Stories from Friday, March 15, 2024

Maria Louise Smith, age 75, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at her home. Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, March 22 at the Centerville Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Maria Smith Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com...

Paulette Sue Sayers, age 74, resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at Mercy Hospital, Joplin, Mo. She was born Dec. 23, 1949, in Pittsburg, Kan., the daughter of Emory and LaVon Geisler Arnold. She graduated from Fort Scott High School where she played flute, directed the band, and sang in many plays. ...

Jesse Clarence Kemp II was born in Detroit, Mich., on Sept. 29, 1939, to Iva Glen (Amos) Kemp and Jesse Clarence Kemp I. He joined the love of his life on March 13, 2024, after passing peacefully. Jesse helped his parents train and race greyhounds, even sleeping with the new pups to keep them safe. ...

Daniel “Danny” Ellis, 92, of Fort Scott, passed away March 10, 2024, in Overland Park, Kan. He was born Feb. 6, 1932, in Rich Hill, Mo., the son of Ben and AnnaLee (Henderson) Ellis. He married Willa Jean Marlin on Feb. 8, 1948, in Nevada, Mo. Willa preceded him in death on Jan. 22, 2018...

Bourbon County Commissioners on Monday approved boosts in pay for EMTs and employees in the sheriff’s office, but the move was met with some concerns about the county’s budget. Commissioners and Chief Financial Officer Susan Walker discussed funding the increases after Commissioner Clifton Beth’s motion to increase pay for EMTs to a base rate of $15 per hour, and to add $30,000 to Sheriff Bill Martin’s budget for wages. ...

Much has already been written about Ronnie Brown, a name synonymous with hard work and multiple accomplishments. But there is more to be said. Although he was recently recognized for his 40 years of devoted service to the Bourbon County Conservation District, his dedicated service goes in many other, related directions, with a ripple effect that continues to resonate...