Fredrick Dale Large left this earth to be with his Heavenly Father on December 25, 2023, at the age of 61. Fred was born May 3, 1962, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the son of Merle Eugene Large and Dorothy Mae Wiley Large.
Fred attended school in Ft. Scot, Kansas and Meredosia, Illinois. Fred has dealt with health problems since he was three years old. He has now been made whole; there is no more pain and suffering. Everyone who knew and loved Fred will always remember how much he loved working outside. He kept many lawns in Ft. Scott looking very nice until his health began declining a few years ago. They will also remember him as an inspiration because he never gave up. Doctors have been amazed that he hadn’t left us several years ago when he was diagnosed with lung cancer and battling epilepsy at the same time.
Fred will be missed. He will also be remembered for his charming smile and infectious laugh; you always knew you were going to get a chuckle when you were around him.
Fred is survived by his siblings, Dianna Brown (Russ) of Auxvasse, Missouri, Curtis Large (Tammy) of Beardstown, Illinois, Joyce Mills (Robert) of Ft. Scott, Kansas, Gena Surratt, of Meredosia, Illinois and Chuck Large (Beth) also of Meredosia, Illinois. Also surviving are a brother-in-law, Jim Brown of Ft. Scott, Kansas, step-grandmother, Enid Large of Ft. Scott, two aunts, Ruby Brown of Duenweg, Missouri and Marie Wiley of Ft. Scott as well as many nieces, nephews, step-aunt and uncles and his beloved companion, his dog, Missy.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Merle Large and Dorothy Large Hofman, a sister, Susan Brown, a brother, Thomas Large and brother-in-law, James R. Surratt and a nephew, Aaron Brown.
There was cremation. Burial will take place at a later date in the West Liberty Cemetery. Arrangements 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.
SHAWNEE – Celebrate the New Year with fun, fresh air, and scenic views by participating in a First Day Hike at a Kansas State Park. These self-led and guided hikes are organized annually by parks staff to encourage individuals and families to start the year on the right foot – by getting outside and connecting with nature.
This year, more than 1,000 hikes will be available in state parks around the country, including 33 First Day Hike events hosted by Kansas State Parks. While the distance and rigor of the hikes will vary at each state park, all aim to create a fun experience for all. Savor the beauty of the natural, cultural, and historical resources our state parks offer, and be inspired to continue taking advantage of these local treasures throughout calendar year 2024.
“This will be our 13th year to offer First Day Hikes in Kansas’ state parks and we couldn’t be more excited,” said Linda Lanterman, Kansas State Parks director. “Each year, these events grow more and more popular because they’re a fun and healthy way to start the New Year, they’re a great cure for cabin fever, and they’re held in some of the prettiest parts of our state.”
What To Expect Hikers can choose guided hikes that fit their comfort levels including walks along lakes, exploring trails, and options best for wildlife viewing. Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash. And, if hiking isn’t in your interest or ability, Kansas State Parks invite you to explore other fun offerings, from boating to fishing and horseback riding, or simply enjoying a peaceful moment from a park picnic table or bench.
What To Bring Kansas State Park staff recommend coming prepared for a First Day Hike with the following, if possible:
Water
Snacks Weather appropriate clothing (hat, gloves, heavy coat)
Hiking shoes
Binoculars
Hiking stick
Camera
NOTE: LIMITED First Day Hike T-Shirts will be available for participants on a first-come, first-served basis. And, a vehicle permit may be required ($5.00 at the state park entrance).
First Day Hikes began more than three decades ago at the Blue Hills Reservation state park in Massachusetts in 1992. Since 2012, all 50 states have participated. America’s State Parks hopes to make 2024 a record-breaking year as the annual event approaches major milestones, including inching closer to 1 million miles hiked and 500,000 participants in the program’s history.
For information on First Day Hikes across the nation, visit stateparks.org/special-programs/first-day-hikes/. And don’t forget to share your January 1 hiking story on social media with #FirstDayHikes and #MyKSStatePark.
Click HERE to find a Kansas State Park nearest you.
~~Kansas’ Economic Growth Was #1 in the Nation in the 3rd Quarter of 2023, #2 in the Nation in the 2nd Quarter~~
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today celebrated that, according to data released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the Kansas economy grew by 9.7% in the 3rd quarter of 2023 — the fastest rate in the nation. This improves on an already impressive record of economic growth; in the 2nd quarter of 2023, Kansas’ economy grew at the second-fastest rate in the nation at 7.4%.
“This data shows that our efforts to support businesses, create a stable economy, and grow our workforce are paying off,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Now, Kansas is outstripping the entire nation in economic growth and attracting business investment. Last week, I announced Kansas surpassed $18 billion in business investment since I took office in 2019. It’s clear we have the momentum to continue this trajectory of economic success into 2024 and beyond.”
The Kelly Administration’s work to support the agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting industries helped drive this economic growth. While those industries decreased nationally and in 33 other states, they were leading contributors to growth in Kansas.
Kansas also ranked third in the nation for growth in personal income, with personal income growing at 4.9% over the 3rd quarter of 2023. Farming, which decreased nationally and in 41 other states, was the leading contributor to the increased earnings in Kansas.
Kansas’ economic growth is measured by the change in its real gross domestic product (GDP), or the market value of goods and services produced in the state. The second quarter of 2023 included April through June; the third quarter included July through September.
The First Missionary Baptist Church of Uniontown has been distributing food baskets at Christmas time for many years,” said Marci Williams, chairperson of the mission board at the church.
“We get our suggestions (for those who might need extra food) from church and community members and the (USD 235) school,” she said.
“Church members donate food,” she said. “(And) Ruritan ( a local community service group) donates $500 to the mission board to purchase groceries.”
And the local school organizes a food drive.
“The students, staff, and W.B.E. families are very supportive and generous,” Jenny Covey, a member of the mission board said. “The sixth-grade class has been organizing a food drive since before I started teaching in Uniontown more than 18 years ago.”
“This is a great way to teach students about giving,” Covey said.
“Our church gets together a few days before Christmas to pack and deliver the boxes,” Williams said. “This year each family received a turkey, sausage, eggs, bread, bag of potatoes, apple juice, sugar, and apples. In addition, the boxes are filled to the brim.”
Lynette Emmerson has been a licensed long-term care administrator in the community for almost thirty years.
“After both of my parents passed away this past year and after becoming a grandparent for the first time, I re-evaluated my priorities,” she said. “With the help of my family, I realized I can look for a career in which I have less pressure and responsibility. I prayed about it and God opened a door. I have the opportunity to spend more time with my growing family, which includes a daughter-in-law, granddaughter, and a future son-in-law.”
As of January 2, 2024, Emmerson will be a new secretary at Fort Scott Middle School.
She has been at Medicalodge, Fort Scott, for the past nine-and-a-half years.
The best part of her job is helping people.
“Whether it is our residents, families, or staff,” she said. “I love to help people find resources. I especially loved hands-on care and spending time with so many residents over the years.”
“The challenges: being responsible for the decisions and actions staff make and working in a job in which I am on-call continuously because in healthcare you are never closed for business.”
Through the decades, there have been changes in long-term care.
Emmerson noted that long-term care residents in nursing homes need a higher level of staffing and experienced nurses than when she first started her career.
“Hospitals are not admitting or keeping people as long anymore so skilled nursing facilities must be prepared to provide that kind of care,” she said.
Another difference, is “Over the years, residents have been referred to us from all over the region from Kansas City to Wichita to Joplin while in the beginning, it was more local- Fort Scott and the surrounding communities.”
“Also, less of the workforce seems to want to work in long-term care so it is very important to recruit and retain staff who love caring for the elderly and individuals who need long-term care,” she said.
“The loneliness of grief can be comforted,” said Laura Meeks, a local leader of GriefShare. “GriefShare is a nationally recognized support for those left with the pain of the death of a loved one.”
“We invite you to GriefShare to help you recover from the death of your loved one,” she said. “We are sorry for the reasons that bring you to this group, but we welcome you. If you are uncomfortable taking this step and don’t know what to expect by joining a small group, your feelings are normal.”
The first GriefShare meeting led by Meeks starts on Tuesday, January 9 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Mary Queen of Angels Catholic School, 714 S. Eddy in Room 203, which is across from the parish office.
“Thirteen sessions will be held for our group each Tuesday at the same time and place,” she said. “This is a non-denominational grief recovery program. Hospitality will be provided and you will be given a helpful book to support your journey.”
“After the first of thirteen sessions ….you will start noticing you find it helpful to be around others who also are dealing with their emotions, questioning, and feeling exhaustion,” she said.
“We all grieve differently,” Meeks said. “There are no rules nor measurements such as time.”
For more than 25 years, GriefShare has helped over 1 million people heal from the pain of grief, according to a press release from Meeks. Professionally developed videos and a workbook help you meet people who have faced grief and share what helped them. You get practical suggestions from counselors and pastors, experts in grief recovery who have also experienced deep loss.
“Pastor Fr. Yancy Burgess recommended this program when I told him I wanted to help those who faced the death of a loved one,” Meeks said. “He referred me to his former Kansas Parrish GriefShare leader who guided me as I prepared. Last July, Fr. Burgess ordered all the materials we needed to provide this support for the community specifically intending to include all, in this non-denominational approach. He has a formidable background in bereavement support and provides support to us.”
To find more information about GriefShare go to griefshare.org or email [email protected].
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with Meeks, by calling: 740-317-6379, or emailing [email protected] for questions or registration support. To register directly go to griefshare.org/findagroup.
Another GriefShare will be available in fall 2024.
At the end of November, Community Christian Church just finished a 13-week course, led by Jon Bailes and Jeanette Perry, according to Jamie Beckham, at CCC.
“They are preparing to do another in the fall,” she said.
Anita Lavon Lightwine, age 84, resident of Moundville, MO, died Sunday, December 24, 2023, in Nevada, MO. She was born December 4, 1939, in Deerfield, MO, the daughter of Gaylord Franklin Pettibon and Erma Roberts Pettibon. She lived and raised her family in various locations with her husband Howard’s Naval career. They finally settled in Moundville, MO in 1976. Anita worked as an LPN for the Nevada State Hospital until her retirement. She enjoyed gardening in her free time. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
Survivors include her 4 sons, Leslie Lightwine (Mary), Clever, MO, Lee Lightwine (Anne), Zionsville, IN, Anthony Lightwine (Jamie), Nevada, MO, and Michael Lightwine (Jamie), Moundville, MO; 9 grandchildren, Patrick, Gavin, Dustin, Victoria, Rachel, Megan, Shelby, and Tristan Lightwine, and Alyshia Rosales; and one brother, Jack Pettibon. She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Lee Lightwine; 4 brothers, Burl, Grover, Keith, and Forrest Pettibon, and her parents.
Funeral services will be held at 12:30 PM Thursday, December 28th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel, Fort Scott, KS. Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery, Fort Scott. Memorials are suggested to the Arbor Day Foundation and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be left
During winter, the frosty windows often showcase a landscape of cedar trees laden with glittery snow. I enjoy looking at the wintry majesty of God‘s creation. As a youngster, I would play outside until my hands were numb and nearly frozen solid. I would also express my concern for the farm animals standing in the freezing temperatures with snow on their backs. Mom would make me feel better by telling me that they had thick hides. After three months of winter shivers, we would begin to look forward to the coming of spring. We were expectant and hopeful that the warmth, extra light, and new birth of spring was just around the corner.
The Messiah’s coming was prophesied in the Old Testament hundreds of years before Jesus’ birth in the New Testament. There was no instant “drive-through” Jesus. The people sat in darkness for a long time before the Light of the World came. In our impatient culture of fast food, microwaves, instant pots, and bread makers, I’m not sure how well today’s society would wait for the Messiah’s arrival.
Some of the sacred Christmas music just can’t be ignored. The haunting melody and lyrics of the hymn, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel “ is a compelling reminder of how desperately we needed (and still need) a Savior. This ancient 12th century Latin hymn was originally used in the medieval church liturgy. Each stanza concentrates on a different biblical name for Jesus: Emmanuel, Lord of Might, Rod of Jesse, Dayspring, Key of David, Bright and Morning Star, and King of Nations.
As the prophets foretold, the Messiah finally came 600 years after His coming was prophesied. Although Jesus fulfilled every single prophecy, many people still missed Him. At every turn, He frustrated the religious leaders. They expected one thing and He delivered another. They wanted Jesus to choose sides, but He chose sinners instead. He didn’t fit their religious ideology of who and what a Savior would be like. He was born to a virgin, delivered in a germy stable, learned the trade of a carpenter, and basically owned nothing. With that background check, Jesus fell short of their rigid religious expectations. But He was wilderness tested and God approved. Let’s face it, God often surprises us with how and when He accomplishes His will.
If you miss your 737 flight the first time, you can always catch the next flight out. For those who have continually missed the Messiah, we have God’s Word to help us find and accept the Savior today. God makes a way when there seems to be no way. The world, in and of itself, is without hope, but Jesus came to fix that. Not even Satan (Matt. 4:1-11) or Peter (Matt. 16:21-23) could scrub the divine mission that God planned for His only begotten Son.
Even though the religious leaders didn’t acknowledge the long-awaited Messiah, the demons knew exactly who He was. Jesus and His disciples went to Lake Galilee to teach and heal the people. “And whenever those possessed by evil spirits caught sight of Him, the spirits would throw them to the ground in front of Him shrieking, ’You are the Son of God!’” (Mark 3:11 NLT).
The Key: Let’s accept and allow the Key of David to open our heart’s door and change our lives forever. That’s why He came.
Tara Soloman-Smith, Family and Wellness Agent, Sunflower District of Kansas State University’s Extension Office. Submitted photo.
Beware of a silent threat in your home: radon. This colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas naturally lurks in the soil. The silver lining? Take action this winter, especially during Radon Action Month in January, to safeguard your home and loved ones.
Here are the facts on radon:
Radon and lung cancer
Radon induced lunch cancer is the number one cause of death in homes and is the second leading cause of lung cancer. One in four Kansas homes have high levels of radon.
Radon in Kansas
Radon seeps into your home through the ground, exploiting cracks and openings in the foundation. According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the average indoor radon level statewide stands at 5.4 picocuries of radon per liter (pCi/L), surpassing the EPA threshold of 4.0.
How do I know the level of radon in my home?
Testing is the only reliable way to determine the radon levels in a home. Test kits can be obtained from your Southwind Extension District office for a reduced fee, which includes a lab analysis and return postage.
My home has elevated radon levels, now what?
The most common technique to reduce levels is called Active Soil Depressurization. An ASD mitigation system is a permanently-installed pipe-and-fan system that places a direct constant vacuum on the soil beneath the home’s foundation, so the amount of radon that can penetrate into the living space is reduced.
More information about radon, testing, and mitigation is available at www.kansasradonprogram.org or by calling the Kansas Radon Hotline at 1-800-693-5343. To purchase a test kit locally, contact Tara Solomon-Smith, [email protected], or call 620-244-3826.
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Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service
The KDOT building is located on Hwy. 69. Part of the proposed STAR Bond project is south of the KDOT property.
Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc. (REDI), the City of Fort Scott Commission, and the Bourbon County Commission announced a Sales Tax Revenue (STAR) Bond initiative.
REDI presented the STAR Bond project at the last Fort Scott City Commission meeting.
The Fort Scott Project, taken from the Memorandum of Understanding. Submitted document. The district runs from Heidrick’s True Value store at 1508 S. National, south on National Avenue to Highway 69 then south to the property south of the KDOT building south of the industrial park. Harrington said this map is only of the northern part of the STAR bond district. To view the rest of the district, see the attachment.
“The (Fort Scott)Commission was presented a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the multi-million dollar ‘Event Center’ project which would include an 8,000 seat event center focusing on rodeo type events, stockyard, two hotels, travel center type convenient store, restaurants, multi-use turf field, and luxury recreational vehicle (RV) park,” said Brad Matkin, Fort Scott’s City Manager.
The MOU was signed by the city and a signatory, Robb Heineman, for 635 Holdings LLC.
This MOU begins preliminary negotiations on a development agreement.
“As of right now there is no obligation from the City of Fort Scott,” Matkin said. “The signing of the MOU shows the City of Fort Scott supports the project and wishes to proceed.”
The proposed Fort Scott project will be approximately 77 acres located just south of the KDOT building and in the lot south of LaRoche Stadium, all along U.S. Hwy. 69 on Fort Scott’s south side. There will also be 20 acres of the development located in front of the former Mercy Hospital that will house a hotel, ret,ail and restaurants, according to Robert Harrington, REDI’s Executive Director.
“STAR Bonds empower municipalities to issue bonds for the development of major commercial, entertainment, and tourism projects,” according to the REDI Facebook page. “Repayment is secured by the additional sales tax revenue generated by the project itself! This isn’t just about construction; it’s about sparking economic growth, creating jobs, and boosting tourism. These large-scale projects contribute positively to our local economy, creating a ripple effect of benefits.”
“This project is a unique opportunity for Fort Scott to harness its potential for growth and development, ” said Harrington. “It is a momentous chance for the community to embrace change and shape a prosperous future.”
Rob Harrington. Submitted photo.
“The South Sports Project represents a transformative $116 million development aimed at bolstering tourism and increasing sales tax revenues in the region,” said Harrington.
“At the heart…. is the construction of an 80,000-square-foot, 8,000-seat professional rodeo arena,” Harrington said. “This versatile facility, designed in collaboration with leading rodeo companies, is set to become one of the nation’s premier rodeo venues. Beyond rodeo events, the arena will host conferences, trade shows, sporting events, and concerts, positioning Fort Scott and Bourbon County as a prominent destination.”
In addition to the arena, there are plans for new hotels and retail spaces, including restaurants.
“These additions are projected to generate hundreds of millions of dollars in sales and property taxes over the next two decades,” Harrington said.
One part of the project is a “super field” for local soccer teams and a multi-purpose facility with four baseball and softball fields.
“This will not only bring in sports tournaments but also facilitate an upgrade to LaRoche Stadium, saving significant tax dollars for the school district and city,” Harrington said.
Also included is the establishment of a luxury recreational vehicle park, which will accommodate tourists, sports enthusiasts, and concertgoers, further enhancing the area’s appeal, according to Harrington.
A new truck plaza along Highway 69 is included and will increase sales tax revenue from non-local traffic. This strategic location fills a crucial service gap for truck drivers traveling between U.S. Interstate Hwy. 44 and Kansas City, Harrington said.
Overall, Harrington said the South Sports Project promises to create approximately 300 new jobs and generate nearly a billion dollars in sales and property tax revenues over 25 years. “This growth, driven by external investment, offers the prospect of reducing the tax burden for local residents.”
Application Period for Non-resident Turkey Permits to Begin January 9
SHAWNEE – Non-resident hunters who wish to obtain a 2024 Kansas spring turkey permit may submit an application for the all-new lottery draw from January 9 through February 9, 2024. Non-resident hunters may apply for a permit – valid only in a single unit – in Units 1, 2, 3, 5, or 6; a $10 application fee will apply. Similar to Kansas’ non-resident deer permit draw, any leftover non-resident spring turkey permits will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis shortly after the draw.
NOTE: Hunters who qualify as a “resident” or “non-resident tenant” may still purchase a spring turkey permit in Units 1, 2, 3, 5, or 6 either over the counter or online beginning March 5.
The all-new lottery draw is part of a larger strategy by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks to reduce overall hunting pressure and turkey harvest in Kansas in response to declining turkey populations nationwide.
Staff first recommended to Commissioners a lottery draw for non-resident turkey permits in August 2022, after which it remained a regular public meeting agenda item until voted on by the Commission on June 22, 2023 – the group’s sixth meeting to examine and discuss the recommendation.
For more on turkey hunting in Kansas – including season dates, other special draws, and how to obtain an electronic permit – click HERE.
