Stories from Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Even during the positive festivities held within Topeka's Capitol Building Monday, Kansas' budget woes continued to be the top topic of discussion. At 2 p.m., Monday, Senator Bob Marshall, R-Fort Scott, as well as Kansas House District 4 Shirley Palmer, R-Fort Scott, and Kansas House Democrat District 2 Robert Grant, D-Cherokee, were present at the capitol to be officially sworn into office...

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Pat Roberts announced Monday, the Department of Homeland Security will build the nation's premier laboratory for plant and animal disease research, the National Bio and Agro-defense Facility, in Manhattan, Kan. on the Kansas State University Campus, making one of the most significant investments to the Kansas economy in state history...

The second floor of the Bourbon County Court house was buzzing with excitement Monday afternoon as county employees and family members awaited the much anticipated swearing in of the newly elected officials. Before Judge Mark Ward could commence with the afternoon's planned agenda, he had to be sworn into office by Bourbon County Clerk Joanne Long because of his recent re-election...

Donna M. Schnichels, 49, of Fort Scott, passed away from her life here on Earth to join her Lord and Savior in Heaven, Saturday morning, Jan. 10, 2009, at the KU Medical Center in Kansas City, Kan. She was born October 17, 1959 in Fort Scott, Kan., the daughter of Stanley and Helen (Pettibon) Schnichels...

Danielle Maye Fay, age 19, resident of rural Uniontown, Kan., died Saturday, Jan. 10, 2009, at her home following a life long illness. She was born Jan. 22, 1989 in Iola, Kan., the daughter of Fred R. Fay III and Sue Walker Fay. Survivors include her parents, Fred and Sue Fay, of the home; one brother, Fred R. ...

Joseph Earl Rei, age 83, resident of 2280 Jayhawk Road, Fort Scott, Kan., died Saturday, Jan. 10, 2009, at his home. He was born April 27, 1925 in Mapleton, Kan., the son of Charles Anthony Rei and Ula Belle Casteel Rei. Joe was a graduate of Blue Mound High School. He married Donaldeen Kibble on June 2, 1946 in Mapleton...

The City of Fort Scott Public Works Department will have the water shut off at the intersection of Pine and Lincoln Streets, effective Wednesday, Jan. 14. The water will be turned off starting at 10 a.m. The residents affected will be on Caldwell to Grant along Pine and Oak Streets...

Lucile Wolf, Fort Scott, will be celebrating her 90th birthday on Thursday, Jan. 15. A card shower, in honor of her birthday, is planned. Those who wish to paricipate may do so by mailing birthday cards to: Lucile Wolf 2520 Jayhawk Road Fort Scott, Kansas...

Grace Myers, Mapleton, will be celebrating her 85th birthday, Sun. Jan. 18. There will be a birthday celebration held in her honor Sunday, Jan. 18, from 2 to 4 p.m., at the Mapleton Christian Church. She requests no gifts, just your presence and birthday cards are welcomed...

A nationwide economic downturn and a rising unemployment rate have had varying effects on two area higher education institutions. Fort Scott Community College President Clayton Tatro said that during the recent economic crisis, reduced state funding the college expects to receive this year, as well as possible reductions in state funding next year, have had the biggest impact on FSCC...

Fort Scott High School seniors and parents were presented with a plethora of information during the Financial Aid Night. Students and parents gathered Monday night in the Fort Scott High School auditorium to learn how to prepare for the challenges of paying for college. ...

Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Mr. Chief Justice, legislators, justices, cabinet officers, elected officials, leaders of Indian nations, honored guests, and my fellow Kansans. Good evening. As we gather again to assess the state of our State, I want to welcome the new members of the House and Senate and our new House leadership. ...

Sen. Bob Marshall, R-Fort Scott, and local banker Dean Mann have been selected as finalists for two different awards that will be presented to businesses and individuals in the region on Wednesday. At 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 14, Southeast Kansas Inc., a regional alliance of business leaders from a diverse economy, will conduct its annual meeting at the Memorial Auditorium in Pittsburg. ...