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Monthly Archives: August 2020
The Fort Scott Police Department Daily Reports Aug.11-13
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Imagine by Patty LaRoche
As scientists are scampering to find a vaccine for Covid-19, I can only imagine the gratification of discovering its cure. Or cancer’s. Or A.L.S’s. Or any of the other, horrific disease that plagues us. And yes, I do spend far too much time imagining unattainable accomplishments…
Like bringing the Democrats and Republicans together as a team, where name-calling and lies cease to exist.
Like ending world hunger or domestic abuse or genocide or corruption.
Like solving a Cold Case file and bringing a criminal to justice or using DNA to release an imprisoned inmate.
Or, more selfishly, like being a winning jockey in the Kentucky Derby or the #1 driver in the Indianapolis 500 or capturing the gold after tumbling across the mat in the Olympics.
My imaginations will never become a reality, of course, because I’m not smart enough, not courageous enough, not young enough and not talented enough. But that’s okay, because I have been blessed with another gift: I love to celebrate the success of those who have been given gifts by God to do what I can only imagine, knowing that others can complement my weaknesses without threatening who I am.
My gift is edification. I get excited for others’ successes and don’t feel slighted when others have what I don’t. I enjoy telling a pastor that he has delivered a thought-provoking sermon, or a waitress that she has done an exceptional job tending to my table, or a trash collector that he’s dependable and pleasant and his boss is lucky to have him. I love praising talents or kindness that others exhibit, knowing that everyone has something that can be praised. EVERYONE!
Long ago, I realized that envying what someone else has or what they do diminishes what God wants to do in me. Regrettably, I have a couple of friends whose vocabularies lack compliments. I remember showing both of them a spectacular home, only to have one comment, “Boy! You’d be nuts to want to clean that thing,” while the other said nothing.
I don’t understand it. My uncomplimentary friends love to receive compliments, so why do they find it so hard to celebrate others’ blessings? Psychologists would call them insecure, but they who need validation themselves fail to realize that true satisfaction comes from building up others.
In 1 John, the apostle, writing to newbie Christians, shares his excitement about walking with Jesus. He is eager to pass on to his readers the difference Christ will make in their lives, but I love what he wrote in Verse 4: Our motive for writing is simply this: We want you to enjoy this too. Your joy will double our joy. (MSG) In other words, seeing you as the beneficiary of something special makes us double-happy.
And that’s good news. Encouraging or praising or edifying someone is itself a blessing. I may not be able to cure a disease or end corruption or win a horse race, but I sure can make someone double-happy with a simple, sincere compliment. This morning I prayed for such an opportunity.
Stay tuned next week when I share how God answered my prayer.
Uniontown City Wide Yard Sales Aug. 22
Uniontown residents who are interested in culling down unused items are invited to have a yard sale on Aug. 22.
Persons may have their names on a list, courtesy of City of Uniontown by calling 620-756-4742 by August 17.
Addresses of those participating will be put on a list and a map posted at the post office on the town’s square and at Union Station Convenience Store on Hwy. 3.
Second Round of CARES Funding Opens August 19
Governor Laura Kelly Announces Second Round of CARES Act Funding Applications to Open August 19 at 12:00 p.m.
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly has announced businesses will soon be able to apply for a total of more than $130 million in grants to serve those most affected by the pandemic and for companies that can expand broadband access in the state.
Information on SPARK economic development and connectivity grant programs can now be found online at kansascommerce.gov/covidrelief. Grant applications will be accepted beginning at 12:00 p.m. Wed., Aug. 19, 2020.
“These funds will both provide necessary immediate relief to businesses and contribute to a more strategic, competitive Kansas economy in the future,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “I want to thank the SPARK Taskforce for recommending these strategic investments and the State Finance Council for approving the use of these funds.”
In addition to providing financial relief, grants will be available to businesses whose products and services will be needed in greater volume to help combat the virus and its effects. Funding is also being made available to expand broadband access both through infrastructure improvements and by partnerships with internet service providers to serve low-income households. These grants are funded through the Coronavirus Relief Fund of the federal CARES Act.
This pandemic has affected each sector differently, with industries having very different needs from one another. With this in mind, applications for grants are being made available in the following categories:
- Small Business Working Capital Grants
Kansas businesses with fewer than 500 employees are eligible to apply for Small Business Working Capital grants. Funds can be used to pay working capital expenses such as payroll, rent, mortgage insurance, utilities, inventory, and more. Grants will be awarded on a rolling basis until funds are depleted.
- Securing Local Food Systems Grants
The Securing Local Food Systems grant program was created to support Kansas meat processing facilities, food processors, grocers, and food banks to address food for human consumption supply chain disruptions as a result of the COVID-19 public health emergency.
- PPE Procurement Grants
The PPE Procurement grant program will award businesses funds for the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE), implementation of workplace redesigns, additional signage, new technology solutions for distance working, and other items to comply with COVID-19 public health guidelines on safely returning employees to work.
- PPE Manufacturing Grants
PPE Manufacturing grants will provide funding to manufacturers to reimburse certain costs to manufacture critically needed PPE. The grant funding will assist entities with creating new businesses while contributing to the fight against the current COVID-19 public health emergency.
- COVID-19 Bioscience Product Development Acceleration Grants
Kansas has a strong pipeline of bioscience-related companies developing SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic, therapeutic, and medical countermeasures. This grant program will accelerate commercialization and go-to-market strategies, allowing these Kansas companies to quickly deploy novel technology by optimizing value and reducing risk through informed decision making.
- Connectivity Emergency Response Grants
The Connectivity Emergency Response Grant (CERG) was created to address the increased need for connectivity in Kansas in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Proposed projects should improve connectivity to unserved and underserved areas of Kansas to address the needs of telework, telehealth, distance learning, and other remote business services.
- Broadband Partnership Adoption Grants
The Broadband Partnership Adoption Grant will provide support for low-income households by partnering with ISPs to leverage their existing adoption infrastructure and assure connectivity to as many Kansans as possible.
- IT, Cybersecurity & IT Project Management Certification Training Grants
To mitigate the job losses in Kansas as a result of COVID-19, the Kansas Department of Commerce is seeking a rapid response training program that will provide training, certificate testing, and job placement assistance in the areas of IT, cybersecurity, and IT project management.
- Kansas Tech College Advanced Manufacturing Grants
This program will support the needs of the advanced manufacturing industry in Kansas. The program will focus on reskilling/upskilling individuals affected by COVID-19 to meet economic sector needs in high-demand, high-wage occupations.
Details on each category, including award amounts, proposal requirements, eligibility and more can be found at kansascommerce.gov/covidrelief.
First Gen College Students and Disabled Students Offered Assistance At FSCC
FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE AWARDED $260,839 TO HELP LOW INCOME, FIRST GENERATION, AND STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES SUCCEED IN COLLEGE
Federal Student Support Services grant awarded every five years
The U.S. Department of Education announced that Fort Scott Community College will receive a federal Student Support Services (SSS) grant of $260,839.00 to help more students succeed in and graduate from college. Fort Scott Community College has had a TRIO Student Support Services Program for over 20 years. In the 2018 academic year, FSCC’s SSS program helped 80 students Graduate from FSCC with an Associate’s degree or certificate; 64 of those students transferred to a 4-year university.
SSS helps college students who are low income, first generation (those whose parents do not have a four-year college degree) or students with disabilities. The array of services the grant will provide are comprehensive and will include academic tutoring, financial aid advice, career and college mentoring, help in choosing courses, and other forms of assistance. Such services enhance academic success and make it more likely that students will graduate or transfer with the lowest possible debt. Many Student Support Services alumni have gone on to great success, among them Emmy, Tony and Academy-Award winning actress Viola Davis, U.S. Rep. Gwendolyn Moore of Wisconsin’s 4th District and Franklin Chang-Diaz, the first Hispanic astronaut.
SSS began in 1968 and is one of the eight federal “TRIO” programs authorized by the Higher Education Act to help college students succeed in higher education. It recognizes that students whose parents do not have a college degree have more difficulties navigating the complexity of decisions that college requires for success; it bolsters students from low income families who have not had the academic opportunities that their college peers have had, and helps students with disabilities remove obstacles preventing them from thriving academically.
“We’re very excited to be funded for another five years. We believe we provide great quality services to help our students be successful while they are here at FSCC and beyond. Our program is unique because it is a place everyone on campus can feel connected. We have traditional, non-traditional, local, out-of-state, athletes, fine arts, and agricultural students in our program,” says Holli Mason, Director of FSCC’s Student Support Services.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the systemic inequality and financial hardship which keep promising students from succeeding in college. Student Support Services is needed now more than ever,” said Maureen Hoyler. Hoyler is the president of the non-profit Council for Opportunity in Education in Washington, D.C., dedicated to furthering the expansion of college opportunities for low-income, first-generation students, and students with disabilities.
For more than 50 years, the Student Support Services program has made important contributions to individuals and society as a whole by providing a broad range of services to help students succeed. This vital program can and does make all the difference.
For more information on FSCC’s TRIO Student Support Services, go to fortscott.edu/TRiO or contact Holli Mason at [email protected].
Bourbon County Dems Meet August 16
The Bourbon County Democrats will meet on Sunday, August 16, at 1:00 pm in shelter house #1 at Gunn Park.
Attendees are asked to bring a lawn chair, if possible. Bottled water and masks will be available.
All Democrats are encouraged to attend.
Smallville Athletics Seeks Sponsors for 2020 Fort Games
Public Servant Profile: FSFD Lieutenant Shelton
This is part of a series on Fort Scott and Bourbon County Public Servants.
Scott Shelton, 38, is a lieutenant with the Fort Scott Fire Department.
He is a Fort Scott High School graduate and earned Emergency Medical Technician Certification from Fort Scott Community College, and also graduated from FSCC Graduate. In addition, has Kansas University Fire Certifications.
Shelton has 18 years experience in fire fighting.
He works from both Station 1 and Station 2.
What are your duties?
“Fire suppression, EMS, equipment/ vehicle maintenance, public education, training, Life Safety Inspections, and manages a shift in the event of captain’s absence.”
He is married and has two sons.
Community involvement, interests or hobbies:
“Taking kids to ball games, volunteer time to community projects,
cars, motorcycles, running/fitness.”
Why did you pursue your career?
” I am a third-generation firefighter.
I enjoy serving the community and protecting the citizens and property. “
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Aug. 13
Bourbon County Commission Agenda for August 13
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: August 13, 2020
1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________
3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Kendell Mason
MEETING WILL BE HELD IN COMMISSION ROOM. ANYONE ATTENDING THE MEETING WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK PROVIDED BY THE COUNTY. MUST MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING.
10:00 Election Canvass (Meeting adjourned after canvassing is over. Will start back at 1:30)
1:30 2021 Budget Review (Public comment will be limited to 5 minutes)
Public Servant Profile: FS Fire Department Captain Roberts
This is part of a series of City of Fort and Bourbon County public servant profiles.
Clint Roberts, 37, is a captain with the Fort Scott Fire Department.
He earned his Associates Degree from Fort Scott Community College and also Emergency Medical Training. In addition, he has received Kansas University Fire Service Training.
He has 14 years of experience.
Roberts works out of Fire Station 1, 1640 S. National Avenue.
What are your duties?
Fire suppression, EMS, rescue calls, shift management, public education.
Family:
He is married to Crystal, and they have two boys, Reece and Ryan.
Community involvement, interests or hobbies:
” Several members from the fire department have a motorcycle group,” Roberts said. “Every year we hold an annual benefit ride fundraiser for a child in need.”
In addition to motorcycles, construction is an interest of Roberts, he said.
Why did you pursue your career?
“I had a lot of interest in the fire (service) and EMS profession when I was younger.”