Fort Scott

Fun Day of Art Activities to be Held at Fort Scott NHS

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Submitted by Fort Scott National Historic Site

Fort Scott National Historic Site is excited to announce the first-ever Art Day at the Fort. Come to the Old Fort on Saturday, June 17, for a fun-filled day of art and activities. Free art supplies will be available for adults and kids of all ages to try their hand at sketching, painting or coloring their own souvenir. The talented art students of Fort Scott High School will be on hand to answer questions and offer advice or assistance to participants. The event will take place 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. This event is part of the year-long celebration of the site’s 175th Anniversary and is presented in partnership with the Bourbon County Arts Council.

Fort Art Day: photo credit Fort Scott NHS

Everyone is invited to come out, even if it is just to observe artists in action. Professional artists will be painting and drawing around the beautiful historic Fort grounds. For those that want to get in on the action and depict the Fort through their own eyes, there are many subjects to choose from including the historic buildings, hundreds of colorful wildflowers in the tallgrass prairie, magnificent shade trees on the parade ground, and great views of historic downtown. Watercolor paints, coloring pencils, pastels and other supplies will be available for use. Folks can sketch a postcard that will be mailed home following the event, add their own creative take to a group mural, or try a new medium like pastels or watercolors. For the young ones there will be coloring pages, washable markers, big crayons for little hands and a collage activity.

The event is free and no pre-registration is required. Just drop by the Fort anytime between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. For more information contact Fort Scott NHS at 620-223- 0310.

Obituary

Obituary: Jerry Lee Russell

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Jerry Lee Russell, resident of Marionville, Mo., died early Friday, June 9, 2017, at Cox Medical South in Springfield, Mo.

He was born on March 23, 1940, in Natoma, Kan., the son of James and Ruth Selbe Russell. He drove a truck for most of his adult life. He also worked for the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Department for more than nine years. He married Linda Richardson on August 26, 1993, in Fort Scott, Kan. Jerry enjoyed fishing, line dancing, classic cars, playing guitar and his chickens and dogs. He was a great cook who made delicious lasagna. He was known to joke around now and then. He loved his family and was always ready to lend a helping hand when needed.

Survivors include his wife Linda of the home; nine sons, Steven King and Tina, Kansas City, Kan., Mark King and wife Jamie, Kansas City, Kan., Frank Russell, MS, Greg Russell, Lansing, Kan., Todd Russell and wife Michelle, Topeka, Kan., Shawn Shockley and wife Lori, Traverse City, Mich., John Saldivar, Fort Scott, Travis Shockley and wife Debbie, Fort Scott, and Dalton Russell, Marionville, Mo; four daughters, Sheila Kennedy and husband Tim, Chanute, Kan., Carla Glover and husband Bob, Chanute, Kan., Rhonda Roalson and husband Chad, Whitefish, Mt., and Rayma Gegg, Altamont, Kan.; eight brothers, Leo Russell and wife Vesta, Natoma, Kan., Jesse Russell and wife Mary, Newton, Kan., Dennis Russell and wife Judy, Lake Havasu City, Ariz., Bob Russell and wife Linda, Leavenworth, Kan., Wayne Russell and wife Jean, Fort Scott, Don Russell and wife Linda, Fort Scott, Chuck Russell and wife Delene, Fort Scott, and Kevin Russell and wife Teresa, Fort Scott; 36 grandchildren; 28 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a son, Jeffrey Russell; three brothers, Les, Joe and Jim Russell; two sisters, Rita Russell and Louise Roy; and his parents.

Rev. Shawn Shockley and Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 15, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery, Fulton, Kan. The family will receive friends prior to the service at 1 p.m. Thursday. Memorials are suggested to the Jerry Russell Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary

Obituary: Euegenia Ronnette Vincent

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Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Eugenia Ronnette Vincent, resident of Hiattville, Kan., died Thursday evening, June 8, 2017, at Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kan.

She was born July 7, 1967, in Fort Scott, Kan., the daughter of Ronald and Dorothy Ham Brown. She graduated from Pittsburg State University with an accounting degree. She married Pat Vincent on August 22, 1986, in Fort Scott. Ronnette worked in accounting for Key Industries for 13 years. In 2002, she began working for Mid-Continental Restoration until present. She enjoyed reading novels, taking walks and spending time with her family. She was Hiattville 4-H Community Leader, Bourbon County Farm Bureau Board, leader of Bourbon County 4-H Junior Leaders, Bourbon County Extension PDC and Uniontown FFA Advisory Committee member. She was a member of the Hiattville United Methodist Church, serving as church treasurer.

Survivors include her husband Pat of the home; a son Luke Vincent and Heather, Carl Junction, Mo.; a daughter, Katelyn Meiwes and husband Joe, Moran, Kan.; brothers Ronald Brown, Jr., Kansas City, Mo., and Keith Brown and wife Julia, Fort Scott; sisters Melinda Collins and Dave, Fort Scott, and Sheila Eastwood and husband Tim, Drexel, Mo.; her father, Ronnie Brown, Sr. and step-mom Beverly Brown; step-grandmother, Dora Page; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother, Dorothy Ham-Moore; and an infant brother, David Brown.

There was cremation. Rev. Don Flanner will conduct memorial services at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 14, at the Hiattville United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in the Hiattville Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 Tuesday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to either the Hiattville United Methodist Church or the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation 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.

Opinion

Patty LaRoche: Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody

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Once upon a time

There were four men named

Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody.

There was an important job to be done

And Everybody was asked to do it.

But Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it.

Anybody could have done it.

But Nobody did it.

Somebody got angry about it

Because it was Everybody’s job.

Everybody thought that Anybody could do it

And Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t do it.

It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody

And Nobody did the job

“That Anybody could have done in the first place.” Author: anonymous

When my husband, Dave, coached baseball in Brooklyn, N.Y., he found himself working with a few youngsters who had found ways around performing their duties. One such person, nicknamed “Eddie Haskell” after the troublemaker in the “Leave It To Beaver” sitcom, was notorious for expecting someone else to do his job.

Let me give you some context. In pre-game practice, it is expected that yesterday’s pitcher is “on the bucket.” That means that during batting practice that pitcher stands behind a screen at second base. When balls are hit to the outfield, those players throw the ball to the “bucket guy,” who fills the bucket. When the batting practice pitcher gets low on balls, the bucket guy refills his basket. On Eddie’s assigned day, he was M.I.A. and another pitcher was doing his job…until the end of practice, that is, when he sauntered out of the clubhouse. Dave asked where he had been. Eddie appeared surprised that Dave noticed. “Doing my weight work” was not the answer Dave hoped for. In his opinion, everyone was to do more than expected, never less.

Ephesians 6:5-8 makes that clear: Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.

Any work we do should be done with excellence, no matter if we are being watched or not. Rick Warren echoes this idea in “The Purpose Driven Life” when he writes, “Work becomes worship when you dedicate it to God and perform it with an awareness of his presence.” Mowing the lawn. Driving a semi. Teaching a class. Cleaning a toilet. Reading to a child. Being on the bucket.

No one respects the person who works only when the boss is watching. The day after Eddie failed to do his job, Dave called all the pitchers together before the game and told them they all needed to thank Eddie. “Eddie somehow missed the bucket yesterday, so he has volunteered to be on it for the next three days.” The players applauded and cheered.

Well, except for Eddie, that is.

Fort Scott

City Joins KCAMP

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The Fort Scott City Commission decided Tuesday evening to change insurance methods after spending the past few years with Berkshire Hathaway for property and liability insurance, instead going with the cheaper option of joining KCAMP.

When the time for renewal came along, the commission decided to look at other options to see what was available to them, though City Manager Dave Martin emphasized that the decision was not because of any failure on Berkshire’s part.

“We’re not leaving because of Berkshire’s misperformance,” Martin said. “Berkshire has done a great job.”

While the city’s premiums were rising to $264,283 a year with Berkshire, the city will pay $194,158 annually with the Kansas County Association Multiline Pool (KCAMP). Because KCAMP runs according to the calendar year, the city would pay half of that sum this summer and is guaranteed the same rate when they pay for 2018.

Because KCAMP is a pool, it is considered an association run by a board, but still legislated by the Kansas Insurance Department. This pool has been in existence since 1991 and now includes about 90 members, the majority of them being counties, including Bourbon County.

City contractor James Charlesworth described the differences between entering an associational pool versus using insurance, saying a pool charges contributions instead of premiums and are more accessible than insurance agencies.

The city is already a part of two pools for workman’s compensation and health benefits. Commissioner Jim Adams said he is comfortable with the change because of how positive their participation in pools have been up until now.

The last time the city sought an insurance company was in 2014, and the city decided they would look at other options every three years.

Bourbon County

Grass Carp and Algae Control for Ponds

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Submitted by Christopher Petty

Grass Carp

Grass carp, a fish species native to Asia, feed on aquatic plants and filamentous algae. Grass carp are biological tools used to control nuisance growth. Grass carp stocked into Washington lakes must be certified disease-free and sterile. Fish farmers create sterile fish (called triploids because they have an extra set of chromosomes) by subjecting fish eggs to temperature or pressure shock. Testing verifies that grass carp are sterile. Lake managers use grass carp to control the excessive growth of aquatic plants. Grass carp exhibit definite food preferences and consume some aquatic plant species more readily than others. Grass carp may control filamentous algae, although filamentous algae is not a preferred food. Grass carp may eat aquatic plants before eating filamentous algae. Some reports indicate that adding grass carp to a lake may promote the growth of other algae.

Raking

Pond owners can remove filamentous algae from the water using a sturdy rake with a rope attached to the end. The operator throws the rake into the water and pulls the rake and filamentous algae to shore. Compost the algae and use it in the garden. Raking is effective for small areas of filamentous algae but is time consuming and labor intensive when controlling larger areas. In addition, filamentous algae grow back quickly and may move around the water body through wind and wave action. Sometimes raking becomes a never-ending chore during summer months. Also, raking cannot remove blue-green algae and many other types of algae.

For more information on pond weeds, join the K-State Research and Extension –Southwind District for an informational pond weed meeting at the Yeager Building, located on the Bourbon County fairgrounds, in Fort Scott, Kan. This meeting featuring K-State Research and Extension Wildlife Specialist Charlie Lee and sponsored by Miller Feed and Farm, will take place at 6 p.m. on Thursday June 8. A ten dollar registration fee, payable at the door will cover meals and materials. Please preregister for a meal by calling 620-223- 3720 or e-mailing Southwind Extension District Agent for Livestock Production and Forage Management Christopher Petty at [email protected].

Bourbon County

Commission Removes Previous Position

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Environmental Service Coordinator Eric Bailey left a hole in the county’s staff with his recent resignation, but instead of filling the position, the county commissioners decided to use the employees they have to complete the tasks Bailey had been responsible for.

Bailey worked his final day Friday after reaching the decision to move from the county and begin his own sub-contracting business. His job included working with contractors, overseeing inspections for those buying and selling homes and approving permits for projects occurring in flood plains, among other responsibilities.

During their Tuesday morning meeting, the Bourbon County Commission and attorney Justin Meeks discussed the decision to use four employees from the GIS/IT and Assessor’s departments to cover those tasks. By doing so, the county would save the money that would be needed to cover an employees salary and would instead cover the hours the individuals would work.

Meeks said those employees should be able to maintain the quality of the work the county usually provides, but may not always be able to in the same timely manner as when they had a full-time employee devoted to the position. If the change does not seem to work, or if area development suddenly increases, the commission would revisit the decision.

Continuing in the budget season, the commissioners said they have to work carefully to make sure the needed finances are available as they collect budget requests from various departments. Already, they are trying to discern how to increase the wages for members of the sheriff’s department, to make the positions more competitive, within the current budget. Five positions have also been cut from the roads and bridges department in order to consolidate positions and save funding.

Meeks said the main way a county is able to save money is by cutting people or services, while commissioner Jeff Fischer added it is up to the leadership to prioritize their services and decide where to invest their money.

Obituary

Obituary: Robert Eugene Colvin

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Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Robert Eugene “Bob” Colvin, age 73, of Wichita, Kan., passed away Saturday June 3, 2017, at his home.

He was born on August 28, 1943 in Fort Scott, Kan., the son of George and Ruby Riley Colvin. Bob was a Veteran serving his country with the United States Navy for four years and with the United States Air Force for twenty two years. He married Ursula Knittel on April 12, 1974, in Lakeland, Ga., they were happily married for 43 years. After retiring from the military, he went to work for Boeing working and modifying airplanes. He was a member of the V.F.W Post 3115, Wichita, Kan.

Bob was survived by his wife, Ursula of the home; a daughter, Janice Enitla of Wichita, Kan.; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Jerry Colvin; and a sister, Linda Adams.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Thursday June 8, 2017, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the U.S. National Cemetery, Fort Scott, Kan.. The family suggests contributions to the American Cancer Society in care of the Funeral Home P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the guest book at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary

Obituary: Joyce Irene Peterson

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Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Joyce Irene Peterson, age 78, resident of Rural Fort Scott, Kan., died Saturday, June 3, 2017, at her home.

She was born February 17, 1939, in Fort Scott, the daughter of Carl and Christine Low Knox. She graduated from Fort Scott High School with the class of 1957. She married Frank Peterson on September 21, 1958, in Fort Scott. She worked as a key punch operator for Western Insurance Company for several years. She then cleaned houses on her own for over 20 years. She also worked for R&R Building Supply. Joyce enjoyed sewing and crocheting in her spare time, as well as riding horses in her younger years. She never missed a Mound City Craft Festival with her daughters. She loved watching the grandkids play ball. She was a member of the First Baptist Church.

Survivors include her husband Frank of the home; four children, Frank Wesley Peterson and wife Laura, Erie, Kan., Linda Jolene Wade and husband Steven, Mapleton, Kan., Flint William Peterson and wife Shannon, Nevada, Mo., and Tina Herrin and husband Gary, Devon, Kan.; 10 grandchildren, Kerri, Seth, Evan, Lindsey, Taylor, Draven, Sydney, Ry, Landry and Cooper; four great grandchildren, Bridget, Cole, McKenzie and Brooke. She was preceded in death by a brother, George Knox and her parents.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 7, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Centerville Cemetery, Devon, Kan. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until service time at the Chapel. Memorials are suggested to Big Brother/Big Sisters of Bourbon County and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary

Obituary: Bill Eugene Kramer

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Submitted by Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Bill Eugene Kramer, age 87, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., died at his home Sunday June 4, 2017. He was born December 2, 1929, in Fort Scott, the son of James F. Kramer and Mamie Taiclet Kramer.

He married Norma Joyce Madison on September 30, 1954, in Fort Scott. He joined the United States Army in 1951 and was a Paratrooper. He worked for 17 years as a bus driver for the Fort Scott school district. Bill enjoyed listening to country music and raccoon hunting with friends and grandchildren. He was a sports fan and loved watching his kids and later his grandchildren play sports.

Survivors include his wife, Norma of the home; three children, Mike Kramer and wife, Patty, Larry Kramer and wife, Grace, and Dolores Pruitt and husband, Jim, all of Fort Scott; eight grandchildren B.J. Pruitt and wife, Kayla of Arma, Kan., Brett Kramer and wife, Erica of Fort Scott, Jake Kramer of Fort Scott, Megan Crosier and husband, Clint of Memphis Tennessee, Cole Pruitt and wife, Jaclyn of Atchison, Kan., Cody Kramer of Fort Scott, Patricia Kramer of Fayetteville, Ark., and Michael Kramer of Fort Scott; three great grandkids, Easton, Mason, and Rhett Pruitt; a sister Mary Lou Marberry; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, Jim Kramer, Charlie Kramer, Les Kramer, Bob Greene, and John Kramer, two sisters, Dorene Murrell, and May.

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 10 a.m. Friday, June 9, 2017. Burial will follow at the U.S. National Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Olson Frary Burkhart Post #1165 V.F.W. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorial are suggested to Mercy Hospice may be sent to the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St., P. O. Box 347, Fort Scott, KS. 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary

Obituary: William Harold Thesing II

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Submitted by the Cheney Witt Funeral Home

Dr. LTC Ret. William Harold Thesing II, age 80, resident of rural Fort Scott, Kan., died Monday, May 29, 2017, at Medicalodge of Fort Scott.

He was born February 11, 1937, in Hays, Kan., the son of William and Frances Honas Thesing. He was a graduate of Trego-Wakeeney High School. He obtained his B.S.N. degree in 1963 from Saint Mary’s of the Plains College in Dodge City, Kan. He served in the United States Army as a Nurse Anesthetist, retiring after 20 years of service. William was a Vietnam Veteran and received the Legion of Merit Medal, which was presented to him by President of George W. Busch. He obtained his PhD. in Healthcare in 1993 and another PhD. in Education in 1997 both from Cambridge International University, Rainbow City, Ala. In 2004, he received his Legal Nursing Consulting Diploma.

In addition to all his years in the health care field, Dr. Thesing was an accomplished pipe organist with many performances throughout the United States and Europe while on active duty. He also played for church services and was a vocal tenor for church music performances. While in Oklahoma, he also co-owned Jim’s Restaurant for 15 years. In Fort Scott he was involved in several organizations including a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, American Legion, and the V.F.W.

Survivors include two sisters, Eleanor Skroh and husband Wilbur, Montpelier, Idaho, and Berniece Shank, WaKeeney, Kan.; and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He was preceded in death by a sister, Beatrice Thesing; two brothers, Henry and Leonard Thesing; and his parents.

Father Robert Wachter will conduct the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 5, at the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, Fort Scott. The Rosary will be prayed at 10 a.m. prior to the service. Burial will take place at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 7, in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Ellis, Kan. Military Honors will be provided by the United States Army Honor Guard. Memorials are suggested to the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Bourbon County, Business

4State Makes Changes to Recycling Services

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For the past couple months, 4 State Sanitation has provided free recycling to residents of Bourbon County residents, but changes will come this month to improve the service and prevent the abuse of the free service.

Stock Photo from 4 State Sanitation

Taysha Meech of 4 State said that the first couple months showed them just how much manpower is needed and how much it costs to cover the diesel needed to transport the items brought to them. She also said a number of people decided to take advantage of the service as an opportunity for a free trash service, bringing bags of personal trash instead of only recyclable items.

“It’s not a moneymaker,” City Manager Dave Martin said of the recycling services that 4 State provides. “They’re losing money tremendously on it.”

In order to discourage the misuse of the service and cover some of the expenses, a small fee will be added for residents wanting to recycle. While it will remain free for 4 State customers, others will pay a $5 fee each month for an unlimited use of the recycling services.

Bourbon County Local News