Stories from Tuesday, January 9, 2007

UNIONTOWN -- After more feedback from the community, the USD 235 Board of Education will take another look at a proposal to add baseball and softball programs to the district. About 15 teachers and other local residents attended the board meeting in October to voice their opinions about adding the two athletic programs, which have been discussed over the years but never implemented. ...

Scott Township Fire District No. 5 chief Jackie Messer said the fire department has improved since its re-organization last year, despite lingering dissension from firefighters reluctant of changes to the department. Former firefighter Dustin Dawson said in an interview with The Fort Scott Tribune last week that he's concerned about the public safety of the township. ...

The Fort Scott USD 234 Board of Education approved another extension on the closing date of the sale of the old middle school building, 412 S. National Ave., during its regular meeting on Monday. Romeo Comeau, who agreed to purchase the building, was scheduled to finally close the deal on Friday of last week following several extensions. However, USD 234 Business Manager Alan Drake said Comeau was not able to close and a request was made to move the closing date to Jan. 26...

Over the past 61 years, only two people have served as Fort Scott USD 234 business manager. This summer, a third will take over that position. Alan Drake, after 27 years as the school district's business manager, will retire July 1 and take a controller position at Key Industries, Inc., 400 Marble Road. Drake announced his decision at Monday's regular Board of Education meeting...

Mary Ellen Johnson, age 94, Nevada, Mo., formerly of Hume, MO, passed away on Monday, January 8, 2007, at Moore-Few Care Center in Nevada, Mo.  She was born August 3, 1912, near Stotesbury, Mo., to Oscar E. Wagner and Maude M. Hair Wagner.  She married Kenneth E. Johnson on December 1, 1954, in Ft. Scott.  He preceded her in death in September 1997. ...

Wayne E. Powell, age 69, of Parsons, died at 3:35 p.m. Sunday, January 7, 2007 at the Freeman West Hospital in Joplin. He had been in ill health, but his death was unexpected. He was born Feb. 6, 1937. in Hiattville to Albert E. and Sarah A. Hixon Powell. He grew up in the Hiattville and Hepler areas. He served two years in the U.S. Army and spent 18 months in Germany during that time...