Monthly Archives: June 2025
A Death of Blessings by Patty LaRoche
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)
While talking with my recently widowed friend, I listened as she shared some of her emotional journey. She said something I never had considered: her desire is that, at the moment she dies, she will be in the middle of praying blessings for other people.
Get that? Not blessings for herself. For others. The thought never crossed my mind. Well, the thought of dying has crossed my mind. Every time I get on a plane, I question how I will react if we nosedive. Will I scream to my fellow passengers “Choose Jesus” or just pray I lose consciousness before we hit the ground? When my husband drives too close to the vehicle in front of us, I am not praying blessings on other people. I just grab the passenger door handle and slam on my pretend brake, a PTSD reminder of my crash over a year ago.
My preferred method of dying would be in my sleep, but if not that, then while hanging with my grandkids. Of course, they might be traumatized if I keel over while rolling Playdough worms with them, so I should try to consider less shocking (and more spiritual) ends…like my friend.
Compared to her, my thoughts have been selfish. Where do I start to destroy these desires? Mark 8:34 makes it sound so simple. He tells us to forget about ourselves. We are to “deny” ourselves, take up Jesus’ cross and follow him. That cross simply means not to be concerned about our circumstances but live a life that blesses other people.
Still, selfishness comes so effortlessly, doesn’t it? Never has a baby been born who wasn’t egocentric. We don’t have to teach children how to be selfish. It is part of human nature. If ever there was a little tyke who daily asked, “What else can I do to help this family? I don’t need to go outside and play. I just want to unselfishly give of myself,” I’ve never met that little saint. The only time I heard my kids offer to sacrificially serve in our home was when they wanted money or permission to hang with their friends.
Selfishness doesn’t end with little ones. Professor Jay Hoffman of The College of New Jersey writes, “If you don’t think most of humanity is selfish, try going shopping early on Black Friday…Or try yelling ‘Fire’ in a crowded theater. And driving anywhere these days one sees a horrific display of selfishness. Drivers are aggressively competing to get ahead of each other…”
The truth is, you and I are selfish. We need to remind ourselves to put others first, to look for ways to bless them before we bless ourselves. It is not a challenge the Holy Spirit cannot handle, but we must be willing to seek his will when confronted with choices of “who comes first.” I daily battle this sin. I want the thermostat set so as not to replicate a walk-in cooler. I struggle when multiple vehicles take advantage of me and merge in front of my car. I want the shortest line in the grocery store, and I have no problem taking the last bag of Fritos off the shelf. Galatians 5:20 calls selfishness one of the “works of the flesh.” James 3:16 says it leads to “disorder and every evil practice.” Selfishness ruins friendships (Proverbs 18:1) and hinders prayer (James 4:3).
Sin (selfishness) and love cannot coexist. We need our minds transformed. That happens when we allow God’s love to move through us so that we can love others the way He wants us to love. I’m pretty sure that includes praying blessings on others instead of myself.
CFSEK Launches 2025 General Funds Grant Cycle
Since 2001, the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK) has hosted the annual CFSEK General Funds grant cycle supporting a wide variety of projects. Since inception, the General Funds grant cycle has awarded over $1.9 million to projects across Southeast Kansas!
This grant cycle has 3 focus areas: Arts & Culture, Basic Human Needs, and Youth Activities.
“Year after year, we are deeply impressed by the dedication and impact of our nonprofit partners throughout Southeast Kansas,” said Devin Gorman, CFSEK Executive Director. “It’s a privilege to once again announce the opening of our General Funds grant opportunity. These grants offer support for the crucial programs and services that enhance the quality of life in our region.”
Applications are available at SoutheastKansas.org/Grant-App, and more information about the fund and lists of previous recipient projects are available at SoutheastKansas.org/GF.
Applications for the 2025 General Funds grant cycle are available online via CFSEK’s portal until midnight on June 30th. Questions regarding the grant applications should be directed to CFSEK Program Coordinator Kara Mishmash at SoutheastKansas.org/Contact/Kara.
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Plan your Friday Night at The Artificers!
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Death Notice of Michael David Kent
Michael David Kent, age 72, a resident of rural Mapleton, Kansas, passed away Thursday, June 5, 2025. There was cremation and no services are planned at this time. Arrangements were 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.
June is Jumping at Lowell Milken Center
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2025 Discovery Award – Submission Deadline: July 1
Questions? Call 620-223-1312 or email 
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Visitors are raving:
“Truly inspiring—an experience that will change you.”
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Obituary of Karen Salsbury
Karen Salsbury, a woman of extraordinary musical talent, keen intellect, and unwavering determination, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2025, with her family at her side. Born on June 29, 1944, in Mauston, Wisconsin, her early passion for music blossomed into an illustrious career and a lifelong devotion to education.
A consummate musician, Karen was the first chair violist for a combined 20 years, gracing the stages of both the Atlanta Ballet Symphony and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Her love for music extended beyond performance; she was a private instructor for many years, beginning even before high school graduation and continuing through her retirement until 2020. Her academic journey reflected her deep value for music and learning, culminating in a Bachelor’s degree from Kansas State College of Pittsburg in 1966, a Master of Music from Florida State University in 1971, and her earlier graduation from Fort Scott High School in 1962.
Karen’s professional life was also marked by significant contributions to academia. She served as the Coordinator of the Emory University College Honors Program and Political Science Department from 1980 to 1999. Later, she was an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Music at Cottey College from 2000 to 2006, a Studio Instructor at Fort Scott Community College from 1999 to 2016, and a Faculty Affiliate in the Department of Music at Emory University for seven years.
A devoted, active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Karen’s faith was a guiding light. She served faithfully as the organist for many years and held numerous leadership roles, including treasurer and stewardship. Her contributions to the church’s music ministry were immeasurable, continuing actively until her passing.
Karen possessed a uniquely sharp wit and dry humor that illuminated every interaction. She was incredibly precise, discerning, and determined, leaving no room for doubt about her thoughts or intentions. While there was little mystery to Karen’s preferences, there was true magic in her presence, her devotion, and her mastery of deadpan humor. Her absence will be profoundly felt.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Gretchen Salsbury, two brothers, Donald and David Salsbury, and one great-nephew, Alden Kiwan. Karen is survived by her sister, Zandra Hood; nieces Kathryn Salsbury, Victoria Hood, Dawn Salsbury, and Erica Salsbury; nephew Ryan Salsbury; and great-nephews Patrick Fox, Kaden Kiwan, Jessden Kiwan (and wife Jorden), and Boden Kiwan.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, June 11th at the Trinity Lutheran Church, with Pastor Michael Apfel officiating.
Graveside services will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Tuesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to the Trinity Lutheran 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 guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Seeking Applications to Replace Commissioner Whisenhunt
For immediate release:
Brandon Whisenhunt, Bourbon County Commissioner District 1 has resigned.
The Bourbon County Republicans will accept email applications to appoint a replacement beginning today, June 3rd, until 5pm on Tuesday, June 10th. Please email your intent for consideration to [email protected]. A follow up questionnaire will be sent to you after confirmation.
We will hold our replacement convention on Thursday, June 12th. Time is TBA.
To be considered, you must be a registered Republican residing within the OLD District 1 boundaries. Questions or concerns? Email us at the email printed above.
Obituary of Margie Haynes
Margie S. Haynes, age 88, a resident of Cavalry Crossing Apartments in Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Monday, June 2, 2025, at the Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas. She was born January 14, 1937, in Graettinger, Iowa. She grew up in Nevada, Missouri and was united in marriage to John Franklin “Frank” Haynes on May 29, 1954, in Nevada.
Margie had worked as a waitress. She later provided childcare out of her home for many years. In her spare time, Margie enjoyed reading.
She was a member of Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church.
Margie is survived by three sons, Arthur Franklin Haynes (Lydia) of Arlington, Kentucky, Rickey J. Haynes of Coffeyville, Kansas and Michael E. Haynes (Nicole) of Tulsa, Oklahoma; two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Margie was preceded in death by her husband, Frank, on May 2, 2012. She was also preceded in death by her parents and eighteen brothers and sisters.
Father Yancey Burgess will conduct Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, June 10th at the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church. Burial will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Ronald McDonald House 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
Apprehended: Minimum-Custody Resident Anthony Mansfield
~Mansfield was taken into custody by US Marshalls in KCMO~
KANSAS CITY, MO. – Anthony Mansfield, a minimum-custody resident of the Johnson County Department of Corrections (JCDOC) Adult Residential Center (ARC) has been apprehended.
Mansfield was taken into custody Wednesday night, June 4, 2025, by U.S. Marshalls in Kansas City, Missouri. He was arrested without incident.
Mansfield was placed on escape status after not returning to the facility Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
No other details are being released as the investigation is ongoing.