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Government, Kansas

Phone/internet Services Program Offered for Low Income Individuals

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Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Plan help Kansans
unable to pay for phone and internet services stay connected

TOPEKA – The start of a new school year is an expensive time for families. If you are struggling to pay for phone and internet services, there are programs to help you stay connected.

During Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week, the Kansas Corporation Commission joins utility regulators nationwide in encouraging those in need of assistance to apply for Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).  Both programs help low-income individuals and families stay connected so they can access health care, attend classes, find employment, and call for help in an emergency.

Lifeline provides federal and state discounts up to $17.02 per month on phone service (wireless or residential) and broadband. Seven million Americans currently benefit from the program, including approximately 30,000 Kansans.

The Federal Communication Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Plan (ACP) provides a monthly internet service discount of up to $30 and a one-time device discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer or tablet. According to FCC data, more than 20 million U.S. households are currently enrolled, including approximately 120,000 in Kansas.

Eligibility is based on income (at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for Lifeline and at or below 200% for ACP) or participation in certain assistance programs such as:

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance (FHPA)
  • Veterans Pension & Survivors Pension Benefit
  • Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
  • Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
  • Head Start Tribal Programs (income based)
  • The Food Distribution Program on Tribal Lands.

Anyone who qualifies for Lifeline is automatically eligible to participate in ACP. Others may still qualify for ACP if they meet any of the following criteria:

  • Are approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including the USDA Community Eligibility Provision.
  • Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.
  • Meet the eligibility criteria for a participating broadband provider’s existing low-income program.

Due to higher income maximums, ACP also has the potential to help families that may not qualify for other types of assistance. The maximum income for a family of four to qualify for the ACP program is $60,000 per year compared to $40,500 for Lifeline. Both Lifeline and ACP offer additional discounts for subscribers living on tribal lands.

More information on income eligibility, participating providers, and the enrollment process is available on the KCC’s website.

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Obituary

Obituary of Everett Duwayne Bryan

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Everett DuWayne Bryan, age 85, resident of Fort Scott, KS, died Saturday, September 9, 2023, at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin, MO.

He was born May 8, 1938, in Mattoon, Il, the son of Everett and Kathryn Decker Bryan.  DuWayne met his wife-to-be through a mutual friend while attending a horse show.  He married Sheren Martin on July 27, 1968, in Sullivan, IL.  DuWayne’s horse “Lucid Leo” was a big contributing factor.  Together they attended many horse shows through the years.

DuWayne worked as a pipe fitting welder for the local pipe fitter’s union out of Decatur, IL.  After moving to Fort Scott in 1994, he worked for Kirkland Welding for 10 years until retirement.

He was a big pro football and college basketball fan.  He became an avid supporter of PSU athletics while in Fort Scott.  He was a member of the Grace Baptist Tabernacle.

 

Survivors include his wife Sheren of the home; five children, Kevin French, Louisville, KY, Vonnie Lee (Doug), Sullivan, IL, Donald “Tony” Comer (Lora) Decatur, IL, Shannon Durbin (Ron), Arcadia, KS, and Doug Merriman, Raymond, IL; two grandsons, A.J. Comer (Lexi) and Bryce Comer (Brittany); 5 great-grandchildren, Hunter, Celia, Grayson, Davina, and Mia; and an uncle who was like a brother, Howard Decker (Doris), FL.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

 

Rev. Paul Rooks will conduct funeral services at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, September 13th, at the Grace Baptist Tabernacle.

Cremation will follow.

The family will receive friends Wednesday from 10:00 A.M. until service time at the church.

Memorials are suggested to Sami’s Legacy 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.

Bourbon County, Government

Agenda for Bourbon County Commission on Sept. 11

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Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Kansas

Nelson Blythe

1st District Commissioner

Jim Harris, Chairman

2nd District Commissioner

Clifton Beth

3rd District Commissioner

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

September 11, 2023 5:30 p.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute Followed by Prayer
  • Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 8-28-2023 and 9-7-2023
    2. Approval of Payroll Totaling $237,409.87
    3. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $408,015.91
  1. Public Comments
  2. Department Updates
    1. Public Works
  3. Brad Matkin-Fort Scott City Manager-Request to Waive Fees at the Bourbon County Landfill for Disposal of Building owned by Department of Child and Family Services at 2 S. National
  • Appointment of Marmaton Township Clerk
  • Justin Meeks-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(2)
  1. Commission Comments
  2. Adjourn Meeting

 

 

 

 

 

Executive Session Justifications:

 

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 the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.

Accounts Payable 9-8-2023

Payroll 2 9-8-2023

Payroll 9-8-2023

Opinion

Mom’s Button Box by Carolyn Tucker

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Keys to the Kingdom

 

 

After I snipped off the extra satin-covered button from my pastel-blue sweater, I placed it in my button box. In comparison to my Mom’s button collection, mine is considerably smaller. I store my buttons in a little round plastic margarine container that’s probably 40 years old. As I removed the lid, I pondered as to why there were so few buttons in it. And then I realized that, back in the day, women salvaged buttons from worn-out clothing because they were still functional, useable, and valuable. Mom’s buttons are displayed in a glass container in my daughter’s bedroom. One lace-covered button is from the pastel-blue suit she wore to my brother’s wedding in 1967. I wish that button could talk.

 

If our walk with Christ has become worn-out or hum-drum, we can fix that. There’s still something useful and valuable in our spirit; so we simply need to take the necessary steps to renew it. The apostle Paul told his young protégé, Timothy, to stir up the flame. “This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you” (2 Timothy 1:6 NLT). Smoldering Christians are to take the genuine faith they’ve got and develop it into a strong blazing fire of faith and service.

 

How? Don’t chuck church, ditch discipleship, or pass on prayer. Instead, poke the coals and stoke the fire. When the flame of faith is rekindled, we can walk in love, serve in joy, and rest in peace. As Christ’s followers, it’s up to us to stir up our faith so we can truly believe that God is working things out for our good. “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them” (Romans 8:28 NLT). Let’s remember not to omit the latter  portion of this scripture, “and are called according to His purpose for them.“

 

My late husband loved to build a fire in the winter. That responsibility has now fallen to me; I can’t say that I love to build it, but I love the comfort of a hot burning fire. It’s worth the effort to get the results. If we will stir it up, God will finish it. “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns” (Philippians 1:6 NLT). God does the work in us, but we’ve got to give Him some live coals to work with.

 

It’s no easy task to keep the fire burning hot enough to sustain a cozy temperature in the house. It takes diligence to stay on top of your spiritual journey too. “Without faith, it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to God. For whoever would come near to God must necessarily believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him out” (Hebrews 11:6 AMP).

 

Paul writes and encourages Timothy: “For I recall the sincere faith which is in your heart — a faith which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and then in your mother Eunice, and, I am fully convinced, now dwells in you also” (2 Timothy 1:5 WNT). Paul makes it clear that Timothy is blessed to be walking in his godly heritage, but his belief and trust comes from his own genuine, sincere, and solid faith. He alone is responsible for building and maintaining a strong faith and carrying out his calling.

 

The Key: Salvage the faith you’ve got and be diligent to burn strong and hot.

Entertainment, Exercise, Food, Fort Scott, Youth

Music and Bike Races at Gunn Park on Sept. 16-17

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Submitted photos.

Some of the region’s fastest mountain bikers will be in Fort Scott for the 10th Anniversary of the Marmaton Massacre Festival, on Gunn Park Trails, the weekend of September 16th & 17th. 

Race promoter and trail steward Frank Halsey is proud of what his team of volunteers has accomplished over the past ten years. 

“Our event attracts all types of riders from the region, professionals as well as beginners,” he said.  “Lots of riders prefer our hand-built trails over the machine-built trails in popular areas such as northwest Arkansas, we just don’t have enough mileage to be a destination trail.”

The Festival begins Saturday, with some participants arriving on Friday, to prepare for the Saturday Marathon Race, which is as many miles as possible in a three-hour timeframe.  Sunday events will consist of the age and ability Category Races. 

Halsey encourages locals to grab their lawn chairs and join us in the park for the Saturday evening festivities which will include a performance by the Fort Scott High School Orchestra at 5:30 pm, followed by the always popular little kids race, and live music by the Pittsburg band, Left of Center.  Sharky’s Pub & Grub will be providing food truck services.

 

“Mountain bike racing is not really a spectator sport, but my goal for this event has been to bring riders to our beautiful city and park, while providing locals an opportunity to have a relaxing evening in our beautiful Gunn Park,” Halsey said.  “None of this would be possible without our awesome volunteers and local sponsors including, Cheney Witt Funeral Home, CrawKan, Southwind Cycle & Outdoor, Sonic, Typhoon Bay, Union State Bank, Ward Kraft, RPS Benefits, and Mid-Continental Restoration.” 

For more info: https://www.bikereg.com/61371

Location & Contact

Location address:
1010 Park Ave, Fort Scott, KS  66701
Event Phone Number:
(620) 223-3700

Event Websitehttps://gunnparktrails.com/

 

Races begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday.

K-State Extension

September is the Time to Renovate Lawns After Drought

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Krista Harding
District Extension Agent, Horticulture
Southwind Extension District
111 S. Butler
Erie, KS 66733
Office: 620-244-3826
Cell: 620-496-8786

Renovating Fescue Lawns After Drought Loss

 

Unfortunately, this is the second year in a row that we are facing drought conditions going into the fall. Our fescue lawns have really taken a beating the last two years and many have almost completely died out. I know some lawns still look green, but you would be surprised at how much of your lawn is actually crabgrass and not fescue. If you are thinking about renovating your lawn, September is the time to do it. Renovating doesn’t have to be done by plowing under the current turf and starting from scratch. Instead, lawns can be thickened up by overseeding.

 

To start the overseeding process, mow the grass short (1-1.5 inches) and remove the clippings. This will make it easier to get good seed-soil contact and increase the amount of light that will reach the young seedlings. The success of overseeding is dependant on good seed-soil contact. Thatch can prevent the seed from reaching the soil and germinating. If the thatch layer is ¾ inch or more, use a sod cutter to remove it. A power rake can also be used to reduce a thatch layer.

 

Next, the soil should be prepared for the seed. Holes must be made into the soil for the seeds to fall into. A verticut machine can be used. It has solid vertical blades that can be set to cut furrows into the soil. Another option is to use a core aerator. This machine will punch holes into the soil and deposit the cores on the surface of the ground. Each hole will produce an excellent environment for seed germination and growth. Machines to do such work can often be rented, so check around.

 

Fertilizer should then be applied at the rate suggested by a soil test or a starter fertilizer should be used at the rate suggested on the bag.

 

Seeding is the next step. For overseeding, use half the amount needed compared to seeding bare ground. For tall fescue, the normal rate for bare seeding is 6 to 8 pounds per 1000 square feet so the overseeding rate would be 3 to 4 pounds per 1000 square feet. You don’t necessarily have to overseed with the same variety you planted before. The quality of a lawn by can be raised by overseeding with a fescue variety that has better growth habits. Many stores carry blends of several newer high-quality tall fescues.

 

Finally, water everything in and then keep the seedbed constantly moist for rapid germination. This might be a bit tricky considering how dry the soil is. Frequent light waterings are better than deeper, infrequent watering as the seedlings become established.

 

Fertilize with a high nitrogen fertilizer again 4 to 6 weeks after seeding to keep plants growing well and to build up food reserves.

 

On a side note, many homeowners often want to overseed bare spots under trees, but have minimal luck. The turf will sprout as fall progresses and will get established by winter. It continues to look good going into spring. However, the next summer it begins to die out again – despite any care it is given.

 

In many cases, this is due to too much shade or the type of turf planted isn’t a good fit for the location. Tall fescue is the only widely used lawn turf in Kansas that can survive some shade. All other cool and warm season turfs need more sunlight.

 

Instead of establishing grass under trees, consider underplanting the tree with shade tolerant ornamental plants. Examples include ground covers such as vinca minor vines, Boston ivy or liriope, or plants such as hostas or hardy ferns.

 

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

 

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

 

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Star Party September 16 at Lowell Milken Center

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Lowell Milken Center Announces Date

for the Upcoming Star Party

 

September 8, 2023 – The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes received a grant from the Fort Scott Community Foundation in October of 2022. The grant provided the Lowell Milken Center with a Celestron NexStar 8SE fully automated telescope that can locate and track 40,000 celestial objects!

 

The Lowell Milken Center is planning its first Star Party on Saturday, September 16th at 7:00 p.m. The evening will begin in the Lowell Milken Unsung Heroes Park with a short program about Unsung Hero Henrietta Swan Leavitt, whose very early discoveries in the field of astronomy made it possible to map out the stars in the universe. Next on the agenda, NASA Ambassador Jamie Davis will be inside the Lowell Milken Center to give a presentation about the Webb Telescope and its findings.

 

Refreshments will be served at the Center before attendees move to the parade grounds at Fort Scott National Historic Site to star gaze. All are invited to help use the Center’s telescope for the first time. There will be additional telescopes set up that can be used for space viewing and star gazing. The views will be worth it!

 

ALL ARE WELCOME!!

 

Don’t forget to dress for the weather and bring a lawn chair and flashlight.

 

 

About the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation: The FSACF’s goal is to partner with and be a resource to organizations whose goals are to improve the quality of life in the Fort Scott, Kansas area. FSACF strives to create connections between donors and a variety of worthwhile causes.

 

About the Lowell Milken Center: The Lowell Milken Center is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) that works with students and educators within a range of diverse academic disciplines, to develop projects focused on unsung heroes. Once their projects are finished, we advocate the student’s unsung heroes by sharing them in our Hall of Unsung Heroes or our website so people all over the world discover their individual influence and obligation to take actions that improve the lives of others.

Fort Scott, Schools

U234 Board Meeting Agenda for September 11

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Unified School District 234

424 South Main

Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697

www.usd234.org

620-223-0800   Fax 620-223-2760

 

 

DESTRY BROWN                                                                                                                                                        

Superintendent                                                                                                                                             

 

 

 

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

SEPTEMBER 11, 2023 – 5:30 P.M.

PUBLIC AGENDA

 

1.0       Call Meeting to Order                                  David Stewart, President

2.0       Flag Salute

3.0       Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)

4.0       Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)

            4.1       Board Minutes

  1. 08/14/2023 Regular Meeting
  2. 08/28/2023 Special Meeting – Revenue Neutral Hearing
  3. 08/28/2023 Special Meeting – Budget Hearing

            4.2       Financials-Cash Flow Report

            4.3       Check Register

            4.4       Payroll – August 20, 2023 – $1,437,854.99

            4.5       Activity Fund accounts

4.6       USD 234 Gifts

4.7       SITE Council Dates

            FSHS

            FSMS

            Eugene Ware

            Winfield Scott

4.8       MOU with SEK Mental Health for Mental Health Intervention Program

4.9       Resolution 23-08: Banking Account Signers

4.10     Investment of Funds Ratification

4.11     Resolution 23-09: KMIP User Changes

4.12     Update Officers

 

 

5.0       Recognitions (Information/Discussion Item)

5.1 Student Recognition

5.2 Employee Recognition

6.0       Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)

            6.1       Superintendent’s Report

            6.2       Assistant Superintendent’s Report

            6.3       Special Education Director’s Report

            6.4       Finance Director’s Report

7.0       Old Business

8.0       New Business

8.1       Board Vacancy (Discussion Item)

8.2       TBS Electronics – Radios (Action Item)

8.3       Patterson Family Foundation Grant (Action Item)

8.4       KDHE Test-To-Stay Grant (Action Item)

  9.0     Public Forum

10.0     Other Business – Personnel Matters

10.1     Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)

10.2     Exit Executive Session

10.3     Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)

11.0     Adjourn Meeting            David Stewart, President

Obituary

Obituary of Linda Metcalf

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Linda L. Metcalf, age 74, of Ft. Scott, passed away, Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at her home. She was born December 27, 1948, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, the daughter of Albert S. Cox, Sr. and Rosalie Smith Cox. She graduated from Ft. Scott High School in 1966.

Linda married Alvin W. Metcalf on November 10, 1964, in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Linda worked for Key Industries before retiring from the State of Kansas SRS.

Linda enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved to travel, enjoyed watching the Great British Bake-Off and Father Brown as well as caring for her many animals.

Linda is survived by a son; Clint Metcalf (Taira), Lawrence, KS. a daughter, Kristen Metcalf, Denver, CO; five grandchildren, Joseph Berkey, Keenan and Halle Gregory, and Amelia and Landon Metcalf; four great- grandchildren, Emerald, Etain, Eislinn, and Lydia Berkey; two brothers, Bill Cox ( Kelly), Ft. Scott, KS. and Robert Cox, Murphysboro, IL., three sisters, Vicki Parsons, Pittsburg, KS. Teresa Ahmadi (Reza), Houston, TX. and Cindy Larsen (Dan), Ft. Scott, KS; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by two grandsons, Kyle and Ian; a brother, Sonny Cox; two sisters, Jean Schroder and Sharon Baucom; and her beloved husband, Alvin W. Metcalf.

There was cremation. Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct graveside services at 11:00 AM Friday, October 6, at the U. S. National Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Friday from 10:00 AM until leaving for the cemetery at 10:45 AM.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Lees Paws and Claws and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Health Care, K-State Extension

Learn How to Be Fall Free

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Tara Soloman-Smith, Family and Wellness Agent, Sunflower District of Kansas State University’s Extension Office. Submitted photo.

 

Every 11 seconds, an older adult is seen in an emergency department for a fall-related injury.  Falls threaten safety and independence and generate economic and personal costs. However, through practical lifestyle adjustments, evidence-based falls prevention programs, and clinical-community partnerships, the number of falls among older adults can be reduced.

Falls are not a natural part of aging.  Even if you are healthy, it is important to check your risk.  You may answer 13 short questions to learn yours at www.nocoa.org/fallsfreecheckup.

There are many steps you can take now to prevent a fall, here are six to get you started!

  1. Find a good balance and exercise program

Look to build balance, strength, and flexibility. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging or K-State Research and Extension for options. Find a program you like and take a friend!

  1. Talk to your health care provider

Ask for an assessment of your risk of falling. Share your history of recent falls.

  1. Regularly review your medications with doctor or pharmacist

Make sure side effects aren’t increasing your risk of falling. Take medications only as prescribed.

  1. Get your hearing and vision checked and glasses updated

Your eyes and ears are key to keeping you on your feet.

  1. Keep your home safe

Remove tripping hazards, increase lighting, make stairs safe, and install grab bars in key areas.

  1. Talk to your family members

Enlist their support in taking simple steps to stay safe.

Here’s to healthy aging and being fall free!  For more information, contact Tara Solomon-Smith, [email protected], or call 620-244-3826.

 

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Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director of K-State Research and Extension, Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts.

Obituary

Carolee “Cookie” McComb Butler

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Carolee “Cookie” McComb Butler, 81, of Lake Mary, Florida, passed away on Thursday evening, August 10th in the comfort of her daughter’s home surrounded by her loved ones.

 

Carolee was born on August 27th, 1941, to Arthur and RoAnne McComb in Ft. Scott, Kansas. They called her Cookie from the time she was born and that is the name she grew up with. Her legacy began in the small rural town of Ft. Scott. It was here that she spent her school age days with her sister and father and other extended family. She established lifelong friends and to this day, she has family and friends still living there.

 

After high school graduation, she married and quickly started a family, having her first son, Richard Wilson, in 1961 at 20 years old. Eight years later, after moving to Kansas City, she welcomed her daughter, Rene Beerbower Wirth, in 1968. In 1973, she met the true love of her life, and married Robert “Bob” Arthur Butler. Bob had three daughters; Christina, Susan, and Jessica, and they instantly became a family of seven – a real-life Brady Bunch. Cookie held various administrative jobs through the years while raising 5 children with Bob. After several moves through Kansas, then Massachusetts, eventually Bob’s career led them to Florida in June of 1986, where they started BIS Inspection and Audit. After Bob’s sudden passing in December of that same year, Cookie continued this business and eventually passed it on to her daughter and son-in-law. Upon her retirement at BIS, she owned a boutique where she embraced her true passion- her love of jewelry, accessories, and fashion.

 

In her official retirement, she resided at Grand Villa of Deland and then most recently Strive Senior Living. Cookie loved playing cards, reading Danielle Steel books, solving hundreds of word search books, watching Jeopardy and spending time with her friends, family, grandchildren, and grand dogs. She loved happy hour with her White Zinfandel, live music and being surrounded by her dear friends.

 

Cookie loved animals dearly, especially dogs. She rescued and raised many throughout the years that were as important to her as her own children, namely Pepper, Cher, Max, April, Mischa, Percy and Dudley.

 

Cookie’s love for fashion was evident in her unique sense of style, which almost aways consisted of some type of leopard print. She was a gatherer and socialite, a wonderful friend to many, and did not judge anyone by what they had or who they were. Her generosity never went unnoticed as she loved gifting and lending a helping hand. She could bring a smile and laugh to anyone’s face, never meeting a stranger. Her witty humor, gentle kindness, infectious smile, and contagious laugh are unforgettable.

 

She was always known for being the life of the party. Even in her assisted living community and in her final days in hospitals and hospice, she continued to crack jokes, create new friendships, and like some said, “make life easier.” She will be missed and remembered by anyone that crossed her path.

 

Cookie was preceded in death by her parents, Arther and RoAnne McComb, her stepmother, Mary Jo McComb, her sister, Shirley Hill (Jim), her husband Bob and her stepdaughter Susan.

 

She is survived by her son, Richard (Debby) Wilson; grandson Michael (Sarah) Wilson, granddaughter Kelly (Jimmy) Gilligan; her daughter Rene Wirth (Bill Leblanc), granddaughters Kayla Wirth and Makenzie Wirth, stepdaughters and children, Christina Denenberg, Jake and Katie Denenberg, and Jessica (Brad) Allison, Matt and Miranda Allison. She would also want us to remember her grand puppies: Thatcher, Dory, Quinn, Luka, Popcorn, Dolce and Big Mac!

 

Graveside services are scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Friday, September 15, 2023, at the Fort Scott National Cemetery, and are under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., Fort Scott, Kansas. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.