Kansas Transportation Projects Announced
Governor Laura Kelly Announces $42 Million Investment to Support 30 Transportation Projects Statewide
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly and Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz today announced that more than $42 million will support 30 transportation construction projects across Kansas through an expanded list of recipients of the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Cost Share Program for Spring 2021.
Cost Share is a component of the Kelly administration’s 10-year, bipartisan Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program, or IKE. Cost Share is designed to help both rural and urban areas advance transportation projects to improve safety, support job retention and growth, relieve congestion and improve access and mobility.
“Infrastructure projects like the ones funded through Cost Share are a perfect example of how government can make smart investments that not only make our economy more dynamic and competitive, but also make Kansas a better place to live, work, and play,” Governor Kelly said. “Through this $42 million investment, 30 communities from every corner of our state will have safer roads, increased access to outdoor recreation, and the opportunity to modernize important historical landmarks.”
KDOT took advantage of 2020 federal coronavirus relief funds by doubling the available Cost Share funding for this round. Selection criteria was adjusted to take into account hardships caused by the pandemic and points were added to communities that endured above-average economic loss.
KDOT is investing $21 million in this cycle of Cost Share with recipients contributing a 50/50 match of $21 million.
Secretary Lorenz said demand for Cost Share transportation dollars remains strong, especially after the “long, tough year we’ve been through.” She said 117 communities requested more than $103 million in funding for this, the fourth round of the Cost Share program.
“Despite that tough year, I couldn’t be more impressed with the record level of local contribution – proving we are stronger when we work together,” Secretary Lorenz said. “Thanks to the KDOT team and our local partners, we are moving quickly to expedite the delivery of projects.”
Today’s announcement was made via video (VIEW HERE) highlighting the wide range of investments made possible under the IKE program.
The entire list of all 30 IKE Cost Share projects announced today available here.
Bourbon County Positions Up For Election 2021

Next Tuesday, June 1, is the last day for candidates to file for the upcoming Bourbon County elections. The deadline is noon.
“We have the paperwork for anyone wanting to file,” Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk said.
As of May 25, the following have filed to run:
For the Fort Scott City Commission – Matthew Wells and Michael Hoyt.
For the Bronson City Council – Clearsia Botts.
For Uniontown Mayor – Bill Marlow.
For Redfield Mayor – Wilma K. Graham.
For Redfield City Council – Kirby Martin and Michael Beerbower.
For Mapleton Mayor – Ronald B. Burton Jr.
For Mapleton City Council – Mike Blevins and Homer Wisdom.
For USD 234 Position #4 – David Stewart
For USD 235 Position #6 – Tyler J. Martin
For FSCC Board of Trustees- John Bartelsmeyer and Bill Meyer.
The following is information for the 2021 Bourbon County Election and the positions up for election supplied by the county clerk.
All the filing deadlines, for each entity, is noon June 1st, 2021.
The filing location is the Bourbon County Clerk office, 210 S. National, Fort Scott.
The General Election will be on November 2, 2021.
In the city of Fort Scott, there are three city commission members, two of which are for four-year terms and one for two years. The filing fee is $20 or petition signed by not less than 25 qualified electors of Fort Scott and state filing fee of $50.
If more than 9 qualified candidates file there will be a Primary on August 3, 2021.
Up for election in Bronson is the mayor position and two council members, all four-year terms. There is a filing fee of $20 or a petition signed by no less than 10 qualified electors of Bronson for Bronson.
If more than 3 qualified candidates file for Mayor or more than 6 qualified candidates file for Council, then there will be a Primary on August 3, 2021.
Those positions up for election in Fulton are the mayor and five council members, all four-year terms.
The filing fee of $20 or a petition signed by no less than 5 qualified electors of Fulton.
If more than 3 qualified candidates file for mayor or more than 15 qualified candidates file for council then there will be a Primary on August 3, 2021.
For Uniontown and Redfield the positions of mayor and two council members are up for election, all four-year terms. There is a filing fee of $20 or a petition signed by no less than 20 (10%) of qualified electors of Uniontown for Uniontown.
A petition signed by no less than 10 qualified electors of Redfield for Redfield.
If more than 3 qualified candidates file for mayor or more than 6 qualified candidates file for council, then there will be a Primary on August 3, 2021.
For Mapleton, the mayor and two council members are up for election, all four-year terms.
There is a filing fee of $20 or a petition signed by no less than 2 qualified electors of Mapleton for Mapleton.
If more than 3 qualified candidates file for Mayor or more than 6 qualified candidates file for council, then there will be a Primary on
For the Southwind Extension District, there are 2 positions, both for four-year terms. There is a filing fee of $20.
For the Fort Scott School District, there are three positions, all for four-year terms.
The filing fee is $20 or a petition signed by no less than 50 qualified signatures of registered voters in the position for the USD #234 District.
If more than 3 qualified candidates file for any one position, then there will be a Primary on August 3, 2021.
For the Uniontown School District, there are three positions, all four-year terms.
There is a filing fee of $20 or a petition signed by no less than 50 qualified signatures of registered voters in the position for the USD #235 District.
If more than 3 qualified candidates file for any one position, then there will be a Primary on August 3, 2021.
For Fort Scott Community College there are three positions, all four-year terms. The filing fee is $20.
If more than 9 qualified candidates file there will be a Primary on August 3, 2021.
Any person wishing to file for any office must be a qualified elector of the corresponding city or school district.
If filing by petition, the petition must be turned in within 180 days after the first signature was collected, but no later than noon on June 1st, 2021.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports May 26
Kansas Flags Half-Staff For Memorial Day
Governor Laura Kelly Directs Flags be Flown at Half-staff for Memorial Day
TOPEKA – In accordance with Executive Order #20-30, Governor Laura Kelly has directed that flags be lowered to half-staff throughout the state effective from sunup until noon on Monday, May 31, 2021, in recognition of Memorial Day.
“On Memorial Day, let us all come together to honor and remember the women and men in the U.S. Armed Forces who lost their lives protecting our freedom and our way of life,” Governor Kelly said. “Today and every day, we owe them our gratitude.”
To receive email alerts when the governor orders flags to half-staff, please visit: https://governor.kansas.gov/newsroom/kansas-flag-honor.
Chamber Coffee hosted by Fort Scott High School Strength & Performance Program
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee hosted by the Fort Scott High School Strength & Performance Program, Thursday, May 27th at 8 a.m. located at the FSHS Gymnasium, 1005 S. Main St. Attendees should enter through the northwest doors of the gym facing 10th Street.
Jared Martin, FSHS Strength & Performance Coach, is excited to showcase the program’s top-notch facility at Fort Scott High School. The USD-234 school board and administrators have made a considerable investment in the development of student’s health and performance. A summer program will be starting soon and for students ranging from 11-18 years of age. The focus for middle school students is to provide high quality opportunities for them to learn how to train properly in a fun and exciting environment. The high school age group will focus on performance enhancement as we build team chemistry and comradery through training together.
Homemade sticky bun-style cinnamon rolls and homemade sausage rolls reminiscent of Johnson’s at the old Daylight Donuts will be served. Fresh fruit and coffee from Common Ground will be provided as well. Along with that, there will be a variety of Tiger gear giveaways.
Chamber members and guests are invited to Chamber Coffee events each Thursday at 8 a.m. to network, make announcements, hear about happenings in the community as well as learn about the host business or organization.
***
Good Ol’ Days Parade Entries Registration Due June 2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Death Notice of Norman Spencer
Norman J. “Shorty” Spencer, age 92, a former resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas and more recently of Prescott, Arizona, passed away Friday, May 21, 2021, in Arizona. Funeral services will be announced by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas.
|
|
Clean Energy Jobs
|
|
FS Commission Special Meeting May 25 At 6 p.m.
The City Commission will meet for a special meeting at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 25th, 2021 at City Hall in the City Commission meeting room at 123 South Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The City Commission will meet to discuss the Taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds for Fort Scott Lofts, LLC. They will also discuss potentially amending the agreement that was previous awarded to Bettis Asphalt for the mill and overlay of National Avenue from 13th to Highway 69. An Executive Session for attorney-client privilege exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(2) will also be held.
After the special meeting, at 7:00 p.m. the 2022 Budget Work session will begin.
This meeting is open to the public.
Obituary of Laura Steele
Laura Marie Steele, 91, of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, May 22, 2021, at Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas. She was born February 21, 1930, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the daughter of Frank Allen “Bert” Wallen and Inga Marie (Ekstedt) Wallen. She had eight older brothers and was the last of her family, with the exception of two nieces, Teresa Wallen of Pittsburg, Kansas, and Mary Kay Easton of Lexington, Kentucky.
Following her graduation from Fort Scott Community College, Laura worked at several companies over the years as a secretary and bookkeeper including Fort Scott Hydraulic Cement Co., Bruce Marble and Granite Works, the F.B.I. in Kansas City, Missouri, The Western Insurance, and Citizens Bank (now Landmark).
Laura married Russell Steele, a grain farmer of Uniontown, Kansas, in 1973, having met when she worked for The Western. She was a farm wife and homemaker until his death in 1992.
Laura was a member of the First Christian Church in Fort Scott. She played the piano for F.C.C., as well as for other churches in the area.
In addition to her husband, Russell, Laura was also preceded in death by her parents, and her eight brothers, Frank, Albert, Charlie, Harry, Raymond, Robert, Richard, and James Wallen.
Rev. Reed Hartford will conduct graveside services at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 1, 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.
Obituary of Marvin Nahon Jr.
Marvin Dean Nahon, Jr., 65, of Fulton, Kansas, passed away Saturday, May 22, 2021, at his home. He was born February 22, 1956, in Pittsburg, Kansas, the son of Marvin Dean Nahon Sr. and Gloria Jean (Cabodie) Nahon. He married Teresa Ames on June 20, 1994, in Fort Scott, Kansas, and she survives of the home.
Marvin was a Registered Nurse at Nevada Regional Hospital and had recently retired after fourteen years.
In addition to his wife Teresa, Marvin is also survived by his mother, Gloria Nahon, of Frontenac, Kansas; his daughter, Kristi Nahon, of Arma, Kansas; two sisters, Linda Filby and husband Kenny of Pittsburg, Kansas, and Pam Trahan and husband Ken of DeSoto, Kansas, and one grandchild, Dyllan Nahon.
He was preceded in death by his father, Marvin Nahon, Sr.
Following cremation, family and friends are invited to a visitation on Saturday afternoon, May 29, 2021, from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.
Burial will take place at a later date at the West Liberty Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to SE Kansas Humane Society 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.

