Eleanor M. Ware, 76, of Iola died Monday, Sept. 12, 2011, at Windsor Place in Iola.
Eleanor was born June 26, 1935, in Claflin, to Harry Lee and Sarah Ann (Maes) Ware. The family lived in several communities before moving to Iola in 1945.
She was married to Donald Marler. He preceded her in death in 1986. Eleanor worked at Countryside Estates eight years before retiring.
She was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Iola.
She is survived by three sons, Danny Ware and his wife, Janet, Iola, Tony Hulett, Iola, and Terry Hulett and his wife, Susan, Overland Park; three sisters, Marguerite Wolford, Wichita, Anna McKinley, Jay, Okla., and Mary Rose Record, Creasant City, Calif.; seven grandchildren, Danny Ware Jr., Sarah Berkenmeier, Sabrina Hulett, Joe Hulett, Lisa Hulett, Drew Hulett and Blake Hulett; and 14 great-grandchildren, Emily, Danielle, Daniel, Hannah, Hailey, Callie, Natalie, Megan, A.J., Alivia, Brooke, Bailee, Samuel and Jackson.
Visitation will be from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel in Iola.
Parish Rosary will be recited at 10 a.m. Friday followed by a Mass at 10:30 a.m., both at St. John’s Catholic Church in Iola. The Rev. Robert B. Wachter will be celebrant. Burial will be in Highland Cemetery in Iola.
Online condolences for the family may be left at www.iolafuneral.com.
Tailgate party is on for Friday
A “bring-your-own-food” tailgate party is slated for Friday before the Iola High Mustang football game. IHS football parents are hosting.
“We ask anyone wanting to join us to bring along whatever meat you’d like to throw on the grill and side dishes to the parking lot and get ready for some Mustang football,” said Jan Kershner, a senior football mother.
Kevin and Sara Appling are bringing their oversized grill and will have it fired up and ready at 5:30 p.m. Friday. The party will be in the Riverside Park parking lot outside the football stadium.
The football parents invite cheerleaders and families, band members and families, students and families to bring their food to the party.
“Bring your lawn chairs. If you have a canopy tent, bring it,” Kershner said. “Wear your blue and gold and have a great time supporting our Mustangs.”
The Mustangs play Coffeyville Friday. Kickoff is 7 p.m.
Frazell earns KJCCC weekly honor
Connor Frazell scored a team-high 17 points in Butler Community College’s 89-0 win over Highland Community College Saturday. Frazell, a redshirt freshman from Iola, was selected the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference (KJCCC) Verizone Wireless Special Teams Football Player of the Week.
Frazell made field goals of 24 and 37 yards on his only attempts of the game. He was perfect on all 11 extra-point attempts. Frazell punted only once, which was for 37 yards into the wind.
Frazell is 5-9 and 165 pounds and the son of Tammi and JayDon Frazell of Iola. He was a Kansas Class 4A all-state kicker for Iola High School.
The NJCAA fourth-ranked Grizzlies also had the KJCCA offensive player of the week in running back Dreamius Smith, Wichita, who had two rushing touchdowns in the BCC win. He averaged 17.7 yards per carry in the game.
Butler is 2-1 overall and 1-0 in Jayhawk Conference play. The Grizzlies host Air Force Prep this Saturday at 7 p.m. in El Dorado.
Both Brigham and citizens to suffer from city actions
Imagine Judy Brigham’s surprise when the Iola City Council announced Monday night that it does “not have a revenue problem,” according to councilman Ken Rowe.
Say what?
“We’ve got a very good picture in all the funds, except water,” Roe continued.
In less than a month everything is clear as a bell. Just hunky-dory.
So why was Brigham recently fired as city administrator? Something about the budget, right? The words “sloppiness at best,” and “not trusting the numbers” ring a bell.
BECAUSE THE COUNCIL has never publicly given a reason for firing Brigham less than three weeks shy of her retirement, we’re left to our own assumptions.
Here’s a few:
l Councilmen misconstrued the purpose of a budget worksheet — which is a wishlist, a guide, not a balance sheet. The city had budgeted $1 million to be set aside each year in its electric fund to build up a reserve for new generation needs. It’ll take about $10 million to replace the current generators. To date the fund has about $3.3 million for such purposes. During the brouhaha over the budget worksheets, councilmen said they were “misled,” by the $1 million entry, despite Brigham’s explanation of the purpose of the entry and the inherent prudence of building up for a known expense.
Councilmen complained a number of other items in the budget were “messy.” Businessman Kendall Callahan, especially, took it upon himself to find discrepancies, though in the end it all balanced out.
l Brigham was a target. For whatever reason, it’s been a well-known secret that Brigham was not the darling of city leaders. At the first of the year commissioners Bill Shirley, now mayor, and Craig Abbott voted to terminate her position when the commission was to disband April 1 in favor of a city council. After the League of Kansas Municipalities confirmed that Brigham could remain as city administrator despite the change of leadership, Shirley switched his vote in line with Mayor Bill Maness.
Dismissing Brigham was as much a sham then as it is today.
l Sorry, but the mind draws a blank as to any other possible reasons as to why Brigham was fired. She’s not stolen any funds, misrepresented the city in any capacity, or been uncooperative.
City council members had their chance Monday to reinstate Brigham to fulfill the remainder of her contract. That four days would have cost the city about $1,325.
At the going rate, that’s about 10 hours of attorney fees.
Let’s remember that sum if a lawsuit comes next.
— Susan Lynn
Town festivities near
MORAN — While the community celebrates Kansas’ sesquicentennial as part of Moran Days this weekend, locals will get to learn about pieces of Moran’s history as well.
Saturday’s festivities will once again include the time-honored Moran Day standards, such as the parade, free bean feed and merchants drawing.
In marking Kansas’ 150th anniversary of statehood, Molly Trolley organizers will give a tour of town, with photos to show the passengers what neighborhoods looked like decades ago.
Iolan Donna Houser will serve as the narrator for the 45-minute ride.
The rides are free, courtesy of donations by Emprise Bank, Pump’N Pete’s and Personal Service Insurance.
The rides start in the park as soon as the 11 a.m. parade ends and will run until about 4 p.m.
THERE ARE plenty of other activities to keep festival-goers busy throughout the day.
The events kick off bright and early at 7 a.m. at the Moran City Park with the third annual Marmaton Valley FCCLA Fitness Walk/Run Marathon.
Walkers can go 2 miles; runners can follow a 5-kilometer course.
Registration starts at 6:45 a.m.
There are no rules; participants are encouraged just to have fun and enjoy some physical activity, FCCLA sponsor Elaine Stewart said.
Marathon T-shirts can be purchased for $10 either by calling (620) 237-4251 or (620) 228-2175 in advance. There might be some shirts available on race day.
Also at 7 o’clock, FCCLA members will serve biscuits and gravy at the park.
The Moran Public Library begins its annual book sale at 8, and sign-up for those seeking chances in the merchants drawing begins at 9.
The 11 o’clock parade will rely on the Moran Day theme, “Kansas — 150 Years Strong.” E.J. and Barb Siefker are the grand marshals.
Immediately after the parade, First Christian Church will serve lunch at the American Legion building.
From there, festivities hit high gear at the park with arts and crafts, a disc jockey and cake walk.
Inflatable kids games and pony rides start at noon, a pedal pull ensues at 2 p.m., and the merchants drawing and grand prize drawing are at 3. Entrants must be on hand for the merchants drawing. Hopefuls in the grand prize drawing for a processed quarter buffalo need not be present to win.
The free bean feed begins serving at 4, with corn bread available by FCCLA.
A miniature horse pull wraps up the day’s festivities from 5 to 7 p.m. at the park.
Marjorie Porter
Marjorie Lou Porter, 85, was granted her Angel Wings on Thursday, Aug. 11, 2011.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Louis N. Harry, of Iola, Kan., and her husband of 53 years, Frank S. Porter of Richmond, Va. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Lena Alexander, of Iola, Kan.; her two sisters, Mary Catherine Potter and Alberta Sifers, of Iola, Kan., and a brother, Grant Alexander, also of Iola.
She is survived by her four children, Constance A. Palmer, Graniteville, S.C., William A. Harry, Southwick, Mass., Docia J. Fuller, Wheaton, Ill., and Frankie L. Burnette of Richmond, Va., will always remember her as a loving, caring and giving mother and friend. She loved all of her 11 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Marjorie was born April 23, 1926, in Iola, Kan., to Albert and Lena Alexander. She had two sisters, Mary Catherine Potter, Iola, Kan., and Alberta Sifers, Iola, Kan.,, and one brother, Grant Alexander, Iola, Kan., all preceding her in death. She has always been a member of the St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church in Iola, Kan. In September of 1989, Marjorie retired from the Department of Motor Vehicles in the Investigative Services Department where she was employed as a Office Services Specialist. She was a faithful member of the Tuckahoe Women of the Moose Lodge since 1992. She held the office of Senior Regent two separate terms and received the honor of becoming a member of the College of Regents in 2006.
Her life will be celebrated on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2011, at 1 p.m. at the Tuckahoe Moose Family Center, 4366 Springfield Road, Glen Allen, Va.
‘Bill’ Werner Sr.
Maurice William “Bill” Werner Sr., 75, of Winston-Salem, N.C., died Monday, Aug. 8, 2011, at his home.
He was born Oct. 22, 1935, on the family home near Fidelity, to Martin and Mary Grewing Werner. At a young age, he moved with his family to southeast Kansas. He attended country schools until the family moved to the Kincaid school district. He graduated from Kincaid High School in 1954.
Following graduation Bill joined the U.S. Air Force. After 21 years of honorable service, he retired as a master sergeant. Following his retirement for the Air Force, he worked for Varco-Pruden in Winston-Salem, retiring with 15 years of service.
During his military years he married Fannie Mae Edwards of North Carolina. Bill was an active member of American Legion Post No. 55 of Winston-Salem for many years and had served as finance officer and was instrumental in creating the American Legion Riders. He was known for his generosity, dependability, a strong work ethic and his simple direct approach to life.
Survivors include a son, Maurice William II and his wife, Ginger, Mount Airy, N.C.; a daughter, Christine Werner Booher and her husband, Lee, Elkin, N.C.; two grandchildren, Sierra and Sam Booher; his mother, Mary Werner, Bronson; brothers, Tom, Cherryvale, and Leo Werner and his wife, Vickie, Newton; a sister, Delores Smith and her husband Gary, Topeka; and a number of nieces, nephews, and his former wife and mother of his children, Mae Werner, Dobson, N.C.
He was preceded in death by his father, Martin J., two sisters, JoAnn and Cynthia, and two brothers, Martin R. “Pete” and Kenneth.
Memorial services were Sept. 4 in Winston-Salem. Chaplain Lloyd Houk conducted graveside services Friday in the U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Scott.
Memorials to American Legion Post No. 55 may be sent to Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, KS 66701.
Clarence Owens
Clarence John Owens, 91, of Iola and formerly of rural Humboldt died Monday, Sept. 12, 2011, at Allen County Hospital in Iola.
Clarence was born Feb. 18, 1920, in Pershing, Okla., to Loren John and Cordia Florence (Barner) Owens. He grew up on the family farm north of Altoona.
On July 4, 1940, Clarence married Ruby L. Jarred in Fredonia. They made their home on a farm in Altoona. They later moved to farms near LaHarpe and east of Humboldt on the Tank Farm Road. In 1972, they built their home on their farm east of Humboldt and lived there until entering Fountain Villa in Iola five years ago.
Besides farming, Clarence hauled milk for Pet Milk until it closed and he hauled hay into Missouri for many years. He especially enjoyed fishing and hoeing his land.
His memberships include St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Humboldt where he was a member of the Men’s Club, Aid Assoiciation for Lutherans (AAL) and served the Ground Hog and Pancake Feed for many years.
His is survived by his wife of 71 years, Ruby Owens of the home; three daughters, Charlotte Owens and her husband, Bill, Humboldt, Phyllis Boan and her husband, Lewis, Buffalo, and Marilyn Bumstead and her husband, Ron Jr., Humboldt; a sister, Effie Lucille Taylor, Wheatland, Mo.; eight grandchildren, Richard Owens and his wife, Susan, David Lee Owens and his fiancee, JoEllen, Teresa Owens, Robert Owens and his wife, April, Jay Weseloh and his wife, Connie, Justin Weseloh, Nathan Bumstead and his wife, Monica, and Matthew Bumstead; a stepgrandson, Randall Boan; nine great-grandchildren; seven stepgreat-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild on the way.
He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Peggy Weseloh, and a brother, Delbert Joe.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m Wednesday at the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel in Iola.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Humboldt. The Rev. David E. Meier will officiate. Burial will be in Highland Cemetery in Iola.
Memorials to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church may be left at the funeral home. Online condolences for the family may be left at www.iolafuneral.com.
Put all else aside â create jobs now
An area’s welfare is often reflected in its housing stock.
In Allen County, almost 40 percent of the homes are rentals with median rent rates of $671 a month.
The median cost of a house in Allen County is $63,300 — meaning half of all homes cost less and the other half cost more.
Compared to our neighbors, we’re on the lower end. Homes in Bourbon, Anderson and Neosho counties on average cost $5,000-$10,000 more. The median price of a home in Woodson County is significantly lower at $46,700.
Officials with the Kansas Statistical Abstract used the median, not the average, rates to give a more accurate picture of costs in their recent report. A $600,000 home can skew the numbers pretty quickly when it comes to taking inventory.
Though our rents and home prices are on the low end, for many workers in Allen County they still are out of reach.
According to the report, the median wage of those who rent is $7.78 an hour; just 53 cents above the minimum wage of $7.25.
At that rate, a worker must clock in 57 hours per week to afford a two-bedroom apartment. Know very many workers getting overtime these days?
It gets worse the closer you go to a city. In Douglas County, it takes 75 hours a week to afford a two-bedroom apartment. Surprisingly, the mean wage there is $7.73 an hour. But high demand from 26,000 students at the University of Kansas puts rentals at a premium.
Wolf Creek Nuclear Power Plant is a tremendous advantage to Coffey County where the mean hourly wage is $13.54. There, it takes about 33 hours of work each week to put a roof over one’s head.
THE AVERAGE INCOME of Kansans is $38,147. We are slightly higher than Oklahoma, $37,246, and Nebraska, $36,638, but lower than Missouri, $40,019, and Colorado, $46,855.
Almost 8 percent of all Kansas workers are paid at or below minimum wage, putting us 15th in the nation. A fulltime minimum wage worker in Kansas working 40 hours a week, 52 weeks a year, will earn $58 per day, $290 per week, and $15,080 per year. As a state, about 40 percent of all workers are at or below 200 percent of the U.S. poverty rate, which is $14,570 per year for a family of two.
ALL THESE numbers illustrate that for a good share of Kansans their paychecks don’t stretch very far. By necessity, most households require dual incomes.
In Allen County, unemployment is 7.6 percent. That’s more than 1,000 idle hands.
Across the United States, more than 20 million people are looking for work.
Be it local or national, creating jobs must be our number-one priority.
The deficit, retirement packages, tax reform — all must take a back seat to being able to provide the basic necessities of life — food and shelter.
— Susan Lynn
ACCC women lose at Hutch
HUTCHINSON — Allen County Community College’s women lost 8-0 to host Hutchinson Community College Saturday.
The Red Devil women’s soccer team is 2-3 overall. It is 1-1 in Region VI play.
Allen County’s women and men (1-3) host the teams from Independence Community College today. The women play at 2 o’clock followed by the men at 4.