Sign Up For Girls Youth Softball at Momentum Indoor Training Sept. 28

Momentum Indoor Training’s Youth Development Programs has chosen Girls’ Youth Softball to be the first program.

This program is open to any girl aged 7 to high school who would like to play softball at competitive tournaments in the Spring and Summer 2020.

This development program will be focused on creating a positive environment where players can learn not only the skills of the game but the strategy that is involved also.

Team training will begin in November with competitive tournaments beginning in the Spring.

High School aged players will begin their competitive season in June.

Practices will be one to two times a week, depending on the time of year.

Fundraising will be made available to help cover the cost of team membership.

Teams will be determined by the number of athletes who try-out in each age group.

Try-outs will be held Saturday, September 28th at 9 am, 10:30 am, and 12 pm.

Please register by e-mailing [email protected] or messaging @mitrainingfs on Facebook.

Obituary of LeLola Martin

LeLola Ruth Martin

 

LeLola Ruth Martin, age 93, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Thursday, September 5, 2019, at her home at the Presbyterian Village in Ft. Scott.  She was born September 14, 1925, in Newkirk, Oklahoma, the daughter of Arthur Greenhagen and Ruth Bare Greenhagen.  LeLola’s children remember her as a wonderful woman of faith who provided a loving and caring Christian home.  LeLola enjoyed cooking, sewing as well as spending quality time with her family.  She was a member of the Community Christian Church.

Survivors include three children, Garry Brauser, of Wichita, Kansas, Carolyn Munsell (Johnnie Walker), of Ft. Scott, Kansas and Dan Brauser (Pia), of Cody, Wyoming; eleven grandchildren, twenty-six great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandson.  Also surviving are dear family friends, David Harney and Jon Hutchinson.  She was preceded in death by her parents, two daughters, Thay Hall and Brenda Welch and three brothers, Eldon, Donald and Leland Greenhagen.

Funeral service will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, September 14th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will take place at 1:00 P.M. Monday, September 16th at the Newkirk City Cemetery in Newkirk, Oklahoma.  Services are under the direction 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.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fort Scott Happenings Sept. 6

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 (See flyer below)
6-7
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!
6
Mommy Meet Ups – Community Christian Church,
1919 S. Horton, 8:30-11am
MMU is designed for moms of young children to have an opportunity to relax, refresh, find friendships and share the journey called Motherhood. Expectant moms and mothers of children up to kindergarten are invited.
Join us! Unwind! Enjoy a cup of coffee! Find support from moms for all faithsChildcare and snacks are provided for kids. Breakfast provided for moms
MMU meets an average of twice monthly during the school year. Mark your calendar with the following Fridays: 9/6, 9/20, 10/4, 11/1, 11/15, 12/6, 12/13, 1/10, 1/24, 2/7, 2/21, 4/3, 4/17, 5/1 and 5/15
6 Children’s Miracle Network Pulled Pork Sandwich Dinner Fundraiser – Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott St., 10am-8pm

Children’s Miracle Network Pulled Pork Sandwich Dinner on Friday, September 6th at Buck Run Community Center. Free delivery to workplace or come in and eat all day! Dinner comes with pulled pork sandwich, bbq beans, potato chips, and dessert for just $5.00
You may call Chris Chaplin at 620-215-4903 or Kristie Maycumber at Walmart at 620-223-2867 and ask for Claims to schedule delivery time and how many meals ordered. All proceeds go to CMN
6 YPL First Friday Luncheon (Young Professional’s League) – Papa Don’s Pizza, 10 N. Main St., 12-1pm

Join us for the YPL First Friday Luncheon, open to YPL members or anyone interested in the organization

6

Friday Night Concert in the Park – Heritage Park Pavilion, 1st & Main, 7pm

Friday Night Concert in the Park – Sponsored by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

This week’s concert features Dr. Buck and Band – Classic country & gospel. Come early and bring a lawn chair as seating is limited.  In the event of bad weather we will move to The Common Grounds Coffee Shop

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

6 The Boiler Room Brewhaus presents Deliberate Kin live in concert. Friday, September 6th from 7-9pm,
10 S. National Ave. (See flyer below)Tickets ($10) available at the Brewhaus, the Visitors Center and the Chamber of Commerce, 231 E. Wall St.Visit www.boileroombrewhaus.com

View a Deliberate Kin video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDPhtOWdQKU

7
FSHS Tiger Softball Co-Ed Softball Tournament has been cancelled
7

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
7 Fort Scott Soccer Shoot – Kiwanis Soccer Field, 10am

Ages 4-16, boys and girls division. First place in each division advances to district soccer shoot held in Fort Scott on Sunday, September 15th at pm. For more information, contact Bryan: 620-719-0836

7

Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Fort Scott Washateria – 501 S. National Ave. 10am (See flyer below)

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony celebrating the opening of the new Fort Scott Washateria at
501 S. National Avenue. The event will take place Saturday, September 7th, 10:00 a.m. with remarks and ribbon cutting at 10:15 a.m. Free hot dogs, chips, sodas, sno cones, popcorn and homemade ice cream! Music provided by local radio station KOMB FM 103.9 from
10am-12pm. There will be giveaways, and specials on wash/dry/fold subscriptions. ALL WASHES AND DRIES ARE FREE FROM SEPTEMBER 7th-14th (1 load per visit, does not include soap or softener)!!
Fort Scott Washateria is owned and managed by Lori Lovelace. The following services will be available:
– Downloadable “Spiderwash” app (and a loyalty card) that tells you what machines are available and how long your load has until it’s done
– Wash/dry/fold services- Starching & pressing
– Alterations- Delivery in Fort Scott- Soaker sinks
– Vending machines with detergent, softener, etc.
– Kids section with movies & blackboard wall
– Free coffee & teaWashateria features state-of-the-art machines, including:
– Eight 22 lb. washers, two 40 lb. washers, two 60 lb. washers, one 80 lb. washer, eight 30 lb. dryers, four 40 lb. dryers, one 75 lb. dryerThe Washateria will be open from 8am-8pm, 7 days per week (Note: the Washateria will be unattended from 8am-12pm on Sundays.)
Lori Lovelace also has the Fort Scott Community Clothes Closet on the site, which is a 501c3 non-profit. The clothes closet will be run by volunteers. If you would like to volunteer or would like to be a Board member, there is an organizational meeting August 15th at 6pm at Washateria.

Contact Lori Lovelace at: 620-644-9834 for more info

7 Kansas Appleseed Bi-Partisan “Voter-to-Voter” workshop on getting out the vote – Boiler Room Brewhaus,
2 S. National Ave., 3-5pm (See flyer below)All are welcome at this non-partisan event
7 Wayward Bettys performing at LIberty Theatre (final 2019 Patio Concert) – 113 S. Main St., 8-10pm (See flyer below)

The Bourbon County Arts Council presents The Wayward Bettys, performing live at Liberty Theatre, 113 S. Main St., Saturday, September 7th from 8-10pm. This is the final 2019 Patio Concert of the series

Tickets are $10 for BCAC members, $15 for non-BCAC members. Tickets may be purchased by calling:
– Terri Floyd: 620-224-7221
– Deb Anderson: 620-224-8650
– The Chamber: 620-223-3566

7

Back to School Bash at Holmtown Pub – 206 N. National Ave., 9pm-1pm

DJ Ray Ray will be spinning tunes on the patio

8 Hospice Patio Celebration & Memorial at Riverfront Park – 2pm

A celebration and memorial ceremony will be held at Riverfront Park in recognition of the new patio to honor hospice patients of the former Mercy Home Health and Hospice, now Integrity Home Care + Hospice

Refreshments will be served and the public is invited in addition to bereaved families

Click here for a link to a prior FortScott.biz article on the project: https://fortscott.biz/news/mercy-hospice-patio-complete

8 Team Trivia at the Boiler Room Brewhaus –
10 S. National, 3-5pmExciting, 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
9 Fort Scott Community College Centennial Kick-Off – FSCC Cafeteria and Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton, noon-2pm (see flyer below)

On September 9th, we will start with a FREE lunch at 12pm in the FSCC Cafeteria, followed by an assembly in Ellis Fine Arts Center at 1pm. There will be refreshments, tree dedication, and aerial picture of all that attend.

For more info on the upcoming centennial events, click http://www.fortscott.edu/article/07172019-812am/Join-Centennial-Celebration

9 Forget Me Not Fellowship at Integrity Home Care
& Hospice – 902 S. Horton St., 2nd Monday of each month, 2-3pmForget Me Not Fellowship – Hope and Healing One Day at a TimeJoin 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
9 USD 234 Board of Education Meeting – 424 S. Main St., 5:30pm
10-11
Story Time, hosted by the Fort Scott Public Library –

201 S. National, 10-11am

Join Miss Val and other local families for a themed story time, featuring 2-3 books read aloud, songs or fingerplays, craft, and snack, along with a play table for before and after the stories. All story times welcome any age children and teens
Some themes are based around seasons, holidays, and annual events, while others are chosen by regular attendees
For more information, visit www.fortscott.mykansaslibrary.org or see our Facebook events page by clicking HERE
Enjoy stories, songs, crafts, and snacks related to our theme in the downstairs event room. Hope you can come. Tell your friends!
10 T.O.P.S Meetings held weekly on Tuesdays at Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Ave., 10:30am
10 Fort Scott Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room,
2108 S. Horton, 12-1pm
10 Farmer’s Market – Skubitz Plaza (in front of the historic fort)

Tuesday evenings, 4-6pm

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

10 Historic Preservation Association of Bourbon County Meeting – Old Congregational Church, 502 S. National Ave., 2nd Tuesday of each month, 7-8pm

We will have great fellowship, refreshments, and a door prize – hope you can attend!

11

9/11 Remembrance Day hosted by the Friends of the Fort

The names of the people who lost their lives on 9/11 will be read over the downtown sound system by volunteers throughout the day

11 Breakfast Bingo at Buck Run Community Center,
735 Scott Ave., 9-10amCome 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
11 SEK Senior Golf Association at Woodland Hills Golf Course – 2414 S. Horton, 9:30 shotgun start
11 Rotary Meeting – Presbyterian Church,  308 S. Crawford St., 12-1pm
11
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)
11
TAG – Teen Advisory Group – Fort Scott Public Library –

201 S. National, 4:15-5:15pm

Join Teen Advisory Group members in the library events room. This event is exclusively for middle and high school students. We have meetings weekly, including a games & snacks night, community service project, book club meeting, and craft night each month. Members can help the library develop programs, displays, and book collections that better serve teens! Make a difference in your community while having fun at TAG! Each meeting includes food, drinks, and a good time with your fellow teens. See you at TAG, and bring your friends!
12
Join us for the weekly Chamber Coffee of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce and a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 8am. This week’s Chamber Coffee is being hosted by Stutesmans Action Realty, with remarks and  ribbon cutting ceremony immediately following (See flyer below)
Location: 120 E. Wall St. (next to Hole In The Wall Liquor)
12 Horticultural services at the Bourbon County Courthouse every Thursday – 210 S. National, 9am-3:30pm (See flyer below)

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

12 Pioneer Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room,
12pm-1pm
12

Car Show presented by Fort Scott Presbyterian Village – 2401 S. Horton St., 4pm (See flyer below)

ENTRIES WANTED!!

– fill up on hot dogs!
– trophies presented to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners!

– live music by Lynn Oliphant!

To enter a car for the show, please RSVP by September 9th to Becky Kellum: [email protected] or call

620-223-5550

Visit Presbyterian Village’s website by clicking https://fortscottpresbyterianvillage.org/

12 Thursday Card Players – Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Ave.,
6-9pmFree weekly event to anyone that wants to play cards, drink coffee, eat snacks, and socialize
12
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!
13-14
Mark your calendars for the Fall Town-wide Garage Sale presented by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce: Friday and Saturday, September 13th and 14th.  Now is the time to get your garage sale on the map! (See flyer below)
Garage sales may be registered through the Chamber by 1 pm, Wednesday, September 11th for only $10 – in person at the Chamber office, 8am-5pm Mon-Fri, located at 231 E. Wall Street or by phone using debit or credit card by calling (620) 223-3566
The official garage sale maps will be available at the Chamber, 5 Corners Mini-Mart, Bids & Dibs, Casey’s, Don’s Smoke Shop, and Pete’s (all 4 locations)
13-14
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!
13

Friday Night Concert in the Park – Heritage Park Pavilion, 1st & Main, 7pm

Friday Night Concert in the Park – Sponsored by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

This week’s concert features Open Mic Night. Come early and bring a lawn chair as seating is limited.  In the event of bad weather we will move to The Common Grounds Coffee Shop

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

14
2019 Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation Fall Golf Classic
4-Person Scramble – Saturday, September 14th at Woodland Hills Golf Course, 2414 S. Horton in Fort Scott (See flyer below)

$200 per team includes green fees, cart & lunch. Deadline to enter is September 6th

This fundraiser will help the Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation to support programs for our neighbors with intellectual/developmental disabilities in Allen, Bourbon, Neosho, and Woodson counties

For more information, contact Tricia at 620-431-7401, ext. 230 or [email protected]
14

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
14

Sidewalk Book Sale at Hedgehog.INK – 16 S. Main, 9am-5pm (See flyer below)

Bags of books for sale: $4/small, $8/large

14 “Art In The Yard” hosted by Bobbi Kemna – 1366 215th St., just north of Fort Scott (known as Old 69 Hwy.),
9am-5pm (See flyer below)”Art In The Yard”, hosted by Bobbi Kemna, will feature all forms of art (no crafts) – paintings, pottery, jewelry, metal art, fabric artLive music, BBQ, FSHS Thespians selling beverages, dessert table, kettle corn

Ride “Dolly the Trolley” shuttle for FREE from Boiler Room Brewhaus (10 S. National Ave.) to event and back

14  Storytime at Hedgehog.INK – 16 S. Main, 10:30am (held the second Saturday of each month) (See flyer below)

Storytime and special activity. This month: disco/rap with Jaymie & Kenzie Murphy

Obituary of John David Mowrey

John David Mowrey

John David Mowrey, age 78, a resident of rural Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly, Sunday, September 1, 2019, at the Via Christi Emergency Room in Ft. Scott. He was born March 11, 1941, in Ft. Scott, Kansas and was the son of Raymond William Mowrey and Isabelle Ida Ramsey Mowrey. John graduated from the Ft. Scott High School and the Ft. Scott Junior College.

He later served for four years with the United States Air Force. John later returned to Ft. Scott where he worked as HVAC service and maintenance for the U-234 School District.

John was very mechanically minded and loved rebuilding and restoring antique cars, tractors and engines of all kinds. One of John’s favorite past times was sitting on his dock and watching the stars and moon.

John was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Fort Scott, Kansas. He was a devoted volunteer in his community and helped and served many from behind the scenes. John will always be remembered for packing, delivering and serving Thanksgiving dinner with the First United Methodist Church.

He was an active member of the Pioneer Harvest Fiesta Committee, always willing to help this organization in any capacity.

He volunteered for Good ‘Ole Days and drove his vintage vehicles in the parade.

John was very proud of his military service and helped place the flags on the graves to honor veterans at the U.S. National Cemetery.

In addition, he volunteered with chili and soup fundraisers including the Beacon soup line. John was always willing to help in a time of need and many benefitted from his kindness and generosity.

Survivors include his sister Marjorie Midili; his nephew, Jeff Midili and wife, Jenifer and a great-niece, Sophie Midili, all of Vienna, Virginia. He was preceded in death by his parents.

  A memorial service will be held at 10:00 A.M. Friday, October 11th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial with military honors will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made, to the First United Methodist Church or Paws and Claws and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, P. O. Box 347, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

 

 

 

National Lifeline Awareness Week September 9-13

 

Topeka – Access to emergency services and community resources is vital to all Kansans. The Lifeline program offers discounts to help eligible low-income families and individuals connect to voice and broadband networks to call for help in an emergency, access health care, find jobs, take classes and connect with family.

As part of National Lifeline Awareness Week, September 9-13, the Kansas Corporation Commission wants to make residents aware of the assistance the program can offer. Under the federal Lifeline Program, low-income consumers can receive up to $9.25 per month off their monthly bill for phone (residential or wireless), broadband, or bundled phone and broadband service.  Some may also be eligible for the state Lifeline program that provides an additional $7.77 monthly discount.

Lifeline serves more than 10 million Americans, nearly 41 thousand in Kansas. Forty-nine companies currently offer Lifeline services in the state. The program has provided discounted phone service for qualifying consumers since 1985. In 2016, the program was expanded to include broadband.

Residents enrolled in any of the following assistance programs are eligible for the Lifeline program: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Public Housing Assistance (FHPA), Veterans Pension & Survivors Pension Benefit, Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Head Start Tribal Programs (only those meeting its income qualifying standard), and the Food Distribution Program on Tribal Lands.  Those at 135% of the federal poverty level also qualify. Participants must provide three consecutive months of statements as documentation of income, or provide a copy of their tax return for the previous year. Recertification is required each year.

A Lifeline Awareness Week information sheet is attached. More information on program eligibility, enrollment, and annual recertification is available on the KCC’s website: http://kcc.ks.gov/telecommunications/lifeline. For a list of Kansas providers, go to https://data.usac.org/publicreports/CompaniesNearMe/State/StateOption/KS.

 

Stutesman’s Realty Expands and Moves: Offers Office Space To Businesses

The interior of the Stutesman’s Action  Realty  Fort Scott office space’s common area features tin ceilings and exposed walls.

Stutesman’s Action Realty has extended its reach in Fort Scott.

“We’ve grown the last two years,” said Amanda Bourassa, a broker for the real estate business, said. “We needed more space to continue to serve our clients.”

Amanda Bourassa, Real Estate Broker for Stuteman’s Action Realty, at the 120 E. Wall, Fort Scott location. Pictured is the conference room.

She loves the location of the new space.

“It’s downtown, in the center of everything and it has a view of the Fort (Scott National Historic Site),” she said.

“We wanted to show a permanent presence here in Fort Scott and Bourbon County,” she said. “To show we are committed to not only our clients who are buying and selling but also our community.”

The realty signed a 10-year lease with Pat and Stacy Wood for the space and began a remodel in June, she said.

“We all have our own homes and investment properties,” she said. “We believe this will help with serving our clients.”

The new office is located at 120 E. Wall and officially opened its doors on Sept. 3.

Office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Stutesman’s Action Realty, 120 E. Wall is the white building in the photo.

The 1,600 square-foot space has been completely remodeled by her husband, Tim, with Stutesman’s Action Realty paying for the reno.

There are now five agents working for the agency: Bourassa is the broker; agents are Stacy Wood, who joined in December 2018; Kaci Kurtz who joined in November 2018, along with Bailey Lyons and Scott Theis.

Stutesman’s Action Realty, 120 E. Wall.

In addition to the realty business, the Bourassa’s finished out two additional offices in the new space, that are available for lease.

The business will host a Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Coffee and ribbon cutting at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 12.

In addition, on Wednesday, October 2, the business will have a Celebration of Success Open House from 3-6 p.m.

“This is open to the public for people to see the reno and meet with agents if they want to do so,” Bourassa said.

For more information, the toll-free number is 833-286-8400 or www.actionsold.com.

Bourassa can be reached at 417-684-5681.

The original office of the realty is still located in Nevada, MO.

New FSHS English Teacher: Jeni Hartman

 Jeni Hartman is the new freshman English teacher at Fort Scott High School.
Her experience includes teaching kindergarten and substitute teaching for the last 10 years.
Hartman has a bachelors degree in elementary education;
licensed for K-9 with a certification for secondary English 6-12
She grew up in Olathe but spent most of her adult life in Ottawa.
She is  married to “my best friend, Chris Hartman, and we have been together for almost 22 years.”
“My oldest (son), Logan, is 18 and he and his girlfriend are having our first grandbaby in February,” she said.
“My youngest, Caleb, is 14 and he is in 8th grade. He is on the football team, wrestling team and the track team.”
In her spare time she “loves reading and taking a nap (and) I really enjoy spending time with my family.”
To become a teacher, she took a “long road,” she said.  “I started at Pitt State, missed my family, so I moved to Dallas and went to UNT, moved back here to get married and had my oldest, went back to Pitt State and drove from Overland Park three days a week! Now I am working on my Master’s Degree in Reading Specialist and will be licensed in that as well.”
A teacher inspired Hartman to teach.
“Mr. Barnes, my senior genetics teacher inspired me. He took us on a trip to St. Louis to see the students mapping the human genome.,” she said.
The best part of teaching for her is “Hanging out with young people, getting to do what I love most, reading and writing. They keep me young.”
What are the greatest challenges in teaching for you?
“When that tough student that you are starting to break through with makes a poor decision and you have to start all over with that student. But when you do get that breakthrough and they start trusting you, that is the best. For a student to know that ‘Yeah, Mrs. Hartman is cool. She gets me.’ And when the stuff they bring to school from home gets left at the door and they learn in my class, that is why I am a teacher.”

Hurricane by Patty LaRoche

Expecting to have no internet service, I am writing this a few days ahead of Hurricane Dorian’s projected arrival near where Dave and I are living in Florida. Yesterday I went to Costco to buy water…as did, it seems, a few thousand other people. Signs in the parking lot gave the bad news: “Out of Water.” So was Walmart. So were all of the grocery stores. Apparently, most people took this warning more seriously than I and shopped early. Today when I ran errands, I was amazed at how the lines at the gas stations circled the block, even though there was no regular gas to be had.

We are learning a lot about being prepared. As you can see from this picture, we installed the hurricane shutters necessary to stop flying debris. We were instructed to back our car into the garage door so the door doesn’t shake, thereby letting in wind and water which can lift the roof off the house. WHAT? We expect to lose electricity, but I must admit I’m not very creative when it comes to making meals without the use of a refrigerator, stove, microwave or toaster. Dave and I will fine-dine on Tostitos, bean dip and tuna fish.

I told Dave we should have rented on a top floor of a high rise, but yesterday the Weather Channel told those residents to evacuate because wet beach sand gets carried into stair wells and elevator shafts and makes it impossible to leave. Guess I’ll be happy to be where I am…three miles from the ocean in a two-story condominium where I can go upstairs if the bottom floor floods…unless, of course, that little roof-lift thing happens.

Good friends have called and texted, offering prayers and warning us to evacuate. Advice from them has included putting our important papers in waterproof containers, filling our bathtub with water and our washing machine with ice. We need to keep our devices charged (grateful for car phone chargers, when we lose electricity).

All of this involves preparation, and as I watch people scurrying around as the clock ticks away, there is an urgency like I have never seen. Living in the Midwest our concern is tornadoes, but we are not given a few days (more like minutes) to get ready. Let’s face it. Tornadoes or hurricanes, when we realize our lives are at stake, we get serious with our planning.

As we should. Still, there is a more critical call for us to be ready. 1 Thes. 4:16-18: For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.  After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.

Talk about an evacuation! A day is coming when no amount of scurrying can help and our eternal destiny will be set, depending on how we have prepared by knowing Jesus and glorifying God. In that split second when Jesus returns, I wonder how many will wish they would have taken his message more seriously when they had a chance.

Maybe this should be a warning for all of us.