Opinion

The Red-Banded Sugar Bowl by Carolyn Hayward Tucker

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Carolyn Tucker. Submitted photo.

Keys to the Kingdom

 

My brother now has possession of Grandma Jennings’ Bavarian sugar bowl which has an intricate red band imprinted on a cream-colored background. During World War II, my Dad loved three women: his wife, his mother, and his mother-in-law. While fighting on the front lines in Germany he managed to have three beautiful sets of dishes shipped to the women he adored. We can only imagine the 75 years of life and love that sugar bowl has witnessed — if it could only talk!

In the Old Testament, a woman named Rahab had possession of a red rope. Before the two Israelite spies arrived at her home, she had placed her faith in the one true God. When the king of Jericho sent word for her to bring the spies to him, she hid them and sent the king’s men on a wild goose chase. Before the spies went to sleep that night, Rahab went up on the roof to talk with them.

The following is Rahab’s declaration of faith and trust in the living God: “I know the Lord has given you this land. We are all afraid of you. Everyone in the land is living in terror. For we have heard how the Lord made a dry path for you through the Red Sea when you left Egypt. And we know what you did to Sihon and Og, the two Amorite kings east of the Jordan River, whose people you completely destroyed. No wonder our hearts have melted in fear! No one has the courage to fight after hearing such things. For the Lord your God is the supreme God of the heavens above and the earth below.”

“Now swear to me by the Lord that you will be kind to me and my family since I have helped you. Give me some guarantee that when Jericho is conquered, you will let me live, along with my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all their families” (Joshua 2:9-13 NLT). The Israelite spies gave this promise: “We will be bound by the oath we have taken only if you follow these instructions. When we come into the land, you must leave this scarlet rope hanging from the window through which you let us down. And all your family members — your father, mother, brothers, and all your relatives — must be here inside the house“ (Joshua 2:17-18 NLT). In the fall of Jericho, the Lord did great wonders. Rahab and all her family were brought out in safety and lived among the Israelites. Never forget that one person can make a big difference…and that one is you.

Rahab’s red rope (and the promises kept by both parties) saved her and her family. The red blood of Jesus saves all who will declare their faith in Him. “At one time you were far away from God. But now you belong to Christ Jesus. He spilled His blood for you. That has brought you near to God” (Ephesians 2:13 NIRV). Our heavenly Father gave His only begotten Son to shed His red blood so that all could believe and have everlasting life. In addition, all believers can grab onto the red rope of Jesus and have an abundant life while living in the here and now. You can’t exhaust or imagine all the ways God extends His love, mercy, and favor to those who ask for it. Romans 5:10 NLT: “For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of His Son while we were still His enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of His Son.”

The Key: When you reach for the sugar bowl, thank God you’re in His sweet family through the blood of Jesus.

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Low-Cost Tree and Shrub Seedlings Available December 1st

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Krista Harding
District Extension Agent, Horticulture
Southwind Extension District
111 S. Butler
Erie, KS 66733
Office: 620-244-3826
Cell: 620-496-8786

The Kansas Forest Service is offering low-cost conservation tree and shrub seedlings for purchase again this year. These seedlings are to be used in conservation plantings, such as home/livestock windbreaks, living snow fences, Christmas tree plantations, firewood lots, habitats for game birds and wildlife, barriers to reduce noise pollution, blocking ugly views, marking property lines and creating habitat for songbirds.

These plants are 1 or 2 years old, and their sizes vary from 5 to 18 inches, depending on species. Most of the trees are bare-root seedlings, however some are available as container-grown seedlings such as Ponderosa pine and Southwestern white pine. Some of the deciduous trees that are available include: bald cypress, black walnut, bur oak, cottonwood, hackberry, redbud, and sycamore. Shrubs available include American plum, chokecherry, lilac, and sand hill plum. This is not a complete listing of available trees and not all trees are recommended for this area.

The Kansas Forest Service also offers tree “bundles” for purchase. The Quail Bundle offers a variety of shrubs designed to attract quail, including American plum, fragrant sumac, golden current and chokecherry. It was created in cooperation with Quail Forever to provide excellent food and habitat for upland bird species in eastern Kansas.

Another popular favorite is the pollinator bundle. Designed to improve the habitat for a diverse array of pollinating insects, it primarily focuses on native bees, honey bees, butterflies and moths. This bundle is composed of seven species of shrubs and small trees – American plum, chokecherry, golden currant, false indigo, elderberry, buttonbush and eastern redbud.

Not certain what you would like to order? Then stop by the Extension office and pick up a brochure that has color pictures of various trees and shrubs at maturity. Orders for conservation trees are accepted December 1st through the first full week of May, with shipments beginning in March. However, I recommend that you order early to ensure availability of trees. Order forms and price sheets are available at the Southwind District Extension Office in Erie, Iola Fort Scott, and Yates Center or can be mailed or e-mailed.

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Agricultural agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Government, Kansas

New KDHE Acting Secretary Announced

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces Janet Stanek as Secretary for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced Janet Stanek as the new Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). Stanek will serve in an acting capacity until the Kansas Senate confirms her as the new head of the agency. She had previously served as the Director of the State Employee Health Benefits Program (SEHBP).

“As we move to this next phase of the pandemic, from emergency response to steady state, it was important that we find a Secretary to oversee both the state’s COVID response and the many other services performed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment,” Governor Kelly said. “With Janet’s decades of experience as well as the relationships she has built across the medical community in Kansas, I have no doubt that she will be able to step into this role immediately and continue the agency’s critical work.”

Prior to her role at SEHBP, Stanek spent more than 35 years in various healthcare leadership positions in Pennsylvania, western New York and Kansas, including 21 years of her career at Stormont Vail Health Topeka where she last served as chief operating officer and senior vice president. While with Stormont Vail, she oversaw a wide array of clinical and non-clinical functions and departments, as well as the strategic selection and rollout of a sophisticated electronic health record system across the region. Her most recent work involved focusing on population health, accountable care organization development and the transition to value-based care delivery.

“I’m honored to be selected by Governor Kelly to serve as the next Secretary for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment,” Stanek said. “Since the start of the pandemic, the agency has done a remarkable job helping lead the state’s response to this once-in-a-century crisis. I look forward to working with the entire KDHE team to build on their outstanding work.”

Stanek holds a graduate certificate in population health from Thomas Jefferson University, an MBA from Alfred University (NY) and a Bachelor of Science degree in health information management from the State University of New York Polytechnic Institute, Utica, New York. She is also a Fellow of  the American College of Healthcare Executives and the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, and is a Registered Health Information Administrator. Additionally, Stanek currently serves as the Chair of the Kansas Health Institute Board of Directors.

Fort Scott, Government

Watts Resigns As City Commissioner:Van Hoecke Appointed to Replace Her

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Unofficial minutes of  CITY OF FORT SCOTT

SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of November 24th, 2021 Special Meeting #27

Minutes are unapproved until the next meeting

A special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held November 24th, 2021, at 5:30 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners Kevin Allen, Pete Allen, Randy Nichols, and Lindsey Watts were present with Mayor Josh Jones presiding.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Tim Van Hoecke, Margie Brown, Rachel Thompson, Brad Matkin, and Mark McCoy. Matthew Wells and the City Manager candidate were connected via conference call.

CONSIDERATION:

  1. Accept resignation of City Commissioner – Lindsey Watts read a resignation letter stating that since you have to be live in the City limits to be a City Commissioner, and she has recently moved to the County, she is resigning as a Fort Scott City Commissioner effective November 24th, 2021. She thanked each and every citizen that voted for her and trusted her to make the right decisions at each meeting. She said that the last two years have been filled with turmoil and challenges, and that we need to make sure and move the City forward together. She stated that she hoped the Commission would take the top vote getter in the latest election and appoint him to take her position effective tonight. She thanked City staff for their work and the Interim City Manager for his efforts in moving the City forward.

The Commissioners all thanked her for her time on the City Commission and all she has contributed.

J. Jones moved to accept the resignation from Lindsey Watts as a City Commissioner effective November 24th, 2021. K. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO ACCEPT LINDSEY WATTS’ RESIGNATION AS A CITY COMMISSIONER EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 24TH, 2021.

J. Jones moved to appoint Tim Van Hoecke to fill her position as a City Commissioner effective November 24th, 2021. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO APPOINT TIM VAN HOECKE AS CITY COMMISSIONER EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 24TH, 2021.

City Clerk, Diane Clay, administered the Oath of Office to Mr. Van Hoecke.

Executive Session:

J. Jones moved that the City Commission recess into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1). The open meeting will resume in the Commission meeting room at City Hall at 6:18 p.m. seconded. All voted aye. This included the City Commission, Interim City Manager, Human Resource Director, Lindsey Watts, and Matthew Wells.

J. Jones moved that the City Commission come out of Executive Session at 6:18 p.m. K. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

Executive Session:

J. Jones moved that the City Commission recess into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1). The open meeting will resume in the Commission meeting room at City Hall at 6:33 p.m. K. Allen seconded. All voted aye. This included the City Commission, Interim City Manager, Human Resource Director, and Matthew Wells.

J. Jones moved that the City Commission come out of Executive Session at 6:33 p.m. K. Allen seconded. All voted aye.

Executive Session:

J. Jones moved that the City Commission recess into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1). The open meeting will resume in the Commission meeting room at City Hall at 6:43 p.m. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye. This included the City Commission, Interim City Manager, Human Resource Director, and Matthew Wells.

J. Jones moved that the City Commission come out of Executive Session at 6:43 p.m. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNMENT:

J. Jones moved to adjourn the special meeting at 6:44 p.m. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 6:44 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Diane K. Clay, M.M.C.,

City Clerk

Bourbon County

Bourbon County REDI Awards Local Communities Grants

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Robert Harrington. Submitted photo.

The Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc., REDI, Board of Directors and Economic Development Director Rob Harrington has given out $80,000 worth of Quality of Life Grants over the past few months.

These grants were all made possible by the Bourbon County Commission and the APEX Wind Farm PILOT.

REDI back in the summer was given $125,000 to begin awarding out to the communities and non-profits across the county for quality of life projects such as parks, ball field renovations, and walking trails.

So far every community in Bourbon County that has applied has been awarded of grant.
The City of Bronson was awarded $10,000 to help renovate the Bronson Ballfields.
The City of Uniontown was also awarded $10,000 to help repair the pond out by Uniontown Schools which several of the classes use for teaching and recreation for the community.
Redfield was awarded money to repair their ball fields, and the City of Fort Scott just recently received a check to help with their new bike trail at Gunn Park.
“These grants are to help communities build up recreational opportunities for their citizens so that it continues to be a great place to raise a family. We are excited to see so much great work being done with the PILOT money from APEX Energy,” said  Harrington.
“We will be awarding several more grants in the next month, and are looking forward to next year when we can hopefully expand the scope of the grant to include small infrastructure projects such as sidewalks, and ADA accessibility improvements,” he said.
The Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc. is a 501c-3 not-for-profit that oversees all of the economic development duties for the county and the City of Fort Scott.
If you would like to talk to Harrington about how you can help be a part of the work they are doing please feel free to email him at [email protected].  

—

Robert Harrington MPA MEDP
Director
Bourbon County REDI
200 S. Main Suite 200
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Office: 620-644-7967
cell: 620-215-0144
Opinion

Inefficient by Gregg Motley

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Gregg Motley. President of the Regional Economic Development, Inc. Submitted photo.

Inefficient

Business owners and farmers know that for an enterprise to be successful, it must be run efficiently. No room exists for unnecessary expenses or wasted efforts. The burden that has been placed on our businesses and farms by governments at all levels in recent decades is a tragedy, especially in rural America.

For example, it costs between $140 billion and $215 billion a year for businesses to comply with IRS rules and file a tax return, according to the Washington Post in a 2018 article. This cost has accelerated significantly over the years, primarily because of the increasing complexity of the tax code. From the time the income tax was passed in 1913 to 1940, the code was just a handful of pages and the average American had no problem filing a return. From about 1940 to 1950, the code grew to over 10,000 pages, and is approaching 80,000 in 2021. This gross inefficiency costs us an untold loss of productivity and makes us less competitive with overseas firms; thus, we lose more American jobs to foreign competition every year.

Another example: I recently wrote a column about the burden of government regulation on our business community, noting that from 1970 to 2017, the number of words in the Code of Federal Regulations nearly tripled from 35 million to over 103 million, according to a 2019 article published on Forbes.com, authored by Adam A. Millsap. His study showed that a 10% increase in regulation increases consumer prices by 1%. Another inefficiency that American businesses cannot afford.

Additionally, government programs like the Small Business Administration (SBA) are structured such that rural businesses have a difficult time qualifying and paying all the costs. For example, if I want the SBA to help me finance a new building or addition in which to house my business, I must hire a professional engineer and a professional architect and pay union wages to construct it, accelerating the costs dramatically. The program is nearly worthless in Bourbon County.

How do inefficiencies disproportionately impact rural America? The additional costs due to inefficiencies drives industry consolidation to save overhead costs. Invariably, that means shutting down branch offices in lower population areas or selling the business to a larger entity. Bourbon County experienced that pain directly when we lost Western Insurance.

We cannot continue to absorb the growth in these government inefficiencies. We have to look to simplify the way we raise revenue and lower the government burden for rural Americans. Our economic future and our rural way of life depend on it.

Bourbon County Local News