Monthly Archives: December 2017

Obituary

Obituary For Viola Brown

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Viola Mae Brown, age 94, a resident of Ft. Scott, died Friday, December 22, 2017, at Guest Home Estates in Ft. Scott. She was born on November 8, 1923, in Arcadia, KS, the daughter of William Roscoe and Sadie Osmon Brown. She graduated from Arcadia High School. Viola married Donald L. Brown on September 8, 1940, in Garland, KS. He preceded her in death on February 5, 1995. Viola worked for Key Work Clothes beginning on May 20, 1953. She retired after 45 years. She was always one to stay busy. If not working, she enjoyed cleaning, yard work, and tending to her pets through the years.

Survivors include a sister, Jo Ann Heffernan, Ft. Scott; one nephew Tom Heffernan, Ft. Scott; two nieces, Cheryl Bell and husband Paul, Kansas City, MO, and Phyllis Caunt and husband Gabe, Colorado Springs, CO; two wives of nephews, Shirley James and Caline Heffernan; four great-nieces, one great-nephew, one great-great-niece, and two great-great-nephews. Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Larry Eugene Brown; a sister Blanche James; and two nephews, Randy James and Jerry Heffernan.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Thursday, December 28th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Clarksburg Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 Wednesday evening at the Chapel. Memorials are suggested to Care to Share and may be left in the 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.

Obituary

Obituary for Russell Eugene Johnson

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Obituary for Russell Eugene Johnson

Russell Eugene Johnson, age 90, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, December 19, 2017, at the Olathe Medical Center in Olathe, Kansas. He was born August 1, 1927, in Fulton, Kansas, the son of Andrew Webb Johnson and Flora Gump Johnson. While in high school, Russell began working for the railroad. He later joined the United States Navy and served during World War II. Following his service with the Navy, he returned to Kansas and worked for the Frisco Railroad which later became the Burlington Northern Railroad. He married Lena Wheeler on August 12, 1951, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Russell attended the Fulton United Methodist Church as a small child when it was newly built. He returned to it when he and his wife, moved to Ft. Scott for his work. The people there have been his spiritual, emotional and social support for many years. Each one was very dear to him. Russell had an interest in local history and the Linn County Museum of Pleasanton has a display devoted to Russell and his family history in honor of the work he and his son did at the museum. Russell also looked forward to the annual Burlington Alumni gatherings. After the death of his wife, Lena, in March of 2016, Russell moved to the Presbyterian Village in Ft. Scott where he was warmly welcomed. He developed many close friendships in his short time there.

Survivors include his daughter, Debra Johnson-Dobrowsky and her husband, Rick Dobrowsky, of Olathe and two grandchildren Lauren and Dana Dobrowsky. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lena; a son, Stephen Johnson and a sister, Vinita Butler.

Rev. Chuck Russell and Pastor Connie Edgerton will conduct funeral services at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, December 23rd at the Fulton United Methodist Church. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, December 26th at the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott. Memorials are suggested to Heart to Heart 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 for Mikayla Lynn Norris

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Obituary for Mikayla Lynn Norris

Mikayla Lynn Norris, age 18, a resident of Fort Scott, died Tuesday, December 19, 2017, in Kansas City MO. She was born December 22, 1998, in Fort Scott, the daughter of Mike Norris and Jyandy Wulz Santhuff. She was a 2017 graduate of Fort Scott High School and a member of the cheerleading team. Mikayla had a beautiful smile and was so full of life, she loved spending time with her friends listing to music and singing. She enjoyed spending time with her family especially her brother and sister.

She is survived by her parents, Mike Norris, Fort Scott, and Jyandy Wulz Santuff and husband Chris, Kansas City, MO.; her brother and sister, Nicolas and Meganne Norris, Fort Scott; step-brother and sister, Remington and Shelby Santuff, Kansas City, MO.; grandparents, Tom and Ginger Norris, Fort Scott, Steve and Lauren Wulz, Dallas, TX., Kym Richardson, Gilbert, AZ., Ed and Judy Santhuff of Oak Grove, MO.; great-grandparents, Curt and Gloria Shankel, Fort Scott, Leon and Earline Foster, Independence, KS.; aunts and uncles, Johnny and Christi Keating, Fort Scott, Carey Wulz, , Charlie Wulz, , Hannah Wulz, of Dallas, Clint and Natalie Santhuff, Mark and Stephanie Warrick of Oak Grove, MO., Cameron Richardson, Curtis Richardson, Krysten , of Gilbert, AZ.; a niece Livia LaRue, of Kansas City, MO.; as well as many cousins. She was preceded by, her grandfather Rich Richardson; Great-grand parents John and Doris Murray, Ralph Kermit Graham, George and Joyce Norris, Charles Wulz.

Rev. Steve Cole will conduct funeral services at 1:00 PM Saturday, December 23, 2017, at the First United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00–7:00, Friday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Mikayla Norris Memorial and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Bourbon County

KState Extension: Low-Cost Tree and Shrub Seedlings Now Available

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Submitted by Krista Harding, Southwind Distrist

The Kansas Forest Service is offering low-cost conservation tree and shrub seedlings for purchase again this year. These seedlings are to be used in conservation plantings, such as home/livestock windbreaks, living snow fences, Christmas tree plantations, firewood lots, habitats for game birds and wildlife, barriers to reduce noise pollution, blocking ugly views, marking property lines and creating habitat for songbirds.

These plants are 1 or 2 years old, and their sizes vary from 5 to 18 inches, depending on species. Most of the trees are bare-root seedlings, however some are available as container-grown seedlings such as Ponderosa pine and Southwestern white pine. Some of the deciduous trees that are available include: bald cypress, black walnut, bur oak, cottonwood, hackberry, redbud and sycamore. Shrubs available include American plum, choke cherry, lilac and sand hill plum.

This is not a complete listing of available trees and not all trees are recommended for this area. The Kansas Forest Service also offers tree “bundles” for purchase. The bundles offer a variety of trees designed to attract songbirds or quail. For example, the Songbird bundle contains 18 trees and shrubs selected for their attractiveness to songbirds. The Songbird bundle does not contain sufficient plants to meet all of the needs of songbirds, but once established, the bundle will create a small island of plants that will provide some year-round cover and supplemental food during late summer, fall and winter. This will attract birds for your enjoyment.

Not certain what you would like to order? Then stop by the Extension office and pick up a brochure that has color pictures of various trees and shrubs at maturity. Orders for conservation trees are accepted now through the first full week of May, with shipments beginning in March. However, I recommend that you order early to ensure availability of trees. Order forms and price sheets are available at the Southwind District Extension Office in Erie, Iola and Fort Scott, or can be mailed or e-mailed.

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.

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

YAT Receives Check From Gunn Park Trails

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YAT members receive a check from Gunn Park Trail members at the site of the multi-sensory play area in Ellis Park Wednesday afternoon. From left: front is Frank Halsey, Gunn Park Trails organizer; Diana Mitchell, YAT member; and Penny Pollack-Barnes, Tri-Yak-Athon Race coordinator. In back from left are Tom Robertson, Eric Bailey and Larry Fink, all YAT members.

Slow but sure progress is being made on a playground for children in the community.

Youth Activity Team members met at the future site of a multi-sensory playground at Ellis Park in Fort Scott Wednesday to receive a  $2,500 check from representatives of Gunn Park Trails to add to the fundraising efforts to build the playground.

Frank Halsey, who has blazed trails at Gunn Park for about a decade and in the last five years initiated the annual Tri-Yak-Athon contest, was there with the check.

The Tri-Yak-Athon is a race for bikers, runners and kayakers, which this year was turned over to Penny Pollack-Barnes to help coordinate. Gunn Park Trails members host the Tri-Yak-Athon.

Barnes presented the check, which was proceeds from the Tri-Yak-Athon in October, to the YAT.

The YAT members present to receive the check were Eric Bailey, Larry Fink, Diana Mitchell, and Tom Robertson.

Halsey said this is the first money raised for a cause by the Tri-Yak-Athon.

“We appreciate what you’ve done,” Mitchell told Halsey.

The goal for the playground is $180,000 and with this check, $39,000 has been raised, Mitchell said.

The playground equipment will eventually be at the south end of Ellis Park, west of the basketball court and near the UMB Pavillion.

“We have a lot more fundraising to do,” she said.

The YAT have a list of fundraisers they have sponsored through the years.

In 2007 the YAT initiated a Miles of Pennies community fundraiser for the Guinness Book of Records; in 2008 they sponsored a Jason Aldean concert for the city; in 2009 they sponsored a Luke Bryan concert, Mitchell said.

Then the group took a few years off.

In 2011 both Aldean and Bryan and the Duck Dynasty family came for the last concert.

 

The planned multi-sensory playground will be located in Ellis Park at the south end.
Area News, Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Submitted

Carnival Cruise of Mexican Riviera

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It’s not too late to say “Bon Voyage” to the winter blues
and join friends on a cruise of the Mexican Riviera!
Departing from Long Beach, CA and sailing to
Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta.
Departing Kansas City for Los Angeles February 23rd
and returning March 3rd. Bus from Fort Scott to airport and back.
Space on this trip is becoming limited book now so you don’t miss out! This would make a great getaway present for the New Year!
For brochures contact Don Miller at 223-6423
For information and booking call Karen Keen 913-499-1331
Area News, Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Submitted

New Physical Therapist Joins Mercy

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David Shank

When opportunity knocks, listen.

For David Shank, DPT, the chance to use his physical therapy expertise to help patients near his hometown came sooner than expected. But, he knew the opportunity was something he couldn’t let slip by.

The community where he spent many years as a young adult had an appeal he couldn’t resist.

“I feel Fort Scott is a gem and I like the small-town atmosphere,” said Shank.

“I had been working as a traveling physical therapist since graduating from Kansas University Medical School in May 2017. My plan was to continue this for a few years. When the job opportunity came available at Mercy Health for Life, my plans were put on fast forward.”

Shank, a 2009 Uniontown High School graduate, attended Fort Scott Community College where he played football for two years. He then transferred to Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri, and earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology in 2013. He began doctorate work in physical therapy later that year.

Life experiences have helped Shank appreciate and understand the importance of physical therapy. From personal football injuries to the physically demanding work as a welder, Shank has lived it.

“My interest in rehabilitating an injury progressed more as I dove deeper into the profession. I learned that physical therapy is about more that the human body; it’s about the whole person – physical, mental, spiritual – and helping to make a positive impact on someone’s life.”

“I know I’ve made the right career choice when my patients are able to walk again, say they are able to get out of bed without pain or they’ve been able to avoid surgery and yet feel 100 percent.”

Shank will care for physical therapy patients in the inpatient and outpatient setting as well as the occupational health environment.

“I hope to be a good resource for companies in our area because not only do I have the medical training in worksite occupational health, but I have the personal experience that can be beneficial in treatment, too.”

Shank joins a veteran Mercy Health for Life therapy team that includes physical therapists Denny Gillard and Janet Smith; occupational therapist Hugo Dahlstrom; speech therapist Afton Hyer; and physical therapy assistants Lisa Proctor and Rebecca Zimmerman.

For more information about Mercy Therapy Services, call 620-223-7073.

Area News, Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Submitted

FSCC Adult Education and GED Program Orientation Slated for January 10

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Fort Scott Community College will hold the next orientation for the Adult Education and GED Program on Wednesday, January 10. The program is eight weeks long, and students may choose from three sessions: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., 1 to 4 p.m., or 4 to 7 p.m. 

“Through the program, students will work to complete GED modules including math, reading, science, and social studies,” said Aubrey Duft, FSCC Adult Basic Education Instructor. “The classes also focus on college readiness, career readiness, and technology.”

 Adult education classes are open to students ages 16 and older. Students who are under 18 must have a Parental Waiver for Compulsory Attendance to attend class; the form can be obtained from the last school district the student attended.

 The cost for the class is $30 and includes the ACCUPLACER college entrance exam, Northstar Digital Literacy Certification, WorkKeys Employment Skills Test, TABE assessment, and one GED Ready Practice Test. GED testing fees are not included. 

The classes will take place in the FSCC Student Success Center, located in Bailey Hall, 2108 South Horton, Fort Scott. To enroll, please contact Aubrey Duft, FSCC Adult Basic Education Instructor, at 620-223-2700, ext. 4400.

Area News, Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Submitted

Holiday Hours at Mercy Convenient Care and Mercy Clinics

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Mercy Convenient Care at 1624 S. National in Fort Scott will close at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 24, and remain closed on Monday, Dec. 25, Christmas Day.

Regular hours will resume on Tuesday, Dec. 26.

For emergencies on the holiday, please visit Mercy Emergency Department located in Mercy Hospital Fort Scott.

Mercy Clinic Fort Scott, Mercy Clinic Family Medicine Arma and Mercy Clinic Family Medicine Linn County will be closed on Monday, Dec. 25, Christmas Day.  All locations will resume regular hours on Tuesday, Dec. 26.

The physicians and staff at Mercy Clinic wish you a safe a happy holiday.

 

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Opinion

Patty LaRoche: The Gift of Giving

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Last week I wrote about Akrasia, the state of acting against our better judgment. We “almost” do the right thing but then come up with a kajillion excuses as to why we shouldn’t follow through. During this Christmas season, I have come up with 15 ways we can be a blessing to others. I can think of no better way to turn our “almosts” into action.

  1. Give a compliment, especially in crowded lines where nerves are frayed.
  2. Call the Customer Service Line listed on your receipt and take time to give an employee credit.
  3. Donate blood.
  4. Shop local. Adopt a family and deliver presents for them to open on Christmas day. Once a month, surprise them with a gift card, movie tickets or a bag of groceries on their doorstep.
  5. Find a neighbor with a need and meet it. Trim their tree. Shovel their snow. Weed their garden. Wash their windows.
  6. Speak to a school counselor to obtain the name of students in need. Adopt that student anonymously and meet his/her needs during the school year.
  7. Serve at a homeless shelter or volunteer at a nursing home.
  8. Have your children run cold drinks out to your garbage man, postman or school bus driver.
  9. Bake goodies for the local police and fire department…once a month.
  10. Surprise a homebound person with a pizza.
  11. Pay for someone’s gas (hint: better a Volkswagen than a semi-truck).
  12. Offer to take down the Christmas lights for the elderly or a single mom.
  13. If you know of a wife, mother, or family of a soldier serving overseas, come up with ways you can fill their loneliness and meet their physical needs.
  14. Give a gift of sponsorship to feed a child, provide clean water for a community, rescue a child from sex slavery, or whatever it is you or the gift receiver are most passionate about.
  15.  Share what Christmas is really about.  If you do nothing else on this list, do not neglect this last one.  Believe it or not, lots of people know only that Jesus was a baby, there was no room in the inn and the angels sang.  That’s about it.  They don’t know why He came.  They don’t know who He came for.  You need to share with them the truth.

Luke 19:10  For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

It will be the best gift you ever can give.

Obituary

Obituary: Jerry Eugene Clements

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Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Jerry Eugene Clements, age 71, a resident of Fort Scott, died Saturday, December 16, 2017, at his home.

He was born December 22, 1945, in Fort Scott, the son of Guy Allen Clements and Doris Alene Johnson Clements. He graduated from Fort Scott High School and then Fort Scott Community College. He married Linda Lloyd on June 8, 1968, in Fort Scott. Jerry worked as a supervisor of the La Cygne Power Plant for 36 years. He enjoyed playing golf, working on old cars, fishing, raising cattle and working on his farm. His favorite thing was spending time with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife Linda of the home; two sons, Adam Clements, and wife Katie, of Fort Scott, and Jason Clements, and wife Casidey, of Liberty, Mo.; seven grandchildren, Riley, Kinley, Javon, Kain, Jaxon, Kalia and Roman Clements; two brothers, Terry Clements, and wife Jane, of Riverton, Kan., and Robert Clements, and wife Mary Jo, of Willard, Mo.; a sister Joyce Young, and husband Jim, of Fort Scott; he was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Larry Joe, Darrel Guy, Gary Wayne and Timothy Clements.

Pastor Tom Mullins will conduct graveside services at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, December 21, 2017, at the U.S. National Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the Olson Frary Burkhart Post #1165 V.F.W. Memorial are suggested to Care to Share or Hammond United Methodist Church 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 guest book at cheneywitt.com.