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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Oct. 5
Writer’s Seminar Oct. 15
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Adoptions Increase Over 35% Under Kelly Administration
TOPEKA – Data released today by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) shows that under Governor Laura Kelly’s Administration, statewide adoption numbers are up more than 35% compared to the Brownback and Colyer Administrations. This increase is credited to initiatives that expand training, resources, and awareness for foster care staff and prospective adoptive families.
“My administration is doing everything we can to make it easier for Kansas families to provide a loving, stable home to children who need one,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “By providing vital resources for families and deepening relationships with our providers, we’re making it possible for more Kansas children to be adopted. I couldn’t be prouder of these numbers.”
From 2011 to 2018, the average number of adoptions in the state sat around 730. However, under the Kelly Administration, close to 1,000 children on average are being adopted each year.
The increase in adoptions has contributed to the 17% decrease in the number of children in the Kansas foster care system under the Kelly Administration.
Adoption Numbers by the Years, 2011-2022
| 2011 | 761 adoptions | 2017 | 758 adoptions |
| 2012 | 777 adoptions | 2018 | 766 adoptions |
| 2013 | 620 adoptions | 2019 | 1,210 adoptions |
| 2014 | 666 adoptions | 2020 | 998 adoptions |
| 2015 | 765 adoptions | 2021 | 846 adoptions |
| 2016 | 755 adoptions | 2022 | 948 adoptions |
DCF created Adoption Accelerator positions in 2019 and expanded them in 2022 to identify, track, and monitor youth who experience barriers to adoption. These specialized staff conduct home studies, share resources for completing adoption procedures, and aid case management teams to support adoption finalization.
“We have removed barriers in the adoption process for children with special needs by updating policies and growing eligibility,” DCF Secretary Laura Howard said. “The adoption assistance and subsidies available for families who are trying to adopt children with special needs are vital.”
DCF also recently revised adoption subsidy policies for children who are on Technology Assistance waivers and Intellectual/Developmental Disability (I/DD) waivers and need specialized medical care. These children are eligible for monthly subsidies designed to ensure their families can continue to support their specialized needs.
“Over the past three years, we have also grown our partnerships in the community,” Howard added. “DCF’s partnership with The Kansas Post Adoption Resource Center is important as adoptive and kinship families often find the need for support grows in the years after adoptions are finalized.”
DCF has worked to bring together different partners to take a systemic, all-hands-on-deck approach to preparing families to meet the needs of children in foster care. Partners include the Kansas Post Adoption Resource Center (K-PARC), which supports families who have adopted children or who are providing permanent care because of a kinship placement; Adopt Kansas Kids; and the four Child Welfare Case Management Providers.
Individuals who are interested in adoption can learn more from Adopt Kansas Kids. The program raises awareness about the need for adoptive families for children currently in foster care as well as educating potential families and connecting them with more information. Discover more at www.adoptKSkids.org.
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Pump N Pete’s Hosts Fundraiser For CASA
MASSIVE REGIONAL FUNDRAISER SPONSORED BY PUMP’N PETE’S CORPORATION
TO BENEFIT CASA PROGRAMS IN 3 STATES DURING OCTOBER
Pump N Pete’s Corp of Erie is hosting a pledge card fundraiser and other activities on behalf of Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA) during the month of October. Pete’s operates 54
convenience stores and fuel stations in Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma and this special effort targeting the increase of services by CASA to abused and neglected children in the court system will benefit 6 individual CASA Programs in those areas; CASA of the 31st Judicial District, CASA of the 4th, Bourbon County CASA
and Tri–County CASA in Southeast Kansas; Child Advocates of Northeast Oklahoma and CASA of Jasper County in Missouri.
“Pinwheels for Prevention – Partners for Children” is an easy, stress free and fun way to help children in state custody. Pete’s cashiers will ask you to donate and all you do is say YES! You get to sign a Pinwheel Pledge Card and hang it in the store to commemorate your donation. It you donate $5 or more at one time you
get a raffle ticket good for a chance at winning a $25 prize in each store and the winners from each store will go on to a GRAND PRIZE DRAWING at the end of October for $250 at the Pete’s Corporate Office in Parsons.
The funds raised are used to recruit, train, prepare and support Volunteer Advocates who are specially trained by CASA and appointed by County Judges to help children who have been abused or neglected and found to be in need of care by the court. The Advocates partner with the children, speak up for their best
interest in court and guide them successfully through their time in foster care. Once appointed, the CASA is always there for the child until he or she is released from custody. CASAs focus on the needs of the children and them spending less time in foster care, also getting services that benefit them.
Fundraising proceeds have also been used in emergencies and to pay for athletics, music lessons, summer camp, winter coats, Christmas gifts, adoption gifts, life books, special equipment and special clothing for children in the CASA programs.
CASA programs are non–profit and must raise their own funds to operate The Pinwheel Fundraiser is in its 10th year and Pete’s Corporation has made it a competition between
stores, area managers and district managers, even offering corporate incentives to all employees to do their best
for CASA. From there the managers and employees have gotten very creative and have taken the competition to heart! All stores do something special or host an event to supplement the fundraiser and many do some truly zany things. Several managers have taken cream pies to the face if the store reaches a set goal or offered to get
dunked in a water tank for extra money; others have thrown a BBQ or pizza party when employees post so many pledge cards. There were dueling bake sales between stores in the same town; car washes that got drowned by rain but continued anyway; body painting; dance–a–thons; characters greeting customers; lotto
winnings donated by employees and customers and public competition to have the most pinwheels on the wall!
At the end CASA awards trophies and publicly recognizes the top 6 Pump’n Pete’s Stores in several categories and representatives from each CASA program are on hand to congratulate them. A media event is planned for December 14th in Parsons, KS.
CASA and Pump’n Pete’s invite everyone to join the fun and help unfortunate children at the same time.
Children who did nothing wrong but wound up in foster care anyway. Donations to CASA are fully tax deductable and CASA is recognized as a 502(c)(3) charity by the IRS.
Discovering Fort Scott’s Little Known Stories
Exploring the African American Experience
Fort Scott Kan. – The public is invited to the Exploring the African American Experience Project videography discussion on Friday, October 7, at the Ellis Fine Arts Center theater on the Fort Scott Community College campus at 9 a.m.
There will be discussions about video and movie making, how to find inspiration, and some insight of technical aspects. Featured panelists include David Parks, photographer, filmmaker, author, and son of Gordon Parks; Robin Hickman-Winfield, Executive Producer of SoulTouch Productions and great-niece of Gordon Parks; and Eli Reed, award-winning photographer, photojournalist, and author.
The stories of Gordon Parks and George Washington Carver highlight the struggles and ability to overcome adversity. The Exploring the African American Experience Project engages local high school and Fort Scott Community College students to research the little known and under told stories of other progressive African Americans and leaders from the Fort Scott area. Students will create audio recordings or videos to share these stories in their ‘voices’ through social media and short films hosted by the National Park Service, Gordon Parks Museum, and their schools. Exhibits will be developed from their work. This ongoing project is designed to expand beyond Fort Scott students.
From April 1-October 31, Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, will be open for its summer hours of operation. The site exhibit areas and visitor center are open daily from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Park grounds are open daily from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset. To find out more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.
-NPS-
FSHS Thespians Host 5th Annual Royal-Tea Party
The Fort Scott High School Thespians host their 5th Annual Royal Tea Party from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 15 in the FSHS Commons.
Join your favorite princesses and princes, queens and kings and other members of the royal court. Take photos with your favorite characters while you make crafts, have treats, and do activities. Over thirty Fort Scott High School Thespians will be dressed in character and leading the event. Attendees are encouraged to join us in dressing as royalty.
Tickets are $10 per child and all must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets may be purchased online in advance at fortscotthighschool.ludus.com or at the door. The event is a fundraiser for students attending the KS State Thespian Festival in January.
For more information, please see the Fort Scott High School Thespians Facebook page or contact Angie Bin at [email protected] or 620-719-9622.
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Obituary of Steve LaRue
Steven Joe LaRue, age 72, resident of Bronson, KS, died Saturday, October 1, 2022, at KU Medical Center, Kansas City, KS. He was born on October 21, 1949, in Iola, KS, the son of Charles and Elaine Johnson LaRue.
He married Mary Jo Hall on December 7, 1969, in Bronson.
Steve worked for Diebold Lock and Key in Minneapolis, MN for 10 years. After moving back home, he worked for Diebolt Lumber in LaHarpe, KS, for the next 30 plus years. All during this time he was also working as a locksmith.
Steve loved his 1950 John Deere tractor. He even had it parked outside his window these last few months so he could view it in the background of the hummingbird feeder.
In earlier days, he was very involved in his children’s activities, especially sports. He also enjoyed calling bingo.
Steve never met a stranger and always had a joke to tell. Every morning he would play several “oldies” including “Wake Up Little Suzie.” He was a member of the Sons of the American Legion, the Masons, and the Shriners.
Survivors include his wife Mary Jo; 3 daughters, Sherry Dwyer and husband Terry, Linwood, KS, Linda Zibert, LaHarpe, KS, and Donna Kovacic and husband Jeff, Stark, KS; 2 sons, Donald LaRue and wife Janet, Overbrook, KS, and Dean LaRue, Linwood, KS; 3 brothers Larry LaRue and wife Mary Ann, Michigan, Roy LaRue and wife Amy, Florida, and Ray LaRue and wife Tami, Moran, KS, 6 grandchildren, Diana and husband Tyler, Julia and husband Chad, Bryson, Wade, Abby, and Orin; 3 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Hunter Kovacic; and a granddaughter, Makala LaRue.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday, October 6th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Bronson Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 Wednesday evening at the Carriage House, 310 S. Main St., Ft. Scott.
Memorials are suggested to the Steve LaRue Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Obituary of Russell Snyder
Russell Charles Snyder
March 10, 1935 – October 1, 2022
Russell Charles Snyder, 87, of Fort Scott, left this earthly home to join his loved ones in Heaven on Saturday evening, October 1, 2022 at Medicalodges Fort Scott. He was born March 10, 1935 to Lawrence and Dora (Russell) Snyder at rural Redfield, KS.
Russell had many adventures as a young teenager, traveling the country by foot and train, working for various farmers. He married Clara Fern Wise on September 1, 1955. To this union they lovingly added two children, Shelly and Charles.
Through the years, Clara and Russell had many fur babies with which they shared their lives. They always doted on their fur children and were very saddened when any of them were lost. Russell cherished their memory and loved to talk about them.
Clara preceded him in death on February 25, 2011 and was always fondly spoke of and remembered by Russell.
He served in the Korean War with the United States Army from January 1958 to December 1959 gaining numerous memories from his time stationed there.
He drove an over the road truck most of his adult life, hauling various products and obtaining many stories along the way. Later he worked for Peerless Products of Fort Scott until his retirement at age 62; he then hauled cattle and worked at Fort Scott Livestock Company until his full retirement at age 75.
He very much enjoyed sharing anecdotes of his life and journeys around the country. There was never a time when visiting with Russell that you didn’t leave without hearing, very colorfully, quite a few of his life reminiscences. He has left his family with a multitude of stories to continue sharing and remembering with joy and laughter, as they hear his voice retelling them repeatedly.
Those left to celebrate his life include a son, Charles and wife Kerri of Fort Scott; a daughter, Shelly Shoemaker of Joplin, MO; four grandchildren, Jordan Snyder, Lakin Snyder, Christopher Snyder, and Jacob Snyder all of Fort Scott; three step-grandchildren, Kori Shoemaker and partner Jerry Morgan, Kyli Gates and husband Jason, and Kade Colegrove all of Fort Scott; one great-grandchild, Oaklynn Snyder of Fort Scott; three step-great-grandchildren, Joeli Morgan, Rystan Morgan, and Breckett Gates all of Fort Scott. A wonderful friend and neighbor, Fred Mitzner and wife Ermalea of Fort Scott. Along with three nephews and a niece, Rick Snyder and wife Judy of Iola, KS, Wayne Hall and wife Julie of Sedan, KS; Mary Jo Larue of Linwood, KS and Larry Snyder and wife Danita of Pleasanton, KS.
Those Russell joins in God’s loving arms include his wife, Clara; his father and mother; a brother, Lloyd Snyder and his wife Treva; a sister, Marybelle Hall and her husband Joe; two nephews and a great-nephew.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Thursday, October 6, 2022 at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow at the Memory Gardens Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to Paws & Claws and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St. Fort Scott, KS. 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
No Outside Burning in the County Due to Extremely Dry Conditions
No hot dog roasts allowed until a significant amount of rain falls across Bourbon County, and no burning trash. However, outside cooking in covered barbeque grills is allowed.
“It’s unfortunate,” said Delwin Mumbower, Bourbon County Fire District #3 Chief said. “My grandkids would like to have a weinee roast. But the conditions are not right.”
Mumbower asked for and received authorization by the Bourbon County Commission last week to ban all open burning in the county, until a significant amount of rain falls to make conditions less a threat to fires getting out of control.
The City of Fort Scott has already implemented fire restrictions in the city.
The rural fire districts must haul their own water to sites of fires.
“We have to haul water, there are very few fire hydrants in the rural areas,” he said. “There is a concern for the fire districts in the area that once a fire is started, in these extreme dry conditions, a fire is difficult to control.”
The biggest pumper truck they have holds 2,300 gallons, he said.
“Road ditch fires, unexplained fires, are rare except in exceptionally dry times,” Mumbower said. “The last two weeks there have been five unexplained fires.”
There is a concern, for the fire districts in the area, that once a fire is started in these extreme dry conditions, of their ability to control the fire.
There has been little rain since June and the last two months have had above normal temperatures, which has brought the conditions the county faces.
The willful violation of this burn ban, is a misdemeanor and punishable by law, according to the ban the commissioners put in place.
To view the burn ban:
Possible free pizza for properly functioning smoke alarms: Domino’s Oct. 12
Local Domino’s® Stores to Partner with Fire Departments to Promote Fire Safety
Residents may receive free pizza for properly functioning smoke alarms
JOPLIN, Mo., Oct. 4, 2022 – Domino’s stores in Independence, Fort Scott, and Pittsburg are joining forces with Independence Fire/EMS, Fort Scott Fire Department, Pittsburg Fire Department, and Frontenac Fire Department to promote fire safety. On the days and times below at the mentioned stores, anyone who orders a Domino’s pizza may be randomly selected and surprised at the door when their pizza arrives accompanied by a fire engine. If the smoke alarms in the home are working, the pizza is free. If the smoke alarms are not working, the firefighters will install fully functioning alarms or replace the batteries.
- Oct. 11 from 5-7 p.m.
o Domino’s in Independence, located at 100 N. 25th
- Oct. 12 from 5-7 p.m.
o Domino’s in Fort Scott, located at 2 Jersey St.
- Oct. 19 and 20 from 7-9 p.m.
o Domino’s in Pittsburg, located at 716 S. Broadway
“Fire safety is extremely important,” said Emily Elwell, owner of Domino’s in Fort Scott, Independence and Pittsburg. “We’re very excited to partner with NFPA and our local fire departments for a program that not only promotes the safety of our friends and neighbors, but rewards those who make fire safety a priority.”
Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 9-15. This year’s theme is “Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape™.”
“In a typical home fire, you may have as little as one to two minutes to escape safely from the time the smoke alarm sounds,” said Dave Bruner, fire chief with Fort Scott Fire Department. “Escape planning and practice can help you make the most of the time you have, giving everyone enough time to get out. These steps can make all the difference and we hope to raise awareness about them through our partnership with Domino’s.”
Customers can call their participating Domino’s location at the numbers below to place their order and be eligible for the fire engine delivery:
- Independence: 620-577-6060
- Fort Scott: 620-768-5533
- Pittsburg: 620-231-5555
About the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
Founded in 1896, NFPA is a global, nonprofit organization devoted to eliminating death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazards. The association delivers information and knowledge through more than 300 consensus codes and standards, research, training, education, outreach and advocacy; and by partnering with others who share an interest in furthering the NFPA mission. For more information, visit www.nfpa.org. All NFPA codes and standards can be viewed online for free at www.nfpa.org/freeaccess.
About Fire Prevention Week
NFPA has been the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week since 1922. According to the National Archives and Records Administration’s Library Information Center, Fire Prevention Week is the longest running public health and safety observance on record. The President of the United States has signed a proclamation proclaiming a national observance during that week every year since 1925. Visit www.firepreventionweek.org for more safety information.
About Domino’s Pizza®
Founded in 1960, Domino’s Pizza is the largest pizza company in the world, with a significant business in both delivery and carryout pizza. It ranks among the world’s top public restaurant brands with a global enterprise of more than 19,200 stores in over 90 markets. Domino’s had global retail sales of nearly $17.8 billion in 2021, with over $8.6 billion in the U.S. and over $9.1 billion internationally. In the second quarter of 2022, Domino’s had global retail sales of over $4.0 billion, with over $2.0 billion in the U.S. and nearly $2.0 billion internationally. Its system is comprised of independent franchise owners who accounted for 98% of Domino’s stores as of the end of the second quarter of 2022. Emphasis on technology innovation helped Domino’s achieve more than half of all global retail sales in 2021 from digital channels. In the U.S., Domino’s generated more than 75% of U.S. retail sales in 2021 via digital channels and has developed several innovative ordering platforms, including those for Google Home, Facebook Messenger, Apple Watch, Amazon Echo, Twitter and more. In 2019, Domino’s announced a partnership with Nuro to further its exploration and testing of autonomous pizza delivery. In mid-2020, Domino’s launched a new way to order contactless carryout nationwide – via Domino’s Carside Delivery®, which customers can choose when placing a prepaid online order.
Order – dominos.com
Company Info – biz.dominos.com
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