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Presumptive Positive Case of Monkeypox in Kansas City Area

KDHE has identified a presumptive positive case of monkeypox in Kansas

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), working with the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment, has identified a presumptive positive case of monkeypox in Kansas based on testing at the Kansas Health and Environment Laboratories. This is the first presumptive positive case in Kansas.

The patient is an adult resident in Johnson County, KS who recently traveled out of state. To protect the individual’s privacy, no additional information will be shared at this time. The patient is working with KDHE to identify contacts who may have been exposed.

“The risk of monkeypox spreading in Kansas remains low,” Janet Stanek, Secretary of KDHE, said. “If you are experiencing symptoms of monkeypox illness, it’s important to stay home and contact your health care provider as soon as possible to avoid spreading the disease to others.”

In typical cases, a person may experience symptoms including fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion followed by the appearance of a rash that can look like pimples or blisters that may appear on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body like hands, feet, chest, or genitals. However, it is important to note that not all cases will show symptoms before the onset of a rash, so KDHE strongly recommends anyone experiencing symptoms of a monkeypox-like rash with other risk factors contact their health care provider as soon as possible. Risk factors for monkeypox infection include the following scenarios within 21 days of first symptom onset:

  • Contact with a person or people with a similar appearing rash or who received a diagnosis of confirmed or probable monkeypox, OR
  • Close or intimate in-person contact with individuals in a social network experiencing monkeypox activity including meeting partners through an online website, digital app or social event, OR
  • Recent travel outside the US to a country with confirmed cases of monkeypox or where Monkeypox virus is endemic, OR
  • Contact with a dead or live wild animal or exotic pet that is an African endemic species or used a product derived from such animals (game meat, creams, lotions, powders, etc.)

The monkeypox vaccine is available to those with a known exposure to a confirmed monkeypox case; however, with the vaccine supply extremely limited in the United States, residents who have not been contacted by KDHE or clinic partners are not able to be vaccinated at this time. KDHE will expand eligibility as additional doses are available.

The KDHE Phone Bank is available to assist in answering general questions about monkeypox. Individuals can call 1-866-KDHEINF (534-3463) Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. or can email their questions.

 

About monkeypox

Monkeypox is a rare disease that is caused by infection with monkeypox virus. Monkeypox virus spreads between people primarily through direct contact with infectious lesions, scabs, body fluids, or by respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact. The virus can also spread through direct contact with materials that have touched body fluids or lesions, such as clothing or linens. However, standard cleaning practices and laundering reduces spread through these materials. Individuals are considered infectious from the onset of symptoms until lesions have crusted, those crusts have separated, and a fresh layer of healthy skin has formed underneath.

The incubation period of monkeypox is usually from 7 to 14 days but can range from 5 to 21 days. Initial symptoms usually include fever, fatigue, headache and enlarged lymph nodes. A rash often starts on the face and then appears on the palms, arms, legs, and other parts of the body. Over a week or two, the rash changes from small, flat spots to tiny blisters that are similar to chickenpox, and then to larger blisters. These can take several weeks to scab over and fall off. For more information about monkeypox visit the KDHE monkeypox webpage.

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for July 11

Please note this meeting will Monday, July 11, 2022 at 6pm in the Commission Room.  There will be no meeting on Tuesday, July 12, 2022.
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: July 11, 2022

1st DistrictLynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd DistrictJim Harris Corrected: _______________________

3rd DistrictClifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________

County ClerkAshley Shelton

MEETING WILL BE MONDAY, JULY 11TH IN THE COMMISSION ROOM BEGINNING AT 6PM

Call to Order

Flag Salute

Approval of Minutes from previous meeting

District Court Budget Request

Judge WardExecutive Session 754319(b)(12) to discuss matters relating to security measures,
if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures

Eric Bailey Road & Bridge Report

Bob Reed Fair Board Budget

Kelley ZellnerDiscuss demolition incentive and fall cleanup day

Justin Meeks County Counselor Comment

Susan Bancroft Chief Financial Officer Comment

o 2021 EMPG Grant Discussion

o Resolution on Hours for Benefits

o EMS Collections Process

o Budget Presentation

Shane Walker Chief Information Officer Comment

Public Comment

Commission Comment

Department Budget Reviews (open to the public)

Register of Deeds

Sheriff/Corrections

Public Works

Justifications for Executive Session:

KSA 754319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to prote

Obituary of Sarah Jackson

Sarah Kathrine “Kay” Jackson, age 92, a resident of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away Thursday, July 7, 2022, in Overland Park.  She was born June 19, 1930, in Ft. Scott, Kansas the daughter of L.C. Jackson and Kathrine E. Harris Jackson.  She grew up in Ft. Scott and graduated from the Ft. Scott High School.  She went on to become a para legal where she worked for the Austin and Spears Law Firm.

 

She is survived by her sister, Virginia Keal of Overland Park; a nephew, Bobby Jackson (Dara) of Ft. Scott and two nieces, Debora Barnes (Jim), Ash Grove, Missouri and Mary K. Auler (Leonard) of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  Also surviving are several great-nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Robert E. Jackson and a nephew, Bryan “Kent” Keal.

 

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, July 16th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

What’s Happening In Fort Scott Weekly Newsletter July 8

What’s Happening in Fort Scott!
July 8th Weekly Newsletter
So much fun coming up in Fort Scott,
share with your friends & family!
UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS
________________
TROLLEY TOURS,
ON THE HOUR FROM THE CHAMBER!
Friday 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm
Saturday 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm
$6 adults, $4 children 12 & under
50-minute narrated tour of Historic Fort Scott!
The Lavender Patch’s Hours
Friday-Monday from 9am-1pm
7/8 ~ Gordon Parks Fundraiser Event featuring Charlie Redd & Luna Voo Doo Music Performance, The Liberty Theatre, doors open at 7pm, click here for more info.
7/8-7/9 ~ ACRA/IPRA Rodeo, BB County Fair Grounds, tickets on sale now at the Chamber. Click here for details.
7/8 ~ Friday Concert featuring the Hemphills, Heritage Park Pavilion, 7pm
7/9 ~ Woodland Hills 2-person Scramble Golf Tournament
7/9 ~ Bronson Day, Bronson, KS, 9am-12:30am,
click here.
7/9 ~ Bourbon County Carpool Tour, The Marmiton Massacre – Payback, 8:30-10:30am, Departs from The Old Fort Genealogical Library, click here.
7/7-7/10 ~ John Hill Summer Showcase Baseball Tournament
7/10 ~ Charity Partner Spades Tournament, Empress Event Center – 7 N. Main St., 1pm
7/12 ~ Chamber After-Hours Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting for Geaux Loco Food Truck, 223 N. National Ave., 5:15-6:30pm
7/13 ~ Dare to Dream: Taking Care of Your Employees – Women’s Entrepreneurship Event, 104 N. National Ave, 5-7pm
7/14 ~ Chamber Blue of Kansas Informational Webinar, 2pm, click here for zoom link.
7/15 ~ Chamber Golf Classic, Woodland Hills Golf Course, 10am-4pm, click here.
7/15-7/16 ~ Beat the Heat Downtown
Shopping Event
7/15-7/16 ~ E3 Freedom Throw-Down 18U Baseball Tournament, LaRoche Complex
7/16 ~ FSCC Foundation Gala, The Liberty Theatre, 6:30-9pm
7/21 ~ King Ryder Circus, Bourbon County Fair Grounds, 5:30pm & 8pm
7/18-7/22 ~ Bourbon County Fair
7/23 ~ BbcoDems will be serving breakfast and brunch at the Farmers Market, Skubitz Plaza,
8am-12pm
SAVE THE DATE:
7/25 ~ Election Candidate Forum, Doors open at 5:30pm and the Forum starts at 6pm, Location TBA
7/27 ~ Walk-In Mammogram Event, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, 7am-7pm
7/29 ~ Mercy Health Foundation Fort Scott Wine Stroll, Art Walk, and Concert, click here.
7/30 ~ Soda and Snacks Shower, Elk’s Lodge – 111 W. 19th St., 10am-5pm, click here.
_____________
SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!
Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!
Clickhere for Chamber member
specialty shopping & other retail in
Downtown & other areas of the community.
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue
Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?
Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.
GORDON PARKS CELEBRATION FUNDRAISER
ACRA/IPRA Rodeo, BB County Fair Grounds
BRONSON DAY 2022
MARMITON MASSACRE – PAYBACK CARPOOL TOUR
CHAMBER GOLF CLASSIC TOURNAMENT
FORT CINEMA SHOW SCHEDULE THIS WEEKEND
THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER CHAMPION MEMBERS!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
231 E. Wall Street
Fort Scott, KS 66701

Chamber After Hours is July 12

After Hours Chamber Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Event for Geaux Loco Food Truck.

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to an After-Hours Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting event to celebrate Geaux Loco Food Truck at 5:15pm on Tuesday, July 12th, located at 223 N. National Ave. Remarks and cutting of the ribbon will be at 5:30 pm.

Owners Hanna and daughter Curline Melveaux are excited to announce the opening of their food truck and their menu which includes flavors from Bayou to Central America with American favorites. They are now selling The Ice Cream Factory ice cream by the scoop. The After-Hours Chamber Event will feature ice cream and food samples.

Chamber members and guests are invited to Chamber events to network, make announcements, hear about happenings in the community as well as learn about the business or organization hosting.  Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information.  Visit the Events Calendar and category of Chamber Coffees on fortscott.com for upcoming locations.

Live Rock, R&B, and Pop Music Tonight at the Liberty Theater

The Gordon Parks Museum Announces a Fundraiser Event Featuring a Music Performance by
CHARLIE REDD & LUNA VOO DOO BAND
The Liberty Theatre
TONIGHT at 8pm | Doors Open at 7pm
It is not too late to purchase tickets and reserve seats!
The Gordon Parks Museum is excited to announce a fundraiser Event: Featuring a music performance by Charlie Redd & Luna Voo Doo Band. This very popular and entertaining band will be providing the very best fun party dance music in Rock, R&B, Pop, etc.
Charlie Redd & Luna Voo Doo perform regularly at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tulsa, OK. The performance will be held at the Liberty Theater on Friday, July 8. Doors open at 7 p.m. and performance starts at 8 p.m. Cash bar will be available. Tickets are $25 each or $30 at the door.
Tickets are on sale now at The Gordon Parks Website and the Gordon Parks Museum located at 2108 S. Horton St. on the FSCC Campus.
Thank you to all of our Chamber Champions for your support!

Uniontown City Council Agenda for July 12

The Uniontown City Council will meet July 12 at 7 p.m. in city hall, on the east side of the square.

CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________

ROLL CALL: 

___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Josh Hartman ___ Amber Kelly ___ Bradley Stewart

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Open bids for School Pond Improvement Project –

 

 

2022 Audit presentation, Amanda Lancaster, Diehl, Banwart, Bolton –

 

 

Ruritan Bathroom Project, Skeet George –

 

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

 

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Minutes of May 10, 2022 Regular Council Meeting and May 25, 2022 Worksession
  2. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

KDOT Safety Inspection –

Lead & Copper Testing

 

Codes Enforcement:  Doug Coyan

 

 

 

Clerk Report:  Sally Johnson  

KMU Water Training @ Uniontown

LKM request to send thank you to legislators for their support of local government

 

 

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin –

Councilwoman Esslinger –

Councilman Hartman –

Councilwoman Kelly –

Councilman Stewart–

Mayor Jurgensen –

 

OLD BUSINESS

American Rescue Plan Act update–

 

 

Street Repair –

 

 

NEW BUSINESS

2023 Budget –

 

 

Motion by __________, Second by ___________, Approved _______ to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at ­­­­___________.

 

 Attachments:

07-22 Informational items

2022 Financials – June

Uniontown City Council Work Session Minutes of June 29

Minutes are unapproved until the next council meeting.

The Council Worksession on June 29, 2022 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 6:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, and Josh Hartman.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting was City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger.

 

Three proposed options for the general fund budget were discussed – leave the mil the same, lower the mil, or use the revenue neutral rate mil.  A proposed budget of all other budgeted funds was discussed.  The council will decide at the July 12, 2022 regular council meeting to exceed revenue neutral rate for 2023.

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 3-0, to adjourn at 7:15PM

Uniontown City Council Minutes of June 14

Minutes are unapproved until the next council meeting.

The Regular Council Meeting on June 14, 2022 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 6:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger (6:04), Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Don George, KDWPT, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Ruritan Bathroom Project, Skeet George – Mr. George was unable to attend.  The concrete for the bathroom has been poured with floor drains.  Anticipate pouring the concrete for the sidewalk on June 17 or 18 depending on help available.

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

None

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger presented the May 2022 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $374,736.00, Receipts $44,285.81, Transfers Out $12,776.00, Expenditures $62,948.52, Checking Account Closing Balance $343,297.29. Bank Statement Balance $343,897.73, including Checking Account Interest of $30.53, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $600.44, Reconciled Balance $343,297.29.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $30,063.99, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $18,566.16, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $28,346.12, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $420,273.56. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $146.56, and Utility CDs $74.84 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $221.40.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of May 2022, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  May Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00 and to Capital Improvement-Streets $250.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00 and to Capital Improvement-Streets $750.00; from Gas Utility Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $6,250.00; from General Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $2,500.00, Total Transfers of $12,776.00.  Net Loss for the month of May $31,438.71, Year-to-Date Net Income $19,553.79.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $45,047.13 (42.7%), Expenditures $44,930.06 (34.4%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $14,459.23 (40.5%), Expenditures $18,189.7 (44.3%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $79,699.68 (57.1%), Expenditures $63,501.51 (25.9%); General Fund YTD Revenue $69,133.52 (53.8%), Expenditures $64,719.69 (39.2%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $3,578.39 (52.2%), Expenditures $397.28 (3.7%).  The June 2022 estimated payables in the amount of $35,545.46 were presented.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda:

  • Minutes of May 10, 2022 Regular Council Meeting and May 25, 2022 Ordinance-ARPA Worksession
  • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent Rich reported that a freeze proof hydrant was installed at the fire station for the automatic watering system that is to be installed.  Fire District #3 wants to know who is paying for that (approximately $140).

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to see if Park Committee will pay and if not pay out of Parks and Recreation line of the General Fund

 

Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported that a certified letter has been sent to owner of 404 Washington.  Clerk Johnson reported that the letter has not been picked up yet and is on its way back. She will send another to owner in care of partner in rehabbing property.  202 Fourth St. had a “Mow Your Yard” sign posted. Tenant came in angry and stated he wouldn’t mow the ditch.  A certified letter was sent to property owner.  They refused to pick up.  Bobby mowed/trimmed, an invoice was sent with the original certified letter enclosed.

Coyan will draw up specs for the ADA bathroom at City Hall and try to find a contractor.  He will also gather some quotes for reskinning the warehouse and putting in the rollup door on the south end.

Draft ordinances for fence regulations, accessory buildings regulations, and establishing trash and physical waste service were presented for first reading.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0 to pass and approved Ordinance No. 197 An Ordinance Establishing Regulations for Fences within the City Limits of Uniontown, Kansas; Exceptions, Ordinance No. 198 An Ordinance Establishing Regulations for Accessory Buildings within the City Limits of Uniontown, Kansas; Exceptions, and Ordinance No. 199 An Ordinance Establishing Trash and Physical Waste Service within City Limits of Uniontown, Kansas; Exceptions.

 

Council asked for an invitation for bids or request for proposals be drafted for the trash service by next meeting.

 

Clerk Johnson presented a Memorandum of Understanding with Healthy Bourbon County Action Team for the Placemaking grant for the pickleball court and/or outdoor exercise equipment.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to approve the Memorandum of Understanding between Healthy Bourbon County Action Team and City of Uniontown for Placemaking grant for the pickleball court and/or outdoor exercise equipment.

 

Resolution No. 2022-0614-1 Adopting the Kansas Homeland Security Region H Hazard Mitigation Plan was presented.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to adopt Resolution No. 2022-0614-1 Adopting the Kansas Homeland Security Region H Hazard Mitigation Plan

 

Copier maintenance agreement annual renewal was presented; $25 increase this year.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to accept the annual renewal of copier maintenance agreement with Modern Copy Systems for $325

 

Budget worksession was scheduled for June 29, 6PM, food will be provided.  Clerk Johnson will send out text reminder.

Independence Day Bash, sponsored by Union State Bank, will be held on July 1 this year instead of July 3.  Portapotties have been ordered.  Clerk Johnson said she ordered them for Old Settlers also, just in case the new restrooms are not finished.

Citywide yard sales date was set for Saturday, August 20.  Clerk Johnson will put flyer in with billings.

Collection Bureau of Kansas is requesting authorization for legal action for collection of utility account 1017005.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to authorize Collection Bureau of Kansas to pursue legal action for collection of utility account 1017005

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – nothing

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilman Hartman – nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – nothing

Councilman Stewart – four-wheelers are speeding and tearing up the railroad right-of-way.

Mayor Jurgensen – Gas Liaison meeting is scheduled for June 22, 2022, 5PM, at community center.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Pond Improvement Project – Invitations for bids were mailed to seven contractors on May 25 and published on May 28 to be received by noon, June 14.  No bids were received.  Some of the contractors wanted some clarification of specifications in the bid.  Don George, KDWPT, advised us on some more specific specifications for the project – 4”-6” riprap, 1’ deep, 8’ wide with 2-3’ below waterline, riprap and weed barrier will be provided on site, designated area to haul excess dirt will be railroad right-of-way at First and Clay Streets, and remove broken part of splashblock and riprap below tube instead of concrete repair of splashblock.  Pond level can be pumped or siphoned down, if needed.  A new invitation for bids will be written and sent out.  The rock the county had already delivered is too large for riprap; although, some could be used to build a shelf for the riprap.  There is plenty of time.  We can ask for an extension, if necessary.  There is some moss on the pond.  Mr George will check if there are any grass carp available to put in the pond.

 

American Rescue Plan Act update – The second tranche of $20,144.41 was received on June 13, making the total received $40,288.82.  This will be used to upgrade the warehouse or an ADA compliant restroom at City Hall.

 

Street Repair – Mayor Jurgensen spoke with the county June 14; per the county counselor, they cannot asphalt our streets as they are not allowed to compete with private industry.  Killough will be working in the area in the fall.  We will contact them, Bailey’s Asphalt (did school parking lots), and Bettis for quotes.

 

NEW BUSINESS

None

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 7:47PM

Offered A Suite But Settled For the Bleachers

Patty LaRoche

“You’re in our seats,” she said, not kindly.

She thought that Dave and I were sneaking into the nicer section at a minor league baseball game in Iowa, taking the more expensive seats that were rightfully hers.

She was right.

But it wasn’t completely our fault.  Our son coaches for the team, so he left us two passes for our tickets.  We were there last year and knew that family seats were behind home plate.  As we headed that direction, Dave looked at our tickets. The word “Bleacher” was stamped on the side.  Surely there was a mistake.  The bleachers are not regular seats.  They are cheap, crowded, aluminum platforms in the outfield.

We nabbed two empty seats in the handicapped section just before the rightful occupants asked us to move.  I texted Andy’s wife.  The same had happened to her, she said, and we were to “find the usher with the long hair” behind home plate; he would get us seats.  He advised that we sit a couple of seats away from the scouts in that section.  However, this night was “fireworks’ night, so it’s a sold-out crowd, so you might have to keep moving around.”

So not good!

Andy texted from the dugout that someone from upper management was in the scouts’ section and was excited to see Dave who had coached him years ago.  Soon they were engrossed in conversation.  I found an empty seat and prayed that I would not be publicly embarrassed by being told to move again.

Silly me.  No sooner did a family boot Dave from his seat than he joined me, and we had the same fate… not once, not twice, but three times.

For a little background, I get sick to my stomach when I inconvenience someone.  If an item doesn’t ring up at the checkout stand and people behind me are waiting.  If I’m two minutes late.  If I don’t press on the gas the second the light changes to green.  So, the thought of people having to deal with me taking their seats puts me in orbit.

Crowds are always sympathetic to the rightful seat occupants who have to kick out some freeloaders—us!—who are too cheap to pay for the better seats.

I wanted to scream, “My son is a hitting coach for this team, and there’s been a mistake,” but I knew that Dave would head for the parking lot if I did. So, we slinked out of the seats with some feeble apology.

By now, the aluminum seats were crammed, so we tried the indoor restaurant. That took a special ticket.  Maybe we could get a hotdog and stand by the dumpster and watch the game.

Bad idea.  The food line was 50-60 fans long. We headed to the parking lot.

Andy met us after the game.  “Dad,” he started, “because of your years in baseball, don’t you have a card that gives you VIP status at any ballpark in the country?”  Dave’s answer stunned me.  “I left it at home.” SAY WHAT?

All this time, we could have had the best seats in the house—perhaps even a suite—and Dave forgot to bring his benefit’s card?  Dave had earned that perk but didn’t use it.  The spiritual application should not go unnoticed.

In John 10:10b, Jesus promises something extraordinary: I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. Life to the full offers every awesome thing imaginable: joy, forgiveness, restoration, peace, healing–whatever we need.

If we are Christians, we are card-carrying members of God’s elite club. No one can kick us out.  So, why don’t we understand what has been offered us? Why don’t we claim what is rightfully ours?

God has offered us a suite.  Think about that the next time you are tempted to settle for the bleachers.