Monthly Archives: April 2022

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for April 12

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Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: April 12, 2022
1st District–Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District–Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District–Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk–Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
• Eric Bailey – Road and Bridge Report
• Lora Holdridge – Executive Session KSA 75–4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of
individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
• Tri–Valley Agreement for Services
• County Counselor Comment
• Susan Bancroft, Finance Director Comment
o Executive Session – KSA 75–4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual
nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
• Public Comment
• Elected Officials Comment
• Commission Comment

 


Tri-Valley Agreement for Services

Opinion

Don’t Lose Your Marbles by Carolyn Hayward Tucker

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Keys to the Kingdom

My brother (retired senior pastor) kept a jar of marbles on his church office desk just for a witty conversation piece. The thing that brought grins and chuckles from his parishioners was the sign posted beside it: “Lost your marbles? Take a few.” Randy’s container had Pee Wees, Shooters, and Boulders; the most-popular marble that people chose was the  cat’s eye Shooter. Although I’ve never played the game, I have a few marbles of my own. “Losing your marbles” is a familiar colloquialism. If you’ve said or done something goofy, you may have even had a good friend  ask, “Have you lost your marbles?!”

 

We all have days when we do ridiculously-stupid stuff and an eyewitness would probably think we’ve lost our marbles. I can use myself to illustrate this point. Many years ago, I was preparing to go somewhere and I placed my camera on top of the car as I loaded everything. Silly story short, I later found the smashed-to-smithereens camera on the road a half mile from my house. Needless to say, I didn’t take any pictures that day. I can recall  two different times when I attempted to make sweet tea using salt. That didn’t turn out well at all. Now for the most-recent scatterbrained example: After I had written, proofed, tweaked, and saved this column for publishing, I opened it up several days later and  accidentally deleted it. Poof! The document was gone like a ‘57 Chevy — so I had to rebuild it from scratch. I sure could’ve used one of my brother‘s marbles that day!

 

Sometimes it’s quite a challenge to get all your marbles in a row and keep ‘em there. Once they get loose, they’re liable to roll anywhere. The Bible speaks plainly about the mind of believers. “God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7 KJV). If our thoughts are causing anxiety, we’re probably not rejecting the lies, fears, and doubts that Satan throws at us. God gives believers the power to have a sound mind which enables us to be at peace in troubling situations.

 

Christians have to actively control what we allow into our minds. Understanding the following scripture may dissuade us from watching the news 24-7: “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise” (Philippians 4:8 NLT). Fixing our minds on good news (what God says in His Word) is crucial. Not focusing on bad news is also crucial if we want God’s peace in our life. Jesus said that He was leaving His own peace with us,  which is the real thing and not an imitation peace that the devil offers. “I am leaving you with a gift — peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27 NLT).

 

The biblical and common-sense approach to life is found in this scripture: “Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding” (Proverbs 3:5 AMP). Believers are to entrust their lives and everything in life to their all-wise and loving heavenly Father. We can rest easy knowing we can rely on Him to take care of our every need.

 

The Key: God knows how to keep your marbles from scattering and getting lost.

Opinion

Capital Investment by Gregg Motley

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Gregg Motley. President of the Regional Economic Development, Inc. Submitted photo.

In our economic system, nothing drives the economy more than capital investment.  It is the fuel for the engine of business and our country’s fiscal wellbeing.  Very little constructive happens apart from men and women with funds to invest deciding to take risks for an attractive return on their money.

 

Several megatrends that have impacted our nation since the beginning of World War II have served to shift capital investments away from small communities into urban areas.  Government tax policy, the explosion of business regulation at all levels, and cultural sentiments that have moved us away from capitalism to socialism are a few of the factors that have decreased the amount of capital investment in rural American and our economy as a whole.  More recently, our government has made it less attractive to produce energy by traditional means which discourages capital investments and disproportionately impacts rural America.  One does not see oil wells in the urban core of our cities.

 

As evidence, consider that between 1980 and 1989, business investment in equipment, software and structures grew by 2.7% per year on average and 5.7% in the decade of the ‘90’s; between 2000 and 2011, that number was a paltry 0.5% per year, less than one-tenth the amount of the previous decade.  Moreover, as a share of Gross Domestic Product, business investment has declined by more than 3% since 1980.  If we had the numbers divided between rural America and urban areas, I am sure that they would show that we have borne much more of the decline on a percentage basis.

 

The most obvious example of this in Bourbon County is the dearth of new construction over recent decades.  One simply cannot create value by building something new, as evidenced by the gap between an appraisal and construction costs.  This is also true of new houses.  Nothing puts a damper on capital investment more than the potential of an immediate double-digit percentage loss on that investment.  Naturally, an entrepreneur will build their building and their business in a location where value is created.

 

As an alternative, many Bourbon County men and women have stepped up and purchased struggling buildings and converted them to productive use, opening the doors to a new business in the process.  These people love Bourbon County and are willing to risk the negative return on investment to see us move forward.  Next time you drive by a newly remodeled business location, stop in and thank them by buying something.

 

Bourbon County REDI has this capital investment gap in our crosshairs, looking for ways to close the value gap and help facilitate growth in our business community; sometimes this involves grants, creative financing or angel investments.  If you love Bourbon County, be a part of the solution by helping us reduce barriers to successful entrepreneurship and supporting the men and women who have invested their

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott

Watch Fun in the Mud April 23-24 at Bo Co Fairgrounds

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Mike Hayden and son.
Submitted photo.

A Fort Scott 4×4 Mud Run to benefit a local recreation center is coming to town on April 23-24 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.

Spectator’s cost is $5 person, or $10 for carload (6 and under free).

Participating Mud Run entries are $20.

All proceeds are being donated to the Fort Scott Recreation Center, according to the event organizer Michael Hayden.

“We really appreciate him doing this, the additional funds really help out,” Tom Robertson, director of Fort Scott Recreation Center, said. “This assistance will help with scholarships for kids and families that can’t afford to sign up for a program such as baseball, swim lessons or cooking class, anything with a fee attached.”

Bourbon County was chosen to have the event because leadership was welcoming, Hayden said.

“We wanted to have a mud run somewhere in the southeastern Kansas area to give our members a larger event to attend in a part of the state that is often overlooked for bigger cities,” said Hayden. “After contacting a few different counties, the leaders in Bourbon County and the City of Fort Scott seemed most open and welcoming to the idea.”

Submitted photo.

The event will be at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds, located on South Horton in Fort Scott, just across from the community college.

 

“Mud Runs involve a mud pit dug to a specific depth and length in which a vehicle attempts to power through and reach the other side in the shortest time possible,” Hayden said. “Heavy equipment is standing by to pull out those that get stuck before reaching the end.”

There are typically several different classes of vehicles to keep competition fair, he said.

“We will have two different mud pit depths and three different classes, based on tire size,” Hayden said. “The vehicles need to be registered and street legal, with the exceptions of a few minor modifications. The intent is to allow the average person to be able to come out and have fun! We we have trophies and door prizes in all classes.”

The mud run is organized by the Kansas Ram Club.

“Our major sponsors are Ron’s Tire and Service in Fort Scott, Simon’s Dirt Work in Fort Scott and Buddy’s Home Furnishings in Pittsburg,” he said.

“Also, we have added an additional exhibition night for Friday night at 6 P.M. in which the Kansas Gambler 500 vehicles are going to be coming through the mud pit as part of their annual cruise,” Hayden said. “They plan to have somewhere around 100 eccentric vehicles and should be an exciting time!”

Government, Kansas

Ks Senator Caryn Tyson Newsletter

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Caryn Tyson

It was an intense time in the 2022 regular session of the Kansas Legislature, ending on April Fool’s Day.  It turned out the joke was on legislators who had worked diligently just to be shut down.  Friday around 1:30 am, the House Majority Leader made a motion to adjourn until April 25th at 11 am. – leaving several items to be addressed in Veto Session, including removing state sales tax on food, K-12 funding, and other issues.  The Senate President and Senate Majority Leader worked diligently to complete our work in regular session and not leave work to be finished in Veto Session.  I applaud their efforts.

You may have heard the quote, “Expect the best. Prepare for the worst. Capitalize on what comes.”  Well, that is what I did the last couple of weeks to get tax relief for Kansans.  I worked diligently to find solutions and to pass legislation to help Kansans this year and for years to come.  As chairman of the Senate Tax Committee, I was able to develop and work to pass tax cuts – including property tax relief for homeowners and cutting state sales tax on food.  It was great to work with the chairman of the House Tax Committee and other conferees to produce Conference Committee Reports (CCRs) 2239, 2597, and 2106.

To give you some background on conference committees, tax bills that passed either chamber could be worked in a Tax Conference Committee.  It was difficult this year because the House did not debate one tax bill on the House floor, even though the House Tax Committee debated and worked bills.  Conference committees are about negotiating to find common ground with the other chamber on bills that have passed both chambers in different forms.  It’s difficult to negotiate when the House hasn’t voted on these items.  However, the House was willing to accept many Senate positions as we negotiated tax relief policy for Kansans.

The first product of the Tax Conference Committee was CCR 2239.  It passed the Senate unanimously, the House 103 to 10.  Here is a sampling of items that will become law:

  • a property tax freeze via an income tax rebate for low-income seniors and veterans 50% or more disabled
  • up to $250 tax credit each year for teachers who purchased school supplies with their own money
  • over $40 million in property tax relief – presently there is a $20,000 exemption on the valuation of the 20 mil of property taxes for K-12, this legislation would increase the exemption to $40,000 and increase it each year based on valuation and inflation increases – it hasn’t been increased since 1997
  • removing state sales tax on delivery and postage costs
  • exempting sales tax on fencing materials for agriculture
  • allowing county commissioners an option to abate property taxes on property destroyed by a natural disaster
  • creating a tax credit program for donors to technical and community colleges, capped at $5 million a year
  • making the sales tax exemption on vehicle manufacturer rebates permanent
  • doubling the personal income tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans from $2250 to $4500
  • provides an option for Kansas taxpayers on State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction who are limited by the federal $10,000 cap

The House would not accept this good tax policy unless a provision to create a taxing authority in Shawnee County for the Zoo, Gage Park, and Discovery Center was included.  The Senate accepted the offer since it would be voted on by the people of Shawnee County.  We didn’t want to lose all the good Senate tax positions and good tax policy for Kansans.

The other two tax CCRs, 2106 and 2597, are still in play and will hopefully be passed in Veto Session.  CCR 2106 would remove state sales tax on groceries within three years. Starting January 1, it would decrease from 6.5% to 4%, in 2024 it would drop to 2%, and in 2025 it would go to 0%.  Groceries means that prepared foods would not be included.  Beginning January 1st would provide time for vendors to implement the sales tax reduction.  You may think it is simple to implement, but an example is rotisserie chicken at the grocery store is cooked and ready to eat, so you would think it is prepared food and not exempt.  However, according to the Department of Revenue, it would be exempt unless utensils to eat the chicken were provided.  It would have been simpler to remove state sales tax from all edible items, but many legislators would not support that effort.

Another tax bill negotiated but delayed until Veto Session was CCR 2597.  It had several tax cuts to help Kansans.  There are too many to name, but a few items included are:

  • gradually removing all state income tax on Social Security
  • decreasing income tax on retirement accounts
  • increasing standard deductions using the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) formula for inflation
  • removing state sales tax on commercial electric and other utilities, matching the residential exemption
  • up to $5,000 property tax relief for businesses shut down by the Governor during COVID-19

I will be working with others to get this legislation passed during Veto Session.

Fairness in Women’s Sports, CCR 160, is to ensure participation in women’s sports is for biological women.  The Fairness legislation passed both chambers last week and was sent to the Governor.  The CCR passed the House and Senate.  The Senate vote was 25 to 13.  The Senate would need 27 votes for a veto override.  I voted Yes and will vote Yes on a veto override.  Last year the Governor vetoed the legislation and there were not enough votes for an override.

Election Security was addressed in three CCRs, 2138, 2056, and 2252 which passed to the Governor’s desk.  CCR 2138 had several provisions like requiring watermarked paper for ballots starting in 2024, cleaning up voter rolls, language for election audits in even-numbered years of four counties – one with a population greater than 90,000; one with a population between 20,000 and 90,000; and two under 20,000.  It passed the Senate 28 to 8.  CCR 2056 would limit the county election offices use of drop boxes to one for every 30,000 voters.  Twenty-seven Senators voted Yes and 12 voted No.  CCR 2252 would block the Governor or Secretary of State from altering election law without approval by the legislature.  It passed 27 to 12.  I voted Yes on all three CCRs.

I’ve seen press releases that Mississippi passed a law to block Zuckerberg and other money from influencing elections.  Last year, I had several amendments to protect our elections that became law, including stopping Zuckerberg and other money being used in Kansas elections.  It took a veto-override of 2/3 legislators to become law, but election security prevailed.

There are many more pieces of legislation that have passed.  It can be found at www.KSLegislature.org.  I’ll include more items in a later update.

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.

Caryn

 

Bourbon County, Government

Uniontown City Council Agenda For April 12

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Uniontown City Council will have their regular monthly meeting on April 12 at 7 p.m. at city hall.

Council members are:

___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Josh Hartman ___ Amber Kelly ___ Bradley Stewart

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

 

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

Ruritan, Skeet George –

 

UHS Alumni Association, Susan Eldridge –

 

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Minutes of March 8, 2022 Regular Council Meeting
  2. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

 

 

Codes Enforcement:  Doug Coyan

Shipping/Storage Containers, Accessory/Storage Buildings, Fences regulations, Solid Waste

 

 

Clerk Report:  Sally Johnson  

Financial Audit contract

Insurance renewal

 

 

 

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin –

Councilwoman Esslinger –

Councilman Hartman –

Councilwoman Kelly –

Councilman Stewart–

Mayor Jurgensen –

 

OLD BUSINESS

Wholesale water supply –

 

Pond Improvement Project –

 

City Utility Low-Interest Loan update –

 

American Rescue Plan Act update–

 

Street Repair –

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

 

ADJOURN

To view attachments:

04-22 Informational items

2022 Financials – March

Bourbon County, Government

Uniontown Council Meeting Minutes of March 8

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The minutes are unapproved until the next meeting.

Council Meeting on March 8, 2022 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger (7:05), Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Rachel Carpenter, Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, Raymond “Skeet” George, Uniontown Ruritan, Arlie Bess, Mauriel Whisenhunt, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Rachel Carpenter, Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, gave an explanation of the Placemaking Pathway.  Adding outdoor exercise equipment, public restrooms, pickleball court, etc would be projects that could be partially funded with a pathway grant; however, in order to qualify for a grant a pledge would have to be signed.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 3-2 (Esslinger, Stewart) to sign the Pathways to a Healthy Community Pledge Placemaking Package with Sally Johnson as contact person and submit to Healthy Bourbon County Action Team

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

Raymond “Skeet” George, Ruritan – asked about the Ruritan funding a public bathroom in or near the park.  He presented a sketch and ideas were discussed.  He asked that the City apply for a REDI grant for the project.  He will work with an engineer to get some cost estimates.

 

Arlie Bess – had questions about the discussion the Council has been having on storage containers.  He has two and wanted to know if he would have to get rid of them.  Discussions are preliminary but if an ordinance was passed, his containers would be grandfathered in.

 

Mauriel Whisenhunt – had questions about the discussion the Council has been having on citywide trash service.  She has a house and a business, would she have to pay for two trash service fees?   Discussions are preliminary, but that is a good question and will be considered in future discussions.

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger presented the February Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $361,861.00, Receipts $50,364.54, Transfers Out $12,776.00, Expenditures $60,806.42, Checking Account Closing Balance $338,643.12. Bank Statement Balance $353,490.41, including Checking Account Interest of $27.26, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $14,847.29, Reconciled Balance $338,643.12.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $30,063.99, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $18,566.16, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $28,346.12, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $415,619.39. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $55.71, and Utility CDs $74.84 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $130.55.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of February 2022, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  February Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00, to Capital Improvement-Streets $250.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, to Capital Improvement-Streets $750.00; from Gas Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $6,250.00; and from General Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $2,500, Total Transfers of $12,776.00.  Net Loss for the month of February $23,217.88, Year-to-Date Net Income $14,899.62.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $17,272.29 (16.4%), Expenditures $18,274.04 (14.0%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $5,470.50 (15.3%), Expenditures $8,504.42 (20.7%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $29,400.22 (21.1%), Expenditures $19,466.90 (7.9%); General Fund YTD Revenue $38,577.30 (30.0%), Expenditures $22,785.51 (13.8%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $1,784.86 (26.1%), Expenditures $397.28 (3.7%).  The March 2022 estimated payables in the amount of $22,828.49 were presented.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda:

  • Minutes of February 8, 2022 Regular Council Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent Rich asked for permission to get a dumpster to remove the storage building at 112 Second St and to clean up those two lots.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to allow Bobby Rich to get what is needed to remove the storage building and clean up the lots at 112 Second St

 

Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan was absent so discussion on shipping/storage containers, accessory/storage buildings, fences regulations and citywide solid waste was tabled until next month.

 

Clerk Johnson informed the Council that KDHE is soliciting for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects to fund.

The legal bills for the transfer of 105 Third St have been received.  She asked for clarification of what was to be billed to the buyer and what was the City’s responsibility.  The amount to bill to the buyer is $76.

She reminded the Council that League of Kansas Municipalities’ Governing Body Institute & Mayors Conference is April 29-30 at Manhattan

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – nothing

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilman Hartman – asked about spring citywide cleanup.  After discussion

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to schedule a spring citywide cleanup for April 25-29 with dumpsters picked up when filled and the number of dumpsters to be determined by current cost

 

Councilwoman Kelly – was approached about someone wanting to purchase a corner lot to put an RV on to live in until something could be built.  They were encouraged to attend a council meeting to present their request.  The City does not allow people to live in RVs.

Councilman Stewart – nothing

Mayor Jurgensen – wants another rabies clinic.  Clerk Johnson will contact Marmaton Valley Vet Clinic to get one scheduled.  If after March 31, those attending will not be charged a late fee for registration.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Wholesale water supply – Rate ordinances were acquired from City of Fort Scott for 2013 to present.  Rate ordinances for the same period were requested from Bourbon County Consolidated Rural Water District #2 but not received yet.  Councilman Ervin has worked up some figures but forgot to bring them.  The discussion will continue next month.

 

Pond Improvement Project – USD 235 asked if we were still planning to use the rock piled north of the pond and were told yes.  The rest of the project will be completed in the summer.  Clerk Johnson was reminded to order fish food.

 

City Utility Low-Interest Loan update – A couple more have paid in full.  We may be able to pay an additional $10,000 back in a couple more months.

 

American Rescue Plan Act update – Clerk Johnson stated that the first report required by Treasury is due April 30, 2022.  She is attending webinars on compliance and how to complete required documentation.

 

Street Repair – Increases in oil prices may increase the cost of asphalt.  We may not be able to complete as much as we initially thought.  Discussion will continue next month.  The Bourbon County Commission will hold their March 22, 2022 commission meeting at Uniontown Community Center.  If the councilmembers plan to attend a notice will have to be posted, that they may be there but not to conduct city business.  Public Works Director Bailey has contacted Councilmember Kelly to attend the next commission meeting to discuss the resurfacing of Maple Road from Uniontown to Bronson.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Special Event CMB License-Union Station – they are the weigh-in location for the fishing tournament and would like to be able to allow anglers to consume on premises during the tournament, May 28, from 6AM to 11:59PM.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to approve the Special Event CMB License for Union Station for May 28, 2022, 6AM to 11:59PM

 

City Sewer at Union Station – they asked if it was a possibility.  After discussion, the Council consensus is not at this time.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance and applicants of non-elected personnel positions, the open meeting to resume at 8:45

 

Johnson called in at 8:43, out at 8:44.  Meeting resumed at 8:45.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0-1 (Ervin abstain) to hire Ginger Ervin for cleaning/water sampling position, cleaning will be $10/hour, water sampling will be $3/sample

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0,

Opinion

My Rejection Collection by Patty LaRoche

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Patty LaRoche

I am beyond excited!  For not a few years, I have been writing a book.

Call it my “Rejection Collection” if you will, but the actual title is A Little Faith Lift…Erasing the Lines of the Enemy.  And yes, it was difficult to narrow down my personal anecdotes into 25 chapters, but I’ve tried to choose the best of the best.  Or should I say, the worst of the worst?

At any rate, once my book was finished, I started worrying.

What if no one sees merit in it?

Who am I to try and enter the world of authorship when there are hundreds struggling to do the same?

Will I survive if it receives bad reviews?

Would it be tacky to pay my friends to write good ones?

Could it be that I’m the only one who has enough stories of rejection/embarrassment to fill an entire book, so no one will relate…and I’ll be alone, sitting on an island somewhere, yes, alone, reading one of my many…well, books…because I had to pre-order 5,000 of them which, of course, didn’t work out so well for me?

(Did I mention that I will be alone?)

Do you see a problem here?  I wrote a book on overcoming rejection, yet clearly, I have a tad bit of work to do to take my own advice.

A month ago, John, a respected agent, read my first four chapters and wanted to represent me to the Christian publishing world.  For days, I walked around in a stupor, not knowing if I should share the unbelievable news with my friends or not.  I certainly never expected an agent with his reputation to take on someone who had never authored a book, but when his wife read my chapters on an airplane and “laughed at loud in several places” and told her husband so, the deal was sealed.

The next step was for me to write a book proposal.  Twenty-seven pages later, I sent my 1800th revision to John.

It lacked one thing: I didn’t have a huge social media following. Publishers insist on it.  In other words, people have to know me before they want to really know me.

For starters, I had to get an Instagram account.  And yes, I know Instagram has been around for a decade, but I was intimidated by it…which is nuts because one of my chapter titles is this: “The Worse Failure?  Failing to Try.”

In that same chapter, I mention Jael, Abigail, Rahab, Ruth, the hemorrhaging woman and Mary Magdalene, all Biblical characters who took enormous risks.  A page later, I even wrote, “I fear too many people will end up with a life of Regret instead of Adventure.”  So, I took the plunge and between my son, my granddaughter, and my daughter-in-law, I find myself experimenting and now am a member (is that the right word?) of Instagram! You can follow me (please!) at patty_laroche.

This might be the gutsiest thing I’ve ever done in my life (writing the book, not joining Instagram).

What I do know is that I don’t want to look back, years from now, and wonder what might have happened if I didn’t take the risk.

Perhaps you can relate.  Someone/something has convinced you that you aren’t capable, yet you have a passion to press forward. Perhaps you want to design clothes.  Or have a yard sale.  Or sing in the praise and worship band.  Or learn to golf.  Or start a Bible study.  Or perfect a pecan pie.  Or…(you fill in the blank).

Whatever it is, let’s do this together.  Let’s take the risk like the Biblical heroines did so that we never regret not trying.

Entertainment, Fort Scott

Easter Egg Hunt This Saturday April 9 at 11 a.m.

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The Easter bunny, in 2018 portrayed by Carmen Flater, gets a little help before appearing to the children from her husband, Scott.

The Kiwanis Club Easter Egg Hunt has been going on for about 50 years, John Crain, president, said.

The tradition continues when the Kiwanians will be in Gunn Park this Saturday, April 9 distributing the eggs and getting the hunt areas set up before the hunters are released to search for their eggs.

The hunt starts at 11 a.m. sharp, on that day, and at11:05 a.m., “It’s all over,” chuckled Bob Eckles, who is the chairman of the annual hunt.

The Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt in 2018.

“We hope everybody brings their kids and enjoys the morning,” Crain said.

Each child needs to bring their own basket to collect the eggs, which will have coupons from area businesses or candy in them.

Preschool children should go to the area below #2 Shelter House, kindergarten through second grade children will meet south of the #2 Shelter House and third, fourth and fifth grade children will meet on the north side of the entrance road to the park, Crain said.

Parking is by #1, #2 and #3 Shelter houses.

The Easter Bunny will be there and photos can be taken with the bunny by parents, Eckles said.

Fort Scott High School Key Club and the Mud Turtle Softball Team helped stuff the eggs with coupons and candy, Eckles said.

Some Key Club students will help the morning of the hunt as well, he said.

The annual event is funded by donations from the community that includes cash from Diehl, Banwart and Bolton CPA, R & R Equipment, Heidrick’s Hardware, Big Sugar Lumber, Don’s Spirits, Iron Star Antiques and Such, Merle Humphrey Insurance and Photography,  Max’s Way Station.

Coupons for the eggs are provided by the following businesses:

Fort Cinema, Marsha’s Deli, Leanna’s Flowers, Nu Grille, McDonald’s Restaurant, Dairy Queen, Papa Don’s Restaurant, Bids and Dibs Resale Shop, and HedgehogInk Bookstore.

Area News, Government

CHC Awarded $1Million For Regional Transportation Facility for SEK 

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces $13.2 Million Awarded for Public Transit Projects Across Kansas

SALINA – Governor Laura Kelly, joined by Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Administrator Nuria Fernandez and Kansas Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz, announced $13.2 million will go toward 48 public transit projects across the state.

“A strong, safe public transportation system is critical to our state’s economy and quality of life,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Projects like wheelchair accessible busses, upgraded bus facilities, and route and parking lot enhancements will ensure Kansans have access to adequate, safe, and well-maintained public transportation.”

That money will go to 26 transit agencies as part of the Access, Innovation, and Collaboration (AIC) Public Transit Program.

 The announcement took place at the OCCK, Inc., Transportation complex in Salina in an expanded bus facility funded by the Kansas Department of Transportation and an FTA grant, with support from the City of Salina and OCCK. The 16,000 square-foot expansion was completed in November 2021.

“This work reflects the tremendous partnership between all levels of government,” FTA Administrator Fernandez said. “In addition to funding new bus facilities and improving transit service, the grants support the purchase of low- or no-emission buses. That work throughout Kansas will accelerate the transition to cleaner, more efficient transportation system, and help keep our skies blue, our water clean and our climate more predictable by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”

Both urban and rural transit providers receive support from the AIC program, which will improve transit access and services for Kansans. The projects have a total cost of about $17M, with the AIC program providing about $13M ($2M state, $11M federal) of the funds.

In the first two years of the AIC program, KDOT will have awarded $21 million in funding for a total project cost of $26 million.

“The AIC Public Transit Program combines state and federal resources that will enhance access to transit, invest in emerging technologies and form collaborations with public and private transportation providers,” Secretary Lorenz said. “I’m proud of the partnerships we’ve established to improve transportation services and options for Kansans.”

Project types include constructing bus maintenance facilities to aid in fleet management, upgraded transit accessibility following the Americans with Disabilities Act, advanced technologies, and expanded low emissions transit operations.

A map of AIC Transit projects can be found here.
Below, is a list of the AIC Kansas 2022 Selected Projects:

Access, Innovation and Collaboration Kansas 2022 Selected Projects

Project Sponsor

Project Title

Award

Butler County Department on Aging

Technology Upgrade

$1,552

Community Health Center (CHC) – Southeast Kansas (SEK) in Crawford County

Regional Transportation Facility for SEK

$1,043,802

City of Liberal

Transit Program Signage

$172,800

City of Wilson

Bus Facility

$40,000

Clay County Task Force

New Bus for Clay County

$63,000

COF Training Services, Inc. in Franklin County

2021 Bus Replacement

$51,746

Coffey County Transportation

Bus and Bus Facility Improvements

$25,600

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas, Inc. (DSNWK) in Ellis County

8-Passenger Bus w/ 4-Wheelchair Capacity

$71,702

Building & Equipment Updates

$87,412

Flint Hills Area Transportation Agency (FHATA) – serving Riley, Pottawatomie and Geary counties

Safety & Security Upgrades to FHATA Facility

$20,000

Covered Bus Parking Lot at the FHATA Facility

$57,750

Junction City Regional Transit Facility

$900,000

K-18 Connector Expansion

$370,980

Junction City Fixed Route Bridge Funding

$157,500

Real Time Passenger Information Devices

$9,600

Microtransit Study

$54,000

Zero Emissions Vehicle Study

$20,000

Futures Unlimited – Sumner County

Transportation Facility Renovation

$221,060

Hetlinger Developmental Services – Lyon County

Three-Stall Bus Barn

$81,865

Johnson County Transit

EV Micro Transit Service

$374,526

Technology Improvements for RideKC

$382,500

Lawrence Transit

Equitable & Accessible Bus Stops

$122,040

Multimodal Transfer Facility Elements

$1,624,000

Microtransit Pilot

$124,000

Zero-Emissions Transition Plan

$120,000

Technology, Accessibility and Branding Enhancements

$676,448

Lyon County Transportation (LCAT)

Security Camera Expansion

$12,000

Leavenworth County

Secure Parking Area for Transit Vehicles

$525,000

Morris County

Public Transportation Facility

$507,465

Northeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging – Atchison, Brown, Doniphan, Jackson, Marshall, Nemaha and Washington counties

Clean Technology Expansion

$234,509

OCCK, Inc. – Saline, Dickinson, Ellsworth, Cloud, Ottawa, Republic, Mitchel, Jewell and Lincoln counties

Mobility Hubs & Stop Improvement

$84,600

Second Floor Renovation

$270,316

81 Connection Expansion (Saturdays)

$54,812

CityGo+ – Microtransit Pilot in Salina

$250,400

Fixed Route Enhancements – Software & Bus Equipment

$570,769

Osage County

New Vehicles

$222,400

Rooks County

Bus Garage Project

$620,928

Sedgwick County Department on Aging

Vehicle Camera Systems

$32,000

Southeast Kansas Community Action Program (SEK-CAP) – Crawford and Neosho counties

Innovative Scheduling

$103,437

Solomon Valley Transportation – Jewell, Mitchell and Osborne counties

Building Project

$1,484,290

The Guidance Center – Leavenworth

Transit Technology Implementation

$25,747

Unified Government Transit

Bus Facility Modernization

$431,778

Fleet Modernization

$271,440

Paratransit Software Enhancements

$16,560

Accident Incident Management System

$15,300

Micro Transit Expansion

$394,144

Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Pilot Program

$124,168

Wabaunsee County

Fleet Expansion and Barriers

$87,210

Total: $13,213,156


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