Prescribed Burning Season Begins in Kansas: Planning Is Key for Success
By Lonnie Mengarelli- Southwind Ag and Natural Resources Agent
Prescribed burning season is approaching across Kansas, and as ranchers and land managers prepare to use fire as a management tool, careful planning and attention to safety are essential. When conducted under the right conditions, prescribed burning provides long-term benefits to rangeland, livestock performance, wildlife habitat, and overall landscape health.
Brush control and improved stocker cattle gains are often the primary reasons producers use prescribed fire. Research conducted over several decades consistently shows that mid- to late-spring burning can increase stocker gains by an average of 32 pounds per animal on burned pastures. These gains have been observed even during dry years.
Prescribed fire is also an effective tool for managing woody vegetation, particularly once plants have leafed out. Eastern red cedar is an exception, as it can be controlled by fire at nearly any time of year. Additional benefits of burning include conserving native plant communities, improving grazing distribution, enhancing wildlife habitat, and reducing fuel loads that can contribute to severe wildfires. Fire is commonly used to maintain Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres as well. In Kansas, CRP burning is generally allowed from Feb. 1 to April 15 in the eastern counties. Summer burns after July 16 are also permitted. Producers should always check with their local Farm Service Agency office for county-specific requirements.
Weather conditions play a critical role in conducting a safe and effective prescribed burn. Recommended conditions typically include: Wind speeds between 5 and 15 miles per hour, Relative humidity from 40 to 70 percent, and air temperatures between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition to wind speed and direction, cloud cover and mixing height influence smoke dispersion. Hourly forecasts can help identify potential wind shifts that may occur during the burn period.
Several online tools are available to assist with burn planning. The Kansas Fire and Smoke Model (ksfire.org) predicts smoke movement based on weather conditions, fuel load, and burn size for Flint Hills counties, as well as Johnson, Wyandotte, and Sedgwick counties. The Kansas Mesonet (mesonet.ksu.edu) provides real-time data on humidity, wind direction, and current and forecasted fire danger from more than 70 locations across the state. Forecasts are available through National Weather Service offices. The NWS offices that serve southeast Kansas are Springfield, MO, Kansas City, MO, Wichita, KS, and Topeka, KS. Visit weather.gov and search for the appropriate office for your area.
Burn conditions can change quickly, and recent moisture does not always reduce fire behavior. This year, land managers should be mindful that fires may burn more aggressively and unpredictably, particularly during light-wind conditions. Cutting wider fuel breaks, planning for less effective timber control lines, and having additional personnel and equipment available can help reduce the risk of fire escape. Monitoring the forecast two to three days in advance, ensuring fires are fully extinguished, and considering delays until green-up is more established are additional steps that can improve safety and outcomes.
Kansas regulations require individuals conducting a prescribed burn to notify local fire authorities, avoid creating traffic or airport hazards, and supervise the fire until it is completely extinguished. Some counties also require burn permits. Always confirm local requirements before conducting a prescribed burn.
Prescribed burning remains one of the most effective land management tools available in Kansas. Safety, as always, is the top priority for a successful prescribed burn. Creating a burn plan in advance can be the difference between success and disaster. With proper planning, use of available resources, and adherence to safety guidelines, producers can successfully use fire to improve rangeland productivity while protecting people, property, and natural resources. If you have any questions about prescribed burning, please feel free to call your local extension office and ask for me! I am more than happy to help.
Lonnie Mengarelli is a K-State Research and Extension Agriculture agent assigned to the Southwind District. He may be reached at [email protected] or 620-223-3720
Accounts Payable and Financial Reports (Pages 2–67) The majority of the packet consists of a detailed “Open Invoices By Department Summary.” This report lists all pending payments and payroll expenditures for various county departments as of February 20, 2026. Key financial highlights include:
General Fund (Page 2): Lists standard payroll deductions and benefits such as life insurance, health savings accounts, and federal taxes.
Employee Benefits (Page 4): Detailed breakdown of medical and dental premiums for March 2026, totaling over $111,000, along with social security and retirement contributions.
Departmental Expenditures:
Landfill (Pages 4–5): Includes membership dues, fuel (452 gallons of diesel), and equipment repairs.
Sheriff & Correctional (Pages 5–6): Covers vehicle maintenance (oil changes and tire repairs), facility service contracts, and utility bills for the Southeast Kansas Regional Correctional Center (SEKRCC).
Road and Bridge (Pages 7–10): Lists extensive commodities purchases, including fuel, vehicle parts, and culvert tubes.
Ambulance Service (Pages 10, 27): Covers medical supplies, medications, and contractual charges from the City of Fort Scott.
Departmental Payroll (Pages 22–27): Specific wage totals are provided for the County Commission, Clerk, Treasurer, Attorney, Register of Deeds, Courthouse Maintenance, and District Court.
Cemetery and Township Reports (Pages 68–107) The final section of the packet contains the annual financial reports for local cemeteries and townships, which are required by state law (K.S.A. 17-1372) to be filed by January 15.
Reporting Requirements (Page 68): Instructions specify that reports must show all money held as of December 31, including investments like CDs or savings accounts.
Individual Reports (Pages 90–107): These handwritten forms detail the “Composition of Cash” for various funds. For example, the reports show balances for general funds and permanent maintenance funds, listing receipts from county taxes and expenditures for services like mowing and stone maintenance.
Richard Eugene “Richie” Clarkson, age 74, passed away Thursday, February 19, 2026, at his home surrounded by family. Richie was born August 4, 1951, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, the son of Richard Junior “Blackie” Clarkson and Betty Mae “Peggy” Brown Clarkson. He was their only child. Richie graduated from Northeast High School in Arma, Kansas with the Class of 1969. After high school, Richie played basketball for Labette County Community College. Richie worked many years for Midwestern and for B & D trucking before becoming self-employed as a contract mail carrier for thirty-eight years for the United States Postal Service. In addition to hauling mail, he also worked part-time with his dad where he operated heavy equipment and did dirt work. In June of 1990, Richie married the love of his life, Ann; together, they shared a home filled with love, laughter, family, and memories. Richie enjoyed sports; he played recreational basketball, fast pitch for the Shepherd Team Auto Plaza team and also played many years of slow pitch softball. Later, he loved cheering on his grandkids at their various sporting events. Richie enjoyed attending gun shows, going to the races and mowing his yard. He also had a deep love for music and never passed up a sweet treat or breakfast food. He was an animal lover and was especially fond of his beloved pets. Richie was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He had many interests, but nothing meant more to him than time spent with his family. His presence, humor and love will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Survivors include his wife, Ann, of the home; three daughters, Tricia Daniels (Darrell) of Overland Park, Kansas, Bryna Boldra (Jeremy) of El Dorado, Kansas and Tiffani Agee (Jason) of Nevada, Missouri; four grandchildren, Landon and Keenan Boldra, Anlee Daniels and Lynlee Agee. He was preceded in death by his parents, Blackie and Peggy Clarkson and his in-laws, Ellsworth and Betty Heckadon.
Following cremation, a celebration of life service will be held at 5:00 P.M. Friday, February 27th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Visitation will follow the service until 7:00 P.M. Memorials are suggested to Care to Share 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.
The north wing, east side of the Bourbon County Courthouse.
The county commission received an update from Public Works Director, Kenny Allen
Public works status update – Kenny Allen
Allen said his department needs to lease a new grader for $54,000 per year, 4.99% interest rate, warranted. The lease will be for a Foley Equipment CAT. All preventative maintenance will be done by the leasing company. Public Works has the budget for it. The commission approved the lease.
The City of Fort Scott is asking for a city-wide cleanup discount. Allen suggested they use a half-price voucher system for dumping at the county transfer station. Commissioner Mika Milburn asked if it could be a county-wide program. The commission agreed to continue the discussion.
The commissions signed the second phase paperwork for the bridge on Jayhawk.
Asphalt plant update: Greg Dishman from Wright Asphalt came to look at the damaged tank. and called in Adam from Blevens, who will come meet up with Allen to evaluate it. Adam suspects that the asphalt tank is out of date by a couple of decades. One option is purchasing a used tank.
The old tank contains more than $31,000 in oil right now.
They talked about fixing the tank this year, focusing on gravel and chip and seal roads rather than laying asphalt, then start laying asphalt next year.
Executive session with commissioners to discuss non-elected personnel issues 40 minutes.
Returned to regular session with no action.
Citizens Comments
Derek Ranes on Bitcoin: Checked to see if the county was getting his emailed noise complaints. They are. He said the noise is getting louder. He suspects they are acquiring more gas wells, and it looks like they’re expanding the facility across the road from his house.
“It’s getting kinda tough to get some sleep,” Ranes said.
The commission discussed the moratorium.
Old Business
Budget Strategy – Beerbower
Commissioner David Beerbower asked Commissioner Gregg Motley how the recent work session is leading the county to a budget strategy for 2026.
Motley said that the purpose of the questions used in the budget work session was to clarify values of the commission, which gives the budget makers information to make the budget.
Milburn asked Sheriff Bill Martin how Baker Tilly has helped his department create goals and budget accordingly. Martin responded that Baker Tilly should have been at the table to answer the questions at the meeting where the commission decided not to hire them to help build the county’s budget.
Samuel Tran asked him if Baker Tilly had been helpful to his department. Martin said his professional opinion is that they are. This is the second year the sheriff’s department has used Baker Tilly to advise on their finances.
Tran said he asked Ben Hart of Baker Tilly if his firm is allowed to audit the county and was told they are allowed.
Tran, Motley, and Martin discussed various types of audits and whether or not Baker Tilly can audit the county.
Motley reiterated his objection to hiring Baker Tilly on the basis of sending money outside of Bourbon County needlessly.
“That’s the opposite of economic development,” he said.
Motley then made a motion to hire Baker Tilly to do the budget process for Bourbon County as a fractional CFO, adopting the resolution that was voted down last meeting.
Beerbower asked several clarifying questions, including whether or not the process Motley started at the work session would include improving the efficiency of the Public Works department. Motley said that it would not, because one would need budget and public works expertise to accomplish that goal.
Joe Allen said he was in favor of having a conversation with Baker Tilly, but he wants to keep resources in the county, which is why he voted against the resolution in the last meeting. He was not comfortable adopting the resolution without hearing from Baker Tilly to hear what they have to offer that’s better than using the resources the county already has.
Tran pointed out that Baker Tilly is impartial and already working with the county in the Sheriff’s department.
Allen said that outsourcing sends a message of distrust to the employees of the county. He pointed out that training existing employees may be a good option.
Tran called for a vote and it passed. Beerbower, Tran, and Milburn voting for, Allen and Motley voting against.
County Technology & Network – Beerbower
Referring the the clerk, treasurer, and deeds offices setting up their own servers and emails, Beerbower expressed concerns about security and asked about wiring use.
Milburn said the handbook says all IT is under the county commission’s authority.
Tran said that going outside of the current construct of the county’s infrastructure prior to the completion of a long project is ill-advised. He sympathized with the desire to have their own server but expressed concern about budget creep.
He likened the network to a hotel, where each department has its own key for its room, but the county’s IT department, whomever it may be, has the master key for the whole hotel.
Standardizing programs and systems increases the security and minimizes the risks.
Tran said they cannot piggyback on the county’s system, in order to protect the county’s system from liability.
Beerbower said that in his several conversations with Stronghold he learned that cyber insurance could be affected by the change. There are also potential problems with the cabling and the .gov email addresses.
Beerbower said he would like the county clerk, treasurer, and register of deeds, as well as the two new county commissioners to receive the report on the health of the county’s IT system generated by Stronghold so they are aware of the situation and the work being done to improve the system.
Tran moved that any improvement or additions to the IT of the courthouse cease and desist until the commission can have a conversation including other elected officials and decide on the path forward. He excluded the current project with Stronghold.
Motion passed.
Tran said that he has information for the whole county. The county is only at 6% compliance with Microsoft 365. Stronghold plans to “slow roll” the change.
“If you have a glitch in your system, PLEASE call Stronghold,” Tran asked. The change started Friday, February 20.
Noise Resolution – Beerbower
The new resolution names the sanitation inspector as the new noise ordinance inspector. It also lists some equipment and training that will cost the county about $1000.
Milburn expressed concern about the department not having authority to enforce sanitation codes or noise ordinances.
He asked the commission to read it over to prepare for discussion at the meeting on Feb. 23.
Longevity Completion Announcement- Milburn
In January when the commission passed the handbook, it voted to remove longevity from it, but keep the longevity already in existence, by adding it to the hourly wages. Milburn said that process will be completed by the next cycle.
Tran said they are working on cost of living allowances and pay raises.
New Business
Executive Session Discussion – Allen
He said that executive sessions should be moved to the bottom of the agenda unless they involve visitors so that those in attendance at commission meetings aren’t waiting through all of the executive sessions for the rest of the meeting.
Allen also pointed out that the agenda is constantly being changed, but resolution 3425 says it should be locked in by noon on Friday to allow time for the commission to prepara.
Motley said he agrees and that it’s important that resolutions should not be brought in expecting a vote without giving the commission time to read them in advance.
Addition to Policy Manual – Milburn
She brought KCamps recommended additions, including ADA and lactation accommodations, FMLA policy, and the give the board the ability to change the policy manual.
The board approved the additions.
Beerbower said they should print the handbooks, one per employee and have them sign the receipt form. He also suggested training for the employees for each department to make them aware of the changes.
Tran said they should have HR come and train the commission and other leadership in the county, to enable them to train the county employees.
Motley suggested allowing electronic copies to be distributed.
Milburn said it is published on the county’s website.
Beerbower said that the training is the most important part, but he wants to offer printed copies to those who prefer that.
The organization has grown to offer about $2 million in loans and grants.
Motley said he is excited about the possibilities the program offers to Bourbon County and plans to work on it throughout the year.
Emergency Manager Accounts and Access -Milburn
New Bourbon County Emergency Manager, Louella Howard
The commission passed a resolution giving her the position and also moved to get her a county email address and the other equipment she needs to do her job.
Commissioner Comments
Samuel Tran: There’s a lot of supervisors in the county right now that are agitated because Pay Entry has shut their people out. People have been putting their time and attendance in incorrectly. The executive assistant and Pay Entry locked it down. Supervisors are asked to go and look at each time card prior to it going in to PayEntry. The executive assistant will contact department heads to let them know what the situation.
Milburn said that recommendations were not to leave them unlocked for individual employees to change.
Sheriff Martin said that the issue should be laid at the feet of the department responsible for the error, rather than making all employees pay for the mistake of one.
Beerbower asked if PayEntry could come and offer training in how to use the program. Milburn said she would ask.
Gregg Motley: Exhorted the commission to look for ways to build bridges and improve moral.
Mika Milburn: Is excited about having drivers license moved to suite 10.
I have been waiting to write an update until I had some progress to report on Benny’s Bill (HB 2412) which as many of you know is legislation that I am sponsoring to strengthen penalties for child endangerment to a child under the age of six years old. The bill passed final action in the house with a vote of 124-0 which was unanimous of all representatives present. The bill now goes to the Senate where it has been assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee to repeat the same process that it did in the House of Representatives then hopefully to Governor Kelly.
Another bill that I feel is of interest is HB 2736 which deals with hospitals who offer financial assistance programs to patients in need. The bill calls for unnecessary reporting of a patient’s financial situation even if that patient isn’t interested in receiving assistance. I voted against the bill because of that and other reasons. Apparently many of my colleagues agreed with me because it was voted down 102-20.
HB 2368 which provided for the licensure of anesthesiologist assistants is another bill that was voted down. Kansas currently does not have people of that occupation working in the state but we currently have CRNAs (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists) who operate with more autonomy than their AA counterparts and are a better fit for the more rural areas. I have received much feedback from both sides of that debate but most of what I have heard from our district has been in opposition to HB 2368.
I keep hearing from constituents about property tax relief and there are a number of proposals out there to address that topic. When any of them come to the House floor in the form of a bill I will take them into consideration and decide on their merits.
That’s it for now but as I always say, feel free to reach out with concerns and if you are ever in Topeka during the session I would love to have you drop by the Capitol. Ad Astra Per Aspera.
The Kansas Senate has passed historic reform to cut through red tape and make building single-family homes faster and easier across our state, unlocking the potential of the American dream in Kansas.
At its core, SB 418 requires local governments to approve single-family homes, speeding up new construction to help ease housing shortages and make homes more affordable. It also allows more practical and affordable building options and treats all residentially-zoned land in cities as suitable for single-family use.
Senator TJ Rose, who carried the bill on the floor, said, “Kansas families have been asking us to help revive the American dream of homeownership, and this bill advances that effort by reducing red tape, allowing more practical and affordable building options, and opening more land for single-family homes. This bill particularly gives younger Kansans hope for the future, knowing that owning a home is now more attainable in our state.”
President Ty Masterson thanked Senator Rose for his work on the historic bill.
“Senator Rose worked for months with cities, builders, realtors, and key advocacy groups to craft this bill and ensure it would pass this session, as evidenced by the bi-partisan vote for the bill. As the father of six and the grandfather of seven, I want young Kansans to know that homeownership is possible. This bill helps fortify single-family homes as the bedrock of the American dream.”
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Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson | 300 SW 10th St. 332-E | Topeka, KS 66612 US
Fort Scott High School Performs Clue (H.S. Edition)
Fort Scott High School performs the play Clue (H.S. Edition) at 7 p.m. on March 5-7 in the FSHS Auditorium.
“It’s a dark and stormy night, and we’ve been invited to a very unusual dinner party. Each of the guests has an alias, the butler offers a variety of weapons, and the host is, well, dead. So whodunit? Join the iconic oddballs known as Scarlet, Plum, White, Green, Peacock, and Mustard as they race to find the murderer in Boddy Manor before the body count stacks up. Based on the cult classic film and the popular board game, Clue is a madcap comedy that will keep the audience guessing until the final twist,” according to Concord Theatricals.
The show features seniors Levi Fairchild as Wadsworth the butler, Sypher Cannon as Mrs. White, and Grace Walker as Miss Scarlet; juniors Landon Hill as Professor Plum and Ava Johnson as Mrs. Peacock; and sophomores Theodore Bowman as Mr. Green, Gianna Gorman as Yvette the maid, and Tray Maloun as Colonel Mustard.
Clue is adapted from the screenplay by Jonathan Lynn and written by Sandy Rustin, with additional material by Hunter Foster and Eric Price. Parental guidance is suggested as the play includes simulated use of weapons and smoking.
Tickets are reserved seating and are $8 for adults and $6 for youth. Tickets are available at fortscotthighschool.ludus.com or at the door. Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime.
Clue (H.S. Edition) is directed by FSHS Theatre Director Angie Bin with Mesa Jones as Assistant Director and Jericho Jones as Sound Designer.
Commerce Reopens Tax Credit Opportunities for Nonprofits, Healthcare Entities
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the latest round of the Community Service Program (CSP) Tax Credits, making $4.14 million in state tax credits available for donors to qualified projects.
CSP Tax Credits provide an opportunity for private, non-profit organizations and public healthcare entities to incentivize private donations for one-time, transformational projects that expand access to essential services and result in lasting benefits for their respective communities.
“Making Kansas the best place for all to call home takes strategic collaboration and innovative thinking,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “CSP Tax Credits are a powerful tool our Kansas-based nonprofits and healthcare organizations can leverage to create or improve critical community assets — especially in our rural communities.”
Under the program, the state authorizes nonprofit organizations to offer tax credits to donors that make contributions toward approved projects. Organizations are chosen through a competitive selection process.
Approved projects include capital campaigns, major renovations, significant equipment purchases or capacity-building initiatives. Projects must fall within one or more eligible categories:
Community services (including childcare)
Non-governmental crime prevention
Youth job and technical training
Healthcare services
Applications will be open March 1 through April 30, 2026. Those applying may request up to $200,000 in tax credits. Applicants in rural communities with populations less than 15,000 are eligible for a 70% credit. Applicants not located in rural areas are eligible for a 50% credit. Awards will be announced by June 1 and the tax credits will activate July 1.
If your organization is interested in applying for CSP, the Kansas Department of Commerce will host an introductory webinar at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, February 26. To register for the webinar, visit here.
For more information regarding CSP, including program guidelines and application materials, click here. Interested parties may also contact Program Manager Kerri Falletti at [email protected].
About the Quality Places Division:
Established in 2024, the Quality Places Division at the Kansas Department of Commerce exists to improve quality of life in communities across the state through various programs and services. The Kansas Department of Commerce understands the immense role played by strong communities in economic development and prioritizes investments in people and communities as major contributors to the overall strength of the Kansas economy. To learn more, click here.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
Governor Kelly Announces $3M to Develop Unmanned Aerial Systems Technology for Agricultural Research
~Grant Builds on Kansas’ Strengths in Agriculture and Aviation Research~
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly and The Kansas Department of Agriculture today announced that Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems has been awarded $3 million to develop Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) technology for agricultural use. This technology can be used by farmers, ranchers, and agriculture business retailers to improve yields, cut input costs, manage livestock, and expand opportunities for precision agriculture development in the state of Kansas.
“Through investments into cutting-edge precision agriculture technology, we are giving Kansas farmers and ranchers a leg up,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Kansas’ vast cropland and grassland acreage, as well as our diversified agriculture industry, make us the ideal location for these developments.”
The funding was approved by the Kansas Legislature and Governor Kelly during the 2025 legislative session to accelerate the development of agricultural and aviation technology in Kansas given the state’s workforce, strong manufacturing base, and role as a leader in precision agriculture and aviation technology.
“Kelly Hills is building on a storied history of agriculture and aviation innovation in the state of Kansas,” said Kansas Department of Agriculture Secretary Mike Beam. “This investment will ensure that Kansas farmers and ranchers remain at the forefront of the industry.”
“In applying for this funding, Kelly Hills worked with all our major aviation research institutions in Kansas, including Wichita State,” said Representative Avery Anderson, Chair of the House Committee on Transportation and Public Safety Budget. “This grant shows that there is no better place for businesses interested in innovative aviation and agriculture technology than right here in Kansas.”
“My district is full of some of the best farmers and ranchers in the state,” said Senator Craig Bowser, 1st District. “It only makes sense that companies like Kelly Hills would want to do research here on new and emerging technologies to benefit our farmers and ranchers.”
“This proposal draws from partnerships from around the state, including in Johnson County, to provide the next generation of technology for two of our states’ largest industries: aviation and agriculture,” said Representative Jo Ella Hoye, Ranking Minority Member on the House Committee on Transportation and Public Safety Budget. “This research will help create opportunities for small businesses to bring new products to market that benefit the entire state’s economy. My family has three generations of ag pilots, so I am looking forward to the potential for safety improvements while simultaneously preserving the bountiful contributions from aerial applicators.”
Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems was established in 2024 by Heinen Brothers Agra Services to bring advanced Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and autonomous ground vehicles into the agricultural sector. Kelly Hills’ mission is to enhance farming operations by integrating cutting-edge technology that improves precision, efficiency, and safety.
“This investment in Beyond Visual Line of Sight radar technology is a critical step toward establishing Kansas as a national leader in unmanned aviation. The support from Governor Kelly, Representative Anderson, Senator Bowser, and other key legislators sends a clear signal that Kansas intends to lead in both advanced aviation and precision agriculture,” said Lukas Koch, CEO of Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems. “Kelly Hills is focused on commercializing UAS technology and strengthening an internationally recognized testing environment that attracts federal partnerships, private investment, and next generation jobs.”
Kelly Hills works closely with leading UAV manufacturers and collaborates with the FAA, the Kansas Department of Transportation, and the University of Alaska at Fairbanks to ensure operations meet the highest safety and regulatory standards. In 2024, Kelly Hills earned an FAA license to operate a 49,000 sq mile UAV test range. The BVLOS technology will support and enhance the capabilities of the Kelly Hills range.
Patty LaRoche. 2023. Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection www.alittlefaithlift.com AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)
When Montana, my granddaughter, called to say that she and her fiancé, Ian, had set their wedding date, I was excited to put it on my calendar. “February 3, 2026,” she announced. Surely my calendar was wrong…or Montana was mistaken.
“Mo, that’s a Tuesday.”
“I know,” she declared, excitedly.
“Is this a destination wedding?” I questioned.
“No, Grandma, we’re getting married in Fort Scott…at my parent’s house.”
“Well then, where will the reception be?” I pressed. Mo had it all figured out. “It will be an outdoor wedding, and the reception will be inside their house.” This was not my business to question. Still, I questioned. “Mo, do you know what Kansas weather is like in February, not to mention, Tuesdays are in the middle of the week?”
“I know.”
“Then why did you choose that day?”
“Because God gave me that date.”
There was only one thing I could say: “Well, then, February 3 it is.” As I later found out, that date, years before, had been one in which Mo made a heart-change to follow the Lord and trust that His ways are far higher than ours could ever be. The wedding was a testimony to that.
Mo and Ian chose several “unusual” things for their big day (like a Ding-Dong wedding cake and a stadium hot-dog bar), not the least of which was to have actual church pews for the guests. I mean, it’s not like church pews are available at Walmart, and no church that I know of would be amenable to loaning theirs out for an outdoor wedding. Especially a February wedding. But that’s where God did what only God can do.
As it turned out, someone had donated dozens of antique, wooden church pews to the nuns who live in Fort Scott. The pews were in a semi-truck, waiting for volunteers to sand and stain them. And that’s where Mo’s family and friends offered to help. Weeks of work went into preparing the pews for the wedding ceremony, definitely a blessing to Mo and Ian, but God had plans much grander than the February 3 event.
The week before the wedding, the snow, wind and freezing temperatures caused schools and businesses to close. If this weather continued, how would we survive an outdoor wedding? I envisioned wedding photos with icicles hanging from our nose hairs and updo’s ruined by earmuffs. How could antique, wooden church pews endure freezing rain?
And then came Tuesday. Bright, sunny skies. Temperature in the mid-40’s. No wind.
But the bigger blessing came after the wedding when volunteers from the Catholic Church delivered the slightly-used pews to the nuns who now would have beautiful, refinished pews for a lifetime. It should come as no surprise that the One who orchestrates things like temperatures can turn a blessing for an hour into a blessing for a lifetime. What a God we serve!
