Robert Harvey Belknap, age 81, resident of Fort Scott, KS, died Wednesday, November 23, 2022, at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, MO.
He was born September 14, 1941, in Tulsa, OK, the son of James H. Belknap, Sr. and Thelma F. Warwick Belknap. Bob attended school in Chetopa, KS from 1st grade through mid-term 11th grade. He and his mother moved to Denver, CO where he graduated from West Denver High School in 1959. While working for Ceebuzz Supermarket, he was encouraged by his employer to join the Marines.
Bob joined the Marines in 1960 and served for 4 years, 2 months, 10 days, and 4 hours, which he repeated numerous times to his family. While stationed in Hawaii he was a radar tech, a sharpshooter, as well as a lifeguard and played basketball.
Upon his return to Fort Scott to join his mother in 1964, he enrolled at FSCC. He became manager for the football team.
Bob worked in sales for many years for various companies. In 1974, he and his brother Jim purchased the Bronson Locker and owned it for 10 years. He worked for O’Reilly Auto Parts for a couple of years until taking a job with the Post Office. He worked for the Post Office for 12 years until retirement.
Bob was a former President of the FSCC Booster Club, former member of the Amateur Baseball Association, Baseball Umpires Association, Mirza Shrine, Bronson Ruritan, V.F.W., and was a 32-degree Mason
He was a member of the Bronson United Methodist Church.
Survivors include his wife Pam of the home; a son, Brett Roufs and wife Michelle, Newton, KS; a daughter, Melanie Elliott and husband Justin, Paola, KS; a brother, James H. Belknap, Jr., Fort Scott; 7 grandchildren, Morgan, Olivia, Lance, Noah, Manny, Maiya, and Dawson; 1 great grandchild Ryan; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Michelle Weaver; a grandson, Jacob R. Welch; a sister Thelma Sue Dement; and his parents.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM Friday, December 2nd, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 until service time at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to either Wreaths Across America or FSCC Endowment Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Every year at Thanksgiving I write an article about how I’m going to be more thankful, an area in which I am frequently tested.
This past week, for example, I was at the Immigration Office here in Mazatlán, 40 minutes from where we live, handing in paperwork that I had started at the Embassy in Kansas City and needed to finalize here. It was my third trip because I just didn’t “have things completed correctly” the first two times, as didn’t several other people waiting to have their numbers called. Trying to be thankful. Trying to be thankful.
This trip, I had only two hours allotted because of a hair appointment (important!), but I figured I could at least hand in my latest version of paperwork and again be told what I had done wrong. Signing in, I was given the #18 card (not good), but when the lady called out “#15,” I knew I had a chance. And I would have, had two, selfish people not walked in the door and gone straight up to the window without being given a number. Not thankful.
I began grumbling. Not exactly to myself. Which is where things got interesting. You see, I had taken along my Bible to catch up on my assigned reading for my upcoming Zoom study on Proverbs. For an hour, I underlined key phrases (most of them, actually) that would make me a better person…verses like Proverbs 12:25: Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a good word makes it glad. I was not glad. Or thankful. And that’s when I heard my name.
“Patty”? I turned around to find Teresa, a friend of a friend, right behind me, smiling. She was there to help an elderly woman figure out the paperwork nightmare, as she had for several other people in the past. They had waited for a couple of hours, only to be sent to “the Coca-Cola lady” (called that because she also sells Coke products) down the street to have some copies made, one which had to be filled out in blue ink. (Mine was in black ink.) “Blue ink? Where does it say ‘blue ink’?” I groaned. Of course, it didn’t. Less thankful by the minute.
About that time, an elderly couple entered and struck up a conversation with Teresa. (Even though holding a Bible, I looked as approachable as a cattle prod.) Poor things had bussed to Mazatlán from Phoenix, but when they crossed the border, no one stamped their passports. They had asked the bus driver about it, but he said that it wasn’t necessary. He was wrong.
They would not be able to return home without that stamp. Starting off at Mazatlán’s U.S Embassy, they were informed to come to Immigration for help. Teresa told them to walk up to the window and ask. “Proverbs” had kicked in, I guess, because even I didn’t object. There they were advised to return to the border (11 hours away) and get their stamps. Not even the Coca-Cola lady could help this couple. “Oh well,” the elderly man said, “I guess we’ll see a lot more of Mexico.”
He was finding something to be thankful for? And here I was, Bible in hand, fretting over making my hair appointment. What is wrong with you? I asked myself. By the time #17 was called, I had to leave. The next day, I was back, 45 minutes early. Waiting outside, one of the workers—who must have recognized me—asked to see my papers. Soooo thankful.
She took them inside and quickly returned to explain that my passport has a small space between La and Roche, and when I typed it into my documents, I didn’t add the space. (I never do.) I needed to “have things completed correctly” and return. Soooo unthankful.
That’s when someone nearby told me to go see the Coca-Cola lady down the street who (for a fee) corrected my paperwork. Returning to Immigration, I was #10 in line, and six hours later, I had the document I needed. Sort of thankful.
But not really. I guess I’ll just have to work on this thankfulness thing next year.
If you turn on the radio, you may hear that “it’s the most wonderful time of the year.” But the holiday season can bring with it many stressors, from trying to have flawless decorations to making the perfect holiday meal and more. In addition to preventing you from living in the moment and enjoying time with family and friends, this stress can also affect the body and present as physical pain (such as a headache). One practice which can help you live in the present moment this holiday season is mindfulness.
If you find yourself facing stress this holiday season, remember to STOP: Slow down; Take a breath; Observe bodily feelings, thoughts, and possibilities; and Proceed, considering multiple possibilities. This mnemonic device can help you remember an easy way to practice being mindful this holiday season.
Other beginning mindfulness exercises include mindful relaxation and mindful breathing. To achieve mindful relaxation, consider setting aside a specific amount of time each day to practice a mindful meditation. This could be as little as five minutes. During this time, find a quiet place and a comfortable body position. Focus on your breathing. Deep breathing can slow your heart rate and lower your blood pressure.
To learn more about incorporating mindfulness into your everyday life and practicing mindfulness this holiday season, consider attending an “Everyday Mindfulness” educational program offered by the Southwind Extension District! This free program will be offered twice in December, including an in-person offering at the Iola Public Library on December 13th at 1 PM and a virtual offering via Zoom on December 15th at 5:30 PM. To register for the Zoom link, visit bit.ly/SouthwindMindfulness. Attend the offering which best fits your schedule!
For more information, please contact Clara Wicoff, Nutrition, Food and Health Extension Agent, at [email protected] or 620-365-2242.
Congratulating Kansas Suppliers for Historic Launch of NASA’s Artemis I Early Wednesday morning, NASA’s Artemis I launched from the Kennedy Space Center. I want to congratulate NASA and the suppliers across Kansas that helped make this mission a success. As the top appropriator for NASA, I have spent the last several years traveling to NASA suppliers across Kansas and the nation that have spent years working to advance the Artemis Mission. I also had the opportunity to host then-NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine in Kansas in 2018 and 2019. Earlier this summer, I hosted NASA Administrator Bill Nelson in Kansas. To see the successful launch from the Kennedy Space Center was humbling knowing the dedication and talent that was years in the making to reach this accomplishment. Sixteen suppliers across Kansas helped make this mission a success and many more will be involved in the years to come.
This week marked a new era for our nation’s space program. I look forward to continuing to support this important mission and to see firsthand the benefits that will stem from this new exciting era of space exploration.
For the full list of Kansas suppliers that contributed to the Artemis I mission, click here.
Meeting with Harvesters
On Thursday, I met with Karen Siebert, an advocacy and public policy advisor for Harvesters–The Community Food Network and Association of Kansas Food Banks. We discussed the increased need for food assistance as many individuals in our communities are facing food insecurity. As inflation continues to climb higher, the rising cost of food creates an increased burden on many Kansas families. As co-chair of the Senate Hunger Caucus and a member of the Senate Subcommittee on Agriculture Appropriations, I have supported investments in federal nutrition programs such as the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) to provide food and basic commodities to help those in need.
As we celebrate Thanksgiving, I want to thank those who are volunteering or donating items to a local food bank. If you are able, I encourage Kansans to donate food to help those in need this Thanksgiving. To find a local food bank in Kansas, click here.
Veterans’ Affairs Hearing on PACT Act Implementation
On Wednesday, the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs held an oversight hearing with witnesses from the Department of Veterans Affairs on the implementation of the SFC Heath Robinson Honoring our PACT Act. The PACT Act is the largest expansion of veterans’ health care and benefits in the VA’s history. As the VA works to fulfill this legislation’s promise to deliver long-overdue care and benefits to all generations of toxic-exposed veterans, from those exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam to those exposed to burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan, it is essential that Congress makes certain the VA is following the law and connecting the right veterans with the right care and benefits at the right time.
I remain concerned about the operational impact this legislation could have on the VA and will continue to work with the department, and my colleagues in Congress, to make certain that the VA is making full use of all the tools at its disposal to best serve veterans – both those enrolling for care or applying for benefits for the first time and those already in the system, as well as their survivors.
I encourage veterans and survivors in Kansas who think they may be eligible for care or benefits to call 1-800MyVA411 or visit www.va.gov/PACT to connect with people who can provide assistance in enrolling in VA care or filing a claim for benefits.
Meeting with General Rainey
This week, I met with General Joseph Rainey, the new commander of Army Futures Command. General Rainey was previously the Commanding General of the Combined Arms Center at Fort Leavenworth, and I appreciated the opportunity to see him again and speak with him about this new role. We discussed his new position at Army Futures Command – a command with the mission of helping the Army modernize and field the Army of 2030. We also spoke about how Kansas can continue to help the Army meet its modernization priorities.
I look forward to working with General Rainey in this mission. I also look forward to him joining me in Kansas to witness firsthand the collaboration that exists between industry, academic and the Department of Defense to highlight the opportunities for innovation and partnership in our great state. Thank you to General Rainey for his work in this important mission.
Making Certain Kansans Have Access to Broadband Services The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a draft of new broadband deployment maps that show where broadband coverage exists in the U.S. and where it does not. This is an important first step to identifying where federal resources are most needed and is the result of years of work between Congress and the FCC. In 2019, I sponsored the Broadband DATA Act, which required the FCC to create accurate maps using data from broadband providers and required the FCC to implement a process by which consumers and other stakeholders could challenge the accuracy of the maps.
Many areas of Kansas still do not have access to basic broadband services, a modern necessity for business, education and health care. Next year, the final version of these maps will be used to allocate broadband deployment funding, so it is critical these maps are accurate. I encourage Kansans to review their home and business locations to ensure accurate information is displayed, to make certain the federal government is efficiently and effectively providing resources to connect people in our state.
Meeting with Kansas Soybean Commission Thank you to members of the Kansas Soybean Commission for meeting with me this week to discuss issues impacting Kansas agriculture and the renewable fuels industry. During our meeting we spoke about the importance of the biodiesel tax credit for the soybean industry as well as the Renewable Fuel Standard and the importance of continuing to support sustainable growth in clean fuels.
I want to thank Kansas Soybean Association CEO Kaleb Little of Topeka, Kansas Soybean Association Director of Field Services Dennis Hupe of Topeka, Dennis Gruenbacher of Andale and Bob Haselwood of Berryton for meeting with me and for their updates regarding this vital industry for our state.
Finland Foreign Affairs Committee Meeting On Thursday, I met with members of the Finland Foreign Affairs Committee to discuss shared concerns regarding European security, focusing on Russian aggression in Ukraine. They were grateful for America’s ongoing support, and I appreciated knowing their belief that Europeans can and should be doing more to contribute to Ukraine’s defense. It is important for our allies to turn that belief into reality. It also is important for Finland to be approved by Hungary and Turkey to join NATO. The Senate voted overwhelmingly this past summer to welcome Finland and Sweden into the alliance. The Finnish people have long been reliable partners to the United States, and bringing them into the NATO alliance will serve to deter further Russian aggression. I want to thank my colleagues Senator Susan Collins of Maine and Senator Jon Tester of Montana for their work to make this conversation possible.
Banking Committee Hearing During a Senate Banking Committee hearing on Tuesday, I questioned the Federal Insurance Deposit Commission (FDIC) Acting Chairman Marty Gruenberg regarding his decision to roll back banks’ supervisory appeals process without public notice or comment. Providing a fair and effective supervisory examination process for banks is essential to maintaining a healthy and transparent financial system. I also questioned him on certain regulatory conditions that hurt community banks’ ability to access funding from Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLBs), which provide crucial liquidity for the housing market. As a member of the Senate Banking Committee, I will continue to work towards the fair supervision of banks and sustaining the liquidity of the FHLBs.
Meeting with Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Board Nominees I had the opportunity to meet with Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Board nominees Travis Hill and Jonathan McKernan on Thursday. We discussed the current challenges facing our financial system and how federal regulators can best supervise financial institutions. These well-qualified nominees will bring balance to the FDIC board, and I am confident in their ability to lead the FDIC’s mission to maintain stability and public confidence in our nation’s banks.
Meeting with OxyChem
On Thursday, I met with OxyChem President Neil Ackerman to discuss the company’s plans for modernizing its chemical manufacturing facilities in Wichita. I appreciate OxyChem’s continued commitment to investing in the Wichita area. During this meeting, we also discussed working with nearby colleges to provide technical support and training programs to create a pipeline of high-skilled labor and local talent to the industry. I am committed to supporting these investments in the Wichita area’s manufacturing sector, and I look forward to working alongside OxyChem in this goal.
Honored to Serve You in Washington It is an honor to serve you in Washington, D.C. Thank you to the many Kansans who have been calling and writing in to share their thoughts and opinions on the issues our state and country face. I appreciate the words of Kansans, whether in the form of a form of letter, a Facebook comment or a phone call, who wish to make their voice heard.
Please let me know how I can be of assistance. You can contact me by email by clicking here. You can also click here to contact me through one of my Kansas offices or my Washington, D.C., office.
Very truly yours,
Jerry
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Hays
1200 Main St.,
Suite 402
P.O. Box 249
Hays, KS 67601
Phone: (785) 628-6401
Alvena Carol Russell, age 82, a resident of rural Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Sunday, November 20, 2022, at her home. She was born October 10, 1940, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of John J. Bloom, Jr. and Freda Hamlett Bloom.
Carol graduated from the Ft. Scott High School and went on to attend Arlington Bible College in Arlington, Texas.
She married Robert L. Russell on April 22, 1962, at the Grace Baptist Tabernacle in Ft. Scott. Together they raised their three daughters, Laurie, Barbie and Shelly. While the girls were younger, Carol served as a Campfire leader.
Throughout her life, Carol worked in clerical and secretarial positions at various businesses including Wal-Mart, Ennis Business Forms, Great West Insurance Company and the First Baptist Church; however, her main priority was taking care of her family.
After her girls had grown, she owned and operated her own business, Brides and Things, located in downtown Ft. Scott.
Carol was a woman of faith and a longtime member of the Grace Baptist Tabernacle where she served as a Sunday school teacher. Carol was an accomplished writer and used her writing abilities to share her faith. She published several children’s books as well as inspirational articles.
She was often asked to speak at area church functions, primarily ladies’ events.
Carol will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother.
Carol will be dearly missed by her husband, Bob, of the home; her three daughters, Laurie Center (Bill) of Lolo, Montana, Barbie Johnson of Ft. Scott and Sharon Michelle “Shelly” Allen (Brett) of Fountain, Colorado; her seven grandchildren, Grant Center, Lindsey LaRocque (Brandon), Katie, Kellie and Keriann Johnson and Kylie and Zaine Allen; and her five great-grandchildren, Kelsie, Alexa, Carter, Hadley and Lydia. Also surviving is a niece, Leita Kester.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Sharon Kester.
There was cremation. A celebration of life service will be held at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, December 17th at the Grace Baptist Tabernacle.
Private burial will take place at the Centerville Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to the Grace Baptist Tabernacle 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.
Fontressa Monique Foxx, age 39, a resident of Fort Scott, KS, died early Wednesday, November 23, 2022, at her home. She was born September 22, 1983, in Fort Scott. Fontressa graduated from Fort Scott High School with the class of 2002. She worked as a CNA at Guest Home Estates. She enjoyed needlepoint, listening to music, and spending time with her beloved dog “Tiny.”
Survivors include her mother, Anita Foxx, of the home, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was preceded in death by an infant sister, Lakin Sidell Foxx, her father, and her grandparents.
There was cremation. No public services are scheduled at this time. Memorials are suggested to the Fontressa Foxx Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Manhattan, KS — Ms. Margaret Marino, K-2 Math and Reading Special Education Instructor, Winfield Scott Elementary School, USD 234, Fort Scott, was recently awarded a $500 Classroom Grant by the Kansas Association of American Educators (KANAAE), a non-union professional educators’ association serving Kansas educators. Ms. Marino will be using the grant to purchase supplies to supplement the Orton Gillingham training she attended this past summer!
“KANAAE is thrilled to be able to provide funding to purchase needed materials and supplies for Margaret’s classroom,” said Garry Sigle, KANAAE executive director. “As a professional association we are committed to helping educator’s purchase items through our scholarship and grant program they may not otherwise be able to obtain. We know it’s the students who ultimately benefit.”
The winners of the KANAAE Teacher Scholarships and Classroom Grants are selected by a committee of their peers from across Kansas. All educators are encouraged to apply.
KANAAE is an affordable, non-union professional education association that provides teacher scholarships and classroom grants exclusively for Kansas educators twice a year. The grants can help pay for a variety of materials for the classroom and scholarships can be used to cover a wide variety of expenses including tuition, books, conferences, and workshops. The next application deadline is March 1, 2023. For more information visit www.kanaae.org.
Dr. Richard L. “Dick” Spencer, DDS, age 77, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, November 15, 2022, at the Medicalodge in Ft. Scott.
He was born August 3, 1945, in Topeka, Kansas, the son of Virgil W. Spencer and Dorothy Lee Spencer. He graduated from the Ft. Scott High School and from Pittsburg State University. He then went on to complete dental school at the University of Missouri at Kansas City.
He married Karlene K. Murn on October 12, 1971.
Dr. Spencer owned and operated his own dental practice in Ft. Scott for several years. He later worked in the dental office of Dr. Max Patterson. Dick will be remembered as a devoted husband and a loving father as he faithfully cared for his wife, Karlene and their son, Jonathan.
He was the last of his family. Dick was preceded in death by his wife, Karlene on July 2, 2019, and his son, Jonathan, on November 7, 2000. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Dorothy Spencer and his in-laws, Bill, and Becky Murn.
Private burial will take place at the Evergreen Cemetery. 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.
A work session with the county and city commissioners will be held at noon today at the Empress Event Center. Multiple topics will be discussed but no action will be taken. This meeting is open to the public.
The Starlite FCE held there November meeting at the Yeager building on the Bourbon County Fairgrounds. President Glenda Miller called the meeting to order and Vice president Joyce Allen led the club in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Club Collect. Eleven members were in attendance and reported that they had volunteered for sixty-six hours and had recycled 70 pounds.
Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. Doris Ericson presented the treasurer’s report.
Old business consisted of a report that treats had been delivered to the VFW, American Legion and the assisted living facilities in honor of Veterans Day. Goodie bags were also delivered to the Tri-Valley clients. Glenda Miller announced that Betty Johnson had been selected as the Southeast Kansas representative for the Heart of FCE award for 2022 at the Parsons Fall Training. It was also reported that three members had helped out with the poppy distribution and that Deb Lust had assisted in placing the Flag out for Veterans Day.
New Business for the month was planning the Christmas party. Doris Ericson moved that everyone bring money to be donated to Preferred Living, Deb Lust seconded the motion, motion carried. It was decided that the Christmas Potluck Dinner would be held on December 16th at 11:00. Before the dinner the members will be putting together gift bags for the Tri-Valley clients, which will consist of socks, gloves, hot chocolate mixes, popcorn, mugs filled with Chex mix and candy. We will also be having a white elephant exchange at the dinner. Other new business was assigning the lessons for the coming year and picking hostesses.
Before the meeting the members folded two hundred Christmas messages and stuff envelops to be delivered to the VA hospital.
Letha Johnson moved the meeting be adjourned, Joyce Allen seconded the motion, meeting adjourned. After the meeting the members enjoyed refreshments of vegetable pizza, cinnamon roll twists, nuts, chocolate, V8 and water provided by Claudia Wheeler and Letha Johnson.
