The women’s side of the Labette Correctional Conservation Camp at Oswego will close at the end of this year, Labette County Commissioner Lonie Addis told Labette Avenue Tuesday afternoon.
“This came as a shock to me,” said Addis who has been a major supporter of the camp since its inception in January 2000..
“I was called by Sec. of Corrections Roger Warholtz from Topeka informing me of the impending closing.”
The women’s camp already had been slated for closing in 2010 but because of cutbacks in the state budget, several corrections facilities are being closed or severely cut in funding.
The men’s camp is set for closing sometime in 2010, however Warholtz made it clear that it, too, could face an early closing, although no specific date was given.
Warholtz blamed the national economy and its trickle-down impact upon the state of Kansas for the early closing, noting that other prisons facilities in the state also have been targeted.
Legislative leaders were in Topeka Wednesday wrestling with decisions about cutbacks in all state-funded programs.
The women’s camp in Oswego employs 16 people and houses 27 inmates.
The men’s camp employs another 46 people and houses another 150 inmates.
“This is not a good time to be a county commissioner in Kansas,” said Addis who has spent nearly two decades in office. “We knew the state was looking at closing the camp, but everyone thought we had another year, at least. This came as a total shock to me.”
The boot camps in Oswego are operated by Labette County under a contract with the Kansas Department of Corrections.
Camp administrator Tom Bringle was officially notified of the decision on Monday.
Addis said the KDOC must pay off the bonds that funded the expansion of the men’s camp and construction of the women’s facility eight years ago.
There remain many unanswered questions about where the women inmates will be transferred and what arrangements will be made about the employees and their futures.
The state hopes to save approximately $1 million annually by closing the women’s boot camp.
The KDOC plans to market the women’s facility for industrial purposes, but that process may wait until a definite decision is made about the future of the men’s camp facility.

For more information, see the Nov. 19 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.

Donna Jean Moses

CHETOPA—Donna Jean Moses, 79, of Chetopa, Kan., died at 12:20 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008, at Oswego Community Hospital in Oswego, Kan.

Graveside services are scheduled for 10 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 15, at Oak Hill Cemetery in Chetopa. The casket will remain closed. The family will receive friends at 813 Hardin in Chetopa.

Memorials are suggested to the Chetopa Fire Department. These may be left at or mailed to Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 346, Chetopa, KS 67336.

Donna was born Jan. 25, 1929, in St. Paul, Kan., to Edward and Jessie (Bond) Holding. As a young girl, she grew up and attended schools in St. Paul, and at the age of 60, earned her GED.

Through the years, she worked at Fred Ronald Manufacturing in Parsons, Glen Berry Manufacturing in Chetopa, Chetopa Manor as a certified dietary manager, and most recently at the Hornet’s Nest in Chetopa for 13 years.

She enjoyed flower gardening and collecting hummingbirds. She especially enjoyed sewing for her children and grandchildren.

On March 29, 1947, he and Billy S. Moses were married in Erie, Kan. He preceded her in death April 1, 1972. She later married Jim Mount. He preceded her in death April 7, 1998.

Survivors include three sons, Ed Moses, Oswego; Bill Moses, Chetopa; and Doug Moses, Chetopa; two daughters, Nancy Miller, Chetopa; and Jewel Lawellin, Chetopa; 12 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; two sisters, Daisy Woods, Chanute; and Agnes Hurley, Parsons.

She was preceded in death by two brothers, one sister and two granddaughters.

Lawrence V. Westervelt

COLUMBUS—Lawrence V. Westervelt, 87, of rural Columbus, Kan., died Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, at Freeman Health Systems, Joplin, Mo., after an illness.

Family visitation will be at 1 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 19, at Simpson Funeral Home, 323 S. Kansas, Columbus. Graveside funeral services will be at 2 p.m., at Park Cemetery, Columbus, with Gayle Lucian officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the Columbus Foundation in care of Simpson Funeral Home.

Simpson Funeral Home, Columbus, is in charge of arrangements.

Lawrence was born May 5, 1921 at rural Hallowell, the son of Cloyd Westervelt and Edith Guy Westervelt. He was a lifelong Cherokee County resident, farmer and cattleman. He attended Crossroads, Liberty and Pioneer No. 1 schools, West Mineral High School for two years, graduating from Cherokee County Community High School in 1939.

He married Dorothea Hill Sept. 22, 1948, at the Christian Church, Oswego, Kan. They lived at rural Hallowell for two years and moved to their present home where they have lived 58 years.

Lawrence served on the Farmers Home Administration board, the Farmers Cooperative Exchange board, Farm Bureau board, ASCS board, and Rural Water District #4 board.

He loved to pheasant hunt in western Kansas and enjoyed his restored 1929 Model A Ford. He loved his home, family and farming.

Surviving are his wife, Dorothea; son, Ronnie Westervelt and wife Carla; daughter, Rita Westervelt; one sister, Betty Westervelt, Oswego, Kan.; and one brother, Wyman Westervelt of rural Hallowell; grandchildren, Natalie Speer, Kelly Mooney and husband Joe, Tyler Speer and wife Christy, and Kylie Westervelt; great grand-children, Zeppelin Speer and Lily and Katy Mooney.

Alan N. Cuddy

PARSONS—Alan N. Cuddy, 48, of Parsons, Kan., died at 10:50 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 15, 2008 at his home. He had been in failing health.

Cremation will take place. No services are planned at this time. Arrangements are under the direction of the Carson-Wall Funeral Home of Parsons.

Judith W. “Judy” Blansett

PARSONS—Judith W. “Judy” Blansett, 63, of Parsons, Kan., died Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, at her home following a courageous battle with cancer.

Following cremation, a memorial visitation will be held from 7 to 8 p.m., Wednesday evening at the Carson-Wall Funeral Home in Parsons.

Memorials are suggested an education fund for her grandchildren, and these may be left at or mailed to the funeral home, 112 N. 26th St., P.O. Box 942, Parsons, KS 67357.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Carson-Wall Funeral Home of Parsons.

Bessie M. Haynes

COLUMBUS—Miss Bessie M. Haynes, 93 of Columbus, Kan., passed away Friday, Nov. 14, 2008, at Medicalodge of Columbus.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 18, in the Murdock Funeral Chapel with Pastor Tom Goettel officiating. Interment will follow in the Edgmand Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday from 5 to 7 p.m. Friends may call at the funeral home after 11 a.m., Monday.

A recent transaction has resulted in the former Jorgenson Equipment Co., to have a new name: Eubanks-Jorgenson Equipment.
Joe and Linda Jorgenson of Jorgenson Equipment has had a line of hay equipment since 1987 on Highway 59 approximately one mile on the Oklahoma side of the Kansas/Oklahoma state line. They are three miles south of Chetopa.
They are the largest Vermeer dealership in the United States and Canada since 1994. They are second in the United States with Dew-Eze hay beds. They are also second in the nation with Dixon lawn mowers.
Joe and Linda took over the business in 1987 from Joe’s parents, Sam and Edith Jorgenson who had started the business in 1972. In recent years their son Rusty Jorgenson and Kristy Baker have assisted them in making it a three-generational firm.
The Jorgensons have recently sold the business to Craig and Kristen Eubanks resulting in the name change.
The Eubankses grew up in the Welch area, went off to college and now live in Afton, Okla. Craig had an insurance business in Miami for five years and in Grove for three years. “We are excited to be here, to come back home to serve the people who have been long-time customers of Jorgenson Equipment,” said Kristen Eubanks. They will maintain the same lines of equipment as the Jorgenson’s have always had.
For information on their equipment, call (918) 233-7042.

Red Chair Auction and P&D’s Diner will be participating in the Merchant’s Open House this Friday in Oswego.
The Red Chair Auction and P&D’s Diner is located in the former VFW on highway 59. They will be open Wednesday through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
David and Judy Spradling of Parsons and their daughter, Dayna and Perry White, Oswego, are the owners. They can be reached at 479-254-8989 or 316-992-4301.
They are taking consignments. A large variety of items are on hands for the first sale - saddles, old tack, antiques, furniture, dishes, two pianos, treadmill, glassware, table and chairs and appliances are just a few of the items available. It is a silent auction. A bid sheet is with each item. You write down your name and the amount you will bid on it. After two weeks, the bids will be stopped and on the first Saturday of each month, at 6 p.m.,, an auction will be held. It will be a big night with live entertainment, dinner specials offered, etc.
The Red Chair Auction will also help with area fundraisers. For instance if you want to sell a chair that you have, just bring it and tell them it is for the Red Cross (or your choice of charities) and the proceeds made off the chair will go to them. The night of the final bidding, representatives from the fundraisers are asked to come and be a part of the big night.
They do not take clothing on consignments. New stuff will be added the week following the auction.
The P&D’s Diner will also be open the same time the auction is open. They have a basic menu but will be having special nights, such as Tuesday is Mexican Night, etc. They anticipate an area for eating and watching their 61-inch flat screen television. Another dining area is also available for those wanting a quiet setting.
The Spradlings and Whites are doing extensive renovation to the building and invite you to come out to their holiday open house and get acquainted.

Authorities converged on a farm home located approximately six miles southwest of Chetopa on Sunday after a neighbor found the bodies of William Albert Huls, 67, and his wife, Leota Lay Huls, 66.
Both died of gunshot wounds to the head, said Cherokee Ballard, a spokesman for the state medical examiner’s office.
Deputies from the Craig County (Okla.) Sheriff’s Department were called to the farm home about 1 p.m. Sunday after a man employed by the family received a call that the Huls did not show up for church services that morning.
Missing from the house was the woman’s black purse in which she was known to carry large amounts of case and credit cards, Sheriff Jimmie Sooter said.
He said William Huls had been “very, very ill.
Huls used a wheelchair and walking sticks, Sooter said.
Authorities have no suspects in the slayings, but Sooter said he killings are similar to those of  Locust Grover couple 11 months ago.
In that case the bodes of an elderly couple were found shot to death on Christmas Day in their home. Nothing was taken from the home in that case, Sooter said.
Last Sunday’s murder scene is located only five miles from the farm where a rural Chetopa woman, Judith Shrum, was killed in January of 2004.
A Chetopa man, Charles Krider, was convicted of murdering Shrum and he is now serving a 10-year prison sentence.
Northern Craig County also was the scene where two teen-aged girls went missing in December of 1999 and the case has never been solved. In that case, a fire was reported at a residence located four miles west of Welch and the bodies of one of the girls’ parents were found shot and the house destroyed by fire.
The search for Lauria Jaylene Bible and Ashley Freeman continues today by local, state and federal authorities.
Anyone with information about the Craig County homicides should call the sheriff’s office at 918 256-6466.

Chetopa residents are bracing for a full day of activities as their Eighth Annual Pecan Fest gets underway on Saturday. The schedule of events for  Nov. 15 will be as follows:
• 8 a.m. FFA Biscuits and Gravy in the lobby of the new gym. There will be pecan sales throughout the day.
• 7 to 11 a.m. Masonic Lodge Pancakes and Sausage Breakfast at the Masonic Lodge, corner of South 4th and Locust.
• 9 a.m. Arts and Craft Show. Sales and displays will be in the Old Gym (Contact Paulette Thompson, 620-236-7393.)
• 9 to 10 a.m. Registration for the cooking contest entries. Judging is between 10 a.m. and noon. (Contact Jeri Sanders, 620-236-7370). Judging is being held in the new library.
• 10 a.m. 5K Run and Walk. Chetopa Veterans’ Park, (contact Tim Blankenship 620-236-7703). Official TAC course.
• 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All Day Fun: Outdoor entertainment, vendors, balloons. Quilt Display (contact Roberta Carter, 620-236-4283). inflatable games, pecans and pecan goodies, activities for kids and more.
• Outdoor musical entertainment throughout the day.
• 10:30 a.m. Smorgasbord tickets go on sale for $6.
• 11 a.m. to ? Smorgasbord luncheon, all you can eat for $6. Desserts will be sold separately.
• 1 to 3 p.m. Pecan Harvesting Demonstrations throughout the afternoon, located at the Pecan Experiment Station, two miles east of Chetopa on Highway 166.
• 4 p.m. Talent Show Contest in the New Gym. Top winners receive cash prizes of $400, $200, and $100. There is a $25 entry fee for contestants. There will be $2 admission at the door for all seats.
There will be a car show at 5th and Maple Streets: cars, trucks, tractors, motorcycles. Registration will be from 10 to 11 a.m. A $10 entry fee will be charged and  all entrants will receive dash plaques.
Prize plaques will be awarded to the top 20 entries.
Coronation of the Pecan Princess and Pecan King and all contest and race winners announced prior to the talent show.
For more information, contact Toni Crumrine at Chetopa City Hall (620) 236-7511.

By Marna Taylor
LABETTE AVENUE

The 2008 Merchants’ Open House in Oswego has some special events this year. For instance, Labette Avenue is having a special afternoon tea with costumes and Queens Elizabeth and Victoria serving special delicacies along with the tea. There will be drawings for prizes and our customers will have a chance to learn about English tea etiquette. The tea will be from 2 to 4 p.m. on Friday.
Carter Auto Parts will decorate and have a drawing all day Friday and Saturday until noon.
The City of Oswego is having a sign up for a drawing all day on Friday for $50 utility credit. The winner must be a city utility customer and there is only one entry per person.
Commercial Bank will have popcorn, drinks and a drawing for a centerpiece on Friday. Sign-up will be all day Friday.
Commercial Insurance will have refreshments and a door prize from 9 to 4 on Friday.
Dollar General will have customer appreciation with coffee and doughnuts on Saturday from 9 to 12.
Denton’s True Value will have refreshments and a door prize of an outdoor fireplace on Saturday morning from 9 to 12 a.m.
Frogley’s Gun and Jewelry will have cookies and coffee as well as a door prize from 9 to 5 on Friday.
G & W Foods will have a registration for a drawing from Friday through Sunday and will have a drawing on Monday, Nov. 17, for a $50 gift certificate.
Jinks Fruit Cakes will have open house all day Friday.
Labette Bank will have registration for a drawing for a $25 Visa Gift Card Certificate Nov. 11 through the 14. The drawing will be at 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 14.
The Letter Perfect Hat Company will have refreshments and a door prize from 1 to 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 14.
Lori’s Creative Cakes and Cookies will have refreshments and a drawing all day on Friday.
Oswego Community Hospital will have a drawing for a turkey and serve refreshments (cookies and apple cider) on Friday, Nov. 14, from 1 to 4 p.m.
Oswego Home Place will have a pumpkin bowl, drawing for prizes, chili, cider, coffee and hot cocoa from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 14.
Oswego Nursing and Rehab Center will serve refreshments. There will be an opportunity to register for $50 of groceries, $25 of gas, and a turkey. The drawing will be at 5 p.m. on Saturday.
The Red Chair Auction and P and D’s Diner (in the old VFW Building) will be having an introductory Open House. They will serve refreshments and have a drawing on Friday, 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, 9 to 6 p.m.
Seek ‘n Find will have refreshments all day on Friday.
The Southeast Kansas Education Museum will serve refreshments and give free tours from 1 to 4 p.m. on Friday.
Used Furniture and Accents in the former Rec Commission Building next to the drug store will be having refreshments, sale items for Friday, 9 to 5 and Saturday, 9 to 12.
Weston’s Flowers will be celebrating the 100th birthday of having a flower shop in Oswego. They will serve refreshments, have door prizes and discount sales on Friday from 9 to 5:30 p.m. and from 9 to 1 p.m. on Saturday. Sherry Karlin has designed a special gingerbread house that will be on display.

For more information, see the Nov. 12 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.

Craig A. Thomas

CANEY—Craig A. Thomas, 22, of rural Caney, Kan., died Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008, from injuries received in an accident at Jencast in South Coffeyville.

Services were held Monday, Nov. 3, at the Westside Christian Church in Coffeyville with Pastor Mike Elrod and Pastor Kevin Mote officiating. Burial followed in Fairview Cemetery in Coffeyville.

David W. Barnes Funeral Home of Coffeyville was in charge of arrangements.

Craig was born March 14, 1986, at Joplin, Mo., to Wayne and Penny (Ludwig) Thomas. He grew up in the Altamont area, where he attended elementary school, before moving to Richmond, Va., where he graduated from high school. He returned to the Coffeyville area in August of this year.

Craig was employed at Jencast in South Coffeyville, Okla., and was a member of the U.S. Marine Reserves. In his free time, he enjoyed working with horses and fishing.

Survivors include his mother, Penny Ludwig of rural Caney; his father and stepmother, Wayne and Julie Thomas of Richmond, Va.; one sister, Tara Thomas of Copan, Okla.; and his paternal grandparents, Charlie and Erma Thomas of Altamont.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Ira and Vona Ludwig.

Donna Rose Snowden

ALTAMONT—Donna Rose Snowden, 68, of Altamont, Kan., passed away at her home, early Saturday morning, Nov. 8, 2008. Her death was unexpected.

Graveside memorial services were held Wednesday, Nov. 12, at the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Altamont. Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association. These may be left at or mailed to the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 325, Altamont, KS 67330.

Donna was born Feb. 14, 1940, at Yates Center, Kan., to Philip and Maxine (Hartwell) McCrary. She grew up and attended school in Altamont and graduated from the Labette County High School there. In the 1980s, she moved to Grove, Okla., where she lived until returning to Altamont two years ago.

She enjoyed selling items on Ebay. She also enjoyed traveling, going to flea markets and walking her dog.

She is survived by her companion, Raymond Baker, Sr., of the home; two sons, Pat Foster and wife Betsy, Mustang, Okla., and Kenny Foster, Parsons; one daughter, Denise Aunko and husband Derek, Mustang, Okla.; three grandchildren, Joshua Gwillim, Tyler Gwillim and Bailey Jo Foster; two sisters, Phyllis Brown, Yukon, Okla., and Janet Hinman, Parsons.

June Marie McConnell

OSWEGO—June Marie McConnell, 76, of Oswego, Kan., passed away suddenly at her home, Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008.

Funeral services were held Sunday, Nov. 9, in the Murdock Chapel with Richard Stapleton officiating. Interment was in the Mitchell Cemetery, Oswego.

Memorials may be made to the Mitchell Cemetery or Senior Citizens Center with the funeral home serving as custodian.

June was born May 22, 1932 in Parsons, Kan., the daughter of Edward and Opal Kelly Passwater. She graduated from Cherryvale High School in 1950 and then married Robert L. McConnell on May 28, 1950, in the Methodist Church in Parsons. The couple lived in the Big Hill Lake area before moving to Oswego in 1974.

She worked at the Parsons Ammunition Plant, retiring in 1995, and then worked for USD 504 as a cook until last year. June was a member of the VFW Women’s Auxiliary and enjoyed quilting, camping, fishing, gardening and cooking. June was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who loved spending time with her grandchildren.

June was preceded in death by a daughter, Debra, her parents, a brother and a sister.

She is survived by her husband Bob of the home; two sons, Ron McConnell of Plumerville, Ark.; and David McConnell and wife Diane of Parsons; four grandchildren, Melissa Murray and husband Jon; Travis McConnell and wife Karla; Matthew McConnell; Jessica Adams and husband Jason; four great-grandchildren, Kane and Noah Murray; Jackson and Joshua Adams; one sister, Crystal Harper and husband J.D. of Cherryvale; one brother, Lee Passwater and wife Liz of Parsons; and her beloved dog “Mitzie.”

Eugene (Sonny) Arthur Shields

RENO, Nev.—Eugene (Sonny) Arthur Shields, 83, of Reno, Nev., died Nov. 4, 2008. He had been in failing health.

Funeral services were held at the Walton Funeral Home, 875 West 2nd St., Reno. Friends may send condolences online at waltons.lifefiles.com/registry.php.

Memorials may be made in his name to the Alzheimer’s Association of Northern Nevada, 705 South Wells Avenue, Reno, NV 89502.

Sonny was born Feb. 13, 1925, in Chetopa, Kan., to Frank Albert Shields and Adelia Mae (Williams) Shields. As a young man, he grew up and attended schools in Chetopa. In 1941, he moved with his family to Susanville, Calif. He served in the Pacific in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Upon returning home, Sonny worked as a brake man for the Southern Pacific Railroad and later as a conductor until his retirement. He was a member of the Sparks United Methodist Church for the past 56 years.

On Dec. 11, 1948, Sonny and Betty Jean Maxie were married in Reno. She survives of the home. Other survivors include two daughters, Sanja Shields, and Debra Meizel and husband Michael; two granddaughters and six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his youngest sister, Dixie Garrett, and his brother-in-law, Bob, of Altamont, Kan., along with many other nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his sisters, Helen Terrill and husband Lee, Evadna Clary and husband Harry, Marlene Ellena and husband Fred; his brother, Frank Benjamin Shields, Jr., nephew Layne Shields and great-niece Renee West.

Daphne Mae Cave

PARSONS—Daphne Mae Cave, 70, of Parsons, Kan., died at 2:30 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008, at her home. She had been in her usual health, and death was not expected.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 13, at Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons. Burial will follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Altamont. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to the Ideal Home Extension Unit. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.

Daphne was born Nov. 16, 1937, at Mercy Hospital in Parsons, Kan., to Lloyd and Hope (Newell) Bennett. As a young girl, she grew up in the rural Altamont area where she attended Newell Rural School, Ellis Grade School, and was a 1955 graduate of Labette County Community High School in Altamont. She lived her adult life in Parsons where she worked as head-cashier at Don Divine’s Restaurant, and also at Charles Prescription Shop for several years.

She was a member of the Altamont Methodist Church, a charter member of FCE Ideal Home Extension Unit, and the S.E.K. Old Time Gas Engine and Tractor Club.

In previous years, she was active in planning her class reunions and enjoyed attending alumni banquets.

On June 12, 1955, she and Howard B. Cave were married in Altamont, at the Altamont Methodist Church. He preceded her in death April 17, 2007. She lived her life for and through her children.

Those surviving are one son, Darrell Cave, Parsons; one daughter, Michele Cave, Parsons; one sister, Ardith Holmes, Altamont; three nephews, Stan Holmes, Tony Holmes and Jeff Holmes; five great nieces and nephews; two step great nephews and three great-great-nieces.

Kristy Lynn Casteel

PARSONS—Kristy Lynn Casteel, 25, of Parsons, Kan., died Monday, Nov. 3, 2008, at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas, following a courageous battle with cystic fibrosis.

Following cremation, a memorial service will be held at 4 p.m., Friday, Nov. 7, at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Parsons. Burial will be at a future date in Oswego Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to St. John’s Episcopal Church. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.

Melvin M. Banzet

COFFEYVILLE—Melvin M. Banzet, 83, of Coffeyville, Kan., died Friday, Oct. 24, 2008, at Coffeyville Regional Medical Center.

A memorial services will be held at 3 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 8, at the First United Methodist Church in Coffeyville.

The family suggests memorials to the American Heart Association; contributions may be left with the funeral home or mailed c/o David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 N. Kline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337.

David W. Barnes Funeral Home of Coffeyville is in charge of arrangements.

Gary L. Rich

PARSONS—Gary L. Rich, 66, of Parsons, Kan., died Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008, at Elmhaven West.

No services are scheduled at this time. Following cremation, burial will be in Memorial Lawn Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Carson-Wall Funeral Home.

Shannon Ward

PARSONS—Shannon Ward, 39, of Parsons, Kan., died Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008, on her 39th birthday at her home.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, at Carson-Wall Funeral Home with Pastor Dick Drumeller officiating. Burial will follow in the Memorial Lawn Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home after noon Thursday.

Memorials are suggested to the Ward Children Scholarship Fund and may be left at or mailed to the funeral home, 112 N. 26th St., P.O. Box 942, Parsons, 67357.

Opalee Bush

PARSONS—Opalee Bush, 78, of Parsons, Kan., died Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008, at her home. She had been in failing health.

A graveside service will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, at McCune Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. Friday at Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home.

Memorials are suggested to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice and may be left at or mailed to the funeral home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, 67357.

Lola M. Wade

PARSONS—Lola M. Wade, 87, of Parsons, Kan., died Thursday morning, Nov. 6, 2008. at Woodridge Estates in Parsons.

The service will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, in the Assembly of God Church in Caney. Burial will be in the Havana Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Assembly of God Church in Caney.

Memorials are suggested to the Havana Volunteer Fire Department and may be left with the funeral home or mailed c/o David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, 67337.

Lawrence Harold Gray

ALTAMONT—Lawrence “Harold” Gray, 88, of Altamont, Kan., died Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008, at the Parsons Presbyterian Manor.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 13, at the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Altamont. Burial will be in Memorial Lawn Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home after noon on Wednesday.

Memorials are suggested to the Altamont United Methodist Church. These may be left at or mailed to the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 325, Altamont, KS 67330.

Marie Emerick

PARSONS–Marie Emerick, 85, of Parsons, Kan., died Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008, at Elmhaven East nursing home in Parsons.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Monday at Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons. Burial will be in Mound Valley Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 3 to 4 p.m., Sunday, at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to Elmhaven East nursing home and may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.

DeArthur Pierce

PARSONS—DeArthur Pierce, 69, of Parsons, Kan., died Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008, at Labette Health in Parsons.

Complete obituary details and funeral arrangements will be announced by Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons.

Sharon K. Johnson

PARSONS–Sharon K. Johnson, 69, of Parsons, Kan., died Sunday, Nov. 9, 2008, at the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences Center in Little Rock, Ark.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at First Christian Church in Parsons. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Carson-Wall Funeral Home from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday.

Memorials are suggested to the Labette Health Foundation and my be left at or mailed to the funeral home, 112 N. 26th St., P.O. Box 942, Parsons, 67357.

William Albert Huls

WELCH, Okla.–William Albert Huls, 67, of Welch, Okla.,, passed away Sunday, Nov. 9, 2008.

Services will be at 2 p.m., Friday at Paul Thomas Funeral Home, Miami, Okla. Burial will be in G.A.R. Cemetery, Miami. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Leota Loy Huls

WELCH, Okla.–Leota Loy Huls, 66, of Welch, Okla., passed away Sunday, Nov. 9, 2008.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Paul Thomas Funeral Home, Miami, Okla. Burial will be in G.A.R. Cemetery, Miami. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Tuesday’s general election is now history and America has a new president and vice-president elect — Barack Obama and Joe Biden.
Voters in Labette County went for John McCain and Sarah Palin their balloting, 55% to 42% with the remaining three percent going to third party candidates.
U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts won re-election and he carried Labette County with 56% of the vote.
Labette County favored Republican Lynn Jenkins to replace Nancy Boyda as U.S. Congressman from the Second District, and Jenkins won the nod district-wide. She currently serves as state treasurer.
Republican Dwayne Umbarger was re-elected to the Kansas Senate over David Miller of Parsons.
The City Sales Tax Question in the city of Altamont was approved by voters 390 to 74.
The City Sales Tax Question in the city of Oswego also was approved, 454 to 200.
There were no contested county races so all incumbents and those who made it through the August primary were elected.
Elected were: Brian C. Kinzie, Second Dist. County Commissioner; Jack W. Martin, Third Dist. County Commissioner; County Clerk Linda Schreppel, County Treasurer Crystal Addis; Register of Deeds Donna Strickland; County Attorney Hillary Hass and County Sheriff Williams Blundell.
All judges on the ballot were approved for retention.