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Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Lowell Milken Center Participating in the 35th Annual Toybox Campaign

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The Lowell Milken Center has joined the 35th Annual Toybox campaign which runs through December 12. It is one of the 4-States’ largest toy drives to benefit underprivileged children in Southeast Kansas, Southwest Missouri, and Northeast Oklahoma. KOAM News Now, Salvation Army and many other community service organizations and businesses have organized this worthwhile endeavor.

 

In Fort Scott, new, unwrapped toys for children birth through 16 years of age may be dropped off during regular business hours at the Lowell Milken Center at 1 South Main or at Care4All at 2 W. 18th St. (The Lowell Milken Center is open from 10 am–5 pm, M-F, and 10 am–4 pm on Saturdays.) The toys will be distributed through Compassionate Ministries/Salvation Army here in Bourbon County to families who have registered for holiday assistance.

 

Toybox Tuesday Telethons will be conducted during the Noon, 5:00, 6:00, and 9:00 pm newscasts on KOAM and FOX14 and its KOAM+ streaming platforms.  Dates for the telethons are November 28, December 5, and December 12. Viewers have the opportunity to make a tax-deductible financial contribution to support Toybox during the telethons. All monies raised are used to purchase new toys and gifts.

 

Additional information can be found at http://koamnewsnow.com/Toybox.

 

Obituary

Obituary of Lloyd Wiley

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Lloyd Eugene Wiley, 89, a Fort Scott, Kansas resident, passed away, at his home, Saturday morning, November 25, 2023.  He was born on April 30, 1934, the son of Fred Funston Wiley and Opal Virginia (Duncan) Wiley in Fort Scott, Kansas. He married Norma ‘Jean’ Mudd on May 17, 1953; she preceded him in death on April 27, 2020.

 

Lloyd was a life-long resident of Bourbon County. He graduated from Fort Scott High School, and worked as a farmer, farming his own land, and as a carpenter. He owned his own construction company, Wiley Construction, for many years specializing in custom homes and remodels.

 

An active community member, Lloyd volunteered with many organizations. He was a long-time member of the Bourbon County Fair Board. Lloyd was inducted into the Kansans Fairs & Festivals Association’s Hall of Fame in 2006. He was also extremely active with the Tri-State Draft Horse Pullers. A favorite pastime was to load up his draft horses and head to pulling matches all over the country, having competed in places such as the National Western Stock Show in Denver and the Tulsa, Oklahoma State Fair. When at home he spent many, many days pulling wagons with grade-school kids, nursing home residents, and Santas in the Fort Scott Christmas parades; you name it Lloyd was present in the community.

 

Known as a husband, dad, father-in-law, grandpa, great-grandpa, uncle, and friend to many, Lloyd will be greatly missed by all who loved him. Those he left behind are comforted, knowing that he is in a better place with his loved ones who passed before him, including Jean and Lyn. Knowing Lloyd, he probably went and picked up his Jean, and they are headed to a pulling match in heaven right now.

 

Survivors include his son Pete Wiley, of Fort Scott; daughter-in-law, Cindy Wiley, of St. Francis, Kansas; two sisters-in-law, Marie Wiley and Pat Price, both of Fort Scott; three grandchildren, Dustin Wiley and his wife Randi of Okemah, Oklahoma, Darin Wiley and his wife Taylor of Snook, Texas, and Cheyenne Von Krosigk and her husband Randell of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; great-grandson, Weston Lyn Wiley of Okemah, Oklahoma; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

In addition to his wife, Jean, Lloyd was also preceded in death by his eldest son, Lyn; daughter-in-law, Jeanie; his parents; three brothers, Don Wiley, Dale Wiley, and Larry Wiley; and his sister, Dorothy Hoffman.

 

Chuck Harris will conduct funeral services at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home in Fort Scott, with burial following at the Memory Gardens of Bourbon County Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Tuesday evening, November 28, 2023, from 6:00-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Bourbon County Fair Board, and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

 

Bourbon County, Government

Draft Minutes of the Uniontown City Council on November 14

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The Regular Council Meeting on November 14, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Zach Snyder and Stevie Amos (Thomas Construction), Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, City Superintendent Bobby Rich and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Placemaking Project – bid opening – this is for 34’ X 65’ X 6” pickleball court, 2 bids received, Rogers & Sons Concrete, $18,430 and Marbery Excavation & Hauling, $20,650.  Bid tabulation attached.

Uniontown Park Enhancement Project Bid Tab

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to accept bid from Rogers & Sons Concrete in the amount of $18,430

 

Clerk Johnson stated that acknowledgement for the BCBS Pathways Grant of $10,000 was received, needs signed, and returned.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to authorize Sally Johnson to sign the BCBS Pathways Grant acknowledgement and return

 

Pond Project – bid opening – this for Phase II of riprapping bank, 3 bids received, Rogers & Sons Concrete, $13,500; Marbery Excavation & Hauling, $6.680; and Thomas Construction Inc, $28,024.  Bid tabulation attached.

Uniontown School Pond Improvement Phase II Project Bid Tab

 

Motion by Stewart, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to accept bid from Marbery Excavation & Hauling in the amount of $6,680

 

Clerk Johnson has ordered/received weed barrier.  She ordered one designed to go under driveways this time.

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

None

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger present the October 2023 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $395,312.22, Receipts $37,931.52, Transfers Out $12,776.00, Expenditures $27,043.25, Checking Account Closing Balance $393,424.49. Bank Statement Balance $399,580.44, including Checking Account Interest of $84.55, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $6,155.95, Reconciled Balance $393,424.49.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,433.01, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $19,939.88, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,710.66, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $480,508.04. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $798.19, and Utility CDs $682.57 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $1,480.76.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of October 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $562.50, Expenditures $562.50, Ending Balance $0.  October Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00, to Capital Improvement-Streets $250.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, 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; for Total Transfers of $12,776.00.  Net Loss for the month of October $1,887.73, Year-to-Date Net Income $49,872.52.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $100,111.61 (81.9%), Expenditures $94,509.42 (59.0%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $31,115.85 (84.4%), Expenditures $25,225.57 (61.3%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $112,721.15 (72.0%), Expenditures $111,228.80 (49.4%); General Fund YTD Revenue $156,439.58 (104.5%), Expenditures $133,070.97 (71.8%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $8,152.71 (109.3%), Expenditures $6,183.82 (52.9%).  The November 2023 estimated payables in the amount of $185,122.07 were presented which includes invoice for street resurfacing.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0, to approve Consent Agenda as amended:

  • Minutes of October 10, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 3-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance and job duties of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 7:55.

 

Motion by Stewart, Second by Hartman, Approved 3-0 to extend executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance and job duties of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:20.

 

Clerk Johnson called in at 8:00, out at 8:15.

 

Motion by Stewart, Second by Hartman, Approved 3-0 to extend executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance and job duties of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:52.

 

Johnson called in at 8:25, out at 8:52.  Open meeting resumed at 8:52.  Council asked if schedule a special meeting for executive session for non-elected personnel could they also include discussion of the council pay ordinance. Yes, they can.  They would like to have meal provided for special meeting.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to schedule a special meeting for November 27, 6PM, to dicuss ordinance regulating council pay and executive session for non-elected personnel exception.

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

City Superintendent Rich reported that the incoming water valve is not closing completely.  He is currently shutting off the master meter when the pump is not running.  He has replaced the solenoid which was also leaking.  Can’t find anyone to work on the leaking valve.  We can order a new one like we currently have or we can order a different valve but would possibly not be the same size and would cost more to replace.  Either valve would probably have a 4-6 week delivery.

 

Motion ;by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to order new valve like existing valve from Mid America Valve

 

Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported that 404 Washington has started construction.  102 Franklin received letter on 10/31 and have started piling up dead tree/brush.  201 Fulton letter was sent to attorney handling the foreclosure.  The attorney was to notify the lender and/or owner to address the issue.  After discussion, due to the time of year and other properties in town with ditches not mowed, City will not pursue this until spring.

 

Clerk Johnson reported on information received from KDHE on the Lead Service Line Inventory and a scheduled public hearing on the Lead and Copper Rule Revision Rule Implementation in Chanute on December 5, 7PM.

KMGA May 1, 2024 through April 20, 2025 Projected Gas Volumes were received.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 3-0 to accept KMGA proposed Projected Gas Schedule for May 1, 2024 through April 30, 2025

 

Johnson also reported on the KMU Regional Meeting and the KSGFOA Fall conference.

KMU is hosting a virtual 2024 Legislative & Regulatory Outlook on December 1, 10AM.  She has registered to attend.

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – absent

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilman Hartman – conveyed his appreciation for the City and staff during his time on the council.  He will be unable to attend the December meeting, so said goodbye tonight.

Councilwoman Kelly – absent

Councilman Stewart – nothing

Mayor Jurgensen – has been receiving reports of dogs at large in the 300 block of Washington St.  He will ask Animal Control to followup.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Street project – work is completed.  Mayor Jurgensen and City Superintendent Rich met with contractor to discuss some areas of concern.  Work is warranted until October 27, 2024.  Contractor will come in to repair areas of concern next summer while working in the area.

 

Mural Grant – we have received the third and final payment from grant.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Council Pay Ordinance – tabled until special meeting on November 27, 2023.

 

Procurement Policy –

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to table discussion of current procurement policy to the December 12, 2023 meeting.

 

Moved by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 3-0, to adjourn at 9:57PM

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Deadline for Christmas Parade Entry Is Today, November 27

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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

presents the 2023 Christmas Parade!

Thursday, November 30th at 6pm

Deadline to enter the parade:

Monday, November 27th, 1pm

Click here for printable entry form.

Click here to enter online.

The Parade will start at Wall & National, in front of the radio station, go south on National to 3rd St., turn left on to Main St., then proceed north on Main to Skubitz Plaza where the parade will end at the Mayors Christmas Tree.

Festivities after the Christmas parade in Fort Scott:

*Lighting of the Mayors Christmas Tree immediately following the parade, north end of Main

*Holiday Fireworks

*Photos with Santa at Be the Light Boutique

Get your co-workers, friends or family together

& enter the parade today!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Opinion

Botched The Lord’s Prayer by Carolyn Tucker

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Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker

 

 

Several of my classmates married right after their high school graduation in 1976. I was asked to sing The Lord’s Prayer at one of these weddings. (This will sound really strange,   but I’d rather sing at five funerals than one wedding. Because a wedding ceremony is a huge production and everyone expects everything to be perfect. But funerals are a ministry to provide comfort through music and that‘s right in my wheelhouse.) An accomplished organist was to accompany me, and everything went well at the rehearsal. But on the evening of the wedding, the organ settings had been changed so that when the introduction was played, all I could hear was a low-pitched rumble. For the life of me, I couldn’t hear my starting note. I realized it wasn’t going to get any better, so I just started singing and sang about half of the song before I could determine the correct pitch. Of all the songs in the world, I totally botched The Lord’s Prayer. This incident was one of my most-embarrassing music fails ever! I can’t remember if I crawled out of the sanctuary or just dug a hole in the carpet and climbed in. I hope it wasn’t my fault, but this particular couple later divorced.

 

God will never fail us, but humans will. It’s our nature, not our intention. When Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, he took His inner circle of three (Peter, James and John) and asked them to pray and watch with Him. But they failed.

 

God, however, has always shown Himself to be an unfailing and faithful Father because He never makes mistakes and He never abandons His children. He is a solid Rock and dependable when life is not at its best. It’s comforting to know that God is the same through every situation; and that means He’s always good. “So we praise God for the glorious grace He has poured out on us who belong to His dear Son. He has showered His kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding” (Ephesians 1:6,8 NLT).

 

By faith, we can lay hold of the blessings God has for us.  “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ” (Ephesians 1:3 NLT). Christ followers need to be reminded that our spiritual blessings are vital to a victorious life in Him. But there’s no doubt that material blessings are also important. We need both types of blessings and God will not fail to provide us with everything we need as we place our complete trust in Him.   Jesus said, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33 NKJV).

 

Faith in an unfailing God is a routine that believers are to practice hourly. It’s not something we rely on sometimes. Faith in God’s love and power for us as individuals must be consistent. When we live out our everyday life grounded on God’s Word, our lives can positively impact others for the Kingdom of God.

 

God will always do what is best for His children; He‘s always up to something good. “So what should we say about this? If God is with us, no one can defeat us. He did not spare His own Son but gave Him for us all. So with Jesus, God will surely give us all things” (Romans 8:31,32 NCV).

 

The Key: God loves us and we can trust that He will never fail us or sing off pitch.

Obituary

Obituary of Robert Webster

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Robert Warren Webster, age 87, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas passed away Friday, November 24, 2023.  He was born January 7, 1936, in Butler, Missouri, the son of Burley Webster and Vonda Murphy Webster.  At the time, the family was living in Metz, Missouri.  Bob started the first grade at the age of five.  When he was in third grade, the family moved to Nevada, Missouri where Robert graduated from high school at the age of seventeen.

He then joined the U. S. Marine Corps and after boot camp at Camp Pendleton California, he served for a time in Korea and later returned to Camp Pendleton for the remainder of his enlistment.  While in the service, he was awarded the National Defense Ribbon, the Korean Service Ribbon and the Expert Rifleman Medal.  After returning home, he met and married Jacqueline Ann Reagan of Ft. Scott, Kansas on June 29, 1957.  She was the daughter of John and Mary Reagan.  At this time, he joined the Catholic Church in Ft. Scott.

After several jobs, Bob then managed the Gibson Discount Store in Ft. Scott and later he worked for the U-234 school system for twenty-one years before he retired.  Bob and Jackie presently live at 224 S. Little Street in Ft. Scott where they have lived for the past fifty-six years.

 

Survivors include his wife, Jackie, of the home and five children, Barbara Cassidy (Kent) of Ft. Scott, Mary “Ginger” Gregory of Pittsburg, Kansas, Nancy Peterman Webster of Nevada, Missouri, Elizabeth Ulrich (Brek) of Iola, Kansas and Matthew Webster (Chrissa) of Towanda, Kansas.  Also surviving are sixteen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Merle Webster.

 

Father Yancey Burgess will conduct Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 A.M. Wednesday, November 29th at the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church (Kennedy Gym.)

Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.

The Rosary will be recited at 6:00 P.M. Tuesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel with visitation following from 6:30 to 8:00 P.M.

Memorials are suggested to the St. Mary’s Building Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

K-State Extension

Preparing Your Finances for the Holidays

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Cassidy Lutz
K-State Research and Extension 
Family and Consumer Science Agent 
Southwind District 
211 W. Butler 
Yates Center, KS 66783
620-625-8620

 

With the holiday season fast approaching and inflation rates remaining high, spending can get out of control quickly.

Large family meals, decorations, and gifts are common costs throughout the months of November and December. These things can be expensive and spending can snowball out of hand if you aren’t careful. There are some things you can do to reduce overspending while still enjoying those beloved holiday traditions.

Establishing and following a budget is essential to achieving personal financial goals. Before you begin buying gifts, make a list of all your essential holiday-related expenses. Be very specific and include extra expenses like stamps and wrapping paper. These small things might seem insignificant but can quickly add up. Decide how much money you are willing to spend on travel. Setting a budget in advance will help you figure out how much money you can devote to each type of expense.

Use credit cards only if you can manage the extra debt. It’s easy to overspend when physical cash is not leaving your wallet. Don’t get carried away and max out your available credit. Take note of all current debt before you go shopping. Set a hard limit on the amount of credit you will use throughout the season and stick to it. Spending more than you can realistically pay back is a dangerous financial decision that can leave you paying extra for months to follow.

Set aside small, affordable amounts now to prepare for extra holiday spending. Not only is this a good hack to pad your savings for this time of year, but it is also a great way to build a healthy, lifelong savings habit. Setting aside as few as $5 per day can accumulate to $1,820 a year. That amount could cover your holiday expenses next year or help pay off current debts! Travel is another item that can be costly. If you have to travel in the upcoming months, plan in advance. Airlines, train stations, hotels, and others in the travel industry tend to charge higher rates this time of year due to higher demand.

Look for alternative ways to share the seasonal cheer with others. Nothing says “I love you” quite like a homemade gift. If you aren’t necessarily crafty, try making your own gift cards or sharing your favorite baked goods. The spirit of giving is not dependent on the ability to spend lots on the newest gadget. Giving the gift of homemade items or your time can be much more meaningful than something purchased at a store.

Although it can be hard not to get sucked into the holiday spending cycle, a bit of preparation will help you be financially savvy. If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to get a handle on your finances, starting now will propel you into your new goal and set you up for future success. For more information, contact Cassidy Lutz at [email protected] or by calling 620-625-8620.

K-State Extension

Scam Alert:  Protect Yourself!

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Tara Soloman-Smith, Family and Wellness Agent, Sunflower District of Kansas State University’s Extension Office. Submitted photo.

 

This time of year, we will spend more time shopping and using our bank account or credit cards.  It’s a great time for a reminder on tips to prevent scams.

 

Fraud is a big business. A 2022 U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) report showed fraud increased by more than 30% when Americans reported losing nearly $8.8 billion to fraud. The most common schemes were impostor scams, followed by online shopping scams and those that involved prizes.

 

No one is immune to scams.  If it does happen, be sure to report it, give yourself grace, and look for guidance.  Here are some tips to remember:

 

  • Be Skeptical – Question everything from phone calls, email offers and links on your social media. Ensure your apps, devices, password managers and antivirus software come from reputable sources and are up to date.
  • Guard your personal information – Don’t give out your bank account numbers, passwords, pins, and especially your social security number and birthdate. Review the privacy settings for your social media accounts.
  • Take your time – Don’t rush into making a purchase and never feel bad double checking to make sure you aren’t being targeted for a scam. Resist the pressure to act quickly.
  • Use your credit card whenever possible – a credit card gives you better fraud protection than a debit card.  According to the FTC, if someone makes a fraudulent charge on your credit card, the most you’ll be liable for is $50.
  • Never send money – via gift card or wire transfer to someone you’ve never met face to face.

·      Regularly check your bank accounts for fraud – Look through your accounts transactions every two weeks to make sure everything there is valid and legitimate.

  • Set up your phone to decline calls from people you don’t know – To reduce your chances of answering phone calls from scammers, go into your phone settings and select the option to send unknown callers to voicemail. Anyone that is not in your contacts that calls will go directly to voicemail

 

For more information, contact Tara Solomon-Smith, [email protected], or call 620-244-3826.

 

# # #

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director of K-State Research and Extension, Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts.

 

K-State Extension

INTERSEEDING SUNN HEMP INTO EXISTING TALL FESCUE PASTURES

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Chad . His email is [email protected]
District Extension Agent, Crop production and Forage Management
Submitted photo.

In 2023, on-farm trials were conducted in three counties Southeast Kansas counties under partnership between local producers and their respective Extension districts. The goal of these trials was to observe sunn hemp’s potential as a summer annual forage to supplement tall fescue pastures during the “summer slump”. If producers are able to provide high quality forage during the summer slump, less feed supplementation could be used and other tall fescue paddocks could be allowed longer rest periods.

Sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.) is an annual, warm season legume native to India. It has traditionally been used as a fiber crop, but it has gained popularity in the United States as a cover crop. Recent studies from Missouri University have shown sunn hemp to be a productive annual forage option that is high in protein and carries negligible bloat risk.

Sunn hemp was drilled into long time tall fescue pastures at rates of 30 lbs/acre. After planting, roughly 90% emergence was observed. By July, the stand had decreased to roughly 50% due to drought.

Plots were harvested the first week of August. Crude protein was found to be 2-5% higher in samples containing sunn hemp. This increase in crude protein was enough to meet a cow’s needs without supplementation. Total digestible nutrients (TDN) also showed a 2-3% increase in samples containing sunn hemp.

Water was a limiting factor throughout these trials, but sunn hemp shows potential to be a high-quality alternative forage to interseed into tall fescue pastures. Sunn hemp was broadcast into others areas, but the sunn hemp did not emerge, therefore, drilling sunn hemp is recommended. A full study report will be coming out soon.

Opinion

A House of Cards That Will Not Stand by Patty LaRoche

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Patty LaRoche. 2023.
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)

I write, not as an expert on Christianity (as far as I know, Jesus was the only one who qualified for that title) but as one who wakes up every morning determined to love God more than myself.  Typically, that lasts for about an hour (two if I take time to read my Bible and pray).  Then I become…well, Patty.

Pretty much, a house of cards that falls flat.  Should I stack up my “pair of two’s” against almost every Christian I know, their “Royal Flush” will beat me every time. They pray, witness, disciple, memorize scripture, feed the sick, clothe the poor, write encouraging notes, remember peoples’ names and love their enemies better and more than I do. They are not annoyed by small talk or disinterested listeners; instead of whining about the state of politics, they get involved; and they are at the top of the church volunteer list.

Nope, I’m not going to compare myself to them.  Instead, I will compare myself to evil people like Charles Manson, Hitler and Jeffrey Dahmer where my three-of-a-kind trumps their one-of-a-kind.  That lasts for, oh say, about 30 seconds at which time the divide widens because now I can add pride and judgmentalism to my deck of unimpressive cards.

I need a new hand.

Correct that. I need a new heart.

While researching, I googled “hypocrite.”  Up popped some commentary that dealt with the 10 biggest hypocrites ever (and no, I was not listed).  Scrolling down the list, I gasped when I saw Jesus’ name.  The author’s rationale?  Anyone who could preach love yet condemn people to hell is a hypocrite.

A hypocrite? Jesus pretended to be something he wasn’t?  If Jesus was a hypocrite, then what are we?  Hypocrites on steroids to the umpteenth power? If Jesus was a phony, what was the cross all about?  I know of no other person who willingly would take the place of sinners (including the author of that article…and me…and you, if you’re honest) and ask only that, because of his sacrifice, we love him back, no matter what deck we have been dealt.

Who else is in our corner like he is? We never will have a cheerleader like Jesus Christ who, according to 1 Timothy 2:5, mediates for us when Satan stands in the heavens, reciting his litany of where we have fallen short (which, in some of our cases-ahem!–is more often than others). I can just see Satan puffing out his chest, and in his best accusing tone, informing Jesus that I was impatient in the express lane when the woman ahead of me had 13 items instead of 12.

Jesus responds with one word: “Forgiven.”

“Yeah, well what about this one?  Today she told her neighbor she’d pray for her but didn’t.

“Forgiven.”

No matter what Satan throws out, Jesus reminds him that he paid the price to cover my sins. I wish I could see myself the same way Jesus does. When I see five unmatched cards as I compare myself to the saintly types listed above, Jesus sees five aces (and yes, I know that’s not possible, but you get the point). Where I see myself failing as his representative, he recognizes it as part of my journey to rely more on him.  When I judge, he nudges me to remember what it’s like to be judged.  When I compare myself to others (seriously, is JayLo stunning or what?), he reminds me that I am loved, 100%, right where I am.

Who else does that?

No hypocrite that I know, that’s for sure.