Monthly Archives: November 2017

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Fort Scott Christmas Parade Dec. 5

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The theme of this year’s Fort Scott Christmas Parade is Christmas Vacation. The event starts at 6 p.m. at Third and Main Streets, heading north on Main to Skubitz Plaza.

“People can have fun with that,” Lindsay Madison, executive director of Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce said. “They can play off the movie by the same name or what they do on Christmas vacation.”

To register for a parade entry go online to http://fortscott.com 

or stop by the Chamber office at 231 E. Wall.

Prizes will be awarded for first place, $75; second place, $50 and third place, $25. Briggs Automall of Fort Scott is providing the prize money.

New this year is a theme decorated golf cart category, with a $25 prize for the winning entry.

Fort Scott Recreation Department will offer free hot chocolate before and during the parade.

The parade entries will exit the parade at Skubitz Plaza, past the Mayor’s Christmas Tree. The tree will be lit following the parade by Mayor JoLynne Mitchell.

Pre-register for children lucky-draw prizes at Papa Don’s Restaurant, 10. N. Main prior to the parade. Pre-registration is from Friday, Dec. 1 until Tuesday, Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. when the parade starts.

Names for lucky-draw prizes will be drawn following the parade for children. Categories are as follows: ages 3-8, both boys and girls; 9-14, both boys and girls and one prize for children 14-18 years old. The drawing will take place after the Christmas tree lighting.

Mayor Mitchell will give some brief comments, then Santa will go to Papa Don’s Restaurant Celebration Room for children to visit with him.

Each child that comes to visit Santa at Papa Don’s will receive a book, compliments of USD 234.

Fort Scott High School Pride Club students will have Christmas crafts for children to do while waiting in line for Santa in the big room of the restaurant.

Walgreen Drug Store will take a free 4 X6 inch photograph of children with Santa. The photo may be picked at the store, later.

 

 

 

Bourbon County

KState Extension: Christmas Trees-Tips for Selection and Care

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Submitted by Krista Harding, KState Extension Southwind District

The selection and purchase of a Christmas tree has become an annual tradition for many families who chose a real tree over an artificial substitute. For many, bringing home a tree is often the kick-off of the holiday season. Today, live trees can be found just about anywhere you look such as retail lots, shopping centers and the ever popular choose-and-cut farms. Of course, real trees do require some extra care to keep them looking good through the holiday season.

When choosing a tree, freshness is the most important factor. Purchasing trees that have already been cut for a period of time are probably the most difficult trees to keep fresh and fragrant due to the length of time from cutting until the tree is placed in the home. A fresh tree should have a healthy, green appearance without a lot of dead or browning needles. As you stroke the tree, needles should not come off into your hand. Another good test to do before buying a tree is to raise the trunk a few inches off of the ground and then drop the tree on the cut end. When this is done, only a few, inner dried needles should fall, and certainly not any green outer needles.

Once the tree is brought home, its continued freshness will depend on the type of care that is provided. A 1-inch re-cut across the bottom of the tree should be made. This will remove any clogged wood that may not absorb water. Put the tree into a stand or container of warm water and place it in as cool a spot as possible. Avoid placing it in an area where there is a heat source such as a fireplace, wood-burning stove, heat ducts and even television sets. This will help to preserve the freshness, reduce water loss and lessen the fire danger.

Depending on the size and species of tree, the use of a gallon of water in the first day would not be uncommon. Therefore, the tree should be checked frequently and re-watered as necessary. If the tree does become dried out, it probably will not absorb water. It may be necessary to take the tree down and re-cut the bottom to allow the absorption of water. This is inconvenient, but it is the only way to prevent early needle loss if a tree has become dried out. In the past, some have thought that adding aspirins, copper pennies, soda pop, sugar and bleach to the water may prolong the life of a tree. This has not been proven.

Should you choose a living Christmas tree, they definitely require special care. Once the tree is brought home, it should be conditioned before being placed in a heated room. Leave the tree in an unheated garage or building for a couple of days. After conditioning, the tree can be brought in and placed in a cool location away from direct sunlight. Watering a live tree should be done prior to placing it in the home, by moistening the root ball.

Living trees should not be kept inside for more than 10 days. Exposure to warm temperatures may cause the dormant tree to break buds and start to grow. Before removing the tree and planting it outside, it should be allowed to acclimate itself the same way before it was brought inside. The planting hole should be dug before the ground freezes. Once planted, water well and place some mulch around it to prevent the soil water from freezing.

With proper selection and care, you can enjoy a fresh tree throughout the holiday season. And with a real tree, you don’t have to worry about storing it for a year before using it again! They just take a little more work while on display.

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Agricultural agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244- 3826.

Area News, Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

LaRoche Baseball Complex Annexed

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The La Roche Baseball Complex is located south of the city and parallel to U.S. Hwy. 69.

The City of Fort Scott recently annexed the LaRoche Baseball Complex into the city limits at a recent meeting.

The complex is located in the industrial park south of the city on U.S. 69 Hwy.

“The city maintains the complex,” Rhonda Dunn, Fort Scott Community Development Director, said. “They do the mowing, the maintenance, the painting, the lights, etc. It makes sense, that since the city owns the park, it should be within the city limits.”

A board oversees the park, which includes members from the city, Fort Scott’s school district, and the LaRoche family.

 

Area News, Fort Scott

Banker Pleads No Contest

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The Bourbon County Courthouse, 210 S. National Avenue.

The following information is the public record available at the Bourbon County Courthouse, third floor, district court office.

Joseph W. Banker, age 36, is a defendant whose case is pending in Bourbon County for the charges of sexual solicitation, sexual exploitation, and sexual battery.

In May 2017 the Bourbon County District Court filed a case against Banker in Oklahoma, for the charges and he was arrested.

A hearing was held on November 17, 2017, in which Banker pleaded No Contest to two of the charges. The preliminary hearing was waived.

Banker pleaded No Contest, thereby waiving his right to a trial. No Contest is an admission by Banker that the prosecution has sufficient evidence to prove his guilt and will not contest such evidence.

His plea of No Contest is the result of a plea agreement between the Bourbon County Attorney Justin Meeks and Bank’s attorney, Christopher Meek.

He is pleading No Contest in connection with  Count II and Count III charges against him in the amended complaint/information.

Count II reads that between August 1, 2009, and September 21, 2009, Banker sexually exploited a child under 18 years of age. The charge is a severity level five, person felony with a minimum sentence of 31 months imprisonment, a maximum of 136 months and a fine up to $300,000.

Count III reads that between November 1, 2009, and December 31, 2009, Banker sexually exploited another child under 18 years of age. The charge is a severity level five, person felony with a minimum sentence of 31 months imprisonment, a maximum of 136 months and a fine up to $300,000.

There will be a plea hearing on December 8, 2017, at 1:15 p.m. in series before the Honorable Judge Amy Harth.

Banker is a former youth pastor at Community Christian Church.

Opinion

Patty LaRoche: Giving Thanks

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Psalm 9:1– I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. On this Thanksgiving weekend, I thought it would be fun to list some of the things for which I am thankful. In no particular order, here they are:

 My husband, Dave. He loves me when I’m pretty unlovable.

 Veterans, police officers and fire fighters—the true heroes in our nation

 A home with 12 steps from my bed to the coffee pot

 Wearing white after Labor Day

 Time spent in my Bible

 Transparent friends who share their hearts and aren’t afraid to admit they mess up

 Butterflies, turtles and blue herons

 Salt

 Phone calls, not texts, from my kids (Feel free to forward this to my children.)

 Lumber yard employees who know what I want when I don’t

 Watching my grandkids play sports (or doing anything, for that matter)

 Indoor plants that survive my gangrene thumb

 Mascara

 My Monday morning Bible study group

 Mail delivery and trash collection

 Pickleball and the friends I’ve made because of it

 When a recipe turns out like the photo-shopped picture (I’m imagining here.)

 Yoga

 Extended warranties

 Mosquito zappers

 Smiles from people I don’t know (Thank you, Walmart greeters!)

 Stilwell lake neighbors

 Highway bumps that wake you up when you are leaving the road (Trust me, I know.)

 Lays’ Kettle Potato Chips—seriously the best!

 Indoor toilets

 Elastic waists

 Shared recipes (Thank you, Jara Martin and Julie Readinger.)

 Warm socks

 Laughter—the kind that takes your breath away and makes you snort

 Dancing to oldies’ music

 Inspirational movies (Hidden Figures is a must.)

 An oven timer that has saved me countless burned concoctions

 Horses—any kind, any size, any age

 Mazatlan, Mexico, and the friends we have made

 My Kindle

 Pizza delivery

 Game nights

 You, my readers

 And most importantly, Jesus Christ.

Fort Scott

Participate in Fun Activities and Conversation during FSNHS Annual Candlelight Tour

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Submitted by Fort Scott National Historic Site

Do you want to dance the night away? Would you enjoy some gossip and a bit of matchmaking? Maybe you are hoping for a big promotion at work or would like to move some place more adventurous? These are the types of activities and conversations you can either eavesdrop on, or participate in, during this year’s Candlelight Tour at Fort Scott National Historic Site.

Photo Credit: Fort Scott National Historic Site

This year marks the 175th anniversary of the founding of Fort Scott in 1842. To commemorate, all of the scenes in this year’s Candlelight Tour will be set in the 1840s. Each of the scenes will feature some aspect of 1840s life and will include elements of humor or entertainment. Also, in many of the scenes this year, the audience will have the opportunity to interact with the tour.

Tickets are on sale now. Buy them soon as they are selling fast! You can purchase tickets by calling 620-223- 0310 or by coming to the visitor center at Fort Scott NHS. They are $8.00 per person and are non-refundable. Children 5 and under are free. Advance purchase is required.

During the Candlelight Tour, over 700 candle lanterns illuminate the site and over 100 reenactors bring the fort to life. This year’s tours will be offered December 1 and 2, 2017. Tours on December 1, will begin at 6:30 p.m. and start every 15 minutes until 9 p.m. On Saturday, December 2, the tours will run from 5 p.m. to 8:45 p.m., every 15 minutes.

From November 1 to March 31, Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, will be open for its winter hours of operation from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. For more information about the Candlelight Tour or other events at the site, call 620-223- 0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.

Obituary

Obituary: Nina Lou Erie

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Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Nina Lou Erie, age 81, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., went to be with her Lord, Sunday, November 26, 2017, at the Fort Scott Mercy Hospital surrounded by her family.

She was born September 7, 1936, in Dadeville, Mo., the daughter of Arthur Buck and Eunice Mote Buck. Following graduation from Dadeville High School, Nina moved to Fort Scott where she was employed by Key Industries. She married Pete Erie on September 9, 1956, in Dadeville. In 1974, Nina began working at the Board Office for USD #234 where she served as accounts payable secretary. She retired after 24 years of service. Next to her love for her Lord was the love for her family. She was a longtime member of the Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene.

She will be lovingly missed by her husband, Pete, of the home; her son, John Erie and wife, Terry, and her daughter, Sondra Ruhl and husband, Nick, all of Fort Scott; seven grandchildren, Brian Bolin, Ron Bolin and wife, Brooke, Dawn Bryant and husband Micheal, Wendy Budd and husband, David, John Erie, Jr., and wife, Stephannie, Anita Vaugh and husband, Daniel and Bethany Thompson and husband, Ray; and thirteen great-grandchildren, Codee Budd, Caden Bolin, Andy Bryant, Coree Budd, Aleana Erie, Dylann Bolin, Mia Bryant, Koby Erie, Alex Thompson, Raegan Bolin, Payton Bowling, Willow and Kanyon Vaughn.  Also surviving are a brother, Billy Buck and wife, Bonaga, of Dadeville, Mo., and a sister-in-law, Nadine Buck, of Walnut Grove, Mo., and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, George Buck, a sister, Peggy Sue Langford and a niece, Linda Langford.

Rev. Virgil Peck will conduct funeral services at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 29, at the Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene.  Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

 

Obituary

Obituary: Frank Fredrick Dikeman

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Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Frank Fredrick Dikeman, age 90, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Monday, November 20, 2017, at the Medicalodge of Fort Scott.

He was born February 8, 1927, in rural Bourbon County, Kansas, the son of William Dikeman and Bessie Long Dikeman. Frank served with the United States Army during the Korean Conflict from 1951 to 1953. While with the army he received many medals and citations including the Korean Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star and Purple Heart. Following his military service, Frank returned to Fort Scott and drove a truck for Frank Sutcliffe Trucking Company until his retirement in 1983. He then began raising cattle. Frank married Helen Carson. They later divorced. Frank enjoyed gardening. He greatly loved his country and was a member of the Olson Frary Burkhart Post #1165 Veterans of Foreign Wars where he often served with the Color Guard. He was also a member of the Disabled American Veterans and the Combat Infantrymen. He was a member of the Community Christian Church.

Survivors include a sister, Jessie Streeter and husband, Jim; two nieces, Shirley Hartman and husband, Dale, and Susan Kern and husband, Steve, and a nephew, David Streeter and wife, Debbie. Also surviving are several great, great-great, and great-great-great-nieces and nephews.

Rev. Kevin Moyers conducted funeral services at 2 p.m. Monday, November 27, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial followed in the Evergreen Cemetery where military honors were provided by the Olson Frary Burkhart Post #1165 Veterans of Foreign Wars. The family will received friends on Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday afternoon at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the V. F. W. and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

 

Obituary

Obituary: Frederick A. Geneva

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Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Frederick A. “Fred” Geneva, age 84, resident of Fort Scott, Kan., died unexpectedly Tuesday, November 14, 2017, at the Olathe Medical Center, Olathe, Kan.

He was born April 29, 1933, in Fort Scott, the son of William and Eloise Dever Geneva. He graduated from Fort Scott High School with the class of 1951. He then attended Fort Scott Junior College until he was drafted into the Army. He married Mildred Ellen Ashford on January 10, 1953, in Eureka Springs, Ark. After two years in the service, he returned to finish his degree at Pittsburg State Teacher’s College. Fred worked for Bruce Marble Works for several years. He then began his career with the Western Insurance Company, eventually working as a field manager. He worked in the insurance field many years, retiring from Safeco Insurance. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, lifting weights and hunting arrowheads. He relished his time spent working on his farm property following retirement. He loved watching all the kid’s sporting events and activities. He spent many years going to coffee with his friends on Mondays. He attended Christian Gospel Chapel in Fort Scott.

Survivors include his wife Ellen of the home; three children, Julie Brown and husband Danny, Brett Geneva and wife Nancy, and Cherie Witt and husband Matt, all of Fort Scott; six grandchildren, Danny Brown, Jared Brown, Amanda Johnson, Luke Geneva, Hannah Geneva, and Jayden Witt; eleven great-grandchildren, Jacob Geneva, Lily Geneva, Chase Brown, Skyelar Brown, Treyton Brown, Kanin Brown, Bailie Brown, Gunnar Brown, Allie Brown, Leighton Johnson, and Reid Johnson; and a half-sister, Mary Francis Miller and husband James, Cypress, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m., Monday, November 20, at Christian Gospel Chapel, 2305 E. Maple Rd, Fort Scott. Burial followed in the U. S. National Cemetery. Military Honors were conducted by the Olson Frary Burkhart Post #1165 V.F.W. The family received friends from 10:30 a.m. Monday until service time at the church. Memorials are suggested to the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Area News, Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Emory Arnold Trust Land To Be Developed

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Looking northwest from the corner of Jayhawk Road and Liberty Bell Road. This land is being rezoned for future development by Peerless Products and Labconco Corporation on Dec. 5

Land south and east of El Charro Restaurant will be annexed into the city with Peerless Products and Labconco Corporation planning to develop the properties, according to a city official.

The City of Fort Scott will rezone the Emory Arnold Trust land, located on U.S. Highway 69 for redevelopment on Dec.5, Rhonda Dunn, Fort Scott Community Development Director said.

“Part of it is the Emory Arnold Trust, south of El Charro Restaurant, down to Jayhawk Road to Liberty Bell Road,” she said. “Peerless and Labconco are buying the properties for future development.”

The land will be annexed into the city.

Labconco Corporation is located at 2500 Liberty Bell Road, while Peerless Products, Inc. is located at 2403 S. Main Street, parallel to U.S. 69 Hwy.

Emery Arnold’s home in the photo, at right. The Emery Arnold Trust land is being rezoned Dec. 5.

Emory Arnold was a prominent Fort Scottian who died in 2015 at age 98. He served in positions at Fort Scott Community College as the registrar, assistant dean, athletic director and vice president until his retirement in 1981, according to his obituary. The arena at FSCC bears his name.