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Obituary

Obituary of Sammy Elaine Winship

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Sammy  Elaine Winship, a cherished member of the Fort Scott community, passed away peacefully at the age of 86 on December 22, 2025, in Fort Scott, Kansas.

Born on February 4, 1939, Sammy was a beacon of selflessness and kindness throughout her years. She attended Fort Scott High School, where she laid the foundations of a life dedicated to service and care. Sammy’s warmth and nurturing spirit led her to own and operate her own daycare, where she touched the lives of many families, guiding their young ones with love and dedication. Her commitment to her community extended to her work as a line worker for the Avon Company, where she was known for her work ethic and friendly demeanor.

Sammy’s life was a testament to the joy of giving. She found her greatest happiness in the laughter and achievements of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her daughter, Laura Rasmussen of Independence, Mo., and her daughter Carolyn Fisher and husband Roy of Kansas City Her granddaughter Sammi Bailey and husband Josh of Festus, Mo., along with Aaron Fisher and Carrie Fisher and Claudio, of Kansas City, will carry forward her legacy of kindness. Sammy’s four great-grandchildren, Canyon, Bella, Lennon, and Wilder Bailey. Her Family will cherish the memories of her steadfast support and endless encouragement.

Although Sammy has joined her late family members, including her parents, William S. Bailey and Deloris Likely Bailey, her brother Joe Bailey, and sister Alice Hallin, her spirit of selflessness and devotion lives on through those she has left behind.

Sammy Winship was a woman whose life was defined by her unwavering love for her family. She will be remembered as a nurturing soul who brought joy to children and comfort to parents, a woman who built a life on the foundation of kindness and care. As we say farewell to Sammy, we reflect on a life well-lived, a journey marked by the countless hearts she touched and the smiles she inspired. Sammy Winship’s legacy is one of love, and it will continue to shine brightly in the lives of those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Cremation has taken place, a Celebration of will be held at a late date  Memorials are suggested to the First Baptist Church and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary

Death Notice of Barbara Lou Haggard

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DEATH NOTICE

 Barbara Lou Haggard, age 76, resident of Pittsburg, KS passed away Thursday, November 27, 2025, at Mercy Hospital, Springfield, MO.  There was cremation.  Memorial services will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, December 29th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Interment will take place at a later date in the U. S. National Cemetery.  Memorials are suggested to the Barb Haggard 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 online at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary

Obituary of Brian Karl Housman

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Brian Karl Housman, age 67, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Monday, December 22, 2025, at the Medicalodge in Ft. Scott.  He was born December 28, 1957, in Westwood, New Jersey, the son of Russell and Dorthy Housman.  Brian used to work landscaping with his friend, Frank Lopez at a business they named L. & H. Homeowner’s Services, in Emerson, New Jersey.  He later met the love of his life, Donna.  They were united in marriage on August 19, 1989, in her mom’s backyard.  He then followed his wife to Ft. Scott, Kansas in 1991.  After settling in Kansas, he worked as a maintenance man and then for Ft. Scott Burial Vault Company.  He was always willing to help his wife with any of her various projects and volunteer work.  Brian and Donna were also members of Community Christian Church where they helped found the Christian Motorcycle Association (CMA).  He also made sure to attend his grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s events whenever he was able.  He loved working in his garage on various projects and could always be found outside maintaining his yard and property to make it look good.

Brian is survived by his brother, Russell Housman of Westwood, New Jersey; two stepdaughters, Jacqueline Arbogast of Nevada, Missouri (SIL Charles Arbogast, Jr of Oklahoma), Stephanie Smith-Hinson and husband, Darrin of Garfield, New Jersey; a stepson, Christopher Smith of Utah; eleven grandchildren and their spouses, twenty-two great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Donna; two sisters, Candice and Nancy; a step-son, John Enos; his parents, Russell and Dorthy Housman, a great-granddaughter, four rainbow babies; a niece, Dawnelle Ornstein and a great-nephew, Christian Golden.

Rev. Dusty Drake will conduct funeral services at 1:00 P.M. Monday, December 29th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Burial will follow in the Large Cemetery south of Ft. Scott.  Memorials are suggested to Care to Share and may be left in care of 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.

Opinion

A Heavenly Feast by Patty LaRoche

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Patty LaRoche. 2023.
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)

Someone had the nerve to send out an email about all the healthy food choices we might adopt for Christmas…and continue to use in 2026.  I get the 2026 part, but I’m sorry, “healthy” and “Christmas” don’t mix.  They are opposites.  Oxymorons.  Black and white.  Fun and boring.   Delicious and disgusting.

On what planet is this writer living?  Everyone knows that we indulge at Christmas so that we can set New Year’s goals to exercise and lose weight. What else is New Year’s for?

I don’t know about you, but every December, I prep for a holiday smorgasbord.  Egg nogg.  Fudge.  More fudge.   Decorated cookies.  Peppermint sticks.  Cranberry bread.  Calorie-laden appetizers.

That’s Christmas.  None of this “Keto” pies or sugarless sugar cookies or diet dips with 40%-less-salt potato chips, celery sticks or gluten-free, dairy-free, meat-free…well, anything.

On another note.  I think there should be a law against people who take teensy portions, like a tablespoon of this and a teaspoon of that, and then leave half of it on their plates.  For some reason, I always seem to sit by that individual at family get-togethers. She is the slim, trim, tight-bodied individual who tries really hard not to comment on my mound of mashed potatoes, piled high on top of the 15-course rations I have hiding underneath the gravy.  I love her for that.

Still, in her defense, it must be taxing to hang with an undisciplined person.  You know the type.  She watches you go back for seconds when she has stuck to her 100-calorie limit…basically, two lettuce greens and a sliver of carrot from the carrot cake.  And when, after dining, she invites the attendees to go on a hike to burn off that fat and you are still feasting, determined not to waste a crumb from your plate, she says nothing.  That’s a good friend.  Correction: that’s a great friend.

I worked hard last year to lose 17 pounds.  My clothes fit better.  I had more energy, and my knees did not throb when I walked downstairs.  Unfortunately, while celebrating my weight loss, I ate out of excitement for what I had accomplished.  You know what happened. Almost  overnight, those 17 (plus a few of their friends) decided to move in with me.

I am blessed to be married to a man who does not harp on how different I look compared to when we first married.  Oh, occasionally he questions if I made a mistake when I buy an XL top, but he laughs when I tell him that it was mismarked…which is why it was on sale. Sometimes he questions how the actresses of the ‘50’s had such tiny waists (seriously, like 18”), but I remind him that they never had children, and if they did, their kids were not eight-pounders like ours were.

Someone told me that there will be feasting in Heaven.  That gets me excited…until I read Revelation 22:2, describing the food we will be eating: “… On either side of the river stood a tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit and yielding a fresh crop for each month…”  Fruit?  Fruit?  Where are French fries and cheeseburgers and cheesecake?

Of course, when Jesus returned to earth after his resurrection, he ate with his disciples.  This makes me smile.  Then again, I’m sure that no matter what we eat, it won’t matter, for we will be in the presence of God.  That is enough to satisfy any cravings we could ever have.

Obituary

Obituary of Mickey Louis Shoemaker Webb

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Mickey Louis Shoemaker Webb, 70, passed away on December 8, 2025.

Mickey was born on June 12, 1955, in Fort Scott, Kansas, to Ralph Shoemaker and Mary Schafer. She was raised with strong family values that guided her throughout her life.

Mickey was blessed with her beloved son, Douglas Wayne Felt, born on March 12, 1982. Douglas preceded her in death on January 11, 2002, a loss she carried in her heart always.

On January 4, 1998, Mickey married David Webb in Paola, Kansas. Together, they later made their home in Apache Junction, Arizona.

Mickey is survived by her loving husband, David Webb; her sister, Brenda Fritts (Ron); her brother, Martin Shoemaker; two stepdaughters, Shanna and Heidi; and five cherished grandchildren, Dakota, Amaralis, Havana, Colton and Ginger. She was preceded in death by her son, Douglas Wayne Felt; her nephew, Kyle; her parents, Ralph Shoemaker and Mary Schafer; and both sets of grandparents.

A memorial service will be held at1:00 P.M. Sunday, December 28th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Please, no flowers. If you would like to make a donation to a charity of your choice, you may do so in her memory.

Mickey will be remembered for her devotion to family, her enduring faith, and the love she shared with all who knew her. She is now at peace, reunited with loved ones, and resting in the arms of her Lord and Savior.

Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Opinion

From the Bleachers by Dr. Jack Welch

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FROM THE BLEACHERS

BY DR. JACK WELCH

The Mind Sets Direction, the Heart Drives Follow-Through

Leadership always begins in the mind. The mind gives us the ability to think, envision, analyze, and set direction. It’s where ideas are born and goals are identified. Leadership is never proven by ideas alone. Leadership is revealed in follow-through, and follow-through comes from the heart.

Every leader has good thoughts. Many have strong opinions. Some even have impressive plans. Yet not every leader finishes. The difference between those who talk about leadership and those who live it is commitment. The heart provides the courage, determination, and discipline required to move from intention to execution.

The late, iconic Notre Dame coach Lou Holtz captured this truth with remarkable clarity. He often said that to get things accomplished, a person must: Have a goal or vision, develop a plan to accomplish it, demonstrate the follow-through to get it done.

Holtz summarized it simply: Do It, Do It Right, Do It Right Now. That sequence is leadership in action. The mind may tell us what needs to be done. The plan explains how to do it. But without heart-level commitment, both the thought and the plan will sit on the shelf collecting dust.

Leadership stalls when vision lacks resolve. A goal without a plan is wishful thinking. A plan without commitment is wasted effort. A thought without the determination to follow through is simply a wasted thought.

The truth is this: People don’t fail because they lack ideas, they fail because they lack follow-through. Follow-through requires discipline when enthusiasm fades, courage when resistance appears, and perseverance when results don’t come quickly. That kind of resolve does not come from the mind alone; it comes from the heart.

Effective leaders work the plan because they believe in it. They stay the course because they are committed to the outcome, not just the conversation. They finish because finishing matters.

From the bleachers, leadership often looks simple. On the field, it demands something deeper. Strong leaders think clearly, plan intentionally, and commit fully. They don’t just do it, they do it right, and they do it right now.

In leadership, direction comes from the mind, but execution is driven by the heart.

Thought for the week, “Leadership turns ideas into impact only when the heart is committed to follow through and finish what the mind begins.” John Hill, winningest head baseball coach in history at Fort Scott Community College.

 Dr. Jack Welch serves as President of Fort Scott Community College. With a career spanning professional sports, public education, and rural community development, he brings a servant-leader mindset and a passion for building trust-driven cultures that empower people to thrive in the classroom, on the field, and in life. He is also the author of Foundations of Coaching: The Total Coaching Manual.

Bourbon County, Business

Tri-Valley Receives Grant for Diabetic Training Tool

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Tri-Valley Developmental Services (TVDS) is proud to announce the receipt of a $297 grant from the Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Health Fund Circle of Friends.  The grant will be used to purchase a diabetic training kit, which will be used to enhance staff competency in diabetes care for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities in Allen, Bourbon, Chautauqua, Elk, Greenwood, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson counties in Southeast Kansas.

“Tri-Valley is grateful to the Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Health Fund Circle of Friends and the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas for enabling us to train our staff on proper diabetes care for the individuals we serve.” said Bill Fiscus, CEO.  “Tri-Valley appreciates the support given to us by both the Community Foundation and the Rita J. Bicknell Circle of Friends Committee.”

The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas hosts individual charitable funds created by donors who have a passion for giving back to their community. Grants from these funds assist people throughout Southeast Kansas and beyond.  Call  CFSEK at 620-231-8897 with questions about the Community foundation.

 

 

Submitted by

Tricia Campbell

Special Projects Coordinator

Business, Government, Kansas, Sports

New Domed Chiefs Stadium and Training Facility Coming to Kansas

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Gov. Kelly and Kansas City Chiefs
Announce Agreement On Plans for
State-of-the-Art Domed Stadium in Kansas

Gov. Kelly: “This is a game-changer for Kansas”

New stadium and mixed-use entertainment project is expected to create 20,000 jobs and generate more than $4 billion in economic impact for state

TOPEKA – Gov. Laura Kelly and the Kansas City Chiefs today announced that an agreement has been reached to build a domed stadium and a mixed-use entertainment district, as well as a new team headquarters, training facility and mixed-use development in Kansas. The project will be a massive economic win for the state, with the construction phase alone creating over 20,000 jobs and $4.4 billion in economic impact for Kansas. From there, the stadium will bring over $1 billion in annual impact.

The agreement includes two distinct parts: (1) a $3 billion stadium in Wyandotte County, which will open at the start of the 2031 NFL season; and (2) a new Chiefs headquarters and training facility in the City of Olathe in Johnson County. Both sites will have mixed-use developments that could include sports, entertainment, dining, shopping, office, hotel and residential properties.

“This agreement to bring the Chiefs to Kansas takes our state to the next level. With this new stadium, we’re creating thousands of jobs, bringing in tourists from around the world, attracting young people, and most importantly, we’re continuing to make Kansas the best place in America to raise a family,” Gov. Kelly said. “This is a game-changer for Kansas, and it’s a signal to America and the world that our state’s future is very bright.”

The agreement was approved today by the Legislative Coordinating Council (LCC) with strong bipartisan support.  It will be a public-private partnership between the state and the Chiefs organization – and it will require no funds from the current state budget and no new taxes on Kansans. A fact sheet of the agreement and the independent Economic Impact Study can be found here.

“Today is an extraordinary day in the history of the Kansas City Chiefs,” Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said. “We are excited to partner with the State of Kansas to bring a world-class stadium to our fans. This project represents another step in our legacy of innovation and our fan-first mentality, which started with my father, Lamar Hunt. The stadium, practice facility, and surrounding development will benefit the entire region, and further elevate Kansas City in the eyes of the country and the world.”

“This is a great day for Kansas City Chiefs fans,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “This public-private partnership, the result of a thoughtful and deliberate process, will build upon the Hunts’ generational legacy by boldly investing in one of America’s greatest fan bases. The Chiefs’ new enclosed stadium will be a stage for unforgettable moments, whether it’s playoff games, concerts or championship events. We congratulate the Chiefs and the Kansas City community on this important achievement.”

The Chiefs announcement adds to the Kelly-Toland administration’s unprecedented streak of winning business investment projects that create jobs and grow Kansas’ economy. Since 2019, Kansas has attracted more than $30 billion committed capital investment and created or retained almost 78,000 jobs.

“Kansas has had a streak of big economic wins, but nothing is bigger than this. This is truly once-in-a-generation,” said Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland, who led the state team that negotiated the deal with the Chiefs. “This happened because we brought Democrats and Republicans together to do what was best for Kansas – landing our state a huge economic win, without requiring a single dollar from the state budget or a tax increase on Kansans. This historic win is the latest in a series of major economic wins for Kansas, including the Panasonic headquarters, which all tell the same story: the future for Kansas, its workers and its economy is very exciting.”

“This is an extraordinary economic win for our state thanks to the effort of Governor Kelly and Lieutenant Governor Toland,” said Christal Watson, Mayor & CEO Unified Government of Wyandotte KCK. “All of us in Wyandotte and Kansas City, Kansas are excited to work with the Chiefs and are committed to driving results that strengthen our region and uplift our community.”

“This deal is a once-in-a-generation type of opportunity for our community and region. Having the Chiefs headquarters and training facilities here in Johnson County will be huge for our local economy – and a lot of fun for our families,” said John Bacon, Mayor of Olathe. “We’re eager to get to work, and are committed to ensuring the process – and the result – are first class, something everyone in Olathe – and all across Chiefs Kingdom – can be proud of.”

“Today, Kansas won the Super Bowl,” said Senate President Ty Masterson. “This is a huge win for Kansas. Now, we get to watch our beloved Chiefs play right here at home, keeping jobs and tax dollars right here in Kansas. Best of all, this will not cost one more penny for Kansas taxpayers.”

“Here in Kansas, we love the Chiefs, and we also love a good deal for taxpayers. So this is a win-win,” House Speaker Dan Hawkins said.

The project will be financed through a public-private partnership (60% public – 40% private). The public portion is funded through Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) bonds and the Attracting Professional Sports to Kansas Fund – both funding mechanisms established specifically for this purpose – to ensure that there will be no new state taxes and no impact on the state budget.  The STAR bonds were authorized today by a bipartisan vote of the Legislative Coordinating Council. The STAR bonds have two components: (1) It allows the state to designate a portion of new state sales tax revenues generated by this project in neighboring communities to fund this project; (2) It allows Wyandotte County and the City of Olathe to designate a portion of their local sales tax revenue generated by this project to pay for it. For more on STAR bonds, click here.

The Attracting Professional Sports to Kansas Fund was established by the legislature to dedicate revenue generated from iLottery and sports betting to recruit professional sports teams.

The Hunt Family is also committing to $1 billion in additional development, a portion of which can also be incentivized by STAR bonds.

For more information, visit www.kansascommerce.gov/chiefs-media-kit.

A photo is available for media use here.

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Obituary

Obituary of Darlena G. Durossette

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Darlena G. Durossette, age 76, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Friday, December 19, 2025, at the Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri.  She was born January 13, 1949, in Lafayette, Indiana, the daughter of J. B. McBeath and Donna Harboldt McBeath.  Darlena was raised by her mother and stepfather, Bill Payne.  Darlena married Jimmie V. Durossette on March 2, 1968, at Belton, Missouri.  While living in Belton, Darlena was employed by Christian Missions and was able to take a trip to the Holy Land.  Darlena and Jimmie then moved to Peculiar, Missouri where she was employed by Kuhlman Die Casting.  After moving to Ft. Scott, Darlena worked for Superior Industries in Pittsburg, Kansas until that factory closed.  She was currently employed as a checkout clerk at the Ft. Scott Walmart.  Darlena loved Elvis music and collecting Elvis memorabilia.  She was also a great fan of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Survivors include her two children, Jimmie Durossette (Orpha) and Michelle Houser (Mack) all of Ft. Scott; four grandchildren, Michael, Samantha, Matthew (Autumn) and Denver; three step-grandchildren, Genna, Virgil and James and nine great-grandchildren, Deven, Annie, Zane, Joanna, Logan, Chase, Everleigh, Brynlee and Tomi.  Darlena was preceded in death by her husband, Jimmie, on October 31, 2015.  She was also preceded in death by a granddaughter, Rachelle and her twin sister, Marlena Young.

There was cremation.  The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Saturday, December 27th at the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Government

Newsletter of U.S. Congressman Derek Schmidt

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Rep. Derek Schmidt's header image

Friends,

 

This past week saw progress on several legislative efforts that have been months in the making. Some cleared the House of Representatives and will now be considered by the Senate, while three bills I’ve been working on won final approval in both houses and were signed into law by President Trump.

On Wednesday, the Senate passed the House-amended National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (NDAA) (S. 1071) on a bipartisan vote of 77-20. The bill then made its way to the White House where President Trump signed the bill on Thursday evening. As I have long said, our Armed Forces must remain the most capable and lethal military force in the world. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I am pleased to have contributed to that effort – for Kansans and for our nation.

The NDAA also included bills  I cosponsored that will improve public safety, which are:

  • Protect Our Children Reauthorization Act of 2025 (H.R. 1274) reauthorizes and strengthens the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force Program. This legislation authorizes increased funding for ICACs, updates the national strategy to prevent child exploitation, and strengthens ICAC task forces.
  • Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act of 2025 (H.R. 1236) expands the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits program to include retired officers who are killed or permanently disabled in targeted attacks due to their prior service.
  • Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act (H.R. 1269) ensures the death or permanent disability of a public safety officer due to an exposure-related cancer is presumed a personal injury sustained in the line of duty under the Public Service Officer Benefits program when certain conditions are met. I heard from several constituents how important this legislation is to Kansas firefighters; I appreciated that input and was happy to support it.

On Thursday, the House Judiciary Committee debated and voted on several bills. I am a cosponsor of the Medal of Sacrifice Act (H.R. 3497) introduced by Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL), which would establish a formal recognition by the President of the United States for law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. I consulted with our Kansas officials who operate the Kansas Law Enforcement Memorial in Topeka, and with their input, offered an amendment to the bill that will make it work better in practice. During debate, I told the Judiciary Committee about the four Kansas officers killed in the line of duty this year.

Rep. Derek Schmidt (KS-2) during consideration of the Medal of Sacrifice Act (H.R. 3497) in the House Judiciary Committee. Click here to watch full remarks.

Throughout the week, the House debated and passed legislation to address border security, rising healthcare costs, and rising energy costs. I supported the following:

  • Kayla Hamilton Act (H.R. 4371) would ensure the federal government conducts a proper review of unaccompanied migrant children entering our country.
  • Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act (H.R. 6703) would lower insurance premium costs by at least 11% through cost-sharing reduction payments that would stabilize the insurance individual market.
  • SPEED Act (H.R. 4776) would amend the National Environment Policy Act of 1969 to streamline the environmental review process.
  • Reliable Power Act (H.R. 3616) would ensure future federal regulations that impact power generation will not harm electric reliability.
Constituent Services

My team stands ready to help Kansans in the Second Congressional District who are dealing with unresolved federal issues. This includes assistance with the VA, Social Security, the IRS, and other federal agencies.

 

If you are experiencing an issue with a federal agency and need assistance, please call my office at (785) 205-5253 or fill out the form on our website.
Around the District

Recently, I was in Emporia to participate in Wreaths Across America. What an honor and privilege it was to pay tribute to those who served our great country and to help pass along to our next generation the service and sacrifice that built our country and has kept us free. I was also in Topeka to help at the Kansas Children’s Service League Red Stocking Breakfast. I’ve been a longtime supporter of KCSL and the great work they do with kids, and I’m grateful for their dedication. It’s always good to be home!