Stories from Thursday, August 20, 2009

TOPEKA -- The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) will be making calls to random households across the state between Aug. 17 and Sept. 11. The survey, which should take only about 10 minutes, will help gauge public awareness and usage of the statewide 511 program...

MOUND CITY -- The First Annual East Central/Southeast Kansas Over 50 Spelling Bee whill be held at 9:30 a.m. Aug. 29 at the First Baptist Church, 131 Main St., in Mound City. For more information on how to participate, contact the East Central Kansas Area Agency on Aging at (785) 242-7200 or (800) 633-5621 or send an e-mail to debbyl@eckaaa.state.ks. us...

The new Fort Scott National Historic Site interpretative film will be premiered by the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site Oct. 1 at the Liberty Theatre. The Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site is made up of citizens who wish to assist the fort in marketing, promotion and fundraising at the local level. This group has been meeting for the past few months, and decided that to offer a premiere of this new interpretative film would be a great kickoff for their group...

The annual seasonal flu vaccine is coming early this year, and Kansas Department of Health and Environment officials say that it is a good idea to get it soon, before the expected rush for the new pandemic H1N1 flu vaccine. The pandemic vaccine, which is still under development, is likely to keep local health departments, clinics and retail vaccinators busier than ever once it arrives in Kansas by October. ...

Presbyterian Village recently held a reception for the winning artists in the 29th Annual Art is Ageless competition celebrating Artists' Appreciation Month. "We think the competition gets harder for the judges every year," Presbyterian Village Executive Director Ginger Dierksen said. "The diversity of entries is exciting, and the talent represented in the exhibit makes it something different every year."...

In 2007, according to Fort Scott Director of Finance Susan Brown, the city reduced the mill levy by 1.6 mills. That year, the city was the only tax levying entity to cut its mill levy. Brown said they decided to cut to give the citizens a tax break as valuations had increased. Because of this decision, Brown said they city is now having to spend its cash reserves at a rapid rate...

Ropin' and Rockin' for Pennies for the Park, a day-long event combining a rodeo competition and a concert from popular country rocker Jason Aldean, will take place at 7 p.m. Nov. 7 at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds. Opening for Aldean will be Kevin Blake Weldon, country music recording artist and host of the TV show Badbob & Jimmy's Posted Places. Monies raised from the event will benefit Pennies for the Park...

The start of a new school year at Fort Scott Community College also means the start of a college career for many of its students. For the second straight year, FSCC will offer a college orientation course for first-time, full-time college students to help those students adjust to the college life and atmosphere...

According to a press release from the Fort Scott Police Department, officers responded to a "hold up" at 4:45 a.m. today at Pump 'N Pete's located at 1920 S. Main. Upon arrival, store personnel reported a robbery had occurred and the suspect left the area driving a green, Dodge Neon with North Carolina tags. Officers located a vehicle matching the description of the suspects in the 900 block of South Barbee Street...

Larry Joe Clements, Sr. age 67, a resident of rural Fort Scott, died Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 18, at his home. He was born June 12, 1942, in Fort Scott, Kan., the son of Guy Allen and Doris Alene Johnson Clements. He graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1960...

Clara E. Cropp, age 91, former resident of Bronson, Kansas, died Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2009, at the Moran Manor Nursing Home in Moran, Kansas. She was born August 13, 1918, in Eve, Mo., the daughter of Rhad Dunn and Nellie Ritter Dunn. She first married Harold "Frog" Robinson who preceded her in death...

Friends of Marie Higley may visit at the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 South Main, Fort Scott, Kan., on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 6-- 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 9:30 a.m. on August 27, at Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, 705 South Holbrook, with burial at the Fort Scott National Cemetery...