecting a new county attorney on July 1 at 6 p.m. at the Empress (Event Center, 7 N. Main),” McCoy said. “We went over the rules for the upcoming meeting. There were a number of questions asked. I explained how we would operate.”
At the next meeting, there will be a time of public comment, he said. “Each person can have up to three minutes to speak for or against one of the candidates.”
After the public has an opportunity to speak, then the meeting will be a closed meeting for the party executive board and the committee people.
The candidates will have ten minutes to speak and the Bourbon County elected officials will also have time to speak for or against a candidate.
The only people involved in the decision of picking the candidate will be committeemen and women and party chairs, McCoy said.
Three candidates have applied so far, he said.
Jeffrey Williams, Baxter Springs; Steven Ellis, Spring Hill; and Tiana McElroy, Coffeyville are the three so far, with applications still being accepted until June 28, McCoy said.
Obituary of Linda Lynnette Johnson
Linda Linnett Boyd Johnson, age 72, a resident of Fort Scott, Kansas went peacefully to be with the presence of her Lord on Wednesday, June 23, 2021 at her home. She was born April 17, 1949 in Pittsburg, KS the daughter of “Tutti” and Billy Lee Boyd. She married the love of her life Robert Johnson on November 20, 1976 in Fort Scott. They had two children Derrick Wayne and Michael Randell. Linda loved their many trips to Branson, shopping until she dropped, and just spending time with family.
After graduating with her beautician’s certificate, she spent many years owning and operating her own hair salon in Fort Scott, KS. She was then employed by Mercy Hospital as a housekeeper, CNA, and CMA at both the Burke St location and when they later moved to Woodland Hills Blvd. Upon retirement, Linda enjoyed spending time with her two grandsons Randell Matthew and Liam Robert.
Survivors include her two sons Derrick Wayne and Michael Randell and his wife Jana and their two boys Randell and Liam.
She was preceded in death by her parents, numerous aunts and uncles and cousins, also the love of her life and best friend Robert Johnson but it gives us great comfort to know they are together again today.
Rev. Rob Carr will conduct funeral services at 11:00 AM Tuesday, June 29th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Memory Gardens Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until 11:00 prior to the service Tuesday morning.
Memorials are suggested to the Linda Johnson Memorial Fund 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.
Reopening An Acute Care Hospital In Fort Scott Being Explored by Noble Health
NOBLE HEALTH TO EXPLORE REOPENING ACUTE CARE HOSPITAL IN FORT SCOTT KANSAS
Editor’s note: Rob Harrington, Bourbon County Economic Director, commented on the press release: “My organization along with the County and City have been talking about this project for the last month. We are excited to see this move forward and are hopeful that the results of the feasibility study will be positive.”
June 25, 2021 Kansas City, MO.
Noble Health Corp announced today that it will explore the possibility of reopening the acute care hospital facility in Fort Scott, Kansas. The Kansas City company has engaged in a Cooperative Agreement with Bourbon County to conduct a feasibility study that could lead to the reopening of the hospital that closed in December of 2018.
Noble Health recently acquired two hospitals and a series of clinics in Central Missouri: Audrain County Community Hospital and Callaway County Community Hospital. Both acquisitions happened between August of 2020 and March of 2021.
“We recognize and support the need for hometown healthcare in rural communities,” said Don Peterson Executive Chairman of Noble Health. “We understand the significant negative impact on local communities and citizens when their hospital closes. And we intend to work with the citizens of Bourbon County to evaluate the opportunity to restore a once vibrant and valued hospital to the local community.”
“While we are optimistic about our engagement with Noble Health, we recognize that reopening the hospital is a significant undertaking,” said Rob Harrington Economic Development Director for Bourbon County.” Harrington went on to say that the engagement with Noble is to conduct a broad feasibility study that will take a few months to complete. “At the end of the study Noble will have determined whether or not reopening the hospital makes economic sense. We hope they decide to reopen it.”
The feasibility study is similar to the engagement Noble Health undertook before they acquired the hospital in Audrain County Missouri. That work took 6 months before Noble entered into a definitive agreement and purchased the hospital.
ABOUT NOBLE HEALTH CORPORATION
Noble Health Corporation’s mission is to provide high-quality medical care that addresses the needs of the rural communities they serve. The goal: to serve the communities and their residents with comprehensive, high-quality medical services delivered at reasonable prices close to home. Headquartered in Kansas City, MO, Noble Health Corporation owns and operates rural acute care hospitals, and multi-specialty and primary care clinics.
Barb McCord Retires From Tri-Valley
Barbara McCord, 68, retired on May 14 from Tri-Valley Developmental Services as its’ horticulture therapist after 17 years.
Tri-Valley staff work with an adult population that has intellectual disabilities.
McCord developed the horticulture therapy program for Tri-Valley.
She received her bachelor of science degree in horticultural therapy at K-State in 1975.
After graduating, she worked at Melwood Farm, Maryland, for several years, she said. They worked with people with intellectual disabilities to improve their social, work, physical, and mental skills by being involved in the daily activities in a greenhouse setting.
She then worked in her family’s business, the Fort Scott Greenhouse for 40 years. When the family sold the business she knew she wanted to return to horticulture therapy.
Her dream job would become a reality in 2004 when Tri-Valley wanted to develop a horticulture therapy program, she said.
“We didn’t have a pot, a bag of soil, or any plant materials to start the program – really nothing at all that was related to the plant world,” she said. “Funds were raised through grants and the generosity of our community to provide a state-of-the-art experience for our clients.”
Her biggest challenge was to design and fund a greenhouse in 2007, she said.
“With the support of the community and the 24/7 backing of my husband, David, we were able to establish the greenhouse and plant the seed for the current horticultural therapy program,” she said.
A 2,100 sq. ft. greenhouse and a patio area with raised bed gardens were created and made accessible to the clients. and also an in-ground flower and vegetable garden.
Cooking, art, and educational classes were developed through the years.
“This opened up many new opportunities for our clients,” she said.
McCord said people often misunderstand people with disabilities.
“It became my mission to establish a program that would move us towards a more inclusive environment,” she said.
“Horticulture became the perfect bridge between our agency and Fort Scott,” she said. “People opened up their arms when we first started.”
They offered plant materials and supplies, supported the bi-annual Gardener’s Christmas Auction, civic groups purchased plants to use for fundraisers, provided plants for the city hanging baskets and gardens, the Fort Scott High School construction class helped build the greenhouse as well as wholesale to local retailers.
“This gave our clients a chance to become an integral part of the town,” she said. “Our community has been such a vital part in establishing our program; I cannot say thank you enough.”
“I will miss the conversations, smiles, and friendships that I have had with the clients and staff at Tri-Valley,” she said. “Many strong relationships were formed while working with the clients and I will always have a deep respect for their accomplishments and positive attitudes.”
Austin Bolinger Replaces McCord
Since last fall, McCord has mentored Austin Bolinger to take her position at Tri-Valley.
“I feel extremely fortunate to be able to hand over such a successful program and to watch Austin make it into a bigger and better program,” she said.
Community Involvement Will Keep Her Busy
McCord is involved with a local PEO chapter, co-president of the Bourbon County Garden Club, plays in the Iola Symphony, and volunteers with Special Olympics.
“My garden will now come first, along with music, as well as creative outlets like needlepoint, watercolor, building garden sculptures, etc., these will be a few items that I will enjoy filling my time with.”
Having worked her entire life, retirement is going to be an adjustment, she said, but she and her husband David are planning to travel.
“Spending time with nieces/nephews and their families will also become a priority,” she said. “I would like to continue to add color and beauty to our community through the world of plants.”
“Don’t be surprised if you see me kneeling in a flower bed somewhere around town,” she said.
New Educators at USD 234: Missy Miller and Sydney Griffetts
This is a series featuring new educators to the Fort Scott School District.
Melissa (Missy) Miller, 50, is the new principal at Winfield Scott Elementary School in Fort Scott.
This is her 20th year in education.
Education: BS from Emporia State University, MS from Baker University.
Hometown:
Tonganoxie, KS now Fort Scott
Family:
Husband Keith, Courtney & Jake and 2 dogs Bella & Spike
Hobbies/community involvement reading, spending time with family, live going to the beach and swimming
Why did you become an educator?
I love kids, helping them succeed and being a positive influence in their lives
Did someone inspire you?
Tim Brady, 8th American History Teacher
What is the best part of teaching for you?
Building relationships
What are the greatest challenges?
Watching students struggle.
Sydney Griffetts, 26, is a new 3rd-grade teacher at Eugene Ware Elementary School. This is her fifth year teaching.
She has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Education and a Master’s of Science degree in Elementary Education.
Hometown: Bentonville, Arkansas
Family:
My husband, who is the Eugene Ware Art teacher, and our cats, Mia and Lupin.
Hobbies/community involvement:
Making educational resources, reading, cooking, spending time with my family, taking our boat on the lake, and traveling.
Why did you become an educator?
I have always known that I wanted to be a teacher. When I was in the second grade, I loved playing “school” at home with my stuffed animals and teaching my neighbors the dances I learned at the dance studio I attended. I also moved around a lot growing up because of my military family and the kindness I experienced from all of my teachers made the transitions so much easier. I wanted to be that for kids who were like myself when I grew up.
Did someone inspire you?
Yes! My biggest inspiration to become a teacher was my 5th/6th-grade teacher, Mr. Wayman. His passion for education and for student relationships was what drove me to set teaching as my goal. I have also gained inspiration from both of my parents and my stepmom, all of which have spent their lives working for the community. Their dedication is admirable and I have strived to be like them in my career.
What is the best part of teaching for you?
There are so many but I’d have to say making meaningful connections with students. It’s so important to me to have fun and teach my students to love school so building those relationships and making our class a family is the best part of being a teacher.
What is the greatest challenge?
Letting go of the family you built over 180+ days and watching them move on to bigger and better things. It’s so rewarding but so difficult to understand as a teacher too. Each student I teach has a piece of my heart and truly becomes my family so watching them move on is hard at times. But I cherish my time with them and love seeing them accomplish big dreams and goals throughout the years.
Respect by Patty LaRoche
Romans 12:10: Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
When my two brothers and I were young, our widowed mother insisted that we refer to adults as “Ma’am” or “Sir.” Should we ignore that rule, we would be the recipient of her raised eyebrow, a look for which I was the intended target on multiple occasions. Years later, when I taught in the Texas school system, any “yes” or “no” always was followed by “ma’am.” Always! Imagine my shock when I began teaching in Fort Scott and, on day one, asked a question and was told “Yep.” I almost hyperventilated.
Today, Respect is in short supply. Oh, there are positions—such as the military– that insist on it, but rarely do we see it in action unless it is used to accomplish personal goals.
Dave, my husband, receives daily requests for autographs because of his career in professional baseball. Many times, the same person impersonally sends baseball cards on different dates and writes a simple “Please sign these and return them in the SASE.” One person has sent the same, two-page, hand-written letter at least ten times, but yesterday Dave’s baseball card was a photocopied one that he had signed months ago, only this time the sender tried to erase Dave’s ink signature and asked him to sign over it. Seriously bizarre.
A few days ago, Dave received the most respectful request for an autograph he remembers ever receiving. Hand-written front and back, “Evan” shared that when he grew up, he and his friends played baseball whenever they could, and when Dave became famous for throwing his high curve, “the LaLob,” the group of boys spent hours trying to duplicate the pitch. But then he shared a story about his desire to teach his sons the thrills that come from playing sports and obtaining autographs. The first baseball card he handed his son, the youngster ran his finger across it, thinking it to be a digital screen that would change as he rubbed it. The father realized that this might take more work than he had anticipated.
Evan wrote about a time our son Adam was rehabbing with a minor league Atlanta Braves’ team where the writer and his family were living. Typically, he said, big leaguers who were there to rehab scamper out of the stadium to awaiting cars following those games, but Adam remained behind to sign over 100 autographs, even staying for some stragglers to find pens and paper. Evan thanked Dave for raising such a respectful man who had stayed humble. (Inexplicably, Dave was given all the credit. An oversight, I’m sure.)
Evan took the time to make his letter personal, and yes, I realize there was something in it for him, but he could have done a lot less and received the same autograph.
We respect others when we listen to them, affirm them, defer to them, are polite to them and thank them.
I try to do those things but know I have much room for improvement.
John 6:3-5 demonstrates how seriously Jesus takes a lack of respect. Jesus is being berated for being a nobody. “Isn’t this the carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? Aren’t His sisters here with us as well?” In other words, “We know this man’s family. Not exactly upper crust. And his career as a handyman certainly doesn’t warrant any accolades.” Then Jesus speaks to them, “Only in his hometown, among his relatives, and in his own household is a prophet without honor.” So, except for a few minor miracles, Jesus “could not perform any miracles there.” Wow! Because the crowd showed Jesus no respect, he was unable to bless them.
How a few kind words could have made a difference!
As we go about our week, let us show everyone we meet they are valued, even if there is nothing in it for us.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports June 25
Public Health Advisories for Kansas Lake Due to Blue-Green Algae
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), has issued several public health advisories for Kansas lakes due to blue-green algae.
Active Advisories
Warning
Herington Reservoir (New City Lake), Dickinson County (new)
Marion Reservoir, Marion County
Keith Sebelius Reservoir, Norton County
Webster Reservoir, Rooks County
Jerry Ivey Pond, Saline County
Big Eleven Lake, Wyandotte County
Watch
Herington City Lake (Old Lake), Dickinson County (new)
Milford Lake Zone C, Geary County
South Lake, Johnson County
Big Hill Lake, Labette County
Marion County Lake, Marion County (downgraded 6/24)
Melvern Outlet Pond, Osage County (downgraded 6/24)
Atwood Township Lake, Rawlins County (new)
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.
If you observe a scum, a paint-like surface on the water, small floating blue-green clumps or filaments, or the water is an opaque 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.
Proposed Updates to Kansas Food Code
The Kansas Department of Agriculture food safety and lodging program will host an online public forum on Monday, July 12, at 3:00 p.m. to share proposed updates to the Kansas Food Code.
The Kansas Food Code establishes food safety regulations that govern food establishments. Amendments to the Kansas Food Code will ultimately require the formal regulation adoption process, but KDA is providing this opportunity for interested citizens to hear a summary of the proposed updates and to provide feedback prior to the start of the formal process. The proposed changes to the Kansas Food Code include amendments to regulations that directly impact food safety as well as some clarification of language and updates to some food safety parameters. Some of the changes are proposed in order to reflect changes to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s model food code, including adoption of the FDA model food code requirement to employ a certified food protection manager.
Interested parties can preview the proposed updates on the KDA website ahead of the forum. To participate in the forum, individuals will need to register so they can receive the Zoom link. At registration, participants can indicate whether they want to provide oral or written comments regarding the proposed updates. Oral comments will be limited to 2 minutes per commenter and will be heard at the end of the public forum. Written comments can be shared on the webinar registration form or via a form on the KDA website.
Registration and draft versions of the proposed changes can be found at: www.agriculture.ks.gov/FSLLaw.
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WHAT: Public Forum regarding proposed changes to Kansas Food Code
WHEN: Monday, July 12 at 3:00 p.m.
WHERE: Via online webinar; register at www.agriculture.ks.gov/FSLLaw
WHO: Any interested members of the public
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KDA to Host Forum on Proposed Food Code Updates.pdf