Marnie Marie Finney, age 52, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Wednesday, July 13, 2022, at her home. There was cremation. The family will announce a memorial service to be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main.
Japanese Beetles – Be on the Lookout for this Destructive Pest
District Extension Agent, Horticulture
Southwind Extension District
111 S. Butler
Erie, KS 66733
Office: 620-244-3826
Cell: 620-496-8786
Japanese beetles have become a yearly pest. They were first reported in the United States in 1916 and have since become established in many states – including Kansas. The adult beetle is one of the most destructive insect pests we face. I have recently found them attacking my rose bushes and crabapple tree.
The adult beetle is the most troublesome for the homeowner as it feeds on a wide variety of plants including rose, crabapple, birch, grapes and a whole host of other plants. They feed on leaf surfaces and will cause holes and in some cases, they will feed on the leaf tissue between the veins causing a lacelike or skeletonized appearance. However, it is the Japanese beetle larvae that is a major problem in the home lawn, golf courses, athletic fields and other turfgrass locations. They feed on the roots of turfgrass causing the grass to be unable to uptake water and nutrients.
We typically start seeing Japanese beetles in June and they feed through late August. Japanese beetles are 3/8 to ½ inch long. They are metallic green with coppery-brown wing covers and dark green legs. One distinguishing identifier is the white tufts around the abdomen area. These tufts actually look like white dots. The larvae are a white grub that looks very similar to other grubs commonly found in our area. It is actually very hard to tell the difference and would require looking under a microscope.
Japanese beetle adults are active on warm days and prefer feeding on plants that are in full sun. They begin feeding at the top of plants and gradually move down as they consume more and more leaf tissue. Fortunately, most well-established plants can tolerate some feeding damage without causing significant harm to the plant. But the plants will look rather tough after Japanese beetles have worked them over. A light fertilization will help with plant recovery.
The earlier we can implement management of the Japanese beetle, the less plant damage we will see. As for control, there are several routes that can be taken – cultural, physical and insecticidal.
Cultural control includes such things as proper watering, fertilization, mulching, and pruning. Keeping plants healthy will help them tolerate minor infestations better. Weeds should be removed.
Physical control is nothing more than removing the beetles from the plant by hand. The best time to collect beetles is early in the morning or late evening when they are less active. To remove, knock the beetles off by hand into a bucket containing soapy water. The soapy water will kill them. This works fairly well because adult beetles actually fold their legs when disturbed and will fall. Also, Japanese beetles often feed in clusters so knocking them off in masses is easy.
Chemical spray options are available. All plant parts should be thoroughly covered to be most effective. Insecticides including cyfluthrin and bifenthrin can be used. However, they will need to be applied every few weeks during the feeding period. The downfall to using insecticides is the killing of beneficial insects that can actually control other pests such as spider mites.
There are trapping systems on the market but if not used correctly they can actually increase the number of Japanese beetles! The traps contain a lure or scent that draws the beetles to the area. Therefore, they are not recommended.
Now is the time to scout your plants every few days to see if insects have moved in and started feeding. If you have questions or need help identifying a particular insect, please contact me.
Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
New Labconco Manager: Brandon Smith
Brandon Smith, 44, is the new plant manager at Labconco, in Fort Scott’s Industrial Park.
Smith started on May 9, 2022, replacing Mike Lakeman.
He oversees the daily operations of the plant, with 72 employees.
Smith served in the U.S. Navy for eight years, and has been at the Labconco headquarters in Kansas City, MO for 16.5 years, before coming to Fort Scott.
Labconco is celebrating its 97th year in Kansas City, MO and 34th year in Fort Scott, Smith said “Labconco designs and builds high-quality laboratory equipment.”
“Continuous product innovation keeps researchers safe and meets their exacting and ever-evolving needs for efficiency and performance in chemical and biological ventilation, particulate enclosures, sample preparation, forensics, washers, and water purification,” Smith said. “Labconco’s employees are dedicated to the safety of people and the scientific process, and to the prospect of a world made safer through science.”
Labconco: A Part of the COVID-19 Pandemic Vaccine Research
Labconco has played a big part in the pandemic, Smith said.
“Our biological safety cabinets, which are manufactured in the Kansas City location, and fume hoods, which are manufactured here in Fort Scott, were used in the research and development of the various vaccines currently being used now,” he said. “A large part of our customer base is medical and pharmaceutical research. We are an international company, so our products serviced not just nationally, but globally as well.”
The business has also dealt with the supply disruptions of the pandemic.
“We are constantly dealing with supply chain disruptions to this day since the pandemic started,” he said. “Most of our suppliers have increased their lead times, for various reasons, which in turn has produced new challenges and obstacles on our end with keeping up to the customer demand.”
For more information, visit labconco.com
Grants Available To Help Farmer’s Plant Cover Crops
In partnership with ADM and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) today recently announced the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts (KACD) as a recipient of a grant to help farmers plant cover crops across Kansas. Awarded under NFWF’s Midwest Cover Crop Initiative, this grant will support implementation of this beneficial agricultural practice on 100,000+acres. Kansas conservation districts will assist with implementation. Conservation districts will be taking applications for farmers to receive $10 per acre for planting cover crops on their farm. This program is eligible for farmers new to planting covers and those that are veterans to using cover crops in their crop rotations.
Farmers who implement cover-crop systems may see improvements in long-term profitability through reduced input costs and higher yields. By accelerating the adoption of this practice, this grant will help enhance soil health, reduce atmospheric greenhouse gases, improve water resources, and support wildlife while providing economic benefits to participating farmers.
For more information about this new opportunity please contact the Bourbon County Conservation District at 1515 S. Judson Ste. B Fort Scott, KS. or 620-223-3170 ext. 3.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports July 14
Obituary of Harry Carpenter
Harry Dee Carpenter, age 86, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, July 13, 2022, at his home. He was born January 2, 1936, in Pleasanton, Kansas, the son of Harry F. Carpenter and Emogene McCoach Carpenter. Harry attended Pleasanton schools and graduated in 1954.
He joined the U. S. Navy that same year. Harry married Janet Rae Hurd on May 23, 1961, in Ft. Scott. Following their marriage, Harry and Janet made their home at various military bases throughout the United States including Hawaii. Harry received numerous medals from serviced performed as a Hospital Corpsman while serving with the United States Marines on his second tour of Vietnam. Harry retired after twenty years of service in 1974, as a Hospital Man First Class serving with both the U. S. Navy and the U. S. Marines. He later returned to Ft. Scott and graduated from the Ft. Scott Community College in 1978. He was later employed by Mayco Ace Hardware, Tri-Valley Developmental Services and as a driver for Mercy Hospital.
Survivors include his wife, Janet, of the home; two sons, Jon Carpenter (Kim) of Ft Scott and Jim Carpenter (Diane) of Olathe, Kansas; nine grandchildren, Jana Johnson (Michael) of Ft. Scott, Kyle Carpenter (Anna), of Erie, Kansas, Jon Thomas Carpenter (Rachel), of Ft. Scott, Kelsey Young (Drew) of Bentonville, Arkansas, Crystal Haro (Jamin) of Overland Park, Kansas, Mark Feagins of Joplin, Missouri, Adrian Ariana and Jayden Carpenter, all of Olathe, Kansas and five great-grandchildren, Randell and Liam Johnson, Evelyn Carpenter, Macy and Micah Haro.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Louise Licklider and a brother, Larry Carpenter.
According to Harry’s wishes, there was cremation. No services are planned at this time.
Burial with military honors will take place at a later date in the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott, Kansas.
Memorials are suggested to the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Department, the Ft. Scott Police Department or the Paralyzed Veterans of America 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.
Friday Night Free Concert: DJ Brown and Bourbon County Revival
DJ Brown and The Bourbon County Revival will be the featured entertainment at this week’s Friday Night Concert. The local four-piece band plays classic rock, country, and Red Dirt. Band members are Danny Brown on acoustic guitar and vocals, Robert Uhler on drums, Jerry Bahr on banjo, electric, acoustic and bass guitars, and vocals, and Randy Brasuell on mandolin, fiddle, bass and electric guitars, and vocals.
“These talented guys have been playing together for quite some time and are a crowd favorite,” concert-series organizer Ralph Carlson said. “We’re pleased to welcome them back to perform in our downtown pavilion. Bring a friend and join us for a great show.“
The concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Heritage Park Pavilion at First and Main streets. The shows, sponsored by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, are free and open to the public. Dave Oas and Jim Butler provide the sound each week. Due to limited seating, attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to the Loading Dock at Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall Street.
Fort Scott Area Community Foundation Opens Annual Grant Process
The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation (FSACF) is now accepting applications for the 2022 General Funds Grant program. Applications will be accepted through August 31, 2022.
The mission of FSACF is to serve the region by encouraging charitable giving benefiting the common good and improving the quality of life. The Foundation is committed to making a making a meaningful contribution in the areas of civic improvements, arts and humanities, health, education, human and social services, and the conservation and preservation of cultural and environmental resources.
In 2022, up to $59,000 will be available to fund grants to local 501(c)(3) public charities, schools, government agencies, and religious institutions. The Foundation considers proposals based on how they improve the quality of life for residents, and is particularly interested in projects that are sustainable in the future. Collaborative projects are strongly encouraged.
In 2021, the Foundation awarded $40,345 to 15 non-profit recipients through its General Funds Grant cycle. Awards averaged $2,600 and ranged from $500 to $4,500. Projects in Fort Scott and Uniontown received funding. A history of funded projects can be viewed at https://fsacf.com.
This year’s grant applications will be accepted through an online submission process. Interested organizations can find the grant application at https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=southeastkansas .
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Drainage Pipe To Be Installed at 17th and Crawford on July 18
The City of Fort Scott Water Distribution Department will be relocating a section of water main at 17th & Crawford on Monday July 18th, 2022. This is to accommodate the installation of new storm drainage pipe being installed. Customers on Crawford Street between 15th Street and 18th Street will be out of water during this time. The outage will start sometime between 7:00 a.m. & 8:00 a.m. The Water Distribution crew will work to restore water and water service as soon as possible, but customers should expect to be without water for the better part of the day.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have any questions or concerns, please call 620-223-0550 and ask for Water Distribution.
Obituary of Bettie DuVall
Bettie Lou Crays DuVall, age 91, resident of Lockwood, MO, formerly of Ft. Scott, KS, died Tuesday, July 12, 2022, at the Good Shepherd Nursing Home in Lockwood.
She was born October 11, 1930, in Hiattville, KS, the daughter of Harold I. and Audrey M. Loudenback Crays. Bettie moved to Ft. Scott around the age of 16 to attend high school and work part time. During her senior year, she met Herbert “Gene” DuVall. They would be married on September 4, 1949, in Ft. Scott. He preceded her in death on May 10, 2015.
Besides being a full-time homemaker, Bettie also became proficient with home renovation and decoration. She was a self-taught seamstress and a master gardener. She helped with the Bourbon County Extension Office, participated in the Homes for the Holidays tours, and was a member of P.E.O. and the First United Methodist Church.
Survivors include a daughter, Tanya DuVall-Haubein and husband David, Lockwood, MO; a sister, Helen Davenport and husband Jim, Aurora, NE; a granddaughter, Ann Owen and husband Brady, Lockwood, MO; 4 nieces, Lori Barrett, Debra Masur, Marilyn Gilstrap, and Carolyn VanSantan; and several cousins.
Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by a bother Harold Crays, Jr., and his wife Dorothy; a nephew, Justin Davenport; and her parents.
Rev. Christopher Eshelman will conduct funeral services at 10:30 AM Monday, July 18th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
The family will receive friends Monday from 9:00 AM until service time at the funeral home.
Burial will take place at 9:00 AM Tuesday, July 19th, at the U. S. National Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to either the First United Methodist Church or American Legion Post #25 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.
Business Health Coverage Webinar July 14
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As You Are Ministry Moves Forward, Step by Step
Mayra Montanez has a heart for the disadvantaged, because at one time she was one.
She is the daughter of an Assembly of God pastor in Puerto Rico.
And life happened.
“I was a single parent on my own, and needed help,” she said. “I know how it feels to have limited resources and have pride…to be employed and not have enough money to go to work.”
To this day her heart is touched by the issues of others.
“In the winter, I wake my husband up, it’s snowing, and we will go look for people on the streets,” she said. “It breaks my heart.”
Montanez started the process of of non-profit 501 3c designation last fall, called As You Are Ministry. She has received calls from the community for people in need.
The second floor of the family owned business, Fort Scott Barber Shop, is being transformed to help meet the needs of the community, little by little.
Last month, the family installed a heating and air conditioning system with a separate power line to the second floor of their business building. They recently got a website going.
They have been working on the second floor of the building, for ministering to the community. It has a gathering place, a kitchenette, her office and the future bathroom/shower room.
The third floor is another step down the road, with the idea of providing temporary housing for those who need it.
“You can warm up, or cool down,” in the gathering place they have prepared, she said. There is also a kitchenette to provide some refreshments to those who gather.
“The next step is a bathroom,” Montanez said. “We have no plumbing up here.”
Then, if someone got their water cut off or is homeless, the ministry could provide a bathroom service.
“Sometimes when things happen in life, where their money didn’t go as far the month, we can help,” she said.
“We want to meet people where they are,” Montanez said.
Some of the products/services they can currently provide, besides the community gathering place:
- school supplies including backpacks
- hygienic supplies: tooth brush, toothpaste, shampoo
- translation from English to Spanish for legal documents
- notary public service
- currently in place of a shower: body cleansing wipes, clean clothes and dirty clothes washed
- providing hotel lodging for a few nights if needed, because of the weather.
Her husband, Jose, and their children are highly involved in her ministry and helping people, she said.
The goal is to “help people who sometimes need a little push to move forward, no judgement,” she said. “From there they can do it. We want to be able to help those who need a little or a lot of help. If we can, we will.”
As You Are Ministry is located above the family’s barber shop at 118 E. Wall.
They have someone who is willing to do the labor for free for the bath/shower room, if the Montanez’s will provide the materials, she said.
They have applied for a grant through the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team for the toilet and sinks.
If they aren’t approved for that, they will have to wait a little longer, but she is hoping to have it done by winter, she said.
Hours are by appointment.
For more information: 913.708.5234.