The following statement is from Governor Laura Kelly regarding the passage of HB 2016 through the Kansas House and the Senate:
“Today’s bipartisan passage of the COVID-19 response bill is a victory for Kansans. Our communities have faced unprecedented challenges due to the pandemic and I am proud of the compassion and resiliency they have shown during this difficult time.
“While there are parts of this legislation that I oppose, HB 2016 provides the tools and resources for Kansas families, communities, and businesses to begin the path to economic recovery. I will sign this legislation when it comes to my desk, and will continue to honor my commitment to work across the aisle and move our state forward.”
Theologian Dallas Willard wrote, “I’m practicing the discipline of not having to have the last word.” It’s a discipline I definitely need (just ask my husband), and I can’t help but wonder how much better off our country would be if everyone did likewise.
Recently we have watched unspeakable carnage as thug-protestors chose to get the last word under the pretense of seeking justice for the death of George Floyd by police officer Derek Chauvin. Buildings and vehicles were set on fire and stores looted as angry mobs defied curfew orders and stood nose-to-nose with officers attempting to seek order. Post offices, banks, book stores, CNN’s headquarters and a church were among the targeted areas. My girlfriend in San Francisco shared that protestors took over a freeway in nearby Oakland where some used baseball bats on windows of the stopped cars… their way of getting the last word, I guess.
I’m sure that we all have questioned the hatred in Chauvin’s act. How was he so determined to get the final say that he callously dismissed the desperate last words of Floyd, calling out for his mother? But Chauvin’s behavior is not the only one I find alarming. How could someone stand by and video an officer kneeling on a man’s neck and not intervene?
And then there are the violent rioters. Is it possible that they believe that answering hate with the “last word” of more hate is a justifiable action? Will the new Samsung television they just stole from Target improve racial tensions? Will the desecration of a monument to the victims of Armenian genocide (itself dedicated to fight racism) in Colorado help others recognize with more clarity the horror of Floyd’s death? Does the destruction of 580 pair of eyeglasses in a privately-owned optometry shop bring resolution to the injustice done to blacks? How does spray painting city buses or tossing fireworks into a jailhouse prevent further vitriol? Are we now filled with more compassion for the arsonists as we watch the newscasts of burned police cars, paid for by our taxpayer dollars?
The point is this: Do these violent rioters not know that their “last word” has done nothing to help reduce racism in our country?
How tragic, that instead of creating unspeakable carnage, they don’t follow the example set by the Des Moines, Iowa, protestors. According to the USA Today newspaper, following a tense situation, they knelt and then asked for police officers to do likewise, saying that they would obey the curfew and leave the area if the officers took a knee. “At the urging of a pastor from the community, senior Des Moines police officers Irvin Franklin and Jack Kamerick knelt and said a prayer.” Other officers as well as a group in riot gear agreed to the protestor’s request.
The “show of peaceful solidarity” proved that the “last word” can be one of unity and not division, and practicing it, like Willard suggests, just might be the answer we all are seeking.
I feel compelled to say something concerning my thoughts on the tragic and senseless death of Mr. George Floyd. I watched the video of his homicide with a since of disbelief, anger, and sorrow. I could not help but think of how difficult this must be for our FSCC family members of color that have undoubtedly endured racial injustice. Racism and prejudice are not experiences I can speak to from my life experiences; however, I can listen and learn from the experiences of our students, faculty, and staff of color on how to help ensure all individuals are valued and can reach their goals at FSCC. I plan to assemble a task force consisting of FSCC individuals who can speak from experience and guide us on strategies to address racial inequities at FSCC.
“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” –Martin Luther King, Jr. stated this more than 60 year ago, yet we still have systemic injustice based on the color of skin. We do not all share the same backgrounds, and we have walked many paths to FSCC, but we must respect others diversity and learn from cultural differences if we are to have an institution that attains its mission of diversity and inclusion.
If you need emotional support or just someone to talk with, please reach out to our advising office [email protected] and they will direct you to resources that will allow you to address your concerns and feelings. It is important you take care of yourself and acknowledge your feelings in these uncertain times.
As your FSCC College President, I am committed to our Core Values that include providing opportunities in a supportive, safe environment, and a focus on relationships and experiences that value
students, community, and employees while fostering an inclusive and diverse environment. I am passionate that my job is to help ensure everyone in our FSCC family has an opportunity to achieve their goals.
I encourage all of us to speak out against racism, injustice, and individual wrongs when you encounter them. We must take care of each other to achieve our individual goals and dreams.
On June 03, 2020, the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office was provided information and intelligence of illegal activity at a Bourbon County residence.
Deputies applied for and was granted a search warrant for a residence and its surrounding property for illegal drug possession and possible cultivation.
This warrant was issued out of the Bourbon County District Court.
Recovered from the search warrant were several vegetation plants and several mason jars full of a green leafy substance.
The items were field tested during the search and it was confirmed that all seized property was positive for marijuana.
Additional testing will be done through the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) labs.
Christopher J Pruitt (38) and Rachel M Pruitt (48) of Fort Scott, were taken into custody, processed, and charged with the following crimes: distribution of marijuana, two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia and child endangerment.
They are currently being held in the Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center with no bond at the present time.
BOTH INDIVUDALS ARE INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.
Some local residents have planned activities that provide fun for the town and also some nostalgia in cruising National Avenue this Friday, June 5.
The Fort Scott Cruise Night Facebook Group is promoting what they are calling an “Honorary Good Ol Days Cruise.”
“This is not an event sponsored by the city,” Julie Norris, who along with Rachel Cunningham-Fields are the planners, said. ” It was scheduled purely for fun since Good Ol Days had to be canceled this year due to COVID 19.”
The COVID 19 pandemic precautions include social distancing of 6 feet from nearby people and taking other measures to help stop the spread of the virus that has circled the world and killed over 100,000 American people, according to the Center For Disease Control.
The cruise allows people to maintain social distancing while remaining in their cars.
“Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend,” she said. ” We will be cruising National, just like the “Good Ol Days”.”
The cruise starts at 6 PM Friday night, June 5.
“Our annual Good Ol Days is something we look forward to every year,” Norris said. “Although we WILL NOT be able to attend, (because of precautions of the pandemic) what better way to honor it, than to CRUISE!”
“So get your hot rod out, work on that car you’ve been meaning to finish, get the motorcycle ready, and Celebrate Good Ol Days on June 5th by cruising,” she said. “Our lives may look a little different, but we can still come together, and not gather! “
“A small town is a place we choose to be,” she said. ” A place we raise our kids, find peace in, or retire in. A place we call home.”
There will be several spots to eat along the way, including vendors, so save some money for supper.
Governor applauds Kansas House of Representatives swift action on bipartisan COVID-19 bill
Urges the Kansas Senate to take swift action
The following statement is from Governor Laura Kelly regarding the Kansas House of Representatives’ passage of HB 2016:
“I appreciate the Kansas House of Representatives’ bipartisan and transparent efforts on the passage of the COVID-19 response bill. Today, in spite of their disagreements, they put the interests of Kansans ahead of politics.
“I urge the Senate to swiftly follow their lead, so that we can get Kansas families, businesses and communities the resources they need.”
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) expects to begin a mill and overlay project on K-31 in Anderson, Linn and Bourbon counties on Monday, June 8, weather permitting.
The road work starts at the south K-31/U.S. 59 junction and continues east and south to the K-31/K-65 junction.
Flaggers and a pilot car will direct one-lane traffic through the work zone during daylight hours; expect delays of 15 minutes or less.
The road work should be finished in one month, weather permitting.
KDOT awarded the construction contract of $1.9 million to Bettis Asphalt & Construction, Inc., of Topeka.
Drivers are reminded to obey the signs and flaggers, and to slow down in the work zone. Persons with questions may contact Troy Howard, (785) 433-6116, or Priscilla Petersen, (620) 902-6433.
ABourbon County, KS positive COVID-19 test was confirmed this afternoon, making Bourbon County’s total number of positive cases 8. The testing was confirmed through a reference laboratory that was used. The resident is in isolation and their family is in quarantine. This case is most likely travel related. The investigation is complete and any potential contacts have been notified. There is low risk of exposure for Bourbon County residents from this case.
The Bourbon County Public Health Department urges the public to continue to take appropriate actions. Individuals should continue to practice social distancing, clean/disinfect any high touched surfaces, wash their hands with soap and water routinely, use hand sanitizer if soap and water is not available and avoid touching your face (especially eyes, nose & mouth).
Please remember if you have the symptoms to:
Call before going to a Clinic, Hospital, ER, or Health Department
Close contact means: 6 foot or less for 10 minutes or more, with a positive case.
If you are experiencing life threatening symptoms, PLEASE CALL 911.
For more information you may call the SEK Multi-County Health Department: Bourbon: (620)223-4464 Monday-Thursday 7:00am-5:30pm OR the COVID-19 Hotline: (866)534-3463.You may also visit the
COVID-19 Resource Center at: https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/OR Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Departments on Facebook for local updates.
Project area in yellow
