Stories from Friday, January 17, 2025

Jean Erma (Rudiger) Wright, 80, of Sabetha, Kan., passed away on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, at the Sabetha Community Hospital. Jean was born on Feb. 26, 1944, in Clay Center, Neb., to Lawrence “Rudy” Arthur and Rosa Jane (Hoyt) Rudiger. She came to know Jesus as her Savior at a young age, influenced by her mother’s dedication to Child Evangelism. ...

It is with great sadness and love that the family of Ralph Randle Willard announces his death, at 81 years of age, on Dec. 9, 2024, in Cary, N.C. Born in Fort Scott, Kan. on July 9, 1943, Ralph led a life marked by professional achievement and personal devotion. ...

Robert James “Bobby” Shoemaker, age 64, Prescott, Kan., passed away Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025 at the Mound City First Baptist Church. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to service time at the church. Memorial contributions are suggested to First Baptist Church Camp Scholarship Fund or Mission Fund. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com...

Alta Dean Davis, age 97, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, at her home. She was better known by Kansas relatives as Aunt Deanie, to California relatives as Auntie Alta and to many friends as Miss Alta. Alta was born on Dec. ...

Linda Sue Beckham passed away Jan. 14, 2025, at the age of 84. She was born in Topeka, Kan., but spent most of her adult life in Fort Scott, Kan. While she enjoyed retirement, she often spoke fondly of her co-workers after many years of working at Whiteside’s West in Fort Scott. She loved her family dearly, held a special place in her heart for all animals and thoroughly enjoyed working in her garden...

Elected and appointed officials in Bourbon County will see pay hikes after action Monday by the Bourbon County Commission. Commissioners approved by a 2-1 vote a motion by Commissioner Leroy Kruger to adopt a salary resolution for elected and appointed officials according to Kansas statutes 25-825 and 19-101...

The first win of the season for the Fort Scott High School Tiger boys basketball team remains elusive as the Tigers were nipped in overtime by Field Kindley 48-47 Friday night in Coffeyville. The Lady Tigers (7-1), ranked No. 7 in the state in Class 4A, struggled offensively and faced a tough Coffeyville defense in a 48-40 defeat...

Fort Scott High School and USD 234 officials will be looking for a new head football coach after the departure of Bo Graham, who had been at the helm of the Tigers since 2019. See Saturday's print or online edition for full story.