Stories from Wednesday, March 18, 2009

The Kansas Department of Transportation has set aside $3 million in federal stimulus funds for short-line railroad projects. Funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 allow states to devote a portion of their highway funding to railroad needs. ...

A group of local events and organizations are scheduled to receive funds from the Transient Guest Tax committee to bolster local tourism. It was announced during the Fort Scott City Commission meeting March 10 which events and organizations would be receiving funds through the Transient Guest Tax allocations. ...

Area voters will be able to learn more about candidates running for seats on the Fort Scott City Commission during a forum scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, at Fort Scott Middle School, 1105 E. 12th St. With the general election coming up April 7, the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce and the Government and Community Quality Division Committee is hosting the event to help provide area residents with a chance to learn where the candidates stand on various issues and policies that affect Fort Scott.. ...

Christian Heights students hear stories from Korean War vets

The recent economic turmoil has had a dramatic effect on Southeast Kansas. Newly released unemployment numbers from the Kansas Department of Labor show that unemployment in Bourbon County has increased from 5.1 percent in December 2008 to 6.4 percent in January 2009. Some area businesses, including Tri-Valley Developmental Services, have experienced layoffs and the elimination of some positions in recent months...

Bourbon County Clerk Joanne Long released a statement to inform residents that Monday, March 23, is the final day to register to vote in the April 7 general election. Any resident who has moved or changed his or her name should re-register before the deadline...

Time is running out for married women in the local area who want to enter the Mrs. Kansas International Pageant. According to Mrs. International Pageant Executive Director Mary Richardson, the competition, which has operated since 1985, is not just a pageant, but also an opportunity for contestants to make a difference in the lives of others. Richardson said women who are involved in a non-profit organization and have a passion for that organization are good candidates for the competition...

Local favorite to perform here March 27

Opal Belle Brown, age 87, a former resident of Garnett, Kansas, more recently of Fort Scott, died Wednesday, March 11, 2009, at the Medicalodge of Fort Scott. She was born March 27, 1921, in Longton, Kansas, the daughter of David Franklin Dunbar and Fannie Shanks Dunbar...