Stories from Thursday, July 1, 2010

TOPEKA -- Representatives Doug Gatewood, of Columbus, Julie Menghini, of Pittsburg, and Jerry Williams, of Chanute, were recognized by House Democratic Leader Paul Davis, of Lawrence, Wednesday for achieving perfect attendance and voting records during the 2010 legislative session. Rep. Shirley Palmer, of Fort Scott, was also recognized for achieving a perfect voting record...

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment recently announced that on Thursday, child care laws in Kansas will undergo changes. "KDHE and local health departments are working with child care providers across the state to bring 'Lexie's Law' to fruition," KDHE Secretary Roderick Bremby said. "The law increases protections for children and supports families in making informed child care choices."...

A local Fort Scott High School student will represent Kansas at The American Legion Boys Nation at the end of July. Keenan Gregory was selected among more than 500 attendees as one of the two representatives from Kansas to attend the national event July 23-31 in Arlington, Va...

Doris Marilyn West, age 76, a resident of Fort Scott, died Tuesday, June 29, 2010, at Medicalodge of Fort Scott. She was born Aug. 27, 1933, at Mapleton, Kan., the daughter of Thomas E. Ball and Dollie Jane Gunsolley Ball. She married Merlin A. West on March 1, 1952, at Eureka Springs, Ark. He preceded her in death on Feb. 25, 2009...

Paul James Decker, age 39, resident of rural Hepler, Kan., died Tuesday, June 29, 2010, at his home. He was born June 15, 1971, at Fort Scott, Kan., the son of Robert Decker and Deborah Farmer Decker. Paul graduated from Fort Scott High School. He later served 13 years with the United States Army. He had served in desert training at Fort Irwin, Calif. Paul also served six years in Germany and most recently served with the 250th Forward Support Company stationed at Ottawa, Kan...

Donald Eugene Kramer, 79, passed away Thursday, April 1, 2010 in Seattle. He was born on Oct. 25, 1930 in Fort Scott, Kan. A memorial service for Donald will be held at 1:30 p.m., July 9, 2010 at Fort Scott National Cemetery, Fort Scott.

Harold E. Card, 95, passed away Saturday, May 1, 2010, at his home. A graveside service for Harold will be held at 1:30 p.m., today at Fort Scott National Cemetery, Fort Scott.

GREEN -- Damon and Katy Green, and siblings Aiden, Morrisa and Oscar, Rich Hill, Mo., are proud to announce the birth of their daughter and sister, Sophie Marie Green. Sophie was born at 9:28 a.m., Wednesday, June 30, 2010 at Mercy Health Center in Fort Scott...

One of the factors that make several of the new herbicides such valuable land-management tools is their nonvolatile nature. However, it is an advantage that comes with responsibility. In many cases, that responsibility begins with understanding the difference between volatility and drift...

In order to provide pertinent information as well as answer any related questions about the locally administered Farm Service Agency Committee election process, a short informational session has been set for 11 a.m. Thursday, July 8, in the conference room at the USDA Service Center, 1515 S. Judson St...

In just two years, a local business that started out in Trent Banwart's basement has become a success. The Hairbow Center, a home-based e-commerce business owned by Banwart and his wife, Kristi, is currently located at 2109 Ironwood Dr., but has grown so much the last two years that a larger facility was needed to house the business' operations. The new warehouse is being constructed at 2326 Kansas Road, just east of the Fort Scott National Cemetery...