The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Sept. 29
Obituary of Keaira Meadows
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Keaira Monae Meadows, age 23, passed away Friday, September 24, 2021, in Springfield, MO, where she resided the past year and a half.
She was a beautiful, loving, caring, always smiling young lady who left this world too soon.
She graduated from Fort Scott High School with the class of 2016. She was active in volleyball, basketball, softball, track, and was a member of the dance team. She was also a member of the FSCC dance team for 1 year. Keaira LOVED to dance!
She participated on a traveling softball team during the summer which she absolutely loved doing.
To her family, she was Keke, but to her friends, she was Kewe, like the fruit. She got this name from her friends who were playing a game where you had to think of a fruit that began with the first letter of your first name. Kiwi was mentioned and that name stuck forever.
She loved turtles, cheetah print and the color lime green. Her dogs were her pride and joy. Winston “Winnie” and Raji Bear were her babies that will never be separated.
She enjoyed her jobs at G & W Foods in Fort Scott, KS, and Food 4 Less in Joplin, MO, where she made many friends and enjoyed the customers. Keaira was currently employed at a Medical Dispensary in Springfield, MO.
She was born October 27, 1997, in Nevada, MO, to Kenny Meadows and Tonya Morton.
Keaira is survived by her mother, Tonya Morton and special friend David Brown and her father Kenny (Ariane) Meadows; five brothers, Phillip Smith, Kenny Jr. (Porcha), Kenan, Caleb, and Chance Meadows; maternal grandmother, Katheryn Kelley; paternal grandparents Russell Sr. and Juanita Green; nieces Jade Smith, and Nycari Meadows; nephews Anthony and Xavier Smith, and Kenny Meadows III; aunts and uncles Latisha (Michael) Cook, Benjamin (Kristi) Kelley, Anthony (Jennifer) Kelly, Ramone (Audrey) Green, and Russell Green Jr.; cousins Rayven Fisher, Jalen, Kaden, and Jeradan Kelley, Darian (Kelly), Danica, Daityn, and Delaine Kelly, Ramone Jr., Rashad, Riley, Renee, Amyah, Makayla, Maleah, MaKenna, Russell III, Ryder, Rasean, and Ramello Green.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, October 2nd, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Cremation will follow.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 Friday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to Mental Health America and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Ks State Virtual Job Fair Sept. 29-30
Governor Kelly Encourages Participation in Statewide Virtual Job Fair
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today encouraged Kansans looking for employment to participate in this week’s KANSASWORKS Statewide Virtual Job Fair.
The virtual job fair that begins at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 29, and ends at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 30, will give job seekers the opportunity to meet virtually with multiple businesses, with the ability to live chat and conduct interviews through computers, tablets and mobile devices. Job candidates also will be able to upload their resumes to their Virtual Job Fair account for employers statewide.
Click here to register for the Virtual Job Fair.
“KANSASWORKS has done an exceptional job of adapting to the circumstances and continuing to connect Kansas employers with qualified job seekers,” Governor Kelly said. “Our workforce plays a key role in attracting people and businesses to our state, and I applaud KANSASWORKS for emphasizing safety in helping Kansans seek employment and helping Kansas businesses fill open positions.”
In 2020, the Department of Commerce partnered with the Local Workforce Development Boards to offer virtual statewide job fairs as a way to continue to provide job opportunities and maintain a ready workforce for Kansas businesses. That led to 10 virtual job fairs, with the 10th in March 2021 attracting 159 employers and 538 registered job seekers. There currently are over 130 employers participating in the upcoming fair with hundreds of open positions.
“These statewide virtual job fairs offer a tremendous opportunity to help Kansans find meaningful employment opportunities in our state,” Lieutenant Governor David Toland said. “The previous 10 virtual job fairs all succeeded in connecting job seekers with employers, and the virtual job fair to come will do the same in achieving more real results.”
The Virtual Statewide Job Fair portal features a Job Seeker Training video, a list of participating employers, and channels for attendees to register and login.
Open positions are listed on the registration page. Registration is required for each individual virtual event, regardless of previous attendance. As employers may request to engage in a video interview during the virtual job fair, job seekers are encouraged to dress professionally.
Any individual with a disability may request accommodations by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.
About KANSASWORKS
KANSASWORKS links businesses, job candidates and educational institutions to ensure that employers can find skilled workers. Services are provided to employers and job candidates through the state’s 27 workforce centers, online or virtual services KANSASWORKS is completely free for all Kansans to use. Learn more at KANSASWORKS.com.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and the world. Our strong partnerships allow us to create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses.
Kansas Racial Equity Collaboration Virtual Sessions in 2022
Kansas Racial Equity Collaboration Announces Learning Sessions
Examining racial inequities to grow understanding and create change for Kansas children
TOPEKA – Creating understanding through collaboration is the goal for the Kansas Racial Equity Collaboration, a statewide effort to understand the history of racial inequities in child welfare and how to move from controlling to supporting Kansas Black and Brown families.
“Black and Brown children are in the foster care system at double the rate they are in the population,” said Shanelle Dupree, DCF regional director. “And even more, data suggests that once these children are in foster care, they have worse outcomes and experiences.”
“Our hope is that by examining the history of racial inequities, asking tough questions and listening to uncomfortable answers, we as a state, may be able to more fully support Kansas families and children,” continued Abby Fry, CarePortal Regional Manager.
The Collaboration is a partnership between the Kansas Department for Children and Families, the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare, and CarePortal, created by The Global Orphan Project. Group conversations, both virtually and in person, led by nationally respected speakers will be the cornerstone of the Collaboration.
“We invite educators, medical community leaders, legislators, judges, attorneys and Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) to take part in the sessions,” said Dr. Michelle Mohr Carney, Dean and Professor in the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare. “By the end, participants will have a toolkit that will provide them ways they can address racial disparities and advance racial equity in the child welfare system.”
The conversation will continue through a dedicated list serv. This information source will share on topics of racial equity for children and families, spotlighting progress, and continuing to highlight data and research to explain the need for action. Sign up for updates here.
Register for the virtual sessions here, Kansas Racial Equity – CarePortal.
Four virtual sessions are scheduled followed by an in-person symposium, scheduled for April 15, 2022 at the University of Kansas.
Sept. 29, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Topics: Understanding the historical context of structural racism and current day implications. How we got here and a better path forward
Speaker: Haywood Burns Institute
Oct. 27, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Topic: Addressing racial inequities in child welfare. View from early childhood education
Speaker: Iheoma U. Iruka, Ph. D.
Jan. 26, 2022, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Topic Debunking myths around racial inequities in child welfare
Speaker: Panel Discussion
Feb. 23, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Topic: Forward movement: Shifting from control to support for black and brown families
Speaker: Panel Discussion
Hear more about the Racial Equity Collaborative from the people who will help lead the effort.
K-39 closed between U.S. 59 and K-3 next Tuesday
Tuesday, Oct. 5, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) plans to close K-39 from U.S. 59 east to K-3. Crews will replace the fill between pipes running underneath a bridge on K-39 and repair the driving surface. The closure will be in effect from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Traffic should use alternate routes. Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.Kandrive.org, for more road conditions and construction details. Persons with questions may call KDOT Area Superintendent Derrick Shannon at (620) 901-6550 or Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen at (620) 902-6433.
Death Notice of Jean Hanley
Jean Ellen Hanley, age 75, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Monday, September 27, 2021, at the Denver Health Medical Center, Denver, CO. Services for Jean Hanley will be announced by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main.
Obituary of Warren Schooley

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Warren Lee Schooley, age 91, a resident of rural Walnut, Kansas, passed away Saturday, September 25, 2021, at the Guest Home Estates Care Home in Ft. Scott, Kansas. He was born December 29, 1929, on a farm near Walnut, Kansas, the son of Maurice Schooley and Elsie Fern Schooley.
At the age of 5 Warren and his folks moved to Elsie’s family farm to care for her father. As Warren grew he learned to work the farm with his folks and eventually purchased an additional farm for his new wife. He married Irene Grannemann on April 27, 1952. Daughters, Janice Marie and Beverly Kay, were added to the family.
The Schooley family farm has been loved and enjoyed by 6 generations.
Warren was devoted to his family and loved to visit with neighbors. Irene said he never knew a stranger and would strike up a conversation with anyone. His sense of humor and crazy sayings made him the ‘fun’ Grandpa and Uncle.
Warren enjoyed camping trips with family and friends and especially boating and water skiing on Sunday afternoons in the summertime.
He also had a dream to become a pilot and realized that dream in 1970. He purchased a two-seater tail dragger airplane and loved to take family and friends for short trips around the farm and nearby towns.
Warren and Irene became avid square dancers in the 1980’s and 90’s joining the local Ft. Scott club. They made several trips to Tulsa for large square dance competitions.
Survivors include Janice (Jan) Reimer and husband, Cal, of Walnut, Kansas and Beverly (Bev) Nelson and husband, Rod, of Ft. Scott, Kansas; six grandchildren, Seth Reimer (Jennifer) of Sumter, South Carolina; Kelly Reimer (Natasha) of Louisville, Kentucky; Cassi Kuhn (Scott) of Topeka, Kansas; Stacy Jackson (Chris), of Arma, Kansas; Kristen Pope (Dustin) of Sand Springs, Oklahoma; and Blake Nelson (Cori) of Arma, Kansas. Fifteen great-grandchildren, J.T., Kinslee, Anton, Alisa who shares her birthday, December 29, with Great Grandpa, Rosemary, Hunter, Makenzie, Brooklyn, Mason, Kaden, triplets Maddox, Zander, and Bryson, Kennedy, and Jamison.
He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Irene.
Pastor Matthew Hunt will conduct funeral services at 11:00 A.M. Friday, October 1st at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 P.M. Thursday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to the Guest Home Estates Activity 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
Obituary of Karlie Phillips

Karlie Sueann Phillips, age 26, passed away September 23, 2021, in Wichita, Kansas. She was born February 9, 1995, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, the daughter of Paul Eugene Phillips and Tina Ann Ford Phillips.
In addition to Ft. Scott, Karlie had made her home in Eldorado and Wichita, Kansas. She had worked in the fast-food industry and been employed at various area restaurants. Karlie enjoyed horses and in her younger years, rodeo was an important part of her life. She also enjoyed fishing, dancing and singing. Family was everything to Karlie, she so enjoyed spending time with her children and nieces and nephews.
Survivors include her three children, Zackery age 6, Zoey age 5 and Zarina age 3; her parents, Paul and Tina Philips; three sisters, Kayla Phillips, Keisha Brown and Kelcie Phillips all of Ft. Scott and grandparents, Dee Norris and Kenneth Phillips, Sr. and his wife, Marge also of Ft. Scott. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins, as well as a close friend with whom she was raised, Kori LeMaster.
Funeral service will be held at 10:30 A.M. Monday, October 4th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Friends and family are encouraged to wear pink or bright colors in honor of Karlie. Burial will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 P.M. Sunday afternoon at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to the Karlie Phillips 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 or remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Family Fun at Care to Share Fall Festival This Saturday

The annual Care to Share Fall Festival is this Saturday, October 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Simmon residence at 2480 Limestone Road, Fort Scott.
The event is hosted by the Simmons family in support of cancer fighters and their families/caregivers.
“This is the 15th annual and final fall festival,” Lavetta Simmons, spokesperson, said. The family has grown and scattered some distances, making it more difficult to host the event, she said.
The organization is a 501-C3 non-profit ministry. “We are 100 percent volunteers and 100 percent funded by fundraisers and donations and community support,” Simmons said.

There will be all categories of vendors at the festival as well.
“If you are interested in having a booth, there is still room,” Simmons said. “We have boutique items, bummies, bell bottoms, leggings, fall decor, earrings, homemade fudge, pies, cakes, candles, fresh flower bouquets. Join the fun!”
Last year the non-profit started the $10 wristband for all the activities that are offered.
“The many activities are pony rides, big bubbles, obstacle course, maze, photo booth, corn hole, garden craft, face painting, train ride, wagon ride, bowling, and a petting zoo, featuring kangaroos- Stella Lou’s Zoo by Amy Gorman,” she said.
And come hungry because there are many fall festival foods to purchase: caramel apples, apple cider, funnel cakes, snow cones, cinnamon rolls, chili-including Frito pie, and chili dogs, pies by the slice along with Butcher Block Smash Burgers.
“The food is available at cost,” Simmons said.
Simmons is the contact person for the organization and can be reached at 620.224-8070.

About Care to Share
The mission statement of Care To Share is “To provide friendship and support through emotional and financial assistance to individuals who are cancer fighters and their caregivers.”
They provide fuel and motel accommodation assistance for those going to cancer treatments, and also help with utility assistance as needed for the cancer fighters, Simmons said.
The next quarterly cancer support group meeting is on November 6 at 10:30 a.m. at the Care to Share Office, 902 S. Horton.
This office space was donated to the ministry organization by Mercy Hospital in 2008 and Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas has continued the in-kind donation, she said.
In the office, they keep wigs, special bras, and Ensure products-nutritional protein drinks, as well as use it for the quarterly support groups.
The board is comprised of Dona Bauer, Fort Scott; Donna Beerbower, RN, Fort Scott; Kathy Clark, Fort Scott; Teresa Davenport, Farlington; Denny Heidrick and Nancy Hofer, Girard; Carol Hill, CPA, Fort Scott; Randy Holt, Fort Scott; Richard Long, Mound City; Dr. Boban Mathew, Pittsburg; Lavetta Simmons, Jerry Witt, Sidney Maycumber, BSN/RN; and Financial Advisor Larry Davenport, Fort Scott.
SEK Library Newsletter Sept. 2021
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The SEKnFind Newsletter
September 2021
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