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Obituary of Delores Lay
Delores Mae Lay, age 88, passed away July 29, 2022, in Susanville, CA, where she lived with her daughter, Valerie Martin. She had formerly lived with her husband, Bob Lay, in Hillsboro, OR, until his death in 2020. The two had been married 59 years.
Born on May 21, 1934, at her childhood home in North Braddock, PA, the tenth child of Charles and Anna (Fiyalko) Gregorovich, Dolores grew up there in a house on Stokes Avenue. She loved to share the memories of her childhood and especially her life growing up as the daughter of immigrants in an ethnic Slovak family. She had a wonderful gift of laughter, and she relished being doted on by her brothers and sisters. She was especially close to her beloved brother, Albert, also known as Abe.
Delores graduated from Scott High School in North Braddock, PA, and in the ‘50s she was employed at Isaly’s in that town. She later worked at the Homestead Steel Mill until she met and married Bob (Robert) Lay in 1960. Lastly, she worked at the Royal Valley School District in Hoyt, KS, as a paraprofessional during the 1980s.
A city girl, Delores met her handsome U.S. Marine, Bob Lay, who happened to be a Kansas farm boy, while vacationing with friends in Miami, FL, in 1959. The two fell in love instantly and were soon married. The couple lived in many places across the United States while Bob was stationed in the Marine Corps. Delores held down the home front, much of the time on her own, during Bob’s military deployments, some of which were overseas. As time passed, they finally settled in Hoyt, KS, until they both retired and found a home in Hillsboro, OR, in 2000.
Delores was a devoted and loving mother and wife who brought with her to this country many of the Slovak traditions, which she loved. She also brought laughter and joy into the lives of her children and to most people who knew her. One of her greatest gifts was her extraordinary memory, and she often would recount some of the stories of her life,” back in the day.” She also kept her “Memories” neatly cataloged in binders and photo albums, most of them carefully describing the date, time, and what was going on in the family’s life back then.
Delores was preceded in death by her brothers and sisters; Albert Gregorovich, Elsie Gregorovich, Wilma Evak, Ann Kocsis, Paul Gregorovich, Helen Gregorovich, Emily Bires, Peg Ford, and Charles Gregorovich, as well as her husband, Bob (Robert) Lay.
She is survived by her five children; Valerie (Ron) Martin, Susanville, CA, Mark Lay, Beaverton, OR, Quentin Lay, Beaverton, OR, Dwight Lay, Beaverton, OR, and Bobbie (Barbara) Lay, Rapid City, SD. Delores is also survived by seven grandchildren and many, many nieces, and nephews.
Delores’s main desire (and achievement) was that her children had lived and had good memories of the days gone by. In this, she definitely was a great success.
We thank you, Mom, for the precious gift of life that you gladly gave to each of your children. We will never forget the good times and sincere love that you poured out on all of us. Your laughter was a joy to us all, and your boundless love for others and your desire to take care of your family has been such a blessing. You will be much missed, but we thank you and will remember you always for your wonderful love.
Graveside interment for both Bob and Delores Lay will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, September 24th, 2022, at Osaga Cemetery, Fulton, KS. Military honors will be provided for Bob by the United States Marine honor guard. Local arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Constitutional Amendment Question: Yes, in Bourbon County, but No Kansas Totals
Click below to view the unofficial primary election results submitted by Ashley Shelton, Bourbon County Clerk.
Most incumbents faired well in this election and the constitutional amendment proposed vote was Yes with 2, 335 votes and No-1,662 in Bourbon County. (See page 26 of the submitted documents)
UNOFFICIAL PRIMARY 2022 RESULTS
The state of Kansas election total results are different on this issue.
Kansans as a whole voted no on this constitutional amendment on abortion.
To view the Associated Press release:
https://apnews.com/article/2022-primary-elections-kansas-abortion-b6d62a852c2ce4617f2c03589fbb523e
Healthy Bourbon County Action Team News July 2022
Submitted by Jody Hoener, The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, Inc. President and CEO, 620-215-2892,104 North National, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Obituary of Pauline Alsop
Pauline “Polly” Louise (Gordon) Alsop, affectionately known by family members as “Red”, 99, formerly of Fort Scott, passed away Friday morning, July 29, 2022, at Infinity Park Nursing Home in Overland Park, Kansas. She was born February 8, 1923, in Eve, Missouri, the daughter of John Worth and Lillian Lola (Kearns) Gordon. She married Harold Dean Alsop February 8, 1941, in Girard, Kansas, and he preceded her in death June 18, 1997.
She worked for several years at the Bourbon County Tag Office. She was a lifetime member of the First United Methodist Church, White Shrine of Jerusalem, and Order of the Eastern Star.
Polly was kind and tender-hearted. She had a love for children and animals. She loved to play bridge with lady friends in both Fort Scott and Clinton. And she was particularly fond of playing Rook with all her family members – always had a Rook game going! She loved watching the Royals and Chiefs on TV.
Polly welcomed anyone to her table – there was always an extra plate. She loved to bake and cook and give to friends and neighbors during the holidays. She was known for her pies; “Polly’s Pies” and always had homemade ice cream. Polly was always cooking for a house full of family members and their friends! She was known far and wide by dozens of high schoolers as ‘Aunt Polly’ and her house was always the gathering place of all the kids. Polly helped with MYF, Cub Scouts, Campfire; a little league baseball coach, homeroom mother…she did it all.
Polly also loved to sew and made clothes and costumes for her children and grandkids and made beautiful formals for her daughter Sue.
Polly is survived by her children, Gordon Dean Alsop, of Overland Park, Kansas; Ronald Dale Alsop, of Clinton, Missouri; and Paula Sue Black, also of Overland Park; five grandchildren, Kimberly DuVall, of Overland Park, Kansas; Michael Alsop, of Highland Ranch, Colorado; Hayley Bleck-Nemec, of Prairie Village, Kansas; Morgan Alsop, of Jacksonville, Florida; and Spencer Alsop, of Ocala, Florida; and three great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband Harold, Polly was also preceded in death by her parents, eight brothers, and three sisters.
Rev. Chris Eshelman will conduct graveside services at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 4, 2022, at the Fort Scott National Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.
Obituary of Thomas Madison
Thomas W. “Tom” Madison, 56, passed away Sunday, July 31, 2022, as the result of a brain injury sustained in a motorcycle accident in Kansas City, Kansas on July 23, 2022. Tom was born July 6, 1966, son of William “Bill” Madison and Margie (Peterson) Madison in Fort Scott, Kansas.
Tom lived in Fort Scott during his early childhood before the family moved to Adrian, Missouri, then Columbus, Kansas to further his father’s career as a teacher and a coach.
The family returned to Fort Scott during Tom’s sixth-grade year. He attended Fort Scott schools through graduation from Fort Scott High School in 1984, where he was active in FFA. He earned his associate degree from Fort Scott Community College in 1986 where he was on the Rodeo Team and the Livestock Judging Team. He then attended Kansas State University, earning his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Education in 1990.
After graduating from Kansas State, Tom taught two years of high school agriculture and FFA in Lewiston, Nebraska, then moved to Paxico, Kansas where he managed the Tiffany Springs Ranch, then the Laflin Ranch in Olsburg, Kansas.
He returned home to Fort Scott in 1995. He worked for Mid-Continental Restoration for several years before returning to teaching agriculture and FFA for two years in Pleasanton, Kansas.
In the mid-2000’s Tom began Madison Trucking and had been in the business of contracting to haul cattle since that time. In recent years, he also worked for his cousin Billy Madison at Spring Hill Pork Processors.
Tom (and Lindsay) Madison have two daughters, Kendall, and Lauren, who he spent a great time with during their 4-H years showing swine and other livestock at the Bourbon County Fair as well as traveling to shows in a regional series, the Kansas State Fair, and the American Royal.
He spent many years during and after college competing in rodeos and team ropings where he developed many close friendships that lasted a lifetime.
If any family or friends ever needed a hand, he could build or fix about anything and was always willing to help. He could strike up a conversation with anyone, knew someone everywhere he went, and could be heard anywhere nearby with his big laugh.
Tom is survived by his daughters Kendall and Lauren, and their mother Lindsay. His mother Margie Madison, all of Fort Scott; and his brother-in-law Robert Handke of Leavenworth, Kansas. Also surviving are aunts and uncles of the Madison family Nora Karleskint, Norma Kramer, Warren Madison, Cathy (Pat) Thomas, Frank (Deb) Madison, Claude Madison; aunts and uncles of the Peterson Family Mary Lou Schafer, Frank Peterson, Von (Susan) Peterson, Verna May “Sissy” (Jay) Mall, and Edith Peterson (wife of late Harry “Sonny”) and many cousins and other extended family.
He was preceded in death by his late wife Talitha “Tally” Brown Madison; father, Bill Madison; sister Angela Madison Handke; aunts Carol (Madison) Lefever and Joyce Peterson; uncles Harry “Sonny” Peterson, Pat Peterson, Bill Peterson, Ben Karleskint and Bill Kramer; and cousin Todd Madison.
The family will receive visitors on Sunday, August 7, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. followed by a memorial service on Monday, August 8 at 10 a.m., both at Cheney Witt Funeral Chapel in Fort Scott.
Burial will take place in Centerville Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Cowboys for Cancer Crisis Fund in honor of late friend Doug Hazelbaker, or to the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation 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.
Friday Free Concert for August 5: Neosho River Boys
This week’s Friday Night Concert will be presented by the Neosho River Boys, a traditional bluegrass band based out of Chanute, Kansas. Ron Oliphant plays banjo and fiddle, Dale Steinman keeps the rhythm on the upright bass, and Scott Sexton sings and plays guitar.
“The band performs much in the style of the earliest bluegrass performers. Their music is heartfelt and real,” concert series organizer Ralph Carlson said. “Come out and join us for a special treat to see friends and hear some great pickin’ and grinnin’. These musicians are no stranger to the Fort Scott stage and are a delight to hear. We are pleased to welcome the Neosho River Boys to our downtown park pavilion.“
The one-hour concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Heritage Park Pavilion at First and Main streets. The shows, sponsored by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, are free and open to the public. Dave Oas and Jim Butler provide the sound each week. Due to limited seating, attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
In the event of inclement weather, the Neosho River Boys concert will be moved to the Fort Scott Community College Round Room.
Hip Hop Dance Workshop Offered August 12 at Buck Run
New Fed Infrastructure Law Will Aid KS Bridge Improvements
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Letter to the Editor: Pete Allen
Submitted by Pete Allen
A new era has begun in Fort Scott!
A special street maintenance plan (SSMP) is meant to improve the PCI of certain streets by 100 blocks per year. The goal is to preserve and upgrade the PCI of our streets to a “5” at the rate of 100 blocks per year. Due to a late start, this year’s goal has been reduced to 48 blocks.
This plan was adopted by the governing body at the regular commission meeting on April 5, this year. Recommendations by the comprehensive plan adopted in 2018, were to “develop a plan to substantially improve the local roads emphasizing getting the most done with the funding available”. This plan was determined to be the most beneficial.
The previous 5-year plan was for improving an average of 20 blocks per year. The current schedule is to work on arterials first, then collectors. and then residential.
All streets in Fort Scott would receive the SSMP in 10 years when the process would be repeated. The cost estimate for the work is $500,000 per year or $5,000 per block.
Based upon my previous experience with the commission, this is how I see the plan working, but keep in mind, this is only my opinion, based upon the April action of the governing body, and does not necessarily reflect the views of the present administrators.
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter
Veterans Need the PACT Act Passed Now
The most important business before the United States Senate is passing the SFC Heath Robinson PACT Act for our nation’s veterans. This weekend, I spoke with my Senate colleagues, both Democrats and Republicans, veteran committee staff and veterans in Kansas about getting the PACT Act passed as quickly as possible. I introduced this historic bill, advocated for this bill, voted for this bill and I will work until we have this bill done and signed into law.
On Thursday, I spoke on the Senate floor urging my Senate colleagues to support the PACT Act. Veterans need this bipartisan legislation passed now. This is an issue that’s taken too long to resolve – delivering health care and benefits to thousands of veterans who are ill due to their exposure to burn pits and other toxic substances. For more than two years, I have worked with Sen. Tester, our colleagues in the House and Senate, multiple VSOs, veterans and their families to provide veterans with the health care and benefits they deserve.
As the lead Republican on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I have worked to make certain this bill is the best version that it can be. There are not many certainties when it comes to Congress, but I assure our veterans, we will get this bill passed; and we will get it signed into law.
You can watch my full speech here.
Unveiling Amelia Earhart’s Statue in the U.S. Capitol
This week, I joined members of the Kansas delegation and Congressional leadership in unveiling a statue of our state’s very own Amelia Earhart in the U.S. Capitol. Her statue now joins President Dwight D. Eisenhower representing Kansas as part of the National Statuary Hall Collection. With Dwight D. Eisenhower and now Amelia Earhart, Kansas officially has two of the most iconic and recognizable American heroes representing any state in the United States Capitol.
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Amelia Earhart is someone who is recognized for her historic renown as an aviator, but also someone who broke barriers, created opportunities for others and captivated the attention of the world with her adventurous spirit. Between two and three million people from around the world visit the U.S. Capitol every year. It is my hope that this statue of Amelia Earhart will encourage other girls and boys from small towns across the country to dream big and work hard to achieve their dreams. And for those who can’t travel to the U.S. Capitol, they can visit the Amelia Earhart Hanger Museum in Atchison where a replica statue will be on display of a determined young woman with short cut hair, a curious smile, a bomber hat in hand and a sunflower on her belt buckle.
I want to thank a few people who attended the ceremony this week, and without their hard work, the Amelia Earhart statue would not have been possible: Jacque Pregont, Karen Seaberg and Rick and Reed Berger with the Atchison Amelia Earhart Foundation. Thank you for never giving up on Amelia and leading the effort to bring this statue to the United States Capitol.
You can watch my full speech during the Amelia Earhart Statue Dedication Ceremony here.
Fox News Interview on Sen. Schumer’s Tax and Spending Spree
On Saturday, I joined Fox News before the Dodge City Days Parade to discuss Sen. Schumer’s reckless tax and spending spree. In Dodge City, folks are worried about the rising costs of everything and are saying times are tough for us and that Congress needs to get spending under control.
With inflation at a 41-year high and two consecutive quarters of negative GDP, Sen. Schumer wants to spend more money, raise taxes and attack American energy production. This makes no sense.
Kansas is an energy-producing state, and I’m for an all-of-the-above energy strategy that includes oil, gas, ethanol, wind, solar and electric. We need pro-growth policies, not more spending and higher taxes.
You can watch my full interview here.
Meeting with Kansans in Washington, D.C.
Kansas Grain and Feed Association
On Wednesday, I met with the 2022 Tomorrow’s Agribusiness Leaders class, a leadership and professional development program for members of the Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association. During our meeting, we discussed issues facing producers and grain handlers, including difficulties in shipping products to market. They conveyed the importance of crop protection products for growing high-yield crops, as these products help make it possible for farmers to feed the world. We also discussed Farm Bill priorities, such as the working lands conservation program, which encourages good land stewardship and soil health while keeping land in production. I look forward to advancing our shared priorities in the upcoming Farm Bill and continuing to advocate for producers in Washington, D.C.
Pittsburg State University
This week, I was pleased to meet with Professor Amy Hite from the Irene Ransom Bradley School of Nursing at Pittsburg State University (PSU) during her visit to Washington, D.C. for the Nurse Practitioner Consortium Conference. Amy spoke with me about the Kansas Nurse Practitioner Residency Program, a partnership among PSU, Ascension Via Christi, Girard Medical Center, and the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, a topic she presented on during the conference. We also discussed the important role of medical education partnerships with local health care providers in addressing the health care workforce shortage, which is especially prevalent in Kansas’ rural communities. Without proper education and training for future medical professionals, our rural towns will struggle to strengthen our health care workforce. It is local efforts like PSU’s that will truly make the difference. Thank you to Professor Hite for taking the time to speak with me during your visit to D.C. and for your work to train our future generations of nurse practitioners.
American Legion Boys Nation and American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation
On Thursday, I had the opportunity to meet with young Kansans visiting D.C. who are participating in the American Legion Boys Nation and American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation, both selective, educational programs for high school juniors. Through these respective programs, high school students learn about government, public service and civic responsibility and have opportunities to exercise leadership skills and participate in the political process. These young men and women were each elected by their peers from these respective programs to represent Kansas in Washington. While in the nation’s capital, they receive valuable educational and leadership experience as they learn about the structure and function of the federal government.
We also discussed the value and responsibility of public service. Visiting with our future leaders is always a highlight for me, and I know these young people will go on to do great things for our state and country in the future. Thank you to Konnor Quinn-Coleman from Leavenworth, Lukas Haas from Overland Park, Grace Malin from Lawrence and Isobel Li from Overland Park for meeting with me.
Boyd Family from Mission Hills
I was pleased to meet Rick and Gayle Boyd, along with their children, Georgia and Hampton, during their visit to my Washington, D.C. office for a Capitol tour led by my staff.
Springer Family from Lenexa
I also enjoyed meeting Steven and Jessica Springer and their children, Grace, Faith and Christian, when they visited my D.C. office for a Capitol tour.
Attending Dodge City Days
This weekend, while attending Dodge City Days, I was especially honored to meet Jean Lantis, a 104-year-old resident of Dodge City who, along with her late husband Bob, has raised horses and cattle in the area for years. It was great to hear about all the ways she has invested in the local community throughout the years.
Dodge City Western Days Parade
A highlight of the festivities in Dodge City this weekend was the Dodge City Western Days Parade. It is always good to see familiar faces and to visit with Kansans, and this weekend’s parade was no exception. Thank you to all who came out and participated in this great event. It was also great to visit with AG Derek Schmidt, Melanie and Gary Harshberger and Dr. Scott and Mark Fischer during the parade.
Hilmar Hamburger Feed
While in Dodge City, I also attended the Hilmar Cheese Hamburger Feed where Hilmar CEO David Ahlem and members of his team provided hundreds of hamburgers for the event. Last year, Hilmar Cheese announced they will be building a new, state-of-the-art cheese factory in Dodge City. I have long been an advocate of expanding dairy and dairy processing in western Kansas, and I am pleased to see Hilmar’s efforts to establish operations here and to support the community.
Announcing Apache Digital Twin at Wichita State University’s NIAR
On Friday, I was in the Air Capital of the World to help announce the creation of the Apache Digital Twin at Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR). This important program will extend the useful lifespan of the world’s most advanced, proven attack helicopter as the U.S. Army advances our nation’s security interests. As a Defense Appropriator, I am pleased that Pentagon leadership continues to solidify the important role NIAR plays in the defense of our nation. Thank you to Wichita State President Rick Muma and Senior Vice President for Industry & Defense Programs John Tomblin for their continued leadership in this crucial field. Thank you also to Major Generals Todd Royar and Wally Rugen as well as Brigadier Generals Rob Barrie, Jr. and Francisco Lozano for participating in this important announcement.
Recruiting Efforts Successful to Wichita – Operations Center and Corporate Headquarters
While I was in Wichita, I also joined Novacoast, a national leader in cybersecurity development, to announce its decision to relocate its corporate headquarters to Wichita from California. This exciting announcement comes shortly following the news of Novacoast opening its new Security Operations Center in downtown Wichita earlier this year. This move by Novacoast is further confirmation of the crucial role Wichita plays as a thriving hub for business, and solidifies opportunities for regional Kansas leaders in cybersecurity technology research and development, including Wichita State University, Friends University, Butler Community College and the 177th Information Aggressor Squadron at McConnell Air Force Base.
Our state continues to be an important leader in this field, and South Central Kansas is quickly becoming a pipeline for some of our nation’s most talented cybersecurity professionals. Novacoast’s presence is creating many rewarding partnerships, along with well-paying technology industry jobs for our community. Congratulations to Greater Wichita Partnership CEO Jeff Fluhr and his team for leading this successful recruitment effort. Special thanks to Novacoast CEO Paul Anderson for his leadership and for making Wichita home for his company and employees.
More Physician Education in Kansas! 91 Students Started Today
On Friday evening, I spoke at the grand opening of the Kansas Health Science Center’s Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine (KansasCOM). Headquartered in downtown Wichita, KansasCOM is our state’s first osteopathic medical school. Here, students will participate in a program that combines innovative, integrative and holistic teaching methods that prepare them to meet the health care needs of patients. A foundational part of this college’s mission is to address disparities in health care access between urban and rural regions of Kansas. As a member of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee and member of the Appropriations Committee, I remain committed to developing policy and identifying resources to assist this college in fulfilling its mission to serve Kansans. Thank you to the local and state leaders who attended this grand opening in support of this school. Special thanks to Dr. Tiffany Masson, President of Kansas Health Science Center, Dr. Vadim Levitin, Chair of the Kansas Health Science Center Board and Dr. Michael Horowitz, President of TCS Education System, for their leadership and the work they have done to bring this health care resource to our state.
Recognizing Tyler York as Distinguished Young Professional of 2022
This weekend, I had the opportunity to present Tyler York with the award for Distinguished Young Professional of 2022, recognition he earned from the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce. Tyler’s dedication to our state and heart for public service have been apparent to all throughout the years he has spent working tirelessly on behalf of Kansans in my office. I was honored to be there to present him with this award and to celebrate his accomplishments, as well as the positive influence he has had on his community.
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KS Tax Collections Surpass Estimate
Governor Laura Kelly Announces Kansas Begins Fiscal Year 2023 with Tax Collections Surpassing Estimate by $127.6M
~~July Marks 24th Month In a Row that Kansas Tax Collections
Have Surpassed Estimates~~
TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced Kansas July tax receipts. In total, Kansas saw its total tax receipts for July exceed the estimate by $127.6 million with $586.2 million collected.
“Due to my administration’s record-setting economic development successes over the last three and a half years, July marks the 24th month in a row that Kansas tax receipts have surpassed expectations,” said Governor Kelly. “That represents more money our state can use to continue fully funding our schools, improving our roads, investing in law enforcement, and expanding health care.”
Individual income tax receipts were $300.5 million, or 15.6%, over the $260.0 million estimate. Corporate income tax collections were $36.6 million, or 66.4%, over the estimate. Higher-than-expected corporate tax receipts reflect continued optimism that corporate profits will remain stable in the new fiscal year.
A comparison of July’s receipts to those of July of 2021 is not meaningful because a statutory change during the 2022 Legislative Session had the effect of deferring the collection of certain sales and use tax receipts from July to August beginning this fiscal year.
Retail sales tax collections were $174.2 million, or 39.4%, over the estimate. Compensating use tax collections were $21.0 million, or 65.7%, over the estimate with $53.0 million collected. Actual receipts for the two tax types were less than July 2021 due to a change in the timing for remittances by large retailers resulting from the enactment of 2022 H.B. 2136.
The complete July 2022 Revenue Report can be found here.