Obituary: Charles William Tracy

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Charles William Tracy, age 68, a resident of Haysville, Kan., passed away Monday, December 11, 2017, at the Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kan.

He was born June 29, 1949, in Fort Scott, Kan., the son of Herbert W. Tracy and Loleta May Workman Tracy. Charles had worked as a mechanic. He enjoyed racing and collecting model cars as well as going to auctions. He also enjoyed riding his trike.

Survivors include two daughters, Stacy Hess and husband, Woody, of Eldorado, Kan., and Tonjia Horsley, of Haysville and a brother, Alva Tracy and wife, Joyce, of Haysville. Also surviving are seven grandchildren, David Sims, Brandon Huffman, Jessica Horsley, Cody McFarlane, Jeremy McFarlane, Heather Tracy and Austin King; six great-grandchildren with one more on the way; seven nieces and nephews and many great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Raymond Ivan Tracy; two uncles, Charles and Bill Workman, a great-nephew, Michael Tyler Tracy a great-great-niece, Katalina May Smallwood and his grandparents.

Rev. Kevin Moyers will conduct funeral services at 1 p.m. Saturday, December 16, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Large Cemetery south of Fort Scott. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

New “Tiny” Houses In Production

New construction is going on at the corner of 6th and Lowman Streets.

Business owner Mike Rogers is hoping his new venture is good for the community.

The venture is building four small rental houses at the corner of 6th and Lowman Streets.

The houses might not be considered tiny, but with each at 782 square feet,  they are small.

People just starting out or people at the other end of the spectrum, ” Those looking for a more efficient lifestyle,” Rory Chaplin, the coordinator with 3RK, said.

“They are not big,” Rogers said. “They are the size of an apartment. They’ll have 36-inch doors, so they are wheelchair accessible. They have no steps.”

There will be 18 feet between houses, which allows for a small yard with a privacy fence. Each house will have two designated parking spaces.

Construction began about a month ago on the project. The summer of 2018 is the expected availability dates for the rentals.

Rogers new business, 3RK, is building and managing rental houses.

He also owns R2 Concrete, which is doing all the concrete work for the project. In addition, he is sub-contracting parts of the project to Geiger Plumbing, Jeff Allen Electric, and Casper Enterprises, Rogers said.

“We may have other businesses involved, as well,” Chaplin said.

The amount of rent to be charged per unit is undetermined at this time, he said.

 

 

Mistletoe on Mainstreet tonight!

Mistletoe On Mainstreet shopping event is tonight,
Thursday, December 14th
5:00 – 8:00 PM
Participating stores downtown and around Fort Scott will stay open late so you can get a little extra holiday shopping!
Bids & Dibs
Country Cupboard
Eastside Liquor
Here We Go Again Upholstery
Hole in the Wall
Iron Star
Libation Station
Main St. Gallery & Gifts
Mayco Ace
Sekan’s Occasions Shop
Shirt Shack
Shoe Sensation
Sunshine Boutique
Ruddick’s Furniture
Walgreens
Walmart
Vendors at Empress Event Center:
 Younique Cosmetics
Young Living Oils
LipSense
Handmade items
Monat
LulaRoe
Handmade signs & T-shirts
Tupperware
Shoppers! Keep your eyes open for hidden mistletoe. Bring the mistletoe with the attached coupon into the Chamber to redeem for $10 in Chamber Bucks! Chamber Bucks can be spent at 55 local Chamber member’s businesses. *Limit one per person
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
231 E. Wall St. | 620.223.3566

Obituary: Glen Allen Pearson, Sr.

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Glen Allen Pearson, Sr., age 79, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., went to be with the Lord Saturday, December 9, 2017, at the Mercy Hospital.

He was born on October 18, 1938, in Wichita, Kan., the son of Martin and Manda Bell Pearson (Leopard). Glen served in the United States Navy from 1956 to 1962 aboard the U.S.S. 9 Owen in Norfolk, Va., working as a 2nd class boiler tech. After returning from the Navy, Glen married Frances McDaniel on September 9, 1962. He went to work for Derby gas station, Comstock’s Service Station, then Bruce’s Marble and Granite for several years before staring his own business. In 1965, Glen started Pearson Trash Service which he ran successfully until 1983 when his health forced him to retire. Glen enjoyed playing baseball with the kids at family dinners and get-togethers, he really enjoyed cutting wood, coon hunting and fishing. He enjoyed gardening and watching the deer come up. He loved playing Spades, Uno, Monopoly, Dominoes and joking with the kids, always making them laugh.

Survivors include his wife Frances, of the home, one daughter Agnes Pearson, and companion Eugene Thomas, of Fulton, Kan.; six sons, Marty Pearson and wife Tina, of Fulton, Kan., John Pearson, of Fort Scott, Glen A. Pearson Jr., of Fort Scott, Arthur Pearson and wife Rachell, of Redfield, Kan., Timothy Pearson and wife Shelly, of Dewey, Okla., Randy Pearson and wife Christina of Fort Scott, Kan.; 29 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandson, two brothers, Jerry Pearson, of Fulton, Mo., and Don Pearson and wife Ruth, of Toano, Va.; two sisters, Alberta Clark, of Wichita, Kan., and Anna May Daily, of Fort Scott; along with several great, great-great, and great-great-great nieces and nephews. Glen was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Nettie Collier, a brother John Pearson, a grandson William Pulliam and a great grandson Rushton Hicks.

Funeral Service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, December 15, 2017, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the U.S. National Cemetery under the direction of Cheney Witt Chapel. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Contributions are suggested to the Glen Pearson Memorial Fund or the V.F.W. in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, PO box 347, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guest book at www.cheneywitt.com.

Obituary: Chester Wayne Holleman

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Chester Wayne “Chet” Holleman, age 53, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away on Tuesday, December 5, 2017, at Mercy Hospital, Fort Scott.

Chet was born in Brawley, Calif., March 1, 1964. Chester was the son of a distinguished Naval Vietnam Veteran, Wayne Holleman, whom along with Chet’s mother, Peggy, currently reside in Pinon Hills, Calif. Chester a Naval Veteran himself, enjoyed reminiscing about the places he lived with his parents, including Puerto Rico and Whidbey Island, Wash., as well as the places he visited while serving aboard the U.S.S. Spiegel Grove as a single man.

After completing his military services, Chester settled in Colorado Springs, Colo., where he met his wife-to-be, Barbara (Cockrell). They married on March 28, 1997, in Hot Springs, Ark., under a dogwood tree that the bride’s beloved late grandfather had planted years before. The couple, Fort Scott residents since 2006, loved the small town and as Chester had “never met a stranger,” his wife would be honored to welcome those who wish to pay their respects and join Barbara in honoring a true gentleman.

Barbara received friends from 2 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, December 12, 2017, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guest book at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary: Virginia Marie Thomas

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Virginia Marie “Ginger” Thomas, age 95, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Friday, December 8, 2017, at the Medicalodge of Fort Scott.

She is survived by her three children, Lloyd Howser and wife, Judy, of Fort Scott, Mary Ann Dykstra, of Bella Vista, Ark., and Jeannette M. Lovejoy and husband, Jerry, of Roseville, Calif.; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Following cremation, a private family burial will take place in the Lath Branch Cemetery. Services are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kan.

Obituary: Clara Mae Barnes

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Clara Mae Barnes, age 65, resident of Fort Scott, Kan., died Saturday, December 9, 2017, at her home.

She was born on May 10, 1952, in Newton Co., Mo. Her parents were Albert F. and Jeannie B. Seaton. She was a loving mother and grandmother. The family wishes to give special thanks to the V.F.W. Post #1165 for their support.

Survivors include a son, Leroy Sparlin, Jr., Neosho, Mo.; three daughters, Liz Ragsdale and husband Travis, Ozark, Mo., Debra Shockley and husband Travis, Fort Scott, and Theresa Johnson, Goodman, Mo.; four sisters, Loreta Calentine, Granite City, Ill., Carletta Eperly, Houston, Texas, Carla Jean Moore, San Antonio, Texas, and Patty Ann Morrill, Texas; a brother, Rick Seaton, Grandy, Mo.; eight grandchildren, Albert Mitchell, Chris Mitchell, Casey Shockley, Haley Shockley, Amy Merimick, Christopher Moore, Josh Sparlin and Samantha Sparlin; and 11 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Marty Barnes.

There was cremation. Private family services will take place at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the Clara Barnes Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary: John Newton Shelton

Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

John Newton Shelton, age 92, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Friday, December 1, 2017, at the Mercy Hospital Emergency Room in Fort Scott.

He was born January 28, 1925, in Littleton, Colo., the son of John Houston Shelton and Edith Baugher Shelton. He married Geraldine Marsh on June 25, 1943, in Englewood, Colo. John served with the United States Army Air Force during World War II. Following his military service, he worked as a carpenter and cabinet maker in Colorado and Illinois. In 1980, John and his wife moved to Fort Scott, where he was employed by Peerless Products. John enjoyed reading and had a wealth of knowledge on various subjects. He also liked to spend time with his family and grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Gerrie, and his seven children, Larry Shelton (Cathy), of Fort Scott, Jim Shelton, of Fort Scott, Steven Shelton (Roxanne), of Woodstock, Ill., Darryl Shelton (Deb), of Gardner, Kan., Don Shelton (Terri), Kevin Shelton and Sharon Shelton, all of Fort Scott; 23 grandchildren and more than 20 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant son, Michael Shelton, and three brothers, Wayne, Bob and Don Shelton, who was his twin.

Rev. Jimmy Tucker conducted funeral services at 1:30 p.m. Friday, December 8, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial with military honors followed in the Clarksburg Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association 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.

Official Opening of Price Chopper Today

Queen’s Price Chopper Supermarket officially opened today with a ribbon cutting by the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce.
The Queen family at Price Chopper opening in Fort Scott at 9 a.m. Dec. 13. From left:  Jim Queen, Barry’s dad; Queen’s Price Chopper Owner Barry and wife, Kim; Jayme Queen Morris and husband Tommy Morris and their children Taryn Morris, Trenton Morris and T.J. Morris.
A large crowd welcomed Price Chopper to town on opening day.

FSHS Ensemble Spreads Christmas Cheer

 

Pastor Dusty Drake leads the attendees of Monday’s Community Christian Church Christmas luncheon in applause in recognition of Fort Scott High School Music Teacher Meredith Reid at the conclusion of the student’s performance.

Fort Scott High School Select Ensemble entertained guests of Community Christian Church’s annual Christmas luncheon December 11.

The ensemble is under the direction of Meredith Reid, music instructor at FSHS, and is accompanied on piano by Pat Harry, a retired music teacher.

“Mrs. Harry is the former FSHS choir director who built up the choir to immense proportion,” Reid said.

Eighteen students from sophomore to seniors were selected for this group of 18 members

The performance at the church is leading up to the music department’s  big fundraiser for the year this Sunday at 3 p.m. at the high school. Money raised goes to purchase music,  outfits, travel, and clinicians, Reid said.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students k-12 grade, and there will be refreshments following.

The school auditorium will be decorated by Ellen Kendrick’s art students.

Reid’s dad, Dan Duling, will be performing also during the fundraiser Sunday afternoon. He is in a band called Stone Country that includes Shana Lynette Stone, Rick Duling, Jason Richison and Jeff Culver.

“My dad’s band is doing this for free,” Reid said.

Reid said the student singers love to perform and she sees going out to the public as a way to give back to the community.

In addition, “The kids love getting out of class and today they get to eat,” Reid said with a smile.

The church provided a lunch of soups, sandwiches, appetizers, desserts, and drinks to the students and members of their congregation and invited guests.

The church sanctuary was transformed into the dining area for the annual Christmas luncheon provided by the staff.

A Christmas luncheon is an annual event where the church staff provides food for the congregation.

Members of the staff are Pastor Dusty Drake, Children’s Minister Paul Martin, Youth Pastor Ian Johnson, Pastoral Care and Women’s Minister Marcy Reynolds, and church secretaries Jamie Beckham and Jennifer Addington.

 

Facing camera: Luke Martin, Gunnar Brown, Aaron Emery, Tyson Bolden,  and Micah Self singing “Mary Sat A-Rockin'” by Greg Gilpin, under the direction of music instructor Meredith Reid.
Morgan Rohr and Micah Self singing “Baby It’s Cold Outside”.
Marissa Allen, Katie Button, Missie Woolsey, Miriam Mix, and Aztreia Milton singing “Frosty the Snowman”, under the direction of Meredith Reid.
Marissa Allen, Katie Button, Aztreia Milton, Miriam Mix, Missie Woolsey, Morgan Rohr, Addy Labbe, Lane Bohlken, and Sam Racy singing “Let It Snow.”
Sam Racy and Lane Bohlken singing “Mary Did You Know” arranged by Pat Harry.
Pastor Dusty Drake, center left, speaks to the attendees of the annual church open house Monday prior to the ensemble performance. From left: Levi Bin, Luke Martin, John Gauthier, Greg Lorenz, Gunnar Brown, Aaron Emery, Tyson Bolden, Micah Self and Meredith Reid, the ensemble director.
John Gauthier, Levi Bin, and Greg Lorenz singing “We Three Kings” arranged by Pat Harry.
Levi Bin, Luke Martin, John Gauthier, Greg Lorenz, Gunnar Brown, Aaron Emery, Tyson Bolden, and Micah Self singing “The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy” arranged by Pat Harry, under the direction of music instructor Meredith Reid.
From left (back row) Miriam Mix, Aztreia Milton, Morgan Rohr, Addy Labbe (front row) Marissa Allen, Lane Bohlken, Sam Racy (boys L to R) Levi Bin, Luke Martin, Greg Lorenz, Aaron Emery, Tyson Bolden, and Micah Self singing “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” arranged by Mac Huff, under the direction of music instructor Meredith Reid.
Students and teacher watch fellow ensemble members perform from the side of the stage at Community Christian Church.
The Fort Scott High School Select Ensemble entertain Community Christian Church members and guests.

 

Werling Tells Story Of Why Reinhardt Cried

Cathy Werling reads the story of unsung hero Ken Reinhardt Saturday at the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes.

Cathy Werling read her story entitled “Why Did Grandpa Cry” to an audience of children and adults December 9 at the Lowell Milken Center.

The public reading and signing of books was an event to showcase the first in a series of children’s books that Werling will write, highlighting unsung heroes in history.

Werling said the first story is about black students who tried to go to a white school and were treated badly, except by two white students.

The story is told through the eyes of the granddaughter of one of the white students, decades later.

Following the reading by Werling, she signed books for those who purchased them and a drawing for prizes took place.

Cathy Werling signs Macie Stephan’s copy of “Why Did Grandpa Cry?”

Werling’s book tells the story of Ken Reinhardt, during the U.S. Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s on a level that children can understand.

Reinhardt is an unsung hero whose story is featured at the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes in downtown Fort Scott.

Pictured are, from left Mayla, Davina, Ansley, and Tabor Foster, the children of David Foster. They are standing in front of the display of the unfolding story of unsung hero Reinhardt at the Lowell Milken Center.  David Foster is the farthest right in the upper photo.

Attending the event were the children of David Foster, one of the Uniontown High School history students who discovered the story of Reinhardt for a class project. They sat quietly, intently listening to Werling tell the story.

“Why Did Grandpa Cry” is the first of 12 children’s books about unsung heroes that will come through the Lowell Milken Center.

“The next story is about a dog named Stubby,” Werling told the audience. “A soldier took care of Stubby, then Stubby became a hero.”