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Bourbon County, Fort Scott

American Legion Local News

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As a cost cutting measure, the Department of Kansas emails the monthly Kansas Newsletter and quarterly Sunflower to persons signed up online for electronic delivery of these informative updates of “what’s happening” within the Department.
Many Kansas Legion family members have not signed up yet foe their free electronic delivery of these two Department publications.
If you are currently receiving them, just delete this email. I don’t have a copy of the distribution list and wanted to insure that the Post 25 Legion Family members are receiving them.
If you are not currently receiving these two Department publications, take a moment and signup below by clicking on the subscribe link below.
As a reminder, all Post 25 Family Members are welcome to attend any and all events throughout the Department.
Submitted by Carl Jowers, Post 25 Commander.
For more info:
Opinion

Debra by Patty LaRoche

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Patty LaRoche

The P.E. teacher questioned Debra daily. Was she okay, dressing out for gym class? Were the bruises noticeable, or was this a “good” day? Depending on her answer, Debra would suit out or not. Her beatings at the hands of her father were not uncommon, but during that era, those things were “hush-hush.” At the age of 16, her father told her that she needed to have sex to keep her from being “a frozen fish” like her mother. So, Debra did.

When dates brought her home five minutes late, more than once her dad met Debra on the front porch and physically dragged her into the house while her dates watched from their cars, horrified. Punching her in the face and spanking her with his policeman’s belt were not unusual, she, the prime target who protected her two siblings whenever she could.

Her mother offered no support, daily calling her a “stupid idiot” and many times holding her arms while her father lashed away. When her dad, drunk and confusing her with his wife, held her head in the toilet, enough was enough. The police were called, but because Debra’s dad was “one of theirs,” nothing happened.

This past October, Debra’s father, at the age of 75, lie in a hospital bed, dying. His daughter visited him several times, the final one, devastating. When it came time to leave, as Debra shared, “My dad’s eyes were evil, like a demon was speaking to me. ‘Get out. And never come back.’ That was the last time I saw my father alive.”

I listened intently as this lady, a beautiful, talented, successful artist/esthetician I met through a mutual friend, shared her story, the craziest part being, her dad “knew Jesus.” I had questions. Was he bi-polar? Demon-possessed? Debra didn’t know. She knew only that her childhood was cruel and painful.

“So, why is it that you are so normal, so fun, so engaging, so “together?” I asked.

Her answer? “God.”

Debra went on to share that from the time she was little and the beatings and emotional abuse progressed, she would go outside and find a reclusive area where she could have alone- time to talk to God. She admits that it makes no sense, since her parents did not take her to church or teach her about God. “I just knew He cared,” she said.

Should you walk into her salon today, you would be greeted with an open Bible lying on a countertop. Her faith is real, and she is not ashamed of it. I told her that I had no doubt that God would use her story to bless others. She laughed and said that more times than she could count, clients had shared their personal ordeals but concluded with, “What would you know? It’s obvious your life has been perfect.” They, like me, were shocked to hear otherwise.

Her mother, still alive, now depends on Debra for physical and emotional support. Debra said that she has chosen forgiveness, but “sometimes I have to tell my mom that she is not being nice when she berates me or focuses on the negative.” I asked if her parents ever apologized or asked for forgiveness. Debra said that was not part of their vocabulary.

The best part of the story was how Debra turned her childhood trauma into good. She, determined not to allow her children to have similar memories, daily affirms and blesses them. Happily married to a Florida firefighter, her life is all about being an encouragement to others, to let them know that they too can overcome. As Debra said, “That’s what God wants for all of us.”

Uncategorized

Obituary of Rex Moore

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Rex Bryant Moore, age 56, a resident of Redfield, Kansas, passed away Thursday, September 26, 2019, surrounded by his loved ones at the Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas.  He was born on April 22, 1963, in Lawrence, Kansas, the son of William Lee Moore and Shirley Jean Rogers Moore.  On May 21, 2004, Rex married the love of his life, Stacy.  Rex and his father traveled across the United States so he could pursue his dreams of racing professional motocross.  Although his career was cut short, the love he had for the sport never stopped.  He enjoyed watching his favorite rider, Austin Howell.  He lived week to week to watch this young man aspire at his dreams.  He also played his motocross video games and took pride in them knowing that “Rocket Rex” was still out there whooping everyone even though it was not in person.  His favorite thing to do was attending his daughter, Hannah’s activities.  He enjoyed every minute of watching her in action.  She was his pride and joy and he loved her very much, just as she did him.  They had an unbreakable bond.  Hannah was his “baby girl.”  Rex loved being around his family and friends.  Rex will forever be remembered for his beautiful smile, gentle eyes, caring heart, loving embrace and unconditional love.  Rex loved so many and was loved by so many more.  He had an energy that with just one encounter with him you would remember for life; he definitely left his mark.  He made friends everywhere he went including Hannah’s friends which all adopted him as their dad.  He brought so much joy to our lives and those around him.  Although our hearts are heavy, we will celebrate his life and find comfort in knowing that he has no pain and is in heaven watching over us.  Yet, we continue to hurt as he has left us.  He yearned for that place in which he could breathe.  Now he sits with God in the natural beauty and astounding light of heaven and he can finally breathe.

Survivors include his wife, Stacy, of the home; six children, Hannah Moore, of Redfield, Kansas, Sarah Powers, of Eldorado Springs, Missouri, Austin Moore, of Boliver, Missouri, Shelby Morillo, of Bronson, Kansas, Tyler Wilkerson, of Kincaid, Kansas and Dalton Church, of Coleman, Alabama and six grandchildren.  Also surviving is a brother, Ronald Moore, of Shawnee, Kansas.  He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

Lloyd Houk will conduct funeral services at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, October 10th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Burial will follow in the Woods Cemetery near Redfield, Kansas.  The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Wednesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to the Rex Moore Memorial Fund 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.

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Blessing of Pets This Sunday Oct. 6

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A blessing of pets will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 6, at the Bell Town Pavilion at the Riverfront Park.
The Rev. Jared Witt of the First Presbyterian Church and Fr. Bob McElwee of Saint Martin’s Academy will officiate. 
 
The event is free. The public is invited to bring their pets. Pets should be on leashes or in carriers. 
The event is being sponsored by the Shirley Yeager Animal Friends Foundation which owns and operates the Fort Scott Scott Paws & Claws Animal Shelter.
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Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Community College

Gordon Parks Celebration Begins Tomorrow Oct. 3

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The16th Annual
Gordon Parks Celebration
Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Film The Learning Tree
begins TOMORROW, October 3rd and continues through October 5th
at the
Gordon Parks Museum
RESERVE YOUR TICKETS NOW
for special events at the
16th Annual Gordon Parks Celebration! Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Film The Learning Tree
Karole Graham, Stephen Perry and S. Pearl Sharp, cast members in The Learning Tree film by Gordon Parks, will receive “Gordon Parks Choice of Weapons Award” at the annual celebration this TOMORROW,
October 3rd, and continues through
October 5th, 2019 in Fort Scott, Kansas. The celebration is in honor of Fort Scott Native Gordon Parks, noted photographer, writer, musician, and filmmaker. This year’s celebration is a special one as we will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the
Gordon Parks-directed film The Learning Treethat was filmed in Fort Scott.
The celebration events will take place at the Gordon Parks Museum, located at the Danny and Willa Ellis Fine Arts Museum at Fort Scott Community College,
2018 S. Horton St., in Fort Scott.
There are 3 special events during the celebration that require ticket reservations:
“A Night of Jazz”
“Picnic at the Park”
“Celebration Tribute Dinner”
SEE THE FULL SCHEDULE AND REGISTRATION FORM BELOW
(Tickets also available from the Chamber of Commerce, 231 E. Wall St.)
For a printable copy of the event schedule and the registration sheet, clickHERE
For a printable copy of the
“Night of Jazz” flyer, click HERE
For a printable copy of the
photo contest flyer, click HERE
Questions? Call us at
620-223-2700, ext. 5850 or email: gordonparkscenter@fortscott.edu
Obituary

Obituary of John Mowrey

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John David Mowrey, age 78, a resident of rural Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly, Sunday, September 1, 2019, at the Via Christi Emergency Room in Ft. Scott.
He was born March 11, 1941, in Ft. Scott, Kansas and was the son of Raymond William Mowrey and Isabelle Ida Ramsey Mowrey. John graduated from the Ft. Scott High School and the Ft. Scott Junior College.
He later served for four years with the United States Air Force. John later returned to Ft. Scott where he worked as HVAC service and maintenance for the U-234 School District.
John was very mechanically minded and loved rebuilding and restoring antique cars, tractors and engines of all kinds.

John loved nature, and one of his favorite evening pastimes was sitting on the boat dock at his pond and watching the stars and moon.

John was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Fort Scott, Kansas.

He was a devoted volunteer in his community and helped and served many from behind the scenes.
John will always be remembered for packing, delivering and serving Thanksgiving dinner with the Elks. He was an active member of the Pioneer Harvest Fiesta Committee, always willing to help this organization in any capacity. He volunteered for Good ‘Ole Days and drove his vintage vehicles in the parade.
John was very proud of his military service and helped place the flags on the graves and down East National Ave. to honor veterans at the U.S. National Cemetery.
In addition, he volunteered with chili and soup fundraisers including the Beacon soup line.

John was always willing to help in a time of need and many benefitted from his kindness and generosity.

Survivors include his sister Marjorie Midili; his nephew, Jeff Midili and wife, Jenifer and a great-niece, Sophie Midili, all of Vienna, Virginia.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service with cremains will be held on Friday, October 11th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial with military honors will follow in the Fort Scott National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made, to the First United Methodist Church or Fort Scott Paws and Claws Animal Shelter 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

Obituary of Vernon Leon Bowden Sr.

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Vernon Leon Bowden, Sr., age 72, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Thursday, September 26, 2019, at Via Christi Hospital, Pittsburg, KS. He was born November 4, 1946, in Phoenix, AZ, the son of Arie and Eunice Nichols Bowden.

Vernon was an avid KC Chiefs fan and loved to compete in pool tournaments. Christmas was his favorite holiday, occasionally dressing as Santa. He enjoyed all his dogs; Bear, Tator, and Manny. Vernon loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.

He was a member of the Apostolic Pentecostal Church in Ft. Scott.

Survivors include his children, Tina Creekmore and husband Ron, Turlock, CA,\; Angel Steeley, Ft. Scott; stepson Russell West, Modesto, CA; Star McClellan and husband Matt, Ft. Scott; Vernon Bowden, Jr., Eugene, O; and son-in-law Jason Steeley; six grandchildren, Jennifer Tilley, Joshua Creekmore, Makayla Steeley, Haley Steeley, Madelynn McClellan, and Madyson McClellan; and four great-grandchildren, Caleb Tilley, Bailey Creekmore, Kyla Tilley, and Victoria Tilley.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

There was cremation. Private family memorial services will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Art, Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Fort Scott Community College

Chamber Coffee at Gordon Parks Museum Oct. 3

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WEEKLY CHAMBER COFFEE REMINDER
Join us for Chamber Coffee
Thursday, October 3, 2019  at 8:00 a.m.
Hosted by:
Gordon Parks Museum
Location:

Inside the Ellis Fine Arts Center
on the campus of FSCC
2108 S. Horton
Kicking off the 16th Annual Gordon Parks Festival this weekend!
Click here for schedule of events.
Chamber members and guests are encouraged to attend for networking, community announcements, and to learn about the hosting business or organization.
Members may pay $1 to make an announcement about an upcoming event, special/sale/discount, or news of any kind.
Upcoming Coffees:
October 10 – McDonald’s (2224 S. Main St.)
October 17 – Pioneer Harvest Fiesta (BB County Fairgrounds)
October 24 – Sleep Inn (celebrating 5th anniversary)
October 31 – Fort Scott Area Community Foundation
Kansas, Schools

Historical Society Children’s Art Contest Seeking Artists

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Kansas Historical Society Student Photo Contest is taking submissions from August 20 – December 15, 2019.

 

Students from first to 12th grade have an opportunity to win great prizes and leave a lasting legacy for future generations. This year’s theme is Going to School in Kansas.

Special Exhibit, through February 2, 2020 at the Kansas Museum of History · Topeka

 

Each of the 105 Kansas counties has a fascinating story to tell. Since 1875 the Kansas Historical Society has been collecting stories from all 105 counties of our great state. See a trophy that Glenn Cunningham of Morton County received at the 1936 Olympics.

 

Happy Birthday, Kansas!

 

 

 

Events this week:

 

Indian Homes in Kansas 

 

Homeschool Wednesday

1 – 3 p.m. Wednesday, October 2, 2019

Kansas Museum of History · Topeka

 

Students will explore several types of shelter built by Native Americans from long ago. All of these structures were made of natural resources, each were built to meet the needs of people’s daily lives. In the classroom students can see a small tipi and then step inside the Museum’s full-sized tipi for a different perspective on history.

Students use primary and secondary sources to explore different topics each month. Designed for students from fourth grade through high school. The cost is $6 per student, which includes Museum admission. Regular admission prices apply for non-participating children.

 

William Allen White Children’s Book Award

 

William Allen White Children’s Book Award Winning Authors

5 p.m. Friday, October 4, 2019

Red Rocks State Historic Site · Emporia

 

This year’s William Allen White Children’s Book Award winning authors will sign their books for students. Meet the author of Pax, bestselling and award-winning author, Sara Pennypacker; and meet author of Ghost, a New York Times bestselling author, Jason Reynolds. Local book merchants will be selling copies of the books. Tours will be offered at regular admission. Hosted by the William Allen White Community Partnership, Inc.

 

Coming next week:

 

Museum After Hours

 

Bluecoat and Pioneer: The Recollections of John Benton Hart, 1864-1868

By John Hart

6:30 p.m. Friday, October 11, 2019

Kansas Museum of History · Topeka

 

John Benton Hart served in the 11th Kansas Cavalry from start to finish. The accounts of harrowing moments during the regiment’s history were preserved in his diary. They include the ongoing fight against the threat of Confederate General Sterling Price’s army and the Battle of the Platte Bridge at Casper, Wyoming. John Hart is a descendent of the Civil War veteran and recently published a book based on the diary accounts. The author will do a book signing after the program. The Museum Store will have copies for sale. The Kansas Museum of History is open for half price admission from 5 until 6:30 p.m. The Museum Store is also open until 6:30 p.m.

 

Sundays at the Site

 

The Past and Present of American Conservatism

By Greg Scheider

2 p.m. October 13, 2019

Red Rocks State Historic Site · Emporia

 

Join us for two programs this month as part of the summer and fall series at Red Rocks, the home of the William Allen White Family. Programs are free and held in the visitor center. Hosted by the William Allen White Community Partnership, Inc.

 

Kansas State Historic Sites

 

Seasonal Hours

October 13, 2019 – March 10, 2020

 

Make plans to visit these Kansas State Historic Sites on Saturday, October 12, 2019, the last day of the season. The winter season extends through March 10, 2020. Be watching for occasional special programming during the winter months and plan to return when the sites open again in the spring on March 11, 2020.

 

Grinter Place State Historic Site · Kansas City

Hollenberg Pony Express Station State Historic Site · Hanover

Kaw Mission State Historic Site · Council Grove

Mine Creek Civil War Battlefield State Historic Site · Pleasanton

Pawnee Indian Museum State Historic Site · Republic

 

Seasonal Hours

October 26, 2019 – April 1, 2020

 

Red Rocks State Historic Site, Home of the William Allen White Family · Emporia

 

Later this month:

 

Kansas State Records Board

 

Quarterly Meeting

8:30 a.m. Thursday, October 17, 2019

Kansas Historical Society · Topeka

 

The quarterly meeting for the Kansas State Records Board will be held in the executive conference room. Meetings are open to the public.

 

Kaw Mission Councils

 

Amelia Earhart

By Jacque Pregont

2 p.m. Sunday, October 20, 2019

Kaw Mission State Historic Site · Council Grove

 

Join us for our ongoing series of lectures and events focused on the rich history of women in Kansas. Jacque Pregont of Atchison will present a program on aviator Amelia Earhart. In case of rain the program will be held in the education building next to the mission. There is a suggested donation of $3. Co-sponsored by the Friends of Kaw Heritage.

 

Fort Riley to Fort Kearney

 

By Duane Gile

2 p.m. Sunday, October 20, 2019

Pawnee Indian Museum State Historic Site · Republic

 

Duane Gile has collected extensive research and created a map about the military road from Fort Riley to Fort Kearney. Gile shares his insights at this special fall program at Pawnee Indian Museum.

 

Sundays at the Site

 

The Antiques of Red Rocks

By Becy and John Doan

2 p.m. October 27, 2019

Red Rocks State Historic Site · Emporia

 

Join us for two programs this month as part of the summer and fall series at Red Rocks, the home of the William Allen White Family. Programs are free and held in the visitor center. Hosted by the William Allen White Community Partnership, Inc.

 

Next month:

 

Kansas Historical Society and Kansas Historical Foundation Annual Members and Board Meeting

 

Friday, November 1, 2019

Kansas Historical Society · Topeka

 

# # #

 

Connect with us!

Our website: kshs.org

Facebook: facebook.com/kawmission; facebook.com/kansashistorical

Twitter: twitter.com/kansashistory

Instagram: instagram.com/kansas_history

Pinterest: pinterest.com/kansashistory

 

 

Bobbie Athon

Director of Communications

Kansas Historical Society

6425 SW 6th Avenue

Topeka KS 66615-1099

785-272-8681, ext. 262

kshs.org

bobbie.athon@ks.gov

 

Your Stories | Our History

 

Government, Kansas

Kansas Ahead in Tax Collection Dollars

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State’s September tax collections are $43.2 million ahead of estimates

 

TOPEKA – The state’s total tax collections for September showed the continued trend upward at $744.1 million; 6.2% or $43.2 million above the estimate. These collections are $48.2 million more than September of Fiscal Year 2019.

 

Retail sales tax collections are $200.5 million; $2.5 million or 1.3% more than the estimate. Those collections are $3.4 million more than the same month in Fiscal Year 2019. Compensating use tax collections are $36.9 million; $1.9 million or 5.5% more than the estimate. That’s $1.4 million more than September of Fiscal Year 2019.

 

Individual and corporate income tax collections are above estimates. Individual income tax collections are $375.1 million; 5.7% or $20.1 million more than estimated. Corporate income tax collections are 23.7% or $19.0 million more than $80.0 million estimate.

 

“This is an encouraging end to the first quarter of the fiscal year,” Secretary Mark Burghart said. “We are seeing the increase in revenue in large part due to increases in regular and estimated individual and corporate income tax collections.”

 

“This is a positive sign as we slowly recover from the Brownback-Colyer tax experiment. However, with economic uncertainty ahead in a possible recession, we must remain cautious and continue to show fiscal restraint,” Governor Laura Kelly said.