Stories from Tuesday, July 29, 2025

With heavy hearts and deep love, we announce the passing of Larry Ballou Sr., who left this world on July 26, 2025, in Joplin, Mo., of the age of 84. Born on Feb. 4, 1941, to Charlie and Delores (Monroe) Ballou in Fort Scott, Kan. Larry's journey through life was nothing short of remarkable. He passed peacefully, surrounded by family and friends he loved so dearly. ...

Julie Ann Elbrader, 79, passed away tragically on July 8, 2025, in a fire at her lifelong home. She was born on July 7, 1946, to Levi Albert Thompson and Elnora Josephine (Lewis) Thompson. Julie was the second youngest of six siblings, all of whom have passed away: Mary, Marjorie, George, Doug, and Levi. On Aug. 14, 1964, Julie married Robert Elbrader, who preceded her in death after 60 years of marriage...

Peggy Ann Lowry “Hill”, walked through the gates of Heaven on Monday, July 28, 2025. Peggy was born on Oct. 12, 1955, to Donald Eugene and Rosetta Mae (Proctor) Lowry. Peggy had two children, Jennifer Rose Lowry and James Robert Lucas. Peggy loved to cook and everything she made was amazing, from her special Hawaiian Chicken to fried chicken and baking was her way of showing love. ...

Nicholas R. Payne, age 34, passed away July 4, 2025. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, at the Pittsburg Adventist Church, 430 E. 21st St., Pittsburg, Kan. Private burial will take place at a later date in the Clarksburg Cemetery near Garland, Kan. Memorials are suggested to the Nicholas Payne Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, KS 66701.  ...

Plans are in the works to address safety concerns within the Bourbon County Public Works department. On Monday, Bourbon County Commissioners heard from representatives of the Kansas Workers Risk Cooperative for Counties (KWORCC) about its services and discussed formation of a safety committee and other safety measures...

A former Fort Scott Community College student and athlete killed in an officer-involved shooting Saturday in Wyandotte County is remembered by friends, college leaders and former colleagues for his impact on athletics and the communities where he lived and served...

The Gordon Parks Museum is announces the installation of informational display signs and a welcome sign at the Wayman Chapel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church Commemorative Park, located at 301 S. Lowman Street in Fort Scott. Installation took place Tuesday, July 29...