Ralph Newton Stapp, 98, was promoted to be in the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, June 20, 2022, at his home in Fort Scott, Kansas. He was born December 3, 1923, in Arcadia, Kansas, the son of Ralph Newton and Nellie Lucille (Montgomery) Stapp. He married Mary Evelyn Lawhead on January 26, 1968, in Miami, Oklahoma. She preceded him in death June 21, 2003.
Ralph graduated Fort Scott High School Class of 1942. He was a lifelong farmer and rancher at the family farm west of Fort Scott.
He was a veteran of the US Navy, serving in the Pacific Fleet during World War II. He sailed out of the San Francisco Bay, under the Golden Gate Bridge, to enter the war. North of the Golden Gate Bridge is a statue honoring the sailors who sailed from there to enter World War II, and Ralph was one of those sailors.
Ralph was a faithful member of First Assembly of God, serving many years as a board member. He was a man devoted to God and prayer. He was a 50+ year member of the Olson-Frary-Burkhart Post 1165 Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Survivors include his sister, Joyce Platt of Livermore, California, nephews, Rev. John Gifford, Charles Gifford, Joe Bridgman, Scot Bridgman, David Platt, and great nieces and nephews. Also surviving are Ralph and Mary’s dear friends who they considered their extended family; the McNutt Family, Craig, JoAnn, Travis, Tyler, Nicole and Tanner. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Mary, and two sisters, Margaret Stapp and Mary Ellen Gifford.
Rev. Don Payne, who served as Ralph’s Pastor for over 14 years, and Rev. John Gifford, his nephew, will conduct funeral services at 11:00 am Friday, July 1, 2022, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. Burial will follow at the US National Cemetery with Military Honors presented by the US Navy Funeral Honor Detail out of Kansas City, Missouri. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.
In addition to family gatherings, there are some choices for celebrating America’s independence in 2022.
Fort Scott Celebrations
The Elks Lodge No. 579 community fireworks display will be at sundown July 3, as in years past.
“The fireworks show will be 20-25 minutes long,” Millie Lipscomb said.
The best spot is near south Horton Street.
“They can be seen from many spots around the community, but since they are shot from the ball field area behind Fort Scott Community College, prime locations are the fairgrounds, the Nazarene and Community Christian Church parking lots and the college parking lots.”
No personal fireworks can be shot off in those areas, by a City of Fort Scott ordinance.
“We’ve worked with a new pyrotechnics company this year to have higher lift on the fireworks so they can be seen from further away,” she said. “We’ve worked hard to contract a company with local ties that has allowed us to keep the prices achievable, but still it is up about 100% from the past few years. We are fortunate to be able to get the quality we have contracted for.”
Burke Street Parade
The Burke Street Fourth of July Parade is in its 40th year.
The neighborhood of Burke Street has people turn out in patriotic colors and clothing to celebrate the U.S.A. Fourth of July.
Some will be in the parade, some will be sitting in their lawnchairs, enjoying the fun.
“The parade will start at 10 a.m. at 10th and Burke, on the 4th,” Margaret Humphrey, one of the organizers, said. “It started in 1982 by myself, Susan Foster and Jill Gorman.”
Merl Humphrey in the first Burke Street Parade in 1982. Submitted photo.
“This year John and Carol Hill will host the refreshments, they live on the corner of 10th and Burke,” she said. “We want people to contribute cookies to them. Please donate by July 3.”
“This year we will have some kids that live on Burke Street lead the patriotic songs under the direction of Jill Gorman,” she said.
Phil Hammonds led the patriotic singing before the Burke Street Parade until his death in 2021. Submitted photo.
“Frankie Halsey will be in charge of traffic,” she said. “Barb Albright will be in charge of distributing fliers. I am not aware of other activities.”
Please no big vehicles in the parade.
If there is lightening the event is canceled, she said.
“Children are all over the place,” Humphrey said. “So cars and trucks drive safely.”
Fort Scott National Historic Site
Celebrate American independence with history at the Fort Scott National Historic Site.
Enjoy the sights and sounds and immersion in America’s history while honoring the service men and women who have defended the United States through the growth of the nation.
Fort Scott National Historic Site will host the 35th Division Infantry Band on Wednesday, June 29, beginning at 6:30 pm. The performance will be on the bricks in front of the Post Hospital/Visitor Center. Bring your lawn chair to ensure seating. Saturday through Monday, July 2 through 4, Fort Scott NHS will have artillery demonstrations, tours, programs, and living history activities throughout the day.
Wednesday, June 29
6:30 pm – 35th Division Infantry Band performing a kaleidoscope of pops, classical, and patriotic music.
Saturday, July 2
10:00 pm – Guided Tour of the Fort
11:00 am – Artillery Demonstration
Noon – Historic Yard Games
1:00 pm – Guided Tour of the Fort
2:00 pm – Artillery Demonstration
3:00 pm – Flash Flood: Fort Scott and Westward Expansion Discussion
Sunday, July 3
10:00 pm – Guided Tour of the Fort
11:00 am – Artillery Demonstration
Noon – Tales from the Trail: Santa Fe Trader Presentation
1:00 pm – Guided Tour of the Fort
2:00 pm – Artillery Demonstration
3:00 pm – Independence Day II: Fireworks at High Tide Discussion
Monday, July 4
10:00 pm – Guided Tour of the Fort
11:00 am – Artillery Demonstration
1:00 pm – Guided Tour of the Fort
2:00 pm – Artillery Demonstration
3:00 pm – Amputations and Ambulances: Civil War Medicine Discussion
Clifton Beth – Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
Justifications for Executive Session:
KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
KSA 75-4319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
KSA 75-4319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency
KSA 75-4319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships
KSA 75-4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property
KSA 75-4319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an
At Mark Arts yesterday, NXTUS, Inc.’s NXTSTAGE Community Health & Vibrancy Pilot Competition, presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS), announced22 pilot projects, as well as 13 additional potential future projects, all aimed at improving Kansas’ population health and economic vibrancy.
During the competition’s innovation showcase, Pilot Partners from around Kansas committedto implementing promising technology tools aimed at tackling key issues such as access to mental health care and addiction treatment, improving senior care and expanding charitable giving:
·Healthy Bourbon County Action Team committed to pilot projects with Small Bites Adventure Club, SpairTime and SoulFIRE Health, and is connecting Akesa Health, Caregivers Insight and Embrace Prevention Care with care providers in the county to scope out future projects. They are also continuing discussions with Kadogo to construct a collaboration.
·Hodgeman County Economic Development: Awarded pilots to Debtle, PursueCare, Small Bites Adventure Club, SoulFIRE Health and Televeda. They are still exploring collaborations withthree additional finalists.
·LiveWell Northwest Kansas: Doing pilot projects with PursueCare and Akesa Health and joining other partners in expanding Televeda’s work in Kansas.
·Scott County Development Committee: Awarded a pilot project to Televeda and committed to a multi-entity project, alongside Stepping-Up Ministries, with Akesa Health, PursueCare, SoulFIRE Health and Vincere Health. SCDC’s leader has also committed to a personal pilot for Caregivers Insight.
·Thrive Allen County: Awarded four new and one continuing pilot: Akesa Health, PursueCare, Small Bites Adventure Club, SoulFIRE Health, and Televeda (continuing). They are also continuing to explore funding for 6 more projects, with Caregivers Insight, Embrace Prevention Care, Kadogo, Ringorang, SpairTime and Vincere Health.
“We’re thrilled to play a part in connecting entrepreneurs with local community organizations to improve health outcomes and the economic well-being of our state,” said Virginia Barnes, Blue Health Initiatives director at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas. “Our communities have unique health needs and the technology being implemented as a result of this competition has the potential to improve the lives of thousands of Kansans.”
We’re excited to continue to match Kansas’ future-minded leaders with leading innovators to put tomorrow’s tools to work right now to change Kansans’ lives for the better. We’re working to help connect entrepreneurs to customers here, so they can grow companies of significance and help Kansas communities thrive.
NXTUS, Inc, is a catalyst for the region’s startup ecosystem. At our essence, we serve as a nexus for entrepreneurs, investors, corporate partners, and the community at-large, according to its website: https://www.nxtus.io/aboutus.
Its primary aim is to grow startups, strengthen innovation culture and build support systems. It is based out of Wichita.
Magician and juggler Brian Wendling is a Fort Scott favorite, and he drew the largest crowd of any library-sponsored event in the history of Fort Scott Public Library in the summer of 2019. He will perform on June 28 at 10 a.m. in the main auditorium at Memorial Hall.
Brian brings lots of energy and exciting tricks to his performances with the help of young volunteers from his audience. Learn more about Brian’s work at his website: https://www.brianwendling.com
When I taught high school speech, students wrote a eulogy about someone/thing no longer in their life. Many were funny anecdotes about losing their baby teeth or learning that Santa Claus is not real. But some were tragic, and not a few tears flowed as students told about their fathers’ incarceration or disappearance or abuse.
This past weekend we celebrated fathers. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 18.4 million children, one in four, live without a biological, step, or adoptive father in the home. My father died when I was eight-months old, so all I knew of him were the wonderful things my mother shared. I always wondered what it would be like to be someone’s little princess or to attend the father/daughter breakfast or to have my noggin thumped when I sassed.
Recently, when I asked on Facebook for examples of people who had overcome rejection, a dear friend contacted me to share of her dad’s inability to love. Only when she was an adult and learned that her father’s father had never modeled love did she start to understand and forgive.
We all know fathers who are present in their children’s lives, those who never miss a Little League practice or a soccer game or a Sunday football game, but how many fail to impart spiritual knowledge into their kids, read the Bible to them, take them to church, and most importantly, pray unceasingly for them? They are not intentional in modeling a faith-filled experience to their impressionable youngsters. Let’s face it, fatherhood is demanding business, and merely knowing God does not make a good father.
In the Old Testament, two of the most tragic stories deal with godly men who were terrible fathers. Eli, the high priest who was hand-picked by Samuel’s mother to raise her son into manhood, fathered rebellious sons who, instead of following in Eli’s footsteps, dishonored God. Samuel grew into a great prophet for Israel while Eli’s sons died in a battle because of their sins.
Even King David, one of the bravest leaders in Israel’s history, lacked parenting skills. His eldest son, Amnon, raped his half-sister and was later killed by his brother Absalom who set out to sabotage David’s kingdom. Both Eli and David knew of their sons’ shenanigans but failed to train or discipline them.
No father—except for God—is sinless. I hope you have a father who tries to do right, who loves you unconditionally, who sacrifices for you and who loves Jesus. I hope you have forgiven him for not being perfect. (“Let ye without sin pass the first stone.”)
The great early American spokesman, Patrick Henry, wrote in his will, “I have disposed of all my property to my family. There is one thing more I wish I could give them, and that is Christ. If they have Him and if I had not given them one dollar, they would be rich. And if they have not Him, and I had given them the whole world, they would be poor.”
Dads, it’s never too late. Be intentional in giving your children the Riches they deserve.
KCC approves agreement allowing Evergy to recover 2021 winter storm costs from Central customers and credit Metro customers for sales
TOPEKA – The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) has approved a non-unanimous settlement agreement allowing Evergy to recover extraordinary costs incurred during the February 2021 winter storm from Kansas Central customers (formerly Westar) and credit Kansas Metro customers (formerly KCP&L) for the sale of excess power back to the Southwest Power Pool during that same time. The Central and Metro divisions are owned by the same parent company, Energy, Inc., but operate separately.
Under the settlement agreement approved today, the average Evergy Central residential customer’s monthly bill is expected to increase by $2.82 for two years beginning in April 2023. The average Evergy Metro residential customer will see a $6.60 monthly credit for one year.
KCC Staff, the Citizens Utility Ratepayer Board (CURB), Evergy and the Kansas Electric Power Cooperative supported the settlement. Kansas Industrial Consumers, the Natural Gas Transportation Customer Coalition, and Coffeyville Resources Refining & Marketing, LLC opposed it, claiming it unjustly shifts costs from residential customers to industrial customers and fails to reward conservation efforts. The Commission rejected those arguments, finding that within each customer class, some customers made efforts to conserve, while other customers did not. Thus, there is no evidence to suggest reallocation on a class-wide basis would only reward customers who curtailed their energy usage.
“The Commission reiterates the unique nature of Winter Storm Uri and the extraordinary costs it produced. As the Opponents of the Non-Unanimous Settlement acknowledge, Winter Storm Uri caused unprecedented financial harm throughout Kansas. Likewise, the evidence demonstrates that some customers in all rate classes conserved electricity and assisted in avoiding a system-wide failure, like Texas experienced.”
“The evidence before the Commission suggests that, under the circumstances, the Non-Unanimous Settlement represents the lowest interest rate and the lowest customer impact of all Kansas utilities for Winter Storm Uri related costs.”
The order also states that any proceeds received by Evergy from ongoing federal or state investigations into market manipulation, price gouging or civil suits will be passed on to customers subject to winter storm recovery charges.
All the graphics courtesy of the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce.
The upcoming Fort Scott High School All Class Reunion has been in the making for about three years.
Fort Scott High School.
“We have been planning since 2019,” Lori Potter Farmer, FSHS Alumni President said. “The regularly scheduled reunion would have been in 2020, however with (the) COVID (pandemic) we’ve had to bump it back twice.”
“FSHS alumni has the all school reunion every five years on the 5,” she said. “Our next scheduled reunion will be in 2025, barring any problems.”
“The purpose (of the reunion) is to bring as many alumni back to one location, as well as their home town to gather with friends and family,” she said. “The alumni board works really hard to get as many people back as possible and to plan a great weekend for everyone.”
“Seeing those you went to school with most of your childhood is always a great time,” Farmer said. “Memories from the past are shared as well as new memories are made. It’s always fun to drag out the old annuals and look at pictures of classmates as well as teachers from the past.”
Registration starts at 9 a.m. on June 24 at the Fort Scott High School Gym.
Craig Wynn Hart, 72, died on June 21, 2022, at the Girard Medical Center. He was born January 25, 1950, in Wichita, Kansas, the son of Wilbur Wynn and Helen Maxine (McGrew) Hart. He was a resident of Fort Scott Medicalodge.
Craig graduated from Uniontown High School in 1968, FSCC in 1970, and PSU in 1975 with a history emphasis. He was a long-time member of the Uniontown United Methodist Church and was currently a member of the Fort Scott First United Methodist Church. He enjoyed his Sunday School class, working with Feeding Families, and fellowship with his church family. He was a long-time member of the Fort Scott chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution where he held many different offices. He was a genealogist. He authored two books, several magazine articles, and consulted and helped many other genealogists in research.
Craig was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his sister, Gayla Croan and brother, Kirk Hart and wife Jeanie. He is survived by nieces Samantha (Hart) McGinnis and husband Dan, Morgan (Croan) Felt and husband Carson, and Blair Croan; great nieces and nephews Ethan McGinnis, Connor McGinnis, Perry McGinnis, Ryker Felt, Beckett Felt, Hayden Blair, and Paxton Blair.
Private family graveside services will be held later in the summer.
The family suggests memorials to the Fort Scott First United Methodist Church and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.
