Monthly Archives: March 2023

Opinion

I Surrender by Patty LaRoche

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Sometimes the theme song behind my prayer time sounds more like “Is That All There Is?” rather than “I Surrender All.” Not only do I fail to enter the throne room, I’m not even knock, knock knockin’ on Heaven’s door.

That’s what my prayers are sometimes like. Actually, more than sometimes.  Oh, I start out fine, all right, thanking God that I’m awake/breathing, that I’m in a warm, comfortable bed, and yes, even that my husband is snoring beside me.  And for just a few moments I’m doing fine. Just my Heavenly Father and me.  Sharing the love. AAAAHHHHHH.

But then the inevitable happens. My mind sinks from the eternal heights and wanders off to la-la-land. From wondering what will happen if I get tongue-tied in my upcoming talk to organizing appetizers for tonight’s dinner party to reliving the time in 8th grade when I didn’t make cheerleader, I hip-hop through a gamut of nonproductive brain-traps.  Once I realize what I’ve done, I spend the next few minutes apologizing to God and attempting to get my mind on a more spiritual track…until I remember the trash bill I forgot to pay and the article I need to write.

Can you imagine going out to lunch with your best friend and spending the entire time spewing every random, helter-skelter thought that popped into your head? “Hi, Sue. Saw a red bird on my drive here—so pretty.  How about those Chiefs?  I hear we’re getting a new barbecue restaurant.  I love barbecue.  Hope we get some rain.  Wish I could get rid of these wrinkles.  Do you like horses like I do?  Oh yea, here are some things I need you to do for me.”

Chances are, that would be a short-lived friendship.  So why do I do that with God?

Why is it I give Him second-best (if even that)?  The One who loves me unconditionally, the One who yearns for a relationship with me, and I can’t find time for Him?  My Father “surrendered all” in His son; what keeps me from understanding “that IS all there is” when it comes to establishing my daily/weekly/monthly/yearly/life priorities?

On Instagram this week, I read this: “You can’t be 98% for God and 2% with the world.  Jesus didn’t die for 98% of you.  He died for 100% of you.  That 2% will eat away at you.  It’s a cold world.  100% with God is better.  Trust me.  He won’t fail you.”  Can you imagine what surrendering all would look like?  (Can you imagine what surrendering 98% would look like?)  But 100%?

To have every thought, word and deed honor God?  How I dress.  What I eat.  Whom I hang with.  Where I go.  How I spend my time. How I love.  Absolutely everything that makes me who I am.

Someone once asked, “Would you be willing to die for Christ?”  “Of course,” was the answer.  But the real question is this: “Would you be willing to live for him?”

Because that’s what surrender is all about.

Bourbon County, Government

Uniontown City Council Minutes of Feb. 14

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The Regular Council Meeting on February 14, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:03PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, and Amber Kelly.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Mary Pemberton, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Bourbon County Neighborhood Revitalization Program, Matt Quick – did not show up for meeting.

 

Ruritan Bathroom Project, Raymond “Skeet” George – Mr George was unable to attend.  Project is completed.  Water was shut off and lines drained in December.  Water will be turned back on and they will be unlocked next week.  Clerk Johnson is working on getting sign and thank you notes completed.

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

Mary Pemberton, on behalf of Uniontown Ruritan Club – club is planning family fun activities in the park for the summer – movies, music, etc.  They will notify City Clerk of dates for the newsletter/webpage.  It was suggested to contact Safe Valley Outfitters for assistance with the activities.

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger present the January 2023 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $343,551.97, Receipts $71,352.08, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $38,977.45, Checking Account Closing Balance $372,900.60. Bank Statement Balance $391,883.92, including Checking Account Interest of $77.34, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $18,983.32, Reconciled Balance $372,900.60.  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 $459,301.58. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $77.34, and Utility CDs $0 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $77.34.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of January 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  January Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00; for Total Transfers of $3,026.00.  Net Income for the month of January $29,348.63, Year-to-Date Net Income $29,348.63.  Budget vs Actual Gas Fund YTD Revenue $15,262.38 (9.7%), Expenditures $23,271.00 (10.3%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $2,932.49 (8%), Expenditures $1,402.00 (3.4%); Water Fund YTD Revenue $9,698.93 (7.9%), Expenditures $8,508.83 (5.3%); General Fund YTD Revenue $38,368.30 (25.6%), Expenditures $8,821.62 (4.8%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $2,063.98 (27.7%), Expenditures $0 (0%).  The February 2023 estimated payables in the amount of $71,778.12 were presented.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda:

  • Minutes of January 10, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

City Superintendent Rich reported KCC Inspection of gas system in January went well, no violations noted.

KRWA Annual Conference, March 28-30, Wichita, $180 plus lodging, meals

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0 to allow Bobby Rich to attend KRWA Annual Conference, March 28—30, 2023, in Wichita

 

Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported a dumpster is again at Smith Estate.  Any progress will depend on the weather.

Safe Valley Outfitters has indicated that they would like to give back to the community.  It was suggested to have Ruritan reach out to them to help with the summer fun nights planned.

Ongoing noise complaint issue in 400 block of Sherman Street was further investigated.  Surrounding neighbors were interviewed with no complaints about the loud bass.

Complaints have been received regarding 404 Washington Street; another letter will be sent requesting a timeline for renovation.

A complaint was also noted regarding trailer full of debris in front of house at 202 Fourth Street-a letter will be sent to owner.

 

Clerk Johnson presented the 2023-2024 Projected Gas Supply Requirements.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 to approve the 2023-2024 Projected Gas Supply Requirements as presented

 

KRWA voting delegate needs appointed, usually Bobby Rich because he attends the conference.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0 to appoint Bobby Rich as KRWA voting delegate and Brad Stewart as alternate delegate

 

A workshop on benefit-cost analysis will be presented April 19-20 in Manhattan by Kansas Department of Agriculture, Cooperating Technical Partnership with FEMA.

 

Motion by Esslinger, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to send Sally Johnson to the BCA Workshop in Manhattan, April 19-20

 

There was a request for a rabies clinic again this year.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to host a rabies clinic in March or April, preferably in March but whatever date vet has available

 

City Clerks and Municipal Finance Officers Association Spring Conference is March 22-24 in Manhattan.  Clerk Johnson would prefer not going this year.

OJA Court Clerks Conference is March 3, Wichita.  OJA will reimburse attendee, not the city.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to allow Sally Johnson to attend OJA Court Clerks Conference, March 3, Wichita

 

Kansas Government Finance Officers Association – Clerk Johnson would like to join membership and attend their Spring Symposium, March 30, Wichita.  She would prefer to attend this instead of CCMFOA.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to join KSGFOA and attend Spring Symposium, March 30, Wichita

 

Utility Hearings date this month is February 22.  Clerk Johnson would like to change date for this month only to last day of the month, February 28.  Hearing officers for February are Brad Stewart and Jess Ervin.

Lead service line inventory surveys were sent out with January billings, several have been returned.

Homestead Websites is raising their fee another $2.

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – nothing

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilman Hartman – nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – nothing

Councilman Stewart – absent

Mayor Jurgensen – nothing

 

OLD BUSINESS

Citywide Trash Service – the next public hearing will be March 14.  Council should select a vendor for the service at the hearing.  Notice of hearing has been sent to vendors and been published in the paper.

Spring citywide cleanup was discussed.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0 to schedule a spring citywide cleanup for May 1-5 with three dumpsters, picked up when filled

 

School Pond Project – Don George, KDWPT, wants to inspect and review paperwork.  Clerk Johnson will contact Bourbon County Public Works for cost of rock and hauling for their in-kind portion of the cost of the project.

 

Placemaking Project – Healthy Bourbon County Action Team is conducting their community perception survey around our placemaking project.  Survey can be accessed online through their website or facebook page.  Survey closes February 28.

 

American Rescue Plan Act update – Materials have been delivered and contractor plans to begin February 20 when we are closed for Presidents’ Day.  Clerk Johnson will unlock for them.

 

KMGA/MMGA Prepay project – council is perceptive to participating at 30% load.  Clerk Johnson will send contracts/agreements to attorney for review and contact KMGA for deadline for participating.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0 to participate in the KMGA/MMGA Prepay Project at 30% load contingent upon attorney approval of contract/agreements

 

NEW BUSINESS

City Attorney – Bob Johnson, Johnson-Schowengerdt, has been our attorney of records for several years.  He has been assigning our work to attorney Jacob Manbeck.  Jacob Manbeck was appointed as prosecutor for municipal court in May 2022.  Mr Manbeck has left Johnson-Schowengerdt and started his own firm.  After discussion, Council directed Clerk to contact both attorneys to request quote of fee schedule for services, including prosecutor.  Council will review fee schedules and determine attorney of record and prosecutor at next meeting.

 

Moved by Hartman, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 8:26PM

Business, Food, Fort Scott

A Commercial Kitchen/Event Space/Retail Space Coming to Downtown Fort Scott

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The Kitchen facade was being stripped of old paint in preparation for new on March 8.

A community kitchen is on the horizon for downtown Fort Scott.

Angela Simon. From her Facebook page.

Rachel French, Angela Simon, and Bailey Lyons are collaborating to open The Kitchen Collective + Collaborative, a not-for-profit business.

Bailey Lyons from Lyons Realty Group Facebook page.
Rachel French. Submitted photo.

The building will have a commercial kitchen, a small event space and a retail area, with specialty kitchen supplies.

The event space will also be available for private rentals.

In addition, cooking classes for children and adults will be offered.

The Kitchen Collection + Collaborative business recently received a $5,000 Women, Minority or Start Up Business grant from the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team.

The Kitchen’s mission statement:

“The Kitchen is to be an innovative collaborative that enhances the local food system, increases access to regionally made and sourced goods, and supports area culinary businesses and entrepreneurs by reducing or removing risk and barriers to success. 

Our concept is centered on merging the integral pieces required for a thriving food economy – producers, creators, marketers, and consumers. 

We will also foster connections and serve as a community gathering place, a training hub, a meeting spot, an educational center, and a social venue. 

In doing all of this, we expect The Kitchen will have a significant, multi-faceted impact on our community.

Afterall, everything happens in The Kitchen.”

Bailey and Nate Lyons own the building, located at 10 and 12 S. Main.

 

 

Obituary

Obituary of Michael Pool

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Michael Louis Pool, age 70, a resident of Lake Fort Scott, passed Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at his home.  He was born July 27, 1952, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, the son of William Louis “Louie” Pool and Norma Elaine Johnson Pool

Mike grew up in the Bronson area and graduated from the Uniontown High School.  He married Patricia A. Floyd on November 11, 1970, at Nevada, Missouri.

Mike was a brick and stone mason as well as a tuck pointer.  He used his skills on construction sites throughout Kansas and Missouri.

Weekends were spent racing at the Mo-Kan track or fishing on the lake.

 

Survivors include his two sons, Brian Pool and Brent Pool (Tawny) both of Ft. Scott; six grandchildren, Laura, Ashleigh, Logan, Nash, Kellen and Evan and a brother, Steve Pool of Penokee, Kansas.

Mike was preceded in death by his wife, Patty, on May 21, 2019.  He was also preceded in death by his parents, Louie and Elaine Pool.

 

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, March 15th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Bronson Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Tuesday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

 

Obituary

Obituary of William “Buddy” Pruitt

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William Stanley “Buddy” Pruitt, 82, resident of Garland, Texas, passed away March 1, 2023.

He was born July 26, 1940, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the son of Thomas William Pruitt and Lazetta Fae (Ridenour) Pruitt.

 

Buddy is survived by his sons, Troy William Pruitt, and Richard Thomas Pruitt, both of Garland, Texas; a sister Fay Farley, of Catoosa, Oklahoma, and seven grandchildren.

 

Ronnie Pruitt will conduct graveside services 10:30 a.m., Monday, March 13, 2023, at St. Michael’s Cemetery in Fulton, Kansas.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

 

Obituary

Obituary of Suella Hornby

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Suella Jean Hornby, 63, a resident of Springfield, Missouri, passed away Sunday, March 5, 2023, at the Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence, Missouri.

She was born September 8, 1959, in Madison, Wisconsin, the daughter of Kenneth Ross Wood and Jennie Louise (Reynolds) Wood.

She married Charles Matthew Hornby July 16, 1988, and he survives of the home.

 

Suella worked in sales and marketing, and she was a member of the Brainerd Church of the Nazarene, where she was the church pianist.

 

In addition to her husband, Charles, Suella is also survived by a brother, Stanley Wood (Denise), of Easton, Kansas, and two sisters, Melody Richardson (Lonnie) of Louisburg, Kansas, and Joy Parke (Philip), of Raymore, Missouri.

 

Rev. Jim Brackett will conduct funeral services at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 11, 2023, at the Hammond Methodist Church, with burial following at the Maple Grove Cemetery, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

The family will receive friends beginning at 12:00 p.m. prior to the services.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Maple Grove Cemetery, 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 John Jackson

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John Lyle Jackson, 93, of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away on March 6, 2023. John was born April 13, 1929, at Isabel, Kansas. He was one of eight children born to John Ervin Jackson and Jessie Eva (Hollister) Jackson. He married Norma Jean (Smith) Jackson Nov. 25, 1951, in Bronson, Kan.

He is preceded in death by his wife, parents, two brothers and five sisters, Calvin Jackson, Fern Jackson, Dean Jackson, Ruth McEndree, Stella Ludlum, Lila Ludlum and Shirley Ludlum.

 

John and Jean were married for 68 years at the time of her passing in September 2020.

John is survived by son Dan and wife Jeannie of Bartlesville, Okla., son Rick and wife Denise of Bartlesville, Okla., daughter Diana Myers and husband Vincent of Overland Park, Kan.; Grandchildren Janett (Chris) Ferrell, April Jackson, Zeb (Mandi) Jackson, Danielle (Mark) Bernal, Rachel Myers, Evan Myers, Skyler Myers; great-grandchildren, Collin, Foster, Carley, Justin, Nayeli, Brady, Everly, Larkin, Boone, Keith and Kassius; great-great-grandson Jaxxen; and grand-dog Bubba John.

 

John graduated from Isabel High School and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1948. He was stationed in Germany before returning to Kansas in 1950. He was then recalled in 1951, for the Korean War, training many soldiers for deployment at Ft. Monmouth, New Jersey, completing service in 1953.

John and Jean made their home in Iola, Kan., purchasing 17 acres on Park Street, where they raised their three children and ran an office for MFA Insurance. They attended every football, basketball, baseball game and horse show that their children were involved in. John was the head of the Spur Club with Bud Sifers and they rang the Mustang bell at every home game.

He enjoyed fishing and hunting with his best friend Gene Sallee.

In 1975, they relocated to Fort Scott and opened Jackson Real Estate. After 15 years, they closed the real estate office and opened Outpost Antiques in downtown Fort Scott, for another 10+ years. John enjoyed finding a good deal…he had an eye for antiquities and collectibles of all types.

He eventually retired from H & H Real Estate in Fort Scott, at 80 years young.

 

John was a voracious reader and kept the staff in the public library busy every week, often reading one or two books a day. In his last years, he still enjoyed reading, garage sales, puzzles, and visiting with anyone that called or stopped by – even though he would never wear his hearing aids.

He was known to break out in song at any time with his favorites being ol’ Dan Tucker or Ramblin’ Bob.

John was a devoted fan of KU Basketball, the Kansas City Royals and the Kansas City Chiefs.

 

Following cremation, Chaplain Lloyd Houk will conduct graveside services at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 17, 2023, at the Fort Scott National Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Flowers are welcome as well as cards and letters to the family. Memorial contributions may be made to the Fort Scott Public Library and left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

 

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, History

Looking for Your Roots?

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The Old Fort Genealogy Society office is located in the basement of Fort Scott’s Memorial Hall, at Third and National Avenue. From its Facebook page.

Want to learn more about ancestors that have lived or died in our community?

For those who would like to learn more about their roots in Bourbon County, there is a place to start: the Old Fort Genealogy Society, located in the basement of Memorial Hall, Third and National Avenue.

Recently, the staff has started a Facebook page.

“We started at the end of February, the Old Fort Genealogy and History at Fort Scott, Kansas Facebook page,” Ann Rawlins, librarian at the society said.

A recent post shows the Herrman Lumber Company at 10 State Street, Fort Scott, in the 1930s. From the Facebook page.

“We wanted to post stories and and pictures and answer questions,” she said. “We wanted a site for genealogy questions. and have an internet presence.”

People are invited to post pictures, stories, or ask questions on the Facebook page.

The Old Fort Genealogical Society researches people’s ancestors who have lived in Bourbon County.

They can be reached at 620.223.3300 or the website is ksgenweb/society/ft.scott.

Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The following is a recent humorous post on the Facebook page.

A recent post from the Facebook page.

 

Obituary

Obituary for Louise Shattuck

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Louise Marie Shattuck, age 89, Prescott, Kansas passed away Monday March 6, 2023. She was born in a farmhouse west of Prescott on November 28, 1933 the daughter of Ed and Avis(Smith) McIntyre. She traveled by herself to Tacoma, Washington, at the age of seventeen, to be united in marriage to Lyle Shattuck on June 12, 1951. She was involved in 4-H, P.T.A., Jayhawk Linn Booster Club, and Teen Town. She was a member of the Prescott United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women, as well as, PHILO Study Club. She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister LaVerne. Louise is survived by her husband Lyle, three daughters, Debra Wood(Dave), Diane Springer(Randy), and Danna Schneider(Scott), eleven grandchildren, and eighteen great grandchildren.

Funeral service will be 10:30 am Friday, March 10, 2023 at the Prescott United Methodist Church. Burial in the Prescott Cemetery. Individual respects and guest registry may be made Thursday March 9, from 11 am to 5 pm at the Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory, Pleasanton Chapel. Memorial contributions are suggested to Prescott Food Pantry or American Heart Association c/o Schneider Funeral Home, P.O. Box 525, Pleasanton, Kansas 66075.