Monthly Archives: July 2019

Fort Scott Community College, Sports

National Recognition For FSCC Athletes

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FSCC Athletes are even more awesome in the classroom!

Fort Scott, Ks.—Fort Scott Community College athletes don’t just put in the work on the court/field, they put even more effort in the classroom. FSCC athletes were recognized across the nation for their high GPA’s by the NJCAA.

“At Fort Scott Community College, academics are the top priority for our student-athletes. Our students and coaches work extremely hard throughout the year to ensure that we are succeeding in the classroom as well as on the field/court. I am very proud of this class as they exceeded expectations and have been recognized as 2018-19 NJCAA Academic Teams of the Year. Congratulations to all of these Greyhounds for their hard work and dedication” says Tom Havron, VP of Student Life and Athletic Director.

Each team was recognized based on team cumulative GPA and also individually. The NJCAA categorizes each team and individual in three different ways; First Team (4.0GPA), Second Team (3.8-3.99GPA), and Third Team (3.6-3.79GPA). The following team cumulative GPA’s have been finalized and calculated:

  • Volleyball @ 3.66 GPA
  • Baseball @ 3.5 GPA
  • Golf @ 3.36 GPA
  • Softball @ 3.28 GPA

For the full list of team and individual recognition, please follow this links below. FSCC is extremely proud of all of our students and look forward to what the centennial class has to offer!

Individuals

https://d2o2figo6ddd0g.cloudfront.net/u/q/0awsqdjzae8x7m/njcaa_all-academic.pdf

Teams

https://d2o2figo6ddd0g.cloudfront.net/k/o/yrzuqvldcwpp83/Academic_Awards_-_2019.pdf

Art, Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening In Fort Scott July 5

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2019 Chamber Golf Classic 4-Person Scramble – Woodland Hills Golf Course, 2414 S. Horton, July 26th, Registration: 11am, Tee-Off 12pm  (See flyer below)

For more information or to register, click HERE
Google Livestream: Get Productive with Google’s Digital Tools – hosted by the Chamber of Commerce- Lowell Milken Center, 1 S. Main, Tuesday, July 17th from
11am-12pm   TO REGISTER, CLICK HERE
This workshop will be good information for literally anyone – from teachers, to business owners, to a DIY’er who likes to stay organized!
What’s to be expected:
– How Google’s office productivity tools-including Gmail, Calendar, Drive and other apps-can boost productivity
– Tips and tricks for getting more out of the tools, and how to use them most efficiently.
– Creative ways to accomplish a variety of tasks for your professional and personal projects in your everyday life
Kids Eat Free Lunch At The Keyhole, noon to 1pm,
Mon.-Fri., now through July 26th!! 10th & Main St., across from the Fort Scott High School

Sack lunches will be provided to those under 18. Children check in, no need to give names, and then pick up a lunch of shelf-stable meals. Open to all kids, regardless of income; no need to reside in Fort Scott
Hedgehog.INK will be open on Sundays and Mondays from 1:00-5:00pm starting Sunday, July 7th. The bookstore will also be open on the 4th of July holiday from 10am-4pm. During the month of July, children’s gently used books are buy 2 get 1 free. During the month of August, adult fiction gently used books will be buy 2 get 1 free
Benefit Bass Fishing Tournaments & Raffles for Class of ’91 Grad Chad Elmer – Entry fees will go toward’s Chad’s upcoming expenses and prize money. Raffles include fishing and outdoor gear, ammo, an AR15 gun, and more! (See flyer below for complete details)
Horticulture Services in Fort Scott – Krista Harding, Horticulture Agent for the Southwind Extension District, has office hours at the Extension office inside the Bourbon County Courthouse every Thursday.
In an effort to better serve residents of Fort Scott and the surrounding communities, Krista is there weekly to answer questions and offer advice on lawn and gardens, trees and shrubs, flowers and insect. Bring your spotted leaves, strange looking insects or wilted flowers and let her help you! This a free service and is available to all community members. Questions? Call 620-223-3720
5-6
NO SALE THIS WEEKEND DUE TO HOLIDAY
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!
5-7 Patriots Classic Baseball Tournament, hosted by FSHS

For more info, contact Josh Regan at: [email protected]
5 Friday Night Concert in the Park – Heritage Park Pavillion, 1st & Main St., 7-8pm

This week’s concert features three of the regular contributors to the Friday Night Concert Series. First, Marilyn Adcock (on vocal, guitar and autoharp), who does a mix of classic folk, gospel and traditional music. Second, David Pricket (vocal and guitar), doing classic country, gospel hymns and traditional music. Third, The Sekanaires Gospel Quartet with Ray Mauck (singing & bass), Curtis Ramsey (singing/lead tenor), Steve Bell (singing lead, harmony, occasional guitar), and Ralph Carlson (singing baritone, guitar). The Sekanaires have existed since the 1960’s and have a mixed repertoire of gospel, hymns and folk gospel

The concerts are organized by Ralph Carlson. If you or someone you know is interested in performing, contact Ralph at [email protected]

Bring your lawn chair as seating is limited. In the event of bad weather, the concert will move to Common Ground Coffee Co., 116 S. Main St.
6-7
Sights & Sounds of 1840’s Military Fireworks! – Fort Scott National Historic Site
The Independence Day celebration continues on July 6 and 7 as you discover the rich history and significance of the fort.  Experience frontier cooking demonstrations, play period games, see mock artillery and weapons drills, and explore the prairie grass as the fort comes to life before your eyes
Saturday, July 6
10:00 am – Prairie Walk
12:00 pm – An Arm and a Leg: 1840s Medical Program
1:00-3:00 pm – Let the Games Begin-Historic Games station
3:00-4:30 pm – Going Green: Historic Gardens station
4:00 – Flag Retreat

Sunday July 7
11:00 am – Guided Tour of the Fort
12:00 pm – A Hearty Grip
1:00 pm – Guided Tour
2:00 pm – Democracy Run Wild
3:00 pm – The Price of War
4:00 pm – Flag Retreat
6
Farmer’s Market – Skubitz Plaza (in front of the historic fort)

Saturday Mornings, 8:00am – 12:00pm

Fort Scott Farmers’ Market is a farmer driven and run market. The farmers work hard to produce the very finest produce available. We also provide a great venue for community organizations to promote their mission and raise funds

We are focused on fresh locally produce farm products
6
Cinema Saturdays at the Gordon Parks Museum – FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton, 12-2pm

The Gordon Parks Museum will show the films of Gordon Parks on Saturdays this summer starting on June 8 at 12:00 p.m. in the museum on the FSCC campus.  This free event will feature Mr. Parks’ films and one of Kevin Willmott’s films
7 Team Trivia at the Boiler Room Brewhaus –
10 S. National, 3-5pm

Exciting, fun and challenging team trivia. Put your team together (maximum of
8 teams, maximum of 5 members on a team)

$5 per person. Cash prizes for winning team. Pre-register at the tap room
7 Fort Scott Chamber Music Series, sponsored by
BB County Arts Council and Key Charitable Trust

This concert will include flute, harp, cello, bass and voice. Soprano Vanessa Thomas (who will appear in this concert) was featured by The Kansas City Symphony last December during their series of holiday concerts

Featured Musicians: Rebecca Dunnell – Flute; Jim Palmer – Harp; Vanessa Thomas – Soprano; Ben Clinesmith – Cello; Kathleen Clinesmith – Bass
8 2019 Youth Theater Camp starts (4 weeks) – FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center,
2018 S. Horton, 9am-12pm

The camp is free to all area youth ages 6 to 17 and runs from 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Thursday beginning with introductions and auditions July 8. Speaking roles are available for 26 young actors, but everyone attending the camp will be utilized. Enrollment is open by attending the first day of camp July 8. Late enrollees also will be accepted the first week of camp only

A 40-minute play, “To Be A Star”, will be presented August 1st & 2nd at the Ellis Fine Arts Center. In addition to rehearsing the play, camp participants will receive instruction in theater basics and the chance to engage in theater exercises

Contact Allen Twitchell at 620-218-2147 or [email protected]
8 Forget Me Not Fellowship at Integrity Home Care
& Hospice- 902 S. Horton, 2-pm

Forget Me Not Fellowship – Hope and Healing One Day at a Time:
Join us on the 2nd Monday of each month. At Integrity, we know the passage through grief is tough and can lead to a time of intense soul searching. That’s why we’re here for you when it matters most. You don’t have to bear the burden of doing it all alone. We provide care that never stops – for our clients, and for their families. As you continue your journey, join us for fellowship and support

For more info, contact 620-223-1191 ext. 17805 (See flyer below)
8 USD-234 Board of Education Meeting – 424 S. Main St., 5:30-6:30pm
9-10 Summer Reading Program – FS Public Library,
201 S. National, 10-11am

“Animal Tales” with guest Jan Hedges
9 T.O.P.S Meetings held weekly on Tuesdays at Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Ave., 10:30am
9 Fort Scott Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room,
2108 S. Horton, 12-1pm
9 Farmer’s Market – Skubitz Plaza (in front of the historic fort)

Tuesday evenings, 8:00am – 12:00pm

Fort Scott Farmers’ Market is a farmer driven and run market. The farmers work hard to produce the very finest produce available. We also provide a great venue for community organizations to promote their mission and raise funds

We are focused on fresh locally produce farm products
9 Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Express Employment Professionals, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce – 119 S. Main St., 5:15pm (See flyer below)

Ceremony begins at 5:15pm, with remarks and ribbon cutting at 5:30pm. Light refreshments will be served
9 Historic Preservation Association of BB County Meeting – Old Congregational Church, 502 S. National Ave., 7-8pm

Great fellowship, refreshments, and a door prize – hope you can attend!
10 Breakfast Bingo at Buck Run Community Center (2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month) – 735 Scott Ave., 9-10am

Come drink some coffee and play some bingo at Buck Run.  Staff will provide the bingo cards, the caller, and coffee.  Prizes provided by the Fort Scott Recreation Commission
10 Rotary Meeting – Presbyterian Church,  308 S. Crawford St., 12-1pm
10
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)
10 Summer Reading Program for Middle & High School Students – FS Public Library, 201 S. National, 4-6pm – “Crafts & Creative Writing”
11-14 2019 FSCC Summer Showcase Baseball Tournament

For more info, CLICK HERE  or contact John Hill: [email protected]
11
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 Hedgehog.INK
Location: 16 S. Main St.
11 Horticultural services at the Bourbon County Courthouse every Thursday – 210 S. National, 9am-3:30pm

Krista Harding, Horticulture Agent for the Southwind Extension District, has office hours at the Extension office inside the Bourbon County Courthouse every Thursday. In an effort to better serve residents of Fort Scott and the surrounding communities, Krista is there weekly to answer questions and offer advice on lawn and gardens, trees and shrubs, flowers and insect. Bring your spotted leaves, strange looking insects or wilted flowers and let her help you! This a free service and is available to all community members. Questions?
Call 620-223-3720
11 Pioneer Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room,
12pm-1pm
11 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
11
Rotary Social – Trivia Night at Boiler Room Brewhaus – 2 S. National Ave., 6-8pm

Rotarians, Guests, and Potential Rotarians:

Join us for a Rotary Social and Trivia!
Come whether you want to play trivia or not! Boiler Room Brewhaus offers a variety of both alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages. They also sell light snacks, or you may order from a nearby restaurant and bring in food, including Papa Don’s which delivers to the Brewhaus. Cost is $5 per person
11 A Star is Born, or Died – Boiler Room Brewhaus,
2 S. National Ave., 7-9pm

Join Boiler Room Brewhaus on Thursday evenings from 7-9pm for karaoke fun. Cheer on your favorite local star!
12-13
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!
12-13 2019 Bourbon County Fair ACRA/IPRA Rodeo

For a full schedule of Fair and Rodeo events, click https://www.southwind.k-state.edu/fairs/bourbon-county/Bourbon%20County%20Fair%20Schedule.pdf

To visit the rodeo website, click http://acrarodeo.com/events.aspx

To visit Bourbon County Fair’s website, click http://www.bourboncountyfair.com/
12 YPL First Friday Luncheon (Young Professional’s League of Bourbon County) – Papa Don’s, 10 N. Main St., 12-1pm

Join us for the YPL First Friday Luncheon, open to YPL members or anyone interested in the organization
12 Friday Night Concert in the Park – Heritage Park Pavillion, 1st & Main St., 7-8pm

The concerts are organized by Ralph Carlson. If you or someone you know is interested in performing, contact Ralph at [email protected]

Bring your lawn chair as seating is limited. In the event of bad weather, the concert will be moved to Common Ground Coffee at 116 S. Main St.
13-14 Marmaton Massacre Festival – Gunn Park Trails, Fort Scott

Saturday: 12pm-10pm, Sunday: 9am-3pm

This is a great weekend of riding, racing, free camping, food, live entertainment, etc. Once again, our event sponsor, Erik’s Bike & Board, will be onsite for tune-ups and demo bikes available

Online registration is open at https://www.usacycling.org/events?type=MTN&state=KS

Visit: https://legacy.usacycling.org/events/getflyer.php?permit=2019-881
13 Woodland Hills Golf Course 2-Person Scramble – 2414
S. Horton, 8am-2pm

2-Person 18 hole flighted scramble, 8am shotgun start

For more information, contact Shannon O’Neil:
620-223-5060 or visit:
http://www.fscity.org/160/Golf-Course
13
Farmer’s Market – Skubitz Plaza (in front of the historic fort)

Saturday Mornings, 8:00am – 12:00pm

Fort Scott Farmers’ Market is a farmer driven and run market. The farmers work hard to produce the very finest produce available. We also provide a great venue for community organizations to promote their mission and raise funds

We are focused on fresh locally produce farm products
13 Storytime at Hedgehog.INK – 16 S. Main, 10:30am

Storytime and special activity with an author. “The Wonky Donky”
Contact Jan Hedges: 620-670-2752
13
Cinema Saturdays at the Gordon Parks Museum – FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton, 12-2pm

The Gordon Parks Museum will show the films of Gordon Parks on Saturdays this summer starting on June 8 at 12:00 p.m. in the museum on the FSCC campus.  This free event will feature Mr. Parks’ films and one of Kevin Willmott’s films
13 Book Signing Event, co-hosted by Books & Grannies and Hedgehog.INK – 11 N. Main St., 1pm

Join Books & Grannies and Hedgehog.Ink for a book signing with Eric T. Reynolds. Eric is Editor/Publisher with Hadley Rille Books (hrbpress.com). He was born in the Flint Hills town Eureka, Kansas, has lived elsewhere in Kansas and on the U.S. East Coast. His fiction has appeared in the magazines: Mythic Circle, Galaxy’s Edge, and Sci Phi Journal, and in several indie press publications. He is a member of the Historical Novel Society. “The Artifacts” is his first novel

Contact him at [email protected] and on Facebook as Eric T. Reynolds or his occasional blogging at ericreynolds.livejournal.com
14 Team Trivia at the Boiler Room Brewhaus –
10 S. National, 3-5pm

Exciting, fun and challenging team trivia. Put your team together (maximum of 8 teams, maximum of 5 members on a team)

$5 per person. Cash prizes for winning team. Pre-register at the tap room
15 Chamber Board Meeting – Papa Don’s, 10 N. Main,
12-1pm
15 Community Book Club – 7-8pm

July’s Book: The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir, by Jennifer Ryan

Contact Sara Coon: [email protected] for location
16 Summer Reading Performer: Rare Jewels of the Rainforest Bird Show – FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108
S. Horton, 10am
16 T.O.P.S Meetings held weekly on Tuesdays at Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Ave., 10:30am
16 Fort Scott Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room,
2108 S. Horton, 12-1pm
16 Community Bingo at Country Place Senior Living, 3rd Tuesday of Each Month – 820 S. Horton St., 2-4pm

Residents and the public are invited the 3rd Tuesday of each month for Community Bingo at Country Place Senior Living, 820 S. Horton St.
16 Farmer’s Market – Skubitz Plaza (in front of the historic fort)

Tuesday evenings, 8:00am – 12:00pm

Fort Scott Farmers’ Market is a farmer driven and run market. The farmers work hard to produce the very finest produce available. We also provide a great venue for community organizations to promote their mission and raise funds. We are focused on fresh locally produce farm products
16 City Commission Meeting – City Hall, 123 S. Main, 6-7pm
16 Bourbon County Fair Draft Horse Pull – Fairgrounds, 2102 S. Huntington Blvd., 7:30pm
17 Google Livestream: Get Productive With Google’s Digital Tools – Lowell Milken Center, 1 S. Main St., 11am-12pm

This FREE workshop will be good information for literally anyone – from teachers, to business owners, to a DIY’er who likes to stay organized!

What’s to be expected:
– How Google’s office productivity tools-including Gmail, Calendar, Drive and other apps-can boost productivity.
– Tips and tricks for getting more out of the tools, and how to use them most efficiently.
– Creative ways to accomplish a variety of tasks for your professional and personal projects in your everyday life
17 Rotary Meeting – Presbyterian Church,  308 S. Crawford St., 12-1pm
17
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)
18
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 Bourbon County Fair
Location: Bourbon County Fairgrounds,
2102 S. Huntington Blvd.
18 Horticultural services at the Bourbon County Courthouse every Thursday – 210 S. National, 9am-3:30pm

Krista Harding, Horticulture Agent for the Southwind Extension District, has office hours at the Extension office inside the Bourbon County Courthouse every Thursday. In an effort to better serve residents of Fort Scott and the surrounding communities, Krista is there weekly to answer questions and offer advice on lawn and gardens, trees and shrubs, flowers and insect. Bring your spotted leaves, strange looking insects or wilted flowers and let her help you! This a free service and is available to all community members. Questions? Call 620-223-3720
18 Pioneer Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room,
12pm-1pm
18 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
18 Bourbon County Republicans Meeting – FSCC, 2108 S. Horton, 6-8pm (room to be announced later)
18 A Star is Born, or Died – Boiler Room Brewhaus,
2 S. National Ave., 7-9pm

Join Boiler Room Brewhaus on Thursday evenings from 7-9pm for karaoke fun. Cheer on your favorite local star!
Save the Date:
– July 19-21 – Midwest Nationals Baseball Tournament
– July 19 – Flicks on the Bricks (Sgt. Stubby)
– July 19 – Blackwood Brothers in Concert
– July 19 – Friday Night Concert in the Park
– July 19 – BB County Fair Junior Livestock Sale
– July 20 – Farmers’ Market
– July 20 – LibraryCon Community Event
– July 20 – Cinema Saturdays
– July 20 – BB County Fair EKTEC Rodeo
– July 20 – Sally Stuckey in Concert
Click here for full events listing on our website.
Obituary

Obituary of Joyce True

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Joyce Ilene True, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Wednesday, July 3, 2019, at Country Place Living in Ft. Scott.

She was born December 28, 1946, in Kansas City, KS, the daughter of Lynn and Pearl Childs Haller. She graduated from Shawnee Mission North high school then obtained her bachelor’s in education from Emporia State University.

She married Michael True on June 15, 1968, in Shawnee, KS. He preceded her in death on February 16, 2018.

Joyce taught elementary school wherever Michael was stationed until her children were born.

Later, she worked as a substitute teacher. Joyce enjoyed crafts, sewing, painting, flower gardening, and traveling. She was a member of the Midwest MGA Club, D.A.R., and Pioneer Kiwanis.

Survivors include a son, Steve True and wife Victoria, Ottawa, KS; a daughter, Julie True, Joplin, MO; and four grandchildren.

Besides her husband Michael, she was preceded in death by her parents.

There was cremation.

A memorial visitation will be held at 3:00 PM Friday, July 26th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Private burial will take place at a later date in the U. S. National Cemetery, Ft. Scott.

Memorials are suggested to Pioneer Kiwanis Children’s Activity Fund 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.

Fort Scott, Schools

New Principal For FSHS: Amber Toth

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Amber Toth, 42, was hired as the new principal of Fort Scott High School at the June 2019 USD 234 Board of Education meeting.
She has been assistant principal for one year at FSHS and has 18 years experience in education.
“When the district opened the position for high school principal, I applied in hopes of moving to the principal position,” she said. “After interviews were conducted, I was offered the position. The board of education approved my hiring at the June board meeting. “
The following is from an interview with Toth:
What is your education background?
“I have my Bachelor’s Degree in English Education from Pittsburg State University and my Masters in Educational Administration from Grand Canyon University.”
Hometown: Caney, KS.
Family:
“I have been married for 18 years to my husband, Travis Toth. We have four children. Darby Toth is entering her second year of college at Missouri Western State University. Madison will be a senior this year. Trent is entering 8th grade and Kennedy is a 4th grader.”
What is the best part of the job for you?
“I love our kids. We have the most amazing students I have ever had the pleasure to serve. The best part of my job is being a servant leader. We have a wonderfully giving, hardworking and dedicated staff. I get to walk through the doors of a building I love, help students that I wouldn’t have been able to help staying in my classroom and work with adults who truly love the students in our building. I am blessed to be a part of this district, work with the parents we have, and watch the growth of students based upon that partnership.”
Any new responsibilities?
“As I move into this new position the biggest change will be in instructional leadership. While I had some of these duties as the assistant principal in the form of evaluation, it will be the center of my new role.”
Any challenges?
“The challenges at Fort Scott are the same as most schools. Students must be prepared for some type of schooling beyond high school. Changing the perception that high school graduation is the end goal can be difficult. But we know that students are most successful when they attend a vocational school, community college or a 4-year university. We have to ensure our students are prepared to be successful, regardless of the path they choose.”
Opinion

Turtles by Patty LaRoche

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Patty LaRoche

I’ve never given much thought to turtles. Granted, I might think about them when I stop my car to help them reach the other side of the road, and I think of them when I see one smashed on the highway…which I seriously do not understand. I mean, how hard is it to avoid a turtle? Just move your steering wheel a teensy tiny bit, Turtle Torturer. It’s not like it’s an elephant, for goodness sakes.

Montana, my granddaughter, visited Dave and me in Florida last week. Yesterday we visited a “turtle sanctuary” where wounded turtles are treated. From the tiny ones (you know, the ones we purchase and stick in a cantaloupe-size fish bowl and then dump when they become a nuisance) to gigantic 300+ pound ones (there typically because they have been hit by boat propellers or have swallowed large hooks when accidentally nabbed by pier fishermen), they all were being treated in the sanctuary hospital and were on individual plans to heal.

I learned much from our tour guide and was in awe of how God’s design of these reptiles took so many details into account. For starters, pregnant female sea turtles return to beaches where they themselves hatched years before (sort of like a sandy trip down memory lane). The trip is laborious as they seek a nesting spot in the sand high above the sea level mark. (Freshwater turtles like we have in the Midwest will choose moist soil.) Using her back flippers, the mother sea turtle spends one-to-three hours laying up to 100 eggs in a tunnel she created nearly 18-inches below the sand surface. She then drags herself back to the ocean, never to see her babies again. (I think that’s very, very sad.)

We learned how the hatchlings use a temporary tooth to break from their eggs and how they move as a group at night to the ocean (for sea turtles) or leaf litter (for freshwater turtles) which helps the little critters avoid waiting predators. We were told that years ago, when people began to study sea turtles, they noticed that hatchlings would emerge from the sand at night; attracted to light, they would move the wrong direction (“disorientation”) toward street and home lights. None survived unless rescued. (I also think that is very, very sad.)

Now, to protect these animals, laws regulate that during hatching season here in Florida, all street lights and parking lot lights must be turned off. Homes recently built near hatching areas are required to install “turtle protection” windows (tinted to reduce light projection). Because of those changes, baby turtles rely on the reflection of the moon and stars on the water (God’s design). No longer are they fooled by fake light.

We Christians know what that’s like. Sometimes we become “disoriented” and follow one who masquerades as light: Satan (2 Cor. 11:14). You know, the one who works overtime to make us believe we are okay right where we are because we marched down an aisle and asked Jesus into our heart, so grace will cover our sins. But read Jesus’ words found in Matthew 7:21: Not everyone who says to me “Lord, Lord” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” Oops! Sounds like there’s a little more to this, doesn’t it? So, what is God’s will? Simple (well, writing and speaking about it is, but doing it? Lord, light our way). We are to love. We are to see all people as Jesus sees them. Only by relying on Him is that possible. He makes that clear in John 8:12: I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.

Unlike turtles (of whom only 1/10,000 survive—another sad thing and hopefully one turtle torturers will remember), God wants us all to spend eternity with Him. It’s our choice as to which light we will follow.

Entertainment, Fort Scott

Free Entertainment July 13 at Gunn Park

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Frank Halsey, the event organizer, hugs his grandson following a first place win in the 2018 kids’ race.

“The Marmaton Massacre Festival is rapidly approaching,” Frank Halsey event organizer said. “Once again I’d like to get the invitation out that Saturday evening entertainment is for our community.  We would love to see locals come to enjoy the evening. ”

 

The event is held at Gunn Park on the west side of Fort Scott at 1001 Gunn Park Drive.

 

“The race part is important because it draws a lot of visitors to Fort Scott, but our real goal continues to be providing an evening of entertainment for visitors, as well as locals,” he said.

The Kansas State Mountain Bike Championship will be held Saturday starting at 10 a.m.

 

There is a free kid’s bike race at 5:30 p.m. for children under 10 years old.

 

A participant jam session will be at  7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 13, followed by a performance by Damaris Kunkler.

 

Sam and Louie’s Food Truck will be selling food.

 

Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy Gunn Park as a backdrop of this entertainment.

The event is provided free by Gunn Park Trails.

The weekend activities:

Obituary

Obituary of Karlene Kay Spencer

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Karlene Kay Spencer, age 70, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, July 2, 2019, at the Via Christi Hospital Emergency Room in Ft. Scott.

She was born September 15, 1948, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of William Karl Murn and Frances Rebecca Greer Murn.

Karlene graduated from the Ft. Scott High School and the Ft. Scott Junior College. She worked for several years for the Western Insurance Company.

She married Dr. Richard Spencer on October 12, 1971.

In earlier years, she was a member of the Grace Baptist Tabernacle. She latter attended Parkway Church of God (Holiness). She enjoyed playing the piano. Karlene was a devoted wife and mother. She faithfully cared for her son, Jonathan throughout his illness.

Survivors include her husband, Richard “Dick” Spencer, of the home.

She was preceded in death by her son, Jonathan, her parents, Bill and Becky Murn and her in-laws, Virgil and Dorothy Spencer.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Friday, July 5th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Ft. Scott Christian Heights 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.

Government, Health Care, Kansas

Mosquito Bite Prevention

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Red, Bite and Blue: KDHE Recommends Mosquito Bite Prevention Over Fourth of July Holiday

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment recommends Kansans take preventive measures against mosquito bites over the Fourth of July holiday. Floods throughout the state have caused an increase in mosquito populations. Mosquito surveillance in Reno, Sedgwick and Shawnee counties has shown an increase Culex species mosquitoes which can transmit West Nile virus and other viruses that can affect humans. This species of mosquitoes is most active at dawn and dusk.

“West Nile virus can be spread to people through bites from infected mosquitoes, but it is not contagious from person to person,” said KDHE Secretary Lee Norman, MD. “Symptoms range from a slight headache and low-grade fever to swelling of the brain or brain tissue and, in rare cases, death.”

Since 2002 there have been 677 cases and 35 deaths in Kansans from West Nile virus. To date, there have been no cases of West Nile virus reported to KDHE in 2019. People who have had West Nile virus before are considered immune. Cases are most common from mid-July through late September.

KDHE has developed West Nile virus risk levels to help guide prevention efforts for both communities and individuals. These risk level reports will be posted weekly at; http://www.kdheks.gov/epi/arboviral_disease.htm. All six regions of Kansas are currently at moderate risk level.

KDHE recommends the following precautions to protect against West Nile virus:

  • When you are outdoors, use insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient on skin and clothing, including DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. Follow the directions on the package.
  • Many mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. Be sure to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants at these times or consider staying indoors during these hours.
  • The elderly or immunocompromised should consider limiting their exposure outside during dusk and dawn when the Culex species mosquitos are most active.
  • Make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
  • Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep children’s wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren’t being used.

 

West Nile virus in horses can be fatal. The virus can cause inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. Approximately 33 percent of horses infected with West Nile virus will die. A West Nile virus vaccine for horses is available and owners are encouraged to vaccinate or booster their animals.

 

KDHE maintains an Arboviral Disease Surveillance web page that is updated weekly: http://www.kdheks.gov/epi/arboviral_disease.htm. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides this web page with additional information about West Nile virus and preventing mosquito bites: http://www.cdc.gov/features/StopMosquitoes/.  For questions about West Nile virus or other Arboviral diseases, contact the KDHE Epidemiology hotline at 877-427-7317.