Stories from Thursday, February 28, 2008

Two Fort Scott High School seniors (seated in the center of each photo) signed letters of intent Wednesday morning to participate in athletics next school year at Fort Scott Community College.

With the recent string of home invasions hitting the Southeast Kansas area, there are safeguards residents can do to protect themselves from falling victim to home invaders. Since late Wednesday, authorities have taken four reports of home invasions. ...

When local resident Horace Hawkins dedicated himself to the Boy Scout organization nearly 60 years ago, he could not have predicted the many positives it would bring into his life, in addition to the lives of others. According to a previous Tribune article, Hawkins first donned a Boy Scout uniform in 1948 at the age of 14. ...

Fort Scott family physician Randy Nichols is hosting Joseph Bradley, a medical student from the University of Kansas School of Medicine, for four weeks as part of a community-based educational experience, a statement from the school said. Nichols is a volunteer mentor, or preceptor, with the KU School of Medicine's Kansas Rural Preceptor Program. Since 1951, the program places all fourth-year medical students -- about 175 each year -- in communities across Kansas...

A local women's fitness center has recently worked out the details for its annual food drive scheduled to begin next week. Curves of Fort Scott, part of the global women's fitness franchise, is preparing to participate in the company's annual food drive that benefits The Beacon, a local non-profit community assistance agency...

Sherman Allen Walker, age 73, resident of 801 Eugene, Bronson, Kansas, died Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2008 at his home following a lengthy illness. He was born March 28, 1934 in Kansas City, Kansas, the son of Samuel Robert Walker and Patricia Ann Gray Walker. He married Norma Cooney on Jan. 10, 1953 in Huntsville, Ark. Sherman retired because of health from a 30-year career as branch manager with Bankers Life and Casualty Insurance Company. He was a member of the Hope Chapel Assembly of God...

Shirley Ann Hill (McComb) passed away on February 13, 2008, after a short illness at St. Luke's Hospital in Kansas City, Mo. Shirley Ann was born on June 15, 1934, in Fort Scott Kan., and lived in Blue Springs, Mo. She was a 1952 Fort Scott High School graduate...

100 YEARS AGO (1908) There was a misapprehension manifest regarding the program of the Pierian Club-Federated Women's Society entertainment of today. The program published last night listed Perry Hermus for a vocal solo. Local friends of the celebrated baritone understood from this that Hermus was in the city. But the solo was a phonograph record by Hermus from the Victor talking people...

Bill R. Fuller, State Executive Director for the Kansas Farm Service Agency, reminds producers that March 15 is the application closing date for certain crops under the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP). Crops eligible for NAP benefits are limited to those not insurable in the county and are produced for food or fiber...

One of them is the largest swallow in North America. The other is a medium-sized thrush, known mostly for being "pretty." Still, purple martins and Eastern bluebirds have a lot in common -- especially in terms of needing help to find a good place to live...

As they celebrate new beginnings, new dreams, and most importantly, new love, Ann Koch and Paul Carrol Simonds are pleased to announce their marriage, which took place on Feb. 2, 2008, in a private ceremony. They ask to be remembered in the prayers of their friends and loved ones as they begin their journey together. Cards and expressions of best wishes may be sent to Paul and Ann Simonds, 2650 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, KS 66102...

It was a nice evening with a good attendance at the senior dance at Buck Run Community Center. I talked to Marion Shrimplin in the afternoon, and he said he was home but was still weak and unable to come to the dance tonight. Here's hoping he will make it next week. I called Joe Willis in Nevada, and he came and helped us in the band. He sang and played bass and did his best to fill in for Marion. We gave him a special thanks...

The Bronson Chapter of the Eastern Star met Wednesday evening, Feb. 13 for their regular meeting with Worthy Matron Geri Reeder and Worthy Patron Louis Pool in the east. There were 16 members present at the meeting. Those in attendance were pleased to welcome guest Elsie Fae Weast to the meeting again...

MANHATTAN -- Laura Stucky, a senior at Fort Scott High School, was awarded Kansas State University's Foundation Scholarship during ceremonies Feb. 4 at K-State. Presenting the award is Pat Bosco, Associate Vice-president for Institutional Advancement and Dean of Student Life...

Elizabeth Meech, president, called the meeting of the Bourbon County Junior Leaders to order on January 23 after the 4-H Council meeting. Breanna Esslinger, secretary, read the minutes of the previous meeting. Seventeen members answered roll call by telling what they like best about 4-H. Shannon Heckman gave the treasurer's report; Caitlin Jackson presented the reporter's report...

K-State Research and Extension, which operates offices in every Kansas county, will implement new Web site addresses on March 1. University officials said the new addresses, or URLs, for each county, district or area office will more closely reflect the local office's connection with Kansas State University...