Stories from Friday, August 25, 2023

Earl D. Hull, age 80, formerly of Fort Scott, Kan., more recently of Thomas, Okla., died Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023, at Maple Lawn Manor in Hydro, Okla. Services for Earl Hull will be announced by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main.

Betty Ruth Graham passed away on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. She was the daughter of Earl Shelton and Jessie Shackelford Shelton. Betty was born Aug. 16, 1930, in Fort Scott, Kan. She attended Center School northeast of Fort Scott in 1935. She finished her education in 1947 at Stotesbury, Mo...

Scarlett Gail Reeder was born silently on Aug. 16, 2023, at Ascension Via Christi Hospital, but her little life spoke volumes. She is forever loved by her parents, Ashlee and Preston Reeder, and her brothers, Thayne and Case of Uniontown. She is preceded in death by her beloved great-aunt and namesake, Dinah Gail Skillett (Belton, Mo.) Survivors include grandparents Carla Stubby of Fort Scott, Carol and Don Reeder of Uniontown, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins who will always hold Scarlett Gail in their hearts.. ...

Verna Diane (Wallace Karns) Staniec, age 64, former resident of Mound City, Kan., and more recently of Windsor, Mo., died Aug. 24, 2023 at St. Lukes Hospice House. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1, 2023 at the Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory, Mound City Chapel. Please plant a tree in memory of Verna. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com...

Governor Laura Kelly has approved updated drought declarations for Kansas counties with Executive Order #23-04. “Kansans have been resilient in the face of drought this past year,” said Governor Kelly. “Even with some regions receiving significant rainfall, I strongly encourage all Kansans to continue to be mindful of ways we can conserve water and minimize fire hazards.”...

The Bourbon County Commission approved publication of the 2024 budget during a meeting Thursday evening, but the path to get there included two failed motions as commissioners tried to reach a consensus. In recent months, commissioners have been contemplating budget cuts in order to keep a flat mill levy for 2024. ...