Solving the world's issues one sip of coffee at a time

Loretta George/Tribune photo A morning coffee group that has spanned decades, meets at Nate's Place five days a week. From left: Bob Larkin, Phil Hammons, Larry Lyons, Tom Van Sickle, Jerry Witt, Ron Puterbaugh, Bob Farmer. Larry Nuss also present at the gathering. Other members are Bill Meyer, Loren Todd and Ron Billiard.

Each weekday, a group of businessmen gather for coffee and conversation at Nate's Place, located at the Lyons Twin Mansions.

There have been additions and deductions from the group since they first started meeting in the 1970's, Phil Hammons, a group member said.

"We started at the Elmer's Fine Food on National next to the credit union," Hammons said. "It's a nice break in the day."

Jerry Witt, another coffee group member, said they "settle a lot of governmental affairs" at this coffee group.

Bob Farmer went a step further.

"Most world issues are discussed and decided right here," he said.

Besides never lacking for discussion topics, another staple of their meeting is the coffee server.

"Marianne is the glue to hold us all together," Ron Puterbaugh said.

Marianne Avett has been a waitress at the Lyons Mansions for about 11 years. She has waitressed in Fort Scott for about 30 years in Fort Scott and served many of the coffee group members at Flanner's Restaurant, she said.

To honor the men who come each day for coffee, Pat Lyons had cups made with each of their names on them.

"Miss Pat takes good care of us," Hammons said, holding up his coffee cup.