Donald Dale Simpson, age 90, a resident of rural Garland, Kansas, passed away early Saturday, February 3, 2018, at the Country Place Assisted Living facility in Ft. Scott, Kansas.
He was born March 16, 1927, in Ft. Scott, the son of Maurice Simpson and Nina Alice McPheron Simpson. Don attended Fort Scott schools. He served in the United States Army from 1945 to 1947 where he was stationed in Italy. He married Charlene Mason on December 22, 1954.
Don farmed and raised cattle on the family farm near Garland for the remainder of his life. Don loved his life on the farm and enjoyed making things grow. He especially enjoyed tending to his strawberries and gladiolus. He also liked to collect arrowheads and toy tractors. In earlier years, he liked to do woodworking.
Survivors include his three sons, Mason (Paula), Scott (Becky), Brady (Patty), all of Ft. Scott and his daughter, Lisa Ireland (Lanny), of Stewartsville, Missouri; ten grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren, and nine great-great-grandchildren.
His wife, Charlene, preceded him in death on November 27, 2017.
Pastor Lela Simpson will conduct funeral services at 11:30 A.M. Thursday, February 8 at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery where military honors will be provided by the Olson Frary Burkhart Post #1165 Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Memorials are suggested to the charity of the donor’s choice and may be left in the 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.
The following are highlights of the agenda for the Fort Scott City Commission to be held at 6 p.m. Feb. 6. at city hall, 123 S. Main.
1. Resolution 4-2018 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Dangerous and Unsafe Structure and accessory structure located at 1523 E. Wall Street – Public Hearing Date – 3/20/2018 – 6:15 p.m.
Resolution 5-2018 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Dangerous and Unsafe Structure and Accessory Structure located at 1601 E. Wall Street – Public Hearing Date – 3/20/2018 – 6:15 p.m.
Resolution 6-2018 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Dangerous and Unsafe Structure and Accessory Structure located at 13 N. Holbrook Street – Public Hearing Date – 3/20/2018 – 6:15 p.m.
Resolution 7-2018 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Dangerous and Unsafe Structure located at 523 S. Main Street – Public Hearing Date – 3/20/2018 – 6:15 p.m.
Resolution 8-2018 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Dangerous and Unsafe Structure located at 108 W. Oak Street – Public Hearing Date – 3/20/2018 – 6:15 p.m.
Resolution 9-2018 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Dangerous and Unsafe Structure and Accessory Structure located at 309 S. Lowman Street – Public Hearing Date – 3/20/2018 – 6:15 p.m.
Items to be considered by the commission:
Consideration of appointment to Fort Scott Planning Commission – one city resident
Assignment of Charlesworth Contract
Consideration of 2017 Audit Contract with Diehl, Banwart Bolton
Consideration to approve KDOT Form TRF 3 – Closeout of Downtown Brick Street and Sidewalk Replacement Project in 2010
Consideration of increase in Woodland Hills Golf Course fees and change in membership renewal dates
Consideration to reject demolition bids for 1837 E. 1st
Consideration of Tourism center upgrade bids
Discussion of Utility Office hours
Consideration of tree removal from west and south end of runway – Fort Scott Municipal Airport
Paul Ballou with Rhonda Dunn will give an update on the Stout Building.
To see the full agenda which includes minutes and financials click here:
Westar Energy in Fort Scott, on Old Fort Boulevard.
Consistent with its recent statements, Westar Energy (NYSE: WR) today asked the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) to update its prices for the new lower federal tax rate, which will save customers about $74 million per year.
Westar’s request also included $11 million of initial savings in contemplation of its proposed merger with Great Plains Energy and $29 million in savings achieved from refinancing debt. These $114 million in savings offset costs related to the recently added Western Plains wind farm, depreciation, and other expenses.
All told, these adjustments will reduce prices by about $2 million in September, when the KCC’s decision is due.
In early 2019, credits that reduced customer prices for about 10 years will expire, and Westar has asked to adjust prices for those changes at that time. “Westar Energy is pleased to ask the KCC to reflect in our prices the benefit of federal tax savings,” said Mark Ruelle, president, and chief executive officer. “It’s important that our prices reflect the actual cost of serving customers.”
Renewable energy expansion Included in Westar Energy’s rate update are costs for the new 280 megawatts Western Plains wind farm, required updates for depreciation costs, and, later, adjustments related to ending renewable energy federal tax credits and an expiring wholesale contract.
Western Plains wind farm, near Spearville, Kan., has been in service, reducing customers’ fuel costs for a year, but the costs of the new renewable energy center are not yet reflected in customer prices.
Over the wind farm’s 20-year life, the fuel savings are expected to exceed the cost of the wind farm by about $70 million.
“About a third of the electricity we supply to our retail customers now comes from renewables – notably, Kansas wind farms,” said Ruelle. “Clean Kansas energy is affordable, bringing Kansas to third in the nation for wind energy.”
The KCC requires companies it regulates to produce a study every five to seven years updating the depreciation costs that should be included in prices. Changes to depreciation costs account for $56 million of the request, but as noted, are more than offset by other decreases. These periodic updates are to ensure that customers who are paying for investments are also those who benefit from those same investments. If a depreciation period is set too short or long, customers today could pay too much or too little toward the cost of those assets.
Updating prices for lower taxes, anticipated merger savings, and interest savings, along with recognizing the costs for the new wind farm, increased depreciation costs and other adjustments results in a planned net price decrease of about $2 million that would be effective with the KCC’s decision in September.
Westar’s application also includes adjustments to reflect the expiration of government and wholesale customer credits that have been reducing customer bills during the past decade but will soon expire.
In early 2019, Westar Energy’s first wind farms will reach 10 years of service. At that time, federal production tax credits will expire. Westar also sells electricity to Kansas electric cooperatives, with gains on those wholesale sales used to reduce costs for its retail customers.
One of those long-term contracts, and the associated benefits, also expires in January 2019.
Current wholesale electricity markets no longer provide the same opportunity to capture such credits for customers. Recognizing the expiration of these benefits would result in a subsequent price increase of about $54 million to be implemented February 2019.
Together, early next year, the two adjustments combined would increase prices by about $52.6 million or 2.6 percent.
Two-thirds of Westar’s residential customers use a monthly average of 900 kWh or less, so their average monthly increase would be about $5.90 or less when both the rate reduction and the subsequent rate increase are implemented.
The KCC is the state’s regulatory body that oversees this process and sets Westar Energy’s prices.
Regulators will take eight months to review, audit and evaluate Westar’s request to ensure that prices reflect appropriate costs of providing electricity.
Marilyn Jane Love, age 73, a resident of rural Redfield, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, January 31, 2018, at the Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri.
She was born October 2, 1944, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, the daughter of Lawrence Homer “Jack” Query and Alberta Mae Duncan Query.Marilyn graduated from the Ft. Scott High School with the Class of 1963.She married Charles A. Walker on February 4, 1966, at Ft. Scott.
He preceded her in death on April 25, 2000.She later married Gerald Love on February 16, 2001, at the Mt. Orum Baptist Church near Redfield.
In earlier years, Marilyn had worked for the Western Insurance Company and then for the Pittsburg, Kansas, and Stillwater, Oklahoma school districts.She was later employed by Wal-Mart in Ft. Scott for over twenty-five years.
Marilyn loved her God and her family.She was a member of the Mt. Orum Baptist Church and was also active with the Redfield Ruritan.She also enjoyed taking care of her animals.
Survivors include her husband, Jerry, of the home; and her children, Shane Walker (Jana), Lane Walker (Crystal Sprague) and David Johnson (Christina) all of Ft. Scott; and her grandchildren, Olivia, Grace, Audrey and Ella Walker, Kirryn Sprague, Korbyn and Kayley Reyes, Rosa Martin and Kaden Johnson.Also surviving are two brothers, Dwayne Query (Clyda), of Rochelle, Illinois and Robert Query (Lori), of Ft. Scott a sister, Marjorie Schwalm, of Ft. Scott and several nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her first husband, Charles Walker and her parents, Jack and Mae Query.
Rev. Jeff Cokeley will conduct funeral services at 10:00 A.M.Monday, February 5th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.Burial will follow in the Pittsburg Garden of Memories Cemetery.The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 P.M. Sunday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.Memorials are suggested to Care to Share and may be left in the 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.
Kansas youth were given the opportunity to create artwork depicting the theme “New Faces, New Neighbors”.
Fort Scott National Historic Site is exhibiting the youth artwork in the building west of the visitors center.
The winter hours of the fort, from November 1 to March 1, are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The fort is located at the north end of downtown Fort Scott on Old Fort Boulevard.
For more information: 620.223-0310
One of the art projects depicted soldiers, caucasian, black and Native Americans.
For more information, click here:
“New Faces, New Neighbors” Textile Art Display
In addition to the above exhibit, while at the Fort view the excellent exhibit “The Fight Over Freedom”, adjacent to the youth exhibit.
The following are photos from that exhibit.
Fort Scott National Historic Site’s “The Fight Over Freedom” exhibit.
Mercy Hospital Fort Scott and Peerless Products Inc. are collaborating to tackle diabetes in our community.
Approximately 15 employees are taking advantage of the pilot program at Peerless presented by Mercy employees, with meetings set each Friday for one hour.
Peerless management gives the employees the time to attend during their workday and pays the fee of those who choose to participate in the diabetes prevention program, according to Cindy Davis, Director of Health and Wellness at Peerless.
The pilot program runs for one year. Classes meet for one hour, once a week, for the first six months, and then decreases in frequency to monthly maintenance sessions, according to a press release from Jody Hoener, Mercy Clinic Quality and Community Benefit Liaison.
“We welcome the program and support our employees attending, with that health issue,” Davis said, who has been at her job for approximately one month.
The diabetes prevention program, led by Hoener, and Mercy’s Registered Dietician Sherise Beckham, uses an evidence-based approach proven to motivate and support individuals in making practical, real-life, lasting change.
The prevention program is not a diet and is not a well-intended, short-lived weight loss program, it’s a lifestyle change, according to Beckham in the press release.
“We want Peerless Products to be the employer of choice,” Coby Jones, Peerless Products owner said. “We are creating a worksite environment where Peerless is a place where living healthier lifestyles is easier to do,” according to the press release.
The Mercy Diabetes Prevention Program, a new service provided by Mercy Hospital, is funded through a Pathways to a Healthy Kansas grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas. It is part of the Center for Disease Control National Diabetes Prevention Program.
The American Medical Association reports the burden of Type 2 Diabetes as substantial with $69 billion in lost productivity and $176 billion in direct medical costs, according to the Mercy press release.
Typically, one in three employees has prediabetes, and it is a reversible condition.
Working outside of hospital walls, Mercy is taking steps to improve the culture of health and wellness through The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, with grant funds provided by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas through its Pathways to a Healthy Kansas initiative, according to the press release.
Bourbon County was selected as one of the first eight Pathways communities in 2016, according to the press release.
Mercy is building relationships with many community stakeholders through the Pathways to a Healthy Kansas initiative.
The Mercy Diabetes Prevention Program is part of the community-wide initiative to implement policy and environmental change in order to improve the quality of life, encourage economic development, increase awareness and community engagement in leading healthy lifestyles, and support tobacco-free living.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce will have a ribbon cutting as part of Fort Scott Community College John Deere Tech Program Grand Opening and Open House Friday, February 9, 2018
at 12:00 pm at 2223 S. Horton Street.
The public is invited to tour the new FSCC John Deere facilities prior to the ceremony from 8:00 am to 11:00 am, with lunch being served at 11:30 am. The remarks and ribbon cutting will take place at 12:00 pm. All are invited to the open house, lunch, and ribbon cutting.
For more information contact the Chamber at 620-223-3566 or call Kent Aikin 620.223.2700 ext. 5371 or Dale Griffiths at 620.223.2700 ext. 5372.
This information submitted by The Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce.
FRIDAY & SATURDAY February 2 & 3
10:00 am – 5:00 pm~ Livestock Sale – Fort Scott Livestock Market 2131 Maple Rd.~ Friday: Cows, Pairs & Big Bulls. Saturday: Stocker & Feeder Cattle.
8:30 am – 4:30 pm ~ Art Project: New Faces New Neighbors Fort Scott National Historic Site, Old Fort Blvd. Fort Scott, KS 66701 Join us at Fort Scott NHS as youth from around the region display their art in the “New Faces, New Neighbors” display. The artwork explores the stories of change at Fort Scott NHS throughout its history.
SUNDAY, February 4 ~ SUPER BOWL SUNDAY 5:30 pm ~ Philadelphia Eagles at New England Patriots
All Day ~Annual Superbowl Potluck Party – Holmtown Pub 206 N National Ave ~ Bring a dish in to share and enjoy a great night of Football with friends. Drink specials and games all day. 2:00 – 9:00 pm ~ Un Superbowl Party – The Boiler Room Brewhaus 102 S. National Ave ~ A safe (TV Free) place to get away from all the Super Bowl hoopla and discuss important stuff, like which beer to drink next.
One of my favorite television shows is “America’s Got Talent.” Two seasons ago, Simon Cowell, one of its judges, stunned the viewing audience when he disagreed with the other judges and admonished performer Johnny Manuel for daring to sing a Stevie Wonder song. “So, with all the trills and everything, I thought it was quite annoying.” The cameras panned the audience that grimaced at Cowell’s brusqueness.
But then Simon did the unexpected: He asked Manuel to perform 30 seconds of his first audition song. Manuel would be given another chance. And perform he did! “Even from what I just hear there, honestly, you are one of the best singers in this competition, so thank you,” Simon added after the second song. Then it was time for fellow-judge, the famous song-writer/singer, Seal, to speak. “You know, Johnny, you have such an incredible voice. It is undeniable. You hit notes that I could only dream of. I was always taught that you have to be ready at every situation. You never know when opportunity’s gonna knock on your door. Simon said to you, ‘Give me something a cappella,’ and you didn’t flinch.
“You just gave an incredible rendition, and so I’m gonna have to…” Seal said, as he stood, paused and slammed the golden buzzer. Gold-colored confetti and streamers appeared from the skies and filled the stage. Everyone knew what it meant. Each guest judge is given one chance per season to press the golden buzzer, insuring the act is sent straight to the semi-finals, regardless of the other judges’ opinions.
Probably none of us will ever know what it’s like to become a national celebrity because of a golden buzzer/second chance, but every day we are given opportunities to be ready and willing to take advantage of opportunities. Manuel could have made the excuse that he wasn’t prepared. He didn’t. He recognized a “do-over” chance as the only one he would get, and he performed his heart out.
Do we do the same, knowing our days on earth are numbered? To forgive a hurt. To intercede. To be joyful, no matter the circumstances. To be thankful. To build up and not tear down. To think of others more than ourselves.
Or how about this one? To share the good news of Jesus Christ.
In the Bible, Paul instructed his young mentoree Timothy just as Seal advised Manuel: to “be ready at every situation.” In 4:2 we read, “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.” No excuses.
I’m not prepared? Preach the word.
I’m not in the mood? Preach the word.
I’ll be mocked? Preach the word.
Manuel made no excuse. He recognized his time was short and did what needed to be done. I pray today I do the same.
Extension Update by Carla Nemecek, Southwind Extension District Director, Agriculture, Iola Office. Phone: 620-365-2242 [email protected]
The Southwind Extension District met for their annual organizational meeting on Tuesday, January 30, 2018.
After much discussion, a motion was made and seconded to bring Woodson County into the existing District that includes Allen, Bourbon and Neosho Counties.
There is a lengthy process that includes that Kansas Attorney General before the district merger with Woodson County will be finalized on July 1.
Board members learned that Lois Carlson accepted the 2017 Extension Board Leadership Award on behalf of Southwind at the annual partnership meeting in Lawrence.
Finally, officers were elected – Chairman, Kathy Brazle; Vice-Chairman, Jim Smart; Secretary, Lori Shue; Treasurer, Job Springer.
The next meeting will be held March 27 at 6 pm at the Moran United Methodist Church.
