Earl Robert “Dink” Beerbower, age 96, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Thursday, February 10, 2022, at his home. He was born June 4, 1925, in Ft. Scott, the son of John Henry Beerbower and Ivy Myrtle Key Beerbower. Earl served with the United States Army during World War II. He married Sherry C. Slayton in September of 1958, at Wichita, Kansas. Earl owned and operated his own roofing, sheet metal and heating and air business for many years. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Scottish Rite. He enjoyed fishing and listening to country music. He recently received the Elks National Veterans Service Award for the time he spent with the military.
Survivors include his wife, Sherry, of the home; grandchildren, Joey Beerbower, Scott Beerbower, Lisa Coyan and Chanel Thrush and great-grandchildren, Gracelyn and Laine Beerbower and Livia Varner. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews including, Dawn Parker and husband, Travis and their children, Tyler, Hunter and Jenna, and also, Marilyn Beerbower, Todd Beerbower (Sherry) and Gil Beerbower (Laina). He was preceded in death by preceded in death by two sons, Bobby Earl Beerbower and Gerald Dwayne Beerbower; seven brothers, Clyde, Cecil, Clarence, Albert, Lawrence, Carl and Nole Beerbower and three sisters, Mable Dodson, Lillie Wallace and Mae Uptegrove.
Rev. Chris Eshelman will conduct graveside services at 1:30 P.M. Monday, February 28th at the U. S. National Cemetery.
Military honors will be conducted by the American Legion Post #25. Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Leesa Lynn Powell Silvers, of Fort Scott, died Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022, in Fort Scott at the age of 70. As many of her friends and family knew, Leesa was generous, kind and loving, and would often forego her needs to ensure those around her were taken care of. She was also very forthcoming, honest and a listening ear when someone needed it most.
Leesa was a fighter who battled through various illnesses in recent years. She would eventually bounce back with the same determination and spunk she always had. But sickness also took its toll, primarily on her body while her mind and spirit often remained vibrant.
In recent years, Leesa was in a great deal of pain, and the family is grateful that her spirit can rest easy now that her body is free of pain. Now there is lasting comfort and peace for a woman who gave her all to make sure her friends and family’s needs were met. She would give you the shirt off her back, or her last dime, while she went without. We will miss her smile and laugh, her witty remarks and her often risqué sense of humor, but we will learn to live with the love she left behind and know that her spirit is with us as she continues to guide those she loved.
Leesa was born Jan. 7, 1952, to Wallace Eugene Powell, Jr., and Norma Jeane Powell (Barnett) in Independence, Mo. With her dad being a golf professional, Leesa and the family moved from place to place throughout the Midwest during her younger years.
Leesa graduated from Neosho High School in 1970. She eventually went to beauty school and became a licensed cosmetologist after earning a certificate at Fort Scott Community College, working in Kansas and Missouri.
She was a carefree spirit who lived life on her terms. She loved Mountain Dew, iced tea, cheese and crackers and her fuzzy socks, among several other things she treasured. Many a laugh or “wow” were shared over stories of her youth, whether it was attending the Woodstock music festival in the late 1960s, or a hitchhiking adventure shortly after getting married. Even on her sickest days, she could make you laugh with a clever observation.
She married Danny Silvers in 1972 and the couple had two children, a son, Danny, Jr., who was stillborn in 1972, and Jason Eugene Silvers of Fort Scott, who was born in 1974. She was in a relationship with John Coleman in the mid-1980s and the couple gave birth to Leesa’s third child, Kasee Johnel Coleman Howard of Fort Scott, in 1985.
Leesa loved all things related to food and cooking, and could often be found watching the Food Network, with “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” “Chopped,” and “The Pioneer Woman” among her favorite shows. She also enjoyed arts and crafts and passed her skills on to her children and grandchildren. She loved helping her grandchildren with their projects.
In the 1990s, Leesa went back to school. She earned a two-year degree at FSCC in 1992 before venturing on to earn a bachelor’s degree in social work from Pittsburg State University in 1994. She briefly worked as a social worker in Mound City before leaving to pursue other ventures. She continued to show her love for helping youth in need by working for several years at Heartland Behavioral Health Services in Nevada, Mo., in the mid-to-late 1990s. Leesa worked as pageant director for America’s Youth Showcase and AmeriKids from about 2000 to 2005.
Leesa’s smile and personality lit up a room, and she drew people to her. She was engaging, loyal and funny, and often had a knack for being brutally honest. Leesa would “tell you like it is.” But if you were in her circle of family and friends, her love knew no bounds. Strangers were also on the receiving end of this love. A decline in her health led to several hospital stays in recent years. While she was often able to return home, her health issues led to a stay in Medicalodges of Fort Scott, which was her home for nearly the last year. But her spirit and willpower retained their strength as she fought many hardships through her love for her grandchildren, as she would say.
Leesa was preceded in death by a son, Danny Silvers, Jr.; her parents, Wally Powell (2012) and Norma Powell (2004); and a brother, Larry Powell (2011.) Survivors include a son, Jason E. Silvers; a daughter, Kasee Howard; six grandchildren, Braeden (Brady) Silvers, Kenli Coleman, Kaeda Stufflebeam, Kai Powell, Kross Powell and Krymsyn Howard; as well as many other treasured family and friends.
Following cremation, a memorial service is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 5, 2022, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home in Leesa’s honor to help with funeral expenses. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.
Rachel Carpenter, Healthy Bourbon County Action Team Program Coordinator, shows the banner telling of the event. From the HBCAT Facebook page.
A community gathering is happening this Saturday to gain input on ideas to establish and develop a community project on Fort Scott’s east side.
The name of the event is Stronger Together: Building Up Our Neighborhoods, and is hosted by the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team. The event will be on Feb. 26 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Fort Scott Fire House #2, 23 S. Franklin. Breakfast will be provided and there will be a tablet giveaway drawing.
Fire Station #2, at First and Franklin Street on Fort Scott’s east side.
“We have $70,000 for this Creative Placemaking project through the Patterson Family Foundation Grant and Blue Cross Blue Shield Pathways Grant,” Rachel Carpenter, HBCAT Program Coordinator said.
“Creative placemaking is allowing community’s residents to be part of the decision-making process of the project,” Carpenter said. “They get to decide where and what the project can be. Some examples would be fixing up an underutilized park, turning an alleyway into an art gallery, or restoring an abandoned building to make it into a community center. The possibilities are endless and are completely up to the community!”
Through this project, the organization seeks to help the east side residents “reimagine a place in the community to increase vibrancy, build capacity among the residents to take ownership of their communities and improve economic conditions,” Carpenter said.
“This public forum is part of one of our Creative Placemaking projects that will be on the east side of Fort Scott,” Rachel Carpenter said.
At this event, HBCAT will review with the participants what is in place for the Creative Placemaking project, have the residents share what they want to see in their neighborhood, identify what challenges may be encountered, and start identifying the options, she said.
The target participants are Fort Scott east side residents who want to build up their neighborhood, she said.
“This is 1 of 3 public forums we will have,” Carpenter said. “Our planning committee will take the ideas from the audience that fits with the grant criteria, and pick one to start developing a sustainability plan for a project.”
The office of the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, 104 N. National, from its Facebook page.
About HBCAT
The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s mission is to increase access to healthy food and physical activity, promote commercial tobacco cessation, enhance the quality of life and encourage economic growth. Our solution to building healthy communities is by transforming power, building trust, and encouraging community participation. A comprehensive strategy for change includes local organizing, strategic communication, community research, creating systems, and environmental changes.
The office is located at 104 N. National Avenue, just north of Luther’s Restaurant and Carpenter can be reached at 620.215.2562.
KDHE and the FDA warn consumers not to use select Similac, Alimentum and EleCare powdered infant formula
TOPEKA – Yesterday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it is investigating complaints of infant illness related to products from Abbott’s Nutrition’s Sturgis, MI facility. Three brands of powdered infant formula were recalled for possible Cronobacter contamination. As a result of the ongoing investigation, the FDA is alerting consumers to avoid purchasing or using certain powdered infant formula products produced at this facility.
The FDA is advising consumers not to use Similac, Alimentum, or EleCare powdered infant formulas if:
the first two digits of the code are 22 through 37; and
the code on the container contains K8, SH or Z2; and
the expiration date is 4-1-2022 (APR 2022) or later.
Abbott has initiated a voluntary recall of certain powdered infant formulas. Products made at the Sturgis facility can be found across the United States. Individuals can find more information about returning the product directly to Abbott by using the Product Recall tool.
Cronobacter infections are rare, but they can be deadly in newborns. Infections in infants usually occur in the first days or weeks of life. About two to four cases are reported to CDC every year, but this figure may not reflect the true number of illnesses because most hospitals and laboratories are not required to report Cronobacter infections to health departments.
The first symptom of Cronobacter infection in infants is usually a fever, accompanied by poor feeding, crying, or very low energy. Infants with these symptoms should be immediately evaluated by a health care provider.
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) released the following statement after Russian troops invaded Eastern Ukraine:
“Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is an avoidable tragedy for which Vladimir Putin is solely responsible. President Biden and our allies must impose punishing sanctions on Russia’s vital economic sectors and provide humanitarian support to Ukrainian victims of Moscow’s aggression. It is also imperative that all NATO allies remain unified against the Russian threat and ensure the security of the alliance’s eastern-most members. While this moment underscores the need for our allies to contribute more to NATO’s defense, the United States’ commitment to our NATO obligations cannot be in doubt.
“I am grateful for our military service members stationed in Europe—and those who have recently deployed there—for demonstrating to our NATO allies in Europe and around the world that the United States can be relied upon.”
Crazy Weather lately the temperature has fluctuated from unusually hot to very cold – kind of like how this year’s legislative session has gone.
Tax Cuts The government takes too much of our money and needs to be more frugal with its spending. I stand strong for tax cuts, not tax increases. Last year, I led a successful effort to cut income taxes by increasing the standard deduction and allowing an option to itemize – the Governor vetoed the tax cuts, but the legislature overrode the veto. This year, I am again working to lower your taxes. Kansans are paying record amounts of taxes – even with last year’s tax cuts.
Senate Bill (SB) 431 modernizes the $20,000 exemption for the schools 20 mil of property tax. Presently, $20,000 is subtracted from a homeowner’s valuation for the 20 mill collected by the state and sent to the schools. The $20,000 exemption was established in 1997. To count for inflation, SB 431 would increase the $20,000 to $65,000 for 2021 and adjust annually. The bill passed out of the Senate Tax Committee and hopefully, will be debated on the Senate floor next week.
Improving Adoptions in Kansas SB 12 would require performance-based contracts to be established by Kansas Department of Children and Families (DCF) with stakeholders. The plan would help with early intervention services for families and children who are awaiting adoption. The bill passed the Senate unanimously.
Increasing Healthcare Access
SB 200 would provide Kansans an option to see a pharmacist to start therapy for the flu, strep, and UTI (Urinary Tract Infections). Some think this is a doctor’s responsibility and overreach for a pharmacist. While others see it as a way to improve our healthcare system. I voted Yes. The bill passed 37 to 2.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Common Ground Coffee Company is not just a place to gather but also offers small event catering and rental space venues.
Like other coffee shops, one can hang- out with others, catch up on some studying or just find a little solitude, all while enjoying specialty drinks and scrumptious foods, according to its website.
In addition to a hang-out place, the business offers small event catering and rental space venues.
The conference room, a private space at the rear of the business, is free, when available.
And there is a large space with outdoor access and a stage in the rear also called the Loading Dock.
“We rent rooms for showers and parties,” Vickie Waldron, manager, told the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Coffee attendees on Feb. 17. In addition, “We cater baked goods for small events.”
The coffee shop is a ministry of the Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene.
The excess profits are given back to the community, Waldron said.
“We donate to any of our staff’s charity of choice,” she said. “We have donated to the Sharing Bucket, Paws and Claws, American Childhood Diabetes Assn., the local GED program, the Leukemia Association, just to name a few off of the top of my head.”
Common Grounds currently employs 16-17 people.
Hours of operation for the business are:
Monday 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
Tuesday 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
Wednesday 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
Thursday 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
Friday 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
Saturday 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
Sunday Closed
The Friends of the Fort Scott National Historic Site are inviting the public to join them in saying goodbye to long-time Superintendent Betty Boyko.
The Friends will host a reception on Wednesday, February 23 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Crooner’s Restaurant, 117 S. Main, to honor Boyko.
Boyko is leaving her Fort Scott post to accept the Superintendent position at Homestead National Historic Park in Beatrice, Nebraska, which is closer to her family.
“Betty has been an active part of our community since she became Superintendent in May 2006, and she will be missed,” Martha Scott, member of the Friends group said.
“Come by, say goodbye to Betty and grab a Crooner’s Cakery cupcake and a glass of punch as we say farewell to this longtime Fort Scott National Historic Site Superintendent,” Scott said.
“Betty has great administrative and people skills,” Scott said. “She also has been active in Rotary Club and her church.”
“Betty has always been open to ideas that were still part of the mission of the historic site, but thinks outside the box,” she said.
Such ideas as the Symbols of Sacrifice, which are flags placed on the parade ground to honor veterans, and the U.S. Naturalization Ceremony that happens annually now.
Symbols of Sacrifice event, Sept. 2015
Recently, it was Betty who suggested that the Fort needed a boundary expansion so that the Block House could be included as part of The Fort Scott National Historic Site.
“Since it is government, we have to be careful because there are things that the fort and its employees cannot do — like the boundary expansion. She can’t actively work on it. It’s a fine line — government!” Scott said.
Boyko made the events happen with help from residents of the community.
To begin with, she gave information to local citizens on how a Friends group is beneficial to a historic site.
“She was instrumental in suggesting that we start a Friends of the Fort group,” Scott said. “She said it would be beneficial to the park.”
About the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site
The Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site’s mission is to support the National Historic Site in a partnership through activities that may include fundraising, volunteerism, education, advocacy, and research.
The Friends have provided the lunch for the newly naturalized citizens after the Naturalization Ceremony held at the fort, provided the treats at the end of the annual Christmas Candlelight Tour, and made homemade ice cream for visitors for the 4th of July as well as many Friends members spending countless hours as a volunteer at the Fort.
Advertising for the Fort on a local, regional, state, or national level is done by the Friends group and they were instrumental in lobbying for the boundary expansion which resulted in the Block House becoming part of the Fort.
A group of citizens in 2009 came together to discuss forming a Friends group. They were Cheryl Adamson, Darlene Doherty, Sandra Haimerl, Herbert Haimerl, Reed Hartford, Ken Lunt, Dale Johnson, Caroly Lydic, Cynthia McFarlin, James Pitt, Jim Scott, Martha Scott, James Smith, and Paulette Smith.
From this grassroots meeting, the Friends group was born. That initial group served as officers and board members during the early years.
Current board members and officers are Reed Hartford, President; Matt Wells, Vice President; Martha Scott, Secretary; Marlene Braker, Treasurer. Vonnie Rickerson, Kelley Collins, Frankie Ruggerio, Shay Lynn Clements, Carol MacArthur, Judy Earp, Ronda Hassig, and Kaitlyn Wilson serve as the current board.
Funds for the activities that the Friends do are provided in two ways: the Flag subscriptions and membership dues.
The Flag subscriptions are a service that the Friends provide to residents within the city limits of Fort Scott, where they place a full-size flag on a 12-foot pole in a residents front yard five times a year — on Memorial Day, Flag Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day and Veterans Day.
Subscriptions are $35.00 per year and are due by the 20th of March. If interested in this subscription, please contact Kelley Collins at 417-684-2484 for more information.
“If you are interested in helping place those flags on the flag holidays, please call Kelley Collins to let her know that you’d like to help,” Scott said. “We are a small group of dedicated volunteers, we flag placers, and it is a worthwhile way to begin a holiday day.”
Membership in Friends is easy, Scott said.
The four membership levels are: $35 is Corporal, $50 Sergeant, $75.00 Quartermaster, $100 Sergeant Major.
If interested, mail a check to Membership Chairman, Martha Scott, 1208 S. National, Fort Scott, Kansas.
Krista Harding District Extension Agent, Horticulture Southwind Extension District 111 S. Butler Erie, KS 66733 Office: 620-244-3826 Cell: 620-496-8786
Are you itching to get out of the house and do something productive in the landscape? If you have fruit trees, now is the time to prune. A little planning ahead with fruit trees, such as pruning, can mean big rewards later in the growing season.
Are you like many who are “afraid” to prune? Don’t be. When done correctly, pruning is an essential component of growing a healthy, productive fruit tree. Fruit trees should be pruned every year and for several reasons. The first is the development of a strong tree structure. Pruning should begin when the tree is planted and continued each year thereafter. Another reason to prune is the increased penetration of sunlight for the development of fruit buds and for the fruit to mature properly.
Trees can be pruned this early (winter) because they are dormant. This can be done in January, February and even early March. Pruning when trees are dormant makes it easier to see undesirable branches because leaves aren’t present. It is important to do any pruning before dormant sprays are applied, to avoid spraying some of the wood that will later be removed. Total spray coverage of limbs, branches and shoots will be increased after pruning. Do not prune if temperatures are below 20°F because this can cause tissue damage.
Have your fruit trees been neglected for quite some time? If so, pruning can seem like an overwhelming task; where to start, how much wood to remove, etc. But a neglected tree can be revitalized.
The first step in revitalizing a neglected tree is to prune wood around the trunk area and near the ground. Remove all sucker growth around the trunk by cutting as close as possible to the point of origin. Then remove all dead and diseased branches. Next, look for two branches that rub and remove one of the two. Branches that are growing toward the interior of the tree should also be removed. No more than thirty percent of the tree should be removed in a year.
You will want to retain scaffolds that are growing away from the tree center at wide angles with the trunk. Scaffolds are one of the main branches making the basic framework of a tree. They should be positioned on different sides of the tree for good distribution of the fruit crop.
The right tools are needed for proper pruning. Tools always need to be sharp so clean cuts can be made. Cuts that result in bark tears, stubs, or jagged surfaces are slow to heal and may even not completely heal. A scissor type of hand shear is used to prune small size wood, usually ¼ inch in diameter. Long handled loppers should be used to cut ¼ to ½ inch wood. These will need to be used generally by the third year of tree growth. For branches larger than ½ inch, use a fine-toothed pruning saw.
The Extension office has a couple of publications on pruning fruit trees that explain in more detail how to prune depending on the species and age of the tree. These publications can be found on our Southwind website: www.southwind.ksu.edu
If you would like me to evaluate your trees, give me a call and a home visit can be scheduled.
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.
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
