Monthly Archives: August 2022

Area News, K-State Extension

SOUTHWIND 4-H MEMBERS WIN 2 STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

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  4-H members from the Southwind Extension District – Allen, Bourbon, Neosho and Woodson Counties – had the opportunity to participate at the annual Kansas 4-H Livestock Sweepstakes at Kansas State University. Their skills and knowledge were challenged by participating in Livestock & Meats Judging, Livestock Quiz Bowl and Livestock Skillathon contests. Those attending were (from left to right) Carla Nemecek (Volunteer Coach), Leah Mueller, Emery Yoho, Byron Fry, Kristy Beene, Carly Dreher, Tate Crystal, Kyser Nemecek, Aidan Yoho, Haleigh O’Brien, Gwen Fry and Brady Hurt

 

4-H members from the Southwind Extension District excelled at the annual Kansas 4-H Livestock Sweepstakes event on August 20-21 in Kansas State University’s Weber Hall. Participants from the Southwind Extension District were Leah Mueller, Emery Yoho, Byron Fry, Kristy Beene, Carly Dreher, Tate Crystal, Kyser Nemecek, Aidan Yoho, Haleigh O’Brien, Gwen Fry and Brady Hurt. The Southwind District is especially proud that 4-H members represented 4-H Clubs from Allen, Bourbon, Neosho and Woodson Counties.

4-H members learned gained new knowledge and worked on livestock skills in order to be competitive in the Sweepstakes event which consisted blending scores in four contests. Southwind Extension District completed the weekend by being named the 2022 Champion and 6th Overall Kansas State 4-H Sweepstakes Teams. Top ten individual Sweepstakes winners for Southwind were Aidan Yoho, 3rd and Tate Crystal 10th after excelling in all contests.

The Livestock Quiz Bowl started with a qualifying exam. The twelve teams with the highest average scores advanced to the quiz bowl competition. Southwind #2 (A. Yoho, Crystal, Dreher, Nemecek) was seated second after the test and was later named the Reserve Champion Quiz Bowl Team. Southwind #1 (O’Brien, E. Yoho, G. Fry, Mueller) earned 3rd best team.

The Livestock Judging contest consisted of nine judging classes and four sets of reasons with 228 contestants and 43 teams from across Kansas. Southwind #2 (A. Yoho, Dreher, Crystal, Nemecek) was 4th in Sheep; 2nd in Hogs; 1st in Cattle and 1st in Reasons and named Third Team Overall. Southwind #1 (E. Yoho, O’Brien, Hurt, Mueller) was 3rd in Sheep; 3rd in Hogs; 5th in Cattle; 5th in Reasons and named Fifth High Team Overall. Individual livestock judging results are as follows:

  • Haleigh O’Brien – 8th Sheep
  • Carly Dreher – 7th Sheep; 8th Hogs; 5th Reasons; 7th Overall
  • Brady Hurt – 3rd Sheep; 9th Hogs; 8th Overall
  • Kyser Nemecek – 7th Hogs; 4th Beef; 2nd Reasons; 6th Overall
  • Tate Crystal – 6th Hogs
  • Leah Mueller – 4th Hogs
  • Aidan Yoho – 19th Overall

The Meats Judging contest was based on identification of thirty retail cuts, six placings classes and three sets of reasons. Southwind #2 (Crystal, B. Fry, G. Fry, A Yoho) was 1st in Placings, 9th in Reasons, 2nd in Retail ID and Third Team Overall. Individual meats judging results are as follows:

  • Byron Fry – 5th Placings
  • Aidan Yoho – 7th Identification; 10th Overall
  • Gwen Fry – 8th Placings; 10th Identification; 8th Overall
  • Carly Dreher – 9th Placings

In the Livestock Skillathon, 4-H members rotated individually through stations that addressed six areas of animal science. Those included feedstuffs, breed identification, equipment identification, meat identification, wool evaluation and a written test. There was also a team component where members worked together on evaluating quality assurance protocols, and judging wool. Southwind #2 (Crystal, Dreher, O’Brien, A. Yoho) was 2nd in Exam, 1st in ID; and Champion Team Overall. Individual Skillathon results are as follows:

  • Aidan Yoho – 1st Identification; 10th Exam; High Individual Overall
  • Tate Crystal – 3rd Identification; 3rd Overall
  • Haleigh O’Brien – 9th Overall; 7th Exam

 

This group worked hard and studied a great deal of material to prepare for four state contests. To be named the Champion Skillathon Team, Reserve Champion Quiz Bowl Team, 3rd & 5th Overall Livestock Judging Teams, and Overall Champion Sweepstakes Team at the state contests shows how hard these 4-H members pushed each other to “Make the Best Better.”  The Southwind District is proud of their accomplishments and look forward to future growth and learning.

 

 

 

Area News, Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Southwind District 4-H’ers Win Intermediate Kansas 4-H Meat Judging Contest

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Southwind District 4-H’ers following the awards presentation. Pictured left to right is MaKinlee Bloesser, Hailey Shadden, Kendyl Bloesser, Marley Sutton, McKinley Sutton, and Seth Shadden.

Southwind District 4-H’ers won the Intermediate Kansas 4-H Meat Judging Contest held at Weber Hall on the campus of Kansas State University in Manhattan. The intermediate participants were Hailey Shadden, Kendyl Bloesser, MaKinlee Bloesser, Marley Sutton, McKinley Sutton and Seth Shadden.

 

The contest classes consisted of 30 retail cut identification; 3 classes of pork wholesale/primal-subprimal/retail cuts; 3 classes of beef wholesale/primal-subprimal/retail cuts; and 2 sets of 5 questions.

 

Results for the 4-H’ers are as follows:

Team: High Team Overall, High Team Retail ID, 2nd High Team Placings, 2nd High Team Questions

Hailey Shadden: High Individual Overall, 2nd High individual Retail ID, 7th High Individual Placings, 9th High Individual Questions

Kendyl Bloesser: 2nd High Individual Overall, 3rd High Individual Retail ID, 5th High Individual Questions, 8th High Individual Placings

Makinlee Bloesser: 5th High Individual Overall, 3rd High Individual Placing, 5th High Individual Retail ID

Marley Sutton: 7th High Individual Overall, 4th High Individual Retail ID

McKinley Sutton: 11th High Individual Overall, 9th High Individual Retail ID

Seth Shadden: 26th Individual Overall

 

This group of 4-H’ers tried the contest last year and were 5th. As you can see, their hard work this year definitely paid off. Congratulations to our Southwind 4-H’ers.

Fort Scott Community College, Government

Minutes of FSCC Trustees Meeting on July 18

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FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
July18, 2022
PRESENT: John Bartelsmeyer, Dave Elliott, Jim Fewins, Kirk Hart, Bryan Holt, and Robert Nelson
ALSO PRESENT: Alysia Johnston, President, Juley McDaniel, Board Clerk, faculty, staff, and CTEC Board
members
Chairman Bartelsmeyer called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall. The meeting was
opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: None.
APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS, POSITIONS, AND OFFICIALS FOR 2022-23 – A motion was made by
Fewins, seconded by Holt, and carried by unanimous vote to approve officers, positions, and officials for 2022-23 as
presented.
CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to
approve the consent agenda.
Fewins requested that any available new hires to come to the September meeting so the Board can meet them.
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A. Chuck Howze of Dissinger & Reed reviewed insurance quotes for 2022-23. A motion was by made by
Elliott, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to accept the quote of $105,841 for athletic
insurance from Berkley Life & Health, and $5,866 for catastrophic insurance for Zurich American for a
total of $111,707.
B. Julie Eichenberger reviewed the result of the bids for football equipment that was previously approved for
disposal to other programs that can use it. Bids closed at 2:00 p.m. on July 15, 2022. Eleven groups
submitted bids, and all 15 bundles sold. Sterling, Aces Elite Junior College, and Scott Smith were the
winning bidders for a total of $60,000 in revenue, $30,000 of which is for helmets alone. Winning bidders
are to have their equipment removed by August 2, 2022. Revenue created from these bids will be applied
to the outstanding athletic debt in the foundation. Julie has reviewed the procedure with the auditor for
applying the revenue appropriately.
C. A motion was by made by Nelson, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the
contract for professional services of Diehl, Banwart and Bolton to perform the audit of Fiscal Year 2022 in
the amount of $25,485.
D. Administration reviewed updates to the organization chart.
REPORTS:
ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES: The Board reviewed and heard updates from the Gordon Parks Museum, Miami
County Campus, Instruction, Finance and Operations, Student Affairs, and the President.
Holt asked about the status of the Legacy group topic that was tabled last meeting. John Bartelsmeyer, Luke
Demko, and Carolyn Sinn are working on the list of inventory.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion was made by Nelson, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote to
move to executive session for 10 minutes starting at 6:35 p.m for the purpose of discussing employer-employee
negotiations as it relates to negotiations with FSCAPE, with no action expected to follow. The Board invited
President Johnston into executive session.

The meeting returned to open session at 6:45 p.m. with a motion by Elliott, a second by Hart, and unanimous vote.
A motion was made by Nelson, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote to move to executive session for
15 minutes starting at 6:50 p.m for the purpose of discussing personnel matters of non-elected personnel as it relates
to the president’s evaluation, with no action expected to follow. Just the Board of Trustees to start, and President
Johnston was invited in at 7:00. At 7:05, the Board extended executive session ten minutes.
The meeting returned to open session at 7:16 p.m. with a motion by Elliott, a second by Hart, and unanimous vote.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at
7:17 p.m. by Nelson, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous v

Bourbon County, Government

Bo Co Commission Agenda for August 30

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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: August 30, 2022
1st District–Nelson Blythe Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District–Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District–Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk–Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM BEGINNING WITH THE REVENUE NEUTRAL RATE
HEARING AT 6PM WITH THE REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING FOLLOWING.
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
• Eric Bailey – Road & Bridge Report
• Justin Meeks – County Counselor Comment
• Susan Bancroft – Chief Financial Officer Comment
• Shane Walker – Chief Information Officer Comment
• Public Comment
• Commission Comment
Justifications for Executive Session:
KSA 75–4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
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
KSA 75–4319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employer–employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency
KSA 75–4319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships
KSA 75–4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property
KSA 75–4319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.

Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Government

FSCC Trustees Agenda For August 29

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August 29, 2022
Board of Trustees
Fort Scott Community College
2108 S. Horton
Fort Scott, KS 66701
The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on Monday,
August 29, 2022. The meeting will be held in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall at Fort Scott
Community College.
4:30 p.m. Budget Worksession at 4:30 followed by dinner in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall at
Regular board meeting begins at 5:30 p.m.
THE AGENDA
4:30 BUDGET WORKSESSION
5:00 DINNER
5:30 ROLL CALL, 3
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
BUDGET HEARING, 5
A. Comments from the Board, 5
B. Comments from the Public, 5
C. Approval of Budget Revenue Neutral Rate, 5
D. Review and Adoption of the 2022-23 Year Budget, 5
CALL TO ORDER, 6
A. Comments from the Chair, 6
B. Comments from the Public, 6
C. Strategic Plan Update, 6
CONSENT AGENDA, 7
A. Approval of Agenda, 7
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on July 18, 2022, 8
C. Approval of Treasurer’s Report, Bills, and Claims, 10
D. Approval of Personnel Actions, 7
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS, 64
A. Consideration of Legacy Football Request, 64
B. Approval of Agreement with FSCAPE, 65
C. Approval of 15 Passenger Van Lease Renewal, 66
D. Consideration of STARS Welding Equipment Bids, 73
E. Approval of Bailey Hall Furniture Purchase, 75
F. Approval of Fire Alarm System Service Contract Renewal, 86
G. Consideration of Cafeteria Remodel Bids, 881

ITEMS FOR REVIEW, 92
REPORTS, 95
A. Administrative Updates, 95
EXECUTIVE SESSION, 102
ADJOURNMENT, 1032

UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:
• August 29, 2022: Board Meeting
• September 5, 2022: Labor Day, Campus Closed
• September 19, 2022: Board Meeting
• October 17, 2022: Board Meeting
• October 29, 2022: President’s Cup Foundation Golf Tournament
• November 21, 2022: Board Meeting
• November 23-25, 2022: Thanksgiving Break, Campus Closed
• December 12, 2022: Board Meeting
• December 15, 2022 – January 4, 2023: Christmas Break, Campus Closed
• January 16, 2023: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Campus Closed
• January 23, 2023: Board Meeting
• February 20, 2023: Board Meeting
• March 13 – 17, 2023: Spring Break, Campus Closed
• March 20, 2023: Board Meeting
• March 24, 2023: Aggie Day
• April 7, 2023: Good Friday, Campus Closed
• April 17, 2023: Board Meeting
• May 13, 2023: Graduation
• May 15, 2023: Board Meeting
• June 19, 2023: Board Meeting
Sincerely,
John Bartelsmeyer, Chair
Alysia Johnston, President
FSCC’s vision for the future is to support “Students First, Community Always” through a
central focus on teaching and learning; advancing strong, innovative programs and
departments; maximizing and leveraging opportunities; initiating efficient and effective
processes; and developing the region’s workforce.3

ROLL CALL
_____ John Bartelsmeyer
_____ Jim Fewins
_____ Dave Elliott
_____ Kirk Hart
_____ Bryan Holt
_____ Robert Nelson

BUDGET HEARING
A. COMMENTS FROM THE BOARD
B. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
C. APPROVAL OF BUDGET REVENUE NEUTRAL RATE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the Revenue Neutral Rate for Fort Scott Community College was calculated as 28.079
mills by the Bourbon County Clerk; and
WHEREAS, the budget proposed by the Governing Body of Fort Scott Community College will
require the levy of a property tax rate exceeding the Revenue Neutral Rate; and
WHEREAS, the Governing Body held a hearing on August 29, 2022 allowing all interested
taxpayers desiring to be heard an opportunity to give oral testimony; and
WHEREAS, the Governing Body of Fort Scott Community College, having heard testimony, still
finds it necessary to exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY
COLLEGE:
Fort Scott Community College shall levy a property tax rate exceeding the Revenue Neutral Rate of
29.288 mills.
This resolution shall take effect and be in force immediately upon its adoption and shall remain in
effect until future action is taken by the Governing Body.
Recommendation: It is recommended that the Board approve the Revenue Neutral Rate resolution as
stated above.
BOARD ACTION: MOTION _____ SECOND _____ VOTE _____
DISCUSSION:
VOTE: Bartelsmeyer Elliott Fewins
Hart Holt Nelson
D. REVIEW AND ADOPTION OF THE 2022-23 YEAR BUDGET
Recommendation: Administration recommends that the Board approve the 2022-23 budget as
presented.
BOARD ACTION: MOTION _____ SECOND _____ VOTE _____
DISCUSSION:
VOTE: Bartelsmeyer Elliott Fewins
Hart Holt Nelson5

CALL TO ORDER
(regular monthly meeting)
A. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
B. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
C. STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE6

CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
1) Attached are the minutes of the Board Training and Regular Board Meeting
conducted on July 18, 2022.
C. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT, BILLS and CLAIMS
Attached are the Treasurer’s Report and the Bills and Claims Report.
D. APPROVAL OF PERSONNEL ACTIONS
1) Additions
a) Shane Kern, STARS Welding Instructor, effective August 22, 2022
b) Jared Dorsey, Digital Content Specialist, effective August 29, 2022
2) Separations
a) Jeffrey Sawyer, Assistant Rodeo Coach, effective August 22, 2022
b) Amanda Johns, Iowa MEP Regional Recruiter, effective August 31, 2022
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Consent Agenda items be approved as
presented.
BOARD ACTION: MOTION _____ SECOND _____ VOTE _____
DISCUSSION:
VOTE: Bartelsmeyer Elliott Fewins
Hart Holt Nelson

Obituary

Obituary of Elvin “Dale” Wiley

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Elvin “Dale” Wiley, 78, of Fort Scott, passed away Tuesday, August 23, 2022, at Freeman Hospital in Joplin, Missouri. He was born January 4, 1944, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the son of Fred Funston and Opal Virginia (Duncan) Wiley.

He married Annetta Marie Harth on May 12, 1962, in Fort Scott. They were married for sixty years, and Marie survives of the home.

 

Dale served in the U.S. Navy from 1962 until 1966 on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Kittyhawk. He was a Firefighter for Fort Scott Fire Department for twenty-three and half years from 1967 until 1992. He was a carpenter for over forty years, working with his brother Lloyd on his days off from the fire department. Later he began repairing sewing machines for Helen’s Fabric. He was also a machinist, and loved to build and make things. He particularly loved a good challenge.

 

In addition to his wife Marie, Dale is survived by his two sons, Bryan Wiley and wife Kimberly, of Independence, Missouri, and Bradley Wiley and wife Robin, of Fort Scott, Kansas; a brother, Lloyd Wiley, of Fort Scott; six grandchildren, Jessara Bowenshulte, and husband Tyler, Cullan Wiley, Breck Wiley, Whitley Wiley, Chelsea Zandler, Daryn Wiley and fiancé Collin Grayum; one great-grandson, Bennett Bowenshulte, and one more great-grandchild on the way. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Dorothy Hoffman; two brothers, Larry Wiley, and Don Wiley; and an infant sister Netti.

 

Following cremation, Pastor Paul Rooks will conduct funeral services 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 3, 2022, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Burial will take place at the Fort Scott National Cemetery at a later date. The family will receive friends Friday evening September 2, 2022, from 6-7:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Care to Share.  and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

 

Obituary

Obituary of Norma Fitzsimmons

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Norma Jean Fitzsimmons, 90, formerly of Fort Scott, passed away Tuesday morning, August 23, 2022, at Saint Francis Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She was born July 8, 1932, in Redfield, Kansas, the daughter of Harry Earl and Pearl (Gunsolley) Wilson. She married Richard Donald Fitzsimmons on August 16, 1950, and he preceded her in death May 4, 2010.

 

Norma is survived by her sons, David Fitzsimmons, of Waynesville, Missouri, Mike Fitzsimmons, of the Lower 48, and Kevin and wife, Brenda Fitzsimmons, of Tulsa, Oklahoma; a sister, Barbara Bolinger, of Olathe, Kansas; a son-in-law Matt Townsend of Fort Scott, Kansas; eight grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was also preceded in death by her parents, a daughter, Julie Townsend; five sisters, Wylma Pearl Campbell, Juanita Durbin, Una Bowles, Thelma Darlington, and Dora Ellen Henning; and a brother, Harry Duane Wilson.

 

Funeral services will be at 9:00 a.m. Thursday, September 1, 2022, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, with burial following at 10:00 a.m. at the Fort Scott National Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church and left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 West Wall Street, PO Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701.  Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

 

 

 

Fort Scott, Schools

New U234 Teacher: Dale Brauer

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This is part of a series featuring the 26 new educators in USD 234.

Dale and Ashleigh Brauer and children. Submitted photo.

Dale Brauer is a new 8th-grade math and Algebra 1 teacher at Fort Scott Middle School.

He earned an Associates of Science from Fort Scott Community College, Bachelors of Science in Education from Pittsburg State University and a Masters of Science in Educational Leadership from Pittsburg State University.

This is Brauer’s ninth year in education.

His hometown is Girard, Kansas.

His wife is from Fort Scott, Ashleigh Page Brauer, and they have three children.

“We raise our six year-old nephew Theodore Brauer, our
oldest son is 2 years-old, Maverick Brauer, and Macen, 2.5 months old.”
Brauer’s grandparents are Mary Diane and Derell Spencer, and his mom is Susan West. He has a brother Marcus Page and wife, Ashley, who work at Fort Scott Community College.

In his spare time he likes making items out of wood – cabinets, tables, kids toys, and spending time with his family.

A former teacher from his high school inspired him to take part in the profession of teaching, he said.

For Brauer, the best part of teaching is interacting with students.

K-State Extension

Starlite FCE August 2022 Minutes

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The August meeting of Starlite FCE was held at the Yeager Building on the Bourbon County Fairgrounds.  President Glenda Miller called the meeting to order and led the club in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Club Collect.  Ten members were in attendance and reported that they had volunteered for 236 hours, and had recycled 160 pounds since their last meeting.

 

Thank you, letters were read from Betty Johnson, Byron Fry and ShowMe Christian Youth Home.  Glenda Miller acknowledged Delphine Parks and Jackie Warren’s birthdays.  Doris Ericson gave the treasurer’s report and announced that the Bake Sale at the Fair had raised $285.00 to go toward the scholarship fund.  Doris also announced that our club had won the hay bale decorating contest and received third in the scarecrow contest.

 

Before the meeting the members filled gift bags with snack foods to be presented to the Police department, Fire department, Sheriff department, the EMT’s, the ER and the walk-in clinic personnel.  They also signed cards thanking them for their service to our community.  Members also signed cards for Deb Lust and Nolene Whiteside.

 

Glenda Miller reported on the highlights from the Flash newsletter and announced that election of officers would be in January.  It was also announced that dues are due in October.

 

Doris Ericson moved the meeting be adjourned, Letha Johnson seconded the motion, meeting adjourned.

 

After the meeting Karen Peery presented the lesson Advanced Wishes to the members.  Karen had also prepared a display, that was in the Meyers building during the fair.  The display contained forms for people to take home and fill out to have their lasts wishes on record.  One hundred forms were distributed.

 

Refreshments prepared by Karen Peery, Betty Johnson and Glenda Miller consisting of parfaits, caramel corn, chocolate dessert, mints and water were enjoyed by the all.

 

Prepared by

Terri Williams

Opinion

The Edge of the Addiction Cliff by Patty LaRoche

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Patty LaRoche

In a Bible study, my group prayed for Ben, a 21-year-old heroin/meth addict who has been placed in a treatment center by his parents.  Ben, we were told, was a star baseball player.  At 6’6” and 250 pounds (plus owning a 93-mph fastball), scouts were showing an interest.  Two summers ago, while tossing haybales at his parent’s ranch, Ben felt something pop in his throwing arm.  The news was not good.  He would need Tommy John surgery.

Ben was told that it would be about two years before he would pitch again.  The opioid Oxycodone was prescribed, and Ben became addicted.  Fortunately, he was not one of the 130 people who die daily from an opioid-related overdose, but ultimately, that pain killer morphed into illegal drugs (not uncommon since 80% of heroin users begin with prescription pills).

For two years, tens of thousands of dollars were spent ineffectively on rehab facilities by the young man’s parents.  On his own, Ben took the first step to stop using drugs.  The improvement was so radical, his parents bought him his own house so he could get a fresh start.  Then he needed his wisdom teeth pulled.  Pain pills were prescribed, and Ben was hooked again, this time more than ever. His parents once again brought him to live in their home.

One night, Ben’s parents went to town for an evening out.  They took precautions, locking the keys to their second car in the safe.  When they returned, they found the safe had been pulled into the garage and their tractor was missing.  On a meth-high, Ben had been able to drag the safe next to the car, hoping the keys were close enough to start the vehicle.  When that failed, Ben drove the tractor to McDonalds, a few miles away.

Ben now weighs 155 pounds and calls his parents daily, begging them to remove him from the facility to which they have committed him.  I found myself grieving for the parents, as I have walked alongside two friends whose sons had chosen similar paths and had made those phone calls.  Some days, it was all the parents could do to drag themselves out of bed as their sadness would take on the same lifespan as their addict children. Some days, they enabled their addict child.  Some days, they drew a line in the sand and refused to help.

In the last year, I have sat with two mothers whose young adult children died from drug’s side effects.  One was suicide from drug-induced bipolar disorder and the other from drug-induced bulimia.  Their children’s torment has ended.  Theirs hasn’t.  In this life, it probably never will.

There are all types of addictions: cigarettes; alcohol; pornography; work; sex; caffeine; ministry (yes, even that); gambling; golf; the internet; shopping; approval of others; comfort foods; and video games, to name a few.  What keeps individuals pursuing these obsessions?

For one, life is tough.  Not a day goes by that we aren’t reminded that things aren’t as they should be.  Instead of accepting that perfection stopped in the Garden of Eden and won’t return again until Jesus comes back, these messy in-between years are expected to be something they can’t be.  We keep seeking answers, and instead of turning to God, we turn to behaviors which provide relief (albeit temporarily).

Isaiah 64:6 reminds us how close we all are to the edge of the addiction cliff when it says we all are unclean.  All of us.  So, we seek relief which can be found in one of two places: the Creator or the world.  Maybe it’s not drugs, but look at the inexhaustive list above.  Who of us hasn’t at one time or another sought to feel better by relying on something other than our Creator?  (My hand is raised here, thank you potato chips and dip.)

I write this article to ask you to pray for Ben and anyone else you know whose addictions have led down a road to destruction.  Pray for their families.  And pray for yourselves, should anything you do be one step closer to pulling you away from God and into the ways of the world.

Government, Kansas

KCC awarded $25 million federal grant to plug abandoned wells

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) has been awarded a $25 million initial federal grant to help plug abandoned wells in the state. The initial grant is part of $1.15 billion earmarked under the Federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to help states remediate abandoned oil and gas wells. A total of $4.7 billion has been allocated over the next eight years to plug abandoned wells in the U.S. The KCC is eligible to receive another $33.6 million in future formula grant funding.

“These federal grants provide Kansas with a one-time opportunity to help address the issue of abandoned wells in Kansas while helping the economy by providing good paying jobs for several years,” said Ryan A. Hoffman, KCC Conservation Division Director.

The KCC plans to use the initial $25 million grant to pay for eight projects involving the plugging of more than 2300 abandoned wells over the next two to three years.  Four projects are located in Eastern Kansas. The other four are located in Central and Western Kansas. A map showing the locations of the projects and number of wells in each can be viewed here.

A well is considered “abandoned” when it has been permanently taken out of production, is not properly plugged to prevent possible air or groundwater pollution, and the rightful legal owner cannot be determined or located to take responsibility.

While the federal grants will help reduce the total number of abandoned wells in Kansas, they are insufficient to address the entire problem.  The KCC will still rely on industry generated funds to plug the thousands of wells remaining after the federal program expires.

More than 11,000 abandoned wells have been plugged since the establishment of the state well plugging fund in 1995. Oil and gas drilling in Kansas began in the 1860’s. Record keeping by early operators was not as precise as it is today. It is not uncommon for older abandoned wells to be discovered by landowners who were unaware they existed.

“These federal grant funds will provide important assistance in plugging abandoned wells in Kansas. However, to adequately protect Kansas fresh water resources, it will also be necessary to continue funding the plugging of abandoned wells with state well plugging fund resources provided by oil and gas industry fee assessments,” said Dwight D. Keen, Chair of the KCC.

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