Stories from Friday, December 29, 2023

Juanita Smith, beloved wife, mother, and friend passed away on Dec. 25,2023, Juanita was born on Aug. 2, 1926, in Vernon County, Mo., to Wilson and Emma Sheets. Juanita led a life filled with love and warmth. She cherished her family deeply and found joy in their presence. Juanita’s dedication to her loved ones was unwavering, and she leaves behind cherished memories for her family and friends to hold dear...

Doris Lavon Rons, formerly of Lakewood, Colo., passed away Dec. 20, 2023 at the age 90. Mrs. Rons was born Feb. 17, 1933 in Arcadia, Kan., and was a graduate of Arcadia High School. She was married to Leo Rons on Dec. 26, 1960. Mrs. Rons was a devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother. ...

Harvey Preston Green Sr., a devoted husband, loving father, and dedicated community member, passed away on Dec. 25, 2023, at his home in Shawnee, Kan. A memorial service to celebrate Harvey’s life will be held at the Cheney Witt Funeral Chapel on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. Following the service, a family meal will be served at the Cheney Witt Carriage House at 301 S. Main in Fort Scott, Kan. Words of remembrance may be left online at cheneywitt.com...

Robert Dale (Bob) Eshelbrenner age 91 of Derby, Kan., passed away on Dec. 23, 2023 at the Glen Carr Memory Care Home, Derby, Kan. Bob was born on Jan. 8, 1932 in the Fort Scott Mercy Hospital, Fort Scott, Kan., the son of Carl William and Sophia Mary (Leitz) Eshelbrenner. ...

Russell L. Blubaugh, age 88, a resident of Olathe, Kan., passed away Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023, in Olathe. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 2 at the First Christian Church in Garnett, Kan. Burial will follow in the Mont Ida Cemetery. ...

Bourbon County Commissioners on Dec. 18 approved and signed off on amendments to the county’s 2023 budget. See the print or online edition of the Tribune for complete story.

From the closing of the emergency room in Fort Scott to new development projects, the following is a sampling of stories that made headlines as the Tribune takes a look back at 2023: See the print or online edition of the Tribune for complete story.