Obituary

Obituary Of Mildred Bortzfield

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Mildred Katie Bortzfield, age 86, formerly of Pleasanton, KS, died Sunday, February 4, 2018, at Pinnacle Ridge Nursing and Rehabilitation, Olathe, KS.

She was born on October 26, 1931, in Fulton, KS, the daughter of Robert and Hazel Wurtz Clendening. She married LeRoy Bortzfield on June 8, 1949, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He preceded her in death on December 31, 1986. She later married Curtis Owenby on August 31, 1988. He preceded her in death on November 15, 2016.

Katie worked in her early years for the telephone company. She later worked for Braemore Coat Factory in Pleasanton. She then worked for Western Insurance Company in Fort Scott, KS, until her retirement. She was an avid hunter and fisherman. She also enjoyed bowling and attending Pickers and Fiddlers. She was a member of the West Liberty United Methodist Church.

Survivors include a daughter, Vickie Zugelder, Kansas City, MO; a son, Rick Bortzfield and wife Robin, Pleasanton, KS; five grandchildren, Chris Zugelder, Riki Barr, Eric Zugelder, Rylan Bortzfield, and Griffin Bortzfield; four great-grandchildren, Nicolas, Mackenzie, Alyssa and Zander; a sister, Elenora Courtois, Pleasanton, KS; and numerous nieces and nephews. Besides both husbands, she was preceded in death by four brothers, Bill, Cecil, Frank and John Clendening; two sisters, Dorothy Nichols and Rosemary Ward; and her parents.

Pastor Tom Mullins will conduct funeral services at 2:30 PM Thursday, February 8th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the West Liberty Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:30 until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to Good Shepherd Hospice and may be left in the care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Government

Woodland Hills Golf Course Board To Seek Fee Increase

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Woodland Hills Golf Course Advisory Board, from left clockwise: Fort Scott City Clerk Diane Clay, John Leek, Kenneth Holt, Shannon O’Neil, Jon Kindlesparger, Steve Harry, Mitch Quick and Jon Garrison. The board had its quarlerly meeting Feb. 1 at the clubhouse.

The Woodland Hills Golf Course Advisory Board met Feb. 1 at the course clubhouse.

On the agenda was raising revenue for the course.

“It’s a good golf course,” Shannon O’Neil, clubhouse manager said. “Greens fees, we are 50 cents less than Girard, a couple bucks less than Four Oaks. ”

“We are trying to catch up with area courses,” Jon Kindlesparger, golf course superintendent said in a later interview.

“The season cart (rental) is the biggest discrepancy,” O’Neil said. When a large group plays they’ll all have one cart,  he noted

O’Neil said renting  a cart is a good deal for the golfers.

“It’s just like having your own cart, (but) based on availability. I can’t promise a cart in a tournament,” he said.

Currently, the golf cart season rental fee is $350 per year.

Following discussion by the board, it will seek approval from the city to raise the fee to $425.

Additional fee increases, if approved by the city commission:

Nine-hole greens fees will increase from $10 to $11, weekday; weekend fees from $12 to $15.

Single memberships will increase from  $400 to $440; family memberships (a family of four) from $550 to $595.

Staff of the golf course will attend Tuesdays Fort Scott City Commission meeting to seek approval for fee increases. Pictured are the current prices.

O’Neil said he would like to change the procedure for memberships.

“I’d like to have them due all at the same time,” he said. “If all are due at a certain date, as a business I can see if what we are doing is growing the business. It’s easier from a management perspective.  I’d like May 1 to be the (renewal) date.”

Jon Garrison, finance director for the City of Fort Scott agreed with the proposal and said it would be pro-rated the initial year.

The city owns the approximately 148- acre golf course.

O’Neil and  Kindlesparger were asked by Garrison to attend the next city commission meeting, Feb. 6 to seek approval of the fee increases.

Another item on the agenda was the new golf cart barn that is in the preliminary stage.

Agricultural Engineering Associates, Uniontown, is the firm hired to design the barn.

“I hope he gets the specs together, then we can go out to bid with it,” Garrison said.

“I hope it will be constructed this spring,” O’Neil said in a later interview.  “It will be a Morton Pole Barn. We’ll house 30 rental carts. We’ll sell 10 season cart passes a year.”

The barn will be located straight north of the clubhouse, “where the old clubhouse used to be,” O’Neil said.

Some of the statistics for the course:

There are 127 memberships.

There were 9,100 rounds of golf played on the course last year, of those, 5,100 were played by members, 4,000 were green fee rounds.

There are three full-time employees, six part-time employees during the season which runs April through October.

The new clubhouse was completed in February 2016.

There are 25 tournaments a year.

Uniontown and Fort Scott High Schools play at the course.

“We are unique here, a member of those golf teams can play here for free,” O’Neil said.

Fort Scott Community College is starting a girls golf program this year and will play at Woodland Hills, as well, he said.

The board is comprised of Steve Harry, Kenneth Holt, John Leek, Mitch Quick and Jeff Sweetser.

The board meets quarterly or as needed.

“We’ve got a good board,” Garrison said. “They use the course.”

“They are emotionally and financially invested,” O’Neil said.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obituary

Obituary of Wylma Campbell

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Wylma Campbell, age 96, of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away Thursday, February 1, 2018, at the Hospice of the Valley, Eckstin Center in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Services will be held at 1:00 pm Friday, February 9, 2018, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will be in the U.S. National Cemetery, Fort Scott, Kansas. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary

Obituary Of Mary Ann Hurd

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Mary Ann Hurd, 85, of Mapleton, Kansas, passed away, Thursday evening, January 25, 2018, at the Windsor Place Nursing Home in Coffeyville, Kansas.

She was born March 10, 1932, in Harding, Kansas the daughter of William Christopher and Grace Lee Wagener.

She is survived by her niece, Alice Myrick, of Mapleton, Kansas, and two brothers, Carl Wagener of Cottageville, South Carolina, and Lee Roy Wagener, of Mapleton, Kansas.

Following cremation, private family services will be held at a later date and are under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Obituary

Obituary of Ella Louise Greenfield

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Ella Louise Greenfield, 58, of Fort Scott, passed away late Wednesday evening, January 31, 2018, at Mercy Hospital. She was born November 14, 1959, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the daughter of John Calvin and Rachel Elinor (Hord) Greenfield.

Ella is survived by her children, Scarlett “Pete” Greenfield of Pittsburg, Kansas, and John Greenfield, of Fort Scott; nine brothers and sisters, John C. Greenfield, Kathie Wilson, Kurt Greenfield, Paul Greenfield, Cindy Jones, Brian Greenfield, Tracy Saker, and Karl Greenfield; and two grandchildren, and one more on the way. She was preceded in death by her father, and a sister, Cheryl Bagnall.

Following cremation, memorial services will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 10, 2018, 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.

Area News, Submitted

Keep the Beat Going with Mercy Heart Screenings

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 Many people don’t realize they may be at risk for heart disease, so Mercy is making it easier to identify certain conditions by offering low-cost screenings.

“Before symptoms appear, people should consider a screening to evaluate their risk for cardiovascular disease if they are over age 45 with a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure or cholesterol, smoking or other risk factors,” said Christi Keating, executive director of nursing at Mercy Hospital Fort Scott. “Other risk factors include diabetes, peripheral vascular disease and having a more-than-ideal body weight.”

Mercy Fort Scott offers low-cost heart and vascular screening year-round, but since heart health seems to be top-of-mind during February, now is the perfect time to get a screening. The screenings help identify factors that may lead to stroke, aneurysm, cardiovascular disease or other serious conditions.

A variety of screenings are available starting at only $50. Insurance will not be billed for the screenings and payment is due at time of service.

The $50 calcium heart screening is a simple CT scan of your heart to detect calcium build-up in your arteries – an indication of heart disease. The $99 vascular screening package includes three non-invasive tests on your carotid arteries, your abdomen, and your legs. The tests help identify problems to reduce your risk of heart disease, heart attack, stroke, and aneurysm.

Patients may choose both screening packages for $149. A physician order is not necessary and no special preparation is needed before either screening package.

Screenings are available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday at Mercy Hospital Fort Scott.

To schedule your screening online, visit mercy.net/FortScottHearts or call 620-223-7015.

Mercy, named one of the top five large U.S. health systems in 2017 by Truven, an IBM Watson Health company, serves millions annually. Mercy includes 44 acute care and specialty (heart, children’s, orthopedic and rehab) hospitals, more than 700 physician practices and outpatient facilities, 40,000 co-workers and more than 2,000 Mercy Clinic physicians in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Mercy also has outreach ministries in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.

Obituary

Obituary for Donald Dale Simpson

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Donald Dale Simpson, age 90, a resident of rural Garland, Kansas, passed away early Saturday, February 3, 2018, at the Country Place Assisted Living facility in Ft. Scott, Kansas.

He was born March 16, 1927, in Ft. Scott, the son of Maurice Simpson and Nina Alice McPheron Simpson. Don attended Fort Scott schools. He served in the United States Army from 1945 to 1947 where he was stationed in Italy. He married Charlene Mason on December 22, 1954.

Don farmed and raised cattle on the family farm near Garland for the remainder of his life. Don loved his life on the farm and enjoyed making things grow. He especially enjoyed tending to his strawberries and gladiolus. He also liked to collect arrowheads and toy tractors. In earlier years, he liked to do woodworking.

Survivors include his three sons, Mason (Paula), Scott (Becky), Brady (Patty), all of Ft. Scott and his daughter, Lisa Ireland (Lanny), of Stewartsville, Missouri; ten grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren, and nine great-great-grandchildren.

His wife, Charlene, preceded him in death on November 27, 2017.

Pastor Lela Simpson will conduct funeral services at 11:30 A.M. Thursday, February 8 at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery where military honors will be provided by the Olson Frary Burkhart Post #1165 Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Memorials are suggested to the charity of the donor’s choice 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.

Fort Scott, Government, Submitted

Highlights Of Fort Scott City Agenda For Feb. 6

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The following are highlights of the agenda for the Fort Scott City Commission to be held at 6 p.m. Feb. 6. at city hall, 123 S. Main.

1. Resolution 4-2018 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Dangerous and Unsafe Structure and accessory structure located at 1523 E. Wall Street – Public Hearing Date – 3/20/2018 – 6:15 p.m.

  1. Resolution 5-2018 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Dangerous and Unsafe Structure and Accessory Structure located at 1601 E. Wall Street – Public Hearing Date – 3/20/2018 – 6:15 p.m.

  1. Resolution 6-2018 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Dangerous and Unsafe Structure and Accessory Structure located at 13 N. Holbrook Street – Public Hearing Date – 3/20/2018 – 6:15 p.m.

  1. Resolution 7-2018 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Dangerous and Unsafe Structure located at 523 S. Main Street – Public Hearing Date – 3/20/2018 – 6:15 p.m.

  1. Resolution 8-2018 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Dangerous and Unsafe Structure located at 108 W. Oak Street – Public Hearing Date – 3/20/2018 – 6:15 p.m.

  1. Resolution 9-2018 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Dangerous and Unsafe Structure and Accessory Structure located at 309 S. Lowman Street – Public Hearing Date – 3/20/2018 – 6:15 p.m.

Items to be considered by the commission:

  1. Consideration of appointment to Fort Scott Planning Commission – one city resident
  1. Assignment of Charlesworth Contract
  1. Consideration of 2017 Audit Contract with Diehl, Banwart Bolton

  1. Consideration to approve KDOT Form TRF 3 – Closeout of Downtown Brick Street and Sidewalk Replacement Project in 2010

  1. Consideration of increase in Woodland Hills Golf Course fees and change in membership renewal dates

  1. Consideration to reject demolition bids for 1837 E. 1st
  1. Consideration of Tourism center upgrade bids
  1. Discussion of Utility Office hours
  1. Consideration of tree removal from west and south end of runway – Fort Scott Municipal Airport

Paul Ballou with Rhonda Dunn will give an update on the Stout Building.

To see the full agenda which includes minutes and financials click here:

2-6-2018 agenda packet

 

 

 

 

 

Submitted

Westar Energy Asks To Update Prices With Federal Tax Savings.

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Westar Energy in Fort Scott, on Old Fort Boulevard.

Consistent with its recent statements, Westar Energy (NYSE: WR) today asked the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) to update its prices for the new lower federal tax rate, which will save customers about $74 million per year.

Westar’s request also included $11 million of initial savings in contemplation of its proposed merger with Great Plains Energy and $29 million in savings achieved from refinancing debt. These $114 million in savings offset costs related to the recently added Western Plains wind farm, depreciation, and other expenses.

All told, these adjustments will reduce prices by about $2 million in September, when the KCC’s decision is due.

In early 2019, credits that reduced customer prices for about 10 years will expire, and Westar has asked to adjust prices for those changes at that time. “Westar Energy is pleased to ask the KCC to reflect in our prices the benefit of federal tax savings,” said Mark Ruelle, president, and chief executive officer. “It’s important that our prices reflect the actual cost of serving customers.”

Renewable energy expansion Included in Westar Energy’s rate update are costs for the new 280 megawatts Western Plains wind farm, required updates for depreciation costs, and, later, adjustments related to ending renewable energy federal tax credits and an expiring wholesale contract.

Western Plains wind farm, near Spearville, Kan., has been in service, reducing customers’ fuel costs for a year, but the costs of the new renewable energy center are not yet reflected in customer prices.

Over the wind farm’s 20-year life, the fuel savings are expected to exceed the cost of the wind farm by about $70 million.

“About a third of the electricity we supply to our retail customers now comes from renewables – notably, Kansas wind farms,” said Ruelle. “Clean Kansas energy is affordable, bringing Kansas to third in the nation for wind energy.”

The KCC requires companies it regulates to produce a study every five to seven years updating the depreciation costs that should be included in prices. Changes to depreciation costs account for $56 million of the request, but as noted, are more than offset by other decreases. These periodic updates are to ensure that customers who are paying for investments are also those who benefit from those same investments. If a depreciation period is set too short or long, customers today could pay too much or too little toward the cost of those assets.

Updating prices for lower taxes, anticipated merger savings, and interest savings, along with recognizing the costs for the new wind farm, increased depreciation costs and other adjustments results in a planned net price decrease of about $2 million that would be effective with the KCC’s decision in September.

Westar’s application also includes adjustments to reflect the expiration of government and wholesale customer credits that have been reducing customer bills during the past decade but will soon expire.

In early 2019, Westar Energy’s first wind farms will reach 10 years of service. At that time, federal production tax credits will expire. Westar also sells electricity to Kansas electric cooperatives, with gains on those wholesale sales used to reduce costs for its retail customers.

One of those long-term contracts, and the associated benefits, also expires in January 2019.

Current wholesale electricity markets no longer provide the same opportunity to capture such credits for customers. Recognizing the expiration of these benefits would result in a subsequent price increase of about $54 million to be implemented February 2019.

Together, early next year, the two adjustments combined would increase prices by about $52.6 million or 2.6 percent.

Two-thirds of Westar’s residential customers use a monthly average of 900 kWh or less, so their average monthly increase would be about $5.90 or less when both the rate reduction and the subsequent rate increase are implemented.

The KCC is the state’s regulatory body that oversees this process and sets Westar Energy’s prices.

Regulators will take eight months to review, audit and evaluate Westar’s request to ensure that prices reflect appropriate costs of providing electricity.

Visit at http://www.WestarEnergy.com.

For more information:

Westar, KCP&L: Kansans to Benefit from Federal Tax Cuts

 

Obituary

Corrected Obituary Of Marilyn Love

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Marilyn Jane Love, age 73, a resident of rural Redfield, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, January 31, 2018, at the Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri. 
She was born October 2, 1944, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, the daughter of Lawrence Homer “Jack” Query and Alberta Mae Duncan Query.  Marilyn graduated from the Ft. Scott High School with the Class of 1963.  She married Charles A. Walker on February 4, 1966, at Ft. Scott. 
He preceded her in death on April 25, 2000.  She later married Gerald Love on February 16, 2001, at the Mt. Orum Baptist Church near Redfield. 
In earlier years, Marilyn had worked for the Western Insurance Company and then for the Pittsburg, Kansas, and Stillwater, Oklahoma school districts.  She was later employed by Wal-Mart in Ft. Scott for over twenty-five years. 
Marilyn loved her God and her family.  She was a member of the Mt. Orum Baptist Church and was also active with the Redfield Ruritan.  She also enjoyed taking care of her animals.
 
Survivors include her husband, Jerry, of the home; and her children, Shane Walker (Jana), Lane Walker (Crystal Sprague) and David Johnson (Christina) all of Ft. Scott; and her grandchildren, Olivia, Grace, Audrey and Ella Walker, Kirryn Sprague, Korbyn and Kayley Reyes, Rosa Martin and Kaden Johnson.  Also surviving are two brothers, Dwayne Query (Clyda), of Rochelle, Illinois and Robert Query (Lori), of Ft. Scott a sister, Marjorie Schwalm, of Ft. Scott and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her first husband, Charles Walker and her parents, Jack and Mae Query. 
 
Rev. Jeff Cokeley will conduct funeral services at 10:00 A.M. Monday, February 5th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Burial will follow in the Pittsburg Garden of Memories Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 P.M. Sunday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to Care to Share 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.    

Bourbon County Local News