Marie Horner presented the following information during Nursing Home Week at the Oswego Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Eleanor Monroe also displayed some Indian arrowheads for the residents to see:
A tribe of North American Indians held an extensive territory between the Missouri and Arkansas Rivers. Their culture was typical of the Plains Indians, and the first contact with white men occurred when they met the French explorers near the Osage River in present day Missouri and became friends with them. Together, they found against other tribes. This movement began in the year of 1810 and the territory gradually moved westward as the land was sold to the United States government.
At one point in time, the current Chief of the tribe was on a scalping mission, chasing an intruder that he was about to scalp who appeared to have white hair. However, one swipe of his sharp knife and of came the truth. . . . the man was wearing a wig. Having never seen a wig before, the chief was amazed, and turned it around in his hands, but proudly and quickly he tried it on his own head. It fit. The chief wore the hairpiece from that time on and became known as Chief White Hair. As generations passed, the tradition continued. There were several chiefs with the name of White Hair as they became the Chief of that tribe.
The year of 1841 found the current Chief White Hair and his tribe of Osage dwelling below the bluff that overlooked the Neosho River close to the Horseshoe Lake near present-day Oswego. The United States Government had established a trading post and blacksmith shop nearby for the benefit of the settlers and Indians. A settler, John Mathews was assigned to that position until his tragic death at the beginning of the Civil War. Mathews was considered a wealthy man of good character who did business with the Indians on a fair and honest basis, a trait that rarely existed in those times. His large home on the bluff often extended a welcome to strangers, and many enjoyed the race track that encircled the area. Mathews had a large family, married a woman who was half-Welch, and when she died he married her sister, both daughters of a western settler, named Bill Williams. Also, part of the family clan owned several slaves, each having their own place in daily life.
The town of White Hair below the bluff was know as Keeitonwa and the house of Mathews was located about 1000 feet east of the Little Town Well located on the slope.
All the dwellings in the village of White Hair were huts with rounded roofs and only one door, which was on the east. The hut of White Hair was set in the center of the village and easily recognized because of two doors, one on the east and one on the west. As with Osage culture, if peace prevailed, White Hair stood outside his east door upon rising each morning and chanted to Grandfather, the Sun. However, if war was the order of the day, he stood outside the west door of his hut and chanted.
The Indians lived off the land. They were busy with the storing of foods, growing of crops, drying of meats, weaving of cloths and curing of hides.
For twenty years this was a contented little village . . . . until the stir of slavery began. And even then Mathews was not concerned, because his operation was a peaceful one, and under the protection of the government–he thought.
But then came the time when the Northern cause for Freedom came looking for Mathews, removing the few slaves who lived there, calling it home. They found Mathews visiting in a friend’s home near Chetopa, where he was killed.
The Osage who lived over the bluff abandoned the site, beginning a move to the west further into Indian Territory for protection. The Mathews property on the bluff was also abandoned. And would remain so for the war years until 1862. And during those years the weeds grew, the wilderness took over. It was as though civilization had never attempted to be part of the area, the place we now call Oswego.

Five-year-old Katherine Cook of Oswego was featured in last Saturday’s edition of the Kansas City Star. Katherine continues to amaze her friends, family and even doctors with her recuperation after being shot in the head on Feb. 23 at her family’s home in rural Leavenworth County.
Portions of the copyrighted article by Mark Wiebe follow:
* * *
Katherine Cook walks through the doors of The Rehabilitation Institute of Kansas City and is greeted with, “Good morning, princess. How are you?”
The 5-year-old responds to the man at the front desk as if she doesn’t have a care in the world. “I’m fine!” she says in a high-pitched voice.
This is the irrepressibly social Katherine that her parents, JoAnne and LaMont Cook, have always known — easygoing and eager to please.
This is also the Katherine whose life hung in the balance for at least a week this winter after a stray bullet struck her head outside the Linwood, Kan., home that her parents were renovating.
The bullet is still lodged in Katherine’s brain and can’t be removed because doctors fear it will cause further damage.
No one has been charged in the case. The Cooks say they were told the shot came from a long distance away, probably from a high-caliber weapon.
LaMont, 39, wants more answers and says his family is still waiting to hear from investigators.
What the Cooks do know is that their lives have changed, perhaps forever. Katherine miraculously survived the shooting and has made an equally amazing recovery. In three months, she has relearned how to hold up her head, talk, sit up, and even walk, though her steps are short and deliberate. Looking at her, you’d be hard-pressed to realize that she nearly died.
Still, much work remains. Katherine relies on her strong right arm to lift a virtually immobile left arm when she needs it. Her vision is partially impaired. And despite returning to her former chatty self, her short-term memory is compromised. With prompting, for example, she can tell you the day of the week, but five minutes later will have forgotten.
Her parents have had their own struggles. JoAnne, 41, said she suffers from lingering fears that something bad could happen any moment to one of her children. Fears of accidents. Fears of stray bullets.
“Everything is scary anymore,” JoAnne said, “because the unthinkable and the undoable has happened.”
* * *
Labette Avenue editor Rena Russell recently visited her preschool in Oswego while Katherine was in town on her first visit home after the accident.
Hundreds of her school mates, hometown friends and even those who didn’t know the family but had prayed so hard for Katherine came to wave a “welcome home” to the family as they drove down Commercial Street in Oswego.
She wanted to visit her preschool and she took along her little sister, Elizabeth, for comfort.
Those who witnessed Katherine as she interacted with the other children were truly amazed at how well she talked, sang songs with the other children and, with some assistance, walked.
Her preschool teacher, Ann Banzet, said Katherine gave thumbs-up, high-fives and waves to everyone in the room.
Robert Rinaldi, a physician at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, who has overseen Katherine’s rehabilitation, was quoted in the Star article as saying Katherine’s recovery was remarkable.
The bullet lodged toward the back of Katherine’s head, affecting her visual processing. It traveled through areas of the brain that assist motor control and language.
LaMont and JoAnne ask for the continued prayers of all their friends in this area, even though little Katherine continues to amaze everyone who sees her.
She is known by all as “the miracle girl.”

GARAGE SALES & AUCTIONS:

INDEPENDENCE: Saturday, May 17, 7:30 a.m.-?? We moved to a new house, redecorated, and want to clean out a storage unit! Lots of nice home decor including americana, Coca-Cola, and more, baby/toddler boy clothing in great condition, tons of picture frames, lamps, kitchen bar stools, Sony rear-projection flat screen television used for two years in excellent condition, entertainment center, two dark blue Queen Anne style recliners, assortment of old cookie jars, assortment of antique tins, table cloths, George Foreman grill, assorted kitchen items, three prom dresses, antique milk can, insulated ice chests, and lots of misc. All of our stuff is in excellent condition. We want to get rid of everything so reasonable offers will be accepted. No pre-sales, no previews, no exceptions. Landon and Jenny Diveley, 2311 N. 8th, Independence (1 1/2 blocks south of Taylor Road on 8th street). CQ20-1tnc
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NIOTAZZE: Family yard sale. Wicker chair, nice kids clothes 10 cents, free puppies, large metal work bench and much more. 401 N. F street (follow to dead end). Watch for signs. Saturday, May 17, 7 a.m.-noon. CQ20-1tb

ITEMS FOR SALE:

For Sale: Scrubs like new, sets $15, separates $10, call 620-336-2419. MC-G20-2tp
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NICE BOWS FOR HUNTING OR PLEASURE: Selling at reduced price on account of my health. Call 784-5827. LC20-2t
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BARRELS: Trash barrels with lids, $5 each; white plastic barrels, $10 each. 1004 Mulberry, 620-236-7620. LC20-tf
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LOCKER BEEF: Last chance! 1/2 approx. 275 lbs. $500 or $1.85 hanging wt. processed. 620-795-2330, Oswego, KS. LC20-2tp
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BEEF FOR SALE: IT’S GRILLING SEASON! Grain fed locker beef. Hillcrest Farms. 620-330-2109. CQ17-tfn
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ANTIQUE BUFFET FOR SALE: Nice antique buffet, excellent condition, $350 firm. Call 620-577-2231. CQ19-tfn-nc
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Registered Angus Bulls FOR SALE: great EPD’s, all performance and ultrasound data, semen tested. Call Steve at Hillcrest Genetics. (C) 620-330-2109; (H) 620-673-9471. CQ08-tfn
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Fresh team roping cattle, 3 heifers, 3 steers. Call 620-374-2772 CQ20-1tp
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FOR SALE: 20 year old John Deere riding lawnmower, engine works fine, deck and blade do not work. $100, you haul away. Call 620-577-2231. CQ20-tfn-nc
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Hot Tubs, Walk In Bathubs, Infrared Saunas, factory direct pricing. Call 1-800-869-0406 for price list and pictures. We deliver. Town Center Showcase, Lincoln, NE. (KCAN)
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Pet Supplies: Happy Jack (R) Mange Medicine: promotes healing & hair growth in dogs & horses due to ‘hot spots’ fungus or mane dandruff. At farm, feed & hardware stores. www.happyjackinc.com. (KCAN)
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Steel Buildings For Sale: 20×8x8; 40×8x8; 48×8.5×9.5 shipping containers. Camlock doors, hardwood floors support forklift. Delivery available. 1-785-655-9430 Solomon; 620-277-2367 Garden City.www.chuckhenry.com complete web listing, photos, specs, pricing. (KCAN)
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STEEL BUILDINGS: Beat Price increases! Get quick delivery! Great service & selection on high quality all steel buildings. Sentinel Building Systems, 800-327-0790 ad 26, www.sentinelbuildings.com. (KCAN)

VEHICLES FOR SALE:

1987 CHRYSLER LEBARON CONVERTIBLE: 4 Cylinder, turbo, fuel-injected, leather, new tires. 29,000 ACTUAL MILES, excellent condition, non-smoker. $10,000. 918-533-6000 or 620-597-2680. LC39-tf
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1989 FORD RANGER PARTS: Rebuilt transmission, 3,000 miles on it; transfer case; both axles; 3 inch suspension lift. 918-533-0611. LC39-tf
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1986 FORD THUNDERBIRD, V6, automatic, PS, PB, air, CD player, new tires, 98,000 miles, $2,000. 620-795-2617 or 620-778-3747. LC15-tf

BID NOTICES:

The following items are being offered for bid by Chautauqua County Road & Bridge Department. Bids will be opened May 20, 2008, at 9 a.m. In order for your bid to be considered, please make sure it reaches our office by that time. You may send your sealed bids to: Chautauqua County Road & Bridge Department, 215 North Chautauqua Street, Sedan, KS 67361. Please mark the outside of the envelope “sealed bid.” Items for sale are as follows: (1) 1979 Chevy C-30, V8 auto, (2) 1985 Chevy 1/2 ton, V8, 4 speed, short wheel base, (3) 1989 True-Line 10 ton gooseneck equipment trailer, (4) two Reverber-Ray natural gas shop heaters. For questions concerning these items, you may call the Chautauqua County Shop at 620-725-5862. Chautauqua County reserves the right to refuse all bids. CQ18-3tb
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SEALED BIDS FOR HAY CUTTING: U.S.D. No. 504 will accept bids to cut hay on the established prairie portion of the O.W.L.’s Wildlife Area located on the grounds of Oswego High School. Any interested person may contact: Chris Duemyer. 620-423-5934. Deadline: May 30. LC20-1t
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INVITATION TO BID
Montgomery County will accept Sealed Bids for Chemicals at the Office of the County Clerk until 4:00 p.m., Friday, May 16, 2008. The proposals received will be opened and read aloud in the regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners at approximately 10:00 a.m., on Monday, May 19, 2008. Any questions should be addressed to the Department of Public Works, P.O. Box 663, Independence, KS 67301 or phone (620) 330-1170, FAX (620) 330-1177. MC-M20-1tb
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INVITATION TO BID
The food debris pickup project is located on the following County Roads:
3200-21 at Bridge 804; 4300-03 at Bridge 1124- 2200-20 at Bridge 1002; 1900-09 at Bridge 1262; 2800-01 at Bridge 1231; 1300-03; 1400-01 at Bridge 43.5; 1200-03 at Bridge 1268A; 5300-15 at Bridge 728; 1800-23 at Bridge 913; 5900-07; 2800-01 at Bridge 1232; 2000-05 at Bridge 1221; 1300-03 at Bridge 1211; 1900-01 at Bridge 1209; 2400-08. Further information can be obtained by contacting the Montgomery County Public Works office at 620-330-1170 or 217 E. Myrtle, Independence, Kansas 67301. MC-C20-1tb

WANTED:

Wanted: Summer pasture for twenty to twenty-five cows. Call 620-870-0984. CQ18-4p
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Wanted: A copy of the “History of Chautauqua County,” published in 1987. Contact Jerry Hess, 5250 Manz Place, Apt. 214, Sarasota, FL 34232, (941) 371-2750 Ext. 364, jnhess@comcast.net. CQ20-tfn
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Wanted: someone to disc and till garden area 9×30. call 620-336-2419. MC-G20-1tp
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WANTED: Old, obsolete firearms. Gun parts bought and sold. Freedom Gun Shop, Chetopa. 620-236-7177. LC40-tf
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WANTED TO LEASE -The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) Labette County Office, presently located at 115 W 4th St in Altamont, Kansas, is interested in signing a succeeding lease for 2750 net useable square feet of general office space, but will consider relocating if economically advantageous to FSA. Occupancy is required by Oct. 1, 2008. Interested parties should call Kitra Cooper at 620-784-5431 for more information. LC19-3t

LOST & FOUND:

Found: Adult female Boxer dog in location of Cherryvale. If yours and wanting her home, please call 620-212-4722 or email msapplebob@yahoo.com to identify dog. MG-A19-1tp

HELP WANTED:

FACILITIES SUPERVISOR: The Coffeyville Recreation Commission is seeking a Facilities Supervisor. (Beginning Salary $10.00 - $12.00 an hour DOQ). Responsibilities include planning, organizing and participating in the maintenance and repair of all facilities and structures; setup game and practice fields and other types of facilities for special events; and supervision of maintenance staff. Qualified applicants will possess a high school diploma, or equivalent, valid driver’s license and preferably two years experience in building and grounds maintenance. Benefits include generous vacation and sick leave, 10 holidays, health insurance and Kansas Public Employees Retirement System. Applicants should be willing to meet the Coffeyville Commission’s residency requirements. A Job Description can be obtained at the CRC Office. Send resume/application to Director, Coffeyville Recreation Commission, P.O. Box 307, Coffeyville, KS 67337 or apply in person at 808 Willow Street. crcdirec@sbcglobal.net. Applications accepted until position is filled. EOE – M/F/D. MC-C20-1tb
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RESPIRATORY CARE CLINICAL EDUCATION COORDINATOR: RESPONSIBILITIES: The Coordinator of Clinical Education is responsible for the coordination of all clinical education and clinical instruction, as well as for a teaching load of six hours per semester. Specific duties include: organizing, directing, supervising, and coordinating the clinical curriculum; serving as a faculty member; and working with the program director and medical director. QUALIFICATIONS: Must be a Registered Respiratory Therapist with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. Master’s degree preferred. Required experience includes four years experience in respiratory care with a minimum of two years experience teaching for an accredited respiratory care program. SALARY: Commensurate with education and experience with excellent benefits. APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Position begins July 1. Deadline for applications is June 2. Send a letter of application, resume, transcripts, and names and addresses of three references to Director of Human Resources, Labette Community College, 200 South 14, Parsons, KS 67357 or Fax 620-421-0180 or hr@labette.edu. Equal Opportunity Employer. LC20/22-1t
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Route Drivers wanted: need dependable vehicle, good driving record, cell phone. Call 785-528-0544. MC-H19-2tp
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ACTIVITY DIRECTOR: Activity Director to plan daily activities, parties and outings. Apply in person to Robin or Edna at Caney Nursing Center, 615 S. High, Caney, KS. MC-C18-5tb
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DIRECTOR OF NURSING: Director of Nursing position, 58 bed nursing facility in a small community, with excellent census and dedicated staff. A facility where your leadership skills will be appreciated. Contact Edna or Robin at Caney Nursing Center, 615 S. High, Caney, KS. 620-879-2929. MC-C18-5tb
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LPN/RN: Howard Twilight Manor. Only 1 position open! 10 hour shift (2-10 pm direct care, 10pm-12pm if needed for documentation.) Work four days a week, off three, every other weekend off. Shift differential, excellent pay. CQ19-2tb
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LPN/RN: Charge position available at Chetopa Manor, 814 Walnut, Chetopa, KS. We pay for years of experience, shift differential, good benefits available in a wonderful work atmosphere. If you are a caring nurse who loves the elderly, contact us. EOE. LC42-tf
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CNA Wanted: Certified nurse aide wanted at Howard Twilight Manor. Only 2 positions open! Evening shift-2 pm to 10 pm Monday through Friday, every weekend off. -Saturday and Sunday 6 am to 19 pm, Monday through Friday off, starting pay $10. an hour. Contact D.O. N. at (620) 374-2495. CQ19-2tb
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CERTIFIED NURSES AIDES: We are looking for competent, caring people to care for our elderly. We pay for experience and shift differential. If you are looking for a position with a Great Nursing Facility, Contact Chetopa Manor, 814 Walnut, Chetopa, KS EOE. LC42-tf
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NEEDED: Personal Care Attendants for individuals w/ disabilities in the Howard, KS area. Interested persons must be at least 18 years of age and self-motivated to help with various disability needs. PT position. Duties may include housekeeping, meal preparation, personal care, laundry and errands. If interested please contact the Sedan office @ 1.620.725.3990 or 1-866-906-3990. CQ19-3tb
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Kennel help wanted in Sedan. 3-5 hours a day. Weekends a must. $6 an hour to start. Call 620-725-3647. CQ13-tfn
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BORDER PATROL: The United States Border Patrol is now hiring. Agent salary is approximately $70,000 per year within the first three years of employment. Border Patrol Agents enjoy excellent federal benefits that include medical and retirement plans. Call 1-888-376-6419 or visit www.borderpatrol.gov. (KCAN)
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Nat’l Organization Now Hiring. Avg. Pay $20/hour or $57/K/yr. including Federal Benefits and OT. Placed by adSource. 1-866-498-6846. (KCAN)
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CDL-A DRIVERS: Expanding Fleet offering Regional/OTR runs. Outstanding Pay Package. Excellent Benefits. Generous Hometime. Lease Purchase on ‘07 Peterbilts. NATIONAL CARRIERS 1-888-707-7729. www.nationalcarriers.com. (KCAN)
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Drivers: Flatbed .44 /Mi Recent Avg all miles Paid. Immediate Openings! New Peterbilts Available, first come, first serve (if you qualify) 866-290-1568. (KCAN)
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Drivers: Students. Drive a Big Rig! Sponsored Training/Tuition Reimbursement Available. Possible $40k 1st year! Exp’d Drivers Ask about $5000 Sign-on! www.ffeinc.com. 800-569-9232. (KCAN)
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Drivers: Don’t Miss This! Sign-on Bonus. 35-42 cpm. Earn over $1000 weekly. Excellent Benefits. Need CDL-A and 3 mos recent OTR. 800-635-8669. (KCAN)

AREA SERVICES:

Turn your broken unwanted gold jewelry into cash. Also buying old coins and currency. Uncle Ken’s Coin Independence, 9-5 Weekdays, 10-3 Saturdays. 888-222-8058 toll free. MC-K20-4tb
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WILLIAMS TREE SERVICE - Insured, free estimates, stump grinding, trees trimmed, brush and tree removal, chipper, bucket and grapple truck. Can’t reach or lift, call 620-374-2247. CQ1-tfn
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Lazy Bear Computers, in home repair and up grades. We come to you. 620-725-5465, 620-330-0330, www.lazybearcomputers.com
mjking@lazybearcomputers.com CQ1-tfn
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Gragg Dozer Service, Inc.
Dozers, trackhoe, motor-grader and dump trucks
Basements-Ponds-Lagoons-tree removal-trenches-septic tanks
Pond waters and general dirt work
Hauling dirt, rock, gravel
Howard, Kan.
Bryce
620-205-9933
Ernie
620-330-1467
CQ1-tfn
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Dozer for hire. D8 and D6, trackhoe, dump trucks, new ponds, pond
repairs, brush and hedge row clearing, road construction and rock
hauling. Riggs Welding, (620) 736-2038. CQ1-tfn
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CUSTOM FENCE BUILDING
New, rebuilt, fence removal, clearing
Corrals and pens
HAROLD RIGGS FENCING
Severy, Kan.
620-736-2242 Cell 620-779-1813
CQ2008-pd
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MR. HANDYMAN NOW HAS ROTO SEWER CLEANING SERVICE. Call 620-725-3010 CQ1-tfn
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THOMAS TREE SERVICE - Tree trimming, removal and stump grinding, have chipper, grapple and bucket truck. Insured. Call for free estimates, 620-725-5722 or 620-249-8773. CQ-tfn
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SEPTIC TANKS - Sold and installed. Contact Roland Meisch at 620-374-2556. CQ1-tfn
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WICKHAM TRUCKING for your rock, sand, and dirt needs. Call 620-725-3317 or 620-249-2867. CQ1-tfn
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CARPET AND UPHOLSTERY CLEANING - 30 years experience, commercial or residential. Vernon Sandusky, 620-922-3322. LC23-tf
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OSBORNE ROCK HAULING, LLC Rock, Sand, Topsoil, Fill Dirt & Lime. 620-795-2749 or 620-423-2532. LC31-tf
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FULL RV HOOK-UPS, Hillside Trailer Park, 1108 S. Commercial, Oswego. 620-795-2471. LC20-tf
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PLUMB & SQUARE CONSTRUCTION now offering seamless gutters, many color options; specializing in roofing; new construction, renovations; decks; custom handrail; sheet rock; plumbing; electrical; soffitt; fascia; painting; doors and windows. (620) 762-3561. Eric Blundell, Owner/Operator. LC41-tf
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GREENWOOD TREE SERVICE AND GENERAL EXCAVATION AND CONCRETE - Licensed, Bonded, Insured. Phone 620-778-9224. LC3-tf
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PAINTING: Interior, Exterior Painting, Powerwashing Houses, Decks, Driveways. Clean gutters, install gutter guards. 620-784-5723. LC17-4t
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GARDEN TILLING & LIGHT DIRT WORK: Call Robert Brown 620-795-2664. Leave message. All calls will be returned. LC19-2tp
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CUSTOM HAY BALING: Also want to rent hay meadows and pastures. 620-597-2702. LC20-7tp

LEGAL SERVICES:

Social Security disability claims; Saunders & Saunders Attorneys at Law. No recovery, No fee! 1-800-259-8548. (KCAN)

FOR RENT or LEASE:

PASTURE For Lease: 240 acres of pasture land for three months lease, four miles west of Sedan. Call 580-765-0061. CQ19-4p.
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FOR RENT IN OSWEGO: Apartments available at Westside Homes, Oswego. Apply at Frogley’s Gun Shop or call 620-795-2801. LC14-tf
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FOR RENT IN OSWEGO: OFFICE/STORE SPACE, approximately 2,000 sq. ft. in downtown Oswego on Commercial St. Call 405-691-1282 or 405-205-4398. LC18-tf

REAL ESTATE:

FOR SALE IN HALLOWELL: New home built in 2007, 9132 SW Hummingbird Lane. 2 Bedroom, 1 bath, $58,000, on 4 lots. Call (417) 437*6545 or Torchia-Holmes Real Estate, 620-429-1330, or see at torchiaholmesrealestate.com. LC18-4t
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WEIGAND.COM
746 E. Jefferson, Howard - Two bedroom, 1 1/2 bath, large kitchen with eating bar, kitchen appliances stay, family room, sewing room, central heat/air, $36,000.
333 S. Oak, Howard - Two bedroom, one bath, new windows and doors, central heat/air, garage, $20,000.
17853 Barber Road, Fall River - Cabin with vaulted ceilings. Appliances stay, $37,000.
1233 KS HWY 99, Howard - Excellent business opprotunity: Commercial Metal building built 2005, high entry doors, graveled parking lot. Highway Frontage, $35,000.
126 S. Cedar, Howard - Nice lots with utilities installed. $6,500.
Judy Nungesser, Realtor
JP Weigand & Sons, Inc.
620-374-2400 - Howard
jnungesser@weigand.com
CQ19-tfn
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Land for sale 96 plus or minus acres, 50 acres tillable small pond with Plum Creek running through it, timber, lots of wildlife, excellent hunting, near hwy. 400 and 99 north, Severy, Kan., $100,000. Call 918-543-2488. CQ05-tfn
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FOR SALE IN FREDONIA: Office and warehouse facilities for sale. Radiant Electric Cooperative, Inc., is accepting sealed bids for its present headquarters and warehouse combined 9,789 sq, ft. building located at 100 N. 15th, Fredonia, KS. Estimated availability of the property is during November 2008. Bids must be submitted in writing by JUNE 13, 2008, at 4:30 p.m. at Radiant’s present headquarters. Radiant reserves the right to reject all bids. Written information on the property may be obtained by contacting Leah or Dennis at Radiant, 620-378-2161. MC-R18-7tb
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100% Government Loan: Zero down if you own land or still owe money on your land. Brick skirting, porches, driveway, gutters and landscaping available. (Site Built Appearance). BAD CREDIT OK. Trades welcome, 918-832-9888. MC-L19-4tb

MOBILE HOMES:

Owe money on your Home or Land? We can trade and roll into one payment. Call 1-888-779-LAND. CQ19-4tb
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Special Government Government Program Zero Down, NO MONEY OUT OF YOUR POCKET! If you Own Land or Family will give you land. Bad Credit OK. 918-832-9888. CQ19-4tb
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GOVERNMENT LOAN PROGRAM: Zero down and no closing costs for landowners. Use your land or family land. Bad credit and bankruptcy OK. Home removal and improvements available. Call 918-406-5097, Rick. MC-O15-tfb
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DOUBLEWIDE: Abandoned doublewide, ready to move to your property. Call 1-888-779-LAND. MC-C18-5tb

ADOPTIONS:

Adoption - We promise your newborn a loving, secure and happy home. Full time mom, devoted dad. Expenses paid. Please call Theresa or John 1-800-484-6765 Pin #0369. (KCAN)

Business Opportunity:

ALL CASH CANDY ROUTE. Do you earn $800 in a day? Your own local candy route. Includes 30 Machines and Candy. All for $9995. 1-888-753-3441. (KCAN)

Educational:

Airlines Mechanic - Rapid training for high paying Aviation Career. FAA predicts severe shortage. Financial aid if qualify. Job placement assistance. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance. (888) 349-5387. (KCAN)
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Attend College Online from home. Medical, business, paralegal, computers, criminal justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial aid if qualified. Call 866-858-2121, www.CenturaOnline.com. (KCAN)
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MISSOURI WELDING INSTITUTE, INC. Nevada, Missouri. Become a Certified Pipe and Structural Welder. Earn top pay in 18 weeks. Many companies seek our graduates. 1-800-667-5885. (KCAN)

A proposal for construction engineering services was signed at Monday’s regular scheduled Labette County Commission meeting.
Cook, Flatt & Stroebel Engineers, P.A., Topeka, will provide the services at 10,000 and Clay Road in Labette County.
In other business matters at Monday’s meeting:
• Road and Bridge Supervisor, Sandy Krider told the commission that 8,590 trees have been taken care of in the county, due to the “hangers” the ice storm left. They are work on one mile of Hickory and then will head East of Victory to 166.
• First load of dust control went down on Monday, Krider said.
• Still working on washouts, Krider said.
• Commissioner Jerry Carson was absent.
• Discussed the Labette Sewer District No. 1 charges and fees for the 2009 preliminary budget. County Clerk Linda Schreppel has worked up a letter and billing statement and County Counselor Fred Johnson will draft another letter of explanation.
• Approved the May 5 and May 12 minutes.
• Concluded that the special meeting called on Friday went very well and it accomplished what they were wanting. The meeting had to do with oil and gas production companies and their dealings with the county and neighbors along county roads.
“It was well worth it just to get the contacts,” Krider said.

Many events are planned for Memorial Day weekend in southern Labette County. Following are the events that were reported to this newspaper as the events were planned:
Oswego Cemetery
The Avenue of Flags will be placed at 6:30 a.m. for 259 veterans and the Memorial Day Services will begin at 9 a.m., Monday, May 26. The master of ceremonies will be Lonie R. Addis. Prayer service will be held by Rev. Eddie Williamson, Southern Baptist Church. The Boy Scout Troop #39 will have flag duties.
The flag raising and placing of the VFW wreath by Ron Schlatter and the Auxiliary wreath by Irm Alexander will be held followed by the color guard/firing squad commanded by Carl Wayne Strickland. Taps will be played by Boy Scout Troop No. 39. The sound system is provided by Col. Jack Fewin.
The Avenue of Flags will be taken up at 5 p.m.

Chetopa - Oak Hill Cemetery
The Chetopa Memorial VFW Post #10508 and it’s ladies auxiliary invite everyone to attend the annual Memorial Day services to be held Monday, May 26, at 10 a.m. at Oak Hill Cemetery. Dan Brown who is retired from the Air Force will be the featured speaker.
A flag raising and placing of the wreath to honor all deceased military personnel will be held.
All members of the community are urged to attend this honoring of veterans. Anyone not able to stand during the services is urged to bring their lawn chairs.
The Post and Auxiliary will also be placing the flags on the veteran’s graves on Friday, May 23 at 5:30 p.m. and taking them up on Tuesday, May 27, at 5:30 p.m. Anyone wishing to help with this endeavor would be greatly appreciated as there are over 480 flags to be placed.

Edna - North Hidden Cemetery
The memorial flags were placed on Saturday, May 17, at the North Edna Cemetery. The Pledge, a prayer by Pastor Chuck Evans and the National Anthem was sung. Doughnuts, coffee and juice were served to those volunteering. About 30 people attended.
The flags will be taken down on May 28 at about 10 a.m.
For more information call T. W. Stone, (620) 922-3599.

McKee Cemetery
The McKee Cemetery Association will meet on Sunday, May 25, at 2 p.m. at the cemetery. There will be a memorial service and a business meeting.
For more information, call John Epler at 620-597-2941.

Late afternoon sunshine was quickly replaced by a supercell storm in southeast Kansas early Saturday evening. Rain began falling in Oswego and Chetopa shortly before 5 p.m. Within a matter of minutes, tornado sirens shrieked a warning over the roar of the wind in both southern Labette County towns.

Just across the Oklahoma line south of Chetopa, the first reported tornado touched down. Several farms sustained moderate to severe damage and at least one was completely destroyed. A semi tractor-trailer was overturned along Highway 59 a mile south of the state line and hail up to the size of baseballs was reported as the storm progressed.

The Stewart farm, about three and a half miles south of Chetopa, was all but leveled. Several outbuildings were destroyed and a combine and stock trailer were tossed like toys over 400 feet east of their original positions.

A half mile north of the Stewart farm, the home of Mary Beth Hartley sustained moderate damage to both the house and vehicles, and the storm took out two outbuildings. Across highway 59 about 3 miles to the east, a trailer house was picked up and thrown into another house, demolishing the trailer and causing extensive damage to the second home. East of Chetopa, another house was also destroyed.

Other damage has been reported along the path of the storm, with Picher, Okla., suffering heavy damage. More damage was reported in Baxter Springs, Kan., and Newton County, Mo., as the fast-moving storm twisted and dipped its way across the countryside, leaving death and destruction in its wake.

Photos of the devestation can be found on clicks and grins.

The Bartlett United Methodist Church will host their monthly Sunday Country Breakfast on Sunday, June 1. Breakfast will be served from 7:30-9:30am in the church dining room.
The all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet menu will feature homemade sausage gravy served with biscuits, breakfast egg casseroles, ham, sausage, fresh fruit, breakfast sweets, coffee, juice, and milk.
Donations will be accepted to support the ministry and mission work of the church. The public is invited to attend.

The Labette Bank and Commercial Bank of Oswego are guaranteeing $1,000 for a “hole-in-one” on Monday, May 26, at the Oswego Golf Course Memorial Day Tournament.
The tournament will be held on May 25 and 26 and is open to all those wishing to play. Those wishing to participate need to call the golf course at 795-4767 as soon as possible in order to get in the tournament.

Robert Dean Smith to sing title role in “Tristan und Isolde” on PBS Television this Sunday

A Chetopa native, Robert Dean Smith, will sing the lead role in the nationally televised performance of the opera “Tristan und Isolde” on Sunday, June 1.
The Wagner opera will be featured on “Great Performances at the MET” (Metropolitan Opera) and will air Sunday, June 1, at 12 noon on KTWU-Topeka, Channel 11, and again on Wednesday, June 4, at 9 a.m.
The June 1 performance also will air on the Oklahoma Education Television channel 11, on June 1 at 12 noon.
Robert Dean Smith, who graduated from Chetopa High School in 1974, is the son of Patricia Smith of Joplin and the late Bill Smith, and the nephew of Ruth Smith of Chetopa.
Smith said he has many good memories of growing up in Chetopa where he began taking guitar lessons in the fourth grade. He played alto saxophone in the Chetopa High School Band and drove to Pittsburg State University weekly for vocal lessons with the late Margaret Thueneman. He attended PSU on a band scholarship and also earned a Parrot Scholarship in a church choir.
His mother said she gets to see Robert perform quite often — at least once or twice a year when he schedules a performance in the United States, and sometimes elsewhere.
“This has been quite an experience,” Patricia Smith said.
Robert said he lived all his young life in Chetopa, except the first and second grades which were in Oswego.
“Most summers I came back home to work, so I still had a foot in my hometown even when I left for Julliard,” Smith said in an interview from London.
Smith said his mother was a great influence on him as a young boy. He recalls that she was in a vocal group at Chetopa called “The Versatiles.” He also was influenced by his band teacher, Ronald Sandberg, who helped instill in him a love of music.
“I was in a rock band during junior high with Mark Paden, Edwin Smith and Jack Wilkinson. We were not so good, but we had fun,” he said.
Still, the seed was planted. “I knew there was a world of music that I didn’t know anything about,” he said.
That would change when he went to PSU.
“I was lucky to have grown up in a home that supported my ambitions and desires,” Smith said. “My parents told me something that I have never forgotten - that they will be with me one hundred percent with whatever I decide to do with my life, as long as it is my decision. The music business is notorious for people dreaming of a career that is only that - a dream. I wanted to spend my life doing something with music and this is how far that desire has taken me.”
Even though Smith has performed around the world in various roles, he is excited about the PBS program which will bring “Tristan und Isolde” into homes around the world.
“I have been working very hard for many years to be able to perform at a level that enables me to do such things as this televised performance,” he said. “Flying across the Atlantic, having one day of rehearsal, and then my debut at the MET and worldwide radio, plus the worldwide video feed requires having experience being under pressure,” he said.
He said the role of Tristan is the most difficult tenor role ever written.
Richard Wagner’s epic “Tristan und Isolde” will be conducted in the PBS televised performance by James Levine. Deborah Voigt, one of the world’s most celebrated Wagnerian sopranos, undertakes the iconic role of Isolde for the first time at the Met, and Smith portrays the other half of the archetypal couple.
This telecast was originally aired worldwide on the radio and in select movie theaters on March 22.
After studying at PSU, Smith was awarded a scholarship to the Juilliard School in New York where he received his Master of Music Degree. At Julliard he studied with Daniel Ferro and later with Professor Janice Harper in Europe (whom he later married).
Harper was involved in the very first production he sang in Germany. She was a soprano at the time. Later, as a professor of vocal music, she taught in the Mannheim Music College. Robert and Janice now travel together most of the time and they live in Switzerland. Janice is a native of Paducah, Ky.
Since his spectacular debut at the Richard Wagner Bayreuth Festival 1997 as Walther von Stolzing in “Die Meistersinger,” Robert Dean Smith is singing in the world’s leading opera houses and concert halls. An acclaimed interpreter of dramatic and Heldentenor roles, his engagements in theaters and concert halls around the world with the conductors Mehta, Pappano, Thielemann, Muti, Barenboim, Levine, Sawallisch, Maazel, Boulez, von Dohnanyi, Haitink, Nagano and Gatti, confirm his status as one of today’s most renowned singers.
He has performed in concert with the Bayerische Rundfunkorchester (Das Lied von der Erde by ler), Bayerische Staatsorchester Munich (Das Lied von der Erde), Royal Concertgebouworkest Amsterdam (Das Lied von der Erde, Kodaly’s Psalmus Hungaricus, Beethoven 9th, Stravinsky’s Oedipus Rex), the London Symphony Orchestra (The Dream of Gerontius by Elgar), the Philadelphia Orchestra (Missa Solemnis by Beethoven), the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia Rome (Dvorak Requiem, Walküre Act 1), the Staatskapella Berlin (Mahler’s 8th Symphony), Orchestre de Paris (Beethoven 9th, concert version of Fidelio), Los Angeles Philharmonic (Beethoven 9th), Vienna Symphony (Beethoven 9th, Dvorak Stabat Mater), Hamburg Symphoniker (Opera Gala), Symphonica Toscanini (Beethoven 9th), Deutsches Symphonie Orchester Berlin (Beethoven’s Christus am Ölberge), the SWR Radio Orchestra (Gurre-Lieder by Schönberg), Monte-Carlo Orchestre Philharmonique (concert version of Parsifal), and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (concert version of Lohengrin).
Robert Dean Smith had the special honor of singing the tenor solo in Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony for the 125th anniversary of the Bayreuth Festival in August 2001, in the Bayreuth Festspielhaus with the Festival Orchestra and Chorus conducted by Christian Thielemann. Robert Dean Smith’s CD recording on Arte Nova of Wagner scenes has been awarded the Orphée d’Or by the Académie du Disque Lyrique.
Like many dramatic tenors, he began his career as a baritone and sang for several years in German opera houses. His excellent training and stage versatility allow him to sing a wide variety of operas and concert repertoire in many different languages and styles.
Because Smith’s mother now resides in Joplin, that’s about as close as Robert Dean Smith gets to Chetopa. “I have so many friends who still live in and around Chetopa,” he said, “so it’s still close to my heart. After all, I got married there!”
“I am always glad to run onto someone from Chetopa,” he said. I never want to become a stranger in town.”
He invites all his friends to join a worldwide audience in seeing and listening to one of the most acclaimed operas ever performed at the Metropolitan Opera in New York.