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Obituary of Larry Ballou, Sr.
With heavy hearts and deep love, we announce the passing of Larry Ballou Sr., who left this world on July 26, 2025, in Joplin, Missouri of the age of 84. Born on February 4, 1941, to Charlie and Delores (Monroe) Ballou in Fort Scott, Kansas. Larry’s journey through life was nothing short of remarkable. He passed peacefully, surrounded by family and friends he loved so dearly.
Larry grew up in the heart of Kansas, where he attended Fort Scott Schools, laying the foundation for a life characterized by hard work and dedication. His first job was at Comstock’s Texico Filling Station, where even at a modest .25 an hour, he learned the value of earning one’s keep. Larry’s career later took him to the Mid America Welding Supply and, most notably, his 30-year tenure with the Painters Union District Council No.3 Local #9, where he left a lasting impact through his commitment and craftsmanship.
A man of many interests, Larry was most passionate about dirt track racing, a pursuit he enjoyed from the 1960s to the 1980s. His love for the sport was matched only by his enthusiasm for coon hunting and fishing—activities that not only reflected his adventurous spirit but also his appreciation for nature’s simple pleasures. Mornings for Larry were a sacred time to indulge in his favorite cookies and coffee, a ritual he cherished deeply.
Larry met the love of his life, Johnna Kay Davis at Lowe’s Skating Rink on National Ave. From their very first meeting, it was clear their love story would be one to remember. When Johnna’s mother would not allow her to ride in Larry’s car, he walked her all the way home to little street- an act that marked the beginning of a lifelong devotion. One year later, they were married on Easter Sunday, March 29th, 1959. Together, they built a life full of love, laughter and unwavering commitment, celebrating 66 beautiful years of marriage.
A devoted husband, father, unk, grandfather, and friend, Larry’s greatest pride and purpose was his family. He was the kind of man who showed up- cheering from the sideline, fixing what was broken or simply sitting and listening with a cup of coffee in hand. He lived with a quiet strength, a servant’s heart, and a sense of humor that left lasting impressions.
Larry’s greatest joy, however, was his family. He is survived by his brothers, Charley Ballou (Diana), and Paul Ballou (Cheryl); his children, Susan Davis (Rick), Pam Cowan (Billy), and Larry Ballou Jr. (Brenda). His legacy continues through his favorite grandchildren, Joshua Cowan (Chrystal), Stacey Atkins (Brandon), Ashley Valentine (Tyler), Jenni Simhiser, Dana Midkff (Corey) and Kelli (John), Smith and his 18 great-grandchildren, who will carry forward the stories and lessons he imparted. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
Those who knew Larry will fondly remember a man who was the epitome of loving, funny, and adventurous. He had a way of lighting up a room with his sense of humor and had a knack for making everyone feel special—especially his children, whom he loved dearly. Larry’s absence will be felt deeply by all who had the pleasure of knowing him, but his memory will live on, a testament to a life well-lived and a man deeply loved.
Larry is preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Delores Ballou, and his precious granddaughter Amanda Kay Cowan.
In honor of his life long love of Dirt Track Racing, guests are encouraged to wear their favorite racing shirt. Though our hearts ache, we find peace in knowing Larry’s race has been faithfully ran- and the checkered flag has now waved him home.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P .M. Thursday, July31st at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery, Fort Scott, Kansas. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to Care to Share 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.
Volunteers Needed To Get The Old Fort Genealogy Society Reopened
For those interested in learning more about their family history in Bourbon County, the Old Fort Genealogy Society is a valuable resource to the community.
“Many people don’t know what we have to offer,” said Susan Karleskint, president of the society. ” We have tons of Bourbon County history….birth records, death records, cemeteries, pictures.”
“We provide help to people who are researching their families in Bourbon County,” she said. “In addition, we have moved beyond genealogical to historical.”
The society is non-profit.
“We don’t charge, but do ask for a donation, should they want to give one,” she said.
In early 2025, the society’s board began searching for an alternative location. The location they were at, in the basement of Memorial Hall, was too small for all the records they housed, and the cost of renovating to a different part of that building was too high.
They found a much larger site for their services at 2801 S. Horton, in the Professional Building, north of the old Mercy Hospital.
In the spring, they began the move to that building, which has been vacant for several years.
“We have encountered some ‘hiccups’ along the way that have slowed our progress,” Karleskint said.
“The space is futuristic,” she said. “We can grow. We had a lot of things that couldn’t be put out (in the prior building), but now can be.”
The space is almost 4,000 square feet.
Now the board members are seeking volunteers to help them get open to the public.
“Volunteers are needed to unpack items….to go to the bookshelves,” she said. “Currently, there are three to four of us. We need helpers in order to get us open.”
“When our doors open, we will have a need for volunteers who would be willing to help at least 1/2 day per week.”
Contact them at 602.223.3300. “If that number is not currently answered, an individual may call my phone at 620-224-6613,” Karleskint said.
The board consists of Karleskint, Ralph Carlson, Peggy Cummings, Shirley Hurd, Jim Logan, Terry Sercer, and Don Tucker.
Karleskint said she wanted to thank this board for all of the time and energy they have contributed in the past few
months.
Judge Lori Bolton Fleming to be sworn in as Kansas Court of Appeals Judge July 30
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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports July 28
Turbo vs. Puny by Carolyn Tucker
Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker
Turbo vs. Puny
Several years ago I received a professional turbo hair dryer as a gift. The performance of this dryer was impressive! It was loud, powerful, and quickly got the job done in seconds. Recently, I picked up the hair dryer and, for some reason, examined it and noticed that the air-intake desperately needed to be cleaned. So I took it apart to remove the dust and lint that had accumulated. The next time I used it, I was blown away (pun intended) by how powerful it worked! Slowly, over time, I hadn’t noticed the decline in the performance of the hair dryer. It was still working, but not as efficiently as it did when it was new. Instead of the original five-star rating, it had plummeted to a puny, pitiful three-star and I hadn’t even noticed. After a thorough cleaning, the hair dryer was restored to its original turbo power and performance.
Believers need to be careful not to lose our power, fervor, and love for God and His kingdom. We must be watchful not to slip into becoming part of the large masses who either don’t know Christ or are just casually acquainted with Him. A.W. Tozer hit the nail on the head when he said, “Take nothing for granted. Go back to the grass roots. Open your hearts and search the Scriptures. Bear your cross, follow your Lord and pay no heed to the passing religious vogue. The masses are always wrong. In every generation, the number of righteous is small. Be sure you are among them.”
When it comes to being a Christ follower, our spiritual life is serious business. We simply can’t be asleep at the wheel because when we’re asleep we aren’t aware of what’s happening. I had no idea my hair dryer was not very powerful any more. I hadn’t noticed its gradual decline due to the simple fact I hadn’t routinely maintained it. If we don’t maintain our walk with Christ every day, then one thing after another will begin to break down. Try operating your lawn mower without ever changing the oil and see how that works out. Try boiling a pot of beans and not checking on it every few minutes and see how that turns out. Try never brushing your teeth and see how you like dentures.
Try not giving God a minute of your time to pray and thank Him for His goodness and see how ungrateful you become. Try not reading/studying God’s Word and see how ignorant and powerless you become. One of the strong points in selling my late husband’s Suzuki Boulevard was the fact that it had been well-maintained for 18 years. When the buyer checked the oil, it was a light yellow color — and he was impressed. Maintaining our relationship with God is of utmost importance. If we want to be powerful instead of puny, we most certainly can — but the ball is in our court. How bad do we want it?
Apostle Paul writes to the Church in Ephesus: “I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will empower you with inner strength through His Spirit. Then Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God” (Ephesians 3:16,17,19 NLT).
The Key: If your spiritual power has turned puny, just clean out your air-intake by spending time with God every day.
FS Water Distribution Chlorine Burnout Starts July 28
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The City of Fort Scott Water Utility will be initiating a free chlorine burnout of the water distribution system starting Monday, July 28, 2025, and ending as soon as a free chlorine residual is established
throughout the entire system, approximately 2 (two) weeks.
This burnout is necessary maintenance of the water distribution system, which will help maintain State standards for disinfection residual levels and maintain the high quality of water that you have come to expect.
Occasionally, during this process, customers may temporarily experience low pressures, taste or odors, discolored water, or even some sediment in their water.
We do apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Any questions, concerns, or comments are welcome.
Please contact the Water Treatment Plant at 223-5160 between 8:00 A.M. and 4:30 P.M. Monday
through Friday.
Parent Empowerment Circle Sunday, July 27, 2025
Would anyone like to volunteer to bring snacks for this meeting?
**You may want to bring your own snacks if your kids will want some.** Thanks!
Parent Empowerment Circle
Sunday, July 27, 2025
Agenda
1:30 PM – Sign the attendance sheet and get name tag
1:30-1:45 PM – Meet and Greet Time with other attendees
1:45 PM – Round table introductions: Please briefly introduce yourself, why you are attending today and what you hope to gain from coming to this meeting. Please share a recent “WIN” that you are positive about.
2:00 PM – July Meeting: “Dealing with Discouragement”, guest speaker – Candy Turner
3:00 PM to 3:15 PM –
August Meeting: meet up at splash pad for a fun day, bring your own snacks, water to drink and lawn chairs. Invite friends!
September Meeting: “IEP’s and 504’s”, guest speaker – Tonya Barnes
October meeting: TBA
Other questions, comments, suggestions
3:15 PM – Dismiss meeting but you are welcome to chat with other attendees
3:15 PM to 3:30 PM – Clean up space and leave building
Next meeting: August 24, 2025, 1:30-3:30 PM at the Splash Pad, The Gathering Pavilion, North National, Fort Scott.
Cherri Walrod
Community Health Worker
K-State Research and Extension Southwind District
620-223-3720, ext. 503
Obituary of Barbara Jean Swearingen
Barbara Jean Dawson Swearingen, a cherished soul known for her friendly demeanor, generous spirit, and passionate love for horses, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2025, in her hometown of Fort Scott, Kansas. Born on December 10, 1944, also in Fort Scott, Barbara’s life was a testament to her enduring love for her community and the people within it.
Barbara’s journey through life was marked by the joy she found in the simple pleasures. Trail riding and showing horses were not just hobbies for her; they were her passions. This love for equine companionship defined many of the happiest moments of her life. Barbara’s commitment to these interests brought her much recognition and many friendships within the equestrian community, all of whom will deeply feel her absence.
In her professional life, Barbara was a dedicated employee of the State of Kansas, where her work ethic and commitment to service made her a valued colleague and friend. Her involvement in various associations connected to her work reflected her dedication to her role and the community she served. Barbara’s colleagues will remember her as a beacon of kindness and a person who brought warmth and light to every interaction.
Barbara’s family was the cornerstone of her life. She is survived by her beloved brother Terry Dawson; her devoted sisters Connie Fritter and Debbie (Kenny) Clark; and her cherished sister Tina Dawson. Barbara also held a special place in her heart for her nephews Justin Fritter and Kenny Clark III, and her niece Jamie Sisseck. Each family member carries with them memories of Barbara’s boundless love and the countless ways she enriched their lives.
The words “friendly,” “generous,” and “passionate” only begin to scratch the surface of who Barbara was. She was the kind of person who greeted everyone with a smile that could brighten even the cloudiest of days. Her generosity knew no bounds, and she was always the first to offer help to anyone in need. Her passion for life was evident in everything she did, from her work to her leisure pursuits.
As we say goodbye to Barbara Jean Dawson Swearingen, we celebrate a life well-lived, full of love, laughter, and the pursuit of happiness. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of those she touched, in the trails she rode, and in the community that she so dearly loved. Barbara’s life was a beautiful ride, and although she has taken her final trail home, the paths she blazed will continue to be traveled by those who loved her most.
There was cremation. A private family burial will be held at a later date. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guest book at cheneywitt.com.
Letter to The Editor: Randy Nichols
Caring for others
The United States is the richest nation in the world and we, the people, have historically supported programs to care for the less fortunate, underserved, desperate people of the world. In the dysfunction of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) dismantling of USAID, the shelf life of five hundred metric tons of life saving high energy biscuits expired. All five hundred tons were taken off the shelf and destroyed. Because of this, starving people, mostly children, will suffer and some will die. Their families will grieve. We should grieve with them.
Some USAID programs were to be shifted to the State Department. The Secretary of State told congress that how these programs were instituted would reflect the priorities of this administration. Abandoning desperate people is not government efficiency or even good foreign policy. It is moral bankruptcy and greed conceived and supported at the highest levels of our government. This is not the way to make America great. Is this what you voted for?
Randy Nichols
The Comparison Game by Patty LaRoche
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)
Last week, we looked at Samson, the man who began the work of deliverance for Israel from the Philistines but never saw its completion. His legacy would not be related to his leadership abilities but rather to his inability to recognize women who manipulated.
Most of us, thankfully, have not betrayed our spouses as Samson’s wives did. However, before we come down too hard on them, we must realize that too many married partners are master manipulators who use looks, threats, paybacks, pouts, tears, or anger if they don’t get their way. Many are so effective at pouting or verbal chastisement that the spouse tiptoes around them in an effort to avoid their partner’s wrath. Household, vacation, and child-rearing decisions are made simply to have “peace at all costs.”
Professional baseball gave me an opportunity to watch as big bucks passed hands to assuage the athletes’ guilt for the long road trips they endured. Diamonds got bigger. Furs got furrier. Purses and shoes got matchier. (You get the point).
Even if you, the reader, are not guilty of resorting to manipulative tactics, chances are you know people who are. Perhaps you will recognize a few of their behaviors in the following category of comparisons.
You have a tummy ache? I’ll have diverticulitis. After all, it’s all about me. Comparisons are typically directed at, and intended for, our spouse:
- “Sally’s husband is so romantic. Did I tell you what he did for her last weekend?”
- “I’ve never seen anyone who does more around the house than Karen’s husband.”
- “Hey, Mark, I heard that you just bought your wife a new car. You must be doing very well.” (said, of course, in front of your husband)
This has to be one of the easiest forms of manipulation. A few words here, a few words there, and shazam! Suddenly we’ve planted some incredible seeds by which our spouses should measure their performance. And even if we have convinced ourselves we do not intend to compare (probably a lie), even if we have not one critical bone in our body and sincerely mean to compliment (probably another lie), what good do those comments do?
Put the shoe on the other foot. Any time our spouses are foolish enough to single out someone of our gender and praise his/her looks or behavior, we probably are a wee bit offended. Rarely (if ever) would we celebrate with them the beauty or accomplishments of this other person. Can’t you hear it? “Oh, honey, I agree. Colleen has lost so much weight I hardly recognized her. I think I’ll just get a few dozen Krispy Kremes and celebrate her success!
I don’t think there is a person alive who has not compared him/herself to others at one point or another. She is prettier. He is stronger. She is smarter. He is more spiritual. Our nature is to see how we measure up. That is a problem. But it’s a bigger problem when we have a twinge of delight when we find that we have it a little better than they do. Sadly, there is no win in comparison.
When we look at Philippians 2:3 (“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves”), we are reminded of the need to be humble enough to acknowledge others’ strengths and be delighted God has gifted them with gifts we need to appreciate, not covet. Samson learned the hard way. Let us not be as foolish as he.
Micheal Olkowski, Fort Scott, Arrested For Sex Offenses on July 23
Bourbon County Sheriff Bill Martin confirmed that Michael Olkowski of Fort Scott is still in the Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center as of 10 a.m. today.
Olkowski was arrested for sexual exploitation of a child on July 23 at 920 West Park Avenue, Fort Scott, and is being held without bail.
The following was taken from the Kansas Missing and Exploited Facebook page
