Afraid of the Dark by Carolyn Tucker

Keys to the Kingdom

I grew up in the country and I never thought of being afraid as I walked at night from the detached garage up to the house. Neither one of my folks taught me to be scared of the dark, but they did teach me to respect God, people, lightning, certain animals (like a horse, a sow with piglets, a dam with her puppies), state troopers, etc. Having respect and being afraid is not the same thing. However, I’ve always been downright scared when I’ve seen a cruiser with lights flashing in my rear-view mirror. Like a cat on a hot tin roof, I immediately knew I was guilty of speeding. But when I respect the speed limit, I never think about being pulled over and given a ticket. Being afraid is a very unpleasant experience and sometimes we actually bring it on ourselves, e.g., daydreaming with a lead foot.

 

“Now when all the people [Israelites] saw the thunder and the flashes of lightning and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking, the people were afraid and trembled, and they stood far off and said to Moses, ’You speak to us, and we will listen; but do not let God speak to us, lest we die.’ Moses said to the people, ’Do not fear [be scared], for God has come to test you, that the fear [respect, esteem, worship, veneration, honor, love] of Him may be before you, that you may not sin.’ The people stood far off, while Moses drew near to the thick darkness where God was” (Exodus 20:18-21 ESV).

 

When the people rejected the opportunity to draw near to God, I believe  they missed out on receiving something supernatural from Him. There’s no logical reason to stand far away when we can snuggle in to receive help, strength, and comfort in His presence. As believers, we’re to live in constant pursuit of His presence. The reason believers fellowship with God through His Word, pray, listen for His gentle voice, and follow His leading is because that’s how we stay in close contact with Him. Living in God’s presence is how we change from glory to glory week after week. “So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord — who is the Spirit — makes us more and more like Him as we are changed into His glorious image” (2 Corinthians 3:18 NLT).

 

There may be times in your life when you feel confused, afraid, discouraged, or lonely, but keep pursuing God. Be like Moses and walk straight into the thick darkness and, if you  don’t give up, you’ll find God right in the middle of it (ref. 1 Kings 8:12).  No matter where you are or what‘s going on, God is there with you. King David said, “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there” (Psalm 139:7,8 NKJV).

 

There are times when life can be so dark you could slice it with a knife. Sometimes it’s so dark you can’t see your hand in front of your face. Sometimes it takes a long night to  truly appreciate the gorgeous sunrise. But every time you’re troubled you can always come into God’s presence. Even in the middle of the thickest darkness, God will take your hand and lead you to the light. “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11). Just as King David wanted Mephibosheth in his presence (2 Samuel 9:3,5-7), God wants His children in His presence. What a comforting privilege to be wanted by the Great I AM!

 

The Key: Don’t be afraid of the dark because God is waiting for you in the middle of it.

Nevada Hospital Earns High Rating

NRMC Earns 5-Star Rating


Nevada Regional Medical Center recently earned a 5-star quality rating
from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the highest rating a hospital can achieve. The overall star rating is based on 48 quality measures in five different categories.

To earn a 5-star rating, NRMC met or exceeded the national benchmark in all 5 categories, which include:
mortality, safety of care, readmission, patient experience, and timely and
effective care.


“We are most pleased with the recent news that NRMC has been

designated a 5-Star Hospital,” says Jason Anglin, NRMC’s Chief Executive
Officer. “This has certainly been a team effort, as everyone has pulled together to consistently provide our patients with excellent care and quality services. Nationwide, only about 14% of hospitals achieve a 5-Star Rating.”


Nevada Regional Medical Center believes that their continued commitment
to “Caring with P.R.I.D.E.” (Professionalism, Responsibility, Integrity, Dedication, and Excellence) has helped them earn this prestigious 5-star rating.

About Nevada Regional Medical Center
Serving a six-county area since 1937, Nevada Regional Medical Center is a 71-bed
acute, intensive and skilled care hospital. Nevada Regional Medical Center has earned
recognition as a respected regional medical center for its comprehensive health care
services, skilled and caring employees and state-of-the-art medical technology. Staff
represent more than a dozen medical specialties, including family practice, women’s
services, neurology, urology, psychiatry, wound care services, and general, vascular,
thoracic and oncological surgery. Additionally, consultation clinics are held regularly by
specialists in oncology, pulmonology, podiatry, ear, nose, and throat and cardiology.

Fort Scott’s USD 234 Enrolls Next Monday

USD 234 Board of Education Building, 424 S. Main

Fort Scott’s School District is  set to begin the new year and has 26 new teachers and five new administrators.

The district scheduled student enrollment for August 1, with the first day of school, August 18.

“USD 234 does still have paraprofessional, coaching, and HVAC positions open,” Dalaina Smith USD 234 Assistant Superintendent, said.

A series featuring the new teaching staff will be featured in the next few weeks on fortscott.biz.

New USD 234 Administrators  are Nick Johnson, Fort Scott Preschool Principal; Krystle Mayginnes, Winfield Scott Assistant Principal; Shelly Charter, WS Principal; Zach Johnson, Fort Scott Middle School Principal, and  Destry Brown, Superintendent.

To view prior profiles of these adminstrators:

Destry Brown: New USD 234 Superintendent

New School Administrator Series: Shelly Charter

New School Admin Series: Zach Johnson

Winfield Scott Assistant Principal: Krystle Mayginnes

Smith’s role as assistant superintendent is new, even though she is not new to the district.

Dalaina Smith began duties as assistant superintendent of USD234 on July 1. Submitted photo.

“At this time we don’t have an anticipated number of students,” she said.

USD 234, is anticipating operating a normal school year for 2022-23, “although…the district admin team will be working to ensure that there is a plan in place in an effort to be proactive,” regarding aCOVID-19 outbreak, she said.

USD 234 will be hosting in-person enrollment on Monday, August 1, 2022. 

Here is the process.

All new students will need to enroll in person at their school, according to information provided by Smith. Families having difficulty with online enrollment or internet access should also plan to attend.  Students who have enrolled online will not need to attend in-person enrollment.  
Families with multiple students will be able to enroll at a single location, but may need to visit with other buildings about specific needs.  Food service, transportation, and technology information will also be available during these times.


Building staff will be on-site to assist families with the enrollment process during the following times on Monday, August 1:

Pre-Kindergarten through 8th Grade will enroll from  7-11 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.
Fort Scott High School will enroll from 8 a.m. to noon  and 1-5 p.m.
For specific questions or concerns, please contact the building secretaries at:
Preschool Center – 620.223.8965
Winfield Scott – 620.223.0450
Eugene Ware – 620.223.3380
Middle School – 620.223.3262
High School – 620.223.0600
The following is the school district’s calendar:

What’s Happening in Fort Scott July 29 Newsletter

What’s Happening in Fort Scott!
July 29th Weekly Newsletter
Summer FUN in Fort Scott
to share with your friends & family!
UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS
________________
TROLLEY TOURS,
ON THE HOUR FROM THE CHAMBER!
Friday 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm
Saturday 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm
$6 adults, $4 children 12 & under
50-minute narrated tour of Historic Fort Scott!
The Lavender Patch’s Hours
Friday-Monday from 9am-1pm
Fort Scott National Historic Site
Daily Tours: 10am & 1pm
7/29 ~ Hair Tinsel/Feather Party at Better in Bourbon, Downtown Fort Scott, 3-5pm
7/30 ~ Soda and Snack Shower for Veterans of Mt. Vernon Veterans Home – Elks Lodge 579, 111 W. 19th St., 10am-5pm
7/30 ~ Special Olympics Golf Tournament, Woodland Hills Golf Course
8/1-8/4 ~ VBS at Fort Scott Church of The Nazerene, click here for more info.
8/3 ~ Zombie Apocalypse Preparedness Training, Museum of Creativity, Free Program for youth ages 8 to 12, 2-4pm, click hereto register.
8/4 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Niece Products Celebrating 10 Years!
8/5-8/7 ~ Sales Tax Holiday Shopping Event, Get a 9.4% discount on ALL items at participating retailers, see flyer below.
8/5 ~ Paint Night at Fort Scott Elks Lodge, click here for info.
8/6 ~ Fort Scott City Golf Championship Tournament, Woodland Hills Golf Course
8/6 ~ Garage Games Masters Tour at Smallville Athletics, 7pm, click here for info.
8/8-8/12 ~ Summer Day Camp, Fort Scott National Historic Site, Youth ages 9 to 12, 8:30-12pm, click here for more info.
8/13 ~ Woodland Hills 1-Person Scramble, Woodland Hills Golf Course
8/13 ~ Care to Share Bike Run, Registration will be from 8:30-10:30am at 5 Corners, click here for more info.
8/13 ~ Bourbon County Carpool Tour – National Cemetery, Guided Carpool Tour in your own personal vehicle, click here for more info.
8/17 ~ FSCC Business Expo, 8:30am-11:30am, see flyer below ~ businesses are requested to register for a booth to welcome students & promote your business!
8/18 ~ Bread Basics Class, Southwind Extension District, 6pm, click here for more info.
8/20 ~ Splashpad Golf Tournament, 8am, click here for more info.
8/20 ~ Dragoon Charge for Wreaths Across America, click here for info.
SAVE THE DATE:
8/31 ~ Bourbon County Job Fair, hosted by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce and Southeast KANSASWORKS, INC., 10am-2pm, Employers can click here to register a booth.
9/9-9/10 ~ Fall Town-wide Garage Sale
9/17-9/18 ~ Marmaton Massacre Mountain Bike Festival in Gunn Park
_____________
SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!
Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!
Clickhere for Chamber member
specialty shopping & other retail in
Downtown & other areas of the community.
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue
Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?
Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.
ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE PREPAREDNESS TRAINING
We are hosting our No Sales Tax Holiday weekend
along with local businesses.
This is a great time to get out and shop local!
BOURBON COUNTY CARPOOL HISTORY TOUR
THIS TOUR LOCATION: NATIONAL CEMETERY
CLICK GRAPHIC BELOW TO RESERVE A SPOT!
FSCC Business Expo is great opportunity to welcome students and promote your business!
Splashpad Golf Tournament Fundraiser at Woodland Hills Enter your team today!
CHAMBER TO OFFER BCBS HEALTH INSURANCE
CLICK HERE FOR INTEREST SURVEY
FORT CINEMA SHOW SCHEDULE THIS WEEKEND
THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER CHAMPION MEMBERS!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
231 E. Wall Street
Fort Scott, KS 66701

God-Talk by Patty LaRoche

Patty LaRoche

This was a big week for God-talk.

I drove to K.C. to meet with Carol, my 89-year-old friend, who loves, loves, loves Jesus.  It had been a couple of years since we had met face-to-face, so she warned me that most of her teeth were missing, but until her dentures are made, this was “as good as it gets.”  I told her that we weren’t competing in a corn-on-the-cob eating contest.  We were just catching up.  That was good enough for her.

Every time we visit, I learn how to be a better person.  Carol never blames God.  Not when her husband died.  Not when her daughter-in-law had cancer.  Not when Carol became incapacitated and could not leave her home.  She radiates joy. We spent much of our time talking about God and what He is doing in our lives…if we are living as He would choose.

Her granddaughter, recently returning from her third three-year missionary stint in Poland, shared this with Carol: “You can never be lost when you are in the center of God’s will.” Carol stays there.

I wander.

My friend has children and grandchildren who call/visit her several times a week. They adore her. When I questioned what her secret is, this is what she said: “I ask myself, when I speak to them, are my words helpful?  Needed?  Timely?  Wise? And most of all, does this person care what I think?”

Advice I need to heed.

This past week, I met with “Lauren” who visited from another state. Lauren has a faith like no other.  When we were setting up a time and place to meet, I suggested we have lunch.  I was not surprised with her response: “Let’s just fill ourselves up on the word of God.”

(Say what?  I mean, can’t we do both?)

With little time, chomping on a sandwich wasn’t nearly as appealing to my friend as it was to me.  I always leave Lauren knowing that I have been in the presence of someone anointed by the Holy Spirit.  Her stories of miracles inspire me, and her ability to read Scripture and find wisdom in God’s words leaves me speechless.

Then, this past week, I met with Karen.  Karen blames God.  Actually, she has found so much fault with Him, she no longer believes in Him.  No one could be as cruel, as uncaring, as He, according to my misguided friend.  Karen is not alone.

There are many who choose to find fault in the One who could make a difference…but doesn’t. When temporary setbacks cause them to question how life is not turning out the way they want.  When they pray for something they don’t receive.  When life just stinks.  In all of the above, they refuse to look in a mirror and accept responsibility for their part in creating the stench.

Most of the time, God-talk inspires me to be a better Christian. But sometimes it reminds me of my need to pray that I can be the same person of influence for people like Karen as Carol and Lauren are for me.

Bourbon County Commission Special Meeting Agenda for July 29

Voting has started in Bourbon County for the primary election, next Tuesday, August 2.

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Friday starting at 1:00 pm

 

Date: July 29, 2022

1st District-                                                                                                 Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jim Harris                                                                      Corrected: _______________________

3rd District-Clifton Beth                                                                              Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Ashley Shelton

 

         

A SPECIAL MEETING WILL BE HELD FRIDAY, JULY 29TH IN THE COURTHOUSE FOYER BEGINNING AT 1 PM.

 

Call to Order

 

  • Flag Salute
  • Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship.

 

Nazarene Church Plans VBS August 1-4

“We want to invite any kids from 4 years old through 5th grade to join us at Fort Scott Nazarene, 1728 Horton St., for an action packed week where kids will discover the greatness of God’s love through music, stories and activities,” said FSN Family Pastor Nick Sprague. “Our VBS will take place next week from August 1st through the 4th for our Vacation Bible School in the evenings from 6 to 8:30 pm.”

“To join us is simple! You can register through our website www.fortscottnazarene.org/forms or you can show up at the church early and get registered on the spot! Our doors will open each night at 5:30 pm! Come join us because it is going to be MONUMENTAL!”

 

 

New Teachers at Eugene Ware: Sarah Hendricks and Anna Kim

This is part of a series featuring new educators in Fort Scott.

There are 26 new educators in USD 234 this year.

Sarah Hendricks and Anna Kim are two new teachers at Eugene Ware Elementary School.

Sarah Hendricks. Submitted photo.
Sarah Hendricks, 22, is a new fourth grade teacher at Eugene Ware Elementary School in Fort Scott.
She received a Bachelors in Science for Elementary Education at Kansas State University and taught second grade last year at Pleasanton.
She is from Olathe.
Her husband is Caleb Hendricks, who is the head football coach for Pleasanton.
Hendricks  interests outside of school are traveling, “going on runs with my dog and watching my husband coach football,” she said.
Since a small child, she knew she wanted to be a teacher.

“It was something I knew that I always wanted to do, so it is a dream come true to be able to do this job,” she said.

“I had great teachers growing up so I always wanted to be like them,” she said.” I learned from them, but I also knew I was loved and cared for at school, I want to do the same for my students.”
For Hendricks, the best part of teaching is getting to know all of the kids and making connections with them.
“I strive to be someone who students look up to and go to whenever they may be having a difficult time whether it’s in academics or not,” she said.
“The biggest challenge in teaching for me, is knowing that I can’t fix everything in my students’ lives,” she said. “It’s hard not to bring work home.”
Anna Kim. Submitted photo.
Anna Kim, 35, is a new fifth grade teacher at Eugene Ware.
Kim is a hometown girl, that has landed back in Fort Scott.
She went to school in Fort Scott from kindergarten through high school then earned a B.A. in Cross-Cultural Ministries from Manhattan Christian College (2009) and M.A. in Teaching from Kansas State University (2022).

 

“I have been teaching in different ways for twelve years, primarily in China,” she said. “I coordinated a volunteer English teaching program for Chinese migrant students, taught third grade at an international school, and English as a Second Language at a Chinese elementary school. I have also taught online and been a substitute teacher.”

“My husband, Jong Kim, is running a restaurant in the Philippines, but will join us in Fort Scott soon,” she said. They have two kids, Naomi (6) and Josiah (3).
My parents, Curt and Kelly Toll, have taught and coached in Fort Scott in the past. My twin brother lives in Colorado with his wife and daughter.
Her involvement with the community centers around spending time with family. “I also attend and teach Sunday School at Community Christian Church,” she said.
How did you become a  teacher?
“For my first official teaching job, the school my husband worked for in China called me in and said, ‘We need a third grade teacher!’ I said, ‘Absolutely not! Not me!’. They said, ‘You’re hired.’The first year was very challenging, but I slowly adjusted and realized I really enjoyed teaching children.
Is there someone who inspired you?
“My mom has been a teacher my whole life. She has always made learning fun and made kids feel special. She is definitely a model of the teacher I want to be.”
What is the best part of teaching for you?
“One of the best parts of being a teacher is seeing students grasp something that was challenging. Building pride and confidence in students is priceless. Another fun aspect is that every day is different. Kids are hilarious and unpredictable.”
What are the challenges?
“Students today face hardships at home, with friends, and on social media like never before. Teachers are not only responsible for the academic success of students, but also for their overall well-being. It is a huge responsibility.”

NO SALES TAX HOLIDAY WEEKEND

Submitted by:
Lindsay Madison, Executive Director,
[email protected]
FORT SCOTT The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce an
opportunity for shoppers to save money August 5th through the 7th. Select retailers will be
offering a Sales Tax Holiday by volunteering to pay the sales tax for shoppers. Enjoy a 9.4%
discount at these participating merchants: Angie Dawns Boutique, Bids & Dibs, Hedgehog.INK,
Museum of Creativity Gift Shop, Papa Dons Pizza, Ruddicks Furniture & Flooring (up to $500
of sales/$50 of Sales Tax) Shirt Shack and Sunshine Boutique. These stores offer a variety of
merchandise including apparel, home furnishings and décor both new and repurposed, school
supplies and much more. There is no need to cross the border during this No Sales Tax Holiday
Weekend. Save money, shop local, shop Fort Scott.

This shop local promotion is organized by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce. Please
contact (620) 2233566 with questions.