Monthly Archives: March 2022

Area News

Prisoner Walks Away in Johnson County

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KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS RESIDENT ALEXIS WOLFGEHER #126758 WALKED AWAY FROM CONTRACT PLACEMENT IN JOHNSON COUNTY

TOPEKA, Kansas. – Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) Alexis Wolfgeher #126758 has been placed on escape status. KDOC Enforcement Apprehension & Investigation (EAI) Special Agents and local law enforcement are conducting a search for Ms. Wolfgeher.

Wolfgeher, a 23-year-old while female, has black hair currently dyed red, brown eyes, is 5 feet 2 inch tall and weighs 112 pounds.

Wolfgeher is currently serving a sentence for a conviction in Johnson County for possession of opiates. She is serving that sentence at the Johnson County Department of Corrections (JCDOC) Adult Residential Center (ARC) from which she walked away. Under an agreement between the KDOC and JCDOC, residents who have release plans that are appropriate to Johnson County are housed at the ARC to promote their successful reintegration back into the community.

Anyone with information on Wolfgeher can call EAI at 816-266-2102, JCDOC 913-715-6539, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at (800) 572-7463 or local law enforcement at 911. Or contact EAI via email at [email protected]

The escape is currently being investigated.  New information will be released as it becomes available.

Business, Food, Fort Scott

Moe’s Is Moving: Will Reopen April 4

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Moe’s Bread is moving to the old Boiler Room Brewhaus at Wall and National Avenue.

Moe and David McCurry are the owners of Moe’s Bread, 20 W. Wall and have been selling many kinds of breakfast, lunch, and snacks at this site for three years.

Moe’s Bread is moving from this site on Wall Street to around the corner east on National Avenue.

But on April 4 they are opening their business in a new location on National Avenue to be able to offer more.

“Moe’s Bread will be closed March 31st to April 3rd to move to 2 South National,” Moe said on the business Facebook page. “We hope to see you on Monday, April 4th.”

Moe McCurdy with grandson Keeghan Bishop in Moe’s Bread Store on March 29.

Today,  Wednesday, March 30 from 10 a.m. until they run out of food, everything in the current storefront will be sold for half off the original price.

2 S. National Avenue is at the corner of Wall and National Avenue, the former Downtowner Hotel, and most recently the Boiler Room Brew Haus.

“The reason we’re moving is … to add a soup and salad bar and we needed more room in the kitchen,” she said in an interview.

A peak in the front windows of the new Moe’s Bread, shows the salad bars.

“We have hot breakfasts in the morning, including biscuits and gravy sausage rolls, breakfast burritos, breakfast sandwiches, croissants, cinnamon rolls, muffins of all flavors and we have muffin top donuts,” Moe said.

For lunch they offer deli sandwiches “and you can call in and have those delivered or you can pick them up any time of the day that we’re open,” she said.

They also offer all kinds of bread: wheat bread, white bread, French bread, Italian bread, sourdough, and fruit bread: pumpkin, banana, apple, cinnamon, chocolate chip, and muffins: blueberry and raspberry.

“We make pies, we make any kind of dessert you’d like,” she said. “Unfortunately, we do not decorate cakes at this moment but we look forward to doing that in the future at our new address.”

Contact info for the store number is 620-768-8009.

“They’re welcome to leave a message,” she said. “We do check our phone every morning.”

Hours of operation currently are 4:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

“When we move on April 4th we will be open 4:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, those are subject to change,” she said.

 

Obituary

Obituary of Alberta Coe

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Alberta Lanell Coe, age 89, lifelong resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Wednesday, March 30, 2022, at Comfort Care Home of Pittsburg, KS.

She was born October 24, 1932, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Oscar Leroy and Pearl Givens Taylor. She attended Ft. Scott schools, graduating from FSHS with the class of 1950. From the age of 9, she and her sisters “The Taylor Sisters” sang and performed live and on the radio with A. J. Cripe of Pittsburg.

She married Ben Coe, Jr. on May 23, 1953, in Ft. Scott. He preceded her in death on December 27, 2017.

Alberta managed the bookstore at Fort Scott Community College until 1985. She then enrolled in the cosmetology school, graduating in 1986. She then operated her beauty shop with daughter Janel and worked for the next couple of years.

Together, Alberta and Ben enjoyed going to auctions, buying furniture to refinish and sell. She loved sports, both locally and the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals.

Alberta was a giving individual, always providing an open door for those in need of a place to stay or a warm meal. She was a member of Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church.

Survivors include four sons, Ben Coe and wife Lanza, McKinney, TX, Kevin Coe and wife Kim, Wichita, KS, Keith Coe and wife Carla, Newman, GA, and Pat Coe and wife Mitzi, Springfield, MO; two daughters, Marianne Garrison and husband Jon, Pittsburg, KS, and Janel Blackburn and husband Lee, Ft. Scott; 18 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, Francis Putnam; four Sisters, Helen Coyan, Beulah Putnam, Deloris Person, and twin sister Roberta Sellers; and an infant grandson Milo James Coe.

Father Yancey Burgess will conduct the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 5th, at the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church.

Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.

The Rosary will be prayed at 5:30 p.m. Monday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

The family will receive friends following from 6:00 to 8:00.

Memorials are suggested to Cradling Memories – The Milo James Coe Foundation and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Schools

FSHS Hosts Annual Talent Show and Pageant

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The FSHS Improv Troupe performs “Late for Work.” L to R: Anthony Russo, Mykael Lewis, Jackson Elton, Jaedyn Lewis. Photos are courtesy of Megan Conner.

The annual FSHS Talent Show and Miss(ter) FSHS Pageant occurred March 25 at Fort Scott High School.

The event, hosted by Thespians and emceed by seniors Christina King and Ashlynn Bagnall, awarded cash prizes to the top three competitors. Senior Tina Ramirez won first place for singing “She Used to Be Mine” from the musical “Waitress.” Junior Ella McElroy won second for her original song accompanied by ukulele. Third place went to sophomore Jericho Jones for his original piano performance of a medley of Elton John songs.

Shakira Shakira (Shekhar Gugnani) wins Miss(ter) FSHS representing Future Business Leaders of America. Pageant emcee – Zaria Byrd.

Eleven senior males represented clubs and athletic teams in the Miss(ter) FSHS Pageant. The winner, by round of applause, was Shakira Shakira (Shekhar Gugnani) representing Future Business Leaders of America.

Talent Show winners and emcees: L to R – Ella McElroy, Jericho Jones, Tina Ramirez, Ashlynn Bagnall, Christina King.

Proceeds from the event will assist Thespians in attending the International Thespian Festival on June 20-24 at Indiana University. Senior Christina King and sophomore Regen Wells will both compete in the monologue category at the Festival.

 

Casey Gomez performs “Yakko’s World” where he recited and pointed to every nation in the world.

 

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

K-State Herb Workshop Set for April 14

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Krista Harding
District Extension Agent, Horticulture
Southwind Extension District
111 S. Butler
Erie, KS 66733
Office: 620-244-3826
Cell: 620-496-8786

 

Whether for culinary or medicinal purposes, herbs are a versatile plant. Are you interested in learning how to grow herbs and utilize them as natural seasoning? If so, plan to attend an herb workshop set for Thursday, April 14 at 6:00 pm at the Bronson Public Library in Bronson. The workshop will cover growing herbs indoors, care and maintenance, the health benefits of cooking with herbs, utilizing them in the kitchen, and herb preservation. In addition, participants will get to taste test a few recipes. For more information, call the Southwind Extension District at 620-365-2242.

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Creating a Healthier Park with Fire

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Submitted photo.

 

Creating a Healthier Park with Fire

 

Prescribed Fire Planned in April

 

Fort Scott Kan. – Park managers at Fort Scott National Historic Site, in coordination with Fire Managers with the US Fish and Wildlife Service from Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge, plan to burn the five-acre restored prairie this April 2022.  The specific date and ignition will depend upon weather conditions and the burn may be postponed or canceled if conditions are unfavorable.

 

“We were very excited to be able to implement this prescribed fire (Rx) project with the assistance of our interagency neighbors. Our ability to treat the tallgrass prairie with fire enhances the resilience of the ecosystem, results in a more diverse prairie, and provides a better habitat for migratory birds and pollinators.” said Carl Brenner, Acting Superintendent, Fort Scott National Historic Site. Like all prescribed fires, the plans for the tallgrass prairie Rx contain a set of parameters which define (among other things) the expected weather and fuel conditions under which the fire can be initiated. Prior to implementing the burn, fire managers will evaluate current conditions and will only ignite the fire if all of the prescribed conditions are within those parameters.

 

During typical Rx fire activity, daytime smoke disperses to the northwest, up and over the highway.  Coordination with the City of Fort Scott, Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas State Highway Patrol, and Kansas Department of Transportation is already underway for this prescribed fire.  Smoke impacts or traffic delays on Highway 69 are not expected during the burn.

 

-NPS-

 

Area News, Ascension Via Christi, Health Care

Ascension Via Christi Wound Center receives Center of Distinction recognition

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Acsension Via Christi. Submitted photo.

The Wound Center at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg has been recognized as a Healogics Center of Distinction based on its outstanding clinical and operational results in 2021 despite the
extraordinary circumstances presented by the pandemic.

To earn this recognition, centers must achieve or exceed a 92 percent patient satisfaction rate and 75 percent wound adjusted comprehensive healing rate and have an outlier rate of less than 16 percent; Pittsburg’s wound center numbers were 95 percent, 80 percent and 12 percent.

“I am so proud of the work this team does,” says Charlotte Russell, director of Physician Services, noting how well they work with each other on patients’ behalf. “In addition to being clinically proficient, they are all so kind and accommodating. They truly are a blessing to our Mission.”

Rachel Stevens, MD, serves as the wound center’s medical director and Tammie Caves as its clinical
program director.
To learn more about the Wound Center, call (620) 235-7522.

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About Ascension Via Christi
In Kansas, Ascension Via Christi operates seven hospitals and 75 other sites of care and employs nearly 6,400 associates. Across
the state, Ascension Via Christi provided nearly $89 million in community benefit and care of persons living in poverty in fiscal year
2021. Serving Kansas for more than 135 years, Ascension is a faith-based healthcare organization committed to delivering
compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. Ascension is
the leading non-profit and Catholic health system in the U.S., operating more than 2,600 sites of care – including 145 hospitals and
more than 40 senior living facilities – in 19 states and the District of Columbia. Visit www.ascension.org,

Opinion

Letter to the Editor: Drew Talbot

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March 30 is National Doctors’ Day. After our experiences with COVID-19 in our communities, it is clear now more than ever the critical role our Ascension Via Christi and community physicians play in our region’s health and wellness. These physicians worked so hard throughout the pandemic to ensure that our community continued to have access to the high-quality, close-to-home care they have come to expect..

 

Specifically, I want to recognize our hospital Medical Executive Committee. This team provided consistent, supportive, clear leadership in helping our team protect themselves while also providing safe, compassionate care for more than 445 COVID-19 inpatients we treated during the past year.

 

Holly Gault, MD, President

Jesse Niederklein, DO, President Elect

Krista Mijares, MD, Secretary/Treasurer

Jarin Redman, MD, Director 

Michael Fenech, DO, Director 

Titus Weller, MD, Medical Section Chair

Eric Delman, DO, Surgical Section Chair

Katelyn Falk, MD, Immediate Past President

 

Thank you to all of the physicians and providers in Pittsburg, Fort Scott and the 44 members of our active Medical Staff for providing care to our community.


Drew Talbott

President, Ascension Via Christi Pittsburg

Obituary

Obituary of David Mullies

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David D. Mullies, 81, of Fort Scott, passed away Monday morning, March 28, 2022. He was born March 8, 1941, in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of Ewing Edgar and Wilma L. (Saunders) Mullies. He married Patricia Ann Jennings October 15, 1960, and she survives of the home.

David was a licensed attorney in private practice since 1966, practicing in Texas and Kansas. He was partner and member of the law firm Hudson & Mullies for approximately 38 years, and served as Senior and Managing Partner of the law firm for 20 years. He was President, General Manager, and shareholder of Crutcher-Mullies Cattle Company for 20 years, which owned and operated a 2,000-acre farm and ranching business operation.

David was active in the community and held numerous memberships over the years. He served on the Board of Directors for Citizens Bank N.A. in Fort Scott for 29 years, and also served as Chairman of the Bank Audit/Compliance Committee for several years. He was a member and Former President of the Fort Scott Jaycees, and recipient of the Distinguished Service Award in 1971. He served 7 years on the Fort Scott City Planning Commission, six of those as Chairman. He served 3 terms on Board of Directors for Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce and as President in 1976; served 2 terms on Fort Scott Country Club Board of Directors as President 1990 and 1991; served as an Officer and director of Fort Scott Industries, Inc., and Bourbon County Economic Development Council, Inc. for over 35 years; Trustee for Bourbon County on Mid-America, Inc.; U.S. Highway 69 Association and U.S. Highway 54 Association, Trustee for Bourbon County for many years.

He was one of the original founders, President, and board member for over 10 years of Fort Scott Community College Endowment Association; One of the original board members and committee to develop, construct, and operate the Southeast Kansas Community Corrections Center. He was a member Phi Delta Phi, International Legal Fraternity; Member of Ancient and Honorable Order of Glorified and Exalted SOABS for 23 years; former member of Kiwanis International, Member of Rotary International, Board of Directors for 5 terms Pelican Bay Association, Osage Beach, Missouri; Mercy Hospital foundation Board for 6 years; Member of Wall Street Investment Club serving as Secretary for 30 years; member of Tau Kappa Epsilon, social fraternity; Fort Scott City Library Board; Co-Chairman of Committee to write and update the Fort Scott Comprehensive Plan and original zoning regulations; General Secretary Old Fort Days Rodeo for 3 years; Member of Fort Scott and Bourbon County Solid Waste Committee; Listed Who’s Who Outstanding Young Men of America, Who’s Who in American Law, Who’s Who in American Business, and Who’s Who in Kansas; Fort Scott Law Library Trustee; Fort Scott United Way Committee; member of Kansas Association of Commerce and Industry; member of Downtown Redevelopment Committee; member of Town-cite Pack Committee for Urban Renewal; member of the Bourbon County Bar Association, serving as President for 3 terms; member of Southeast Kansas, Kansas, and American Bar Associations.

In addition to his wife Patricia, David is also survived by his children, Lisa George and husband Rich, of Elmhurst, Illinois, and John Mullies and wife Carrie of Olathe, Kansas; a sister Mairlyn Weickert, of Pleasanton, Kansas; his grandchildren, Heather Ann George (fiancé Alex Ong), Richard E. George, IV, Megan Patricia George, and Daphne Ann Mullies. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Edgar William Mullies.

The family will receive friends Saturday, April 2, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home followed by a Funeral and Celebration of Life Service at 11:00 a.m. with Dusty Drake officiating. Burial will follow at the Pleasanton Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, designated to be used for the Chamber Building that David helped to build. Contributions may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.