FSCC Volleyball Nationals Send-off 3:15 p.m. today, Nov. 18

Join us for the first-ever Fort Scott Community College Volleyball Nationals send-off Monday, Nov. 18th at 3:15 p.m. in front of Arnold Arena!

FSCC Volleyball has never made it this far in program history, so join us in celebrating this momentous occasion!

After hosting and winning the 1st District Championship in school history, the volleyball team departs after practice today for the NJCAA Division II National Championship in Charleston, West Virginia.

Though the team is ranked 3rd in the Nation in the last NJCAA poll, the lady Greyhounds are the #4 seed at the National Championship.

The volleyball team heads into Nationals with a record of 30-4 and they square off Thursday at 3:00 pm EST vs 13 seeded Waubonsee Community College.

If they win that match, they will play again at 7:30 pm EST Thursday night. The tournament begins this Thursday, Nov. 21 and ends with the National Championship match on Saturday, Nov. 23rd.

More information on how to watch and follow the volleyball team will be sent out in the next couple of days via the Greyhound Athletics Twitter account and various school social media accounts.

Additionally, the team has already earned multiple postseason honors among the players and their coach:

Freshman outside hitter Juliana Squire earned the Jayhawk Conference Freshman of the Year, First Team All-Conference and First Team All-District.

Sophomore setter Sophie Mader earned Second Team All-Conference and First Team All-District honors.

Freshman Bailee Swanson earned Second Team All-Conference and Second Team All-District honors.

Sophomore libero Abbie Casper earned Honorable Mention All-Conference and Second Team All-District honors.

Freshman middle blocker Abigail Borough earned Honorable Mention All-Conference honors.

Lastly, Head Coach Lindsay Hill was named the Conference Coach of the Year, her first such honor after amassing a record of 233-94 (72% winning percentage) in her 9 seasons at Fort Scott CC and 309-174 overall as a collegiate Head Coach.

Please help us in wishing congratulations and best of luck to the coaches and student-athletes of the volleyball program today in front of Arnold Arena at 3:15, come help us send off the team!

GO Hounds!!!

Talking Tigers Take 2nd

FSHS Talking Tigers competed at Independence High School Saturday, November 16.
The Talking Tigers placed 2nd overall.
In the open division Mark Adams and Hannah Vann placed 8th with a 3-2 Record, Elizabeth Ngatia and Zoe Self placed 4th a 3-2 record and Jorden Willard and Jessden Kiwan placed 3rd with a 4-1record.
In the JV division Landon Doherty and Thade Yates placed 3rd with a 4-1 record.
In the novice division Gavin Warfield and Isaiah Self placed 3rd with a 5-0 record.
Congratulations on your success Tigers!
Submitted by Angella Curran

American Legion Riders Chapter 25 Chartered

ALR Area Director: Rodney “Whiskey” Robson and ALR Chapter 25 President Jessica “Woman” Allison.

American Legion Riders Chapter 25 was chartered yesterday by Kansas ALR Area Director: Rodney “Whiskey” Robson.

The following Chapter 25 Officers were elected:

Director. Jessica “Woman” Allison
Assistant Director. Larry “Larry” Hillburn
Treasurer. Darrell ‘Big Red” Spencer
Secretary. Carl “Dog Robber” Jowers
Sgt. at Arms. Robert “Jake” Campbell
Asst. Sgt. at Arms. Marcus “Marcus” Page.

Also in attendance were new members Marilyn ‘Lady M” Gilmore and Myra “Sassy” Jowers. James “Big Sexy” Allison submitted a new member application but was unable to attend the meeting. Several other Legion Family members have expressed interest in joining ALR Chapter 25, but have not yet submitted their applications.

ALR Chapter 25 will be accepting new charter member applications until December 2.

To join, you must own a motorcycle of at least 250 cc’s or have a motorcycle endorsement but be unable to ride due to health issues. Also, you be a member of the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary or the Sons of the American Legion.

Post 25 invites all Riders from nearby American Legion Posts to join ALR Chapter 25. You DO NOT have to transfer your Legion membership to join us. Just be a current member in good standing at your Post.

ALR Chapter 25 will be accepting new charter member applications until December 2.

To join, you must own a motorcycle of at least 250 cc’s or have a motorcycle endorsement but be unable to ride due to health issues. Also, you be a member of the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary or the Sons of the American Legion.

Post 25 invites all Riders from nearby American Legion Posts to join ALR Chapter 25. You DO NOT have to transfer your Legion membership to join us. Just be a current member in good standing at your Post.

Anyone interested in joining ALR Chapter 25 and the American Legion family should email Carl Jowers at [email protected] for more information.

 

ALR Chapter 25 Charter

 

Fort Scott City Commission Minutes of Nov. 5

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of November 5th, 2019 Regular Meeting #20

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held November 5th, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners Adamson, Bartelsmeyer, Mitchell, and Nichols were present with Mayor Parker presiding.

INVOCATION: Pastor Michael Apfel, Trinity Lutheran Church said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Dave Bruner, Travis Shelton, Darrell Parker, Deb McCoy, Tony Krsnich, Patrick Wood, Michael Mix, Lindsey Watts, Burton Harding, Kevin Allen, Jason Gorman, Susan Bancroft, Brian Allen, Rachel Pruitt, Paul Ballou, Robert Uhler, Deb Needleman, Clayton Miller, and representing the press, Jason Silvers of the Fort Scott Tribune.

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:

APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of October 15th, 2019.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1249-A totaling $391,129.40.

  1. Parade Permit – Veteran’s Day Parade – November 9th, 2019.

  1. Consideration of Resolution No. 23-2019 – Support for a Moderate Income Housing Grant with the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation.

E. Approval of Change Order #1 – Request Proposals 2 through 6 – River Intake and Dam Project – Credit of $49,350.10.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.

APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE: Brian Allen, President, H.P.A.

City Manager said that the City has an opportunity to transfer ownership of the parking lot at Wall and Scott where the depot is currently located. The depot is owned by H.P.A. and the parking lot is owned by the City. They have a project they have been working on for the last two years. He asked the Commission to give him authority to work with our City Attorney and H.P.A.’s attorney to transfer ownership of this parking lot to H.P.A. with two conditions. The first condition would be with Trader Dave’s to make sure that property which adjoins has a shared driveway so they can get to their doors. The next condition is that they have two years to complete the project or the property will revert back to the City. This contract would come back before the Commission at their next meeting for their approval.

Brian Allen, President, H.P.A., said that they have been working with an investor for some time about a development for the depot. He doesn’t want to open a business without owning the land the business is sitting on. They are excited about the revenue that they will receive from this sale. They will be able to move their artifacts inside the depot to the Old Congregational Church and upgrade the church also and be able to display them. They are also wanting to take some of the proceeds and use for some of the downtown buildings and assist in saving them. He cannot go into any detail at this time about the investor. This is the oldest M.K.&T. structure in the world Mr. Allen said. They also plan to have a clause in their agreement that if the owner decides to close the business after five or ten years, the building will revert back to H.P.A. or have the right of first refusal.

Adamson moved to approve for the City Manager to work with the City Attorney and H.P.A.’s attorney to draw up a contract to transfer ownership of the parking lot at Wall and Scott to H.P.A. with the above stipulations. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED FOR THE CITY MANAGER TO WORK WITH THE CITY ATTORNEY AND THE ATTORNEY FOR H.P.A. TO DRAW UP A CONTRACT TO TRANSFER OWNERSHIP OF THE PARKING LOT AT WALL AND SCOTT TO H.P.A. WITH THESE STIPULATIONS: WORK WITH TRADER DAVE’S BUSINESS TO ALLOW AN ADJOINING DRIVEWAY SO THEY CAN GET TO THEIR BUSINESS; AND ALLOW H.P.A. TO HAVE THIS PROJECT COMPLETED IN TWO YEARS OR THE PROPERTY WILL REVERT BACK TO THE CITY.

B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute

limit per citizen) – None

  1. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None

CONSIDERATION:

  1. Consideration of appointments to Lake Fort Scott Advisory Board – Robert Uhler, Community Development Director, informed the Commission that he notified all of the individuals who had submitted letters of interest to serve on the Lake Fort Scott Advisory Board. There were 21 interested individuals. A meeting was held on October 17th, 2019, and Robert had each of them introduce themselves and give a brief explanation of their interest in serving on the board. All of the attendees then submitted a vote for a representative. The following names were approved to be submitted to the City Commission:

East Side Representatives:

  1. Nancy K. Van Etten

  2. Shane Wood

West Side Representatives:

  1. Tom Brink

  2. Dean Striler

At Large Representative:

  1. Nancy Maze

Other Representatives:

  1. JoLynne Mitchell, City Commissioner

  2. Jeff Fisher, County Commissioner

  3. Don Banwart, City/County Resident

  4. Marci Myers, City/County Resident

Mr. Uhler asked for approval for the above individuals be appointed to the Lake Fort Scott Advisory Board.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve the above individuals be appointed to the Fort Scott Lake Advisory Board. Mitchell seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUALS BE APPOINTED TO THE LAKE FORT SCOTT ADVISORY BOARD:

East Side Representatives:

  1. Nancy K. Van Etten

  2. Shane Wood

West Side Representatives:

  1. Tom Brink

  2. Dean Striler

At Large Representative:

  1. Nancy Maze

Other Representatives:

  1. JoLynne Mitchell, City Commissioner

  2. Jeff Fisher, County Commissioner

  3. Don Banwart, City/County Resident

  4. Marci Myers, City/County Resident

  1. Consideration of KCAMP board member appointments – Deb Needleman, Human Resource Director, informed the Commission that the voting and alternate delegates need to be appointed for the KCAMP Board, which is our property and casualty insurance carrier. Her recommendation is JoLynne Mitchell as the voting delegate and Dr. Randy Nichols as the alternate delegate. Approval was recommended.

Mitchell moved to approve the voting and alternate delegates for the KCAMP Board of Directors. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED JOLYNNE MITCHELL AS THE VOTING DELEGATE AND DR. RANDY NICHOLS AS THE ALTERNATE VOTING DELEGATE FOR THE KCAMP INSURANCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

  1. Consideration of Resolution No. 24-2019 determining the advisability of issuing taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds – Rachel Pruitt, Economic Development Director, informed the Commission that approval is needed for the approval of Resolution No. 24-2019 for the purpose of providing a sales tax exemption for the Union Lofts Building.

Rachel said that she also wanted to update the Commission that she has submitted our CDBG application for the ladder fire truck. As part of that application process, was to quantify our capital investment for the past five years. She and Susan Bancroft actually documented over $37 million in capital investment over the last five years. Private investment was also included. Over $20 million was spent in the downtown area, which is a staggering amount. A lot of that credit does go to Flint Hills Holding.

This new residential complex, Fort Scott Lofts, will have 25 units in the downtown area and will result in this being an $8 million project.

Susan Bancroft, Director of Finance, informed the Commission when Industrial Revenue Bonds are issued, that it is not anything the City is liable for. This helps stimulate growth in the economy here in Fort Scott and will allow the owner assistance with the sales tax exemptions for his labor and materials. That is what this Industrial Revenue Bond is for. This is similar to the last I.R.B. that was approved for Jennifer LaRoche.

Tony Krsnich, Flint Hills Holdings, appeared before the Commission and informed them that this project unfortunately had hit a snag and he apologized for that. He was able to secure additional tax credits at the State and Federal levels. With the assistance of the Industrial Revenue Bonds, that will help them secure a bondable general contractor to stand behind this job. He has received two bids so far and is close to awarding this project. He thanked the Commission for their support with this project.

Mitchell moved to approve Resolution No. 24-2019. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED RESOLUTION NO.24-2019 OF THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS DETERMINING THE ADVISABILITY OF ISSUING TAXABLE INDUSTRIAL REVENUE BONDS FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING THE ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION, RENOVATION, AND EQUIPPING OF A COMMERCIAL FACILITY LOCATED IN SAID CITY; AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF RELATED DOCUMENTS – FORT SCOTT LOFTS BUILDING.

  1. Consideration of Water Rate Increase – Ordinance No. 3551 – Susan Bancroft, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that this water rate increase is for 3% and was put into the 2020 budget. It will be effective January 1, 2020. Approval was recommended.

Susan said that she is planning to do an analysis of our water rates in 2020 and make sure we are in line with other communities in this area.

Nichols moved to approve Ordinance No. 3551 increasing the water rates by 3% for 2020. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3551 SETTING NEW WATER RATES AND REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 3545 FOR THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS, PURSUANT TO THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE, CHAPTER 13.04.030.

  1. Consideration of Wastewater Rate Increase – Ordinance No. 3552 – Susan Bancroft, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that this sewer rate increase is for 3% and was put into the 2020 budget. It will be effective January 1, 2020. Approval was recommended.

Susan mentioned that the sewer rates at Lake Fort Scott have not been increased since the inception when they were put on. She will be mailing a letter to Bourbon County notifying them of a rate increase and also a public hearing will be held regarding this rate increase at our November 19th, 2019 Commission meeting.

City Manager said that they have discovered there is not a Lake Sewer District Board so one will need to be appointed at some time in the future.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve Ordinance No. 3552 increasing the sewer rates by 3% for 2020. Mitchell seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3552 INCREASING THE BASIC MONTHLY CHARGE FOR SANITARY SEWER RATES IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT BY AMENDING CHAPTER 13.24.110 OF THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE AND REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 3546.

  1. Consideration of Storm Water Rate Increase – Ordinance No. 3553 – Susan Bancroft, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that this stormwater rate increase is for 3% and was put into the 2020 budget. It will be effective January 1, 2020. Approval was recommended.

Mitchell moved to approve Ordinance No. 3553 increasing the storm water rate by 3% for 2020. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3553 AMENDING THE FORT SCOTT STORMWATER USER CHARGE AND REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 3547 FOR THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS, PURSUANT TO THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE, CHAPTER 13.24.121.

7. Consideration of award of low bid for Water Treatment Plant Clarifier painting and sand blasting – Michael Mix, Water Utilities Director, informed the Commission that this project was rebid in October. He asked for approval for the low bid from Insco Industries of Shawnee, Kansas in the amount of $75,757.00. This project will not begin until the Spring of 2020 as it is too cold to paint now.

Mitchell moved to approve the low bid from Insco Industries of Shawnee, Kansas in the amount of $75,757.00 for the Water Clarifier painting project. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED LOW BID FROM INSCO INDUSTRIES OF SHAWNEE, KANSAS IN THE AMOUNT OF $75,757.00 FOR THE WATER CLARIFIER PAINTING REHAB PROJECT WHICH WILL NOT BEGIN UNTIL SPRING OF 2020.

COMMISSION/STAFF:

  1. Director Updates:

Robert Uhler – Robert informed the Commission that he wanted to update the Commission on Schneider Electric and the energy audit project. At the November 19th meeting, there will be a proposal presented from Schneider Electric with recommendations of all the City facilities for the Commission to review.

Dave Bruner – Dave gave the Commission an update on EMS training for EMS and Fire employees. Janet Taylor, who is a flight nurse from Kansas City Life Flight and an EMS educator, came here and conducted a wilderness emergency class which was held at Gunn Park. There were 14 different scenarios held to treat and transfer patients. The next upcoming class will be on difficult airways.

Dave also updated the Commission on the Bourbon County EMS call activity. In September there were 236 calls for service with 86 transfers, 56% to Pittsburg, 62 dry runs, 174 total transports, 13 medical alarm lifts, 1 fire standby, 13 event standbys, and 2 mutual aid requests. In October there has been 194 total calls for service, 126 total transports, 68 dry runs, 56 transfers, 54% to Pittsburg, 13 medical alarm lift assists, 10 event standbys, 2 fire standbys, and 1 mutual aid request. The eight-month total is 1,638 calls for service, 1,213 total transports, 618 transfers and 425 dry runs.

Commissioner Adamson asked him for a report on fire department calls. He will bring that to the next meeting.

Dave also informed the Commission that he is working on expanding some of the health care items for our annual health fair for City employees. This will be in accordance with the 1582 guidelines that was addressed at an earlier meeting on firefighter safety. We will begin offering vision, hearing, chest x-ray, ekg’s, chest, lung function test, and stress test. More information will be forthcoming on this. The City currently does a fit for duty for new employees and employees returning to work, employee assistance program, random drug testing, employee wellness incentive program, and employee wellness newsletter. Police, Fire and EMS also have access to a regional critical and stress management team that covers the twelve counties in this area.

  1. City Commission:

Bartelsmeyer Nothing to report.

Mitchell Wished all the candidates running for office good luck tonight.

Nichols Remarked that there has been an issue during this election season with our ordinance and resolution and he has created a new ordinance for the Commissioners to review. He asked them to look this over and get back to Diane Clay, City Clerk, with any changes they would like to see made on this or any comments. He has talked with the League of Kansas Municipalities about this and they have looked at it and is awaiting their feedback. We can look at adopting this at a future meeting.

Adamson – Remarked that she is excited to see good things happening in the downtown area.

Parker – Remarked that she is excited about the $37 million investment in this community. She thanked all the directors for working together to accomplish much.

  1. City Manager:

  1. City Manager remarked that he will be glad when the election is over. He is very proud of his staff and how they have acted. We aren’t telling our story as well as we should and need to work better on this. He feels responsible that there is perception that things weren’t done right. There has been nothing done wrong. We will continue to work the way we have to move this City forward.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mitchell moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:40 p.m. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 6:40 P.M.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on November 19th, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.

RECORDED BY:

DIANE K. CLAY

CITY CLERK

Fort Scott City Commission Agenda for Nov. 19

AGENDA

FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

FORT SCOTT CITY HALL

COMMISSION ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN

NOVEMBER 19, 2019

6 p.m.

I. ROLL CALL:

ADAMSON BARTELSMEYER MITCHELL NICHOLS PARKER

II. FLAG SALUTE

III. INVOCATION: Pastor Allen Schellack, Compassionate Ministries

IV. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:

V. CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of November 5th, 2019.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1250-A totaling $295,043.24.

  1. Christmas Parade Permit Form- December 3rd, 2019.

  1. Certificate of Appropriateness – 3 W. Oak Signage

  1. Certificate of Appropriateness – 24 N. National – Addition to building

  1. Resolution No. 25-2019 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to alleged unsafe and dangerous structure located at 510 S Heylman Street – Public Hearing Date – 1/7/2020 at 6:15 p.m.

  1. Resolution No. 27-2019 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to alleged unsafe and dangerous structure located at 501 S. Osbun Street – Public Hearing Date – 1/7/2020 at 6:15 p.m.

VII. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE: Seth Needham

B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute limit per citizen)

C. PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS:

6:00 p.m. Lake Sewer District Sewer Increase Public Hearing

VIII. CONSIDERATION:

  1. Consideration of Resolution No. 26-2019 authorizing for sale of General Obligation Temporary Notes, Series 2019-1, of the City of Fort Scott, Kansas – River Intake Project

  1. Approval of financials

IX. COMMENTS:

  1. Director Updates: Allyson Turvey

Robert Uhler

  1. Commission:
  1. City Manager:

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

I MOVE THAT THE CITY COMMISSION RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE

SESSION FOR ________________________________ IN ORDER TO

(see below justification)

DISCUSS ______________________________________. THE

EXECUTIVE SESSION WILL BE ___________ MINUTES AND THE OPEN

MEETING TO RESUME AT ________________.

Justifications for Executive Sessions:

  • Personnel matters of 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 or representatives 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

X. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: ROLL CALL

Book It To Jesus by Pastor James Collins

 

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” Colossians 3:17

I am a member of a group of pastors in Southeast Kansas that meet once a month for conversation, prayer, and accountability. Recently, someone in our group suggested that we start reading several Christian books together. Then we could discuss the books at our meeting. Of course, I immediately and wholeheartedly agreed to this idea. I thought that I could build up trust among the group members and then slip my latest book into the lineup. Just think about it. I would absolutely dominate the discussion. “No, no, no. I’ll tell you exactly what the author meant!”

Sadly, my plan probably won’t materialize. Prophets (and authors) have no honor in their hometowns.

Or in their homes.

The other day, I caught my wife, Amanda, reading a book by David Jeremiah.

I said, “I see you are reading the new book by Dr. Jeremiah. What do you think of it?”

It’s incredible!” she answered.

Why?”

He’s brilliant.”

You don’t think he’s smarter than me, do you?”

Well…you’re different…”

Like the theologian and philosopher Rodney Dangerfield once said, “I get no respect.”

All joking aside, I don’t write books, columns, or sermons to impress anyone but the Lord Jesus Christ. A few years after Jesus saved me, He called me to ministry. He gave me a purpose. My purpose in life is to be an effective communicator of God’s Word. My life is complete because it is focused on Jesus.

The great composer Johann Sebastian Bach would write on the bottom of his musical manuscripts the letters INDNJC – which stood for the Latin word, “In Nomine Domini Nostri Jesu Christi.” Translated into English that means, “In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Every piece of music Bach composed, he composed in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

You and I are not great musical composers. We are just ordinary people. However, everything we do should be done “in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

If you are a teacher, you can prepare lessons and grade papers in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. If you are a construction worker, you can cut wood and drive nails in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. If you are a homemaker, you can prepare meals and do laundry in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. If you work in the retail business, you can stock shelves and run a cash register in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Even if you are a hack writer like me, you can pound a keyboard in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The point is: Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord. Even a small act of kindness such as giving a cup of cold water has eternal value when done in Jesus’ name. Little is much when done in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Do you long for purpose and significance? The first step is to trust Jesus as your personal Savior. Then, do everything for Him.

James Collins is a pastor at First Southern Baptist Church. His latest book, “The Nativity” is available through the website www.thepointis.net or by calling (620) 223-2986.

American Legion Riders Charter Nov. 16

American Legion Post 25 has reached 102.63% in membership.  The 2020 goal was 76 members. Today’s Department membership report has Post 25 at 78 members, including nine new members.
This is the 4th consecutive year for reaching 100% membership.
American Legion Riders Chapter will be chartered Saturday, November 16 at 10 am in Memorial Hall.
Riders membership is open to any American Legion family member who owns a motorcycle of at least 250 c’s.
A spouse of a motorcycle owner can also join the American Legion Riders, provided they are also a member of the Legion, Auxiliary or Sons.
Carl Jowers can sign up any eligible Legion family members tomorrow before the chartering ceremony. Plan on arriving early to complete the membership application.
Please share the word about the Riders Chapter chartering ceremony tomorrow.
Carl Jowers. Post 25 Commander.

Obituary of Willis Irvin

Willis “Hugh” Irvin, 99, of Fort Scott, formerly of Rogers, Arkansas, passed away Wednesday, November 6, 2019, at his home in Presbyterian Village. He was born in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, February 10, 1920, the son of Herbert and Hope (Swayze) Irvin. On June 19, 1945, Hugh married Mary Agnes Barrett in San Francisco, California, where they had met on a blind date.

Hugh was a graduate of Decatur High School in Georgia, Class of 1938. Dr. Irvin graduated with a degree in Veterinary Medicine from Auburn University, Class of 1943.  During WWII, Hugh was a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy and served as a Communication Officer on the USS Barnett in the European Theatre and took part in the invasion at Salerno, Italy, and D-Day at Utah Beach, Normandy.  His next assignment was on the USS Montrose in the Pacific Theatre involved in the assault on Okinawa. When the war ended, his ship landed the first U.S. troops into Occupied Japan at Sasebo.

After the service, he started his career in Omaha as a USDA Veterinarian Meat Inspector. As he rose through the ranks, he worked in Chicago, Indianapolis, New Jersey, New York, Kansas City, and Dallas. He retired after 35 years of service as the Director of Federal Meat and Poultry Inspection in Washington, DC. He and Mary retired to Rogers, Arkansas, in 1981. He was a longtime member of the Rogers’ Noon Kiwanis Club, a member of the Association for Beaver Lake Environment and a volunteer at Rogers’ St. Mary’s Hospital for many years.

Hugh will be remembered for his great sense of humor which he used professionally as well as socially to the amusement of his friends and family. He was a prolific, engaging storyteller who, in his Southern drawl, entertained all with his stories of growing up during the depression in northwest Arkansas.  Hugh had an amazing memory for jokes and a dictionary mind for vocabulary, excelling at crossword puzzles. He enjoyed traveling in retirement, exploring new places and foods. He made friends wherever he lived or worked. His love of history led him in his later years to read a biography on every president.  Always active, he loved gardening, square dancing, and biking.

He was deeply caring about his family, his community, the environment and the wider world around him. He was proud of his public service in the military, career in food safety, and years of community volunteering. He was loved by an extended family and friends who miss the character and brightness he brought into the world.  Just like the great books he loved, he changed us in many ways and will be in our hearts forever.

In addition to his wife, Mary, he is survived by two sons, Roger (Susan) of Monroe, Oregon, and David (Janet) of Fort Scott, Kansas, a daughter, Barbara Irvin (Bruce Mayer) of Madison, Wisconsin, four grandchildren, Patrick Irvin (Jarita), Christopher Irvin (Annie Brice), both of Oregon, Kelly Irvin and Betsy Philipp (Nick), both of Kansas, and six great-grandchildren, Tyler, Henry, Jack and Shail Irvin of Oregon and Barrett and Theo Philipp of Kansas. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Leslie Irvin, and Jack Irvin and two sisters, Marguerite Steele and Evelyn Jean Bagwell.

Funeral arrangements for Hugh Irvin were at Mary Queen of Angels at 12:00 pm on Saturday, November 9, 2019, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Interment was at the Fort Scott National Cemetery at a later date.  Memorials may be made to either The Nature Conservancy at nature.org or the Good Samaritan Fund at The Presbyterian Village, and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, P.O. Box 309, 15 W. Wall St., Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701.

Obituary of Sharon Rains

Sharon “Sharry” Ann (Martin) Rains, 72, of Fort Scott, passed away peacefully at her home, Thursday morning, November 7, 2019.  She was born on July 29, 1947, in Cherokee, Oklahoma to Loren Ralph and Anna Hayes Martin. Sharry moved to a farm outside of Fort Scott in 1960 and graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1965.  She was married to Ronald Lee Rains on April 16, 1967, in Chanute, Kansas by Ron’s father, Pastor Edgar Rains. Together they had two children, Cecilia Jill Rains Evans and Shannon Lee Rains.

Sharry worked as a Bookkeeper at Western Insurance, Midwestern Distribution, Hammer Insurance, Ruddick’s Inc., and My1Stop.  She retired from bookkeeping in 2012 but then held a part-time job at Gene’s IGA until 2015. Sharry was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2010 and bravely fought four bouts of it.  She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Fort Scott and was a faithful servant to our Lord and a fervent prayer warrior.

Sharry was extremely proud of her kids and grandkids and loved to attend as many of their events as she could.  She was their biggest cheerleader, believed in and prayed for them always, and loved them with all her heart. Sharry had the sweetest spirit and was the most generous person to all she knew.  She was deeply loved by her husband, children, and grandkids and will be greatly missed by them all. Survivors include her husband, Ron, of the home; a daughter, Jill Evans and husband Chris, Louisburg, KS; a son, Shannon Rains, Fort Scott; four grandchildren, Bethany Phillips, Jordan Phillips, Kylie Rains, and Robert Rains; a brother, Loren L. Martin and wife Patty, Girard, KS; a sister, Maryn K. Wiggins, Pittsburg, KS; and several nieces and nephews.  Sharry was preceded in death by her parents, Loren Martin and Anna Wade; her father-in-law, Edgar Rains, and mother-in-law, Eva Rains; and by her stepmother, Maxine Martin.

Funeral services were 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 12, 2019, at the First United Methodist Church with burial following in the Fort Scott National Cemetery.  The family received friends Monday, November 11, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home in Fort Scott. The family suggests memorial contributions to the First United Methodist Church of Fort Scott.  Contributions may be left in the care of, the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Obituary of Elizabeth Myers

Liz Meyer’s smile said it all. She was not one to let the little inconveniences and the occasional setbacks of life alter her “can do; let’s do it” attitude. She truly achieved the fullness of life in her 78 years and died doing what she loved most… helping others. She was attending a Kansas P.E.O. meeting near Topeka, KS on November 8, 2019, to select grant recipients when the Lord called her home.

When she became the current President of the Kansas State Chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, she chose as her theme “Build, Grow, Live”, represented by the shell of the Nautilus, as her theme for the year.

Liz spent most, but not all, of her career in nursing education at the community college level.

After graduating from St. Louis University with her B.S.N. degree, she applied for and was awarded a federal grant which enabled her to continue her post-graduate education at Catholic University, earning her M.S.N. degree. While attending CU, she met her husband, Bill, and they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in June of this year.

Liz was unique in her ability to balance work and family. Even though she was teaching full time, she never missed a school event or one of the many activities in which her daughters were engaged.

She was “Horse Show Mom” when Kay was into horses and voted “Parent of the Year” for attending and supporting the Lehigh University crew team when Beth was rowing.

She was an advocate for women’s education and a driving force in Sarah’s pursuit of a Master’s degree in Education and a career in teaching early childhood and elementary education.

Liz loved vacationing at the beaches of the Outer Banks of North Carolina and the lakes of the Adirondack Mountains in New York.

Liz never learned to swim but she loved the water! She and Bill met on a sailboat in Annapolis, MD and, for years, they enjoyed sailing the Chesapeake Bay with their young daughters, Kay, Beth, and Sarah. In addition to sailing on the Chesapeake, Liz became a great cook! She loved to entertain and thought nothing of creating a culinary masterpiece for a house full of friends!

Liz’s professional accomplishments were many. In addition to teaching, she served on a national committee of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology developing standards for Obstetrical Nursing. She was Director of Neonatal Intensive Care, Pediatric Care and Burn Trauma at the largest hospital in Des Moines, IA.

Liz also served for eight years as Nurse Manager for the Visiting Nurse Association of Washington, DC. In 2000, Bill and Liz retired to Fort Scott, KS where they had lived in the 1980’s, during which time Liz had served on the nursing faculty of Fort Scott Community College.

Soon after returning, Liz was offered the opportunity to serve as Director of the College’s Nursing Program. She accepted the position on condition that she could pursue accreditation of the nursing program by the National League of Nursing. With the full support of the College, the program achieved full accreditation under her leadership. Liz retired from her position, but not from life, in 2007.

She became more and more involved in the P.E.O. Sisterhood and served as President of Chapter FU before being selected to serve on the Kansas State Chapter Board in 2016, advancing to President in June of this year.

Within the Fort Scott Community, Liz served on the Board and as President of the Historic Preservation Society of Bourbon County; Chair of the Homes for the Holidays Tour; member of the Bourbon County Arts Council; and, at the time of her death, was serving as a member of the Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College.

Liz was born in Omaha, NE. Her mother, Barbara, died in childbirth when Liz was six years old. Her father, Henry Osthoff, is also deceased. She is survived by her husband, William Meyer, and daughters Kay Meyer (husband Hank and daughters Carolina and Katie) of San Marcos, CA; Elizabeth Paulson (husband Michael, daughter Veronica, sons Henry and Leo) of Longmeadow, MA; and Sarah Ettore (husband John-David and sons Joe and Nate) of Perrysburg, OH. She is also survived by sisters Mary Eberenz, Theresa Osthoff, brother Joseph Osthoff, and beloved nieces and nephews.

Arrangements are provided by Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home of Fort Scott with a public celebration of Liz’s life scheduled at Fort Scott Presbyterian Church, 306 South Crawford Street, on Saturday, November 16, at 11:00 A.M.

The family will join for a private farewell service at Lake George, New York, next Summer.

In lieu of flowers, Liz would be thankful for contributions made to P.E.O.’s own Cottey College, Nevada, MO.