Emerson Charles Ballentine

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Emerson Charles Ballentine, age 77, of Wallace, Kansas passed away Tuesday, November 9, 2021. He was born December 20, 1943.  He was raised in Wallace County by his maternal grandparents, Humphrey Barber and Ermma Neoma Langdon.
Emerson attended Winona School until he was needed to help on the farm full time.  He met and married Virginia Beckner of Goodland on June 16, 1963.  They had five sons, Charles Leon, Sonney, Corey, Daniel, James; and one daughter, Tina. 
Emerson was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, mentor, and friend.  He was a hard worker, he started out in farming and eventually started his own carpet laying company.  Many of the family has worked and learned under his care.  His house was always open with a pot of coffee on.  He always had time to talk and a heart full of love for family, and you didn’t need to be blood related to be a child of his.  He was always ready with a calm word of wisdom or the latest joke he heard.  His enjoyment was his family, the fishing bank, helping the boys with whatever they were working on, or just sitting quietly with mom watching t.v.  He will be greatly missed. 
He is survived by his wife, Virginia of the home; son, Charles Leon Ballentine and wife Charina of Philippines; daughter, Tina Waterman and husband Scott of Oberlin; son, Sonney Ballentine and wife Barb of Wallace; son, Corey Ballentine and wife Tara of Wallace; son, Daniel Ballentine and wife Marilyn of Wallace; and son, James Ballentine and wife Cassandra of Wallace; He was also a father to Damon Rickard and wife Cassy; 28 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren; sister, Julie Craig; best friend and brother-in-law, Bob Beckner and wife Dorothy; and brother-in-law Jerry and wife Gwen.
He has joined in heaven his grandparents; parents; sister, Connie Carpenter; and one grandson, J. Michael.
A memorial service will be Saturday, November 20, 2021 at 2 p.m. CT at the Winona High School Gym, 504 Wilson Avenue, Winona, Kansas 67764.  Memorials may be designated to the Emerson Ballentine Memorial Fund and may be left at the service or sent in care of Bateman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 278, Goodland, Kansas 67735.  For more information and online condolences visit www.batemanfuneral.com

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OBITUARIES

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Joan Ray Smith

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Liston William “Bill” Humphrey, Jr

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Sadie Lee Smelker

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Roe Randall Johnson

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Margaret Yvonne Kuder

Margaret Yvonne Kuder was born near Seward, Kansas on July 9th, 1930 to Clifton and Helen Walter in their home South of Great Bend.  She was delivered by her Grand Mother Lucy Lacey Walter. She passed on July 22, 2025 in Weskan, Kansas at home. She had just celebrated her... [More]

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Barbara Lou Liester

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Steven “Skeeter” W. Finley

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Elly Lotscher

In Loving Memory of Elly Lotscher, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, who peacefully passed away on July 5, 2025, surrounded by the warmth of her loving family. Born on November 19, 1927, in Billand, Denmark, Elly was the cherished daughter of the late... [More]

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FEATURE STORY

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Area Students Hit the Cattletrails

The Historical Exposition held annually at the Fort Wallace Museum was well attended by area students and history enthusiasts. On Friday, Students were invited to visit several learning stations scattered throughout the Fort Wallace Grounds where they learned everything it took... [More]

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Kansas lesser prairie chicken loses endangered species act protections after court order

TOPEKA — The lesser prairie chicken, a dancing grouse that has long teetered between threatened and endangered classifications, lost its federal protections in court in a victory for Great Plains petroleum and cattle industries. In a Tuesday decision from a Texas federal... [More]

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U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Visits Rotary in Sharon Springs

United States Senator Jerry Moran was the guest of honor at Rotary on August 6, 2025, in Sharon Springs.  The meeting was hosted by the Rotary Club of Goodland and by former members of the Sharon Springs Club, who aim to renew Rotary activities locally. Jim Ross, President... [More]

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Wallace County EMS Receives Commendation from U.S. Senator Jerry Moran

At a Rotary gathering in Sharon Springs on August 6, 2025, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran presented Paulette Unruh, Wallace County Emergency Medical Services Director, with a certificate showing the Recognition of First Responders as read on the floor of the U.S. Senate and printed... [More]

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Pioneer Pastoring part 5

The acquaintance of Pastor Lyle Brock and his wife Doris has been concentrated into one short year—1930-1931. One to two years at each appointment was typical in those years of Pioneer Pastoring. It is a short acquaintance for us because it wasn’t in person, but just... [More]

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City Receives $5000 Rotary Grant for Tree Replacement in City Park

JoAnna Basgall, former President of the Rotary Club of Sharon Springs, presented a $5000 check to Sharon Springs Mayor Verlan Wagoner at a Rotary meeting on August 6, 2025, in Sharon Springs.  Mr. Wagoner expressed thanks on behalf of the City. The club’s grant application... [More]

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Greeley County Health Services Seeks Participation in Survey

Every three years, non-profit hospitals are tasked with evaluating the community and public health needs. Greeley County Health Services (GCHS) has been working with community partners in this effort since 2013 in both Greeley and Wallace counties. GCHS has convened local entities... [More]

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Pioneer Pastoring part 4

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BUGLE NOTES

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Bugle Notes 11/28/24

Peak travel season may be over, but that doesn't mean that we are closing up shop at the Fort Wallace Museum! We have re-vamped winter hours that are already underway - you can visit Mon - Sat 10-4 MT this winter, weather permitting. If there is questionable weather, you can... [More]

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Bugle Notes 5/21/24

It’s that time again in Wallace! It’s Rodeo Time!  This year’s 70th Edition of the Fort Wallace Rodeo is shaping up to be a special one! There are again two performances; Saturday May 25 at 7 pm MDT and then on Sunday May 26 at 5 pm MDT.  Admission... [More]

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Annual Symposium held at Fort Wallace Museum

This past weekend, the Fort Wallace Museum had record-breaking attendance at the annual Symposium, and an equally successful Fundraiser Banquet. Around 90 people were in attendance at the day’s lectures and presentations, with attendees from all over Kansas, as well as... [More]

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Fort Wallace Museum to Host Symposium/Banquet

The Guardians of the Fort Wallace Museum will host their annual symposium and banquet on Saturday, March 16, at the museum, with symposium beginning at 8:30 am MDT and Capt. Keogh’s Emerald Banquet at 5 pm MDT. The theme of this year’s events is “The Moccasin... [More]

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Bugle Notes 11/28/23

The Christmas Season approaches! Our annual Candlelight Christmas Service will be held on Sunday, December 3rd at 5:00 MT, starting at the 1888 Bethany Lutheran Church located on the west side of our Museum grounds. The traditional Swedish Lutheran service in the historic atmosphere... [More]

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Bugle Notes 10/31/23

On Thursday evening, Nov. 2nd, come on over at 6 pm to hear a most talented musician, mandolinist and singer/songwriter John DePew! We will be hosting John inside the 1888 Bethany Lutheran Church. John Depew is a Kansas-based musician, songwriter, and traveler with a knack for... [More]

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Bugle Notes 10/24/23

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Ft Wallace Museum Holds 4th Annual Education Day

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