All posts by Submitted Story

Obituary of Katherine Proctor-Farr

Katherine Elaine Proctor-Farr, age 66, resident of Nevada, MO, died Saturday, June 19, 2021, at Freeman West Hospital, Joplin, MO. She was born June 6, 1955, in Wichita, KS, the daughter of David and Lillie Smith Moyer. She married Donnie Proctor on May 1, 1981. He preceded her in death on November 17, 1997. She later married Bill Farr. He preceded her in death in 2017. Kathy enjoyed reading books and watching HGTV. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandkids.

Survivors include a daughter, Kim Starr and husband John, Billings, MT; a son, Ray Proctor and wife Angie, Nevada, MO; 2 brothers, John Moyer and wife Barb, and Mike Moyer and wife Pat, all of Wichita, KS; 4 sisters-in-law, Sherry Moyer, Wichita, KS, Diana Clark, Ft. Scott, KS, Cindy Proctor, Ft. Scott, KS, and Mary Jane Young, Garland, KS; 4 grandchildren, Andra, Nick, Chandler, and Thor; an aunt, Betty Moyer, Haysville, KS; mother-in-law, Margaret Bolden, Ft. Scott; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends; and special friends, Irvin and Dorinda Durossette.

Besides her husbands, she was preceded in death by a brother, Jim Moyer; a sister, Linda Moyer; and father-in-law, Don Bolden.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday, June 23rd at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Lath Branch Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 Tuesday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Kathy Proctor-Farr Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Remembering the Dad You Had by Carolyn Tucker

Carolyn Tucker. Submitted photo.

I’ve been remembering the dad I had since 2012. I was 54 years old when I couldn’t celebrate Father’s Day in person with my hero. He was quite the colorful individual; he was like a loud party going somewhere to happen. I still miss him. This Father’s Day will be the first for my daughter Mariam and son Aaron to not celebrate their dad in person. I’ve asked permission to use excerpts from the personal tributes they wrote for Jimmy’s memorial service. It’s a heartfelt reminder to all fathers about how important they are to their children. “A child’s glory is his father” (Proverbs 17:6 TLB).

From Mariam: “My dad was wonderful…plain and simple. He lived an exemplary life of patience, dedication, and faith. He loved the Word of God — reading it, talking about it, and sharing it with others. His first priority was always showing me the ways of the Lord and I am so grateful. Anyone who knew my dad well knew that he was quiet and kind. He rarely raised his voice and he never had an ill word to say about anybody. He was very intentional. He knew what he wanted to do, his reasons for it, and he stuck to it. I so admire his resolve and unwavering faithfulness to his convictions and calling over the years.”

My dad would drop everything to help me (or anyone). I was always so proud that if it was broken he could fix it, and if it needed put together it would be solid when he was done with it. Dad took me fishing, rode horses with me, built me the coolest tree house in town, taught me to shoot a layup and a shotgun. He spent real meaningful time with me. I have always known I was loved by my dad and that he was proud of me. Always. Thank you, dad, for being a present father in a world where you don’t have to be one, and for being a man of excellence in a world of mediocrity.”

From Aaron: “My dad was my hero. He taught me how to do everything I love. He taught me how to hunt, fish, ride a motorcycle, cut wood, grow things in the garden and so many other things. He taught me how to use his tools as a child, even though I left them out in the yard every time. Dad worked hard and did his very best at everything he did. I never once questioned that my dad was there for me. When I needed help on anything, I knew I could ask my dad and he would stop whatever he was doing to patiently walk me through what I needed.”

My dad was a wonderful earthly father, and I couldn’t have had a better role model for our heavenly Father. Dad’s number one priority was drawing closer to God and living out His will. I never wondered if my dad loved me, and I know that he was proud of me because he made sure that I knew it. Dad wanted me to succeed, to do my best, and to know that I can trust God to help me with anything that I need, just like he did. I am forever honored to be my father’s son.”

Remember, the love you share/shared with your father will never die. Love is binding and eternal, so not even death can separate the love between fathers and their children.

The Key: If you still have your dad, be glad. If you don’t, be thankful for the dad you had.

Inflation by Gregg Motley

Gregg Motley. President of the Bourbon County Economic Development Council. Submitted photo.

Inflation

Congress has printed and spent trillions of dollars in the last year. Two “stimulus” checks have gone out to most Americans. Congress is still paying a $300 unemployment bonus, contributing to worker shortages and supply shortages. The Federal Reserve still has rates at zero. Banks are awash in cash with few investment options. Congress is trying to spend another $1 to $4 trillion.

All these factors should lead to inflation; and they have. The Consumer Price Index surged 5.2% year over year in May, the largest increase since 2008. Over the last 12 months, core inflation is up 3.8%, and other industries are much higher: used cars – 29.7%, airline fares – 24.1%, jewelry – 14.7%, shoes – 7.1%. We all know that the price of lumber has skyrocketed, along with most other commodities.

The housing market has taken off nationwide, including Bourbon County. Year-to-date in our region, sales are up 37%, average sales price is up 18%, days on the market has dropped 53%, and pending sales are up 49%. How long this will last is anyone’s guess, but it is obvious that forces beyond the market are at work. With the increase in lumber prices adding about $36,000 to the cost of an average new home, pre-owned homes are becoming more attractive and the market reflects that reality.

Rates are an historic anomaly, as evidenced by the fact that municipalities can borrow at rates lower than the rate of inflation. It does not make sense for cities and counties to save money for projects, when they can lower costs by borrowing at low rates and beating long-term inflation. Case in point, the average rate of inflation for construction costs has been 2.42% over the last ten years (are there any doubts that number is MUCH higher in the last year?); a city can borrow money for around 1%. Thousands of municipalities have taken advantage of this historically rare arbitrage at record levels.

What should a business do? Lock in long-term borrowing rates. Marginally increase normal levels of inventory. Save capital. Have a plan to deal with inflation in inventory, labor and other expenses. Get out of all short-term, variable rate debt. Much of this applies to individuals as well. One positive factor is that our nation’s personal savings rate has doubled the pre-pandemic level to 14.9%, which is nice to see given that people tend to spend money they did not earn more freely.

Inflation is a tax we all pay, regardless of our income level or position in life. A modest, predictable level of inflation is healthy; what appears to be coming is not. Now is the time for all entities, all people to focus on good financial health. Bourbon County can be an oasis of stability in an inflation desert.

Conclusion: Don’t get caught up in the nationwide buying/borrowing frenzy, unless it is absolutely necessary, such as for municipal infrastructure needs. Pay down debt. Save. Let’s position Bourbon County as a financial leader in the months and years to come.

Obituary of Bernard Nilges

Bernard John Nilges, age 98, a resident of Iola, Kansas, passed away Thursday, June 17, 2021, at his home.

He was born August 24, 1922, in Scipio, Kansas, the son of Samuel P. Nilges and Mary Catherine Peine Nilges.

He served with the United States Army from 1942 to 1945. While with the Army, he participated in the Battle of the Bulge and later helped with relief efforts at the Dachau Concentration Camp in Germany. He was proud of his time spent in the military where he faithfully served his country.

Hospice had given him a plaque in honor of his military service just prior to his death. Following his military service, he returned to Anderson County, Kansas, where he married Norma Jean Blubaugh on July 16, 1948.

He owned and operated his own farm and dairy for forty years. He was a farmer and proud to be one. He loved to see things grow and to know that he had a part in that. He loved to be outdoors and enjoyed nature.

Following retirement from farming in the mid 1980’s, Bernie and Norma Jean moved to Iola, Kansas.

He worked for twelve years as a bus driver. He was also a very good carpenter. He loved working with his hands and was good at whatever he was doing.

Bernie was a soft-spoken man. He never asked for much and yet he gave so much to anyone and everyone.

He will be dearly missed not only by his family but by anyone who ever knew him.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dawn Henshall, Melissa Preston, Tammy Snyder, Melissa Andres, Rodney Andres and Debra Wools who have served as caregivers for both Bernie and Norma over the years.

Survivors include his wife, of seventy-two years, Norma Jean, of the home; and two daughters, Cristine Bacon (Chuck), of Moran, Kansas and Connie Hiner (Sam), of Burlington, Kansas. Also surviving are five grandchildren, Bryan Bacon (Brenda), Jessica Bacon, Tina Withers (Chris), Erica Combs (Donnie) and Renee Fischer (Chancy) and ten great-grandchildren, Abigail, Caleb, Austin, Hannah, Collin, Cassidy, Evan, Ava, Addison and Jocelyn and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, Joe, Fred, Herman and Mark and three sisters, Cecilia, Agnes and Rose.

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for June 22

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

 

Date: June 22, 2021

1st District-Lynne Oharah                                                                Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jim Harris                                                                      Corrected: _______________________

3rd District-Clifton Beth                                                                              Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

 

   

    MEETING WILL BE HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM.

 

Call to Order

 

  • Flag Salute
  • Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
  • Eric Bailey – Road and Bridge Report
  • Bourbon County Soil Conservation District 2022 Budget Review
  • Wallstreet Group Insurance – Cassie Laemmli, Health Insurance Presentation
  • Assured Partners – Health Insurance Presentation
  • Commission to Review Fireworks Permits
  • Kendell Mason – Annual Statements
  • Michael Clancy – Reodry USA – Inspection of Courthouse Foundation for Free
  • Will Wallis – Termination of County Declaration
  • Bill Martin – Sheriff’s 2022 Budget Review
  • Elected Officials Comment
  • County Counselor Comment
  • Susan Bancroft, Finance Director Comment
  • Donation to Kansas Road Trip
    • Public Comment
  • Commission Comment

Justifications for Executive Session:

          KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy

          KSA 75-4319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship

          KSA 75-4319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency

          KSA 75-4319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships

          KSA 75-4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property

          KSA 75-4319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.

Child Tax Credit: American Rescue Plan

Governor Laura Kelly Encourages Families to Register for Monthly Child Tax Credit with New Online Tool

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today encouraged Kansas families who normally aren’t required to file an income tax return to use a new online tool to quickly register for the expanded Child Tax Credit under the American Rescue Plan.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service announced this week that the new Non-filer Sign-up Tool for people who did not file an income tax return for 2019 or 2020 and did not use the IRS Non-filers tool last year to register for Economic Impact Payments is now available through IRS.gov.

“Businesses are open, unemployment is back to pre-pandemic lows, and Kansas’ economy gets stronger every day – but we know that many families still need support,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I encourage all Kansans who qualify to use this new online tool to quickly and easily register for Child Tax Credit payments – and to spread the word about the new tool in their communities.”

This tool, an update of last year’s IRS Non-filers tool, is also designed to help eligible individuals who don’t normally file income tax returns register for the $1,400 third round of Economic Impact Payments (also known as stimulus checks) and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit for any amount of the first two rounds of Economic Impact Payments they may have missed.

Learn more about the Non-filer Sign-up Tool here.

Southeast Kansas Library Newsletter June 2021

The SEKnFind Newsletter
June 2021

This newsletter about new books is distributed to people who are registered adult users at a southeast Kansas library participating in the SEKnFind catalog. We hope you find it useful, but if you don’t wish to receive this anymore, you can click on the “Manage Subscriptions or Unsubscribe” link at the bottom.
All the books included in this newsletter are new additions in one or more SEKnFind libraries–and since the catalog is shared, that means they are available to you whether they are in your local library or not!  Just place a hold on the item(s) you want.  If you don’t know how, your librarian can show you.

New Nonfiction

On Juneteenth
by Annette Gordon-Reed

In this intricately woven tapestry of American history, dramatic family chronicle, and searing episodes of memoir, the descendant of enslaved people brought to Texas in the 1850s, recounts the origins of Juneteenth and explores the legacies of the holiday that remain with us.

Mom genes : inside the new science of our ancient maternal instinct
by Abigail Tucker

Part scientific odyssey, part memoir, this fascinating and thought-provoking exploration of the biology of motherhood reveals the hard science behind our tenderest maternal impulses. 75,000 first printing.

The music advantage : how music helps your child develop, learn, and thrive
by Anita Collins

An expert in cognitive development and music education explains how learning music and listening to it can positively impact numerous aspects of a child’s development, improving language abilities, social skills, concentration, impulse control, emotional development, working memory, and planning competence.

Vibrant : a groundbreaking program to get energized, own your health, and glow
by Stacie Stephenson

“With pracitcal steps to improve everything from brain health and energy to immunity and weight, Vibrant introduces readers to a new way of looking at health, as something each person can control for themselves, rather than something that happens to them”

100 plants to feed the monarch : create a healthy habitat to sustain North America’s most beloved butterfly
by Eric Lee-Mäder

An in-depth portrait of the endangered North American monarch butterfly describes its life cycle and extraordinary migration and provides instructions for designing monarch-friendly landscapes with plants that provide it nourishment, including milkweed and flowering plants and shrubs. Original. Illustrations.

Cook for your gut health : quiet your gut, boost fiber, and reduce inflammation
by America’s Test Kitchen (Firm)

This cookbook presents nutritious, high-fiber meals that promote gut health and are perfect for those trying to calm occasional gastrointestinal symptoms, those who are among the 1 in 5 Americans who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or those simply seeking to nourish themselves with whole foods. Illustrations.

Craft your own happy : a collection of 25 creative projects to craft your way to mindfulness
by Becci Mai Ford

“Craft Your Own Happy is a collection of mindful craft projects to make you smile! Perfect for those moments when you need a bit of self-care and relaxation time.Do you ever feel like you spend too much of your day staring at screens, feeling anxious or stressed out? If the answer is yes – then you need this book! The cute colorful projects have all been designed with the feel-good-factor in mind. Crafting can help to take you away from the worries and pressures of your daily life, and give you back those moments of slowness and focus which can help to reduce anxiety.Unlike other craft books, this is a book that you can dip into and find projects based upon how you are feeling. So you can craft to suit your mood! There are 25 beginner friendly projects to choose from including cross stitching, embroidery, paper craft and more…”

Dream first, details later : how to quit overthinking and make it happen
by Ellen Bennett

A former line cook shares her experiences about turning a flash of inspiration about better kitchen aprons into an internationally-recognized brand as well as presenting her creative problem-solving tactics to encourage would-be entrepreneurs to follow in her footsteps. Illustrations.

The ground breaking : an American city and its search for justice
by Scott Ellsworth

“The definitive, newsbreaking account of the ongoing investigation into the Tulsa race massacre In the late spring of 1921, Tulsa, Oklahoma, erupted into the worst single incident of racial violence in American history. Over the course of sixteen hours, mobs of white men and women looted and burned to the ground a prosperous African American community, known today as Black Wall Street. More than one thousand homes and businesses were destroyed, and scores, possibly hundreds, of people lost their lives. Then, for nearly a half century, the story of the massacre was actively suppressed. Official records disappeared, history textbooks ignored the tragedy, and citizens were warned to keep silent. Now nearly one hundred years after that horrible day, historian Scott Ellsworth returns to his hometown to tell the untold story of how America’s foremost hidden racial tragedy was finally brought to light, and the unlikely cast of characters that made it happen. Part true-crime saga, part archaeological puzzle, andpart investigative journalism, The Ground Breaking weaves in and out of recent history, the distant past, and the modern day to tell a compelling story of a city-and a nation-struggling to come to terms with the dark corners of its past”

New Fiction

The plot
by Jean Hanff Korelitz

Wildly successful author Jacob Finch Bonner, who had stolen the plot of his book from a late student, fights to hide the truth from his fans and publishers, while trying to figure out who wants to destroy him. 200,000 first printing.

Lemon drop dead
by Amanda Flower

When a surprise guest at Emily Esh’s lemon-themed baby shower claims to know about her secret shame, and then winds up dead, Emily’s sister, Esther, is accused of the crime and Bailey King must put the squeeze on the real killer to keep this family together. Original.

The lost village
by Camilla Sten

Obsessed with the vanishing residents of an old mining town, dubbed “The Lost Village,” documentary filmmaker Alice Lindstedt and her crew set up camp and are soon plagued by strange events that makes them realize they are not alone. 100,000 first printing.

Local woman missing
by Mary Kubica

When Delilah, who disappeared 11 years earlier when she was only 6 years old, shockingly returns, the residents of a quiet suburban neighborhood want to know what happened to her, but no one is prepared for what they’ll find. 200,000 first printing.

What’s mine and yours : a novel
by Naima Coster

When the community rises in outrage of the integration in the Piedmont schools, two students, Gee and Noelle set off a chain of events that will bring their two families together in unexpected ways

Like cats and dogs
by Kate McMurray

“The fur flies when new veterinarian Caleb Fitch moves in next door to the Whitman Street Cat Cafe and gets on the wrong side of cafe owner Lauren Harlow. Caleb is cute and Lauren is instantly attracted, but he’s a dog person through and through, and Lauren is a dyed-in-the-wool cat person. Still, the friction between them is fascinating, and they can’t seem to stay away from each other. Determined to smooth things over, Caleb comes to the rescue when a litter of abandoned kittens is left on Lauren’s doorstep. But the kittens are only the first obstacle Lauren and Caleb are about to face, and they’ll have to learn to work together and confront the fiery attraction that’s been building between them from the start”

One last stop
by Casey McQuiston

Cynical August starts to believe in the impossible when meets Jane on the subway, a mysterious punk rocker she forms a crush on, who is literally displaced in time from the 1970s and is trying to find her way back. Original. 250,000 first printing.

Project Hail Mary : a novel
by Andy Weir

The sole survivor on a desperate, last-chance mission to save both humanity and the earth, Ryland Grace is hurtled into the depths of space when he must conquer an extinction-level threat to our species.

Breakout : a thriller
by Paul Herron

An imprisoned ex cop and a rookie correctional officer team up to survive and exact vengeance when their Miami jail is abandoned in the wake of two colliding Category 5 hurricanes. 40,000 first printing.

Surviving Savannah
by Patti Callahan Henry

A tale based on the Pulaski disaster of 1838 follows the efforts of a Savannah history professor to guest-curate a museum collection of wreck artifacts while researching the stories of 11 family members who were aboard the doomed steamship.

The Warsaw orphan
by Kelly Rimmer

Set during World War II in Poland, this novel, based on real-life heroes, follows Emilia over the course of the war, her involvement with the Resistance, and her love for a young man imprisoned in the Jewish ghetto who’s passion leads him to fight in the Warsaw Uprising. 10,000 first printing.

Branded
by Eric Red

Joe Noose, with the help of two U.S. Marshals, hunts down a serial killer who is cutting a bloody swath through the American frontier, branding his victims with a “Q” as he goes. Original.

Even more reading suggestions

NextReads Sneak Peek
Looking for something else to read? Try subscribing to our free NextReads newsletters. Newsletters are divided into a variety of genres and topics so you can get recommendations tailored to your interests sent directly to your inbox every month to two months.
Each issue contains around 9 to 10 reading suggestions. If we don’t have a copy, make a purchase suggestion or ask your library about interlibrary loan. Here’s a sneak peek of titles from this month’s Travel & Adventure newsletter:

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