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#61
Obituaries / AMES, William Lee "Bill" - b. ...
Last post by patyrn - February 28, 2026, 04:42:00 PMWilliam Lee "Bill" Ames, age 77, peacefully ascended to the Gates of Heaven on February 24, 2026 from the comfort of his home in Rochester, Michigan, finally finding rest after a courageous battle with cancer. This would be a journey he walked with unwavering strength for nearly three decades. He is now reunited with the love of his life, his beloved "Ginny", Virginia Ann (Garber) Ames who preceded him in death in November 2021 after her own valiant fight against Glioblastoma brain cancer. Together again, their light continues to shine through the family they built and adored. Bill's powerful legacy of love, laughter, and faith lives on through his daughters and their families: Laura and Patrick Murphy of Royal Oak, Michigan and Angie and John May of Rochester Hills, Michigan. His spirit will forever cheer from the sidelines for his cherished grandchildren, Emerson and Marlow Murphy and Madison and Ashlyn May who were the pride and joy of his life.
Bill's story began in Moline, Kansas on April 28, 1948, born to Lee E. "Chig" and AnnaBel "Ann" Ames. He joins in eternal rest his parents and his beloved older sister, Marilyn Ann Wilkerson, who passed away in 2023. The foundation of Bill's character was built in Moline and at his family's dealership, Ames Chevrolet. In 1913, his family turned a livery stable to a showroom that became the lifeblood of their small town, employing generations of hardworking Americans. It was there among the salt-of-the-earth values of rural Kansas that Bill learned the integrity and work ethic that would eventually define his own storied 24-year career at General Motors. A proud 1966 graduate of Moline High School, Bill took his talents to the College of Emporia in Emporia, Kansas where he would be a multi-letter college athlete. A standout in football and baseball, Bill's athleticism was legendary. He led the conference in receiving for two consecutive years and earned the prestigious title of NAIA All-American. He graduated in 1971 with a degree in Business Education, and his competitive fire never dimmed. In 2010, his legacy was etched into college history with his induction to the C of E Athletic Hall of Fame.
Life's winding road eventually led Bill to the rugged beauty of Durango, Colorado where his career with Chevrolet truly took root. He would meet friends of a lifetime there, but it was in January 1975 that he found his true north; a blind date with a woman named Ginny. They fell into a love so certain that they were married by October of that same year. Durango is the birthplace of the love and two daughters, but the quiet mountain life soon gave way to the whirlwind of a "corporate gypsy" existence with GM. Over a relentless 9-year stretch, the Ames family called 9 different states "home". A true cowboy to his core, he would look at his girls with a grin and say, "Mr. Chevrolet needs us to mosey on!". For Bill, home wasn't a specific set of four walls; it was wherever his girls were with the next adventure waiting over the horizon.
After 35 years of dedicated "service to the General", Bill retired from General Motors in 2004. However, he wasn't done leading. His retirement marked the beginning of a storied second act as a cornerstone of Rochester High School athletics. His heart belonged to the Falcons since 1993 when he first stepped into the stands as a devoted father to Laura and Angie. During their years in competitive cheerleading seasons, Bill was their most iconic fan. He could always be found at the very top of the bleachers, arms raised proudly in a "High V", cheering the teams on toward multiple state championships. In 2006, his transition from the stands to the sidelines was seamless. After coaching the boys' baseball team for four seasons, Bill found his true calling in 2009 as the RHS Varsity football receivers coach. Under his mentorship, the program became a powerhouse, providing a long line of college-bound athletes. For Coach Ames, the scoreboard was only part of the story. His greatest joy was witnessing the transformation of his players and fellow staff members into men of character. He loved the team and coaching staff to his core and moved through life and the locker room with many guiding values. "Practice what you preach" and "Pay the price". He believed that the sacrifices made on the field were the seeds of success in life, and he took immense pride in watching those lessons come to fruition in the lives of "his boys". Together with Ginny, Bill didn't just support a high school; he helped build a family.
A man of deep resonance, both in voice and in character, Bill found a true home at St. Paul's United Methodist Church. Whether he was lifting his voice in the choir, bonding with the Men's Group, or delivering a warm meal and a smile through Meals on Wheels, his faither was a verb. He lived it loudly and with an open heart. But Bill also knew that life was meant to be an adventure. For over 40 years, his "happy place" was a houseboat on Lake Powell surrounded by the red rocks of Utah and a brotherhood of dear friends. Between Michigan State tailgates, golf trips, hunting excursions, and NASCAR races, Bill was the heartbeat of every gathering. While we might officially keep his "semi-pro" gambling operations off the record, those who knew him will never forget the thrill of Buckwheat's Bracket Buster. Whether it was the NCAA playoffs or the Super Bowl, Bill's legendary pools were less about the wagering and more about the connection - delivering a little extra cash to pockets and a lot of extra love, laughter, and light to the room. It would be in September 2021 when Bill and Ginny were both inducted into the Rochester High School Athletic Hall of Fame; that truly was his most proud life accomplishment. Our "Papa" will be forever missed.
A celebratory gathering of friends and family will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Pixley Funeral Home, 322 W. University, Driver, Rochester, Michigan 48307. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 620 Romeo Street, Rochester, Michigan 48307. Visitation will start at 10:00 a.m. and funeral will start at 11:00 a.m. For those who cannot make it, a livestream will be available on the Pixley Funeral Home website. Following the funeral, loved ones are invited back to our Mom and Dad's home for an Open House luncheon by the fire, just the way he would have wanted it. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Bill and Ginny Memorial Scholarship Foundation hosted by Rochester Community Schools.
(taken from the Pixley Funeral Home website)
Bill's story began in Moline, Kansas on April 28, 1948, born to Lee E. "Chig" and AnnaBel "Ann" Ames. He joins in eternal rest his parents and his beloved older sister, Marilyn Ann Wilkerson, who passed away in 2023. The foundation of Bill's character was built in Moline and at his family's dealership, Ames Chevrolet. In 1913, his family turned a livery stable to a showroom that became the lifeblood of their small town, employing generations of hardworking Americans. It was there among the salt-of-the-earth values of rural Kansas that Bill learned the integrity and work ethic that would eventually define his own storied 24-year career at General Motors. A proud 1966 graduate of Moline High School, Bill took his talents to the College of Emporia in Emporia, Kansas where he would be a multi-letter college athlete. A standout in football and baseball, Bill's athleticism was legendary. He led the conference in receiving for two consecutive years and earned the prestigious title of NAIA All-American. He graduated in 1971 with a degree in Business Education, and his competitive fire never dimmed. In 2010, his legacy was etched into college history with his induction to the C of E Athletic Hall of Fame.
Life's winding road eventually led Bill to the rugged beauty of Durango, Colorado where his career with Chevrolet truly took root. He would meet friends of a lifetime there, but it was in January 1975 that he found his true north; a blind date with a woman named Ginny. They fell into a love so certain that they were married by October of that same year. Durango is the birthplace of the love and two daughters, but the quiet mountain life soon gave way to the whirlwind of a "corporate gypsy" existence with GM. Over a relentless 9-year stretch, the Ames family called 9 different states "home". A true cowboy to his core, he would look at his girls with a grin and say, "Mr. Chevrolet needs us to mosey on!". For Bill, home wasn't a specific set of four walls; it was wherever his girls were with the next adventure waiting over the horizon.
After 35 years of dedicated "service to the General", Bill retired from General Motors in 2004. However, he wasn't done leading. His retirement marked the beginning of a storied second act as a cornerstone of Rochester High School athletics. His heart belonged to the Falcons since 1993 when he first stepped into the stands as a devoted father to Laura and Angie. During their years in competitive cheerleading seasons, Bill was their most iconic fan. He could always be found at the very top of the bleachers, arms raised proudly in a "High V", cheering the teams on toward multiple state championships. In 2006, his transition from the stands to the sidelines was seamless. After coaching the boys' baseball team for four seasons, Bill found his true calling in 2009 as the RHS Varsity football receivers coach. Under his mentorship, the program became a powerhouse, providing a long line of college-bound athletes. For Coach Ames, the scoreboard was only part of the story. His greatest joy was witnessing the transformation of his players and fellow staff members into men of character. He loved the team and coaching staff to his core and moved through life and the locker room with many guiding values. "Practice what you preach" and "Pay the price". He believed that the sacrifices made on the field were the seeds of success in life, and he took immense pride in watching those lessons come to fruition in the lives of "his boys". Together with Ginny, Bill didn't just support a high school; he helped build a family.
A man of deep resonance, both in voice and in character, Bill found a true home at St. Paul's United Methodist Church. Whether he was lifting his voice in the choir, bonding with the Men's Group, or delivering a warm meal and a smile through Meals on Wheels, his faither was a verb. He lived it loudly and with an open heart. But Bill also knew that life was meant to be an adventure. For over 40 years, his "happy place" was a houseboat on Lake Powell surrounded by the red rocks of Utah and a brotherhood of dear friends. Between Michigan State tailgates, golf trips, hunting excursions, and NASCAR races, Bill was the heartbeat of every gathering. While we might officially keep his "semi-pro" gambling operations off the record, those who knew him will never forget the thrill of Buckwheat's Bracket Buster. Whether it was the NCAA playoffs or the Super Bowl, Bill's legendary pools were less about the wagering and more about the connection - delivering a little extra cash to pockets and a lot of extra love, laughter, and light to the room. It would be in September 2021 when Bill and Ginny were both inducted into the Rochester High School Athletic Hall of Fame; that truly was his most proud life accomplishment. Our "Papa" will be forever missed.
A celebratory gathering of friends and family will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Pixley Funeral Home, 322 W. University, Driver, Rochester, Michigan 48307. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 620 Romeo Street, Rochester, Michigan 48307. Visitation will start at 10:00 a.m. and funeral will start at 11:00 a.m. For those who cannot make it, a livestream will be available on the Pixley Funeral Home website. Following the funeral, loved ones are invited back to our Mom and Dad's home for an Open House luncheon by the fire, just the way he would have wanted it. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Bill and Ginny Memorial Scholarship Foundation hosted by Rochester Community Schools.
(taken from the Pixley Funeral Home website)
#62
Politics / Re: A SKEPTIC'S VIEW
Last post by CCarl - February 24, 2026, 10:29:25 AMRFK Jr. Has Sold Out!
Did you get this message from Trump? He's labelled the carcinogen Glyphosate 'critical to national security'. And Kennedy agrees with him!
https://www.zerohedge.com/political/necessary-evil-rfk-jr-defends-trumps-glyphosate-order
Fools be they . . . that is analagous to saying letting Americans die from cancer is critical to national security!
Glyphosate has been banned around the world. American hardware store chains have removed it from their shelves. Trillions of dollars in lawsuits have been awarded world-wide to those who suffer from exposure to this toxic chemical.
This is kicking the can down the road to a point more Americans die, and the costs to society are magnified. But it keeps Monsanto-Bayer, the manufacturers, in business. That's all that matters to Trump.
This statement from RFK Jr. is BS, "crop yields would fall, food prices would surge, and America would experience a massive loss of farms even beyond what we are witnessing today." Truth be known, Glyphosate is at the center of productivity loss on ag lands. It destroys the soil bacteria that are necessary for soil fertility and plant growth. The loss of fertility just leads to more invasive weeds. There is the downward spiral of our crop production. The spiral can be stopped by banning herbicides, inoculating the soil with beneficial bacteria, and augmenting the soil with minerals, including trace minerals. [BTW, it is the same story and the same solution with pesticides.]
So is this statement BS, "there is no direct one-for-one chemical alternative to glyphosate-based herbicides." Funny, I use an alternative product on my land and it kills the same weeds (as glyphosate) on the same timeline, using the same sprayer. There are at least two effective replacements for glyphosate! If they are available for the small landowner, they are available for the corporate farmers!
Trump and Kennedy care more for corporate life than they do human life. They are both liars.
Did you get this message from Trump? He's labelled the carcinogen Glyphosate 'critical to national security'. And Kennedy agrees with him!
https://www.zerohedge.com/political/necessary-evil-rfk-jr-defends-trumps-glyphosate-order
Fools be they . . . that is analagous to saying letting Americans die from cancer is critical to national security!
Glyphosate has been banned around the world. American hardware store chains have removed it from their shelves. Trillions of dollars in lawsuits have been awarded world-wide to those who suffer from exposure to this toxic chemical.
This is kicking the can down the road to a point more Americans die, and the costs to society are magnified. But it keeps Monsanto-Bayer, the manufacturers, in business. That's all that matters to Trump.
This statement from RFK Jr. is BS, "crop yields would fall, food prices would surge, and America would experience a massive loss of farms even beyond what we are witnessing today." Truth be known, Glyphosate is at the center of productivity loss on ag lands. It destroys the soil bacteria that are necessary for soil fertility and plant growth. The loss of fertility just leads to more invasive weeds. There is the downward spiral of our crop production. The spiral can be stopped by banning herbicides, inoculating the soil with beneficial bacteria, and augmenting the soil with minerals, including trace minerals. [BTW, it is the same story and the same solution with pesticides.]
So is this statement BS, "there is no direct one-for-one chemical alternative to glyphosate-based herbicides." Funny, I use an alternative product on my land and it kills the same weeds (as glyphosate) on the same timeline, using the same sprayer. There are at least two effective replacements for glyphosate! If they are available for the small landowner, they are available for the corporate farmers!
Trump and Kennedy care more for corporate life than they do human life. They are both liars.
#63
Politics / Re: OVAL OFFICE BUFFOONERY
Last post by CCarl - February 21, 2026, 07:21:52 AMTrump's Miserable February
F35 Order cancelled, goes to Canadian company instead.
2026 Collapse - This could be AI since the dude's lips don't match the words.
The Old Boys Are Unhappy Soldiers as Trump loses military support.
Toyota leaves the US for Canada
Oregon Empties. How's your State managing?
Trump's Demise - Article I, Section 8; Powers to tax belong to Congress, despite the MSM gaslighting other reasons for SCOTUS' 6 to 3 decision.
https://rumble.com/v761jjm-judgingfreedom.html?e9s=src_v1_ucp_a
Impeachment proceedings start January 2027. Goodbye Donny Boy.
F35 Order cancelled, goes to Canadian company instead.
2026 Collapse - This could be AI since the dude's lips don't match the words.
The Old Boys Are Unhappy Soldiers as Trump loses military support.
Toyota leaves the US for Canada
Oregon Empties. How's your State managing?
Trump's Demise - Article I, Section 8; Powers to tax belong to Congress, despite the MSM gaslighting other reasons for SCOTUS' 6 to 3 decision.
https://rumble.com/v761jjm-judgingfreedom.html?e9s=src_v1_ucp_a
Impeachment proceedings start January 2027. Goodbye Donny Boy.
#64
Politics / Re: THE VETERANS' ADMINISTRATI...
Last post by CCarl - February 20, 2026, 11:13:31 AMMessed Up!!
I got messed up in Nam.* I lost my ability to pee from shrapnel. Now I have an implanted plastic tube. I lost my left foot and ankle, and my right leg just above the knee. A land mine did the legs, what the modern military calls an IED, or something close to that. Lost a bit of my mind, too.
But with modern technology I pee freely, and walk without pain or too much instability, thanks to the composition prosthetics with functional joints and electronic gadgetry. Now the Trump Administration wants the VA to re-evaluate my 100% disability, claiming technology makes me no longer disabled. The Billionaire in the Oval Office wants to halt our disability checks. Imagine that!
There is some Veteran push-back; https://www.newsbreak.com/share/4503140325747-trump-admin-found-a-way-for-veterans-to-lose-their-disability-benefits-and-it-went-as-expected?_f=app_share&pd=08CohF18&lang=en_US&send_time=1771586540&trans_data=%7B%22platform%22%3A0%2C%22cv%22%3A%2226.6.0.47%22%2C%22languages%22%3A%22en%22%7D&s=i3
The push-back had made the VA pause . . . just pause, not halt. Let the Trump Administration know just who is messed up! Take Congressional control from the Republicans in November 2026.
In case that link disappears, it references an amended Interim Final Rule that aims to clarify the VA's interpretation of the CFR 4.10, found in the Code of Federal Regulations.
* That's a fictional intro. I am not disabled from Nam, but I was a Hospital Corpsman in Vietnam. who saw the carnage, and worked to save lives.
I got messed up in Nam.* I lost my ability to pee from shrapnel. Now I have an implanted plastic tube. I lost my left foot and ankle, and my right leg just above the knee. A land mine did the legs, what the modern military calls an IED, or something close to that. Lost a bit of my mind, too.
But with modern technology I pee freely, and walk without pain or too much instability, thanks to the composition prosthetics with functional joints and electronic gadgetry. Now the Trump Administration wants the VA to re-evaluate my 100% disability, claiming technology makes me no longer disabled. The Billionaire in the Oval Office wants to halt our disability checks. Imagine that!
There is some Veteran push-back; https://www.newsbreak.com/share/4503140325747-trump-admin-found-a-way-for-veterans-to-lose-their-disability-benefits-and-it-went-as-expected?_f=app_share&pd=08CohF18&lang=en_US&send_time=1771586540&trans_data=%7B%22platform%22%3A0%2C%22cv%22%3A%2226.6.0.47%22%2C%22languages%22%3A%22en%22%7D&s=i3
The push-back had made the VA pause . . . just pause, not halt. Let the Trump Administration know just who is messed up! Take Congressional control from the Republicans in November 2026.
In case that link disappears, it references an amended Interim Final Rule that aims to clarify the VA's interpretation of the CFR 4.10, found in the Code of Federal Regulations.
* That's a fictional intro. I am not disabled from Nam, but I was a Hospital Corpsman in Vietnam. who saw the carnage, and worked to save lives.
#65
Politics / Re: NATURAL RIGHTS & FREEDOM
Last post by CCarl - February 17, 2026, 03:19:20 PMWE LIVE IN A POLICE STATE . . . .
2026 AMERICA IS NO DIFFERENT THAN 1985 USSR . . . .
WE HAVE BECOME THE USSA
[/font]2026 AMERICA IS NO DIFFERENT THAN 1985 USSR . . . .
WE HAVE BECOME THE USSA
Here is just the tip of the iceberg; https://share.newsbreak.com/hbcml1yo?s=i3
#66
Politics / Re: AS WORLD WAR APPROACHES
Last post by CCarl - February 14, 2026, 09:12:38 PMFor Those Who Are Awake . . . .Enjoy !!
He understood it all in the 1980's.
He told Congress and the American people soon after 911.
And here we are . . . just as he predicted.
He knows the only way out is the painful way.
What he understood was a few gain immensely while the majority of us suffer the consequences.
For those few who gain billions from special interests, your time is about up. Your system is dying.
For Those Who Don't Understand, Go Back To Sleep . . . . You're Having A Bad Dream.
He understood it all in the 1980's.
He told Congress and the American people soon after 911.
And here we are . . . just as he predicted.
He knows the only way out is the painful way.
What he understood was a few gain immensely while the majority of us suffer the consequences.
For those few who gain billions from special interests, your time is about up. Your system is dying.
For Those Who Don't Understand, Go Back To Sleep . . . . You're Having A Bad Dream.
#67
Obituaries / SHIPMAN, Dale Merven, Jr. - b....
Last post by patyrn - February 12, 2026, 09:48:26 PMDale Merven Shipman, Jr., of Winfield, Kansas, passed peacefully on January 14, 2026 at the home of his stepson in Arkansas City, Kansas. He was born on October 3, 1964 in Wichita, Kansas to Dale Merven and Lula Charline (Croney) Shipman.
Dale attended schools in Wichita, Kansas, Longton, Kansas, Independence, Kansas, and Coffeyville, Kansas. Throughout his life, he was a proud laborer and long-haul driver, and he worked in construction. He enjoyed operating heavy machinery. Dale liked the simple things in life and would do anything for you, including giving you the shirt off his back. He was skilled in auto mechanics, carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work. He had a fun sense of humor and enjoyed fishing, westerns, and gardening. He was a great cook and loved music, the Miami Dolphins, Dale Earnhardt, and his family.
In 2007, Dale married the love of his life, Beverly Walker. They resided in Coffeyville, Kansas until 2018 when they made their home in Winfield, Kansas.
Dale is survived by his daughter, Tess Dobrich; stepson, Chris (Natasha) Walker; stepdaughters, Tamica and Tisha Walker; 14 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; his sister, Corrina (Stan) Wilson; his uncle, Terry (Patty) Croney; his aunt, Jessie Croney; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins who loved him dearly and will miss him. He was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly; his parents, Dale and Charline; his grandparents, Merven and Edith Shipman and Charlie and Lula Croney; and his sister, Ramona Miorandi.
There are no services scheduled at this time. Arrangements are in the care of Shelley Family Funeral Home in Arkansas City, Kansas.
(taken from the Shelley Family Funeral Home website)
...
Dale's grandparents lived in Elk County in and around Howard, and his parents attended the Howard Public Schools.
Dale attended schools in Wichita, Kansas, Longton, Kansas, Independence, Kansas, and Coffeyville, Kansas. Throughout his life, he was a proud laborer and long-haul driver, and he worked in construction. He enjoyed operating heavy machinery. Dale liked the simple things in life and would do anything for you, including giving you the shirt off his back. He was skilled in auto mechanics, carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work. He had a fun sense of humor and enjoyed fishing, westerns, and gardening. He was a great cook and loved music, the Miami Dolphins, Dale Earnhardt, and his family.
In 2007, Dale married the love of his life, Beverly Walker. They resided in Coffeyville, Kansas until 2018 when they made their home in Winfield, Kansas.
Dale is survived by his daughter, Tess Dobrich; stepson, Chris (Natasha) Walker; stepdaughters, Tamica and Tisha Walker; 14 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; his sister, Corrina (Stan) Wilson; his uncle, Terry (Patty) Croney; his aunt, Jessie Croney; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins who loved him dearly and will miss him. He was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly; his parents, Dale and Charline; his grandparents, Merven and Edith Shipman and Charlie and Lula Croney; and his sister, Ramona Miorandi.
There are no services scheduled at this time. Arrangements are in the care of Shelley Family Funeral Home in Arkansas City, Kansas.
(taken from the Shelley Family Funeral Home website)
...
Dale's grandparents lived in Elk County in and around Howard, and his parents attended the Howard Public Schools.
#68
Politics / Re: LONGTON'S WOES
Last post by CCarl - February 08, 2026, 10:56:03 AMWhat?? Expand a fairgrounds' building? For what purpose?
A Grant . . . . Ah, the City's hands are open for freebies, again. Of course. It sounds like reruns of the last Mayor. Does anyone realize NOTHING IS FREE?!!
How many days a year is that building used? How many days does it sit idle? How many days a year is the entire fairgrounds used?
Justify taxpayers putting money they do not have into a primarily idle facility in a town with a declining population.
Does the building, or the entire fairgrounds for that matter, produce an income stream for residents? Does that income stream begin to pay for the building/fairgrounds?
Justify the investment or a Grant on the basis of economic return, if you can legitimately find black ink. I doubt you can. Unless you use a Trump accountant. (That's supposed to be a joke . . . well, a semi-joke.)
Wait, a County of 2400 folks has two fairgrounds. I'll bet the one in Howard has almost as many idle days a year. Why should taxpayers be saddled for improvements to one when the other is a 20-minute drive, and can serve all of Longton's needs, all the County's needs actually?
Justify a grant for a fairground when a better one is only 20 minutes away. LOL on that one.
Get a grip, City Council, there is no justification for investment in the fairgrounds. Vote NO.
You want to make improvements, have organizers start a voluntary donation account at the local bank, and promote it. I'll donate 10% of one retirement check. Try the free entrprise route, not the Biden route. (That's not a joke.)
But keep your filthy paws away from my property taxes. Quit spending our money on useless endeavors that only please a handful of noses in the air who ALWAYS want to use other people's money before using their own.
Stop your coercion! If Fairground improvements happen, let the cost (and the labor) be voluntary.
Just a reminder: The last owner of the Cozy In Cafe couldn't make the ROI he needed within, what, 15 months of opening. He went begging for public funds and was denied, so he closed shop and left town. City government at that time, before the recent elections, had the wisdom to say no to his funding request.
When private money sees no investment potential, in terms of ROI, that money goes elsewhere. Take heart in the economic wisdom of that and leave taxpayers' money alone. The fairgrounds' building investment is flushing money down the toilet.
A Grant . . . . Ah, the City's hands are open for freebies, again. Of course. It sounds like reruns of the last Mayor. Does anyone realize NOTHING IS FREE?!!
How many days a year is that building used? How many days does it sit idle? How many days a year is the entire fairgrounds used?
Justify taxpayers putting money they do not have into a primarily idle facility in a town with a declining population.
Does the building, or the entire fairgrounds for that matter, produce an income stream for residents? Does that income stream begin to pay for the building/fairgrounds?
Justify the investment or a Grant on the basis of economic return, if you can legitimately find black ink. I doubt you can. Unless you use a Trump accountant. (That's supposed to be a joke . . . well, a semi-joke.)
Wait, a County of 2400 folks has two fairgrounds. I'll bet the one in Howard has almost as many idle days a year. Why should taxpayers be saddled for improvements to one when the other is a 20-minute drive, and can serve all of Longton's needs, all the County's needs actually?
Justify a grant for a fairground when a better one is only 20 minutes away. LOL on that one.
Get a grip, City Council, there is no justification for investment in the fairgrounds. Vote NO.
You want to make improvements, have organizers start a voluntary donation account at the local bank, and promote it. I'll donate 10% of one retirement check. Try the free entrprise route, not the Biden route. (That's not a joke.)
But keep your filthy paws away from my property taxes. Quit spending our money on useless endeavors that only please a handful of noses in the air who ALWAYS want to use other people's money before using their own.
Stop your coercion! If Fairground improvements happen, let the cost (and the labor) be voluntary.
Just a reminder: The last owner of the Cozy In Cafe couldn't make the ROI he needed within, what, 15 months of opening. He went begging for public funds and was denied, so he closed shop and left town. City government at that time, before the recent elections, had the wisdom to say no to his funding request.
When private money sees no investment potential, in terms of ROI, that money goes elsewhere. Take heart in the economic wisdom of that and leave taxpayers' money alone. The fairgrounds' building investment is flushing money down the toilet.
#69
Politics / Re: NATURAL RIGHTS & FREEDOM
Last post by CCarl - February 08, 2026, 10:01:52 AMIf We Do Not Stop Government
Government Will End Freedom
https://www.newsbreak.com/share/4478139030570-unbelievable?_f=app_share&pd=08CohF18&lang=en_US&send_time=1770551491&trans_data=%7B%22platform%22%3A0%2C%22cv%22%3A%2226.4.1.12%22%2C%22languages%22%3A%22en%22%7D&s=i3
Freedom in Oregon is gone. I wonder what Kansas laws say about capturing rain water . . .
Government Will End Freedom
https://www.newsbreak.com/share/4478139030570-unbelievable?_f=app_share&pd=08CohF18&lang=en_US&send_time=1770551491&trans_data=%7B%22platform%22%3A0%2C%22cv%22%3A%2226.4.1.12%22%2C%22languages%22%3A%22en%22%7D&s=i3
Freedom in Oregon is gone. I wonder what Kansas laws say about capturing rain water . . .
#70
Obituaries / CLARKSON, Erma Darlene (Razey...
Last post by patyrn - February 06, 2026, 07:15:57 PMIt is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our mother, Erma Darlene Clarkson on January 28, 2026. She passed from this earth into the loving arms of our heavenly father and her dear husband. She was born on October 3, 1940 at the family home near Leon, Kansas.
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Erma attended school in Leon before marrying Jesse Dee Clarkson on June 15, 1958 in Rosalia, Kansas. She spent several years working as a dispatcher at the Elk County Sheriff's office. Erma dearly loved her family, her cats, crocheting gifts for the family, and of course, her peanut butter cups.
Erma is survived by her son, Timothy Clarkson of Longton, Kansas; daughters, Teresa Clarkson of Longton, Kansas and Deborah (Aaron)Clarkson of Park City, Kansas; a sister, Evelyn Finely of Wichita, Kansas; four grandchildren, Brandon (Alex) Clarkson of Hepler, Kansas, Lisa (Cody) Purgason of Cushing, Oklahoma, Joshua Sherwood of Park City, Kansas and Kyle Sherwood of Park City, Kansas; and four great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Jesse Dee Clarkson; her son, Michael Clarkson; her parents, Clarence and Blanche (Elliott) Razey; siblings, Ernest Razey, Joyce Razey, and Lewis Razey; and a great-grandson, Hudson Sherwood.
Cremation has been requested with a Celebration of Life to be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Christian Community Church in Longton, Kansas. Memorials have been suggested to Harry Hynes Hospice and may be left with or mailed to the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.countrysidefh.com. Services are under the direction of Countryside Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, Howard, Kansas 67349.
(taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website)
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Erma attended school in Leon before marrying Jesse Dee Clarkson on June 15, 1958 in Rosalia, Kansas. She spent several years working as a dispatcher at the Elk County Sheriff's office. Erma dearly loved her family, her cats, crocheting gifts for the family, and of course, her peanut butter cups.
Erma is survived by her son, Timothy Clarkson of Longton, Kansas; daughters, Teresa Clarkson of Longton, Kansas and Deborah (Aaron)Clarkson of Park City, Kansas; a sister, Evelyn Finely of Wichita, Kansas; four grandchildren, Brandon (Alex) Clarkson of Hepler, Kansas, Lisa (Cody) Purgason of Cushing, Oklahoma, Joshua Sherwood of Park City, Kansas and Kyle Sherwood of Park City, Kansas; and four great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Jesse Dee Clarkson; her son, Michael Clarkson; her parents, Clarence and Blanche (Elliott) Razey; siblings, Ernest Razey, Joyce Razey, and Lewis Razey; and a great-grandson, Hudson Sherwood.
Cremation has been requested with a Celebration of Life to be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Christian Community Church in Longton, Kansas. Memorials have been suggested to Harry Hynes Hospice and may be left with or mailed to the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.countrysidefh.com. Services are under the direction of Countryside Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, Howard, Kansas 67349.
(taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website)
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