The Labette County Commissioners worked on pay scale at Monday’s meeting. They went to an eight year range scale from a 12 year range scale with a three percent increase.
They also reviewed Sheriff William Blundell’s inmate housing fund income and expense.The commissioners voted to allow Blundell to pay off the lease on his vehicles and authorized up to $20,000 to purchase a transport unit.
Commissioners approved to allow Sheriff Blundell to take on the camps dog.  They will be  transferring the Correctional Camp dog to the Sheriff’s Office to be used here in the department for drug/tracking as the existing K-9, Blundell said.
“This is a transfer that will allow my office to have two K-9 available to use once again and at no purchase cost of the dog. We already have the equipment needed for the dog, Blundell said. The dog will be housed with the handler assigned,
Blundell said he is in the process of establishing what will be needed to get the dog certified along with the handler assigned.

WICHITA, KAN. – Jonathan Farley, 26, Oswego, Kan., has pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting in the theft of explosive materials.
Farley worked as a guard for a private security firm at Hallowell Manufacturing, an explosives manufacturer in Columbus, Kan. In a federal criminal complaint filed in July 2008, Farley was charged with allowing unauthorized persons onto the property, resulting in the theft of explosive materials. Stolen were a detonation chord weighing 27.75 pounds and an explosive chub weighing 14 pounds.
Co-defendants in the case are:
– Darrell E. Cook, 34, Wichita, who pleaded guilty to possession of stolen explosives and is set for sentencing Jan. 5, 2009.
– Shane A. Knoffloch, 37, Wichita, who pleaded guilty to possession of stolen explosives and is set for sentencing Jan. 5, 2009.
Farley is set for sentencing March 9, 2009. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Wichita Police Department Bomb Squad and the Kansas State Fire Marshal investigated.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster is prosecuting.

David Loiselle has cleared all state requirements and is now fully serving as Labette County Appraiser, according to County Commission Chairman Lonie Addis.

Commissioners passed a resolution at Monday’s regular meeting approving Loiselle who started his duties immediately.

The Kansas Division of Property Valuation in Topeka must approve all county appraisers in the state.

The following area churches will be having Christmas programs and Christmas Eve services:

Altamont
United Methodist Church Christmas Eve Service, Dec. 24, 8 p.m.

Bartlett
Christian Church Christmas Eve Service, Dec. 24, 6 p.m.
United Methodist Church Christmas Eve Service, Dec. 24, 7 p.m.

Chetopa
Community Bible Church Christmas Program, Dec. 21, 6 p.m.
Community Bible Church Candlelight Service, Dec. 24, 6 p.m
Faith Baptist Church Lord’s Supper, Christmas Carols, Refreshments, Dec. 24, 6:30 p.m..
United Methodist Church Candlelight Service, Dec. 21, 6 p.m.

Edna
United Methodist Church Christmas Eve Service, Dec. 24, 9 p.m.

Mound Valley
United Methodist Church Christmas Eve Service, Dec. 24, 6:30 p.m.

Oswego
Assembly of God Christmas Program, Dec. 21, 6 p.m.
Oswego Christian Church Christmas Eve Services at 7 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.
First Baptist Church Christmas Eve Service, 6 p.m.
First United Methodist Church Candlelight and Christmas Eve Service, 6 p.m.
Mother of God Catholic Church Mass at 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Mother of God Christmas Day Mass at 11 a.m.
St. Paul Lutheran Church Christmas Eve Service and the Children’s Service will be a Program, Dec. 24, 6 p.m.
Southern Baptist Church Christmas Program, Dec. 21, 10:45 p.m.

Parsons
Trinity Lutheran Christmas Eve Service, Dec. 24, 8 p.m.
Trinity Lutheran Christmas Day Service at 10 a.m.

The Bartlett Grade School second graders learn lesson on the spirit of Christmas. They put a lot of heart into their “If I Were A Gift” writing assignment. These children have a nice grasp of what the true spirit of Christmas is all about. We wish you all a very Merry Christmas. –– Tonia Wilson and the Bartlett Second Grade
If I were a gift, I would be a veterinarian. I would give myself to my grandma and grandpa. I can help them with their cat and dog. I would also help other hurt animals. –– Ashley Barrett
If I were a gift, I would be a hand. I would give myself to my sister Clancie. She broke her pinky when she was getting glasses for dad, while we were getting ready to go to Oklahoma for Thanksgiving. Now she can’t play basketball and I want to help. P.S. I pray to God to help Clancie. –– Riley Sorrell
If I were a gift, I would be a house. If I were a house my uncle wouldn’t have to live with his mom and dad and go back and forth from Parsons to Oswego. It would be easier because his job is in Oswego.––Parker Boring
If I were a gift, I would be a check then I will give it to the poor. The poor does not have any money. They could buy stuff.––Dalton Dunnic
If I were a gift, I would be medicine. I could give myself to my Grandma Charlotte so she could stay out of the hospital.––Bryce Ghering
If I were a gift, I would be a big helper. I would give myself to my grandma. I would give myself to my grandma because she needs help cleaning up her house. I could also keep her company, so she is not lonely.––Rhett Pool
If I were a gift, I would be a cat. I would give myself to my sister, because she does not have a cat. She will be very happy.––Shyla Ellis
If I were a gift, I would be food for the homeless and the poor. My great, great, grandma is poor too because she can barely even pay for her house.––Levi McDonald
If I were a gift, I would be money, I would give myself to a poor child. That child would not have a home. Maybe the money would help them get a house.––Trinity Thompkins
If I were a gift, I would be medicine. This is to help my friend who is sick everyday.  Jody could get better so she would not be sick everyday!––Katie Gray
If I were a gift, I would be a farmer. I would give myself to my dad. My dad needs help running the tractor and combine.  I would run the tractor and grain cart.––Brittany Monroe
If I were a gift, I would be love. I would give myself to people that are poor, with no food, no family, and the people that don’t have love. With love people would know there are people looking out for them.––Laci Strickland
If I were a gift, I would be clothes. I would give myself to the poor people. They do not have many clothes. The poor people need to get warm so they don’t get sick.––Kennedy Royer
If I were a gift, I would be a fluffy blanket. I would give it to my sister. Her Hello Kitty blanket is not that soft. My blanket is soft, so I want my sister’s blanket to be soft.––Shelby Braschler
If I were a gift, I would be a doll. Then I would give myself to Tawny. I would give myself to her because she has no dolls. I know she would love and play with it.––Skyler Huls
If I were a gift, I would be a nice warm blanket for my grandma. She needs a nice warm blanket for her bed.––Tucker Shadley
If I were a gift, I wish I were a doctor. I would give myself to my grandma and grandpa. I would make my grandpa and grandma feel better. They are very sick.––Emily Aldinger

For more information, see the Dec. 17 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.

Robert L. “Bob” Shearhart

MOUND VALLEY—Robert L. “Bob” Shearhart, 81, a lifelong resident of Mound Valley, Kan., died at 9:15 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2008, at his home.
Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, Dec. 15, at the Mound Valley Cemetery. Friends may call at the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home inAltamont after 1 p.m., on Sunday.

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

Bob was born July 5, 1927, in Mound Valley, to Herschel and Mary (Fields) Shearhart. As a teenager, he moved to California with his parents where he was a graduate of Huntington Park-Bell High School.

After enlisting and serving in the Merchant Marines, he returned to Mound Valley, where he met Louise Erskin. They were united in marriage Dec. 14, 1947, at the Free Methodist Church in Mound Valley.

He was drafted into the U.S. Army and served one year in the Military Police. Following his discharge, they moved to Chicago, Ill., where he graduated from Weedons Barber College. They then moved to California where he became production manager for various mobile home companies. Upon their return to Kansas, he became production manager for Princess Homes, and later Assistant Personnel Manager for Adventure Line Manufacturing Company in Parsons. He was presently the owner/operator of Shearhart Recycling Center in Mound Valley.

Through the years, he served as honorary mayor of Mooseheart, Ill., and was honored for his work with children while a member of the Moose Lodge. For 18 years, he served as mayor and councilperson in Mound Valley, and was also a volunteer fireman, volunteer deputy, and was active in the Mound Valley Booster Club ball program.

Survivors include his wife, Louise Shearhart, of the home; one son, Charles Shearhart, Coffeyville; two grandchildren, Charla Bynum, and Caleb Bynum and fiancé Tina Hall; one great-granddaughter, Elliot Bynum; one brother, John Shearhart and wife Fina, Oswego; a brother in law, Don Erskin and wife Alvera, Parsons; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Jim Shearhart.

Charles Jr. “Skeeter” Rickman

CHESAPEAKE, Va.—Charles Jr. “Skeeter” Rickman, 48, of Chesapeake, Va., formerly of Chetopa, Kan., passed away Friday, Dec. 12, 2008, at the home of his aunt in Coffeyville, Kan., following a lengthy battle with cancer.

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 16, at the Ottawa Indian Cemetery in Miami, Okla. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m., Monday, at the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Chetopa.

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

Charles was born July 11, 1960, in Miami, Okla., to Charles Eugene and Blanche Mae (Davis) Rickman. He grew up in rural Welch, Okla., and graduated from Welch High School in 1978.

He married Kellie Bullard in 1984. They later divorced. On Sept. 5, 2003, he married Martha Plata of Chesapeake, Va.

Charles loved to fish, hunt, golf and travel. For years, he was active with Chetopa, Kan., summer league baseball and served as umpire. Charles was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather.

Survivors include his wife, Marti Rickman, of the home, Chesapeake, Va.,; one daughter, Heather Rickman, Chetopa; one son, Levi Rickman, Chetopa; one brother, Joe Rickman, Coffeyville; his special uncle and aunt, Mike and Barbara Dale, Coffeyville; two stepdaughters, Monica and Raquel, Chesapeake; three step grandchildren, Chesapeake; as well as numerous other family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

Joaquin Ramirez, Sr.

PARSONS—Joaquin Ramirez, Sr., 80, of Parsons, Kan., died Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2008, at Labette Health. He had been in failing health.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. The rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m. Friday at Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home. The family will receive friends immediately following the rosary.

Laina Eileen Pohlenz

COLUMBUS—Laina Eileen Pohlenz, 83 of Columbus, Kan.,died Friday, Dec. 12, 2008, at her home.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, Dec.16, in the First Christian Church in LeRoy, Kan., with Tom Miller officiating. Interment will follow in the Logue Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday afternoon from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Murdock Funeral Home in Columbus.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association with the Murdock Funeral Home, 132 E. Pine, Columbus, KS 66725, serving as custodian. A register book and condolences can be signed at murdockfuneralhomes.com.

 Margaret L. “Peggy” Titus

PARSONS—Margaret L. “Peggy” Titus, 76, of Parsons, Kan., died at 9:55 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, 2008, at her home.

The funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Parsons. Burial will be in St. Francis Cemetery in St. Paul. The rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons. The family will receive friends immediately following the rosary.

Memorials are suggested to the Parsons Arboretum and may be left at or sent to the funeral home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, 67357.