Obituary of Ruth Lowry
Ruth Rosamond Lowry of Richards MO, passed away peacefully at her home on July 8, 2022. Daughter of William Hugh and Mary (Neptune) Johnson, she was born January 1, 1931. She lived on the family farm at Eve MO until her marriage to Airman Albert Warren (“Budge”) Lowry on July 25, 1952.
To their union was born daughters, Lou Ellen and Carolyn and son, John. The family was dedicated to service with the United States Air Force until 1972. At that time, they returned to Richards to make their home. Prior to his unexpected death in 1973, Albert and Ruth made the first payment on their farm.
In 2011, she returned there to live out her life. In the years following her husband’s death, Ruth made her home in Nevada MO, Ottumwa IA, Wichita KS and Joplin MO.
Following graduation from Nevada High School in 1948 and receiving her teaching certificate from Pittsburg State, she held a variety of jobs beginning as a teacher in a one-room school and finishing her career as a supervisor with the Social Security Administration where she worked from 1973 until her retirement in 1990.
Ruth often marveled at the extraordinary life she was given, the places she traveled and the people she met. Her life was supported by her strong faith in God and she filled it with love and service for her family, friends and church communities. At the time of her passing, she was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, Nevada MO. Ruth will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved her.
In addition to her parents and husband, Ruth was preceded in death by brothers James (J.W), Olan and Bernard and sister Lois Fritter.
She is survived by her brother Roy and his wife, Letha and sister in law Kay (Lynn) Johnson; Children: Lou Ellen, Joplin MO, Carolyn, Bryan TX, and John, Richards MO; Grandchildren: Marshal Lowry (Allison) Bryan, TX; Katie and James Moncivais, Austin, TX, Chris (Jessica) Moncivais, Marfa, Texas; Emily (Josh) Appeldorn Springdale AR, Erin (Tom) Evans Lenexa, KS; John (Kirby) Lowry Bartlesville, OK and Heather (Nathan) Glassman Denver CO; Great grandchildren: Isabella Appeldorn, Apollo Evans, Maelie, Georgie and Carmen Lowry and Ava Marie, Lucy, Joseph and Gemma Glassman.
At Ruth’s request, her body was donated to the University of Kansas Medical Center.
Burial will take place at a later date in the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott, Kansas. 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.
Obituary of Loretta Swafford
Loretta Marie Swafford, age 82, resident of Overland Park, KS, formerly of Ft. Scott, KS, died Saturday, July 16, 2022, at AdventHealth Care Center, Overland Park, KS.
She was born February 26, 1940, in Kansas City, KS, the daughter of Judson and Dorothy Merriman Careswell. She married Virgil Peck on November 18, 1956. They later divorced. Loretta married Reo Swafford on March 22, 1992, in Wichita, KS. He preceded her in death on December 9, 2006.
Loretta enjoyed quilting, sewing, crocheting, and gardening. She loved spending time with her grandchildren. She volunteered for Mother-to-Mother, Mercy Hospice and Our Father’s House. Loretta was a member of Mercy Auxiliary, FCE, and the Red Hat Ladies. She was a member of the Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene.
Survivors include 3 children, Charlotte Morris, Ft. Scott, KS, Virgil Peck, Jr. and wife Tamara, Havana, KS, and Daniel Peck and wife Brooke, Tyro, KS; 2 brothers, Jud Careswell, Albuquerque, NM, and Monty Careswell, Windsor, CO; a sister, Judi Williams, Yukon, OK; 8 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild and one on the way.
Besides her husband, Reo, she was preceded in death by a brother, Ted Careswell; an infant daughter, Janet Marie Peck; and her parents.
Rev. Virgil Peck will conduct funeral services at 10:00 AM Friday, July 22nd, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to either Gideons or Fort Scott Christian Heights 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.
Chamber to host Election Candidate Forum on July 25
Chamber to host Election Candidate Forum
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces an Election Candidate Forum will be held on Monday, July 25th at the Ellis Fine Arts Center located at 2108 S. Horton St. in Fort Scott. Doors will open for a Meet & Greet with the candidates at 5:30 p.m. and the forum will begin at 6:00 p.m.
Candidates from the following offices have been invited to participate in the Primary Election Forum: United States Senate, United States House of Representatives – 2nd District, Governor/Lt. Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, State Treasurer, Commissioner of Insurance, State Representative – 4th District, Member – State Board of Education – 9th District, County Commissioner – 1st District, County Clerk, and County Attorney.
Residents of the community are encouraged to submit questions for the candidates to the Chamber by Thursday, July 21st by 5:00 p.m. Questions may be emailed to [email protected], mailed to 231 E. Wall St., or dropped off in person. The forum will also be broadcast live on the Facebook page Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce. Candidates in these races are asked to RSVP to the Chamber by July 21st to confirm attendance.
Contact the Chamber for more information at 620-223-3566.
Two New Youth Programs Offered at Bourbon County Fair
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Come join us to learn about the rule of thirds, viewpoints, and candid photos! This free program for youth in 5th through 8th grades will be offered by K-State Research and Extension Intern Tori White at each of our county fairs, including at the Bourbon County Fair on July 21st from 2 PM to 4 PM at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds. Pre-registration is required. Youth are encouraged to bring their own camera. If your child does not have a camera, we will have a limited number of cameras available for youth to borrow. Contact Clara at 620-365-2242 or [email protected] with questions. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
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New Mental Health Crisis Line 988, Offers Life-Saving Resources
By: U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.)
July 16, 2022
A mental health crisis requires help from trained professionals much like any health care emergency. Starting today, Americans experiencing a mental health crisis can dial 9-8-8 to immediately speak to a trained counselor at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Just like Americans reach for their phones to dial 9-1-1 in an emergency, this three-digit number for the suicide prevention lifeline can provide a life-saving call to help those struggling with mental illness.
In Kansas, suicide is tragically increasing. A recent study by the Behavioral Health Services, housed under the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), reported a 70 percent increase in suicide rates between 2000 and 2018.
These statistics represent our friends, neighbors, co-workers and family members. People of all ages, from all backgrounds, of all races and religions, can fall victim to struggles with mental health. Suicide and mental illness do not discriminate.
In 2019, I joined with my Senate colleagues in introducing the bipartisan National Suicide Prevention Hotline Improvement Act, legislation designating 9-8-8 as the official suicide hotline number for those seeking help to battle suicide and mental illness. The implementation of this three-digit number will be crucial to save lives and offer hope to those struggling with mental illness.
Before this legislation was implemented, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline had to be reached by dialing a 10-digit number. While that number will remain active, 9-8-8 is easier to remember and quicker to dial. For those struggling with mental illness or suicidal thoughts, 9-8-8 will provide immediate help from trained, experienced professionals who can offer resources and hope to make it through a mental health crisis.
Access to mental health care became even more important during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many Americans felt isolated and depressed, exacerbating mental health illnesses and increasing suicide rates, especially in adolescents. In 2021, concern for the emotional well-being of young adults led to the American Academy of Pediatrics declaring a state of emergency regarding child and young adult mental health.
In addition to our younger generation, another group of Americans who have suffered from increased mental illness, and who are at greatest risk of suicide, are our nation’s veterans and servicemembers. On average, around 17 veterans a day die by suicide, and the suicide rate for active-duty servicemembers has more than doubled over the past decade. Together, the suicide rate for our veterans and active-duty servicemembers is 50 percent higher than among civilians. According to the CDC, suicide rates for farmers and agriculture workers are worse than almost any other occupation.
These alarming numbers motivated Congress to act quickly and pass the National Suicide Prevention Hotline Improvement Act, providing a timely response to the current mental health crisis. This legislation was signed into law in October of 2020, and today the National Suicide Prevention Hotline goes live, making 9-8-8 the official emergency number to call in a time of mental health crisis.
This is just one step towards protecting and caring for those facing mental health challenges, but it is a significant one. This hotline creates an easily accessible avenue for those requiring immediate assistance and care.
I encourage anyone who is experiencing a mental health challenge to call 9-8-8. There is no shame in asking for help, and there is always hope even on the darkest days.
I remain committed to do all I can in Congress to develop concrete solutions for those who are struggling with mental illness and who are at risk of suicide. As we make progress to develop and promote mental health resources, I also encourage each of us to recommit ourselves to looking out for those around us. We need each other in this battle against mental illness, and the implementation of this hotline is a crucial step forward in this fight.
Sen. Moran represents Kansas in the United States Senate and authored the legislation to designate 9-8-8 as the official suicide hotline.
Agenda For the Bourbon County Coalition Meeing on Aug. 3
The Bourbon County Coalition will meet on August 3, 1:00 pm., in the Conference room at the Scottview Apartments, 315 S. Scott.
Plan on the meeting lasting somewhat longer than the usual hour.
Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition
General Membership Meeting Agenda
August 3, 2022
- Welcome:
- Member Introductions and Announcements:
- Program: Officers Davidson and Metcalf, Bourbon County Sheriff’s Department will speak about the drug investigation grant they received.
- Open Forum:
- Adjournment: Next General Membership meeting will be September 7, 2022, at 1:00 p.m.
FS Police Department: Fraudulent Call Reports
Today, Fort Scott Police Department has received numerous reports of an individual making phone calls posing as a member of our department. During these phone calls, the caller either mentions a subpoena being issued due to a citation, or about a fine that needs to be paid.
We want to assure you that these calls are 100% fraudulent, and do not originate from our department or any department member. No member of our department or municipal court would make phone calls of this nature.
If you receive a call similar to the ones described here, please disregard and report it to FSPD at our non-emergency #: 620-223-1700
FSPD Public Information Officers
Winfield Scott Assistant Principal: Krystle Mayginnes
This is part of a series profiling new educators in Bourbon County schools.
Krystle Mayginnes, 35, is the new Winfield Scott Elementary School Assistant Principal.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in English Secondary Education from Kansas Wesleyan University, a master’s degree in Educational Administration from Emporia State University, and currently is in her second year as a Educational Leadership Doctoral student at Baker University.
Mayginnes has taught 11 years of secondary language arts.
She and her husband, James have an 11-year-old daughter, Klaire and a 2-year-old son, Jimmy. Salina is where she grew up.
Mayginnes has a variety of interests when not in school.
“I love to volunteer at the library and animal shelter,” she said. “As a family, we enjoy being outdoors including fishing, camping. My husband and I love to attend Bluegrass Festivals whenever we are able. Personally, I love to read and enjoy talking about and collecting books.”
Why did you become an educator?
“I have always had a love of school. My mom always talks about how when I was little I used to play school with my siblings, and I was always the teacher. I went into leadership because I think that teaching is the most noble profession, and I want to be a part of helping teachers become the best that they can be while also helping students.”
Did someone inspire you?
“I have always been inspired by the teachers/professors that I have learned from throughout my educational experience including my teacher colleagues who have helped me become a better teacher and a better leader.”
What is the best thing about being an educator?
“The best thing about being an educator is that I get to hang out with kids all day. Our youth are such a precious commodity, and I get to be a part of helping them discover who they are, and who they want to become.”
What is a challenge?
“I think the most challenging thing about being an educator is that there are lots of things that we cannot control in the world. We have students who are coming from all different backgrounds and experiences, and we have to teach them all.”
Friday Night Free Concert: Stephan Moses
Stephan Moses, from Nevada, MO, will be the guest performer at this week’s Friday Night Concert. Moses is a songwriter vocalist and musician who plays guitar, banjo, and mandolin. He will perform a variety of musical selections. Moses owns and enjoys playing a number of Gretsch guitars and is a collector of guitars and songs. He performs an eclectic setlist, but he really enjoys playing the blues and gospel.
“Moses has played in a worship band and also several bands including Cloudpoint, The Barons of Blues, and the Blind Pigs. He has performed for United Way functions and the Philanthropics Society in Story County, Iowa,” concert-series organizer Ralph Carlson said. “We are pleased to welcome Moses back and invite you to bring a friend and join us for an evening of great music.“
The one-hour concert begins at 7 p.m. in the Loading Dock at Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall Street. 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.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports July 18
Letter to the Editor: Pete Allen
Some thoughts on city progress from the minutes of commission meeting on July 5th.
- “City Manager Comments: City Manager gave the Commission an update on his discussion with K.D.H.E. and issues that the City needs to correct. The first item is A.D.M. and the wastewater the city receives from them. A.D.M. has reduced their frequency of loads by 30%”.
- The City is improving its lagoon system with better aeration and testing of A.D.M. waste to determine the best treatment measures.
- Also, the Davis Lift Station bypass into Buck Run Creek is to be eliminated or reduced at the very least.
- A.D.M. is working on a lagoon to be a healthy aerobic system. A.D.M. is working with the Missouri Department of Health on a long-term management on a healthy lagoon system, up to and including the possibility of a redundant lagoon.
These are issues of non-compliance (or possible non-compliance) within our sanitary sewer system. For several years we have been dumping loads of untested waste from the ADM plant directly into our treatment facility. Hopefully this practice will end with the proposed lagoon system by ADM. Elimination of the bypass (overflow) at the Davis pump station is a monumental task, one that will not be achieved until the I & I (inflow and infiltration) of our aged collection system is addressed. That is a project that may never be completed, and we will continue dumping raw, untreated sewage into Buck Run. The pumps at Davis simply will not handle the quantity of flow during a rain event. But glad to see positive action being taken. We are years behind on replacement/repair of our sewer distribution system.
- “City Manager said that he has been in contact with Frank Young of AG Engineering regarding the dam at Lake Fort Scott. City Manager updated the Commission that there are currently bids out for the buildup for the top of the Lake Fort Scott dam per permit requirements”.
The issue I have here is a question and a comment. Per the governing body direction, we hired the firm of Earls Engineering and Inspection to handle engineering for Fort Scott.
Question…. Why were they not utilized for the proposed work at the dam?
Comment…Per state requirements, any work on our dam is to be permitted by the state with engineering drawings and specifications completed by a licensed, professional engineer. The project put out for bids include no specifications and there is only a sketch to show the scope of the work. That sketch carries no PE stamp and was not made available to all the bidders until minutes prior to the bid opening. There were 2 bidders, and a 3rd bidder declined to bid the project due to lack of specifications and scope of work.
- The last item is the lake valve restoration as an auxiliary source of water for the City of Fort Scott. Under “new business” “Consideration of engineering firm for Lake Fort Scott valve – Michael Mix, Water Utilities Director, informed the Commission that RFP’s were taken for the lake valve at Fort Scott Lake engineering. Michael said that there were two RFP’s received: Midwest Engineering Group, LLC and Allgeier, Martin & Associates, Inc. He said that he is familiar with both firms, and they would both do a great job. His recommendation is for Midwest Engineering Group, L.L.C.
- Van Hoecke moved to approve the engineering firm of Midwest Engineering Group, L.L.C. for the Lake Fort Scott valve. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.
My question is again, “Why are we not utilizing Earls for this work”?
Final Comment: I am proud our work over the past 2 ½ years has contributed to the awareness of problems with our infrastructure and steps are now being taken to make much needed improvements. The simple issue of using designated funds for the utility generating those funds are now making these improvements possible. The public’s vote on the administrations misguided attempt to change the ordinance to allow the funds to be transferred to the general fund was a lifesaver for the City of Fort Scott. This was proposed CO 32 that was defeated by a 3 to 1 margin. I personally thank the voters.