The Parks Advisory Board will meet on Thursday, February 11th, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.
This meeting is open to the public. This meeting will be made available via the City’s you tube channel at City of Fort Scott.
Keys to the Kingdom
Carolyn Tucker
If I had a nickel for every time I heard my Mom tell me, “Pretty is as pretty does,” I could buy a Big Mac or some Belgian truffles. Even though she’s been gone several years, her words of wisdom still resound in my soul. Recently, I was visiting with a Missouri cousin and this particular quote came out of my mouth. This relative had heard that expression before, but had never really thought about the meaning. So I explained it in a straight-shooting manner and he said, “That makes sense.” My sweet cousin Danny is a perfect example of this saying when I exchange “pretty“ for “handsome.”
How you act and what you do is what makes you truly pretty, not your appearance. A gal can be pretty, but she is only (as good, kind, etc.) as she does. An individual with exemplary character, ethics, and integrity is more important than good looks. Just because a person is physically pleasing on the outside doesn’t guarantee he/she is pretty on the inside. If our actions, attitudes, and behaviors are ugly, it doesn’t matter how gorgeous we are on the outside! Our words and deeds continuously speak for themselves because what‘s on the inside will certainly find its way to the outside — for good or bad.
Jesus was batting a thousand with His point-blank sermon. He criticized the religious leaders by telling them that religious appearance is not enough. “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy — full of greed and self-indulgence“ (Matthew 23:25,26 NLT). The religious leaders were only concerned with outward appearances and neglected inward purity and loving others. Jesus instructed them to clean the inside of the cup and dish first, and then the outside will follow suit.
Jesus boldly told the crowds and His disciples not to follow the example of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees. Why? Because they didn’t practice what they preached. In fact, Jesus said that everything they did was for show. “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs — beautiful on the outside but filled on the inside with dead people’s bones and all sorts of impurity. Outwardly you look like righteous people, but inwardly your hearts are filled with hypocrisy and lawlessness (Matthew 23:27,28 NLT).
In the book of 1 Samuel Chapter 25, Abigail is a beautiful woman with brains married to nincompoop Nabal. When David’s men kindly asked Nabal for provisions, he foolishly refused, insulting the most powerful man in the region. When Abigail wisely intervened and brought a caravan of food and gifts to David and his 600 men, she fell to the ground at his feet. She made one of the longest speeches by a woman recorded in the Bible. God used her humble words and prudent actions to save many lives. After her scoundrel husband died, she later became David’s wife. Abigail was pretty on the outside, but she is remembered as one of the great peacemakers because she was pretty on the inside.
“The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7 NLT).
The Key: Live your life inside-out to get to the heart of the matter.
Last week the Fort Scott High School Boys Swim Team competed at Coffeyville on Tuesday.
Oliver Witt took 1st in both the 500 Free and the 50 Free. He swam a state consideration time in the 50.
Bobby Kemmerer took 1st in both the 100 Free and the 100 Back, swimming a state consideration time in the 100 Free.
Sam Mix took 2nd in both the 50 Free and the 100 Breast.
The boys also were able to swim in the 400 Free Relay placing 1st as an exhibition team.
On Thursday, the Tiger Swimmers traveled to Hutchinson to compete in the Buhler High School meet.
Oliver took 1st in the 200 Free and 4th in the 100 Butterfly.
Sam took 3rd in the 50 Free and Bobby took 2nd in the 100 Free and 4th in the Breast.
Next week the boys will be preparing for their last regular-season competition, the League Meet in Osawatomie. This will be the last opportunity for earning State Qualifying times. The 5A-1A State Swim Meet will be on Saturday, February 21st in Shawnee Mission.
Submitted by Coach Angie Kemmerer
Even though the calendar says that we are only half-way through winter, the seed catalogs are telling us spring is just around the corner by the number of mailings they are sending out. I think I have already received six or seven!
I thoroughly enjoy flipping through the catalogs and planning what new plants I want to try this year. I’m sure many of you do the exactly the same. But do you understand all of the terminology that you see in seed catalogs? A clear understanding of the lingo used in the catalogs is needed so that you can be the most successful with your plantings.
When shopping for perennials, you will encounter the term “hardiness zone”. The United States (lower 48) is broken up into 8 hardiness zones based upon the lowest average winter temperature for the area. Southeast Kansas is located in zone 6. Knowing what zone your garden is in and seeing what zone the plant is hardy to will help you pick plants that will survive the winter. However, keep in mind that your individual planting areas might include a “microclimate.” A microclimate is an area that the soil, moisture, humidity, heat, wind or other conditions affect the viability of individual plants. So think about your planting site before ordering.
If you are looking at tomatoes, you will probably see the words determinant and indeterminate. These words refer to how large the plants get and how they grow. Determinant types tend to stay more compact and bushy. These are best suited for a smaller garden. Indeterminate types tend to get tall and just keep getting taller over the summer. If you want a tall plant to impress your neighbor, this is the one!
“Days to harvest” refers to the average number of days it usually takes after you set out transplants before you can expect your first harvest. This is highly variable and just because you count back the right number of days from the Fourth of July, doesn’t necessarily mean that you will have ripe tomatoes by then. I have a friend that ordered in an array of sunflower seeds last year in preparation for a September wedding. The “days to harvest” was supposed to be around 70-75 days. So, she counted back from the wedding date and planted accordingly. Unfortunately, they bloomed about day 52 thanks to high heat! It just goes to show us that Mother Nature always wins regardless of our planning.
Terms such as AAS (All American Selections) and Perennial Plant of the Year, indicate that those varieties have been trialed for many years in trial gardens through the United States and have been shown to be outstanding performers. They are often worthy of a place in the garden.
Looking for plants that have disease tolerance or disease resistance is good. But the two terms have different meanings. A plant listed as disease tolerant will probably get a disease common to the plant, but it may not be so bad that treatment is needed. The disease probably won’t affect the appearance much. Disease resistance means the plant has been bred to resist common disease problems and will probably not get the disease. One of the best examples of this is in roses. Some roses will be listed as disease resistant to black spot and then some will be listed as disease tolerant to black spot.
Seed catalogs can be somewhat overwhelming. But if you do your homework and know the lingo, you will be able to pick out the best suited plants for your garden.
If you have questions on variety selection as you browse through your catalogs, please contact me. I would be happy to visit with you.
Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Agricultural agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: February 9, 2021
1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District-Jim Harris Corrected: _______________
3rd District-Clifton Beth 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.
Call to Order
TOPEKA – With the launch of 2021 Coronavirus relief programs, Governor Kelly today announced Kansans can begin submitting applications to the 2021 Federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for forgivable loans to small businesses.
“Kansas small businesses have been among those hardest hit by COVID-19,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The Paycheck Protection Program is integral to keeping our state on the path to recovery. This is a good step forward, but we know the need for relief is great – and I will continue to push for additional stimulus funding to support Kansas’ economic recovery.”
Led by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Treasury Department, the PPP is a federally administered program providing loans to small businesses to cover payroll expenses. The SBA began accepting applications through Community Financial Institutions on January 11 and through all other financial institutions on January 19, with applications accepted through March 31.
“In the past year, the Paycheck Protection Program offered federal support to tens of thousands of Kansas small businesses, but we understand that the need is still great,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “This program exists to put federal dollars in the hands of small business owners who need them most. I would encourage Kansas small business owners to apply for this program to get more resources as our state continues to grow and recover from this enormous challenge.”
During the 2020 distribution of PPP money, 54,000 small businesses in Kansas received $5 billion in funding. The 2021 PPP aims to make the program more attractive for small businesses and target the worst impacted industries through the following changes:
Under the new program, $234 billion are available with $12 billion earmarked for businesses in low-income & minority communities, as well as $15 billion in grants dedicated to live entertainment venues. Through Community Financial Institutions, the SBA hopes to encourage greater access to PPP funds. Businesses that have not received PPP funds previously are eligible for loans up to $10 million if they have 500 or fewer employees. Businesses that received PPP funds during the first round are eligible for up to $2 million in funding if they have 300 or fewer employees.
Information on where and how to apply can be found here.
Additional Resources:
TOPEKA – Kansas surpassed 4,000 Kansas deaths due to COVID-19. In honor of the lives lost and the families they left behind, Governor Laura Kelly has directed that flags be lowered to half-staff throughout the state Saturday, February 6, 2021, from sunup to sundown.
“It is with great sadness that I am once again ordering flags to be lowered to half-staff in honor of the Kansans who have lost their lives to COVID-19,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “My administration remains committed to slowing the spread of COVID-19 and vaccinating Kansans as quickly and efficiently as possible. In the meantime, I know Kansans will do their part to protect their loved ones by following the public health guidance.”
To receive email alerts when the governor orders flags to half-staff, please visit: https://governor.kansas.gov/newsroom/kansas-flag-honor
~ Subcommittee appointed to evaluate Property Tax and provide suggestions for reform ~
TOPEKA – On Friday, January 29, the Governor’s Council on Tax Reform heard input from state and national policy experts who provided broad and enhanced perspectives on many of the top tax issues already under consideration in the 2021 Kansas Legislature.
On the issue of allowing itemization of state income deductions even for taxpayers claiming the newly expanded federal standard deduction, Dr. Donna Ginther, the Council’s Chief Academic Advisor, presented data suggesting that this proposal would benefit less than seven percent of all income tax filers, with much of the benefit accruing to high income earners.
To that point, if itemization legislation being heard in the statehouse passed, only 1% of Kansas tax filers in the lowest tax bracket, $0.01-$25,000, would benefit. For the top 18% of taxpayers, the benefit increases especially for those earning $100,000 to $250,000. For taxpayers making $250,000 or more that benefit is minimal as many of those taxpayers already itemize. In total, the itemization legislation in the Kansas Senate would only benefit an additional 6.6% of Kanas taxpayers.
“Any tax proposal that we consider during the 2021 session must preserve our fiscal foundation and provide relief for Kansas families and small businesses who have borne the economic brunt of the pandemic,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “After nearly a decade of disastrous tax policy, the last thing Kansas needs is a return to Brownback-style tax cuts undermining our COVID-19 recovery efforts.”
The Council discussed an alternative option, which was originally suggested by the Kansas Society of Certified Public Accountants, that would expand individual income tax deductions at a similar cost to the state by simply increasing existing Kansas standard deduction amounts – a proposal that would provide tax benefit to more than 90% of all Kansas tax filers.
Budget Director Adam Proffitt outlined the Governor’s Budget proposal, which includes two sales tax equity issues recommended by the Council that are designed to level the playing field for many Kansas small businesses. Those two pieces of legislation ensure that marketplace facilitators collect and remit compensating use taxes which are already due and owed to the state. The second broadens the tax base and updates tax code as the delivery of entertainment has changed with technology.
Council Co-Chairs Janis Lee and Steve Morris announced the creation of a special subcommittee on property taxation to be chaired by Former Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley. The subcommittee will work with state and local officials to further evaluate property tax legislation currently in the statehouse and other property tax reform issues.
Other Members of that group include Former House Majority Leader Don Hineman; Susan Sherman, Olathe Assistant City Manager; and Chris Courtwright, Former Principal Economist for the Kansas Legislative Research Department. In addition, there will be representation from League of Kansas Municipalities; Kansas Association of Counties; Kansas County Clerks and Election Officials Association; Kansas County Appraisers Association, and Kansas Department of Revenue’s Property Valuation Division.
Handouts and additional information about the Council’s January 29 meeting:
https://governor.kansas.gov/tax-reform-council-agenda-and-handouts-january-29-2021/
View the Council’s report here.
Biden Administration Considers Changes to Bolster Effectiveness of Program and Recommits to Making CRP a Cornerstone of Conservation Programming
WASHINGTON, February 5, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is extending the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) General Signup period, which had previously been announced as ending on Feb. 12, 2021. USDA will continue to accept offers as it takes this opportunity for the incoming Administration to evaluate ways to increase enrollment. Under the previous Administration, incentives and rental payment rates were reduced resulting in an enrollment shortfall of over 4 million acres. The program, administered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), provides annual rental payments for 10 to 15 years for land devoted to conservation purposes, as well as other types of payments.
Before the General CRP signup period ends, producers will have the opportunity to adjust or resubmit their offers to take advantage of planned improvements to the program.
“The Conservation Reserve Program provides a tremendous opportunity to address climate change both by retiring marginal cropland and by restoring grasslands, wetlands, and forests,” said Robert Bonnie, Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Secretary. “CRP has a 35-year track record of success beyond just climate benefits, by providing income to producers, improving water quality, reducing erosion, and supporting wildlife habitat and the hunting and fishing opportunities that go along with it. By extending this signup period, we’ll have time to evaluate and implement changes to get this neglected program back on track.”
As one of the largest private-lands conservation programs in the United States, CRP provides both economic and conservation benefits by taking land out of agricultural production. Program successes include:
This signup for CRP gives producers an opportunity to enroll land for the first time or re-enroll land under existing contracts that will be expiring Sept. 30, 2021. All interested producers, including those on Indian reservations and with trust lands, are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center for more information.
All USDA Service Centers are open for business, including those that restrict in-person visits or require appointments. All Service Center visitors wishing to conduct business with FSA, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or any other Service Center agency should call ahead and schedule an appointment. Service Centers that are open for appointments will pre-screen visitors based on health concerns or recent travel, and visitors must adhere to social distancing guidelines. Visitors are also required to wear a face covering during their appointment. Our program delivery staff will continue to work with our producers by phone, email, and using online tools. More information can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus.
Girard Medical Center of Uniontown, the new community health center in western Bourbon County, will open in March.
Residents currently must travel either to Fort Scott which is 20 miles away, Iola-25 miles, Pittsburg-38 miles, or Girard-30 miles for medical care.
Spearheaded by Uniontown Ruritan, and the vision of several members of the community, the Uniontown health clinic is a collaboration of Ruritan, USD 235 School District, the Bourbon County Commission, the City of Uniontown, and Girard Medical Center.
“We hoped to open March 1, but it may be mid-March,” Ruth Duling, the CEO of Girard Medical Center, said.
The school district provided the building for the clinic, which is located south of the Uniontown High School football field on the main street in the small town.
“Uniontown USD 235 is excited to partner with other organizations to bring health care options to our district communities,” USD 235 Superintendent Bret Howard said. “The 2020-21 school year has been very challenging, especially when it comes to community health. USD 235 is pleased to partner with Girard Medical Center and the Uniontown Ruritan Club in making this dream a reality.”
“It is great to see the successful culmination of a dream become reality in the creation of the Uniontown rural health clinic,” Mark Warren, District #37 Governor of Middle America Ruritan, who helped spearhead the project, said. “This clinic has the potential to benefit citizens of all ages and provide a choice in health care for the residents of our community.”
GMC is planning to start providing services to the community with the clinic open three days a week, Duling said.
“The remodel has gone well, and we just have clean—up and finishing touches,” she said.
“We are still working on securing personnel,” Duling said. “We will have two positions to start with and we have applicants for those positions already.”
The Girard Medical Center of Uniontown is part of the satellite clinics that GMC has in southeast Kansas: Girard Medical Center of Cherokee, Girard Medical Center of Arma, and Girard Medical Center of Frontenac.
Fort Scott Community College
Athletic Department Attendance Policy
Admission/Ticketing
Beginning February 6, 2021 Fort Scott Community College will allow spectators to attend athletic events up to 25% fan seating capacity. This decision shall be reviewed March 1, 2021, at which time the capacity limit may be increased, decreased, or remain steady.
Below are the capacity requirements:
Indoor Sports: 25% fan seating capacity maximum
Basketball – Two fans per FSCC student-athlete will be allowed on pass list.
FSCC students will be allowed to attend up to the 25% capacity of the arena.
Total fan attendance not to exceed 62 total fans.
No visiting team fans will be allowed.
Volleyball – Three fans per FSCC student-athletes will be allowed on pass list. FSCC students will be allowed to attend up to the 25% capacity of the arena. Total fan attendance not to exceed 93 total fans. No visiting team fans will be allowed.
FSCC student-athletes are required to submit names on pass list 48 hours ahead of game time. FSCC students must present student ID in order to attend the games.
Outdoor Sports: 25% fan seating capacity maximum where seating is clearly designated. For those venues or areas without clearly designated seating, fans must remain socially distanced.
No visiting fans will be allowed at FSCC outdoor events
* All fans must wear masks for both indoor and outdoor venues.
* There shall be no concession allowed
* No outside food or drinks allowed.
Every effort will be made to ensure a 6-ft area marked off separating the teams and participants from the spectators.
Visiting Team Travel Party Limitations
The travel party shall be limited to the numbers listed below. The travel party shall include all players, coaches, training staff, managers, bus drivers, and any other team personnel.
o Basketball: 25
o Volleyball: 25
All members of the travel party must be screened prior to their entrance at the same time as the team.
All team personnel must be included on the form KJCCC COVID-19 Screening: Team Personnel Greyhound Athletics
“Academic Achievement. Athletic Excellence. Community Service.”
