Obituary of Arthur Joseph Pollreis
Arthur Joseph Pollreis, age 16, a resident of rural Walnut, Kansas, died tragically on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Arthur was born on September 25, 2008, in Fort Scott, Kansas. Shortly after his birth, he was lovingly adopted by Randy and Leanne Pollreis. He spent his early childhood in Chanute and Uniontown before beginning high school in Erie, Kansas, where he had just completed his sophomore year. Arthur was a well-rounded active student at Erie High School. He was involved in cross country, baseball, basketball and sport shooting, dedicating time and effort to each of these activities. He also found a place on the stage, participating in several school plays as part of the high school drama department. Whether competing in athletics or performing under the lights, Arthur was engaged in school life and known among his peers and teachers alike.
He is survived by his father and stepmother, Randy and Shael Pollreis; his three brothers, Gavin, Dominic, and Coby; and a few stepsiblings. He was preceded in death by his mother, Leanne Pollreis. Arthur’s life was marked by involvement, effort, and the many relationships he formed along the way. His loss is deeply felt by his family and friends.
Rev. Marty DeWitt will conduct a memorial service at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, June 26th at the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Trim Those Bones by Patty LaRoche
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)
Everything was perfect. My five college girlfriends and I met in Tulsa for our annual reunion. Diana lives there. Diana, the one who was prescribed Statins and now cannot walk and barely can feed herself. Diana, the one who lived in a 5-Star retirement facility until her husband choked on a piece of steak in the dining hall while the employees watched in horror as he died. Their hands were tied. “Only medical personnel can assist in a life-and-death crisis.”
Our friend moved from that facility, bought a one-story house and hired two aides who tend to her needs. Since she no longer can travel, we go to her. Every year, our celebratory dinner is a bone-in prime rib. “No peekie, roast beefie” it’s called because after cooking it in the morning for one hour, the oven is turned off and it sets all day in the closed oven. This year was no different, except Diana had purchased an enormous piece of meat with five large bones protruding from its side.
After setting it on a cookie sheet, Keller lathered it in her homemade rub and placed it in the oven. Correction: she tried to place it in the oven. It was too big. The bones needed to be removed. Which is where “Everything was perfect” changed. And which is where I came in.
The bones would need to be sawed off. After I found a jigsaw in the garage, Cathy volunteered to hold the end of one bone as I—after calling on Jesus to help—jackhammered away. The slab of meat jumped with each jolt, and everybody (and I do mean “everybody”) had an opinion on what we needed to do to keep me from amputating Cathy’s fingers.
In the end, thanks to Jesus, the jigsaw and a hammer, our mission was accomplished.
I needed a shower.
Let’s face it. Sometimes, things just don’t fit. They are square pegs in round holes, and they need to be “trimmed” to contribute effectively. Think 1500-piece jigsaw puzzles; sometimes, the only solution to make them fit seems to be scissors and glue.
I’ve known people who don’t fit. They are social misfits who blunder through conversations, step on toes and speak when they should remain silent. Having them as friends can be tedious, if not impossible.
We all have a desire to “fit in,” don’t we? Walk into a middle school or high school and you will recognize the need for students to look like everyone else. And then there are those people who insist you have to fit into their mold. Some churches are like that. They cut off those who don’t dress like them or plug them in where there is a need, not where they are gifted. The homeless, prostitutes, drug addicts need not apply.
There were early Christians who had bought into this lie. They thought that, because they didn’t have certain spiritual gifts, they didn’t fit into the body of Christ. In 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, Paul confronts the argument. Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.
And yes, we all need a little spiritual trimming every now and then.
Hopefully a jigsaw is not the answer.
Graeme Stacey Named 2025 National Lowell Milken Center Fellow
This is part of a series on
2025 National Lowell Milken Center Fellows.
FORT SCOTT, KS – June 1, 2025 – The Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Kansas, an international educational non-profit, has awarded its prestigious Fellowship to Graeme Stacey, a history teacher at Kelowna Secondary School in Kelowna, B.C., Canada. Graeme will arrive in Fort Scott on June 22nd for a week of collaboration with LMC staff and the other members of the Fellowship.
The LMC Fellowship is a merit-based award for educators of all disciplines who value the importance of teaching respect and understanding through project-based learning. The Center selects exemplary teachers from the United States and around the world who will collaborate on projects that discover, develop, and communicate the stories of Unsung Heroes in history.
Graeme Stacey, a 2015 U.S. Holocaust Museum Teacher Fellow, teaches high school classes in Genocide, Holocaust, and History in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. In his classes and school community, he strives to create a joy for learning and to make a difference in students’ lives. He believes students can succeed when a positive rapport is established between the teacher and student. This relationship fosters engagement, helps spark curiosity, encourages the asking of questions, and stirs motivation. His measured and pedagogical leadership is a continuum, putting into practice relevant and “lifelong” learning with professional development experiences abroad that have inspired him to create meaningful learning environments for his students.
Graeme is at the forefront of social studies education within his school, district, and province. He has received national awards from the Government of Canada, Citizenship Canada, Veterans Affairs Canada and has been a pioneer in Holocaust education since the early 2000s. His work became a driving force in shaping the study of Genocide 12 for students in British Columbia. Graeme has served as past President of the Central Okanagan Social Studies Teachers Association, past Vice President of the B.C. Social Studies Professional Association, was an integral member of the inaugural Canadian Museum for Human Rights Teachers’ Advisory Circle, and was recognized through USHMM, Yad Vashem, and the Seattle Holocaust Center.
LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Graeme’s passion for teaching his students the importance of personal and social responsibility has sparked important curriculum reforms in the approach to Holocaust and genocide education. Graeme will inspire our 2025 team of Fellows to help students explore their own values and develop Unsung Heroes projects that support those goals.”
While in Fort Scott, LMC Fellows gain knowledge, educational resources, and support in helping students cultivate a passion for learning by creating projects that initiate positive change. Fellows will be equipped to develop Unsung Heroes projects with their students, applying and evaluating the stories of these role models who have changed the world throughout history.
Incident at National Speech and Debate Conference Explained by Destry Brown
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
6/19/2025
Nine students and three coaches from Fort Scott High School attended the National Speech and Debate Conference this week in Des Moines, IA.
During the finals round of one of the competitions and unknown person walked onto the stage and interrupted the speech. They evacuated the auditorium thinking he was an active shooter. Later the National Speech and Debate Conference posted the following announcement:
This afternoon, an unidentified attendee entered the stage during the Humorous Interpretation Finals, interrupting the round. The individual has been subdued and removed from the premises. There were no weapons involved, and no threats were made. The hall was evacuated and there are no reported injuries. The rest of the venue has been swept for any potential threats by members of law enforcement. We understand the concerns people have, and we want to assure everyone that this is an isolated incident. We plan to resume the tournament later today and will aim to update attendees on the revised schedule by 4 PM CT.
The reunification area for all participants is the North parking lot, outside the Memorial Hall entrance.
All our students and coaches are safe and accounted for. The district administrators along with the sponsors on the trip have made the decision to bring everyone home this evening. Upon their arrival home, in addition to their families, our high school counselors and other support staff will be there to meet them at the school. We want to make sure our students, sponsors, and parents are given any support they may need in the coming days as a result of this very scary situation.
Mr. Slinkard, our debate and forensics coach, reported that our kids reacted very calmly and maturely during the evacuation and were helping each other as well as other kids from around the country get to safety. He is very proud of the way our kids and coaches conducted themselves during this situation.
We are very thankful that everyone is safe and on their way back home.
Submitted by Destry Brown, Superintendent of USD234
Parent Empowerment Circle Sunday, June 22, 1:30-3:30 p.m. First Southern Baptist Church
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The After Affect Has A New Building In the Works
Shelly Bradley, owner of The After Affect Salon, said the business will have an “18 and on-our-own party” to celebrate the relocation of her business to a newly constructed building.
“We hope to be open in August (at the new site),” she said. “August will be the salon’s 18th anniversary, and we want to have a party to celebrate.”
“My husband, Zach, had tried to talk me into buying or building a new salon, to invest in our own property, and have our own parking.”
The current salon is located in the Historic Downtown Fort Scott district at 14 E. Wall, and parking can be competitive at times.
The new shop is being built and is located at 1416 E. Wall.
“My Grandma Martha Cook offered to sell a lot next to her house to me. The time was right. God’s timing is perfect, and everything fell into place.”
The new 40-foot-by-40-foot building will have parking for 13 cars.
This will be needed with the additional services she will be offering in the shop: red light therapy, and tanning services, including stand-up, lay-down, and automated. All will have their private work room and additionally, two bathrooms, a utility room/kitchen/storage room, a room for retail products, and a waiting room. In addition, there will be a designated nail technician room.
“I feel so blessed with our amazing clientele that has made this a possibility and can’t wait to offer more for our community,” she said. “I am blessed that my husband has the talent and patience to help me build my dream. And I’m excited to be next door to my Grandma’s house.”
Those working on the build are Gieger Plumbing, KTK Electric, and Thomas Concrete and Construction, all of Fort Scott. She has been working with the City of Fort Scott on an economic development grant.
Bradley started the business in 2007, and Debi Fritter started offering services with her in 2010.
Riley Findley will be the new nail technician, and Debi’s daughter, Dani, will help in the tanning area.
Brian Skinner Named 2025 National Lowell Milken Center Fellow
This is part of a series of
2025 National Lowell Milken Center Fellows.
The Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Kansas, an international educational non-profit, has awarded its prestigious Fellowship to Brian Skinner, a high school special education educator and IEP trainer for the Harvey County Special Education Cooperative in Newton, KS. Brian will arrive in Fort Scott on June 22nd for a week of collaboration with LMC staff and the other members of the Fellowship.
The LMC Fellowship is a merit-based award for educators of all disciplines who value the importance of teaching respect and understanding through project-based learning. The Center selects exemplary teachers from the United States and around the world who will collaborate on projects that discover, develop, and communicate the stories of Unsung Heroes in history.
Brian Skinner, a special education teacher from Newton, Ks, was recognized in 2023 as Kansas Teacher of the Year. He is also a 2024 NEA Foundation Teaching Excellence recipient and an NEA Board Member. He regularly spends his time advocating for special education and the public education profession.
Within his school, some of Skinner’s additional roles have included serving as the Project SEARCH case manager, department chair, scholars’ bowl coach, and co-teaching trainer. Skinner says, “Working with students across such a wide spectrum helps him to understand all students better and have a larger impact in helping to build a positive school culture.”
LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Brian is a leader among his peers, a significant catalyst in expanding co-teaching programs that involve all students across a broad spectrum. His insight will provide a valuable tool for our 2025 Fellows in seeking to include students of all abilities in the research and development of unsung heroes’ projects.”
While in Fort Scott, LMC Fellows gain knowledge, educational resources, and support in helping students cultivate a passion for learning by creating projects that initiate positive change. Fellows will be equipped to develop Unsung Heroes projects with their students, applying and evaluating the stories of these role models who have changed the world throughout history.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports June 19
Bourbon County Is In the Ask For Disaster Declaration
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Lowell Milken Center For Unsung Heroes Awarded Grant
AARP Awards Grant to the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes as Part of Nationwide Program to Strengthen Communities
Cimarron, KS – American Association for Retired People today announced that the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes in Ft. Scott, Kansas has received a $9,500 2025 Community Challenge grant, as part of AARP’s $4.2 million commitment to fund 383 quick-action projects aimed at making communities more livable for people of all ages, with a focus on the needs of older adults.
The money will be used to add three new Kansas Unsung Hero panels to the Unsung Heroes Park in Fort Scott, Kansas. These panels will feature stories of William Matthews, Mary Ann Bickerdyke, and Chester Nez, and will include QR codes for translation into any language.
“AARP Kansas is proud to work with communities across the state to help make them more livable for people of all ages,” said Glenda DuBoise, AARP Kansas state president “The Unsung Heroes Park project will bring real improvement by featuring stories of important Kansans. We’re excited to see this come to life.”
Now in its ninth year, the Challenge has awarded 427,00 through 35 grants in Kansas since 2017 to nonprofit organizations and local government entities across the state. Grant projects will be funded in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
View the full list of grantees and their projects at aarp.org/communitychallenge. Learn more about AARP’s work to support livable communities at aarp.org/livable.
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About AARP
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation’s largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.
Unofficial Minutes for the Uniontown City Council on June 10
The Regular Council Meeting on June 10, 2025 at Uniontown Community Center was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Codes Officer Doug Coyan, City Treasurer Sally Johnson, and City Clerk Danea Esslinger.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
None
CITIZENS REQUESTS
None
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Johnson presented the May 2025 financial reports. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds for May was $296,977.13, Receipts $42.798.60, Transfers Out $14,524.00, Expenditures $36,272.79, Checking Account Closing Balance $288,978.94. Bank Statement Balance $295,174.66, including Checking Account Interest of $63.45, Outstanding Deposits $0.00, Outstanding Checks $6,195.72, Reconciled Balance $288,978.94. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $38,257.03, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $22,987.37, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $45,123.12, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $395,346.46. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $314.68, and Utility CDs $1,212.84 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $1,527.52. Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,622.00, Capital Improvement-Streets from Gas Utility $6,250, Capital Improvement-Streets from General Fund $2,500, Utility Capital Improvement-Streets from Sewer Fund $750.00, and Capital Improvement-Streets from Water Fund $2,000.00, for Total Transfers of $14,524.00. Net Loss for the month of May $7,998.19, Year-to-Date Net Income $25,115.20. Appropriations to date for May 2025 are $31,355.12.
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
- Minutes of May 13, 2025 Regular Council Meeting.
- Treasurer’s Reports & Monthly Transaction Report for May 2025 and the Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Codes Enforcement: Doug Coyan
405 Hill Street-letter sent to owner with requested repairs needed, some repairs have been completed, he will contact owners about the other repairs needed.
406 Fulton Street-letter sent to owner regarding nuisance vehicles and certified letter not picked up. Code Officer requested citation to be given as the black car has not been taken care as requested by the city. Council requested citation to be sent for the nuisance vehicles.
6th and Washington-needs mowing. Codes officer will contact owner.
4th and Washington-has camper on lot and needs mowing. Codes officer will contact owner.
Superintendent: Bobby Rich will be gone for 5-day Bereavement Leave.
Mowing Assistance asked by Mayor: these volunteered to will help with mowing Larry Jurgensen, Sally Johnson, Matt Kelly, Brad Stewart, Jess Ervin and Doug Coyan-if needed. Council decided to give sympathy card and a large supply of Dr. Pepper in Superintendent warehouse maintenance refrigerator.
Council requests to have 5 additional keys needed for the Shop, the City Administration side door, Electric for the park-3918, North Side and West Side Warehouse.
Clerk Report: Danea Esslinger
City Wide Garage Sales-Council stated not at this time.
Modern Copy Systems–new maintenance agreement.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to accept the new maintenance agreement for Modern Copy Systems.
Jayhawk Software Back Up vs Microsoft Office back up-Council stated since backed up on our server, do not need any additional back up at this time.
Thank You Card- form Kelly Droel
Thank You Cards-Signed by council members for Peerless for the new window and Ruritan for the monetary assistance with Public Restroom.
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Ervin – None.
Councilman Kelly –None.
Councilwoman Pemberton –None.
Councilwoman Pritchett –Absent.
Councilman Stewart–Received 3 stop signs from Fort Scott Public Works.
Mayor Jurgensen – Resident wants tree cut down right next to city sidewalk. Kyle Knight stated will take care of for $250.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to accept Kyle Knight cut down tree by the city sidewalk.
OLD BUSINESS
SEED Grant – all supplies, appliances, computer and printer, bookshelves have been ordered for the City Library, Community Center, and City Office. We have received new city office chairs; new tables, new microwave, refrigerator, and stove for Community Center; computer for the City Library, and all shelves have been ordered and the window blind. The window blind will come in around the July 1st.
Mayor donated the stove and the refrigerator to the Ruritan Needy Family. The tables and videos donated to the Old Settler’s committee for their use during the Old Settler’s Labor Day Weekend.
FEMA Flooding– Hydrology study not complete yet by Ag Engineering. Council asked to stop this Hydrology study at this time.
Warehouse Insulation – is completed at this time.
Sidewalk- Ag Engineering sent the completed documentation and bill. Council stated to send the business owner a letter to advise that the
City is proceeding to fix the sidewalk. We will notify the working dates of sidewalk completion.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 in regard to the East Sidewalk of the Square.
Park electric – Kelly Electric will work on this soon without the boring of electrical line. He can separate the Christmas lights and the Shelter House lights with a separate switch.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 3-0 to approve Kelly electric work on the park electric.
NEW BUSINESS
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:40.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 9:00.
Sally Johnson called in at 8:45, and out at 9:00
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 9:20.
Danea Esslinger called in at 9:30, out at 9:45.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 9:50.
Meeting resumed at 9:50. No action from executive session.
ADJOURN Time 9:52 Moved by Pemberton, 2nd Kelly, Approved 4-0