Click below for the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office daily reports. The BCSO can be reached at (620) 223-2380.
Fort Scott Police Department Daily Reports Aug. 23-26
Click below for the Fort Scott Police Department daily reports. The FSPD is located at 1604 S. National, Fort Scott, KS 66701 and can be reached at 620-223-1700.
Mary Jo Harper Directs Youth Chorale: Invites Local 4-6th Graders
Pittsburg Youth Chorale Fall Enrollment Open
Area singers in 4th, 5th, and 6th grade are invited to join Pittsburg Youth Chorale through Pittsburg Memorial Auditorium and Convention Center. Participants do not need to be enrolled in USD 250 to belong to this ensemble.
Pittsburg Youth Chorale is under the direction of Mary Jp Harper, Music Teacher at Eugene Ware Elementary in Fort Scott, KS. The purpose of this vocal ensemble is to further grow vocal abilities, musical knowledge, and choral repertoire. Participants will have the opportunity to perform at community events as well as on the Memorial stage.
Rehearsals are Tuesdays from 5PM-6PM at Pittsburg Memorial Auditorium and Convention Center, 503 N. Pine, Pittsburg, KS. Rehearsals begin September 4th. There is a fee of $60 per session (Sept 4-Dec 11). To enroll, visit Pittsburg Memorial Auditorium and Convention Center between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM, or call 620-231-7827, deadline September 4th.
Obituary of Leland Wood
Leland Duane Wood, 70, of Fort Scott, was welcomed into Heaven’s open arms on August 23, 2018. Bless his tired heart, he is now shooting baskets with the best cheering section you could find in Heaven.
Leland was born October 14, 1947, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the son of Vergil Leon and Delma Dorene (Brown) Wood. He married Mary Underwood September 28, 1968, in Mapleton, Kansas, and she survives of the home.
Leland was a member of the First Missionary Baptist Church in Uniontown, and was a teacher, coach, and Insurance Agent. He was a member of the Every Other Wednesday Night Poker Club, Every Monday Night Poker Club, Ruritan, and Max’s Way Station Coffee Group. He originated Biddy Football and Biddy Basketball in Uniontown.
In addition to his wife Mary, Leland is also survived by his children, Gerald Wood of Rosemount, Minnesota, Matthew Wood and Rebecca, of Uniontown, and Amy Mitchell and David, of Shawnee, Kansas; a sister, Carol Majors and Bruce, of Fort Scott; three brothers, Craig Wood and Linda, of Pleasanton, Kansas, Dave Wood and Debra, of Fort Scott, and Kevin Wood and Kathy, of Prescott, Kansas; a sister-in-law, Vicki Wood, of Humboldt, Kansas; and seven grandchildren, Brian Wood, Brenden, Carter, A.J., and Alaina Wood, and Tyler and Zachary Mitchell.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Kenny Wood, and two nephews, Chris Homan and Benjamin Underwood.
Pastor Marty DeWitt will conduct funeral services at 10:00 a.m. Monday, August 27, 2018, at the First Missionary Baptist Church in Uniontown, followed by burial at the Prescott Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.
The family will receive friends Sunday evening, August 26, 2018, 6:00-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Missionary Baptist Church Building Fund and left in the care of 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.
Obituary of Vera Jane Wiggans Hays
Vera Jane Wiggans Hays, age 80, formerly of Fort Scott, died Wednesday evening, August 22, 2018, at Greystone Assisted Living in Iola, Kansas.
Vera was born August 9, 1938, to Marjorie and Pascal Wiggans in rural Bronson. She attended Bronson schools, played basketball and was drum majorette.
Vera married Bernard “Bun” Hays in 1956 in Miami, Oklahoma. Together, they raised four children that were the love of her life.
Vera worked for Braemor and Key Industries for more than 40 years and was a friend to all she met. She always loved animals, especially dogs. Vera was an accomplished seamstress, quilter and crocheted, often creating clothes for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Vera loved music ranging from Elvis to traditional western to her grandson’s alt-rock band. She enjoyed the Fort Scott Opry and other local music performances. She was a regular at the Greystone Assisted Living cultural events singing along with guest musicians.
Vera is pre-deceased by her parents, husband Bun and many loved dogs. She is survived by her beloved Boston Terrier Raven, sister Wanda Lou Woodward of Manhattan, Kansas, sons Michael “Mick” (Janet) of Iola, Martin of El Dorado, daughters Joni (Blane) Peters of Stillwater, Oklahoma, and Lori of Garden City. Grandchildren Blake (Andis) Hill, Brittany (Jake) Keltner, Reagan Hill, Emily (Dallas) Funk, Thomas Hays, James Hays and step-grandchildren Chris (Keri) Johnson and Aaron (Ashley) St. Clair also survive. Vera is also survived by great-grandchildren Parker, Adryannah, Piper, Ellie, Carsen, Samson and Paysly.
Pastor Lloyd Houk will conduct funeral services at 12:30 PM Monday, August 27th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel, Fort Scott. Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Brain Injury Association of Kansas and Greater Kansas City, 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, Lower Level Kansas City, MO 64105 or in care of Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Obituary of Bobbie Gene Combs
FSCC Expo Showcases Local Businesses By Briana Blandamer
On Wednesday, August 22, Fort Scott Community College hosted a Business Expo showcasing local Fort Scott businesses, giving the students a look at what this town has to offer.
The businesses included this year were Pizza Hut, Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene, US Cellular, KKOW Radio, Mercy Hospital, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, The Shirt Shack, The Tannery, Safehouse, KOMB Radio, Family Video, Advanced America, Medicalodge, Paparazzi, Common Ground Coffee Shop, Hartman Chiropractic, the U.S. Army, Community Christian Church, Briggs Automall, and Trinity Lutheran Church.
The students were given a slip of paper to collect ten signatures from ten different booths to be entered into a drawing for a free laptop and a set of Bluetooth headphones, which were provided by the college.
The winner of the laptop was Samantha Stumfoll and the headphones were awarded to Audrey Whetzell.
During this expo, FortScott.Biz Intern Briana Blandamer interviewed 2008 Fort Scott High School graduate, Dr. Grant Hartman, owner of Hartman Spine & Joint.
Dr. Hartman has been running his clinic in Fort Scott for three years, offering general chiropractic services as well as tending to sports injuries and offering rehabilitation services. Some of the other services he offers include acupuncture and soft tissue therapy.
The Tannery also had a booth during the FSCC business expo, ran by Jenna Kakas. The Tannery has a student discount offering a Buy 2 Tans, Get the 3rd for $1.
Jenna said, “Come to see me at The Tannery, Monday through Friday 11 a.m. -6 p.m. to get your glow on!”
Briana Blandamer is the FortScott.Biz intern whose focus is Fort Scott Community College. To give news ideas send to [email protected].
Fort Scott High School Auditions for Musical “Bright Star”
Fort Scott High School is proud to announce auditions for the regional premiere of the new musical “Bright Star.”
Auditions are from 6:30 to 9 p.m. either Monday, Aug. 27 or Wednesday, Aug. 29 at the high school auditorium. Students only need to attend one night, but need to plan to stay for the entire time period.
“Inspired by a real event and featuring the Grammy-nominated score by Steven Martin and Edie Brickell, Broadway’s Bright Star tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and ’40s. When literary editor Alice Murphy meets a young soldier just home from World War II, he awakens her longing for the child she once lost. Haunted by their unique connection, Alice sets out on a journey to understand her past – and what she finds has the power to transform both of their lives. Propelled by an ensemble of onstage musicians and dancers, the story unfolds as a rich tapestry of deep emotion, beautiful melodies and powerfully moving performances. An uplifting theatrical journey that holds you tight in its grasp, Bright Star is as refreshingly genuine as it is daringly hopeful,” according to publisher Theatrical Rights Worldwide.
The show is open to current FSHS students and rehearsals are Monday-Thursday from 6:30-9 p.m. The performances are Nov. 6, 8, and 10.
Students who wish to audition for a lead solo role should prepare as follows: females will sing a portion of “If You Knew My Story” and males will sing “Bright Star” from the show. Links to karaoke tracks and piano accompaniment for the songs can be found at the “Fort Scott High School Thespians” Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/FSHSThespians/?ref=bookmarks and the “Fort Scott Choirs” website at www.fortscottchoirs.com.
The show is directed by FSHS Drama Director Angie Bin and FSHS Choral Director Meredith Reid and choreographed by Delynn Abati, assistant to the FSHS Dance Team.
For more information, please contact Angie Bin at [email protected] or 620-719-9622.
Time to Check in on Your Health
Medicare’s Preventive Services
With the year more than halfway over, now is a great time to check in and see if you are up to date on your preventive care appointments. These services can find health problems early, when treatment works best, and keep you from getting certain diseases.
Twenty four preventative services including exams, shots, lab tests, screenings, counseling, and education are available to help you take care of your own health.
You will need to talk with your doctor or health care provider to find out what tests or other services you may need and how often you need them.
A reminder that health care providers may suggest exams or tests that Medicare does not cover or you might have a deductible or copay. They may also recommend that you have tests more or less often than Medicare covers them.
If you have Medicare Part B, the following ten examinations and screenings are no cost to you.
- A “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit. This is available only in the first 12 months you are on Part B. It includes a review of your medical history, certain screenings and shots, measurements of vital signs, a simple vision test, review of potential risk for depression, an offer to discuss advance directives and a written plan outlining which screenings, shots and other preventive services you need. This visit is covered one time.
- Annual wellness visit. You’re eligible for this free exam if you’ve had Medicare Part B for longer than 12 months. The physician will review your medical history; update your list of providers and medications; measure your height, weight, blood pressure and other vital signs; and provide you with personalized health advice and treatment options.
- Mammogram. An annual screening mammogram is free. If you require a diagnostic mammogram, you’ll pay a 20 percent copay and the Part B deductible will apply.
- Colonoscopy. A screening colonoscopy once every 24 months is free if you’re at high risk for colorectal cancer. If you aren’t at high risk, Medicare covers this test once every 10 years.
- Diabetes screening. You’re eligible for two free screenings each year if you have a history of high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, are obese or have a history of high blood sugar levels. The screenings will also be free if two or more of these issues apply to you: You are over 65, are overweight or have a family history of diabetes, or you had diabetes when you were pregnant.
- Prostate cancer screening. An annual PSA test is free. A digital rectal exam will cost you 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount plus the doctor’s services related to the exam. The Part B deductible also applies.
- Vaccines. Annual flu shots, vaccines to prevent pneumococcal infections such as pneumonia, and shots for hepatitis B (for those at high or medium risk) are covered free of charge.
- Cardiovascular disease (behavioral therapy). As a Medicare recipient, you also get a free yearly visit with your primary care provider to help you lower your risk for cardiovascular disease.
- Lung cancer screening. An annual test with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) is free if you are between 55 and 77, don’t have any signs of lung cancer, are a smoker or have quit in the past 15 years, and you have a tobacco smoking history of at least 30 “pack years” (meaning you smoked an average of one pack a day for 30 years).
- Depression screening. A yearly screening is free if conducted in a primary care center where follow-up and referrals are available. Copays may apply for follow-up care.
For a full list of Medicare’s Preventative Services, visit Medicare.gov/publications to view or print “Your Guide to Medicare’s Preventive Services”. You can also register at MyMedicare.gov to get direct access to your preventive health information. You can track your preventive services, get a 2-year calendar of the Medicare-covered tests and screenings you are eligible for, and print a report to take to your next doctor’s appointment.
For additional information, contact the Southwind Extension District, Fort Scott office 620-223-3720. Our website is http://www.southwind.ksu.edu or follow us on Facebook: Southwind Extension District.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports August 24
Click below to view the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office daily reports. The office can be contacted at (620) 223-2380.
Homeless Agnes by Patty LaRoche
Last week I wrote about working in the kitchen at a homeless shelter. Please allow me to introduce you to “Agnes,” the one responsible for me volunteering. Almost daily, as I walked in the direction of the Jacksonville, Florida, ballpark, I found her reclining on a park bench or pilfering through trash. She, a homeless lady, sported no bags or shopping cart (like most who live on the streets) and always had on the same dirty, torn, ill-fitting pants and top. The first time I passed her, she was asleep, her head supported on the curved metal armrest with not even a piece of clothing to soften her “pillow.” It appeared painful.
When she is awake, we speak. To my “How are you doing?” she responds, “I am fine, thank you.” A pleasant lady. In the beginning, I would move on. After all, three blocks away is a homeless shelter which feeds, clothes and sleeps “those” people.
A few weeks ago, Marti and Elaine, two Fort Scott friends, came to visit. After dining out, we left with two large portions of pasta which we decided to share with the homeless people in my area. My first stop was Agnes, the bench lady. I pulled over to the curb. This was our conversation:
“Good evening. Would you like some food?” I began.
“It will break my teeth.”
“Oh, no, it’s pasta. It’s soft.”
“I can’t because my teeth will break.”
“It’s like spaghetti, only in the shape of bow ties.” (No idea why I added this tidbit.)
“I don’t want it. It will break my teeth.”
“Are you sure? It’s really good, and it’s really soft.”
“I’m supposed to be at Burger King.” (This was not working out the way I intended.) Telling her good-bye, I ended with “God bless you.” She repeated the phrase.
My next stop was an elderly, frail lady walking down the street. “Would you like some food? It’s pasta and it’s really good.”
“I would like juice. Do you have juice?”
“No, no juice. Just food.”
“Thank you, but I’m not hungry. I just want juice.”
And I would give you that, if I were a drive-by cantina, I say to myself, wondering how many more of “those” will reject my offering.
Then it dawned on me. I was lumping all “those” homeless men and women into a single category: people who don’t turn down handouts. Jesus never would see them that way. He would view each of them as individuals with distinct likes and desires and issues. How dare I categorize “those people” because they live on the streets!
On a walk yesterday, my husband and I encountered several homeless people. Some were sleeping. Many were slumped on curbs. Most looked sad. I told Dave that I would love to bring them back to our condo and offer them a shower and a meal. He said they might kill me. (He always says that.) The sad thing is, he’s right. And that’s the problem. How do I know which are mentally challenged? Addicts? Sociopaths? Perhaps they are just individuals choosing to reject societal standards or are there through no fault of their own. (The movie The Pursuit of Happyness was proof of that.) Stereotyping them is much easier than figuring this out.
Continuing my food drive, within one block I found two wheelchair-bound men who were thrilled to accept the pasta. I expected to feel better about myself.
I didn’t. That was, however, my turning point…which is what led me to volunteering at the homeless shelter…which is where I met Misty…which is where I realized, I really am one of “those” people.
Obituary of Arlene Allen
Arlene Allen, age 89, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Thursday, August 23, 2018, at the Guest Home Estates in Ft. Scott.
She was born December 15, 1928, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Terry Misener and Winifred Allison Misener.
Arlene graduated from the Fort Scott High School with the Class of 1946 and the Fort Scott Junior College with the Class of 1948. She married Jimmie Allen in 1956. They later divorced.
Arlene had worked for twenty-nine years in the Inland Marine Department of the Western Insurance Company. She was a life-long member of the Grace Baptist Tabernacle.
Survivors include her children, Debra Barrett and husband, Pat, of Wichita, Kansas and Jim Allen and wife, Rhonda, of Ft. Scott; five grandchildren, Jacob and Jaron Barrett and Hilary, Scott and Marliss Allen and six great-grandchildren, Tracen, Alice, Eva and Arya Barrett and Kamry and Alayna Hutchison. Also surviving is a niece, Donna Ruth Davis, of Medford, Oklahoma.
She was preceded in death by her parents a brother, Ernest Misener and a sister, Donna Jean Fooks.
Rev. Paul Rooks will conduct funeral services at 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, August 28th at the Grace Baptist Tabernacle. Burial will follow in the Woods Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:30 to 7:30 P.M. Monday at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Grace Baptist Tabernacle or Mercy Hospice and may be left in the 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.