Something We Wimps Need to Know by Patty LaRoche

“Some people create their own storms, then get upset when it rains.” anonymous

Have you ever met a wimp? I have. As soon as life gets tough, they don’t; instead of being a problem-solver, they point fingers.

Someone/thing is responsible for life not offering them the all-you-can-eat-dessert-buffet they deserve. Some even blame God for not being their personal caterer, wondering why He wimps out instead of ordering up whatever it is they want.

Well, God is not a wimp. We are, but He isn’t. Still, too often He gets a bad rap.

You know what I’m talking about. Things start to go south, and we despair for someone (other than ourselves) to be culpable. Who better than the only One—the miracle-maker—who could really
make a difference…BUT DOESN’T? After all, how can an all-loving God stand by as tragedies unfold?

We all have stories. Listen well to others, and you will hear them. My friend’s 10-year- old granddaughter died. After decades serving God, my prayer partner had to place his adult daughter in rehab. A Christian woman, spending hundreds of hours on her knees, has not seen God change her overbearing son-in-law. A second marriage is dissolving, in spite of Christian therapy and mental illness. A young woman prays to marry and start a family, but the years go by and she doesn’t meet the right one.

Some people believe that if we just lived up to our Christian label, if we really, truly lived a life devoted to God, bad things wouldn’t happen. (The disciples would have a lot to say about
that.) Others have an outlook I question.

Look at what Chintan Jain wrote: “If you still want to blame God for all the problems in your life, then you can but with a simple condition:
…only if you dedicate all your hard work to him.
…only if you have celebrated all of your happiness with him.
…only if you have the ability (or) skill to accept that you have failed.”

I understand what Jain is trying to say, but I disagree. There never is a time we can blame the One who loves us in spite of ourselves, who lavishes us with blessings when we don’t deserve them.

I am not guiltless when it comes to blaming God. Embarrassing to admit, but that’s how I reacted when our baby died and again when my brother died.

Other people saw miracles; why couldn’t I? I failed to understand that God would never be the source of my problems. Never. His goal is always that we grow in our faith and that we lean on Him.

Satan is the one who seeks for us to accuse God of being unloving.

“No one undergoing a trial should say, ‘I am being tempted by God.’ For God is not tempted by evil, and he himself doesn’t tempt anyone” (James 1:13).
Good things can come from life’s disappointments. I became a Christian following my baby’s death, and I became a better teacher after so many students described why my brother was their favorite teacher. Amazing, isn’t it? When we get something good that we don’t deserve, we celebrate, but when it’s bad, we blame God.

As one author put it, “God is the author of a lot of things, but He is not the author of our pain.”

We wimps need to remember that.

Evergy Announces Dec. 28, 2022, Transfer to Nasdaq Stock Market

Kansas City, Mo., Dec. 15, 2022 – Evergy, Inc. (NYSE: EVRG) today announced it will transfer its stock exchange listing from the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) to the Nasdaq Global Select Market, effective as of the opening of trading on Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022. The last day of trading on the NYSE will be Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022. Evergy’s common stock will continue to trade under the ticker symbol “EVRG.”

 

“Evergy prides itself on innovation and providing cost-effective power and clean energy to our customers, while bringing value to our shareholders,” said David Campbell, Evergy President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our stock exchange move will allow us to benefit from Nasdaq’s cutting-edge technology and information in serving our shareholders, and we are excited to be joining a wide range of innovative companies listed on Nasdaq.”

 

About Evergy

 

Evergy, Inc. (NYSE: EVRG), serves 1.6 million customers in Kansas and Missouri. Evergy’s mission is to empower a better future. Our focus remains on producing, transmitting and delivering reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy for the benefit of our stakeholders. Today, about half of Evergy’s power comes from carbon-free sources, creating more reliable energy with less impact to the environment. We value innovation and adaptability to give our customers better ways to manage their energy use, to create a safe, diverse and inclusive workplace for our employees, and to add value for our investors. Headquartered in Kansas City, our employees are active members of the communities we serve.

 

For more information about Evergy, visit us at http://investors.evergy.com.

 

Forward Looking Statements

 

Statements made in this Document that are not based on historical facts are forward-looking, may involve risks and uncertainties, and are intended to be as of the date when made. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to Evergy, Inc.’s strategic plan, including, without limitation, those related to earnings per share, dividend, operating and maintenance expense and capital investment goals; the outcome of legislative efforts and regulatory and legal proceedings; future energy demand; future power prices; plans with respect to existing and potential future generation resources; the availability and cost of generation resources and energy storage; target emissions reductions; and other matters relating to expected financial performance or affecting future operations. Forward-looking statements are often accompanied by forward-looking words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “estimates,” “forecasts,” “should,” “could,” “may,” “seeks,” “intends,” “proposed,” “projects,” “planned,” “target,” “outlook,” “remain confident,” “goal,” “will” or other words of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information.

 

In connection with the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Evergy, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Evergy Companies”) are providing a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking information. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to: economic and weather conditions and any impact on sales, prices and costs; changes in business strategy or operations; the impact of federal, state and local political, legislative, judicial and regulatory actions or developments, including deregulation, re-regulation, securitization and restructuring of the electric utility industry; decisions of regulators regarding, among other things, customer rates and the prudency of operational decisions such as capital expenditures and asset retirements; changes in applicable laws, regulations, rules, principles or practices, or the interpretations thereof, governing tax, accounting and environmental matters, including air and water quality and waste management and disposal; the impact of climate change, including increased frequency and severity of significant weather events and the extent to which counterparties are willing to do business with, finance the operations of or purchase energy from the Evergy Companies due to the fact that the Evergy Companies operate coal-fired generation; prices and availability of electricity and natural gas in wholesale markets; market perception of the energy industry and the Evergy Companies; the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic on, among other things, sales, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows, and also on operational issues, such as supply chain issues and the availability and ability of the Evergy Companies’ employees and suppliers to perform the functions that are necessary to operate the Evergy Companies; changes in the energy trading markets in which the Evergy Companies participate, including retroactive repricing of transactions by regional transmission organizations and independent system operators; financial market conditions and performance, including changes in interest rates and credit spreads and in availability and cost of capital and the effects on derivatives and hedges, nuclear decommissioning trust and pension plan assets and costs; impairments of long-lived assets or goodwill; credit ratings; inflation rates; the transition to a replacement for the London Interbank Offered Rate benchmark interest rate; effectiveness of risk management policies and procedures and the ability of counterparties to satisfy their contractual commitments; impact of physical and cybersecurity breaches, criminal activity, terrorist attacks, acts of war and other disruptions to the Evergy Companies’ facilities or information technology infrastructure or the facilities and infrastructure of third-party service providers on which the Evergy Companies rely; Impact of the Russian, Ukrainian conflict on the global energy market; ability to carry out marketing and sales plans; cost, availability, quality and timely provision of equipment, supplies, labor and fuel; ability to achieve generation goals and the occurrence and duration of planned and unplanned generation outages; delays and cost increases of generation, transmission, distribution or other projects; the Evergy Companies’ ability to manage their transmission and distribution development plans and transmission joint ventures; the inherent risks associated with the ownership and operation of a nuclear facility, including environmental, health, safety, regulatory and financial risks; workforce risks, including those related to the Evergy Companies’ ability to attract and retain qualified personnel, maintain satisfactory relationships with their labor unions and manage costs of, or changes in, wages, retirement, health care and other benefits; disruption, costs and uncertainties caused by or related to the actions of individuals or entities, such as activist shareholders or special interest groups, that seek to influence Evergy, Inc.’s strategic plan, financial results or operations; the possibility that strategic initiatives, including mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, and long-term financial plans, may not create the value that they are expected to achieve in a timely manner or at all; difficulties in maintaining relationships with customers, employees, regulators or suppliers; and other risks and uncertainties.

 

This list of factors is not all-inclusive because it is not possible to predict all factors. You should also carefully consider the information contained in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Additional risks and uncertainties are discussed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, filed by the Evergy Companies with the SEC, and from time to time in current reports on Form 8-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q filed by the Evergy Companies with the SEC. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement. The Evergy Companies undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

 

 

Investor Contact:

Pete Flynn

Director, Investor Relations

Phone: 816-652-1060

[email protected]

 

­Media Contact:

Gina Penzig

Manager, External Communications

Phone: 785-508-2410

[email protected]        

Media line: 888-613-0003

 

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Nathan Bryant: New Pastor at Parkway Church of God

Nathan Bryant is the new pastor of Parkway Church Of God (Holiness) at 1111 State St.

He received a Bachelor of Theology degree from Union Bible College and in 2009 he also became a LPN (nurse).

He has pastored in May, OK; Olathe, KS, and started a church in Delta, CO.

In 2019 he pastored a church on the Navajo Reservation for two years.

“I filled in once or twice a month for Parkway Church Of God Holiness (Fort Scott) from October 2021 until I became full time pastor in April of 2022,” Bryant said.

He and wife Amy and  were married in December 1989 and have four children- one daughter and three sons, all married.

“All our children love God,” he said.  “Our daughter lives in Ft. Scott and works at a doctors office .  Our two middle sons live in Colorado and are both plumbers and our oldest son is a pastor in Missouri. We have eight amazing grandchildren.”

“I grew up in a pastors home and have always loved people and felt it was a calling from God,” Bryant said.

Some of the challenges for Bryant in pastoring:  “Trying to navigate through the consistent changing issues of our country.  Trying to meet the needs of people that are struggling from their circumstances of life.”

The best part of being a pastor for him:  “Seeing lives changed through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Being able to help people in their time of need. Loving people.”

New on the horizon for the pastor is trying to incorporate more community involvement with the church.  His desire is to see the church grow.

 

Service time for Parkway Church of God:

Sunday School 10:00 am

Morning Worship 10:45 am

Sunday Evening: 6:00 pm

Wednesday Prayer Meeting: 7:00 pm

December18th AM – Children’s program

PM – Drama – Martin the Clobber

December 25th 5:00 pm Christmas candle light service

 

Preschool to Move to the Former Mercy Building in August 2023

Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott. 2017 photo.
The plans are getting close to being finalized for the Fort Scott Preschool move to the former Mercy Hospital building at 401 Woodland Hills. It currently is located at 409 S.
Judson.
“We are planning to open the preschool at the new site in August,” USD 234 Superintendent Destry Brown said.
The new preschool will be located in the lower level of the hospital, Brown said.  “There is a secure entrance to the facility in that part of the building and we can secure the preschool wing on the other end of the hallway as well.”
Destry Brown. Submitted photo.
The Need For More Room

“Currently, we have around 100 students being served at the preschool,” Brown said.  “We would like to double that in the near future.”

“We will be adding two more classrooms for preschool in this new building,” he said. Currently the school has four teachers and eight para-professionals.

“We also have a couple of other programs that support families with preschoolers who are housed at the preschool,” Brown said.  “There is also one Head Start classroom that will be joining us at the new site.”

“We do not have any space to expand in our current location,” Brown said. ” We have two classrooms in the building on Judson and one at the Happy Kids Daycare Center.  This will allow for growth and for all programs to be in one location.”

Remodel

“There will be remodeling to take place as soon as we get some financial estimates on the costs of the remodel, the mechanisms for funding, and board approval,” he said.  “This should all come together in the next two months so construction can be under way.  The Legacy Health Group (who received the Mercy building from the Bourbon County Commission) has told me they can meet the date of August.”
The Preschool Mission
 The Fort Scott Preschool’s mission is to provide free preschool opportunities for all kids so that they are prepared to enter kindergarten successfully, Brown said.

Calving School Coming to Fredonia 

Hunter Nickell
Southwind Extension District
Livestock Production Extension Agent
1006 N. State St.
Iola, KS 66749
Office: (620) 365-2242
Cell: (620) 473-3298
[email protected]

 

 

Do you have a spring calving herd getting ready to calve or a fall herd that just finished up? Or maybe you want a little more practice to become more confident in your abilities to help a cow have a calf. In anticipation of calving season, Kansas State University Animal Sciences and Industry and K-State Research and Extension are planning a series of calving schools in January.

 

The program will outline overall calving management that includes stages of the normal calving process as well as tips to handle difficult calving situations. A.J. Tarpoff, K-State extension beef veterinarian, explains the goals of the event are to increase knowledge, practical skills, and to increase the number of live calves born if they need assistance.

 

The schools will also share tips on when and how to intervene to assist the cow or heifer. Presenters will demonstrate proper use of calving equipment on a life-size cow and calf model.

“Our goal is for producers to leave better prepared for calving season,” Tarpoff adds. “We will discuss timelines on when to examine cows for calving problems, and when to call your vet for help if things are not going well. We will also discuss calf care early in life. It’s an excellent program regardless of experience level.” The meeting will also feature a presentation on vaccine handling, presented by local agents Ben Sims (Greenwood County) and Hunter Nickell (Southwind District)

 

This meeting will be held on Thursday, January 12, 2023, at the 4-H Building at the Old Iron Club, Fredonia, Kansas at 6 pm. RSVP to Southwind District at 620-365-2242, Wildcat District at 620-378-2167, or Greenwood County at 620-583-7455. Dinner will be provided, so an accurate head count is required by January 4th. The meal is sponsored by Merck Animal Health and Salt Creek Vet Clinic of Fredonia.

 

For more and updated information about the Calving Schools or local flyers, go to KSUBeef.org or contact Hunter Nickell, Livestock Production Agent, (620) 365-2242, [email protected].

 

# # #

 

K – State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer

 

 

Chamber Coffee to be hosted by City of Fort Scott

 

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee event this Thursday, December 15th at 8 a.m. hosted by The City of Fort Scott, 123 S. Main Street.

At this week’s Coffee, the City staff will provide a recap of the year 2022, and give a preview of what is to come in 2023.

 

Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served in addition to door prize drawings.

 

Any member business or organization wanting to host Chamber Coffee in 2022 is encouraged to contact the Chamber to save a date by calling 620-223-3566 or emailing [email protected].

 

Obituary of Philip Hinderliter

Ray Hinderliter, 74, of Fort Scott, passed away December 4, 2022, at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas. He was born July 3, 1948, in Larkin, Kansas, the son of Raymond Lee Hinderliter and Rose Esther (Buck) Hinderliter.

Philip graduated from Fort Scott High School with the Class of 1966. He served in the US Army National Guard, among other duties he served as a cook and retired in 2008 after twenty-seven years.

He also worked as a general handyman and mowed lawns in the Fort Scott area.

Philip is survived by two cousins; Carrol McCarthy of Norristown, Pennsylvania, and Gary Van Sickle and his wife Linda, of Fort Scott.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Following cremation, Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 20, 2022, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association 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 of Maxine Rimbey

Maxine Rimbey, 96, of Fort Scott, passed away late Saturday evening, December 10, 2022, at The Horton House. She was born July 15, 1926, in Buffalo, Missouri, the daughter of Thomas Richard Alford and Iona May (Smith) Alford.

She married Lee Roy Rimbey September 18, 1946, in Bolivar, Missouri, and he preceded her in death June 18, 2013.

 

Maxine owned and operated Rimbey’s Jewelry together with her husband until retiring in 1990. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church.

 

Survivors include a son, Gary Rimbey and his wife, Diane of Pittsburg, Kansas; two daughters, Evelyn Rimbey of Denver, Colorado, and Peggy Rimbey Stark, of Fort Scott; four grandchildren, Cortney Malpiede, Britney Malpiede, Nolan Stark, and Karley Stark; and a great-grandson, Rocco Red Feather.

In addition to her husband Lee, Maxine was also preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Nancy Rimbey McCreedy; a brother, Buell Alford; and an infant brother.

 

Pastor Christopher Eshelman will conduct funeral services at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, December 15, 2022, at the First United Methodist Church with burial following at the Fort Scott National Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home 6-7:00 p.m. Wednesday evening, December 14, 2022.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church 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.

 

 

Bourbon County Schools Face Illnesses as The Semester Winds Down

Bourbon County schools are experiencing school and staff illness in the last few weeks before school is out for Christmas break.

USD 234 Board of Education Building, 424 S. Main

Fort Scott

“We have had a large number of students and staff out the last several weeks with the flu, RSV and COVID 19; mostly the Influenza A,” USD 234 Superintendent Destry Brown said.

Destry Brown. Submitted photo.

On Monday, the district had 204 students out sick, which is down from last week by around 100, he said. There were seven teachers out Monday  with illness themselves or they have sick children.

The district has 1,856 students enrolled.

The district has had to postpone a music concert because of illness.

“The choir concert… has been rescheduled to January 11th at the Ellis Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m.,” Brown said.

“On Friday, the choir spent the day singing at different schools and other venues around town,” he said.  “I suspect that they shared the bug with each other that day. Whatever the case, their concert is postponed because of illness.”

U234 will dismiss school on Dec. 15 with a teacher workday on Dec. 16 and  school will resume on January 3.

Staff Positions

The district currently has openings that will be posted from retirements in the following areas:
Elementary Physical Education
Occupational Therapist
One teaching position
“I anticipate additional openings after the first of the year due to retirements,” Brown said.

 

Uniontown

Uniontown High School.

Uniontown School District had 63 students gone on Monday,  with a “handful of staff,” Vance Eden, USD 235 Superintendent said. There  are no postponements of school events at this time.

Vance Eden and family. Submitted photo.

“We have been able to cover all classes needing substitutes,” Eden said.

There are 479 students in this district.

The last day of school for this district is Friday, Dec. 16 for Christmas break. Staff will return on January 3 for professional development and students will return on January 4.

U235 Openings For Next Year

There are several openings being posted for U235 for the 2023-24 school year.

So far a junior/senior high school principal position, a jr./sr. English teacher and a high school science teacher.