Stories from Friday, July 15, 2011

Submitted to the Tribune WICHITA -- William M. Ward Jr., president of Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America Inc., and PMMA's board of trustees, announces the promotion of PMMA Chief Financial Officer Bruce H. Shogren to president and chief executive officer of Presbyterian Manors of Mid America's three subsidiary corporations, Presbyterian Manors Inc., Aberdeen Village Inc. ...

In 1921 this poem, one of my favorites, was written by Myra Brooks Welch, "the poet with the singing soul." As a young woman, Myra's special love was playing the organ; however, years later, confined in her wheelchair due to severe arthritis, she was unable to make music...

By Michael Pommier The Fort Scott Tribune The congregation of the First United Methodist Church in Fort Scott welcomed a new pastor earlier this month. Rev. Dr. Kenton D. Van took to the pulpit on July 3 after being appointed by Bishop Scott J. Jones. Van served as the pastor for the First United Methodist Church in Junction City prior to coming to Fort Scott...

Without a doubt, the major "beast of burden" during the Civil War was the mule and not the horse, and this does not include the "pack mule" that was used prolifically by the U.S. Army after the Civil War until the 1950s. As has been mentioned in previous columns, the mule was the major draft animal that was used to pull supply wagons, ambulances and many other wheeled vehicles during the Civil War. ...

Charlotte Graham will be celebrating her 100th birthday on Sunday, July 17, at West Ridge Retirement Community, 950 W. St. John, Girard, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. The event will be hosted by her daughter and son-in-law, Doris and Henry Ericson, her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren...

Amanda and Keith Aikin and sibling Zane, Pittsburg, are pleased to announce the birth of their daughter and sister Charlie Rose Aikin on Saturday, June 9, 2011, at 7:04 a.m. at Via Christi Hospital, Pittsburg. Charlie Rose weighed 7 pounds, 1.8 ounces...

Mary I. Hartman, 92, a former resident of Oelrichs, S.D., and more recently of Fort Scott, Kan., died Wednesday, July 13, 2011, at the Fort Scott Manor. She was born June 7, 1919, in Ewing, Neb., the daughter of Clarence VanBriggle and Amanda Clarinda Conner VanBriggle...

William McDonald, 27, was arrested by the Fort Scott Police Department on a Florida warrant and is still being held at this time.

Commodties Distribution Hope Chapel Assembly of God, 1216 4600th St., Moran, will host a USDA commodities distribution on July 16. Food items will be handed out from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. at the Hope Chapel Assembly of God Blessing Center. This is for low- income households in the Moran area. Participants will need to bring some type of identification to receive the food. This is a limited supply of food items, so it is first come, first served basis...

Betty Jean Bergen and James David Tucker were united in matrimony by Rev. George Johnson in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Pruitt on June 27, 1951, in Carthage, Mo. Witnesses were Charles and Madeline Hall, relatives of the bride. On July 9, a surprise family celebration was hosted in the Tuckers' home by their children: Mr. and Mrs. Roger Tucker, Mr. and Mrs. Mark Tucker, Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Tucker, Ms. Carma Tucker, Mr. and Mrs. Kirk (Kerri) Bland and Mr. and Mrs. Joe Tucker...

Submitted to the Tribune HAMEL, Minn. -- The Hamel Rodeo and Bull Riding Bonanza is known for its bull riding, and that was evident when the 2011 event wrapped up July 10. Blake Rowan, Muskogee, Okla., won the bull riding with an 89 point ride aboard X 43 Billionaire, the bull from the David Bailey Rodeo Co. of Fort Gibson, Okla. Also, Jared Keylon of Uniontown won the bareback riding with a score of 84 points on Dakota Rodeo's horse 721 Badlands...

Since I was in high school, I have learned the importance of drinking water. My wife, on the other hand, thinks I'm crazy. I've been taught that water is the key to life. In fact, the Mayo Clinic's website, in an article titled "Water: How much should you drink every day?," states that "water is essential to good health."...

A Breakfast Club for Alzheimer's caregivers will meeting at 9 a.m. Wednesday, July 20 in the Xavier Room at Mercy Health Center. The breakfast club offers an opportunity to talk with individuals who share similar issues while enjoying a free breakfast...

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce will welcome Sharky's Pub & Grub, 16 N. National Ave., to historic downtown Fort Scott with a grand opening and ribbon cutting from 5:15-7 p.m. Thursday, July 21. All chamber members are encouraged to attend. Appetizers will be provided and cash bar will be available...

U.S. Sens. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., Ben Nelson, D-Neb., U.S. Reps. Lynn Jenkins, R-Kan., and Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., introduced legislation this week, called the Restoring Access to Medication Act, that would repeal a portion of the new health care reform law that prohibits people from using their medical savings account funds from buying over-the-counter medications...

As summer continues and temperatures keep rising, anticipation of a new swimming pool is growing among local swimmers. With an average daily attendance of 300, there is no doubt the Fort Scott Municipal Swimming Pool is the place to be during the summer in Fort Scott. Once this year's pool season comes to a close, the plan is to demolish the 75-year-old swimming pool and build a new facility in its place in time for Memorial Day 2012...

Although nothing has been set in stone yet, USD 234 could raise its mill levy slightly -- by .225, or about $2.50 -- to maintain the same budget authority it had last year. However, according to preliminary figures, its general fund will be reduced from $11,826,076 in 2010-11 to $11,241,342 for 2011-12, Business Manager Tiffany Forester said...