10:00-10:30-Peer review regarding HVAC system at Law Enforcement Facility
10:30-11:00-Jody Hoener-Executive Session
11:00-12:00-Justin Meeks
Executive Session- Attorney Client Privilege-15 min.
Executive Session-Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel-25 min.
Tax Sale-15 min.
12:00-1:30-Commissioners gone to lunch
Justifications for Executive Session:
Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel
Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency
Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships
Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property
Matters relating to the security of a public body or agency, public building or facility or the information system of a public body or agency, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize the security of such public body, agency, building, facility or information system
Competitive online gaming is coming to Fort Scott Community College as an extra curricular activity.
eSports is competitive tournaments of video games, especially among professional gamers, according to dictionary.com.
“Competitors from different leagues or teams face off in the same games that are popular with at-home gamers: Fortnight, League of Legends, Counter-Strike, Call of Duty, Overwatch and Madden NFL, to name a few,” according to the FSCC website. “These gamers are watched and followed by millions of fans all over the world, who attend live events or tune in on TV or online. Streaming services like Twitch allow viewers to watch as their favorite gamers play in real time, and this is typically where popular gamers build up their fandoms” (Willingham, A. 2018).”
“Esports is considered a varsity sport, similar to our other athletic teams,” said Tom Havron, FSCC Vice President of Students and Athletic Director. “Our students will be developing valuable traits during their time with the team, but there is not a specific major that the students must strive for. One person might want to be a nursing major, while another student might want to look into a John Deere technician major. Esports will not limit them to what they want to do professionally, but will give them an avenue to better experience college through connecting them with other students that have similar interest and providing them a path to be a part of something special.”
Students will be required to retain a 2.0 GPA during their time in the extra curricular activity, Havron said. Additional requirements may be added by the coach as they deem necessary in the recruitment of students.
“FSCC will be offering the following to students who are interested in becoming a Gaming Greyhound,” according to its website:
Books and Tuition scholarship for 15 credit hours
Private gaming area for practicing and competing
Travel for competitions
Networking with other gamers, spectators, and possible sponsors
A coach to lead them to victory
FSCC will be competing in the games League of Legends and Overwatch, with the possibility for more games in the near future.”
Attracting students to FSCC and possible scholarship opportunities are the motivation behind the addition to the college.
“We believe that eSports is going to be a very popular activity for us on-campus,” Havron said. “Our hope is that we will attract students to attend FSCC that may not have thought of us as a destination before we had eSports.”
“In addition to adding new students, we believe that having this sport will help us provide something new on campus that will further diversify our student body.”
“Finally, we have already been contacted by four-year institutions that also have eSports that are looking for new students. We believe that the program is going to open up new scholarship opportunities to our students that they would not have had before.”
A coach will be needed for eSports and FSCC will be recruiting one in the coming days.
” We currently have admissions and the VP of Students recruiting the team as we search for someone to lead the program,” Havron said.
“As with any activity, practice is going to help the students become better at their craft,” he said. ” In this case, more hands-on time with the game is going to improve their skill level.
The coach will also be responsible for:
recruiting and retaining students for the eSports program
coordinating off-season, practice and competition schedules
assisting with team travel when necessary
running camps, clinics, and promotional events
pursuing sponsorship opportunities within the eSports business world
ensuring team compliance with all league, conference, and institutional rules and regulations
continuously ensuring personal behavior and program reputation are in alignment with the institution values and brand.”
Many high schools in the region are adding eSports, Havron said. “Being a casual gamer is also an option. There are many competitions that can be seen on the internet, and students should find the game that they are most interested in and try to advance their skills. If prospective students have any questions, they are more than welcome to reach out to me at [email protected] and I will be able to assist.”
Carla Nemecek is Southwind District Director and agent.Virginia Crossland-Macha, President of the Kansas State Fair Board, recognizes the importance of supporting youth agriculture education by making a donation to the Livestock Judging Team. She is pictured with Southwind District 4-H members Brody Nemecek, Jillian Keller, Macha , Clay Brillhart, and Haydon Schaff.
Submitted by: Carla Nemecek, Southwind Extension District Director
I have the privilege to coach the Southwind District 4-H Livestock Teams – Skillathon, Quiz Bowl, Meats and Livestock Judging. Working with youth who are the future of our agriculture community, and teaching basic livestock knowledge is often challenging and time-consuming. Well, the time-consuming part just got a little bigger (probably more than I am prepared for) and these kids are taking me on an adventure that requires a passport to travel over the “Big Pond.”
As you know, the Southwind Extension District 4-H Livestock Judging Team of Jillian Keller (Piqua), Brody Nemecek (Iola), Haydon Schaaf (Uniontown), and Clay Brillhart (Fort Scott) were named Reserve National Champions in January 2019 at the National Western 4-H Livestock Judging Contest in Denver, Colorado. In recognition as a winning team, they were awarded an invitation to compete internally at the Royal Highland Show in Scotland and at the Charleville Show in the Republic of Ireland, June 19-July 3, 2019. The contests are only a small piece of the international educational trip that will include agriculture seminars, tours and opportunities to enhance leadership skills and education through interaction with the citizens of the UK and Ireland.
In an effort to cover educational expenses, the Southwind team is selling “stock” in the livestock judging team. Individuals and businesses have the opportunity to invest in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity by purchasing these shares from team members. Shares are being sold for $100 and investors will be invited to a shareholders meeting where they will enjoy dinner and see firsthand the return on their investments as the Southwind District 4-H Livestock Judging Team members share their travel experiences. Stock can be purchased for $100/share.
Giving options for the Southwind 4-H Livestock Judging Team
Send your donation to: 4-H Livestock Judging, PO Box 845, Iola, KS 66749
Sponsorship levels
1 share
Invitation to Shareholders Meeting
5 shares
Invitation to Shareholders Meeting & name/logo printed at Shareholders Meeting
10 shares
Membership to the “Charleville Club” table at Shareholders Meeting & name/logo printed on the brochure at Shareholders Meeting
25 shares
Membership to the “Royal Highland Club” table at Shareholders Meeting, name/logo printed on the brochure and team travel suppl
If you have questions about 4-H or would like to help our livestock judging team, please give me a call at 620-365-2242. The team and their parents would love to see you at our shareholders meeting in August!
Care to Share (“The Sharing Bucket”) will be hosting the 5th Annual “TaTa” Ride on June 15th, 2019 and an “AR-15 Gun Raffle”. Raffle tickets are $5 each and on sale now! ATF Regulations apply. Contact Stacey Wright for tickets or more info. (See flyer below)
Volunteers needed for “FutureNow: Finance” – A Communities in Schools Program (See flyer below for more information)
8-9
Weekly Livestock Sale at Fort Scott Livestock Market. Starting at 10am on both Fridays & Saturdays
Fridays: Cows, Pairs, Big Bulls
Saturdays: Stocker & Feeder Cattle, followed by any cows & bulls that come in late Friday & Saturday. Cafe open both sale days. You don’t have to be a buyer, just to come watch the sale and visit the cafe!
8-9
Bourbon County Arts Council – Fine Arts Exhibit – FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton
Open to the public. Works of art from the following categories: Ceramics, sculpture, mixed media, jewelry, pastels, watercolor, fiber art, painting (oil & acrylic), drawing & graphic (pencil, pen, ink), and photography
2 options: Dinner and a show, or show only. Tickets must be purchased by 5pm, Feb. 27th. Available at Common Ground, FSCC Switchboard, and from FSHS Thespian Club members (See flyer below for more info)
8-9
Dirty Bourbon Band live on-stage at Sharky’s Pub & Grub – 16 N. National Ave., 9pm-1am
Dirty Bourbon Band will be performing live on-stage at Sharky’s tonight and Saturday night – come on out, have some great eats, drinks, and live music!
FSCC 38th Annual Spring College Rodeo – FSCC Arnold Arena, 2108 S. Horton
This action-packed rodeo will feature athletes from 25 Kansas and Oklahoma 2-year and 4-year colleges
Friday, March 8th: 7:30pm
Saturday, March 9th: 1pm & 7:30pm
Sunday, March 10th: 1pm
(See flyer below for more info)
8
Lenten Fish Fry hoted by Knights of Columbus – Kennedy Gym behind Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, 705 S. Holbrook
Each Friday from March 8th through April 12th. Doors open at 5pm and we serve until 7pm. Menu includes southern fried catfish, baked white fish, spaghetti, green beans, coleslaw, baked potatoes and french fries, grilled cheese for the kids. Free-will donation or $5 for
take-out box
9
Legislative Update Coffee at Empress Event Center – 7 N. Main St., Fort Scott, 9-10:30 am
State Legislators Senators Richard Hildebrand and Caryn Tyson, and Representatives Trevor Jacobs and Ken Collins will give an update on the current session as well as address any issues or questions presented from the audience. Coffee, juice & light refreshments will be served
9
Storytime at Hedgehog.INK – 16 S. Main St., 10:30 am
Storytime and special activity with an author the 2nd Saturday of each month
9
Prom Dress Sale hosted by FSHS Future Business Leaders of America – FSHS, 1005 S. Main St.
For a $7 donation, FBLA will display your prom dress/accessories to current SEK students looking for their prom dress!
Girls may try on dresses/accessories displayed, and purchase any they love!
Sellers get to keep their profits (we ask that dresses be priced under $100, cleaned, and in style) and buyers get discounted in-style prom dresses!
Dress Drop Off: 11:00am-1:00pm
Dress Sale: 1:30pm-3:30pm
Seller Pick Up: 3:30pm-4:30pm (See flyer below)
9
Winter Biker Meet & Greet Expo – Boiler Room Brewhaus, 2 S. National Ave., 2-5pm
All bikers welcome. come out & meet new people, promote your club, upcoming rides, your biker business, network with other bikers, enjoy some good tunes and ice cold micro brewed local beer
9
Blues & BBQ at Crooners featuring Missy Andersen & Her One Man Band – 117 S. Main St., 8pm
Tickets available at Chamber of Commerce, 231 E. Wall St., or by calling Terri Floyd:
620-224-7221 (See flyer below for more info)
12-13
Story Time – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave., 10-11am
12
T.O.P.S Meeting – Buck Run Community Center,
3-4pm
12
Fort Scott Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room, 2108 S. Horton, 12-1pm
12
Zumba Classes at FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton
Zumba classes are held every Tuesday & Thursday night from 5-6:15pm. $3 per class
Contact Kassie Fugate-Cate: 620-223-2700 for more info
12
USD 234 Board of Education Meeting – Board of Education, 424 Main St., 5:30-6:30pm
12
Historic Preservation Association of Bourbon County Meeting – Old Congregational Church, 502 S. National Ave., 7-8pm
Board meeting at 6:30pm, program at 7pm. Fellowship, refreshments, and a door prize
13
Breakfast Bingo at Buck Run Community Center – 735 Scott Ave., 9-10am
2nd & 4th Wednesdays of each month. Come drink some coffee and play some bingo at BRCC. Staff will provide the bingo cards, the caller, and coffee. Prizes provided by the Fort Scott Recreation Commission
13
Rotary Meeting – Presbyterian Church,
308 S. Crawford St., 12-1pm
13
Driving and Dementia Class – Papa Don’s Pizza, 10 N. Main St., 12:30-1:30pm
This Remote Learning Series is bringing education to the community and providing the opportunity to attend a session close to home. Call 800-272-3900 to register for any session. (See flyer below for more info)
13
Adult Coloring Program – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave., 2-4pm
Join us in the library events room for a relaxing afternoon of coloring and conversation. Library provides coloring pages, pens and pencils, and snacks. Bring your own beverage of choice (no alcohol, please)
13
TAG (Teen Advisory Group) – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave., 4-5pm
Exclusively for middle and high school students. We have meetings weekly, including a games & snack night, a community service project, a book club meeting, and a craft night each month
Make a difference in your community while having fun at TAG! Each meeting includes food, drinks, and a good time with your fellow teens. Bring your friends!
14
Join us for the weekly Chamber Coffee of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at 8am. This week’s Chamber Coffee will be hosted by Tri-Valley Development Services.
Zumba Classes at FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton
Zumba classes are held every Tuesday & Thursday night from 5-6:15pm. $3 per class
Contact Kassie Fugate-Cate: 620-223-2700 for more info
14
Chamber Annual Dinner & Awards Celebration featuring Guest Speaker Mitch Holthus, Voice of the Kansas City Chiefs – The River Room, 3 W. Oak St., 5:30pm
This year’s event features a social and a silent auction, beginning at 5:30pm, then dinner, awards ceremony and live auction beginning at 6:30pm
Individual reservations are $35. A table for 8 can be reserved for $360. Contact Lindsay Madison at 620-223-3566 for reservations (See flyer below for more info)
14
Author Talk and Book Signing with Joyce Love at Hedgehog.INK – 16 S. Main St., 5:30pm
Meet and greet author Joyce Love. there will be an author talk, Q & A and book signing. Her book will be available for purchase in the bookstore. Light refreshments will be served (See flyer below)
14
Thursday Card Players – Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Ave., 6-9pm. Free weekly event to anyone that wants to play cards, drink coffee, eat snacks, and socialize
15-16
Weekly Livestock Sale at Fort Scott Livestock Market. Starting at 10am on both Fridays & Saturdays
Fridays: Cows, Pairs, Big Bulls
Saturdays: Stocker & Feeder Cattle, followed by any cows & bulls that come in late Friday & Saturday. Cafe open both sale days. You don’t have to be a buyer, just to come watch the sale and visit the cafe!
15
Friendship Soup Lunch hosted by First United Methodist Church has been CANCELLED for this month
15
Lenten Fish Fry hoted by Knights of Columbus – Kennedy Gym behind Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, 705 S. Holbrook
Each Friday from March 8th through April 12th. Doors open at 5pm and we serve until 7pm. Menu includes southern fried catfish, baked white fish, spaghetti, green beans, coleslaw, baked potatoes and french fries, grilled cheese for the kids. Free-will donation or $5 for
take-out box
16-17
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at Holmtown Pub – 206 N. National Ave., all weekend
Holmtown Pub is ready for their big day! We’ll be serving traditional corn beef and cabbage and green beer. DJ Rayma will be rocking the patio from 9pm-1am. Wear your green and bring your favorite leprechaun!
16
Sass Monkey performing at Liberty Theatre – 113 S. Main St., 8:30 pm
Sass Monkey is one of the mid-west’s premier party and dance bands featuring music from the 80’s, 90’s, and 2000’s. Bring your dance shoes!
Tickets are $30. Purchase online at www.fortscottliberty.com, our Facebook page, or call the Liberty Theatre Box Office:
620-224-9787
This month’s book: A Gentleman In Moscow by Amor Towles
19-20
Story Time – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave., 10-11am
19
T.O.P.S Meeting – Buck Run Community Center,
3-4pm
19
Fort Scott Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room, 2108 S. Horton, 12-1pm
19
KW Cattle Company Bull Sale – 1996 Jayhawk Rd., 12-2pm
KW Cattle Company will host their annual Angus/Hereford Bull Sale (See flyer below)
19
Community Bingo at Country Place Senior Living – 820 S. Horton, 2-4pm
Residents and the public are invited the 3rd Tuesday of each month for Community Bingo
19
Zumba Classes at FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton
Zumba classes are held every Tuesday & Thursday night from 5-6:15pm. $3 per class
Contact Kassie Fugate-Cate: 620-223-2700 for more info
19
City Commission Meeting – City Hall, 123 S. Main St., 6-7pm
20
Rotary Meeting – Presbyterian Church,
308 S. Crawford St., 12-1pm
20
Adult Coloring Program – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave., 2-4pm
Join us in the library events room for a relaxing afternoon of coloring and conversation. Library provides coloring pages, pens and pencils, and snacks. Bring your own beverage of choice (no alcohol, please)
20
TAG (Teen Advisory Group) – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave., 4-5pm
Exclusively for middle and high school students. We have meetings weekly, including a games & snack night, a community service project, a book club meeting, and a craft night each month
Make a difference in your community while having fun at TAG! Each meeting includes food, drinks, and a good time with your fellow teens. Bring your friends!
20
Gordman’s Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting – 2400 S. Main St., 5:30-6:30
Save the date and join us for Gordman’s Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Event! (See flyer below for more info)
Save the Date:
– Farm Finances 101 (See flyer below)
– March 22 – Lenten Fish Fry hosted by Knights of Columbus at Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church
– March 30 – Gardener’s Auction at Tri-Valley
Click here for full events listing on our website.
Bourbon County Arts Council Members present at the Chamber of Commerce weekly coffee on Thursday morning: Steve Floyd, Elaine Buerge, Deb Anderson and Danny Magee.
For the 27th year, the Bourbon County Arts Council has sponsored a fine art exhibit and sale for the community. The venue once again is the Ellis Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton.
Members of the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce had the opportunity to view the exhibit during its weekly coffee on Thursday morning at the Ellis Center.
BCAC member Danny Magee tells the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce weekly coffee attendees about the art exhibition.Beth Nuss enjoys a photograph in the BCAC Exhibit on Thursday morning at the Ellis Fine Arts Center.Ally Turvey looks over the watercolor artwork of Debbie Reed, entitled Feeling Crabby.Angie Simon views exhibits at the Bourbon County Arts Council Arts Exhibition and Sale.
The free event continues today through 7 p.m. and again tomorrow, Saturday, March 9 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Much of the art is for sale.
The BCAC continues the annual show with the help of the following who provided corporate prizes this year: In Memory of E.C. Gordon, Buerge Art Studio, Landmark Bank, Citizens Bank, McDonald’s Restaurant, Union State Bank, H & R Block, H & H Realty, Fort Scott Broadcasting, Bernita Hill, Ward Kraft and City State Bank.
The BCAC also helps fund art walks, concerts, Bad Art By Good People, music programs at area schools, scholarships, opportunities for Fort Scott students to experience a production in Kansas City, and recently contributed to the Steinway piano repair for use by the USD 234 music programs.
This Saturday, March 9 the BCAC will help sponsor the Blues and BBQ Concert at the Liberty Theater, featuring Missy Andersen and Her One Man Band.
Upcoming Patio Concerts: Charlie Barrale/PDA on May 4 and Whiskey Raccoons on June 22 at the Liberty Theater.
Members of the BCAC are Deb Anderson, president, Elaine Buerge, Deb Halsey, Breann Martin, Terri Floyd, Steve Floyd, Tedena Tucker, Danny Magee, Ray Streeter, Laura Meeks and Chris Woods.
View the Bourbon County FINE ART EXHIBIT AWARD Winners for 2019 in their categories below:
CERAMICS
1ST PLACE, DARIA CLAIBORNE, Joplin, Mo., SPRINGTIME TEA SET with an monetary award of $150**.
** Denotes the artist who won in more than one category in the exhition.
BEST OF SHOW 3D, DARIA CLAIBORNE, SPRINGTIME TEA SET, $200**
2ND PLACE, AL LETNER of Pittsburg, Ks., RAKU POT WHEEL THROWN, $75**
DRAWING & GRAPHICS
1ST PLACE, ROBERT SCHYLER, Rich Hill, Mo., EVAN, $150**
2ND PLACE, JEZERIAH SIMPSON of Fort Scott, MULLET, SWEATER, & SADNESS, $75
FAMILY THEME
1ST PLACE, DEBBIE REED of Fort Scott, THE SISTER, $150**
2ND PLACE, STEVE FLOYD of Fort Scott, RUDY, MY SON IN A FUR COAT, $75.
FIBER ART
1ST PLACE, GLENDA FLANAGAN of Louisburg, IRISES, $150.
2ND PLACE, CAROLINE DAY of Pittsburg, SUNRISE MOONRISE, $75.
JEWELRY
1ST PLACE, CHARLES A AULT of Pittsburg, WHITE BUFFALO BRACELET, $150**.
2ND PLACE, BARBARA GIBSON of Fort Scott, NECKLACE, $75.
MIXED MEDIA
1ST PLACE, RIPP HARRISON of Lawrence, THE RECONNECTION OF GUS, $150.
2ND PLACE, DEE HUTCHERSON of Neodesha, KIMONO, $75.
PAINTING
1ST PLACE, ROBERT SCHYLER, EVENING IN PARIS, $150**.
2ND PLACE, IRENE SCHOMACKER of Spring Hill, SNOWSTORM BUFFALO, $75.
PASTEL
1ST PLACE, SKIP KREIBACH of Derby, BIG GUY ON CAMPUS, $150.
2ND PLACE, DANIELLE YOUNG of Bronson, BETTER TOGETHER, $75.
PHOTOGRAPHY
1ST PLACE, LINDA TEETER of Carl Junction, Mo., SEATTLE COFFEE HOUSE, $150.
2ND PLACE, CURT HEIDE of LaCygne, LAZY RIVER, $75.
SCULPTURE
1ST PLACE, CHARLES A AULT, STARS IN MOTION, $150**.
2ND PLACE, AL LETNER, PORTAL 46, $75**.
WATERCOLOR
1ST PLACE, DEBBIE REED of Joplin, Mo., FEELING CRABBY, $150**.
BEST OF SHOW 2D, DEBBIE REED, FEELING CRABBY, $200**
2ND PLACE, ANITA WILSON of Thayer, HILL SONG, $75.
Front row: Kirryn Sprague, Audra Montjo, Karlie Chipman, Zaria Byrd Middle row: Allie Hawkins, Sierra Wright, Alex Bukowski, Amanda Emmerson, Landon Doharty, Dryden Cosens, Shekhar Gugnani Back row: Grant Feagins, Zoe Self, Khris Patel, Bobby Kemmerer, Collin Thomas, Neil Gugnani, Elijah Self, Aidan Marcum, Caleb Trim, Dominik Bishop
Fort Scott High School sent 21 students to the Allen County College Red Devils Invitational Math Relay on March 7.
“Many of these students (marked with *)entered events at a grade level higher than their actual grade because we had so many freshmen attend that we ran out of spots in the 9th-grade competitions,” said Angie Kemmerer, the gifted teacher for the district.
Here is how the students performed:
Computational Math:
Shekhar Gugnani – 1st in 9th grade
Word Problems:
Collin Thomas – 1st in 9th grade
Dominik Bishop – 5th in 9th grade
Zaria Byrd – 5th in 10th grade*
Math Potpourri:
Shekhar Gugnani – 1st in 10th grade*
Kirryn Sprague – 2nd in 9th grade
Elijah Self – 3rd in 10th grade*
Equations & Inequalities:
Shekhar Gugnani – 1st in 11th grade*
Aiden Marcum – 4th in 9th grade
Grant Feagins – 5th in 9th grade
Simplifications:
Neil Gugnani – 1st in 9th grade
Elijah Self – 2nd in 9th grade
Sierra Wright – 3rd in 9th grade
Algebra Relay for 9th grade only:
2nd place for the team of Dominik Bishop, Collin Thomas, Elijah Self, Kirryn Sprague
4th place for the team of Karlie Chipman, Zaria Byrd, Amanda Emmerson, Alexa Bukowski
Algebra Relay for 9th through 12th grade:
3rd place for the team of Shekhar Gugnani, Neil Gugnani, Zoe Self, Caleb Trim
Word Problem Relay for 9th through 12th grades:
3rd place for the team of Collin Thomas, Khris Patel, Bobby Kemmerer, Dryden Cosens
Students were accompanied by Morgan Felt, Kemmerer, and Karen Self.
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24 (NIV)
“Real deal” friends are rare. Recently, Michael Robinson, an NFL analyst, was asked how he decided how many tickets to leave for family and friends when he played in the 2012 Super Bowl. He answered, “If they weren’t there to help me move into my dorm my freshman year of college, they won’t be there when I’m at the Super Bowl.”
Interesting definition of a friend, don’t you think? The internet has hundreds of clever quotes on the subject. These are five of my favorites:
My father always used to say that when you die, if you’ve got five real friends, then you’ve had a great life. Lee Iacocca
It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with them. Ralph Waldo Emmerson
A true friend never gets in your way unless you happen to be going down. Arnold Glasow
I never considered a difference of opinion in politics, in religion, in philosophy, as cause for withdrawing from a friend. Thomas Jefferson
My best friend is the man who in wishing me well wishes it for my sake. Aristotle
The other day I was in an outlet store trying on clothes. I stepped outside my dressing room to look in the three-way mirror on the end wall. Gal-pals were in dressing rooms next to each other. One opened her door and asked for her girlfriend’s opinion.
Oh, please, NOOOOOO, I said under my breath. Back bulges were puffy scallops, and gold Lamé fabric jaundiced her overly-revealed body parts. Horizontal stripes were no help. Surely her friend would tell her so. Instead, this is what she said: “You go, Girl. You look F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S!”
I wanted to bang my head into the mirror.
That, Readers, is not the kind of friend I want.Proverbs 27:6 agrees: Faithful are the wounds of a friend…”. True friends wound when necessary. They speak truth and do not use flattery as a tool to keep things running smoothly. They challenge you when you need to be challenged. My husband and I have traveled a lot, and from that has come life-long friendships, causing my definition of a friend to be this: She and I pick up right where we leave off, no matter how many days/weeks/months we have been out of contact. No guilt is allowed. We just consider whatever time we have together as a blessing we probably don’t deserve. We also empathize—not in a fake sort of way– with each other’s struggles, and celebrate—not in a fake sort of way–with each other’s successes.
Sounds good, right? But it still falls flat. “Real deal” friends do more. Ephesians 4:15 reminds us that the end goal of friendship should be God and his glory. Bestest buds share Jesus.
Atheist Penn Jillette (known for his Vegas magic show) recently spoke about his respect for Christians who proselytize. “How much do you have to hate someone to believe everlasting life is possible and not tell them that?” Ouch! Even he, an atheist, realizes that the real deal shares the Real Deal. According to Penn, failing to do so is hateship, not friendship, and it certainly should make us ask ourselves one question: What kind of friend am I?
Alice Jean Armstrong, 80, of Ft. Scott, died on Tuesday, March 5, 2019, at the Medicalodge in Frontenac, KS.
Jean was born on August 22, 1938 at Hepler, KS to David and Ethel (Hardin) Huber. She graduated from Hepler High School in 1956 and attended Ozark Bible College in Joplin, MO.
She married Thomas Armstrong on April 26, 1958 in Hepler, KS. He preceded her in death on March 11, 1994.
She and Tom were charter members and helped to start Community Christian Church in 1972. She served many roles within the church, including youth leader, secretary, and pianist. She was a very gifted Bible teacher and mentored many over the years. She also loved to garden and tend to her flowers. Her favorite pastime, however, was to spend time with her family.
Survivors are sons Mike Armstrong and his wife Gina of Springdale, AR and David Armstrong and his wife Velva of Washington, MO; six grandchildren (Erin, Anna, Stacy, Heather, Abigail, Joel); seven great-grandchildren with one more on the way (Zoey, Bella, Peyton, Asher, Juniper, RJ, Owen); a sister-in-law, Bea Huber of Girard, KS; a brother-in-law, Ken Armstrong and his wife Sharon of Bartlesville, OK; many nieces and nephews and countless friends.
She was also preceded in death by her parents, brother Kenneth Huber, sister Dorothy Hanson and her husband Pete, sister Josephine Knopp and her husband Willis.
Rev. Mike Armstrong and Rev. David Armstrong will conduct funeral services at 10:30 AM Monday, March 11th, at the Community Christian Church.
Private family burial will take place in the Evergreen Cemetery later in the afternoon.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 until 6:00 PM Sunday at the Community Christian Church.
Memorials are suggested to either Wycliffe Bible Translators or Community Christian Church and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
