Oswego City Clerk Cheri Peine was featured in the current edition of “Kansas Government Journal,” touting the advantages she sees in her hometown and giving a few introspective thoughts.
The Journal is the official publication of the Kansas League of Municipalities and is sent to all public officials at the state, county and city levels in Kansas.
The article was a question and answer interview in which Peine said she had served as Oswego City Clerk for 24 years and previously worked as utility billing clerk, payroll clerk and deputy city clerk.
Peine said the most satisfying part of her job was the diversity. “There are new issues every day — you are constantly learning, meeting new people, facing new challenges and looking at new opportunities,” she said.
Asked what is the biggest challenge facing the community, Peine listed apathy. “It’s harder and harder to get people involved in city government, community activities and pride issues,” she said. “There are many people who care, but they are becoming the minority rather than majority, and it is very worrisome to me — how it will affect our community in the future.”
What is the most important lesson she has learned while serving as a public official? “That we do not have to be limited because we are a rural community,” she said. “There are many opportunities. You have to be willing to think outside of the box and sometimes take a risk to reach your goals.”
The one piece of advice she would offer other city officials: “Learn as much as you can about your role; take advantage of training opportunities and network with other local officials.”
Asked to list three must-see or must-do things in Oswego, Peine’s response was:
1. Historic Riverside Park, a beautifully landscaped park with native stone structures offering a panoramic view overlooking the Neosho River Valley.
2. Oswegofest, the community’s annual celebration in the autumn.
3. Lori’s Creative Cakes and More — fantastic cookies, homemade pies and spectacular wedding cakes. She noted that owner Lori Cossou has been featured on the Food Network, Bride’s Magazine and at New York City’s Central Park.
And, finally, she was asked to list the three people, living or dead, whom she would most like to meet:
They were Abraham Lincoln, Christopher Columbus and Tom Hanks.
The article also included two photographs of scenes in Oswego.

Jack Martin of Parsons will fill the unexpired term of former Labette County Commissioner Jerry Carson who died in June. That decision was made by the Labette County Republican Central Committee when it met Monday night in Parsons.
Martin was the winner in the recent primary election over Rick Hizey for the commission seat. Since no Democrat filed for the position, Martin would presumably win the Nov. 4 general election and take office on Jan. 10, 2009.
The gap between then and now was the subject of Monday night’s appointment. It gives Gov. Kathleen Sebelius the opportunity to appoint someone to fill the unexpired term in office. Martin will take office as soon as the governor can make the appointment. His nomination by the GOP Central Committee was forwarded to the governor’s office on Monday.
“The meeting lasted only about 10 minutes,” said Mike Howerter who presided in the absence of chairman Grant Allison who has moved from the community. “It was a unanimous decision to see Jack Martin take office as soon as possible.”
After a 10-minute recess, another meeting was called to select new leadership among the Republican Central Committee and Howerter was elected unanimously as chairman.
Elected as vice chair was Dori Howerter with Paul Forbes elected secretary and Everett Smith selected as treasurer.
A brief speech was given by Lee Modesitt on a “Get Out the Vote” theme then Mike Howerter spoke on the direction and goals of the GOP Central Committee.
After Martin is appointed by the governor, he will join existing commissioners Brian Kinzie and Lonie Addis to comprise the Labette County Board of County Commissioners.

The Southern-Style Gospel Music Quartet, “Redemption’s Call,” will be performing this weekend at two churches in Labette County.  Redemption’s Call is a group composed of four men from the Parsons and Altamont areas. Marlan Hoffman sings lead; Paul Shelton is the tenor; Sid Van Dyne handles the bass and Randy Blackwell sings baritone and plays the piano.
On Saturday night, Aug. 23, the quartet will be singing at Center Bethel Church just south and east of Parsons. It is located at the corner of 18,000 and Queens Roads. The service will start at 7 p.m., and it is free to the public.  A free will offering will be taken.
On Sunday night, Aug. 24, Redemption’s Call will be ministering at the Community Bible Church in Chetopa. The service begins at 6 p.m., and the church is located at 224 Cherry. Again, there is no charge and an offering will be taken.

Rev. Steven B. McBrien is the new pastor at the Assembly of God in Oswego. He and his wife, Gwen have three children, Riley, Jordan and David. They are from Muskogee, Okla.
Rev. McBrien was currently serving as interim youth pastor at the New Hope Assembly of God in Muskogee. He has been a senior commander of Royal Rangers, Men’s Ministry leader and a teacher.
He has participated in three mission trips to Indian Reservations in Arizona. The team worked on the church building during the day and ministered through dramas at night.
Rev. McBrien is a licensed minister of the Assemblies of God. “It is my calling to pastor a church that is family oriented, relevant to today’s world, and has a passion for Christ,” he said. “As a leader, I have a desire to see people grow in Christ individually and corporately by equipping and leading by example,” he said.
He and his wife are co-founders of E5 Family Ministries, a ministry for married couples.
His wife, Gwen is a certified minister of the Assemblies of God. She is an experienced teacher of God’s word and has a burden for the lost and intercessory prayer. She has served as Women’s Ministry coordinator, and on the district level. She has been involved in numerous ministries such as MPact Girls Club, JBQ and Youth.
“Gwen is an incredible asset to my ministry and together we make a wonderful ministry team,” Rev. McBrien said.
Riley, 17-year old son, will finish out his senior year at his high school in Muskogee, Okla.
Jordan, 15-year old daughter, will be a freshman at Labette County High School in Altamont.
David, 10-year old, will be attending fifth grade at Neosho Heights Elementary School in Oswego.
The McBriens invite you to come and get acquainted. The church is located at the corner of Fourth and Depot streets in Oswego. Sunday School begins at 9:45 a.m., followed by the Morning Worship at 10:45 a.m. The evening service will start at 6 p.m. Wednesday night service will begin at 7 p.m.

The Labette County Commissioners signed a contract submitted by the Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Property Valuation at Monday’s county commission meeting. “The contract provides us for a fee with a state appraiser to sign off on specific documents while we search for a new appraiser,” Commissioner Lonie Addis said. This is something we have to do, he said. Addis has submitted a letter from the Labette County Commission for this assistance. The state appraiser assigned is Lawrence (Larry) Reynolds. He is also filling in for Montgomery County since their appraiser passed away.
“I foresee little change in the current operations of the appraiser’s office during this interim period. I am still acting as chairman to oversee the operations of that department,” Addis said.
The county is looking for an appraiser to fill the position left by LeRoy Burk who resigned last month.

For more information, see the Aug. 20 issue of the Labette Avenue. To locate previously posted death notices, enter the decedent’s last name in the archive search box on Labette Avenue’s home page. Labette Avenue publishes death notices free of charge. Paid obituaries ($20) are printed in their entirety in the Labette Avenue and online at taylornews.org.

Laura “Jean” Chesnutt

CHETOPA—Laura “Jean” Chesnutt, 95, of Chetopa, Kan., passed away Monday, Aug. 18, 2008 at Oswego Medical Center in Oswego, Kan.

Graveside funeral services will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Aug.20, at Lake Creek Cemetery with Pastor Randy Frazier officiating.

Jean was born Feb. 6, 1913, in Carthage, Mo., the daughter of Frank and Margaret (McLean) Tullis. She graduated from Altamont High School in 1931 as Co-Salutatorian of her class. She attended Kansas State Teachers’ College in Pittsburg and taught for nine years in local rural schools.

On May 9, 1940, Jean married Horace M. Chesnutt of Chetopa. The couple operated the Chetopa Farm Auction during the 1940s and 1950s.

Mrs. Chesnutt is survived by a daughter, Myrna Chesnutt of Chetopa; a son, Jerry Chesnutt of Chetopa; a grandson, Cody Chesnutt and wife Erin of Chetopa; two great-grandchildren, Kristen Chesnutt and Austin Chesnutt of Chetopa; three step-great-grandchildren; Sarah, Katie and Sione Daniels, all of Chetopa.

She was preceded in death by her husband Horace in 1996; a brother, George Tullis of Bartlett; and a sister, Lottie Apperson of Welch, Okla.

Richard “Dale” Hoppock

BARTLETT—Richard “Dale” Hoppock, 81, of rural Bartlett, Kan., died at 12:55 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2008, at Oswego Community Hospital.

Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m., Friday, Aug. 15, at the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Altamont. Burial will be in Richland Cemetery, rural Angola. The family will receive friends from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to the USD 506 Foundation, Inc. These may be left at or mailed to Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 325, Altamont, KS 67330.

Dale was born Aug. 16, 1926, in Mound Valley, to Elmer and Mary (Eastabrook) Hoppock. He grew up there and was a 1944 graduate of Labette County Community High School in Altamont.

He and his father farmed together for a number of years before he began his 42 year career as a bus mechanic and bus driver for USD 506. He retired from there in 1991.

Dale enjoyed rebuilding old furniture, fishing, gardening and tending to his flowers. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

On June 28, 1947, he married Helen Forrester in Oswego, Kan. She survives of the home.

Additional survivors include two sons, Steve Hoppock and wife Georgia, Dearing; and Randy Hoppock and wife Brenda, rural Altamont; one daughter, Gayle Peoples and husband Jim, Altamont; 11 grandchildren, Cindy and Cory Eads, Russiaville, Ind.; Christy Cibes, Altamont; Jennifer and D. J. Winters, Mound Valley; Scott and Kristen Shaw, Altamont; Katelynn Hoppock, Chicago, Ill.; Ross Hoppock, Council Bluff, Iowa; Chris Nelson, Dearing; Tiffany and Jaret Drummond, Parsons; Brandy Hoppock, Parsons; Ryan and Shianne Hoppock, Edna; and Steven Hoppock, Altamont; seven great-grandchildren, Devin Plain, Christopher Eads and Dakota Eads, Russiaville, Ind.; Chase Winters, Chance Winters and Faith Winters, Mound Valley; and Marissa Drummond, Parsons; one sister, Dorothy Abshier, Afton, Okla.

He was preceded in death by three brothers, two sisters, a daughter, Cheryl Cibes, in 1988; and one grandson.

Eldon W. Huffman

ALTAMONT—Eldon Wesley Huffman, 76, of rural Altamont, Kan., died Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2008, at Elmhaven West Nursing Home in Parsons. Betty, his wife of 53 years was by his side.

Funeral services will be held at 9 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 16, at the Altamont Christian Church with Pastor Lewis Regis officiating. Burial will follow at the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery at Altamont. Friends may call at the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Altamont after 1 p.m., Friday.

Memorials are suggested to the Altamont Christian Church and these may be left at or mailed to the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, 510 S. Wabash, Altamont, KS 67330. Friends may visit the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home website to leave condolences to the family.

Eldon was born in Pittsburg, Kan., on Dec. 22, 1931, to Claude Irvil Huffman and Florence Mildred (Smith) Huffman. He was married to Betty Jac Reece on July 29, 1955, at the Thayer Christian Church in Thayer, Kan.
He attended Pittsburg Public Schools and graduated from Pittsburg High School in 1950. He received his bachelor of science degree in education in 1954 and his master of science degree in 1959 from Kansas State Teacher’s College of Pittsburg. He was named to Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities in 1954. He was vice-president of his senior class, and was also president of the Young Men’s Christian Association, chairman of Religious Emphasis Week and a member of the debate team.

After serving two years in the U.S. Army, Eldon became student counselor at Wellington High School. He then became counselor at Labette County Community High School in Altamont for six years. He retired as counselor and foreign student advisor in 1992 after twenty-six years at Labette Community College. There, he served as president of the LCC Faculty Association and president of the Kansas Association of Higher Education. He served ten years as a city councilman in Altamont and president for one year of the recreation association which built the Altamont swimming pool.

He was baptized by immersion in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of his sins at the First Christian Church in Wellington, Kan., in 1957. His service to the Lord continued at the Central Avenue Christian Church in Parsons where he served as deacon. He became a member of the Altamont Christian Church in 1975 where he was an elder, teacher, church board member and youth leader. He considered it the rarest of privileges to have contributed hands-on labor in the construction of the church building.

Eldon had a great passion for sports. He participated as a child in baseball, basketball and tennis through the Pittsburg community programs and the YMCA. He won honors at KSTC as a four year letterman in track. He also played on the varsity tennis team. While serving in the U.S. Army in Japan, he was named to the All-Japan Softball Team and competed in the far east tournament. His life-long effort was coaching and furnishing equipment for community and church teams. His last project, which was done from his wheelchair, was the repair and renovation of the basketball goal and furnishing new equipment for the teen recreation room at the fourth street property of the Altamont Christian Church.

Survivors include his wife, Betty, of the home; a son, Curtis, of Altamont; two daughters, Jana Unruh and husband Jim of Overland Park, Kan.; and Nancy Tebbe and husband Chris of Belton, Mo.; six grandchildren; three brothers, Don Huffman of Pella, Iowa; David Huffman of Bothell, Wash.; and Claude Huffman of Longview, Wash.; and one sister, Lillian Truman of Irvine, Calif.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Ted Huffman; and a sister, Virginia Scott.

Lorene R. Pee

CHETOPA—Lorene R. Pee, 87, a lifelong resident of Chetopa, Kan., died at 12:32 p.m., Friday, Aug. 15, 2008, at Labette Health in Parsons.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m.., Monday, Aug. 18, at the First Baptist Church in Chetopa. Burial will be in Oakhill Cemetery in Chetopa. Friends may call at the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home of Chetopa after noon on Sunday.

Lorene was born Nov. 19, 1920, on a rural Chetopa farm, a daughter of Robert S. and Savilla (Viney) Caldwell. She attended Cook School and Chetopa High School.

She first met her husband, Clarence Pee, when he came to the family farm with a harvesting crew. After dating for several years, they were married May 6, 1938. He preceded her in death in July of 1979.

Following their marriage, Lorene, a homemaker, started babysitting. She had great love and pride in the children she cared for during the 41 years of babysitting. Even though she retired in 1991, she loved “all” her children until her death.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Chetopa. Her hobbies were sewing, quilting and craftwork. She enjoyed her family and her home.
Those surviving are three grandchildren, Paula Green, Michael Tyler and Lisa Olivarez-Silvey; four great-grandchildren, Raven Olivarez, Adriean Castro, Derek Green and DeLaina Green; one sister, Ruby Yost, Chetopa; and one niece, Verda Maude Littlejohn, Chetopa.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by two sons, Frankie and James Pee; one daughter, Peggy Tyler; three brothers and five sisters.

Oren Douglas Roberts

ROUND ROCK, Texas—Oren Douglas Roberts, a resident of Round Rock, Texas, went to be with his Lord on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2008, at age 94.

Doug was born on May 14, 1914, in Elix, Okla., the son of Bert Clarence Roberts and Henrietta (Athey) Roberts. Doug was orphaned at age 10 and lived a difficult life as a child, moving from farm home to farm home during the depression years. Through personal perseverance, Doug received a BS at Pittsburg Teachers College, Pittsburg, Kan., and became Principal of the West Mineral Grade School.

Doug married Katherine (Wester) Roberts in Edna, Kan., on Sept. 12, 1936. They had two children, James Douglas Roberts and Dolores Ann (Roberts) Gish.

After Doug served in the US Navy during WWII, the family moved to Manhattan, Kan., where Doug completed an MA degree in Education at Kansas State University. He taught algebra and math for 33 years at the Manhattan Junior High School.

He and Katherine were faithful members of the First Baptist Church. Doug also managed the Manhattan City Swimming Pool and the Rock Springs 4-H Ranch during several summers. He was an ardent fisherman and gardener and he spent many happy hours at his woodworking bench. Katherine preceded in death.

In 1979, Doug moved to Ogden, Utah, to live with his daughter, Annie. There, he met and married Anne Searcy in 1981 and they enjoyed an active life together until her death in 1996.

Thereafter, Doug lived near his daughter, Annie, in Round Rock, Texas, where he met and married Janette Kester in 1999. They were good company for each other and enjoyed many mutual interests together. Doug was a beloved member in each family gathering. Going fishing and playing checkers with Granddad was a special joy for him and his great grandchildren. He was an enthusiastic attendee to the Round Rock Express baseball games.

Doug is survived by his wife, Janette; daughter, Annie Gish; sister, Lois Turner, Round Rock; 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Doug was predeceased by his wife, Katherine Dolores; wife, Anne Searcy; son, Dr. James Douglas Roberts; father and mother; sister, Hattie Mae Jones; brother, Edward Chancey McGinnis; sister, Nola Faye Yates; sister, Nora Edith Yates; and brother, Olin Whitson Roberts.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Hope Alliance Crisis Center, 1011 Gattis School Road, Ste 106, Round Rock, TX, 78664, are suggested.

Connie Marie (LaVelle) Holsteen

PARSONS—Connie Marie (LaVelle) Holsteen, 58, of Parsons, Kan., died Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2008.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Wesley United Methodist Church with the Rev. Peggy Hillmon officiating. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at Carson-Wall Funeral Home.

Memorials are suggested to the Connie Holsteen “Kindred Spirits” Memorial Scholarship Fund. They may be left at or sent to the Carson-Wall Funeral Home, P.O. Box 942, Parsons, 67357.

A second funeral service will be on Saturday at the United Methodist Church in Seward, Neb. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery in Seward. The Zabka Funeral Home in Seward is in charge of the Nebraska arrangements.

Burton R. Taylor

COLUMBUS—Burton R. Taylor, 86, of Columbus, Kan., died Saturday, Aug. 9, 2008.

Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Murdock Funeral Home, Columbus.

Gary Lee Stice

TULSA, Okla.—Gary Lee Stice, 53, of Tulsa, Okla., died from a heart attack on Monday, Aug. 11, 2008. Gary was a 1972 graduate of Labette County High School, Altamont.

A memorial celebration service will be in mid-September. Ninde Funeral Directors of Tulsa is in charge of arrangements. The family requests memorials to the American Heart Association.

Imogene Mead

CHETOPA—Imogene Mead, 86, of Chetopa, Kan., died Friday Aug. 15, 2008, at St. John’s Regional Medical Center, after an illness.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Paul Thomas Funeral Home, Picher, Okla. Joe Fry will officiate. Interment will be in Fairview Cemetery in Chetopa. The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Services are under the direction of Paul Thomas Funeral Home, Picher.

Orpha Elizabeth Randall

COLUMBUS—Orpha Elizabeth (Simpson) Randall, 86, of Columbus, Kan., Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008, at the Medicalodge in Columbus after an illness.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 20, at the Simpson Funeral Home in Columbus with the Pastor Susan Brey-Daniels. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 19, at the funeral home.

Memorials have been established for the Columbus Community Foundation and may be left at the Simpson Funeral Home in Columbus.

Mildred J. Brown

CHETOPA—Mildred J. Brown, 78, of Chetopa, Kan., died Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008, at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kan. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Brown, June 17, 2008.

Complete obituary information will be announced by Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Chetopa.

Arthur B. Cuddy

PARSONS—Arthur B. Cuddy, 49, of Parsons, Kan., died at Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008, at his home. He was in failing health.

The body will be cremated. No services are planned at this time. Arrangements are under the direction of Carson-Wall Funeral Home.

Maurice Ray Conway

PARSONS—Maurice Ray Conway, 92, of Parsons, Kan., formerly of Fairfield, Ill., died Monday, Aug. 18, 2008, at Elmhaven West in Parsons.

Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Johnson Funeral Home in Fairfield, Ill. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery in Fairfield, Ill. The Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons is in charge of local arrangements.

Memorials are suggested to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice and may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, 67357.

COFFEYVILLE — An Oswego man was killed and a Havana woman was injured in a two-vehicle collision on U.S. 166 highway in Coffeyville early Friday morning, Aug. 15.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, Steven Daryl Nottingham, 24, of Oswego, was killed when his westbound vehicle veered into an eastbound lane and struck another vehicle head on.  A passenger in the eastbound vehicle, Keena Tibbets, 21, of Havana, was injured and taken to Coffeyville Regional Medical Center. The driver of the eastbound vehicle, Harold J. Holland, 57, of Bucyrus, Kan., was not injured.

There were three other passengers in the eastbound vehicle, none of whom reported injuries at the scene of the collision. They included Lucas Holland, 24, of Bucyrus; Maggie Gunn, 21, of Wann, Okla., and Alysha White, 20, of Pittsburg.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, Nottingham was not wearing seat belts at the time of the collision.

Brittnee Albertson, daughter of John and Christy Albertson of rural Oswego competed in the Miss Teen of Kansas state pageant recently in Manhattan, Kan.

She did not win the pageant but came home with several great awards. She won the talent division and received the Outstanding Achievement Award for a Fourteen-year old.

She will be eligible to try in a couple of years for the 16-18 year old age bracket. It is actually a scholarship program and not a beauty pageant. Brittnee’s talent is twirling and she is a twirler with her high school band.

She received a plaque for her twirling and performed for everyone the night of the finals.

There have been several references to all terrain vehicles, utility vehicles, micro trucks and golf carts in the Labette Avenue. This writing is an attempt to define and explain each vehicle and the purposes for them to avoid confusion in future discussion.

There are distinct differences, so Bill Miller offered to give us pictures and definitions of each vehicle. Since this discussion could become quite lengthy, the newspaper will discuss one per week.
All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) are 49cc to over 850cc machines. Their top speeds are 20 mph to 70 mph. They come in two and four wheel drives. They are made primarily for off-road rugged terrain riding.

These machines are much safer than the two-wheel dirt bikes that were ridden and loved when they came out a few years ago. There are many manufacturers of these machines which come equipped in a variety of ways. Some come with front and rear lights, brake lights and a horn. There are no seat belts, headrest or roll bars. The ATV is straddled like a motorcycle or a horse.

The steering mechanism is a handle bar and not a steering wheel. The ATV is fairly stable and a good unit to get a hunter, fisherman, sightseer or camper into the wilds and into areas you couldn’t take most vehicles.