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Obituary

Obituary of Lynne VanLeeuwen

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With a warm smile and a welcoming heart, Lynne Mary VanLeeuwen lived a life rich in family and friends. Lynne welcomed every moment as a gift, relishing life’s joys and meeting its challenges with unwavering faith and confidence. Lynne enjoyed adventure, appreciated the beauty in life, and treasured nothing more than her family. Cherished by many, Lynn will long be remembered and so very missed.

The mobilization of war efforts in 1942 was quick and effective, with carmakers and other manufacturers changing to the production of weapons of war. Gas rationing, Scrap Days, and Victory Gardens became the norm. At the same time, The Declaration of the United Nations, the newly formed Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps, and The Voice of America ensured that every citizen had their eyes focused on a better future. Nowhere was there more hope for the future than in the hearts of Robert and Evelyn (Shearer) Brown as they welcomed their daughter, Lynne, into their family on December 6 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Growing up in a large family, Lynne was the second youngest child. Her older siblings were much older, and she came to know her younger brother, John, best. While her father was a handyman who worked on many rental properties, her mother worked for Michigan Tag Company. The family enjoyed summer vacations at a cottage in Idlewild, Michigan and Lynne attended Palmer Elementary School. A gifted singer and percussionist, she took music lessons and attended band camps at Michigan State University.

After graduating from Creston High School with the class of 1960, Lynne went away to college in Alva, Oklahoma. In 1963, she returned to Michigan to marry Douglas Carnevale who worked with her mother at Michigan Tag Company. The couple married in a ceremony at St. Judes Catholic Church.

In time, Lynne and Doug were blessed to welcome three children to their family. Though their marriage ended in divorce after 16 years, Lynne was always grateful it gave her the gift of motherhood. Christine, Maria, and Martin quickly were the centers of Lynne’s world. She was an awesome mom who totally devoted herself to ensuring her children were loved and supported.

As a musician in the Grand Rapids Symphony for over 20 years and a principal percussionist for part of that time, Lynne thoroughly enjoyed sharing her love of music with her children and took them to all her rehearsals and concerts. While cooking wasn’t her passion, she made great meatloaf, goulash, and chili, and her weenie wraps were her specialty!

While vacationing with her brother Bob in Uniontown, Kansas, Lynne had the good fortune of meeting Joe VanLeeuwen. Joe had two adult daughters from a previous marriage and owned and operated Van’s Grocery and Meat Locker in Uniontown. The pair began dating, fell in love, and married on February 24, 1981.

Lynne helped run the store until they retired in 1998. She then worked as a church secretary in Fort Scott, Kansas, for a time. They took many trips together; Hot Springs, Arkansas, was a favorite destination. They also enjoyed visiting casinos to gamble. She was a member of the Arts Council in Fort Scott for twenty years and was always up for a potluck dinner with friends.

A practicing Catholic her entire life, faith was always important to Lynne, and she was grateful to be a member of the fellowships at St. Jude in Grand Rapids and Mary Queen of Angels in Fort Scott. Without a doubt, Lynne’s greatest joy was her family. And her grandchildren were her heart’s delight! She adored her grandkids and nurtured a special relationship with each one of them. She taught them numbers and math, music and art appreciation, and loved to joke and play. Their biggest fan, Lynne attended all their events and supported their every endeavor. Whether sharing a meal, playing Yahtzee of Boggle, or cheering them on, Lynne proved a constant source of love and support.

Without a doubt, life feels less certain in the absence of Lynne’s steadfast companionship. May we find comfort in our many treasured memories and in the honor of carrying her beautiful legacy forward. In each moment we gather with loved ones, cheer on each other’s’ dreams, enjoy a trip, or share our passions, we celebrate the many ways Lynne gifted our lives. In this way, we keep her spirit alive and inspiring others as she so inspired each of us.

Lynne M. Vanleeuwen of Grand Rapids, MI, age 79, passed away with her loving family by her side November 20, 2022.

She was also preceded in death by her husband, William Joseph VanLeeuwen; siblings, Bob and Alice Brown, Arthur Brown, Ben and Joan Brown, Delores and Frank Hall, Ardis and Ken Jacobs, and John Brown.

Lynne is survived by her children, Christine Carnevale of Grand Rapids, Maria (Don Myles) Norman of Grand Rapids, Martin (Michelle) Carnevale of Belmont, Kim (Ron) Pendell of Bloomington, IN, Debbie Elliot of San Diego, CA; grandchildren, Sean Norman, Caitlin (Kyle) Johnson, Syler Moser, Lisa (Ryan) Tabereaux, Amber (Josh) Zink; great-grandchildren, Avery, Dawson, Jackson, Turner, Sophie, Evan, Gilbert; sisters-in-law, Mary Brown and Carol Brown; and many nieces and nephews.

According to her wishes, cremation has taken place. Interment will be in Ft. Scott National Cemetery.

A Celebration of Lynne’s Life will be announced soon. Memorials may be made to Grand Rapids Symphony or Bourbon County Arts Council (KS). Local arrangements are being handled by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St.

 

K-State Extension

Considerations for Native Grass Management Before and During Establishment

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Chad Guthrie
District Extension Agent, Crop production and Forage Management
Southwind District
210 S. National
Fort Scott, Kansas 66701
Office: 620-223-3720
Cell: 308-991-8415
[email protected]

 

Overgrazing and weed control are the two most important management considerations during estab­lishment. Grazing should be avoided during the first and possibly the second growing season depending on stand establishment. Short periods of grazing (flash grazing) for weed control early in the first growing season are encouraged to stimulate tillering in the new seedlings. For example, graze for 1 day with enough animals to harvest the weeds without damaging the grass seedlings.

Haying in the year of seeding may be beneficial if there is enough forage produced, but set the mower to at least 4-inch height to ensure the plants can readily regrow. As a general rule, hay most native species after the first week of July. This will allow time for the plants to develop tiller buds for the following year and to build reserves for early growth.
Figure 1. Native prairie a few weeks after hay harvesting. Photo: Bruno Pedreira, K-State Research and Extension.

Weed control

Weed control helps reduce competition for moisture, nutrients, and sunlight in new seedings. When weed control is necessary, the main methods are mowing and herbicides. Dense shade created by annual grasses is the greatest concern, the most com­monly encountered are downy brome, Japanese brome, crabgrass, and foxtail. Weed control is most beneficial during May and June with little benefit in August. Pre­plant or preemergence herbicides are labeled for some species and situations. Consider using an herbicide wipe-on applicator if weeds are 6 inches taller than the desirable grass or spot spray if the weeds are not spread throughout the whole field. Consult the Chemical Weed Control for Field Crops, Pastures, Rangeland, and Noncropland) for current herbicide recommen­dations for products, rates, and timing.

Mow before weedy plants produce seeds. Gener­ally, broadleaf weeds should be mowed before they are 8 inches tall. Annual grasses should be mowed to prevent seed production. Herbicides may be used to reduce annual or perennial broadleaf weeds after the grass plants have become established. Consult the label for application restrictions and instructions.

Chemicals must be federally and state regis­tered. They also must be applied in accordance with authorized registered uses, directions, and cautions on the label and all other federal and state policies and requirements.

Management after establishment

After establishment, seeded areas should be man­aged to promote tillering and to keep the soil covered. A great forage stand reduces erosion and runoff, con­tributing to minimized soil loss, providing high forage production, and improving wildlife habitat.

New stands must be grazed following appropriate stocking rates, good grazing distribution, and proper season of use. Proper management of a seeded grass stand is a must with the investment of time, money, and labor involved in establishing it.

Haying should be done in early July to harvest the highest combination of forage accumulation and nutrient value. A minimum cutting height of 4 inches is recommended to ensure plants have adequate oppor­tunity to regrow and build reserves for the following season.

Prescribed burning should be done in late spring, just as the seeded grasses are starting growth (less than 1½inches). Burning at this stage stimulates tillering, removes the last year’s dead forage, and increases forage quality. Prescribed burning can be done as early as one growing season after seeding.

Related KSRE Publications

  • Managing Kansas Grazinglands for Multiple Benefits (MF2086)
  • Rangeland and Pasture Grasses of Kansas (C567)
  • Prescribed Burning: Safety (L565)
  • Prescribed Burns: Planning and Conducting (L664)
  • Prescribed Burning as a Management Practice (L815)
  • Prescribed Burning: Equipment (L876)
  • Grazing Distribution (MF515)
  • Stocking Rate and Grazing Management (MF1118)

For more information on native grass establishment, contact Chad Guthrie, crop production and forage management agent, at any Southwind Extension District office.

 

Government

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter

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Speaking at Grand Marshal’s Reception in Liberal
On Monday evening, I joined members of the Liberal community to celebrate the 74th year of the International Pancake Day Race. This friendly competition between Olney, England, and Liberal, Kansas, is an event I have attended since well before my time in Congress. These local festivities are great examples of the many things that make the places we call home special.

During this celebration, I was pleased to congratulate Charles Posl on his induction into the Pancake Hall of Fame, as well as to honor 2023 Grand Marshal Tim Fowler. Thank you to Gary Classen, Mike Brack, Sally Fuller and the entire Pancake Day Board. I also appreciated the opportunity to visit with State Treasurer Steven Johnson, Mayor Jose Lara, County Commissioner Scott Carr, City Manager Rusty Varnado, County Administrator April Warden, City Commissioners Janeth Vazques and Jeff Parsons, County Commissioner Presephoni Fuller, Chamber of Commerce Director Rozelle Webb and Joe Denoyer.

Continue reading U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter →

Health Care

Rangeland Burns Start March 1: Air Quality Will Be Impacted

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Health Advisory, Safety Tips Issued During Flint Hills Burning Season

Smoke Modeling Tool to be activated on March 1

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) reminds Kansans that March and April are the months when large areas of the state’s rangelands are burned, especially within the Flint Hills. These burns help preserve the tallgrass prairie ecosystem, control invasive species, reduce woody encroachment from species such as Eastern Red Cedar, and provide better forage for cattle. Prescribed burning also reduces the risk of wildfires and is effective in managing rangeland resources. Smoke from the burns can influence the air quality of downwind areas. The use of smoke management techniques is vital to reduce air quality and health impacts.

KDHE will activate the Kansas smoke modeling tool on March 1, prior to widespread burning in the Flint Hills. The computer models use fire data and current weather conditions to predict the potential contribution of smoke to downwind air quality problems. There are approximately 2.2 million acres burned on average in the Flint Hills of Kansas and Oklahoma each year.

“This is the thirteenth year we have been able to provide this important tool for the prescribed fire community,” said Jayson Prentice, meteorologist at the KDHE Bureau of Air. “We continue to encourage ranchers and land managers to utilize smoke modeling resources such as the smoke modeling tool to mitigate potential air quality impacts.”

Prescribed burns release large amounts of particulate matter and other pollutants that can form ozone. Particulate matter and ozone can cause health problems, even in healthy individuals. Common health problems include burning eyes, runny nose, coughing, and illnesses such as bronchitis. Individuals with respiratory issues, pre-existing heart or lung diseases, children and elderly are more vulnerable to experience symptoms.

Steps to protect your health on days when smoke is present in your community include:

  • Healthy people should limit or avoid strenuous outdoor exercise.
  • More vulnerable people should remain indoors.
  • Help keep indoor air clean by closing doors and windows and running air conditioners with air filters.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water.
  • Contact your doctor if you have symptoms such as chest pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath or severe fatigue.

For more information about the burning in the Flint Hills, the Flint Hills Smoke Management Plan, April burn restrictions, and the smoke modeling tool, please visit http://ksfire.org.

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Obituary

Obituary of Judith Matson

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Judith A. Matson, a former resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas and more recently of Pittsburg, Kansas, passed away Friday, February 24, 2023, at the Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg. Judy married
Roger G. Matson on January 20, 1962; he preceded her in death in 2018.

Survivors include a son, Quinton R. Matson of Kansas City, Missouri; two daughters, Quita Coffman (Donald) of Ft. Scott, Kansas and Dana Noe of Peculiar, Missouri and six grandchildren, Amber Sheehy (Joe), Tylar Montgomery (Justin) and Erin Coffman, all of Ft.
Scott, Devon Hudspeth (Taylor) of Overland Park, Kansas, Austin Noe of Cleveland, Missouri and Arie Noe of Webb City, Missouri; and six great-grandchildren, Brooklyn Sheehy, Madison
Sheehy, Joseph G. Sheehy and Madelynne Montgomery all of Ft. Scott, Jackson Montgomery of Nevada, Missouri and Easton Hudspeth of Overland Park, Kansas. Also surviving is an aunt,
Kathryn Bennett of Girard, Kansas.

Mrs. Matson donated her body to science for the study of SCA6 and other medical research at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Following completion of their studies, Judy will be laid to rest with her husband, at in the U. S. National Cemetery #1 in Ft. Scott, Kansas.

Memorials are suggested to St. Jude’s Hospital, the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, Oltjen Orthodontics or Operation Smile 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 cheneywitt.com.

Obituary

Obituary of Betty Clayton

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Betty Le Clayton, age 89, a resident of rural Mapleton, Kansas, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, February 26, 2023. She was born March 22, 1933, at her grandmother’s house near Prescott, Kansas, the daughter of Raymond Leroy Long and Helen Irene Johnson Long. Betty graduated from the Prescott High School with the Class of 1951. She married Bobby Glenn Clayton on June 18, 1953, at Manty, Kansas. They went on to enjoy sixty-five years of marriage. For the last sixty years, Betty had made her home on the family farm east of Mapleton. Over the years, Betty had been employed by both the Western Insurance Company and the ASCS Office; however, the job she considered her favorite and the most important was being a homemaker. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Betty worked hard to meet her family’s needs. Along with the help of her husband, Betty always raised a large garden and readily canned the fruits of their labor. She was also an excellent cook and will be remembered for her chicken and noodles. Family was always Betty’s number one priority. She enjoyed family get-togethers and attending her grandchildren’s many activities. She was a woman of faith and was a member of the Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene.

 

Survivors include her six children, Terry Erie (John) of Ft. Scott, Kansas, Bobby Dean Clayton (Crystal) of Mapleton, Kansas, Tracy Clayton of Ft. Scott, Danny Clayton (Janet) of Redfield, Kansas, Kelly Fleming (Rodney) of Ft. Scott and Tami Clayton of Mapleton; twenty-four grandchildren, fifty great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are two brothers, Larry Long (Donna) of Hepler, Kansas and Richard Long (Helen) of Mound City, Kansas and four sisters, Bonnie Hunter, of Springfield, Missouri, Donna Morris of Ft. Scott, Diana Carpenter (Bill) also of Ft. Scott and Leana Gier (Gary) of Girard, Kansas. Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby, on November 24, 2018. She was also preceded in death by two grandsons, Drew and Eric Clayton and a sister, Jean Mayhugh.

 

Rev. Virgil Peck will conduct funeral services at 11:30 P.M. Friday, March 3rd at the Ft. Scott Church of the Nazarene. Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 P.M. Thursday at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Ft. Scott Church of the Nazarene Building 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.

Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

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February 24, 2023

 

What a difference a week makes?  In the two days before turnaround, the halfway point in session, 42 bills were scheduled for debate on the Senate floor, 3 of them were pulled for various reasons.  The list of bills is not made available to Senators or the public until the evening before debate.  On Tuesday evening, 27 bills were scheduled for debate Wednesday.  It makes for an intense environment.  Think of it this way.  In 7 weeks of session, 280 Senate bills have been introduced, 62 that passed out of committee were selected by leadership for debate on the senate floor and passed to the House.  Thirty-eight of the 62 were passed in two days.  Here are a few highlights.

 

Income Tax cuts passed the Senate in Senate Bill (SB) 33 and SB 169.  SB 33 would exempt Social Security from state income tax.  Some of the amendments that passed during debate include increasing standard deductions each year based on inflation, exempting all retirement accounts from state income tax, and increasing qualifying parameters for the property tax freeze for seniors and disabled veterans that became law last year.  The home valuation limit would go from $350,000 to $595,000.  The 50% exemption of Social Security from income would be 100%.  More Kansans will qualify for the program with these changes.  SB 33 bill passed 36 to 3.  I voted Yes.

 

SB 169 would create a single 4.75 state income tax rate without increasing taxes.  The bill exempts the first $10,450 for married filing jointly or $5,225 filing single.  This exemption is what keeps the 4.75 rate from being a tax increase on lower income earners.  Currently, individuals with taxable income of $2,500 or below are not taxed, $5,000 for married filing jointly.  But if a taxpayer makes $2501, there is a “cliff”, meaning that a dollar difference results in a taxpayer paying 3.1 percent on the entire income amount.  After a single filer reaches the $2,501 threshold, taxable income not over $15,000 is taxed at 3.1, income between $15,001 and $30,000 is taxed at 5.25, and income above $30,000 is taxed at 5.75.  For married filing jointly, the thresholds double.  It is obvious the 4.75 rate simplifies state income taxes and would get rid of the cliff for low-income filers.  It will allow Kansans to keep more of their hard-earned money, instead of growing government.  I voted yes.  The bill passed 22 to 17.

 

State Grocery Taxes are scheduled to go to zero in 2025, unless SB 248 becomes law.  In SB 248, all grocery taxes, state and local, would go to zero in 2024.  It is a big change.  Some local governments are against the bill, but it is tax relief that many Kansans need.  The bill passed 22 to 16.  I voted yes.

 

Secure Elections by prohibiting ballot drop boxes passed the Senate 21 to 19 in SB 208.  I voted yes.  Another attempt was made to make odd year elections partisan in SB 210.  I did not support this change.  The bill failed on a vote of 16 to 24.  Write-in candidates for certain elections would have to file an affidavit in SB 221.  The bill was brought by election officials that want to save time when counting ballots, so if a person writes in Micky Mouse it will not count unless there is a signed affidavit for Micky.  It’s your ballot and you should be able to write-in whomever you please.  I voted no, but the bill passed 29 to 7.

 

Women’s Bill of Rights, SB 180, would designate biological sex at birth, male or female.  It will protect women’s sports and stop situations such as males being housed in a female prison because it would require separate accommodations.  It should also stop this nonsense on school trips – Eudora girl forced to room with biological male on school-sponsored overseas trip. The Senate passed it on a vote of 26 to 10.  I supported the legislation.

 

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.

Caryn

Food, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Learn How to Can

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member
Southwind Extension District…
Are you interested in food preservation? Do you need to brush up on current food preservation methods? Come join food safety specialist Karen Blakeslee for a hands-on workshop
in Bronson on April 14th!
Registration is required by contacting Clara Wicoff at 620-265-2242. There is a $25 fee to cover the cost of supplies and lunch. This fee must be paid to secure your spot in the class.
Learn about and practice:
  • Pressure canning
  • Waterbath canning
  • Dehydrating herbs
Location:
Bronson Community Center
504 Clay Street
Bronson, KS 66716
K-State Research and Extension is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. Program information may be available in languages other than English. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities, including alternative means for communication (e.g., Braille, large print, audio tape, and American Sign Language) may be requested by contacting Clara Wicoff two weeks prior to the start of the event by March 31, 2023 at 620-365-2242 or [email protected]. Requests received after this date will be honored when it is feasible to do so. Language access services, such as interpretation or translation of vital information will be provided free of charge to limited English proficient individuals upon request.
Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.