David Sommers of rural Oswego was selected as the “Fantastic Father” for our Fathers’ Day recognition. His four children, Zachary, Josiah, Sonya and Stephanie, wrote a letter of recommendation.

Dear Labette Avenue:
We have the most wonderful dad, David Sommers. He takes us to the park, takes us out to eat on our birthday, and plays ball with us.
He teaches us from the Bible and prays with us at bedtime, plays games with us, and lets us work with him in the shop. Sorry, folks, but we got the “best.”
Zachary, Josiah, Sonya, Stephanie Sommers, Oswego.

David received a copy of Light on Main Street by Rudy Taylor, $25 gift certificate to Denton True Value Hardware and $25 gift certificate to Trotnic Lumber & Supply in Oswego and a framed family picture.

Swimming Lessons for the Chetopa Pool previously scheduled to begin this week have been changed to occur during the two weeks of June 30-July 10, Monday through Thursday evenings.
“We were running into conflicts with baseball and softball games,” said Robin Oldham, who will be teaching the lessons. “Evening lessons make it easier for many families to fit the lessons in, but only after ball season for some. It’s so important that kids learn to swim and to be safe in the water that it only makes sense to offer the lessons when more kids can take them.”
Lessons for levels 1 and 3 will be held from 6:15 to 7:00 p.m. each evening. Levels 2 and 4 will follow, from 7:15 to 8 p.m. There are no classes scheduled for the Friday evenings of July 4 and 11. Dates and times for Level 5 and 6 classes will be announced depending on the number of students registered.
Cost for swimming lessons is $20 for the first student from each family and $18 for the first sibling from the family. Any other siblings may sign up at $16 per student. It is preferred that students be registered in advance by stopping by the Chetopa Pool or calling 620-236-7902; payment may be made any time the pool is open (1 to 6 p.m. daily) or on the first day of lessons.
Students entering Level 1 should be at least 5 years old; those lessons are conducted in the 3-foot area of the big pool. Students ready for Level 4 must be able to swim the front crawl using rotary breathing (”head in water”), and the back crawl. Levels 5 and 6 may be taught together and are for swimmers who have successfully passed Level 4 or 5. The class will combine form improvement for all strokes, endurance swimming and some basic rescue skills.

U.S. Senator Pat Roberts will continue his annual listening tour of Kansas counties with a Labette County Town Hall Meeting in Parsons on Saturday, June 21, at 2:30 p.m., at Fazio’s Italian Ristorante in the Parsonian Hotel, 1725 Broadway, Parsons.

Senator Roberts will hear the thoughts and concerns of Kansans. The event is open to the media and the public.

For more information, see the June 18 issue of Labette Avenue.

David Earl Gail

ALBUQUERQUE, NM—David Earl Gail died June 11, 2008, after a brief illness.

Cremation has taken place and inurnment will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery, Chetopa, Kan., at a future date.

Stella Marie Mosler

ELDORADO SPRINGS, Mo.—Stella Marie Mosler, 99, of Eldorado Springs, Mo., died Monday, June 9, 2008, at the Community Springs Health Facility in Eldorado Springs, where she had been a resident since the fall of 2005.

Funeral services were held Friday at Bath-Naylor Funeral Home in Pittsburg. Burial was at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Pittsburg.

The family requests memorials to the Grace United Methodist Church. These may be left at or sent to funeral home, 522 S. Broadway, Pittsburg, 66762.

Evelyn A. Willson

WICHITA — Evelyn A. Willson, 78, of Wichita, a former longtime Parsons resident, died at 7:35 a.m. Tuesday, June 10, 2008, at Harry Hynes Hospice at Via Christi Medical Center in Wichita.

Funeral services were held Friday at the First Baptist Church with the Revs. John Chastain and Joe Hyde officiating. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the First Baptist Church of Parsons. They may be left at or mailed to the Carson-Wall Funeral Home at P.O. Box 942, Parsons, 67357.

Mary H. Smith

COLUMBUS—Mary Hartman Smith, 95, passed away Tuesday, June 10, 2008.

Services were held Thursday at Murdock Funeral Home Chapel, Columbus. Burial was in Park Cemetery.

Roger D. Green

MOUND VALLEY—Roger D. Green, 46, of rural Mound Valley, Kan., died Friday, June 13, 2008, at Labette Health in Parsons.

Funeral services were held Monday, June 16, at Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Altamont. Burial was in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested for the Green Children’s Education Fund. These may be left at or mailed to Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 325, Altamont, KS 67330.

Ronald Leroy Adams

PARSONS—Ronald Leroy “Ron” Adams, 72, of Parsons, Kan., died Thursday, June 12, 2008, at his home following a lengthy illness.

Funeral services were held Monday, June 16, 2008, at the Carson-Wall Funeral Home. Burial was in the Memorial Lawn Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the First Assembly of God Church of Parsons or to the Parsons Senior Center, and these may be left at or mailed to the funeral home, 112 N. 26th St., P.O. Box 942, Parsons, KS 67357.

The Carson Wall Funeral Home of Parsons was in charge of the arrangements.

Dolores Maxine Polk

CHETOPA—Dolores Maxine Polk, 78, of Chetopa, Kan., died Monday, June 16, 2008, at Chetopa Manor Nursing Home in Chetopa, where she had resided since December 2007.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m., Thursday, June 19, at the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Chetopa. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Coffeyville. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, June 18, at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to the Susan G. Komen Foundation or the Elm Christian Church. These may be left at or mailed to Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 346, Chetopa, KS 67336.

Keith R. Cunningham

PARSONS—Keith R. Cunningham, 47, of Parsons, Kan., was found dead at his home on Friday, June 13, 2008.

Following cremation, a memorial service will be held at 7 p.m., Thursday, June 19, at the Carson-Wall Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Oakwood Cemetery with a private graveside service held at a later date. Friends may call the funeral home at their convenience.

Memorials are suggested to the Recording Arts Technology Program at Labette Community College, and these may be left at or mailed to the funeral home, 112 N. 26th St., P.O. Box 942, Parsons, KS 67357.

Jean Rowland, area family and consumer science agent, will retire on July 1, after 27 years of service.

A reception will be held on Thursday, June 26 from 3-6 p.m. at the Extension Office. It is open to the public.
Rowland, started in Labette County the fall of 1981. She was previously was in Thomas County in Northwest Kansas for six and half years, before transferring to the Extension Office in Altamont.
“I am trying to get things lined up for the fair activities before I go. Volunteers are needed in the community open class exhibits. If interested in helping with entries and the judging process, contact the Extension Office at 620-784-5337. They can always use more help,” Rowland said.
There has been a change in the 4-H groups since 1981. “They are always expanding into developing different judging teams, there has been growth in the horticulture judging team that have had seven state champions,” Rowland said.
“I plan to catch up on projects that I haven’t been able to get to working full time. I plan to do some traveling and be flexible,” Rowland added.
Rowland has two children: Vicky graduated from PSU and lives in Topeka, John is going to school at Washburn in Topeka.
Rowland’s position is open. K-State has re-issued the position if someone is interested, contact this office.
“I have enjoyed working in Labette County and I’m looking forward to be around for awhile,” she said.

Two races for county commissioner in Labette County, all on the Republican ticket, will result in a primary election run-off to be held Tuesday, Aug. 5.
The deadline to file for county, state and congressional offices was Tuesday at 12 noon.
County elections clerk Becky Czapansky said the following races would comprise this year’s elections in Labette County:
Second Dist. County Commissioner Brian C. Kinzie, incumbent, will be challenged in the Aug. 5 primary by Pamela Oakley of Altamont and Lowell Scott of Mound Valley.
In the County Commission Dist. No. 3, two Republicans have filed: Rick Hizey of Parsons and Jack W. Martin of Parsons. The incumbent for that position, Jerry Carson, did not file for re-election.
All other Labette County elected officials will run with no opposition. They include the following:
• Linda Schreppel, Labette County Clerk, Republican.
• Crystal Addis, Labette County Treasurer, Democrat.
• Donna Strickland, Labette County Register of Deeds, Democrat.
• Hillary Haas, Labette County Attorney, Republican.
• William C. Blundell, Labette County Sheriff, Republican.
In other races affecting Labette County residents, incumbent State Sen. Dwayne Umbarger, Republican from Thayer, drew two opponents: Democrat David L. Miller of Parsons, and Republican Iris VanMeter of Thayer.
That race will require VanMeter and Umbarger to meet on the Aug. 5 primary ballot before facing Miller in the Nov. 4 general election.
Incumbent State Rep. Richard J. Proehl of Parsons, a Republican, drew no opponent this time for House Dist. No. 7, nor did incumbent State Rep. Jerry D. Williams of Chanute for House Dist. No. 8.
For U.S. House of Representatives, incumbent Nancy Boyda, a Democrat, will be challenged by two well-known Republicans, Lynn Jenkins and Jim Ryun.
For the U.S. Senate, incumbent Pat Roberts will be challenged by two Democrats, Lee Jones and Jim Slattery.

Everything is set for the annual Flag Day celebration in Altamont on Saturday, June 14.
Amanda Pierce and Dianna Wells said more than $1,200 in prizes will be given away during the day’s events. Some of the prizes will include a $100 gas card, 20 inch microwave oven, lots of camping equipment, a 3.1 cu. ft. refrigerator, three weather radios, a children’s bicycle and numerous other gifts.
They said prizes are still being collected so there are sure to be more by the time everyone arrives for Saturday’s activities
The day will start with the serving of biscuits and gravy in the fire department starting at 6:30 a.m and serving until 9. A full order will be $2 and a half order for $1.
A horseshoe tournament has been scheduled at 10 a.m. in the city park and registration will begin at 9 a.m.
Steve Strasser (784-2502) will be in charge of the horseshoe event.
Booths will open in the downtown area from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and a quilt show will be held from 8 a.m. to 12 noon.
Leroy and Leona Hamilton were chosen as Flag Day Sweethearts and they will be featured in the parade which begins at 11 a.m. Those wishing to enter the parade should line up behind Harrison Auditorium.
The Grand Marshall for this year’s parade will be Tom Reazin.
Kids’ games will be played from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the downtown area and there will be free inflatables for the children to enjoy.
Moon walks and an obstacle with slide will be set up behind Twin Valley Electric.
Live entertainment will be featured from 1 to 4 p.m. and prize drawings will be held at 4 p.m. in the fire department.
A free bean feed, sponsored by the United Methodist preschool, will be served at 6 p.m.
Rick Cook and his band will play at a free street dance starting at 7 p.m. It will be held inside the fire department in case of rain.

Jerry Meyer, son of an Oswego couple, Wayne and Ada Meyer, has completed the interior design of a dream home in suburban Los Angeles called Bel Air that has been featured in a magazine called “The Robb Report.”
“The Robb Report” is a magazine about luxury life, featuring products of the lifestyle such as cars, watches and real estate. It was originally started by Robert White as a magazine designed to complement the purchase of a Rolls Royce automobile.
The home featured is an Italian Renaissance hilltop villa. It is a 15,000 square-foot residence near Los Angeles overlooking a country club. The 1.5 acre property encompasses a pool, has a double garden with water features and sculpture and numerous entertaining spaces.
The color palatte for most of the furnishings are red, fuchsia, and coral. Other features of the home include the theater, theater lounge, wine room, and billiard room, which have their own wing. There is a custom-designed bed, a 400 square foot closet and 17 bathrooms in the home.
Wayne and Ada Myer have lived in Oswego for almost 20 years. His son Jerry graduated from Axtell, Neb. He then was an intern for an interior designer for six years.
This is Meyer’s 11th house to work on. He works on two houses at the same time, he said. The other one he is working on is for a Chinese man who lives in Beijing.
“It took 25 years to get to this point and the things that have worked for me are a lot of hard work and surrounding myself with the best people possible,” Jerry said.
“I’ve had the same clients for over 20 years and have learned the value of loyalty and honesty,” he added.
Jerry sent a copy of the “Robb Report” to his father in Oswego. Wayne was excited to receive it and commented that it was really great and good to read about his son’s accomplishments.
For a video coverage of the Ultimate Home 2008, visit robbreport.com/uh.

If you have not been in the Chetopa Historical Museum, you are in for a treat. There are many surprises for a small-town museum. The displays are beautiful and carry out a theme in most cases that brings one to reminisce over old times and events of Chetopa’s colorful past.
Fannie Bassett, who became curator in 1994, has worked there since 1985. She moved to her husband’s hometown in 1966. She calls him Junior. He worked on the police force when they moved to Chetopa. All three of her children graduated from high school in Chetopa. One son still lives in Chetopa, one son lives in Winslow, Ariz. and her daughter lives in Paola, Kan.
Fannie has written a book compiling Chetopa’s Black History through obituaries and burial locations from 1869-1999. The title of her book is Chetopa Kansas Black History, Volume 1. She is preparing to do Volume 2.
Within the museum you can see a washing machine that was made in Chetopa, a button factory display, medical kits from Dr. Ernestine and Dr. Bob Von Trebra who spent many years as the town’s physicians. There is a display depicting the history of Carson Robinson who led an illustrious life and was a pioneer in the music world of song writing and performing of legendary proportions.
The War of 1812 has a memorable place in the museum. Dr. George Lisle, the founder of Chetopa has a doctor’s case. There is a 1902 Sears Catalogue and dresses that were beautifully handmade on display. The quality of the museum and the story-telling theme of the displays are superb. You are truly missing something if you don’t take some time to browse and let Fannie point out some of the truly remarkable memorabilia. It instills pride in your hometown or for those who are visiting and want to see the stuff the pioneer west was made of.
The museum is open on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.