Obituary

Updated Obituary of Lindsey Lewis

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LINDSEY LOUISE LEWIS

Lindsey Lewis, age 31 of Fort Scott Kansas who resided in Dallas, Texas passed away on Monday, September 17th, 2018 of an unexpected aortic dissection. 

She was born on June 21st, 1987. in Springfield, Missouri the daughter of Jerry and Kitty Mullane Lewis.

Lindsey was a 2005 graduate of Fort Scott High School before attending Washington University in Saint Louis and then finishing her bachelor’s degree in Political Science and History at the University of Kansas.

  She went on to graduate law school in the top 10% of her class earning her Juris Doctor at the same institution in Lawrence. 

At the time of her death, she was an associate attorney at Downs and Stanford PC in Dallas.

She was a member of MENSA, Phi Kappa Phi and Delta Epsilon Iota (academic honorary societies), and Dallas Young Lawyers. 

Lindsey enjoyed international travel, sour candy, her cat Chubby, pool lounging with a cocktail, Blue Apron and spending time with family and friends.

Lindsey is survived by her mother, Kitty Lewis, her three sisters Tiffany Lewis, her husband Shaya Ansari and their two children; Maureen Lewis Stukenberg, her husband Matthew Stukenberg and their four children; and Aimee Lewis.  She is also survived by her significant other Yogie Phongsavath.

She was preceded in death by her father, Jerry M. Lewis.

A visitation is planned for 9am-11am Sunday morning, September 23, 2018, followed by a Celebration of Life and Sharing Memories from 11am-12pm at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, PO Box 309, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

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Naturalization Ceremony Change of Venue For Sept. 21

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The Naturalization Ceremony has been moved from the Fort Scott National Historic Site to Memorial Hall for today’s proceedings.

Change of Venue for Special Naturalization Ceremony in Fort Scott, Kansas

The special naturalization ceremony planned at the Fort Scott National Historic Site is being moved to Memorial Hall (1 E 3rd St) in historic downtown Fort Scott Kansas.

The United States District Court for the District of Kansas will hold a special naturalization ceremony in Fort Scott, Kansas on Friday, September 21, 2018, at 10:30 a.m.

The Honorable Teresa J. James, United States Magistrate Judge for the District of Kansas, will preside over the ceremony.

The ceremony features musical performances from the Fort Scott High School orchestra and choir, and an address from Robert L. Farmer, Attorney at Law.

The Pittsburg State University Army ROTC will present the colors.

Approximately 100 applicants will be naturalized at the ceremony, which is open to the public.

Opinion

Gracie by Patty LaRoche

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Gracie loved putting on her sunbonnet, grabbing her decorated basket and picking strawberries in her backyard. When her parents, John and Erin, learned that their precious two-year-old, Downs syndrome daughter had leukemia, their time spent in the Houston hospital almost equaled that of caring for their other two young children. Little did they know, that was as good as it would get. Still, the parents’ faith did not waiver, as Dave and I witnessed when we became a part of their weekly Bible study. On one of Erin’s middle-of-the-night runs to the emergency room with Gracie, an inattentive nurse left the mother-daughter pair alone for hours in the examination room. By the time Erin was allowed to take her child to the oncology floor, Gracie’s heart stopped. Doctors worked for twenty minutes to revive her, but Gracie was left with a severe brain injury.

Many encouraged John and Erin to file a lawsuit. After much prayer, they chose instead to ask the hospital for free access to bless the families of the other oncology children on that ward. The hospital agreed. His Grace Foundation was formed, and money raised went to providing support, gifts, meals, and parking for the parents. That program continues today.

Fast forward fifteen years. Now living in Georgetown, Texas, Erin visited Brookwood, a community of disabled adults in Brookshire, Texas, and was determined to create such a place in her area. In 2011, Brooktown in Georgetown (BIG) opened and began to provide meaningful work, a sense of belonging, dignity, and respect for adults with functional disabilities.

Gracie was enrolled in the public school. Wheelchair-bound, on a feeding tube and unable to talk, she became the delight of the other 3,000+ students in her school. As a senior, she was voted Homecoming Queen, an event carried by major news stations. (See insert.)

 

Last week, when Gracie’s color changed and her perpetual smile disappeared, Erin took her to the E.R. where a cat scan showed no problems. Gracie was sent home, but that night, when her breathing slowed, John and Erin drove their daughter back to the hospital. This time, the news was not good. Gracie had sepsis. Emergency surgery came too late.

Family members were called. Gracie’s sister was two hours from returning to her missionary job in Africa. Others were within driving distance. They praised God when they all made it to the hospital in time, and after singing hymns around Gracie’s bed, Gracie died.

Her aunt, Mollie, penned these words to God in her blog this morning: “I am convinced she (Gracie) had the benefit of enjoying a preview of heaven at three when she had no heartbeat for 20 minutes. I think she saw glorious things she simply could not un-see. Although Gracie returned to us without language we could clearly understand, she never needed words to worship You. After her experience with You “outside” her body, Gracie’s exquisite response to even the mention of Your name was unbridled bliss…I want to be more like Gracie. I want to be fully dependent on You experiencing the unbridled bliss of Your presence. In my utter weakness, please be my boundless strength.”

I pray God does the same for all who mourn the loss of this precious young woman.

I

Obituary

Obituary of Lindsey Lewis

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Lindsey Louise Lewis, age 31 of Fort Scott Kansas who resided in Dallas, Texas passed away on Monday, September 17th, 2018 of an unexpected aortic dissection. 

She was born to the late Jerry Lewis and Kitty Mullane Lewis on June 21st, 1987.

Lindsey was a 2005 graduate of Fort Scott High School before attending Washington University in Saint Louis and then finishing her bachelors degree in Political Science and History at the University of Kansas.  She went on to graduate law school in the top 10% of her class earning her Juris Doctor at the same institution in Lawrence.  At the time of her death she was an associate attorney at Downs and Stanford PC in Dallas.

She was a member of MENSA, Phi Kappa Phi and Delta Epsilon Iota (academic honorary societies), and Dallas Young Lawyers. 

Lindsey enjoyed international travel, sour candy, her cat Chubby, pool lounging with a cocktail, Blue Apron and spending time with family and friends.

Lindsey is survived by her mother, Kitty Lewis and her three sisters Tiffany Lewis, her husband Shaya Ansari and their two children; Maureen Lewis Stukenberg, her husband Matthew Stukenberg and their four children; and Aimee Lewis.  She is also survived by her significant other Yogie Phongsavath. 

A visitation is planned for 9am-11am Sunday morning, September 23, 2018, followed by a Celebration of Life and Sharing Memories from 11am-12pm at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, PO Box 309, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Fort Scott, Government

New Employee Profile: Fort Scott Community Development Director

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Robert Uhler became the City of Fort Scott Community Development Director Sept. 10.

This is an employee profile to allow the community to know him better.

Age: 49

Family: Married to Laurie Uhler, two grown children, one granddaughter.

What will be your duties in this position?

“Community Development is all about creating a positive quality of life in our community. Everything from infrastructure to parks, sidewalks, trails, to the historic downtown structures/district. I will also be participating in the zoning process and procedures. Housing is one of the very important issues that we need to deal with as a community.”

Experience:

“Over 20 years in the construction building industry, spending the last eight years as the executive vice-president of a non-profit serving independently owned building material suppliers.”

Education:

Baker University, US Chamber Foundation – Institute of Organizational Management, Certified Association Executive, Univ. Texas – Arlington, Specialist in Safety and Health.

Community involvement:

Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Board Member, Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene Treasurer, Project 17  – (17 SE KS Counties) Board Member, US Chamber Foundation Northeast Regent Member.

Hobbies: Golfing, outdoor sports, music – playing drums.

 

“I just love this community and anything that I can do to help our community grow, and prosper, I’m excited about doing.”

 

Mercy Hospital

Walk To End Alzheimer’s Disease

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Mercy Home Health and Hospice team members present at the Walk to End Alzheimer’s: Trista Smith, Chris Comstock, LaShawn Noel, Becky Davied, Kerry Wunderly, Tabitha Stults, Alberta Westoff (Mercy Hospice Volunteer), Kyli and Brecket Gates.

Mercy Home Health and Hospice Team Participates in

Walk to End Alzheimer’s

FORT SCOTT, Kan. (Sept. 20, 2018) – Members from the Mercy Home Health and Hospice team participated in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s held on Saturday, September 15, at Gorilla Village, Pittsburg State University. With the help of many other Mercy co-workers, the team raised a total of $1,618.25 by participating in Casual for Cause jeans days. The team also held a garage sale in June to raise the rest of the money donated to the Alzheimer’s Association.   

The goal for this year’s event was $35,000. To date money raised is at $27,586.79. If you would like to donate to the Alzheimer’s Association, it’s not too late.  Contact Cassie Wilson at 913-831-3888 or [email protected].

 

Mercy, named one of the top five large U.S. health systems in 2018, 2017 and 2016 by IBM Watson Health, serves millions annually. Mercy includes more than 40 acute care and specialty (heart, children’s, orthopedic and rehab) hospitals, 800 physician practices and outpatient facilities, 44,000 co-workers and 2,100 Mercy Clinic physicians in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Mercy also has clinics, outpatient services and outreach ministries in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. In addition, Mercy’s IT division, Mercy Technology Services, supply chain organization, ROi, and Mercy Virtual commercially serve providers and patients in more than 20 states coast to coast.

supply chain organization, ROi, and Mercy Virtual commercially serve providers and patients in more than 20 states coast to coast.W

Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee At American Legion

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WEEKLY CHAMBER COFFEE REMINDER
Join us for the weekly Chamber Coffee!

Hosted by:
 
American Legion Post 25 
Location: Fort Scott Memorial Hall
1 E. 3rd St.
Downstairs Area – enter on 3rd St. door
 
Thursday, September 20th, 8am


Click here for the American Legion Post 25 Facebook page.
Click here for American Legion’s web page for the
Fort Scott area. 

Chamber members and guests are encouraged to attend for networking, community announcements, and to learn about the hosting business or organization.
Members may pay $1 to make an announcement about an upcoming event, special/sale/discount, or news of any kind.
Upcoming Coffees:
September 27th – Fort Scott Family Dental (Downtown – sneak peek)
October 4th – Gordon Parks Museum
October 11th – Labconco 20th Anniversary
October 18th – Pioneer Harvest Fiesta
Business, Fort Scott

Fort Scott Arby’s Opens Sept. 24 at 10 a.m.

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Arby’s Restaurant, 2101 S. Main

ARBY’S CELEBRATES NEW FORT SCOTT RESTAURANT

WITH GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24TH

 

United States Beef Corporation (US Beef), Arby’s largest franchisee, headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is excited to announce the Grand Opening of its new Arby’s restaurant in Fort Scott, Kansas on Monday, September 24th, at 10:00 a.m. at 2101 South Main.

The restaurant site, formerly a KFC/Long John Silver concept, has been rebuilt and now occupies 3,196 square feet, with comfortable, full-service seating for 52 guests, and a convenient drive-thru for guests on the go, employing approximately 40 full and part-time workers.

To celebrate the grand opening on Monday, guests will be able to spin the Arby’s prize wheel from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm to win free fries or shakes or other Arby’s branded prizes.

And radio station KOMB FM 103.9 will also be broadcasting live from 11:00 to 1:00 pm, giving away free station swag.

US Beef Chief Executive Officer John Davis is excited to open this new Arby’s serving the Fort Scott community, saying “If you haven’t experienced Arby’s new “Inspire” design, then you’re in for a real treat when you see this one. When you walk into our dining area, you’ll see new, authentic textures, multicolor wood materials, modern lighting, and chalkboard graphics. And it’s really fun when we bring Arby’s into a town for the very first time. We’re meatcrafters™ and the commercials become real, bringing to your table all of your favorite deli-style sandwiches.”

Store hours will be 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Monday thru Thursday, and 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

For employment opportunities, go to www.work4arbys.com for more information.

About United States Beef Corporation

United States Beef Corporation, dba Arby’s, headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is the largest franchisee of Atlanta-based Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc., now operating more than 365 restaurants serving Arby’s famous slow roasted beef sandwiches and unique menu items to hungry guests in nine states throughout the Midwest and the Western United States. It is a family-owned and operated business that opened its first Arby’s restaurant in 1969 and has now grown to over 8,000 employees. US Beef also owns six Taco Bueno restaurants in Northwest Arkansas. To learn more about United States Beef Corporation, visit www.usbeefcorp.com.

About Arby’s®

Arby’s, founded in 1964, is the second-largest sandwich restaurant brand in the world with more than 3,400 restaurants in seven countries. The brand is headquartered in Atlanta, Ga. For more information, visit Arbys.com

Obituary

Death Notice of Lindsey Lewis

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LINDSEY LOUISE LEWIS

Lindsey Louise Lewis, 31, formerly of Fort Scott, passed away unexpectedly Monday evening September 17, 2018, in Dallas, Texas.

The family will hold a visitation Sunday morning, September 23, 2018, from 9:00-11:00 a.m. followed by a Celebration of Life and Sharing Memories from 11:00-12:00 p.m. at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, PO Box 309, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

The complete obituary will be available later.

Fort Scott, Government

Robert Uhler: Fort Scott’s New Community Development Director

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Robert Uhler Community Development Director. Submitted photo.

A shifting in personnel and a new face have been added to the City of Fort Scott.

Robert Uhler has been hired as Community Development Director.

Uhler will be helping with housing development, grant writing and representing the city in Topeka and Washington D.C. with elected officials, City Manager Dave Martin said in an interview.

Dave Martin. Submitted photo.

“Robert will be bringing outside money in to help us accomplish what’s needed in the community,” Martin said.

According to the city’s minutes dated Sept. 4, 2018, Rhonda Dunn will move from Community Development Director to Finance Director/Codes Director.

Rhonda Dunn

“Rhonda was doing two big jobs (Community Development and Codes Director),” Martin said in an interview. “With Jon Garrison retiring (this month), I was able to move some resources around.”

Community Development will be partnering with Economic Development to move the city forward, Martin said.

Other changes:

“Marlene Braker had the title of assistant to the finance director,” according to the minutes. “This position is not needed so her title will change to the financial analyst.”

Marlene Braker. Submitted photo.

“Paul Ballou has been promoted to Fort Scott’s Assistant City Manager/Fire Chief. He will be the second in command when the City Manager is unavailable,” according to the minutes.

Paul Ballou. Submitted photo.

Airport Director Kenny Howard is retiring effective December 31 and this position is posted on the city’s website. The new airport director will now report to Rachel Pruitt, Economic Development Director, according to the minutes.

Retiring Airport Director Kenny Howard with Rachel Pruitt, Economic Director for the city.

Deb Needleman, Human Resource Director, will begin overseeing the Information Technology position and taking over the city’s liability insurance which Kenny Howard has overseen, according to the minutes.

Deb Needleman. Submitted photo.

Dave Martin will supervise Larry Gazaway now and the new Community Development Director, according to the city’s minutes.

Larry Gazaway

Government

U.S. Naturalization Ceremony Sept. 21 At The Fort

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New citizens take an oath of allegiance to the United States in September 2017 at Fort Scott National Historic Site.

On a typically bright and sunny September day, U.S. immigrants from near and far come annually to Fort Scott for the final step in becoming citizens.

In 2018, the naturalization ceremony is at 10:30 a.m this Friday, Sept. 21 on the grounds of the Fort Scott National Historic Site, according to a press release provided by FSNHS.

The Fort is located just off North Main Street in downtown Fort Scott.

In case of rain or other inclement weather, the ceremony will be held at Fort Scott Memorial Hall, according to the press release.

The ceremony is one of listening to patriotic music, listening to both local and government dignitaries, newly naturalized citizens being introduced one-by-one to those attending the event, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States, and receiving a certificate of citizenship.

Fort Scottian Jane Njeri Lifer smiles following the naturalization ceremony in September 2017. In her hand is the certificate of naturalization.

The United States District Court for the District of Kansas will hold the special naturalization ceremony, with the Honorable Teresa J. James, United States Magistrate Judge for the District of Kansas,  presiding, according to the press release.

The ceremony will feature musical performances from the Fort Scott High School orchestra and choir, and an address from Robert L. Farmer, Attorney at Law, according to the information provided.

The Fort Scott High School orchestra and choir performed “America” at last year’s naturalization ceremony.

The Pittsburg State University Army ROTC will present the colors.

The new citizens will be invited to register to vote and enjoy a lunch provided by the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site, following the ceremony.

Also following the ceremony, there are usually small groups of people taking photos to commemorate the event.

Approximately 100 applicants will be naturalized at the ceremony, which is open to the public.

“We encourage the people to learn more about Fort Scott, the Fort and their American culture,” Carl Brenner, chief of interpretation and resource management at the Fort, said.

The Fort can be reached at 620- 223-0310.

 

 

 

Obituary

Obituary for William Dee Eastwood

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William Dee Eastwood, age 90, a resident of rural Bronson, Kansas, passed away Saturday, September 15, 2018, at the Guest Home Estates in Ft. Scott, Kansas.

He was born October 1, 1927, in Allen County, Kansas, the son of Henry Edward Eastwood and Esther Marie Jackson Eastwood.

Dee served with the United States Marine Corps during World War II. He married Stella Irene Phillips on August 10, 1950. She preceded him in death on September 3, 1976.

He later married Erma F. Sproat on June 30, 1978.

Dee was a farmer, a cattleman and an oil producer. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Eastern Star, Scottish Rite Consistory and the Mirza Shrine as well as the Iola Elks Lodge.

Survivors include his wife, Erma; and three daughters, Linda Mefford and husband, Don, of Mound City, Kansas, Dea Ann Kuhn and husband, Allen and Cheri Smith and husband, Larry, all of Wichita, Kansas; seven grandchildren, Shon Mefford, Jason Mefford (Cindy), Kelsey Kuhn (Ben), Nick Smith (Christine), Brandon Smith, Adam Smith (Amanda) and Suzie Smith (Anthony) and several great-grandchildren, a great-great-grandchild and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his first wife, he was preceded in death by a sister, Wilma Shinn and a brother, Wilbur Eastwood.

Following cremation, a memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Monday, October 1st at the Cheney Witt Bronson Chapel.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 P.M. until service time on Monday at the chapel.

Private family burial will take place in the Moran Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Bronson Library and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Bronson Chapel, P.O. Box 93, Bronson, Kansas 66716. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Bourbon County Local News