Stories from Friday, July 21, 2023

The Fort Scott City Commission plans to hold a work session in the future to discuss the idea of becoming a Certified Local Government, which, according to Mayor Matthew Wells, would provide an opportunity for building owners to apply for more grants for their historic properties...

Sonia Gugnani, whose connection to Fort Scott Community College goes back more than 10 years, is the school’s new vice president of academic affairs. Her hiring was formally approved by the FSCC Board of Trustees on Monday, and elevates her from her previous post as associate dean of instruction and institutional effectiveness...

Gary M. Saker, 74, formerly of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away July 14, 2023, after a battle with an ongoing illness. Gary was preceded in death by his father Don Saker and mother Eloise Richards Garnand. Survivors include Tracy Saker, sons Andrae and Bryden Saker of the home along with Kaleb Saker of Girard, Kan., and his family. Recently Gary enjoyed spending more time with his grandchildren in Girard prior to being hospitalized...

Benjamin Lee Farmer of Long Beach, Calif., formerly of Fort Scott, Kan., passed into his Heavenly reward on Tuesday July 4, 2023. Ben was born on April 4, 1932 to Leopold (Lee) Alice and Muriel McKinzie Mulley. His mother, Muriel, passed on Nov. 6, 1935, when Ben was only 3 years old, leaving Lee to raise his son on his own. ...

Keitha Ann Brown, age 70, Mound City, Kan., passed away Wednesday, July 19, 2023.  A visitation and celebration of life will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, July 24, 2023 at the Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory, Mound City Chapel. Memorial contributions are suggested to Jayhawk Elementary School (JES) to be used for the student activities. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerls.com...

Centuries of Osage history and culture will be presented when “Wahzhazhe: An Osage Ballet” takes the stage this weekend on the campus of Fort Scott Community College. One evening performance took place Friday, with two performances scheduled today; a matinee at 3 p.m. and an evening performance at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit the Friends of the Fort Facebook page, or OsageBallet.org...