Obituary of Richard Johnson
Richard “Rick” Curtis Johnson, Sr. age 65, a resident of Blackwell, Oklahoma, passed away Wednesday, March 19, 2025, in Rapid City, South Dakota. He was born April 26, 1959, in Salina, Kansas, the son of Robert Johnson and Doris Thornton Johnson.
Almost immediately after high school, Rick enlisted with the United States Navy. He faithfully served his country from 1978 to 1992.
After his service with the Navy, he became a long-haul truck driver. He frequently made trips between Oklahoma and Canada and was serving in this capacity when he became ill in South Dakota. Rick enjoyed traveling, making people laugh, and constructing model cars. Rick was a devoted fan of the Dallas Cowboys always cheering them on for each game. One might also say he was a movie connoisseur, never missing a new film. Rick was a man of faith and a longtime Baptist.
Survivors include a daughter, Christine Johnson and her fiancée, Spencer of Perry, Oklahoma and a son, Richard C. Johnson, Jr. of Ponca City, Oklahoma; a brother, Bill Johnson of Minneapolis, Kansas and two sisters, Margaret Johnson also of Minneapolis, Kansas and Sharon Johnson of Salina, Kansas. Also surviving is his fiancée, April Panama.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents.
Rev. Paul Rooks will conduct funeral services at 11:30 A. M. Tuesday, April 1st at the Grace Baptist Tabernacle, 502 S. Margrave St., Ft. Scott, Kansas. Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery where military honors will be provided by the United States Navy. Services are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
What’s Happening in Fort Scott March 28
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Give ‘Em Heaven by Patty LaRoche
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)
“Rivers do not drink their own water; trees do not eat their own fruit; the sun does not shine on itself, and flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves. Living for others is a rule of nature. We are all born to help each other. No matter how difficult it is…Life is good when you are happy but much better when others are happy because of you.”
The same day I read this quote from Pope Francis, someone sent me this post: “If God is making you wait, then do what waiters do. Serve.”
The photo shows a man who stands outside the church Dave and I attend in Las Vegas. Faithfully, each Sunday he is on the corner after the service, smiling to every exiting vehicle. Granted, he’s not on the stage preaching or singing, but his service is no less appreciated.
Ephesians 2:10 (TLB) says this: God . . . has made us what we are and given us new lives from Christ Jesus; and long ages ago he planned that we should spend these lives in helping others. I have met people who say they “serve” in their church. When I ask them how, they answer “by going to church” or “attending a Bible study.” Those are good things to do, of course, but that’s not what Paul was writing to the Ephesians about.
What makes people prone to take care of their own needs and no one else’s? Fortune Magazine ran an article and referred to Faith Popcorn, a New York City marketing expert, as the “Nostradamus of Marketing.” Faith addresses a shift since Covid: “One of the major changes that is taking place in American culture is the ‘cocooning of America.’ It is ‘looking for a haven at home – drawing their shades, plumping their pillows, clutching the remotes. Hiding . . . and everybody is digging in’.” She refers to this as “hypernesting” or “reality retreat.”
Churches reflect this behavior as Christians choose to stay at home and “play it safe” on Sundays instead of obeying Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
The bottom line is that we Christians must be inconvenienced for the Gospel. We must be willing to pay a sacrificial price so that others may come to know Jesus. Why is it so hard to think of others first, to remember that every person we see is someone Jesus thought enough of to die for?
Even praying for someone becomes an after-thought instead of an intentional, purposeful opportunity to bombard the thrones of Heaven to serve them. And Heaven forbid we take the time to mentor someone with the good news of eternity. In Romans 10:14, Paul asks how people will come to believe in Christ. Answer: through us.
Three Scriptures in Romans pave the road to sharing the gospel.
1. 3:23—For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God
2. 5:8—God shows his love for us that while we were sinners, Christ died for us.
3. 4:4-5—Salvation can’t be earned (or else Jesus wouldn’t have died.) We need to believe in Christ.
Reread the quote by Pope Francis and ask yourself this simple question: “What is the best thing I can do sacrificially to make others happy?” I pray that leading others to Christ is at the top of your list.
County Commissioners Withdraw Motion for Dismissal
A group of citizens is suing the county commissioners. The plaintiffs in the lawsuit include both current commissioners in their capacity as individuals. On 12/30/2024, the lawyer representing the defense of the then-current commission filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, claiming that while the plaintiffs may not like agreements made by the commissioners, there is no legal basis for the lawsuit.
Click to share your opinion on this development in a Facebook Poll
Such a motion would require the judge to rule on whether or not the basis of plaintiffs’ complaints were sound and something where the plaintiffs could potentially win. Basically, a motion to dismiss says, “If we assume that the plaintiff’s arguments were all true, would they win the case? If not, then the case should be dismissed.” If there is no legal basis for the plaintiff’s claims, then there is no reason to proceed with the cost of a lawsuit. If the complaints have a legal basis and they could win, then the lawsuit would proceed.
Plaintiffs’ Petition includes many general frustrations with the terms of the Agreements but the Petition does not identify any contractual defect with the Agreements under Kansas law sufficient to set aside the Agreements.
On 3/26/25, the lawyer for the defense of the current county commission filed a new motion to withdraw the motion to dismiss, potentially extending the lawsuit.
The filing to withdraw the lawsuit is brief and gives no reason for the request to withdraw.
Click to share your opinion on this development in a Facebook Poll
Protect Your Genetic Data Amid 23andMe Bankruptcy
Consumer Advisory for Kansans
TOPEKA – (March 27, 2025) – Attorney General Kris Kobach today issued a consumer alert warning Kansas resident of the recent bankruptcy filing by 23andMe, a direct-to-consumer genetic testing and information company. 23andMe filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on March 23. The company said in a press release, “There are no changes to the way the Company stores, manages, or protects customer data.” However, the bankruptcy raises the risk that 23andMe may attempt to sell Kansans’ genetic data and other private information as part of the bankruptcy proceedings.
“Protecting Kansans’ personal information and genetic data is of the utmost importance to our office. Because of the company’s current financial situation, we encourage Kansans to consider requesting deletion of their genetic data held by 23andMe,” Assistant Attorney General Sarah Dietz said.
Kansas residents should be aware of their rights and the protections afforded to their genetic data under the Kansas Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) and the Wayne Owen Act.
Since this data is incredibly personal and sensitive, it’s important to understand your rights under Kansas’s privacy laws, including how to delete your genetic data from 23andMe.
How to Take Action and Protect Your Genetic Data
If you wish to rescind access to your genetic information and request the destruction of your test sample, follow these steps:
How to delete genetic data from 23andMe
- Sign in to your 23andMe account at www.23andme.com.
- Navigate to your profile’s “Settings” section.
- Scroll down to the “23andMe Data” section at the bottom of the page.
- Click “View” next to the “23andMe Data” heading.
- If you would like to keep a copy of your genetic data, download your data before continuing.
- Locate the delete data option.
- Select “Permanently Delete Data”.
- Check your email for a confirmation link and follow it to complete the deletion process.
How to destroy your 23andMe Test Sample
If you previously chose to allow 23andMe to store your saliva sample and DNA but would now like to opt-out, you can update your settings by going to “Preferences” on your account page.
To Revoke Permission for Your Genetic Data to be Used for Research:
If you previously consented to 23andMe and third-party researchers to use your genetic data and sample for research, you may withdraw consent from the account settings page under “Research and Product Consents.”
Please visit the Office of the Kansas Attorney General’s website for more information on your rights under the KCPA and the Wayne Owen Act, guidance in managing your data, or to file a complaint.
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U.S. 69 Overlay Project in Bourbon and Linn Counties: March 31 to December
Monday, March 31, the Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin resurfacing work on U.S. 69 in Bourbon and Linn counties. An overlay will be placed on the northbound lanes of U.S. 69, starting at the south U.S. 54 junction in Fort Scott and continuing north for 25.6 miles to K-52 near Pleasanton.
Traffic will be carried through the work zone with alternating lane closures and intermittent ramp closures. Weather permitting, the road work should be finished by mid-December. Pearson Construction, of Wichita, is the primary contractor on the $17.6 million resurfacing work.
Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.Kandrive.gov, for more highway conditions and construction details. Persons with questions may contact Construction Manager Warren Ebberts at (620) 901-6549 or Public Information Officer Priscilla Petersen at (620) 902-6433.
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SparkWheel Golf Tourney May 3
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Chamber Awards Dinner is April 24
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Named Top Group in Kansas for Wreaths Across America
Wreaths Across America KS 0049, the local For Scott, Kansas, fundraising group is proud to be named the Top Group in Kansas. Thanks to local support, sponsorships to place veteran’s wreaths at Fort Scott National Cemetery were successful to provide a wreath for every veteran gravesite at the ceremony held December 16, 2023.
Each year, national nonprofit Wreaths Across America recognizes top sponsorship groups for excellence in serving their local community while helping to share the yearlong mission to Remember, Hoor, and Teach. Among the thousands of supportive groups honoring locally interred veterans through wreath sponsorships, WAA recently announced that special recognition has been given to Wreaths Across America KS 0049 for Fort Scott National Cemetery as the outstanding group in Kansas.
Since its founding in 2007, WAA has collaborated with hundreds of like-minded organizations, volunteers, and civic groups nationwide to remember and honor our nation’s veterans. Thanks to local support, this group was able to maximize efforts to honor veterans laid to rest at Fort Scott National Cemetery. This group has been recognized for pride displayed in our veterans at a national level.
You can help support the local Wreaths Across America KS 0049 for Fort Scott National Cemetery by sponsoring a veteran’s wreath for placement on National Wreaths Across America Day 2024 on Saturday, December 14. Each $17.00 sponsorship will sponsor a wreath to be placed on the headstone of an American hero. To sponsor a wreath, contact Location Coordinator Diann Tucker, 620-224-7054, or Mika, 620-223-6700. Wreaths Across America is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports March 27
Obituary of George Hightower
George Frederick Hightower, age 77, a resident of Walnut, Kansas, passed away Monday, March 17, 2025, at the Prairie Mission Retirement Village in St. Paul, Kansas. He was born March 27, 1947, in Hartman, Arkansas, the son of John David Hightower and Dorothy Anita Kuhl Hightower. George married Leona Marie Reed on August 9, 1965, Alpena, Arkansas.
Following their marriage, George served three tours in Vietnam with the United States Army.
Throughout his life, George worked at Churchill Manufacturing in Chanute where he helped construct oil pumping equipment. He later was employed by the Erie Lumberyard and then Neosho Small Parts also located in Erie. In addition, he also worked in law enforcement for the City of Walnut.
George enjoyed fishing and playing cards with his good friends.
Survivors include his four children, George Hightower (Amber) of Georgia, Paula Robertson (Jamie) of Thayer, Kansas, Leo Hightower (Megan) of Chanute, Kansas and Wayne Hightower (Pam) of Ft. Scott, Kansas; twelve grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Also surviving are a sister, Donna Guntharp (Jackie) and a step-brother, Mike Shrum.
George was preceded in death by his wife, Leona, on January 3, 1992. He was also preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Maryann Hobbs and Cathy McDole, an infant brother, Del Edward Hightower and a step-brother, Rick Shrum.
There was cremation. Rev. Marty Dewitt will conduct graveside services at 1:30 P.M. Friday, April 4th at the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott, Kansas.
Family and friends may meet at the Cheney Witt Chapel prior to leaving for the cemetery at 1:15 P.M.
Memorials are suggested to the Walnut Community Service Organization and may be left in 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.