Monthly Archives: January 2023

Opinion

Sounds Desperate to Me by Patty LaRoche

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Oh my gosh!  I can buy Instagram followers.  I guess that everything really is for sale for a price. But Instagram followers?  Yes. While I was trying to get some navigational directions on how to create a post, that ad actually popped up.  I had been told by my agent that publishers probably wouldn’t give my book their time if I did not have several thousand Instagram followers. His daughter, a writer, had over a million. Getting ten on only merit seemed to be a challenge, but for a few bucks, I could impress the people I needed to impress by purchasing their names.

Then I thought, how sad!  Even people who have nothing meaningful to share can buy bragging rights to a huge number of followers.  Which potentially could get their book published faster.  I considered it for about a one-Mississippi moment.                                                                         But even I wasn’t that desperate.  I mean, as a writer of a Christian book, it probably wouldn’t be too spiritual to cheat to impress someone, right? How could I expect God to bless my writing if I had to resort to deceiving the publishing community by pretending to have thousands of friends who delighted in my postings?

The desire to be a hot shot is a major theme in my book. For much of my life, I tried to measure up to those who were prettier, funnier, brighter, holier. I’m not alone, for as I talk to my friends, most of them (and I do mean “most”) either had tried to become what they thought made them fit in or had just accepted they didn’t measure up.

Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Comparison is a thief of joy.”  If we desire to honor God, we will accept that He created us the way He wanted.  Psalm 139 reminds us that He “knit us together” in our mother’s womb. He stamped a one-of-a-kind DNA marking in our cells.  David seemed to know that, for in his Psalm he continues. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Notice that David does not desire to be taller or a better warrior or a more revered king.  Instead, he writes this: Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth.              

I wonder how often we, like David, thank God for how He designed us versus how many times He hears us complain about how we wish we were gifted differently.  Maybe if we had a voice like Celine Dion or a ministry like Francis Chan or a body like just about anybody else who is thinner or taller, we would be satisfied. Instead, we should credit God for creating us with (what we see as) a few imperfections, recognizing that maybe, just maybe, if we had that voice or that ministry or that body, we would become arrogant and prideful and forget about Him.

Certainly worth considering.

As of today, I have 537 Instagram followers.  Not the million I need, but better than the five I once had.  And every day, I remind myself that if I had those impressive numbers, I might think I’m pretty hot stuff.  This way, I know that I’m not.

Bourbon County, Housing

Program Sign-Up to Help Low Income Homes with Energy Costs

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SPECIAL SIGN UP DAY FOR LIEAP JANUARY 25TH

 

 

Persons wishing to sign up for the 2023 LIEAP Program are encouraged to attend a special sign up day Wednesday, January 25th from 11 am to 2 pm, at Bourbon County Senior Citizen’s Center, 26 N. Main, Fort Scott, KS.

 

A representative from Evergy will be available to assist in the sign up process  and determining eligibility.

 

LIEAP is a federally funded program that helps eligible households pay a portion of their home energy costs by providing a one time per year benefit.

 

The one time assistance payment is determined by household income, number of persons living at the address, type of dwelling, and source of heat.

 

Individuals must bring:

  • All proof of income for the past 30 days
  • Utility account numbers for Evergy & KS Gas Service
  • Security #’s for everyone in household

 

Persons eligible:

  • An adult living at the address must be personally responsible for paying the heating costs.
  • Applicants must show a recent history of payments toward the purchase of the primary heating energy.
  • Must meet income guidelines.

 

Those who cannot attend the special sign up on January 25th can still apply on the DCF website, www.dcf.gov by clicking “Apply for Services” or in person at the DCF Office and be eligible according to the guidelines by 5 pm, March 31st.

 

Government

Caryn Tyson Newsletter Jan. 19

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And they’re off!  The Kansas Legislature 2023 session began 1/9/23 with new House members and new Senators taking an oath to uphold the U.S. Constitution and the Kansas Constitution.  It is a good reminder for us all.

Committee Work:  Kansas operates on a two-year bill cycle.  Bills that did not become law last year died and so we start over in odd years.  There have been several bill introductions which include those I requested, such as removing state income tax on Social Security and increasing standard deductions based on inflation (much like the federal income tax code).  This session appears to be lining up to help the people of Kansas.

Property Tax Relief:  During the 2022 session, there were several changes to tax law.  One change is a first step in a property tax freeze for low income seniors and disabled veterans.  There are restrictions on property taxes in the KS Constitution and so the program is a rebate program administered by the KS D:epartment of Revenue (KDOR).

Applications for property tax relief can be found at https://www.ksrevenue.gov/pdf/k-40svr.pdf.  To qualify for the ‘freeze’ a household annual income must be $50,000 or below, a homeowner must be 65 years or older, and the value of the home cannot be above $350,000.  A disabled veteran must be at least 50% disabled.  Property taxes are still paid to the county and then a homeowner may apply to KDOR for a refund on their increase, resulting in a freeze.  Applications must be submitted by April 18, 2023.  The legislature will take another look at the program this year to allow more seniors to qualify.

Another property tax cut was a slight decrease for all homeowners on the K-12 20 mil obligation.  That reduction increases every year based on inflation.  There is no application required for this reduction.

To help small storefront businesses shutdown or negatively impacted by the Governor’s shutdown during COVID, the legislature established a program to provide some property tax relief.  Details of the program can be found at https://www.ksrevenue.gov/taxnotices/notice22-04.pdf.  Applications can be found by going to the KDOR website www.ksrevenue.gov and scrolling down to the application link Kansas Department of Revenue Home Page www.ksrevenue.gov Official Website of the Kansas Department of Revenue (https://www.kdor.ks.gov/Apps/Misc/PropTaxAssistance/StoreFront).

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

Bourbon County, Government

Unapproved Minutes of the City of Uniontown Council for Jan. 10

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The Regular Council Meeting on January 10, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Dixie Riedel and Kay Forsen (Kansas Municipal Gas Agency), City Superintendent Bobby Rich, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, and City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

KMGA Prepay Project, Dixie Riedel – gave a presentation of the proposed project and fielded questions.  We would have a contract with KMGA to participate in a project with Minnesota Municipal Gas Agency.  MMGA would be the entity to actually prepay.  If we would choose to participate, we would choose the amount (10%-60%) of our proposed daily usage to pledge to this project.  The discount seen in the last six months has been $0.25-$0.40/unit.

 

Ruritan Bathroom Project, Raymond “Skeet” George – Mr George was unable to attend.  He sent a thank you to the Council for their support of the project with a list of donors and costs for the project.

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

None

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger present the December 2022 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $354,638.51, Receipts $56,191.05, Transfers Out $19,026.68, Expenditures $48,250.91, Checking Account Closing Balance $343,551.97. Bank Statement Balance $355,533.60, including Checking Account Interest of $76.87, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $11,981.63, Reconciled Balance $343,551.97.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,165.36, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $19,793.26, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,442.36, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $429,952.95. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $438.27, and Utility CDs $374.30 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $812.57.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of December 2022, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  December Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00 to General Fund $2,000.00 and to Capital Improvement $1,000.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, to Security Meter Deposits $0.23, to General Fund $3,000.00 and to Capital Improvement $1,000.00; from Gas Utility Fund to Security Meter Deposits $0.45, to General Fund $3,000.00 and to Capital Improvement $3,000.00; from General Fund to Capital Improvement $3,000.00 for Total Transfers of $19,026.68.  Net Loss for the month of December $11,086.54, Year-to-Date Net Income $19,808.47.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $123,315.52 (116.9%), Expenditures $116,473.53 (89.2%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $36,274.50 (101.6%), Expenditures $39,133.62 (95.4%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $133,607.21 (95.7%), Expenditures $172,946.27 (70.5%); General Fund YTD Revenue $155,336.20 (109.6%), Expenditures $146,843.96 (88.8%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $7,661.33 (120.9%), Expenditures $10,620.81 (99.9%).  The January 2023 estimated payables in the amount of $39,253.89 were presented.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

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

  • Minutes of December 13, 2022, Regular Council Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
  • Resolution 2023-0110-1 – 2023 GAAP Waiver
  • Destruction of records for 2012 and prior

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

City Superintendent Rich reported KCC Inspection of gas system will by January 17-18.

 

Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported little change on Smith Estate demolition over holidays.  The park looked really good over holidays!

Mayor Jurgensen addressed the ongoing neighbor feud.  Discussion ensued.

 

Clerk Johnson was absent due to family emergency.

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – nothing

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilman Hartman – nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – nothing

Councilman Stewart – nothing

Mayor Jurgensen – Received an invitation to attend Governor’s inauguration.

 

OLD BUSINESS

School Pond Project – Mayor Jurgensen visited with Bourbon County Public Works Director on the rock and he said the county can’t give us the size rock we’re wanting.  Discussion ensued.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 accept the size of rock presented unless they can make bigger

 

Placemaking Project – Mayor Jurgensen has reviewed the catalogs and called companies for pricing.   He’s going to try to get the committee together soon.

 

American Rescue Plan Act update – Doug Coyan indicated materials would probably be delivered around February 1.  Discussion ensued regarding timeline of project.  He also stated that concrete cost is skyrocketing.  Discussion ensued.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to nonelected personnel matters exception KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss nonelected employees performances and pay rates with the open meeting to resume at 8:20PM

Open meeting resumed at 8:20PM.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0 to increase the City Superintendent and City Clerk wage rate $1.00/hour and the Maintenance Helper wage rate $1.50/hour, effective January 1, 2023

 

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

Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott

Cathy Bishop is New Event Coordinator for The River Room

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Cathy Bishop is the new event coordinator at the River Room Event Center. Submitted photo.

Cathy Bishop, who retired from  Niece Products of Kansas on December 31, 2022, is the new event manager for the River Room Event Center, at Oak Street and National Avenue.

Al Niece is the owner of the building at 3 W. Oak and the River Room is located on the second floor.

The River Room Event Center is located at the corner of Oak Street and National Avenue on the second floor.

Bishop, who was the Niece Products of Kansas Human Resource Director prior to her retiring, now schedules reservations and manages the set up of the alcohol bar.

Renters will need to secure catered food for their event, Bishop said.

“We don’t have a working, cooking kitchen, but do have a refrigerator,” she said.

“There is a cash bar and we supply the bartender and alcohol or beer,” she said

Some of the bigger reservations this year are for the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Banquet in April and the Fort Scott High School Prom on May 6.

“We contract by volume of people attending,” Bishop said. “We also charge by the hour for a small two-hour event.”

Contact Bishop via email for more information on rates charged at [email protected].

In addition to banquets and proms, they have provided a venue for weddings, anniversaries and graduations, to name a few.

A recent event at the River Room. Submitted photo.

The event center will hold 700 capacity, but that would be standing room only, Bishop said.

“Four hundred people is a comfortable number of attendees,” she said.

A recent event at the River Room. Submitted photo.

Although the email is the preferred way to contact Bishop, the phone number for the River Room is 620.820.0536.

History Of The Building

According to hearsay, the building has housed a roller rink, car dealership, bowling alley and a couple of restaurants, the most recent: Luther’s BBQ, Bishop said.

Bishop came upon a book about the building with some information:

 

Obituary

Obituary of Trisha Willard

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Trisha Diane Willard, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away at age 42, on Wednesday, January 11, 2023. She was born on December 11, 1980 in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Richard Eugene Willard Jr. and Susan Diane Wurtz Willard. Trisha grew up in Ft. Scott and she was an honor student at Fort Scott High School and Fort Scott Community College, where she made a lot of lifetime friendships.

She met and later married Paul Studyvin in the spring of 2000 on the cusp of the century. They were later blessed with three children. Trisha was a loving and devoted mother and went above and beyond to give her children a loving, happy childhood. She enjoyed playing tennis, bowling and softball, as well as cooking, writing and photography. She was also a music enthusiast and fan of the band Pearl Jam and the shows Frazier and Seinfeld. She was a passionate, sentimental, kind hearted, strong willed woman who was always ready for a new adventure.

Survivors include her children, Chloe Studyvin, Carlee Studyvin, and Greg Studyvin; her parents, Rich Willard and Susan Wurtz-Willard; her brothers, Trenton Willard, Dusty Willard and Ziad Nabhan; and her sister Makya Coulter. She is also survived by her former husband, Paul Studyvin and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Tara Willard and her grandparents, Norman and Carol Minden, Richard Willard Sr., Gene and Dorothy Dull and Willie and Lois Wurtz.

Following cremation, a celebration of life service will be held at the 1:00 PM, Saturday, January 28, 2023, at the Faith Church.

Private burial will take place at the Maple Grove Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Trisha Willard Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Bourbon County, Government

Shelton Resigns as Bourbon County Clerk, Hilderbrand as Kansas Senator

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Ashley Shelton. Submitted photo.

Two local government positions that effect Bourbon County are open, with the resignation of Ashley Shelton and Richard Hilderbrand.

Ashley Shelton resigned as Bourbon County Clerk on Jan. 12, after two years working with the county government.

“She sent her resignation letter to the governor on January 12 and notified me that she is resigning and her last day of employment is Feb. 3,” Mark McCoy,  Bourbon County Republican Party Chairman, said.

When contacted, Shelton said “The Bourbon County Courthouse is not a good environment. I don’t feel I am able to do the job to the best of my ability.”

Within her clerk office she feels “We have a good group.”

In addition to her resignation, another county clerk office person has resigned and another is transferring to different department.

“There is a lot of transition going on in the courthouse,” Shelton said.

The Republican Party will hold a convention on Jan. 26 at 6 p.m.  at the Empress Event Center, 7 N. Main in Fort Scott to select a replacement for Shelton.

“We have 21 days to set a convention to select someone to be approved and their name sent to the governor for appointment,” McCoy said.

The county currently has 34 committee members and during the convention they will interview the candidates,  then have a question and answer session with them.

The candidates will have about 10 minutes to say why they should be selected, he said.

Following this, the party will meet  privately to discuss the candidates and a decision will be made by secret ballot and sent to the governor, McCoy said.

State Senator Richard Hilderbrand converses with the audience following a legislative coffee in Bourbon County.

U.S. Senator Richard Hilderbrand

In addition to Shelton, local Republicans will go through the established process of selecting a new Dist. 13 Kansas Senator.

Richard Hilderbrand resigned on Jan. 4, just before the Kansas legislature was set to start. He has served since 2017.

He represented Bourbon, Cherokee and Crawford Counties.

The local committee members from each county will meet on Jan. 22 at 3 p.m. at the Columbus High School auditorium.

Crawford County is in charge until a chairman is selected from those attending the convention, McCoy said.

Once again, candidates will be given a certain number of minutes to tell the group why they should be selected, followed by a question and answer time, then private discussion by the group and a vote taken.

That name will be sent to the governor and wait for appointment.

“Three people have placed their name for this position, Tim Shallenberger, Keri Jensen and Dan Muter,” McCoy said. “Ken Collins was interested, but decided to remove his name.”

McCoy said Hilderbrand resigned to focus on his insurance business and his family.

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee at the Courtland Hotel and Spa on Jan. 19

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Chamber Coffee to be hosted by The Courtland Hotel and Spa

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee event this Thursday, January 19th at 8 a.m. hosted by The Courtland Hotel and Spa, 121 E. 1st St.

Built in 1906, this 15-room historic hotel is in the beautiful downtown district adjacent to the Fort Scott National Historic Site. The original charm and ambiance of the hotel was preserved during restoration, while the same time providing ‘modern’ amenities and services for both business and leisure travelers. With an award-winning spa, this is the place to be for relaxation and enjoyment.

 

Frank and Cheryl Adamson have owned and operated the hotel and spa since October 2004 and are looking forward to hosting this event.  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 2023 is encouraged to contact the Chamber to save a date by calling 620-223-3566 or emailing [email protected].

 

Government

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter

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Honoring the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Each January, we remember the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the example he left of fighting for the most vulnerable, promoting peace with our fellow man and striving to create a more perfect union.

As Dr. King stated in one of his last public speeches, which was held at Kansas State University: “Somewhere, we must come to see that human progress never rolls in on the wheels of inevitability. It comes through the tireless effort and the persistent work of dedicated individuals who are willing to be co-workers with God.”

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Continue reading U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter →

Fort Scott, History, Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Customized Tours of Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes Can Be Booked

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Sending on Behalf of Chamber Member
The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes…
Now Booking Group Tours!

Make plans soon to visit the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes in historic, downtown Fort Scott, Kansas.

– Learn about internationally recognized projects that share stories of unsung heroes from history!

– Enjoy FREE tours customized to your group!

– Bring classes, book clubs, civic organizations, travel clubs, school groups, etc.!

Perfect for all ages!

*An Unsung Hero is an individual, who is largely unrecognized by society, for taking extraordinary actions to improve the lives of others, and that made a profound and positive impact on history.

To schedule your group tour please call 620.223.1312 or email [email protected]
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!