Culture of violence comes from fear

For the second time in two weeks, police officers have been the targets of violence.

Sunday, three officers in Baton Rouge, La., were gunned down. 

At this writing, it’s not clear what the motive of the perpetrator was, but it’s suspected it was in retaliation for the fatal shooting of Alton B. Sterling, a black  man, on July 5 in Baton Rouge.

Clearly, violence begets violence and as a society we are spiraling out of control until both sides insist they must come to terms through non-violent means.

 

IN SMALL towns like Iola most of us feel far removed from the threat of violence. 

As citizens, we feel protected by law enforcement. And our police officers, likewise, feel no threat from their citizenry. For the most part, these public servants lead blessedly humdrum lives.

That’s not to say there hasn’t been cause for concern.

The tragic death of Chance Shrum in 2007 still haunts us all. In the wee hours of May 15, 2007, police officers used their Taser guns on the young man, who, according to police reports, was spotted walking naked in the north part of town.

Shrum, 20, was unarmed — naturally.

Four shots shocked Shrum into submission upon which he was handcuffed. The slightly built youth then seems to have suffered cardiac arrest. Shrum died before an ambulance arrived at the scene.

While the Kansas Bureau of Investigation found the police officers innocent of any potential criminal charges, the incident continues to leave many unsettled and an example of why it is incumbent for law enforcement officials to use violence only as a last resort. 

 

CITIZENS and law enforcement officials should not feel as if they are walking targets of the other.

But to get each side to lay down their arms requires making a more safe — and equal — playing field, including recognizing the prevalence of racial profiling and having a goal of not only racial equality but also one of equal opportunities.

Fear makes us put up walls — to outsiders, those of different color and faith, and those of different social and economic classes.

Such retrenchment makes us doubt our possibilities as a community.

We must each look into our hearts and resolve not to let such behavior have the upper hand.

We must each make ourselves worthy of the other’s trust and respect.

 — Susan Lynn

 

 

Roger Springston

 

Roger Dean Springston, 60, Yates Center, formerly of Iola, died Wednesday, July 13, 2016, at his home. Per his request, no services will be held. Feuerborn Family Funeral Service of Iola assisted the family. Go to www.iolafuneral.com to leave a condolence.

Dean Ruckman

Dean W. Ruckman, 53, Topeka, passed away Friday, July 15, 2016 in Topeka.

Dean was born Aug. 14, 1962, in Iola, the son of Earl and Margaret Nichols Ruckman. Dean graduated from Topeka High School. He worked for various companies such as Gainey and Herman Construction as a truck driver. 

He is survived by his mother, Margaret Ruckman, Iola; a sister, Debra (Paul) Scheibmeir, Iola; three brothers, Bernard (Sandy) Ruckman, Jacksonville, Fla., Bob (Cyndi) Ruckman, Le Roy, and Gene Ruckman, Iola, and his companion, Laurie Rupe, Oak Ridge, Tenn.

 

Memorial visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday at the Davidson Funeral Home in Topeka. Private family inurnment at Bronson Cemetery will be at a later date. 

Chanute attorney tapped as next judge

Tod M. Davis, a Chanute attorney, has been selected to become Allen County’s next magistrate judge.

A nominating committee selected Davis from nine applicants Friday, following a day of public interviews at the Allen County Courthouse.

Davis currently is assistant public defender with the Southeast Kansas Public Defender Office.

The 31st Judicial District Nominating Commission consisted of Justice Lee A. Johnson as the nonvoting chair; John K. Chenoweth of Fredonia; James M. Immel and Ryan Sparks of Iola; Richard K. Pringle and Timothy E. Brazil of Chanute; Rochelle R. Chronister of Neodesha; Nick C. Hay of Yates Center; and James G. Keath of Stark.

Davis replaces Thomas Saxton Jr., who retired July 3.

It was not immediately known when Davis will be sworn in.

 

A team of judges from the 31st Judicial District, which covers Allen, Neosho, Woodson and Wilson counties, are handling court cases here on an interim basis.

Sluggers win state championship

SALINA — The SEK Sluggers finished last weekend with a 7-1 record to win the state title at the 12U Class C State Tournament in Salina. 

In game one of pool play, Hayley Bean took the circle for the Sluggers against the Detonators. 

Bean pitched a strong game. She allowed one earned run and four walks, while striking out a pair. 

“Our defense really stepped up behind Hayley with six putouts,” said coach Taylor Bailey. 

Allie Furham led the team offensively with three RBIs with Hannah Jones also chipping in a pair of RBIs helping the team with a 14-2 blowout win.

In game two, Sluggers matched up with Kaboom. Amy Smith took the circle for SEK and allowed only one earned run and one walk. She struck out five batters.

The Sluggers rolled to a 5-2 win.

Jenna Curry provided the game’s biggest hit with a two-run home run.

“It was so relieving to see Jenna get that hit, she had been struggling lately offensively, but came through at the right time,” said Bailey. 

In the first game of bracket play — the third game of the day for the team — the Sluggers pitched Bean again. Bean allowed one earned run and struck out four batters with only two walks. 

Brianna Waggoner led the team by going two-for-two, and driving in three runs to help the Sluggers win, 13-1. 

In game two of bracket play, they faced Kansas Heat. The Sluggers jumped out to a big lead early by scoring 12 runs in the top of the first inning.

“Our girls came out firing this game. Our sticks were hot and we were just pumped,” Bailey said. “When the (Heat) made a mistake, our girls were capitalizing on them with running the base.” 

Amy Smith pitched against the Heat allowing six earned runs and six walks. Although Smith didn’t have her best pitching performance, she led the team offensively with three RBIs. 

The Sluggers went on to beat the Heat 12-6, ending the day with a 4-0 record.

The Sluggers began Sunday by taking on the Salina Impact. The Sluggers turned Bean again to start off the day in the circle.

Bean allowed two earned runs while striking out five. 

The game was tied in the bottom of the sixth at two when the Sluggers’ Brinly Bancroft reached on base with a single, followed by Furham’s ground out moving Bancroft to second. Amy Smith put runners at first and third with a one-out single. 

This brought the team’s hottest hitter to the plate in the form of Curry. 

The Impact decided to try and intentionally walk Curry. A wild pitch combined with heads-up base running allowed Bancroft to cross home plate for the win 3-2. 

 

“A lot was going through our heads at this point, whether to try and bunt Bancroft in or just trust her hot bat and get that run in, but when we saw they were walking her to load the bases, it just worked itself out,” said Bailey. 

In game two on Sunday, the Sluggers faced the Emporia Energy in the semi-finals. 

Smith took the circle and gave up three earned runs and six walks, but also struck out six. 

Smith and Curry led the team with two RBIs apiece. 

The Sluggers’ defense was put to the test against the Energy. Second baseman Hannah Jones had a great day in the field. 

“We had a lot of teams behind on our pitchers making the right side of the field a hot place,” Bailey said. “Jones was solid at second base this weekend with seven putouts.” 

The Sluggers won 7-3.

In the championship game, the Sluggers faced the Energy again. 

Waggoner and Furhman each reached base safely with singles allowing Amy Smith to drive them both home in the first inning giving the Sluggers an early lead. 

Bean pitched and allowed five runs in three innings. 

In the bottom of the fourth, Smith took over and allowed three earned runs in two innings. 

“This game was a nail-biter the whole time,” Bailey said. “Our defense let up and we started throwing the ball around and made little mistakes that cost the team big runs. Offensively our bats fell asleep and we just couldn’t get the ball in the holes. We had lots of great swings, but just didn’t get them to fall in.” 

Emporia emerged with 4-1 win to set up a winner-take-all game for the state title in the double-elimination tournament.

In the championship-deciding game, the sluggers started Smith in the circle. 

Smith was outstanding and allowed only one earned run and struck out six. 

Offensively, the bats started to come back around. Madi White went two-for-two with an RBI. 

With Smith and White leading the attack, the Sluggers earned a 4-1 lead and a state championship.

“Our defense really worked hard this game allowing only one run and no errors,” Bailey said. “I am so proud of each and every one of the girls. Everyone stepped up in one way or another. 

“Laryn Raida struggled at the plate, but always came up big when we needed her to, whether it was a bunt or getting a base hit, she always tried her best to do her job. Kenly Jones was a key outfielder for us all weekend, she is such a great leader out there and always gives 110 percent. Emma Grogg had a couple of great hits, one in particular, a line drive to left field, helped the team out a lot.” 

The SEK Sluggers plan on taking the rest of the summer off and will start back up with fall ball. 

“Our girls have really started to bond on and off the field making memories, which is great to see. That is was makes a team more successful,” Bailey said. “Being able to coach these girls and help win the title is something I will always remember.” 

 

 

Clayton Naff and Mallory Mueller

Curt and Alisha Mueller, Humboldt, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Mallory, to Clayton Naff, son of Jim and Shirley Naff, Chanute.

The bride-elect is a 2006 graduate of Humboldt High School, a 2010 graduate of Ottawa University with an exercise science degree and a 2014 graduate of Southwest Baptist University with a doctor of physical therapy degree. She is employed as a physical therapist at the Rehabilitation and Fitness Center in Chanute.

Naff is a 2009 graduate of Chanute High School, a 2013 graduate of Baker University with a degree in exercise science with CSCS and is currently working on a degree in diatetics at Kansas State University. He works at Chanute Rehabilitation and Fitness Center as a personal trainer.

 

The couple are planning a wedding and reception at the family farm east of Humboldt on Oct. 8.

Gene Tomson

Gene Tomson, 86, Iola, passed away Friday, July 15, 2016, at Windsor Place Nursing Center in Iola.

Gene was born Dec. 24, 1929, on a farm west of Iola, the son of Marion Morris and Zola Beatrice (Kivett) Tomson. He grew up west of Iola, attending Union Rural School and graduating from Iola High School in 1948. Gene’s enlistment in the U.S. Navy for three years was extended a year because of the Korean Conflict. He served overseas in Japan and China on seaplane tenders and as a gunner’s mate aboard the USS Antietam (CV 36). On May 15, 1952, Gene married Leah W. Lorance in Huntsville, Ark. Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, they made their home in Iola.

Gene farmed all of his life and raised livestock west of Iola. He also worked for the City of Iola almost 40 years retiring as Street and Alley Foreman. He enjoyed boating, camping, traveling and NASCAR. His interests also include rodeo and horses, and he loved following all of his kids and grandkids activities.

Gene was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church and the Iola American Legion.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Leah Tomson; three children, Jana Bowyer and husband Chris, Emporia, Marta Edwards and companion Scott Crystal, Overland Park, and Kent Tomson and wife Ronda, Iola; five grandchildren, Andy Bowyer, Clint Bowyer, Casey Bowyer, Aaron Edwards and Kylee DePrima; and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother, Maynard Tomson.

Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Monday at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service in Iola.

 

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Calvary United Methodist Church in Iola. Burial will follow in Highland Cemetery in Iola. Memorials are suggested to Alzheimer’s Association or Calvary United Methodist Church and may be left with the funeral home. To leave a condolence online, go to www.iolafuneral.com.

Lawrence Ross

Lawrence Roy “LR” Ross, 88, Duncan, Okla., passed away Thursday, July 7, 2016, in Duncan.

Services have been entrusted to Whitt Funeral Home, Duncan.

There will be no visitation at the funeral home. A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.

Lawrence was born Aug. 5, 1927, in Bronson, to Zaida Marie (Worden) and William Elmer Ross. 

He lived and worked at the J.M. Davis Ranch, who was the former governor of Kansas, at the age of 10, along with his father, who also worked there.

Lawrence entered the Merchant Marine when he was 16. He wanted to join the Navy at this time, but his mother would not sign for him. He served as a fireman and then an oiler during his service time. He served on ships classified as Liberty, Victory, and Tanker. He was a life member of the American Legion and VFW.

He graduated from high school and continued his education at the OU School of Continuing Education where he took courses associated with his occupation. 

Lawrence married Vera Ellen Douglas on June 10, 1948, in Lamar, Colo. They had five children, Susan Kay, Alan, Beverly Ann, Pamela Joy and Vicki Lynn.

Lawrence worked as an oil and gas plant superintendent for Conoco-Phillips, retiring in 1987 after 38 years of service.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing, traveling, gardening, and raising cattle. He was also good at woodworking.

He was a member of Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Marlow, Okla. 

Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Vera, of the home; five children, Alan Ross and spouse Brenda, Duncan, Susan Ross, Marlow, Beverly Ann Newsom, Bethany, Okla., Pamela Joy Kunc and spouse Rick, Cumming, Ga., and Vicki Lynn Wheeless and spouse Don Shaw, Tempe, Ariz.; eight grandchildren, Laurie Crow and spouse, Ron South, Rachel Sigman, Michael Ross, Sarah Ann Newsom, Patrick Ross Kunc, Laura Ellen Headley and spouse James, Audrey Elizabeth and Ross Elliot Wheeless; nine great-grandchildren, Kassie and Kendall Phillips, Alixzandrea, Jacob, Willow and Olivia Sigman, Iszzy Lawrence Newsom, Aurora and Juanito Figueroa-Newsom; two brothers, Paul Dean Ross, Indianapolis, and Maurice Gale Ross, Allen, Texas; and two sisters, Marjorie Joan Logsdon and spouse Merlyn, Winfield, and Verl Annette Ross, Grand Prairie, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers George William Ross, James Albert Ross and Russell Lee Ross; and sisters Helen Marie Smith, Lois Irene Kershner, Doris Alma McCollum and an infant sister. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Marlow.

 

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.whittfh.com.

Food drive underway

A canned food drive leading up to the Allen County Fair will benefit community pantries in Allen County.

The food drive is sponsored by Iola Rotary and is part of its upcoming Rotary Day at the Park July 30.

Rotary Day includes the annual Smokin’ Hot Cars and BBQ Cookoff event.

In addition to pulled pork culled from the cookoff — 425 pounds of the freshly cooked meat were donated in 2015 — canned food and non-perishable food items will be collected through the month.

Several drop-off locations have been established.

Iola — The New Greenery, The Feedlot, Community National Bank, Advantage Computers and Walmart.

Humboldt — Stacy Cakes, Emprise Bank, Moon’s Hometown Market and Community National Bank.

Moran — City Hall, Stub’s Market and Emprise Bank.

 

For more information, visit  the “Iola Rotary Club Smokin Hot Cars And BBQ” page on Facebook.

Advance voting begins

Advanced voting has begun for the Aug. 2 primary elections.

Voters can either stop by the county clerk’s office in the courthouse to cast their votes, or they can request one be sent via mail. People can apply up until the Friday before election day.

Those voting by mail should do so promptly. Ballots must be returned to the county clerk’s office by 7 p.m. on election day to be counted.

Voters have three prominent races that essentially will be decided with the Republican primary.

Incumbent County Commissioner Tom Williams is facing challenger Ron Ballard for his seat to represent District 2, which covers the northern half of the county, including north Iola, Gas,and LaHarpe.

Allen County Sheriff Bryan Murphy is being challenged by Jared Froggatte and Kelly Zellner.

Allen County Attorney Jerry Hathaway is being challenged by Linus Thuston.

 

No Democrats filed by the deadline to oppose the above candidates, although independent challengers may file by Aug. 1 to be placed on the Nov. 8 General Election ballot.