Foundation Hosts Chamber Coffee on Oct. 17

Join us for Chamber Coffee!

Thursday, October 17th, 8am

Hosted by Fort Scott Area Community Foundation

200 S. Main St.

Landmark National Bank

Click here for their website.

Click here for their Facebook page.

_____________

We hope to see you there for Networking * Community News * Refreshments!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee this Thursday, October 17th at 8 am hosted by the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation, 200 S. Main St, at Landmark National Bank. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, and attendees will have the opportunity to win a door prize drawing.

The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation was launched in 2007 by a visionary group of community leaders to connect donors and build enduring charitable funds that improved the quality of life for Bourbon County residents. Since then, over $350,000 in grants have been awarded to area organizations, schools, and churches. Each fall, FSACF hosts a competitive grant cycle, and this year, we are pleased to award grants totaling $77,591.

Join us as we announce and recognize the grant recipients during Chamber Coffee on Thursday, October 17.

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.

Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

fortscott.com

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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 

USD234 Board of Education Meeting on October 14 News Release

 

Jared McKay, Wendy Budd, Chris Garzone. Submitted photo.

Unified School District 234

424 South Main

Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697

www.usd234.org

620-223-0800   Fax 620-223-2760

 

DESTRY BROWN                                                                                                                                                        

 
 

Superintendent                                                                                                                                            

 

 

 

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

NEWS RELEASE

Monday, October 14, 2024

 

The Board of Education of USD 234, Fort Scott, Kansas, met for a Board Training Session at their offices at 424 S. Main at 4:00 p.m.

President David Stewart opened the meeting.

 

Michelle Hubbard, Leadership Field Specialist from KASB, was present to work with the Board Members to help in understanding the Board’s role in the district.

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, September 09, 2024, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.

President David Stewart opened the meeting.

 

The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:

Board Minutes

09/09/24 Minutes

09/25/24 Minutes

Financials – Cash Flow Report

Check Register

Payroll – September 20, 2024 – $1,673,203.67

Activity Funds Accounts

USD 234 Gifts

Declare Surplus Property – Vehicles to be sold at auction

Mr. Garzone, Principal at Winfield Scott, recognized two employees that work in the Focus/Sensory Room at the elementary school. Wendy Budd, in her fifteenth year, and Jared McKay, in his seventh year, both were commended for their hard work and passion for the students. They explained how they are Safety Care Trained and work with the students in de-escalation techniques. Their presence is a huge help to not only the students but the staff as well.

 

 

 

 

Superintendent Destry Brown reported on school enrollment from 2023 to September 2024. He also reviewed with the Board the District Values, Vision, and Goals.

 

Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided the Board with a printed report that included updates from all departments such as the district serving 1700 meals a day and prepping the buildings for the colder months.

 

Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, updated the Board on the Special Education CAT Aid payment. She also reported on the upcoming training for the SPED Teachers that will be held in November.

 

The Board Approved the following items:

  • Audit Contract with Diehl, Banwart, Bolton, CPA
  • Frary Field Turf Replacement with Mammoth Sports Constructions
  • Doral Renewable Contribution Agreement

 

Superintendent Brown stated that Seat #6 would be open for applications. This opening will be posted in the newspaper for thirty days.

 

Superintendent Brown updated the Board on the Bus Accident that happened earlier this month and the steps that will be taken to prevent this from happening in the future. He also cleared up some rumors and explained the incident.

 

There were no comments during public forum.

 

The Board went into an executive session for personnel matters.

 

President David Stewart adjourned the meeting.

 

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED

October 14, 2024

 

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

 

Hendricks, Caleb – Supplemental Resignation – Girls Basketball – Middle School

 

LEAVE OF ABSENCE:

 

Sprague, Sierra – Leave of Absence

Travis, Hayden – Leave of Absence

 

TRANSFER:

 

Hood, Dusty – High School Custodian to Middle School Custodian

Ogle, Anthony – Middle School Custodian to High School Custodian

 

EMPLOYMENT:

Certified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:

 

Fountain, Justin – Long Term Substitute for 6th Math – Middle School

 

Classified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:

 

Ballou, Jessica – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

Coffman, Donald – Cook – Middles School

Day, Jessica – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

Henderson, Andrew – Groundskeeper/Fields Maintenance

Merriman, Virginia – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware – Part Time

Torres Francis – Van Driver

Trimble, Aidan – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

 

Supplemental Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:

 

Beth, Whitney – Head Track Coach – Middle School

Corbitt, Cheyenne – Sponsor for Second Intramurals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                 

 

NATURE OF THE IMMINENT THREAT OF DISASTER: Fire Hazard Conditions

NATURE OF THE IMMINENT THREAT OF DISASTER:

 

 

Due to the extreme heat and little rain, fire-hazard conditions in Bourbon County are very high.  Because of the limitations of water usage by rural fire districts, there is concern for the capabilities of those fire districts to address any fire.  Once started, with the present weather conditions, a fire will be difficult to control by fire departments.  Water usage is of great concern to all fire departments, and the availability of enough water to contain a fire.

 

The dry conditions, above-normal temperatures and fire danger will continue unabated until sufficient rainfall occurs across the area.

 

It is hereby proclaimed, directed, and ordered by the Bourbon County Commissioners, in accordance with K.S.A. 48-932, that the following acts are prohibited within the boundaries of this County by all citizens and visitors:

 

  1. All outside burning, unless specifically approved in writing by the Fire Chief, with the exception of covered barbeque grills.

 

The knowing and willful violation of this order shall constitute a Class A misdemeanor and any person convicted of such violation shall be punished as provided by law. [K.S.A. 48-939]

 

This Proclamation shall be in full force and effect until lifted.

 

Passed in open session by the Board of County Commissioners of Bourbon County, Kansas, this 15th day of October 2024.

 

Minutes of the Bourbon County Commission for Oct. 7

October 7, 2024                                                                                                                Monday, 5:30 p.m.

 

 

 

The Board of Bourbon County Commissioners met in open session with Commissioners Harris and Whisenhunt and the County Clerk present.

 

 

Jean Tucker, Clint Walker, Rachel Walker, Michael Wunderly, Tim Emerson, Pete Owenby, Troy Schell, Jason Silvers, Anne Dare, Michael Hoyt, Debbi Shepard, Shirley Locke, Deb Martin, and Vance Eden were present for some or all of the meeting.

 

Jim opened the meeting and led the flag salute.

 

Brandon made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 9/30/2024 and 10/4/2024, approval of payroll totaling $289,779.42, and approval of accounts payable totaling $558,232.10. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, presented the culvert report for September for approval. Eric stated the fuel report was emailed to the Commissioners and the prices are looking good. Eric said FEMA will be here tomorrow to look at Quadrant One of the county and will be checking repairs, debris removal, and culverts that were replaced. Eric said the sales tax came in a little higher than they thought and he plans to do 3000 feet of Maple Road east of 55th Steet so that they can do preventative maintenance on it next year. Eric stated after they do that, they will put the asphalt equipment up for the year and focus on crack sealing as there are several places that are in need due to the dry weather. Eric said they are hauling gravel and will be taking the screen out to make road rock at the quarry. Eric stated there was some confusion on social media and he wanted to clarify the railroad crossing on Jayhawk Road will be closed Wednesday through Friday according to BNSF. Eric said that the BNSF release noted that they will be working on railroad crossings from Wall Street south into Crawford County. Eric said that he understands residents will be inconvenienced which is why we put the notice out on our website, Facebook page, and the local media sources so that everyone is aware. Eric stated he also contacted the three business in the area of the Jayhawk Road closure. There was road grader training last week which went well and the road graders are working on ditches now to try to improve water flow. Eric stated that there are some areas that look rough and that they will bring in rock if needed. Eric said he was contacted about removing the speed limit sign on Eagle Road between Highway 69 and 255th Street but he is going to wait as there is still gravel that needs to be added to the shoulders to complete the road work. Eric said he attended a Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission safety task force meeting via Zoom and handed out a sheet to the Commissioners to outline what was discussed and stated a comprehensive plan is being put together and there will be grant opportunities later. Eric stated that Bright Speed will move their phone line on 85th Street between Xavier and Yale Roads so that we can finish mowing both sides of the road. Eric stated the area on Xavier Road going up the hill has bedrock showing so they will have to bring in dirt and clay and then lay rock on top of that to fix the road. Eric stated false information was on social media stating that Bourbon County is going to drain Elm Creek Lake and make it into a rock quarry. Eric said that the Commissioners are only going to take core samples on the area in the southeast corner that the county owns to test the quality of the rock to see if a quarry is feasible. Eric reiterated that we are not going to drain nor close Elm Creek Lake.

 

Sheriff Bill Martin and Eric Bailey discussed the safety committee that the Commissioners asked Eric to form. Sheriff Martin stated last week KWORCC came in and explained the safety committee and what would be needed and required. Sheriff Martin said this is a brand-new program with KWORCC and currently only 6 out of the 80 members have formed a committee. Sheriff Martin stated the savings to the county would be $6,000 per year and the committee would need to consist of at least 6-8 members. Sheriff Martin said the Commissioners will need to decide if we are going to form a safety committee or if we want to wait a year for KWORCC to get the program established. Eric said that they have 12 county employees who have volunteered to be on the committee and that includes public works employees and elected officials. After discussion it was decided to have departments work in house on their safety plans and get an update from KWORCC in six months.

 

Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, discussed the upcoming General Election and went over what electioneering is. Jennifer stated that KSA 25-2430 outlines electioneering and defines it as “knowingly attempting to persuade or influence eligible voters to vote for or against a particular candidate, party or question submitted, including wearing, exhibiting or distributing labels, signs, posters, stickers other materials that clearly identify a candidate in the election or clearly indicate support or opposition to a question submitted election within any polling place on election day or advance voting site during the time period allowed by law for casting a ballot by advance voting or within a radius of 250 feet from the entrance thereof.” Jennifer explained this means that there cannot be any t-shirts, hats, flags on vehicles, magnets on vehicles, pins, or other wearable advertisement containing a candidate’s name or slogan. Jennifer said that the statue exempts “bumper stickers that are affixed to a motor vehicle that is used to transport voters to a polling place or to an advance voting site for the purpose of voting.” Jennifer said that any political yard signs near a polling place cannot be within 250 feet of an entrance. Jennifer stated a lot of people do not know about electioneering so she is going to get the information on our website and in the newspapers.

 

Brandon said that they have been working on getting communication towers put up in the northwest part of the county for several years. Brandon said there is $125,000 in ARPA funds that need to be allocated by the end of the year and suggested using the funds on the communication towers as it will be used to get radio signal for our first responders. Jim said that they need $106,000 for the hospital from the ARPA funds. Jim said that $500,000 total is needed and they are going to use $395,000 from the equipment fund and the rest from the ARPA fund. Jim suggested working with the CFO to look for other funds to put the towers up. Brandon said he would as he wants to get the towers up for our first responders. Jim asked County Counselor Justin Meeks to come in and speak about healthcare.

 

Brandon made a motion to amend the agenda to allow Justin to speak about healthcare in Bourbon County. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Justin Meeks said they had an unscheduled meeting today with the hospital and other players involved. Justin said that Freeman came into the healthcare discussion in May 2024 because of the work done by KRI and Legacy. Justin said that mid-August during an executive session an issue with equipment was brought up and as of today all equipment will be returned to the facility. Justin said the issue with the title to the building has been resolved and closing should occur within 5-7 business days then KRI can finalize with Freeman. Justin said the only thing left will be for the County to give Freeman $500,000 and the City of Fort Scott will give $600,000. Justin said Freeman will show how the money will be spent. Jim said they had a good meeting at Freeman where they met with the CEO and COO who he stated are excited with the news. Jim said Clifton has been involved in healthcare for three years and wants the public to thank him for his work as he has done a good job.

 

Brandon made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:05. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

___________________, Chairman

___________________,Commissioner

ATTEST:                                                                                                  ___________________,Commissioner

Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk

10-15-2024                     Approved Date

 

 

 

Kansas Infrastructure Investment Annnounced

Governor Kelly Announces More than $17M Investment for Energy Grid Resiliency

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that 11 Kansas communities have secured more than $17 million for energy grid resilience. This investment combines nearly $12 million in federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) funding from the U.S. Department of Energy’s 40101(d) Grid Resilience Grant Program and more than $5.8 million in matching funds from the Kansas Infrastructure Hub and Build Kansas Fund.

“By leveraging federal funds to supplement our state and local investments, we are strengthening opportunities for economic growth across Kansas,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The 40101(d) Grid Resiliency program ensures our communities have the resources to build, operate, or maintain critical infrastructure.”

“The survival and economic development of our rural communities are dependent on a solid infrastructure,” said Representative Troy Waymaster, chair of the Build Kansas Fund Advisory Committee. “The awards made through the Build Kansas Fund Advisory Committee, and ultimately approved by the U.S. Department of Energy, ensure that these communities will continue to thrive. I am glad these eleven Kansas projects were selected for this program.”

 The 11 Kansas projects receiving grid resiliency funding are:

  • City of Garden City – Underground Conductor and Transformer Replacement
    • Build Kansas Funding – $302,590
    • Federal Funding Awarded – $626,048
    • Total Project – $928,638
  • City of Pratt – Substation Hardening
    • Build Kansas Funding – $1,034,551
    • Federal Funding Awarded – $2,140,449
    • Total Project – $3,175,000
  • Victory Electric – South Dodge City Grid Resiliency
    • Build Kansas Funding – $715,395
    • Federal Funding Awarded – $1,480,129
    • Total Project – $2,195,524
  • Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative – Resiliency Enhancements to Strategically Transfer Optimized Reliable Energy
    • Build Kansas Funding – $200,403
    • Federal Funding Awarded – $414,627
    • Total Project – $615,030
  • Ark Valley Electric Cooperative – System Resiliency Project
    • Build Kansas Funding – $235,421
    • Federal Funding Awarded – $487,079
    • Total Project – $722,500
  • Holton Electric – Transformer and Feeder Circuit Improvements
    • Build Kansas Funding – $796,360
    • Federal Funding Awarded – $1,647,640
    • Total Project – $2,444,000
  • City of Blue Mound – Substation, Electric Line & Pole Replacement
    • Build Kansas Funding – $175,603
    • Federal Funding Awarded – $270,071
    • Total Project – $445,674
  • City of Anthony– Circuit Reconstruction
    • Build Kansas Funding – $131,161
    • Federal Funding Awarded – $271,369
    • Total Project – $402,530
  • Pioneer Electric Cooperative – Grid Resiliency, Vulnerability, and Innovation Initiative
    • Build Kansas Funding – $1,575,449
    • Federal Funding Awarded – $3,259,551
    • Total Project – $4,835,000
  • City of Horton – Substation Upgrade
    • Build Kansas Funding – $529,494
    • Federal Funding Awarded – $1,095,506
    • Total Project – $1,625,000
  • City of Attica – Rebuild High-Voltage Feeder Line
    • Build Kansas Funding – $143,371
    • Federal Funding Awarded – $296,629
    • Total Project – $440,000

“The importance of grid resiliency cannot be overstated,” said Rick Pemberton, energy division director for the Kansas Corporation Commission. “Safe and reliable power infrastructure is vital to our rural economy.”

“Rural Kansas communities do not always have the funding needed to meet the match requirements of large federal grants,” said Matthew Volz, P.E., executive director of the Kansas Infrastructure Hub. “Having the Build Kansas Fund available can make all the difference in whether or not they can apply for these lucrative federal funding opportunities.”

In addition to these awards, in recent months, the Build Kansas Fund has been used to leverage federal grant awards in the cities of Ozawkie, Manhattan, Russell, Concordia, Dodge City, Topeka, Nortonville, Ellsworth, Edgerton, Hutchinson, Independence; Coffey and Morton County; Southwest Kansas Groundwater Management District; and the Salina Airport Authority. The combined total investment by the Build Kansas Fund in all projects is just over $28.5 million, which has resulted in federal grant awards of more than $44 million.

The Kansas Infrastructure Hub connects multiple state agencies and serves as a resource center for Kansas communities to identify best practices for maximizing BIL funding opportunities. The Build Kansas Fund provides state matching dollars for projects throughout Kansas that successfully apply for federal grants under BIL. In 2023, the Kansas Legislature and Governor Kelly approved $200 million for the Build Kansas Fund to provide state-matching dollars to Kansas entities and projects to meet federal-local match requirements.

###

Amended Agenda For the October 15 Meeting

Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

 

Bourbon County, Kansas

Brandon Whisenhunt

1st District Commissioner

Jim Harris, Chairman

2nd District Commissioner

Clifton Beth

3rd District Commissioner

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

 

October 15, 2024 9:00 a.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 10/7/2024
  1. County Clerk
  2. KCAMP Meeting Delegate
  3. Kansas Gas Agreement
  4. New Year’s Holiday
  5. Election Information
  6. Insurance
  7. Discussion of Equipment Inspections
  8. Discussion of Burn Ban
  • Commission Comments
  • Adjourn Meeting

 

 

Executive Session Justifications:

 

KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the

attorney-client relationship.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the

representative(s) of               the body or agency.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual     proprietorships

KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting

would jeopardize such security measures.

 

Updates From Community Leaders on Oct. 16: Luncheon At The Empress

Join us!

Community Connection Panelist Luncheon

Wednesday, October 16th, from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Empress Event Center, 7 N. Main St.

Chamber members and the community are invited to hear 7-minute updates by the following entities: City of Fort Scott, Bourbon County, Fort Scott Community College, and the USD-234 and USD-235 School Districts.

The event is free to attend but registration is requested. Box lunches are available by pre-order for $10.

Those planning to attend may RSVP here. (lunch orders being accepted online thru 12pm, Tuesday the 15th.)

Moderator for the event will be Chamber Board Member Colleen Quick of Labconco.

Contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at 620-223-3566 for more information or visit fortscott.com.

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Obituary of Allen Schellack

It is with great sadness that we announce that Ralph Allen Schellack Jr. passed on to his Heavenly reward on October 8, 2024, at the age of 69. Allen, as he was known, was born on December 12, 1954, in Joplin, Missouri, to Ralph Sr. and Clova (Foster) Schellack.

Allen met the love of his life and beloved wife, Karen Vanderpool, and they were married on October 18, 1980, in Kansas City, Kansas. They shared almost 44 years of a loving, Godly marriage together. Allen was known for his love of God, family, friends, and community. He was an ordained minister in the Church of the Nazarene and served God faithfully for many years. He served as lead pastor at several churches throughout Kansas in his many years of ministry. He was also a devoted member of Ft. Scott Church of the Nazarene.

Allen worked as a police dispatcher for the Ft. Scott Police Department & Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office for 14 years until he retired from his position. After retirement, he never stopped serving his community when he founded and directed Ft. Scott Compassionate Ministries. He also served as the chaplain for the Ft. Scott Police and Fire Department. He faithfully served in Ft. Scott Compassionate Ministries, where he helped the less fortunate of Ft. Scott through a partnership with the Salvation Army.

Survivors include his wife Karen Schellack (Ft. Scott, KS); son and daughter-in-law Dustin & Sara Schellack (Little Rock, AR); son Joshua Schellack (Warner Robins, GA); 3 granddaughters Ember Schellack, Emma Schellack, and Marley Schellack; 1 sister and 2 brothers: Gill (John) Barnett, Emil (Anna) Schellack, and Doug (Shannon) Schellack. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Allen was preceded in death by his father and mother Ralph and Clova.

Rev. Virgil Peck III will conduct a celebration of life service at 10:00am on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at Ft. Scott Nazarene, 1728 Horton St, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.

Memorials are suggested to Ft. Scott Compassionate Ministries and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

The Original Sunscreen by Carolyn Tucker

Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker

The Original Sunscreen

I have several vintage commercials from my teenage years still floating around in my head: “I’d walk a mile for a Camel.“ Wendy’s: “Where’s the beef?” Virginia Slims: “You’ve come a long way, Baby!” “How about a nice Hawaiian Punch?” And one of my favorites was the Coppertone suntan commercial with the dog tugging on the little girl’s  swimsuit bottom. The selling point was to show what a great tan she had in comparison to her pale bare derriere. Times have certainly changed over the years; now there’s more focus on sunscreen rather than suntan lotion.

 

In the Old Testament, the Israelites wandered in the desert wilderness for 40 years. That’s a long time to be in the sun. “The Lord went ahead of them. He guided them during the day with a pillar of cloud…” (Exodus 13:21 NLT). The desert had no roads, tracks, or signs. And the Israelites had no maps, landmarks, or guides. But God’s cloud went before them to lead the way at just the right pace and stopped to rest at just the right place. God continues to know the future and will always guide us safely through its trackless ways.

 

For 40 years, the pillar of cloud was much more than a GPS for Jews. God loved them,  had mercy on them, and provided His own unique brand of sunscreen. “He spread a cloud for a covering…” (Psalm 105:39 MEV). This cloud sheltered them from the blazing sun and extreme heat. The Bible contains the historical record of the first supernatural sunscreen. “God’s your Guardian, right at your side to protect you — shielding you from sunstroke, sheltering you from moonstroke” (Psalm 121:5-6 MSG). Without God’s miraculous intervention, wandering around in the desert sun would have turned all of the nearly 3 million Israelites into fried strips of bacon.

 

Paul wrote to the Church at Corinth, “My dear fellow believers, you need to understand that all of our Jewish ancestors who walked through a wilderness long ago were under the glory cloud…” (1 Corinthians 10:1 TPT). The Israelites witnessed a variety of constant-standing miracles. After 40 years, their clothes didn’t wear out and neither did their sandals. Even when they complained about pitching their tents, whined and disobeyed for 40 years, the cloud didn’t depart but continued to guide and protect them. God was with the Israelites every day and every night, and He continues to be with all believers today. Paul said, “Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me!” (2 Corinthians 12:9 AMP).

 

It was God, not Moses, who actually brought the Israelites out of Egypt. “When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistine territory…” (Exodus 13:17 NLT). The day the mobile Tabernacle was pitched,  the pillar of cloud covered it. But from evening until morning the cloud looked like a pillar of fire. This was the usual supernatural pattern for 40 years — a glory cloud by day and a fiery cloud by night. The glory/fiery cloud was the visible divine presence and protection of God. “Whether the cloud stayed above the Tabernacle for two days, a month, or a year, the people of Israel stayed in camp and did not move on. But as soon as it lifted, they broke camp and moved on. So they camped or traveled at the Lord’s command, and they did whatever the Lord told them through Moses” (Numbers 9:22-23 NLT). God never calls believers to do something that He won’t help us accomplish.

The Key: God is awesome! Day or night, He supplies all of our needs.

Tips to Keep Unwanted Pests Out

 

As the weather cools, it is inevitable that certain outdoor pests are going to try to find their way inside homes. One of the best ways to limit unwanted intrusions of insects or rodents is to deny them entry. It is often easier to prevent entry into a home or building than trying to control them once they are inside.

 

Here are seven useful tips for pest proofing.

 

  1. At the base of all exterior doors, install door sweeps or thresholds. Gaps of 1/16 inch will permit entry of insects and spiders; ¼ inch wide gaps are large enough for entry of mice. The bottom corner of doors is often where rodents and insects enter.

 

Applying calk along the bottom outside edge and sides of door thresholds will exclude ant and small insect entry. Garage doors should also be checked for bottom seals. A rubber seal is best as vinyl seals poorly in cold weather.

 

  1. Utility openings should also be sealed. This includes areas where pipes and wires enter the foundation and siding, around outdoor faucets, receptacles, gas meters, clothes dryer vents and telephone/cable TV wires. Plug holes with caulk, cement, expandable foam, steel wool or other suitable sealant.

 

  1. Use a good quality silicone or acrylic latex caulk to caulk around windows, doors and fascia boards. Use a high quality caulking gun. A gun that has a back-off trigger to halt the flow of caulk is best.

 

  1. Repair gaps and tears in window and door screens. Doing so will help reduce entry of flies, gnats, lady beetles and other overwintering pests in the fall. However, there are some insects such as hackberry psyllids that are small enough to fit through mesh window screens. The only way to prevent entry of these tiny insects is to keep windows closed.

 

  1. Attic, roof and crawl space vents should be covered with ¼ inch wire mesh to prevent entry of birds, bats, squirrels, rodents and other wildlife.

 

  1. An exterior (barrier) insecticide treatment can also be applied. Sealing is by far the most permanent way to exclude pests. However, it can be labor intensive and sometimes impractical.  For situations like that, an exterior insecticide treatment may be best. You will get the most for your efforts by applying a longer lasting liquid formulation containing synthetic pyrethroids. Read and follow label directions before using any pesticide.

 

Barrier insecticide treatments should be applied to the base of all exterior doors, garage and crawl space entrances, around foundation vents and utility openings and up underneath siding.

  1. Pests such as lady beetles are often best controlled with a little manual labor by using a vacuum cleaner or broom to sweep them up.

 

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension horticulture 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.

 

 

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