Monthly Archives: August 2022

Government

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter

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Hosting My Annual Kansas Conservation Tour
Kansas Dairy Development in Deerfield
It was great to have so many people from across Kansas join me on this year’s Conservation Tour. This year, we were in Southeast Kansas and started the tour at Kansas Dairy Development (KDD) in Deerfield.

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The purpose of this stop was to learn from KDD about the water conservation techniques they use to raise calves and run an efficient dairy farm. KDD has invested in energy free and overflow-free water tanks, and through these efforts, water consumption has dropped more than two gallons per head, per day across the facility. Thank you to Jason Shamburg, owner of KDD, for hosting us and for sharing his insight on sustainability and conservation of resources for our state.

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Knoll Brothers, Inc. in Garden City
Our second stop was at Knoll Brothers, Inc. in Garden City. Shane and Zack Knoll operate an irrigated farm where they grow wheat, corn and sorghum. As fourth-generation farmers, they understand the importance of sustainable farming practices so that their family farm can continue for generations to come. Thank you to Shane and Zach for hosting us and for sharing their expertise with us during my Conservation Tour.

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Circle Land & Cattle Corporation in Garden City
For the final stop, we visited Circle Land & Cattle Corporation in Garden City to learn about their water conservation methods to responsibly utilize water from the Ogallala Aquifer.

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Circle Land & Cattle (CLC) was established in 1972 and was strategically developed with water pumped from the Ogallala Aquifer. As water in the Ogallala is declining, water conservation is a top priority.

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CLC’s conservation efforts help support Garden City’s water supply enabling the city to continue to grow and meet the water needs of the community. Thank you to Circle Land & Cattle for hosting us and sharing insight into their success with sustainable water conservation.

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On Sunday evening, prior to my 16th Annual Conservation Tour, I joined local leaders, education professionals, scientists and area agricultural producers to learn about and discuss the state of the Ogallala aquifer. We heard from industry experts on ways to mitigate depletion of the water supply and efforts to recharge the aquifer that is vital to the economy of Southwest Kansas.

Goodtimes Grill
Thank you as well to Goodtimes Grill from Copeland for serving us lunch during the final stop on my Conservation Tour. I first ate Goodtimes Grill during Dodge City Days and was excited they could serve more than 100 of us during the tour.

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Hosting U.S. Army Chief of Staff General McConville in Kansas
On Thursday, I hosted General James McConville, the 40th Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, at Fort Leavenworth and Fort Riley. At Fort Leavenworth, we spoke to soldiers participating in the Army’s Pre-Command Course, a training program created to help future Company Commanders and First Sergeants prepare for command. These soldiers are the future leaders of our Army, and they display true commitment to service of our country.

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During our visit to Fort Riley, we met with soldiers and saw some of the vital training capabilities this base offers. While Fort Riley has projected growth over the next several years, for further gains to be made, we have to overcome the current recruiting crisis. We are in the most challenging recruiting environment since the creation of the all-volunteer force. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue to work with the Army to make certain they have the resources needed to address this crisis. Our visit to Fort Riley concluded with a chance to visit with local leaders in the Fort Riley community. Support from the community is critical in these efforts to maintain a strong national defense, and we are grateful to these Kansans for making the Fort Riley community a great place for its soldiers and their families to call home.

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Thank you to General McConville for his leadership and for taking the time to visit these bases in Kansas, which continue to be a source of pride for our state. Special thanks as well to General Theodore Martin, Fort Leavenworth Commanding General and Fort Riley First Infantry Division Deputy Commanding General Niave Knell for hosting us, and to all of our soldiers and their families who sacrifice to defend and serve our great country.

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Monica Bassett – 2022 Army Spouse of the Year
While at Fort Riley, I met Monica Bassett who was named the 2022 Army Spouse of the Year. A military spouse of eight years and mom of two, Monica is currently stationed at Fort Riley with her husband, Major Gregory Bassett. It was an honor to meet her and speak with her about the work she is doing at Fort Riley to serve our soldiers, their families and the surrounding local community.

Military service is family service. Thank you to Monica for her sacrifice, service and dedication to our military community.

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Showcasing Kansas’ Contribution to Space
We are approaching the dawn of a new era in space. In the coming days, NASA’s Artemis I mission will launch on the first Space Launch System (SLS) rocket from Kennedy Space Center. Artemis I is an uncrewed test flight of NASA’s Artemis program to return astronauts to the moon and beyond.

I recently hosted the head of NASA in Kansas to showcase our state’s contributions to NASA and the Artemis mission. Watch the video below to learn more about Administrator Nelson’s visit to Kansas.

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President Biden’s Student Loan Announcement
President Biden’s $300 billion plan to cancel student loans will fuel inflation and do nothing to actually lower the cost of higher education. There is no doubt that times are hard for many Americans, but canceling student loan debt is unfair to the millions of Americans who worked their way through college, chose careers that didn’t require a college degree, saved money and paid off their own debt or enlisted in the military. Forcing Kansans, who worked hard and played by the rules, to pay other people’s debt is not right.

Visiting Humboldt
On Tuesday, I was in Humboldt and met with a number of folks including Mayor Nobby Davis and City Administrator Cole Herder. I also toured the downtown square with Paul and Alana Cloutier of A Bolder Humboldt who moved to Kansas from California about five years ago. This organization was established to help bolster the community by connecting with large employers and identifying businesses to recruit to the area. They also help rehabilitate storefronts in the downtown district, which is now home to a confectionery store, a coffee shop, several restaurants, clothing boutiques and video golf.

Humboldt’s efforts go beyond their downtown and are one of the reasons why the community has been featured in newspapers and magazines across the nation. Thank you to everyone who welcomed us into their stores and stopped for conversation.

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Touring Orizon Aerostructures in Chanute
This week, I visited Orizon Aerostructures for a tour of their assembly plant in Chanute and to learn more about the work they do manufacturing aviation parts here in the heartland. Founded in 2016, this company services commercial, defense and general aviation. They currently have six locations, and the plant in Chanute is the newest facility.

In 2021, Blue Origin announced a multi-year partnership with Orizon to work on Blue Origin’s engine program and their reusable heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle. Because of the success they have seen with their southeast Kansas location, and the strong work ethic of Kansans who work in this facility, Orizon is looking to double its size. Currently, there are 378 employees working at the Chanute location.

It was great to hear about the continued efforts by Orizon to make certain aviation parts are manufactured domestically and specifically, right here in Kansas. Thank you to Orizon CEO Charlie Newell and President Henry Newell, as well as Charlie’s son Rick Newell, for hosting me during this visit. Thanks as well to Todd Newman, Chanute City Manager, Matt Godinez, Chanute Economic Development Director and Director of the SEK Regional Planning Commission and Jane Brophy, Chanute Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, for joining us.

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Visiting KwiKom Communications in Iola
This week, I visited KwiKom Communications in Iola to learn from them about the work they do to provide Internet access to Kansans. First opened in 2004, KwiKom Communications provides high speed Internet coverage to 45 counties in Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. One of their first business opportunities was helping grain elevators access the Internet to check commodity information. Today, they continue to work to help bring broadband access to rural areas of Kansas and to work with other providers to make certain that our Kansas communities are connected through reliable, high-speed Internet coverage. Thanks to John Terry of KwiKom Communications for hosting me during this visit and to Jonathan Goering, Economic Development Director for Thrive Allen County, for joining.

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Attending the Manhattan Chamber’s Established Business Leaders Lunch
On Thursday, I attended the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce Established Leaders lunch group. It was great to join this group to discuss current issues facing the local Manhattan community. I expressed my shared goals of supporting Fort Riley, Kansas State University, the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) and other economic development projects like the Scorpion commitment. The Manhattan Chamber continues to be a driving leader in the community, supporting local businesses and promoting economic growth for the area. Thank you to Jason Smith, Chamber CEO, for the opportunity to stop by and visit with chamber members.

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Touring Vortex Global in Salina
I recently visited Vortex Global in Salina, a family-owned company that employs more than 400 people in the community. The components produced by Vortex are used in the manufacturing process of food and beverages, plastics and chemicals, minerals and metal and pharmaceuticals. During this visit, I was impressed by the work ethic, dedication and culture of this organization, as well as the wide scope of equipment produced right here in the heart of Kansas. Thank you to Vortex CEO Travis Young for hosting me during this visit and for investing in the Salina community.

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Attending the Alton Summer Jubilee Parade
It was great to be at the Alton Summer Jubilee Parade on Saturday and see familiar faces and speak with Kansans about the issues that matter to them. I also enjoyed the chance to talk with several members of the Alton American Legion during the parade.

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Visiting VFW Post #8873 in Stockton
On Saturday, I also had lunch at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post #8873 in Stockton. It is always an honor to spend time with those who have served our nation, and I am grateful to each of these veterans for the sacrifices they made to protect and defend our country.

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Kansans Helping the People of Ukraine
In times of need, Kansans always help others. In Wichita, Beth Hawkins is working to provide handcrafted quilts to the people of Ukraine. After seeing millions of Ukrainians flee their country following Russia’s invasion, Beth and her business partner Gina Halladay decided to help them by creating Wrap Ukraine with Quilts. Watch below to hear from Beth about this important initiative and the work being done to collect quilts from all across the U.S. to send overseas to Ukrainians in need. For more information and to support these efforts, you can visit: www.HelloCottons.com

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Now Accepting 2023 Spring Internship Applications
My own interest in public service was sparked by an internship for Kansas First District Congressman Keith Sebelius in 1974. As an intern, I had the chance to learn firsthand how a Congressional office operates and how the legislative process works. I am proud to be able to offer this same opportunity in my Senate office today, where I have interns year-round working closely with my staff on behalf of Kansans.

Applications for internships in my Washington, D.C. and Kansas offices for the spring 2023 session are due October 9th. Congressional internships are open to qualified undergraduate and graduate students who have an interest in public service and have achieved academic excellence. Click here for more information and to apply.

Now Accepting 2022 Service Academy Applications
As students are preparing for the upcoming school year, I want to remind them of the opportunity to apply to a United States Service Academy. One of my favorite duties as a U.S. Senator is appointing Kansans to the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland; the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York.

For the list of requirements and to apply, you can visit my website here. All application materials are due to my Olathe office by Friday, September 2, 2022. After applications have been reviewed, applicants will be notified of interviews with my Service Academy Selection Board, which will take place on Saturday, September 24, 2022 at the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson, Kansas.

Honored to Serve You in Washington
It is an honor to serve you in Washington, D.C. Thank you to the many Kansans who have been calling and writing in to share their thoughts and opinions on the issues our state and country face. I appreciate the words of Kansans, whether in the form of a form of letter, a Facebook comment or a phone call, who wish to make their voice heard.

Please let me know how I can be of assistance. You can contact me by email by clicking here. You can also click here to contact me through one of my Kansas offices or my Washington, D.C. office. 

Very truly yours,
Jerry

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Hays
1200 Main St.,
Suite 402
P.O. Box 249
Hays, KS 67601
Phone: (785) 628-6401		 Manhattan
1800 Kimball Avenue,
Suite 270
Manhattan, KS 66052
Phone: (785) 539-8973
Fax: (785) 587-0789		 Olathe
23600 College Blvd.,
Suite 201
P.O. Box 1154
Olathe, KS 66061
Phone: (913) 393-0711
Fax: (913) 768-1366
Garden City
1511 East Fulton Terrace, Suite 1511-2
Garden City, KS 67846
Phone: (620) 260-3025		 Wichita
100 North Broadway,
Suite 210
Wichita, KS 67202
Phone: (316) 269-9257
Fax: (316) 269-9259		 Pittsburg
306 N. Broadway, Suite 125 (rear entrance of bank)
P.O. Box 1372
Pittsburg, KS 66762
Phone: (620) 232-2286
Fax: (620) 232-2284
Washington, D.C.
Dirksen Senate Office Building | Room 521 | Washington, D.C. 20501
Phone: (202) 224-6521 | Fax: (202) 228-6966

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Church news, Fort Scott

Ft. Scott Lighthouse Encouraging Unity 

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Ft. Scott Lighthouse Encouraging Unity

 

Fort Scott Lighthouse welcomes Rachel French, the leader of a local interdenominational Christian women’s group, IF: Fort Scott.   IF: Fort Scott promotes unity throughout the Body of Christ in Fort Scott and surrounding areas.

They host weekly Bible studies and two large gatherings throughout the year. The studies and events are focused on unity, discipleship, and community.

IF will be hosting their next Gathering on Saturday, October 22. Tickets for the event go on sale Saturday, September 10, and can be purchased at https://iffortscott.wixsite.com.

 

Rachel is a Jesus Follower, wife to Daniel plus a mom to two teen girls, Grace and Sophie, an advocate for unity within the Body of Christ, a member of Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church and a believer in local community stewardship.

 

Guests are welcome Thursday, Sept. 8 at 6:30 p.m. This is an interdenominational ministry opportunity for men, women, and youth. The goal of Aglow International is: Every nation touched, every heart changed.

Fort Scott Aglow Lighthouse meets the second Thursday of each month at the conference room of Fort Scott Inn, 101 State Street.

Area News, Business, Government

Energy Transmission Line To Pass Through Bourbon County

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KCC grants NextEra public utility status to build a 94-mile Wolf
Creek to Blackberry transmission line, but with added conditions

TOPEKA – In a special business meeting August 29, the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) granted a certificate of convenience and necessity (CCN) to NextEra Energy Transmission Southwest, LLC, enabling the company to do business as a transmission only public utility in the State. The company filed an application for the certificate in February in order to construct a 94-mile, 345 kV transmission line from Wolf Creek to the Blackberry Substation, less than one mile over the state line in Southwest Missouri. The proposed line runs through five Kansas counties: Coffey, Anderson, Allen, Bourbon and Crawford. The final route has not yet been approved by the Commission.

The Wolf Creek to Blackberry project was identified by the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) as a necessary economic project to increase the transmission capability and relieve congestion from western Kansas east to SPP load centers. SPP is a regional transmission organization (RTO) mandated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to ensure reliable supplies of power, adequate transmission infrastructure, and competitive wholesale prices on behalf of its members. SPP serves 17 states, including Kansas.

In issuing today’s order, Commissioners agreed the project provides benefits for Kansans.

“Based on the testimony received, the Commission finds that the Transmission Project will have a beneficial effect on customers by lowering overall energy costs, removing inefficiency, relieving transmission congestion and improving the reliability of the transmission system.”

Justin Grady, KCC Chief of Revenue Requirements, Cost of Service and Finance testified that Kansas customers could see an increase of $0.04 to $0.05 per month to cover the cost of the line beginning in 2025, but when the benefits of the project are considered, they should see a reduction of $4 to $7 for every dollar spent on the line over its 40 year operating life.

Grady also addressed misconceptions about the financing and purpose of the transmission line. He said the cost of the line will be allocated equally across the entire 14 state SPP region based on transmission customer load share. Kansas is paying 16.5% of the cost.

As for concerns that the line will be shipping nuclear or wind power out of Kansas to states outside of the SPP footprint, Grady said there is no evidence to support that.

While granting the certificate, the Commission imposed additional requirements and conditions on NextEra designed to protect ratepayers and to explore ways to minimize the impact of landowners along the proposed route. One of the conditions calls for NextEra to evaluate the feasibility of double circuiting the line with an existing 25-mile Evergy 161 kV transmission line and report back before a line siting application can be filed with the Commission. A double circuit line has two independent circuits on the same structure eliminating the need for an additional easement and reduces structure costs.

“The public interest of Kansans, especially including the landowners that would be affected along this portion of the preliminary route of the line, will not be served if this issue is not comprehensively reviewed by all parties before NEET Southwest files its line siting request with the Commission. To reiterate, failure to earnestly and completely review the double circuit option may result in a proposed route that the Commission cannot approve as reasonable, which the Commission wishes to avoid.”

Today’s order can be viewed here.

A recording of today’s Business Meeting featuring Commissioner comments on the order, is available on the KCC YouTube channel.

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, COVID-19, Health Care

CHC/SEK now has Novavax protein-based COVID-19 vaccine available 

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Sliding fee discounts and financial assistance is available to eligible patients, as stated on the front door of the CHC/SEK Clinic in Fort Scott.

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) clinics has received the recently authorized Novavax vaccine as the latest tool in the fight against COVID-19. To date, the Baxter Springs, Coffeyville, Columbus, Fort Scott, Iola, Parsons, Pittsburg, and Pittsburg South clinics have received doses. Vaccinations are available on a walk-in basis, or by appointment.  There is no out-of-pocket cost to receive the vaccine at CHC/SEK. 

The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine is the latest authorized and recommended vaccine to prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death caused by the virus. Novavax is manufactured using a familiar type of protein-based vaccine technology that has been used for more than 30 years in shots that help prevent diseases like shingles, hepatitis B, the flu and other illnesses.  

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine on July 13 for the prevention of COVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in individuals 12 years of age and older who have not received a primary series of a COVID-19 vaccine previously. 

Access to multiple types of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines authorized by the FDA and recommended by the CDC gives people more options and flexibility to choose their vaccine.   

The Novavax vaccine is given in a two-dose primary series, with a second dose administered between three-to-eight weeks after the first.  

Neither a booster nor a third dose is authorized at this time. 

“We now have another tool to manage COVID-19,” said Linda Bean, D.O., FAAFP, Chief Clinical Officer at CHC/SEK. “Novavax provides another option for a safe, effective and free vaccine. With the BA.5 variant continuing to spread, now is the best time to get a vaccine if you haven’t already.”

For more information about COVID-19 vaccines, testing and treatments, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html#about-vaccines

K-State Extension

Drought and Heat Stress Continues to Affect Trees and Shrubs

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Krista Harding
District Extension Agent, Horticulture
Southwind Extension District
111 S. Butler
Erie, KS 66733
Office: 620-244-3826
Cell: 620-496-8786

 

Rainfall across the Southwind District has been spotty at best for several weeks now. The US Drought Monitor was recently updated on August 25th.  It now has most of the area in a D2 intensity – classified as a severe drought. Unfortunately, the long-range projection doesn’t show the drought breaking anytime soon. As Kansans, however, we all know that could change and we could go from a drought to a flood in the matter of a few days! I’m not hoping for rainfall like that, but several inches in the up-coming weeks would be welcome.

Heat and drought stress has taken a toll on newly planted trees and shrubs this year. Any time we plant a new tree, it will go through a period of “transplant shock.” Just like the name implies, this is a period of stress on the new plant as it tries to adapt to its new environment. Many times, new trees will drop almost all of their leaves the first year planted. Due to the heat and lack of rainfall this year, it has been more severe. Obviously, this is quite concerning to homeowners. The good news is that in most instances, the newly planted tree will be fine and leaf out the following spring.

However, as we continue to remain in a drought situation, careful attention needs to be paid to any new trees or shrubs that were planted this spring. Here are watering recommendations:

  • Water should be retained around the base of the newly planted trees by building a low berm just outside the planting hole.
  • Soak soil weekly – applying approximately 10 gallons of water
  • For every inch of trunk diameter greater than two inches, an additional ten gallon should be applied.
  • Monitor trees even into the winter as supplemental watering will still be needed if drought remains

As for shrubs, since they are smaller, they will require less water. Water enough to thoroughly moisten the entire rootball, down to a depth of 8 inches – about once a week.

 

To reduce the stress on our older, mature trees, concentrate on good watering – not just a quick shot here and there. As long as we remain in a drought, water older trees to a depth of at least 10 inches. Make certain to water out beyond the drip line. Avoid watering at the base of the trunk as the absorbing roots are farther out. Check the watering depth by pushing a screwdriver or metal rod into the soil. It will stop when it reaches dry soil.

 

If you have concerns about the health of a tree or shrub, please feel free to contact me. I am available to make home visits if needed.

 

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.

 

 

Bourbon County, Business, Entertainment, Food

Uniontown’s Old Settler’s Picnic and UHS Class Reunion This Weekend

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The annual Old Settler’s Picnic committee is gearing up for this weekend’s activities, with events for people of all ages. In addition, the Uniontown High School Alumni Association has planned events for Saturday.

On Labor Day, Sept. 5, “There will be new food trucks and vendor booths”,  Becky Shinn, Secretary-Treasurer of the committee said. The vendors will be scattered around the town square of the town of less than 300 people. The town doubles and sometimes triples in size for this annual event.

Also in the park on Labor Day will be the picnic offerings. In addition to the food trucks, the Uniontown High School FFA will be serving BBQ food, and the Methodist Church, a chicken dinner.

The announcer for this year’s event is Adelay Martin.

The children’s parade will line up starting at 9:50 a.m. on Sept. 5 on the east side of the town square and prizes will be awarded for best theme, decorated  bike, child costume, pet and battery operated toy. No gas powered vehicles are allowed in the children’s parade, which will start at 10:15 a.m.

Uniontown High School Cheerleaders board their float for the 2019 Old Settlers Picnic Parade.

The theme of the parade this year is “Back to the Old School Days”, and entries are invited to decorate their vehicles and hay wagons to showcase their organizations. There are prizes for best church float, best theme oriented float, school floats, All Terrain Vehicles (they must be clean and decorated), antique tractors and cars.

Horses are always welcome in the parade, but riders are asked to unload them at the rodeo arena, west of town on Hwy. 3. The horses be last in line up in the parade and are asked to line up at the Methodist Church.

The Uniontown High School Class of 1959 wait to board their float for the 2019 Old Settlers Picnic Parade on Labor Day, 2019.

Throughout the day there will be raffles with drawings for cash prizes.

The Dale Jackson Memorial Car Show will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the square.

For further info, click below.

Dale Jackson Memorial Car Show Sept. 5 in Uniontown

There is no baby contest this year.

For the kids is the traditional turtle race at 11:30 a.m., so be on the look out for a fast turtle! An egg toss competition, along with foot races and water races are planned for people from pre-kindergarten age to 100 years old on the south side of the square.

As is the tradition, there will be a recognition of the oldest man, oldest woman, longest married couple, former resident that traveled the farthest distance, and the resident who has had a Uniontown address the longest time.

May be an image of text that says 'Old Settler's Picnic HOSTED BY THE UHS CHEERLEADERS FEATURING TURTLES RACING, EGGS TOSSED WATER RACES, AND FOOT RACES! AGES: PREK-2ND -2ND 3RD-5TH 6TH-8TH -8TH FRESH-SENIOR 19-100 STARTIME 11:30 Let the Games Begin...'
Graphic from the Old Settler’s Picnic Facebook page.

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights at the Hwy. 3 arena, west of town, there will be rodeos to entertain. See the flyer above for more information.

At 10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 4, coffee, milk and donuts will start the fellowship time of the Community Church Service at 10:30 a.m., this year presented by the Uniontown Methodist Church. Please bring lawn chairs for the service.

As part of the family game night on Sunday evening, the UHS Cheerleaders will be hosting a 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament as a fundraiser. Additionally, there will be a bubble gum chewing contest, watermelon eating contest and cornhole contest, with events starting at 5:30 p.m.

May be an image of text that says 'D LET THE GAMES BEGIN! 3 ON 3 BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT A fundraising event for the UHS Cheerleaders SEPTEMBER 4TH AT CITY PARK. SIGN UP STARTS AT 5:30 $5.00 per person 3peope max team Games are minutes long Come out and enjoy 0 fun night of basketbal and other games!'
Graphic from the Old Settler’s Picnic Facebook page.

High School Reunion

This year the Uniontown High School alumni are having their reunion on Saturday, Sept. 3, in conjunction with Old Settler’s Picnic weekend celebration.

A “Welcome Back” Reception at the UHS Commons area at the high school is scheduled from 3-5 p.m. Cookies and drinks are provided as well as an opportunity to tour the school. All alumni, and current and retired faculty and staff are invited to attend.
All-School Reunion Alumni will host a party at Uniontown City Park from 6 p.m. to midnight, with a Disk Jockey presenting music and a food truck. Coolers of beverages are welcome, but no glass containers.
Bourbon County, Schools

GED Orientation Sept. 6 at FSCC

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Fort Scott Community College offers adult education classes to assist students in General Educational Development (GED) preparation, basic math and reading skills, employment skills, and college preparation and transition. Individuals who have completed the adult education classes will have the opportunity to earn a GED, Basic Computer Skills certificate, and the Kansas Work Ready certificate.

Adult education classes are open to students ages 16 and older. Students who are under 18 must have a Parental Waiver for Compulsory Attendance to attend class; the form can be obtained from the last school district the student attended.

Attendance is mandatory all days of orientation. Class times are Monday through Thursday from 9 am – 12 pm, 1 – 4 pm, and 4 – 7 pm. The adult education center is located in the Library in Bailey Hall.

Based on the results of your assessment during orientation, staff members will develop an individualized plan to help you achieve your goals. In order to be eligible to take the GED examination, you must have completed all of the adult education class requirements, passed all required exams, and have a valid government issued photo identification card.

The cost for the class is $35 and includes the ACCUPLACER college entrance exam, Northstar Digital Literacy Certification, WorkKeys Employment Skills Test, TABE assessment, and one GED Ready Practice Test. GED testing fees are not included in the class fee.  The GED test fees are $33 per subject (Math, Reasoning Through Language Arts, Science, Social Studies) which can be taken and paid for separately; due when you register for the test.

Upon successful completion of the examination, the student will be issued a diploma by the Kansas State Department of Education.

 

These classes could be for students lacking a diploma OR for anyone needing to review their basic reading and/or math skills.  I have had students take my class to prepare better for college entrance, to qualify for a program such as KansasWorks, or to even just learn how to use a computer and brush up on technology skills.  Students CAN enroll in the ABE class if they lack basic skills, even if they have a HS diploma or GED.

I am accepting students that are ready to learn.  They would just need to contact me to schedule an appointment to fill out paperwork and take the TABE pre-assessment.  If students are not ready to start right away, our next orientation will be September 6th.  If you know someone that is interested, please send them my way.

Aubrey Duft

ABE/GED Instructor at FSCC

[email protected]

(620)223-2700 Ext. 4400

 

Opinion

Drinking From the Dipper by Carolyn Tucker

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I’ve cherished a heartwarming memory about family and well water since I was about six years old. My Aunt Pauline and Uncle John lived in the country and had a well just outside their house. (Where I come from, water from a deep life-giving well that never ran dry was always preferred over other resources.) An elongated well-draw bucket was used to fetch the water. Then the water was released into a clean aluminum dishpan, and that’s where my cousins and I would get a refreshing drink when we were thirsty. Everyone (oldest to youngest) drank from the same dipper because we were all family. However, should anyone stop by, he/she could have a drink from the dipper too. Anyone thirsty and needing to wet their whistle was welcome, accepted, and loved.

 

The biblical story of the woman at the well depicts a powerful life-changing encounter with Jesus.  He and His followers were traveling through Samaria and, while the disciples were in town buying something to eat, Jesus wearily sat down on the edge of Jacob’s well to rest. Around noon, a Samaritan woman came to draw water from the well. Since Jews traditionally despised the Samaritans, she was surprised that Jesus would strike up a conversation with her. But her nationality made no difference to this caring Stranger. In fact, Jesus  kindly said to her, “Please give me a drink.“

 

The woman said to Jesus, “’You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?’ Jesus replied, ’If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask Me, and I would give you living water’” (John 4:9,10 NLT). He explains that anyone who drinks water from the well will soon get thirsty again. “But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life“ (John 4:14 NLT).

 

The two of them talked about the unseemly aspects of her broken life. As Jesus showed His love and acceptance while teaching about salvation, her spirit was opened to receive the truth. She said, “I know the Messiah is coming — the One who is called Christ. When He comes, He will explain everything to us. Then Jesus told her, ‘I AM the Messiah!’” (John 4:25,26 NLT). The woman was thirsting for answers and Jesus spoke of more than she had hoped for! Excitedly, she left her water jar and ran lickety-split back to the village, telling everyone, “’Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could He possibly be the Messiah?’ So the people came streaming from the village to see Him” (John 4:29,30 NLT). While she was passionately sharing her testimony with others, she became the first New Testament evangelist to win a village to Christ.

 

Statistics show that 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. I don’t know what percentage of Americans are genuine believers. But I do know there’s a large percentage of people wandering around in a spiritual desert, chronically dehydrated, looking for living water. Christians need to realize we’re a walking testimony. The water jar we carry is on the inside of us and it’s full of fresh living water that’s supposed to bubble over onto the thirsty people around us. God wants to use us to compassionately tell others that Jesus knows everything they’ve ever done and loves them anyway. Now that’s Good News!

 

The Key: Come see this Man; He knows you thirst, He knows you hurt, and He understands.

Opinion

Money Flow by Gregg Motley

5 Comments

Money Flow

 

In my last column, I compared the total business payrolls of Bourbon County to that of two of the most relatable counties in Southeast Kansas: Allen and Neosho.  While payrolls are a strong indication of the vitality of business activity in a jurisdiction, one can also look at the flow of money into a community to gauge the strength of that activity and future prospects.  As the saying goes, “It takes money to make money.”  While that it is not an absolute, it certainly holds true much of the time.  Accordingly, let us take a look at the flow of money into these three counties over the last few years.

 

One way to understand how much money is being created in a community is to look at the lending activity to small businesses; almost all of our Southeast Kansas businesses fit that definition. Here is a chart of total small business loans outstanding in each county and the average loan size at origination:

 

2015                                      2019

County # Loans Ave. Loan Size # Loans Ave. Loan Size 2020 Pop.
Allen 144 $44,785 129 $34,264 12,526
Bourbon 100 $27,452 133 $41,571 14,360
Neosho 121 $13,661 128 $19,828 15,904

 

As you can see, over the five years considered, Bourbon County has grown their small business community when measured by lending activity.  Each of these loans puts additional money in circulation in a community and helps fuel future economic activity.

 

How has that translated into the money supply in our community?  One way to evaluate that is to look at total deposits in the county financial institutions.  Here is how the banks in the three counties compare in recent years:

 

2019                                               2020

County Institutions Deposits Institutions Deposits
Allen 5 $292 million 5 $357 million
Bourbon 6 $254 million 6 $277 million
Neosho 7 $394 million 7 $453 million

 

Allen and Neosho lending institutions and investors have millions of dollars more to place in future business activity than Bourbon County, and their deposits grew by 22% and 15%, respectively, compared to 9% for Bourbon County.  Part of the explanation of the dramatic one-year growth in all three counties are government programs rolled out during the pandemic, such as the Payroll Protection Program, which injected millions of dollars into small businesses across the country.  The real question is whether these businesses invested in payroll and business activity, or paid off bank loans and stuck the rest into their deposit accounts.  Considering our increase in lending activity and smaller deposit growth, it looks as if more of this kind of government money went to work in Bourbon County small businesses than that of the other two counties.

 

All indications are that the small businesses in Bourbon County are holding their own, and increasing their economic activity relative to our two similar neighbors.  Bourbon County REDI encourages you to support your local small businesses by shopping local and paying your sales tax in Bourbon County.  Let us all help the vitality of our small business community when possible.