There’s no shortage of jokes about farmers and ranchers asking for a discount or inquiring if a free hat can be included with a purchase. My grandfather once told me, “It never hurts to ask — the worst they can tell you is ‘No’.”
Walda Ann Baker, formerly of LaCygne, Kansas, passed peacefully on August 3, 2024. She was born January 14, 1943 to Walter and Edna (Moulton) Hilliard.
The Aug. 6 primary election results were finalized during the canvass Monday, Aug. 19, and although 28 ballots were added to the overall totals, Miami County Commissioner George Pretz maintained his eightvote victory over challenger Rusty Gerken.
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Judith A. Spitzenberger Blackburn age 83 of Lane, Kansas passed away peacefully on August 12th, 2024, at the Olathe Hospice House. Judy was born on July 15th, 1941, in Osawatomie, Kansas to James and Alta Barnes Spitzenberger and was followed two years later by her brother Donald. The family moved to Paola where Judy attended school, graduating from Paola High School in 1959. Ronald Blackburn captured Judy’s heart and the couple were united in marriage February 10th, 1962, making their home in Paola and welcoming daughter Leslie in 1967, and son Randy in 1972. Judy loved becoming a mother, homemaker and enjoyed gardening and canning.
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Donna Smreker, 58, passed away at her home in Osawatomie on August 11, 2024. Services are in care of Dengel & Son Mortuary-Paola Chapel.
PAOLA – Paola USD 368 won’t be collecting any more property tax from its residents in the 2024-2025 budget than it did the prior year thanks to a revenue- neutral budget recently approved by Paola school board members.
PAOLA – A musical reunion weekend is coming to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Roots Festival. The festival will take place Friday, Aug.
Maxine Crowell, 86, of Beagle, Kansas, passed away August 13, 2024 after a short hospice stay in her own home. “Mac” as she was called by close family, was born October 18, 1937, near Gainesville, Ozark County, Missouri to John Thomas Chisam and Edgie Mae Chisam (née Smith). She attended rural schools and churches in the Gainesville area, walking to both no matter the weather. Maxine was one of nine (9) children of John and Edgie. Maxine is survived by her daughter Lori (Tim) Catlin of Ottawa, Kansas; her daughter Lisa (John) Farley of Osawatomie, Kansas; her grandchildren Rylee Catlin, Emma Catlin, Ellie Catlin, Lily Catlin, Sam Farley, Jack Farley, and Annie Farley; her brother, Gene (Linda) Chisam of Gainesville, Missouri; and many in-laws, nieces, nephews and other family throughout Kansas and Missouri. Graveside was August 15, 2024 at Beagle Cemetery. Memorials are to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital and may be sent c/o Eddy-Birchard Funeral Home P.O. Box 430 Osawatomie, KS 66064.