Monthly Archives: February 2024

K-State Extension, Youth

Children and Traumatic Events

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Jennifer Terrell, K-State Extension Agent

Natural disasters, family changes such as divorce, death, serious injury, or community violence can be traumatic for both children and adults. Everyone needs time to process the traumatic events. Children often experience disasters differently than adults and they need to have developmentally appropriate explanations of them.

 

Children can experience the effects of disasters months and years after the events. Some will express the effects outwardly through behaviors. Others will focus internally on their own thoughts and emotions. Keep in mind that neither response is preferable to the other, and both can have negative effects on a child’s development.

 

Parents and other trusted adults need to be prepared to address questions and responses to the disaster. It is okay to struggle to figure out what to say when a disaster occurs. Finding the appropriate words when children are not coping well is also challenging. Here are some things you can do to help a child’s sense of well-being from Dr. Wiles and Dr. Kiss of K-State Research and Extension:

  • Reassure the child that you are still together, and that you will be there to help for as long as you can.
  • Return to pre-disaster routines to the extent possible. This helps children feel more secure and safe.
  • Make sure you are taking care of yourself. It can be difficult to care for your own child when you are not coping well.
  • Talk with your child about your feelings about the disaster. When appropriate let them know about plans for recovery.
  • Let children know that experiencing intense and unpredictable responses to disastrous events is natural and normal. Although the behaviors are difficult to manage, it is important to keep patient and mindful. Validating their sometimes hard to understand feelings of anger and sadness provides children with meaningful support.
  • When your role allows, hold and comfort the child. There is no substitute for the warmth, protection, and feeling of safety experienced in the arms of loved ones.
  • Create an emergency plan, and let your children know that you have a plan in case the situation ever happens again. Letting children help plan for emergencies can reduce anxiety they feel about the uncertainty of a future disaster.
  • When possible, help others who are coping with disasters. Volunteer, provide childcare to volunteers, send food, encouraging letters, and toys or other items to help other families recovering from a disaster.
  • Encourage children to draw, write, or tell stories about their experiences.

 

Children and adults experience and adjust to disasters in a variety of ways. It is up to everyone in a community to recognize negative effects, help children cope with disasters, and take care of children and themselves in the aftermath of traumatic events. While the passage of time can help, there is no substitute for patient, caring, honest, and supportive adults helping children who are recovering from traumatic events in their lives.

 

For more information on Youth Development or 4-H, contact Jennifer K. Terrell, District 4-H Youth Development Agent – Southwind Extension District at 620-223-3720 or [email protected].

K-State Extension

Habit Stacking for Heart Month

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Clara Misenhelter (Wicoff) Submitted photo 2023

 

 

By Clara Misenhelter

Southwind Extension District

 

Did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death in our country? February is American Heart Month, which makes it a great time to focus on your heart health. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following healthy habits for preventing heart disease:

  • Pick healthy foods and drinks.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Be physically activity regularly.
  • Do not smoke.

 

You can learn more about the CDC’s recommendations at cdc.gov/heartdisease/prevention.htm.

 

It may sound easy enough to implement these healthy habits, but adopting new habits can be easier said than done. “One of the best ways to build a new habit is to identify a current habit you already do each day and then stack your new behavior on top. This is called habit stacking,” according to James Clear, author of Atomic Habits. For example, if you want to make regular physical activity a habit that lasts long beyond Heart Month, you might consider trying habit stacking. One habit you probably already do every day is take your shoes off after work. On his website (jamesclear.com/habit-stacking), Clear suggests that you can try stacking that current habit with a new behavior of immediately changing into clothes and shoes to exercise.

 

The American Heart Association also has helpful habit stacking recommendations. For example, they recommend stacking the daily habit of brushing your teeth with a little bit of movement (like doing five squats). They also suggest stacking the habit of going to the grocery store with parking further away so that you can get more steps in. You can learn more about their suggestions at heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/habits/fit-bits.

 

I encourage you to join me in picking a new habit to try stacking this Heart Month! For more information, please contact me at [email protected] or 620-365-2242. To receive the “Wellness For You and Community, Too!” e-newsletter published monthly by the Southwind District, visit bit.ly/southwindnews.

 

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

 

K-State Extension

Tips for Starting Seeds

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Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Horticulture agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

If you have ever tried to start plants from seed, you know it can be tricky. But is very rewarding when you have success! Here are eight steps to help ensure you have nice healthy transplants when planting time arrives.

  1. Purchasing Seed – obtain your seeds from a reputable source including garden centers and seed catalogs. If choosing seed from a business that does not specialize in plants, pay special attention to the package date to make sure the seed was packaged for the current year. Though most seed remains viable for about 3 years, germination decreases as seed ages.
  2. Determine the Date to Seed – there are two pieces of information that needs to be known in order to determine the date to seed transplants: the target date for transplanting outside and the number of weeks needed to grow the transplant. Then do some counting.
  3. Sowing Seed – do not use garden soil to germinate seed as it is too heavy and may contain disease organisms. Use a media made especially for seed germination.
  4. Keep Seed Moist – seed must be kept moist in order to germinate. Water often enough that the media never dries. Using a clear plastic wrap over the top of the container can reduce the amount of watering needed. Remove the wrap after the seedlings emerge.
  5. Light – most plants will germinate in either darkness or light. All plants require adequate amounts of light once emergence occurs. South facing windows will not provide adequate amounts so fluorescent or LED fixtures should be used. Regardless of the type of light used, leave the light on for 16 hours each day.
  6. Temperature – the temperature needed for best germination is often higher than what we may find in our homes. A heat mat is best for consistent germination. Once plants have germinated, they can grow in cooler temperatures (65 to 70 degrees during the day and 55 to 60 degrees at night).
  7. Plant Movement – plants react to movement. Brushing over the plants with your hand stimulates them to become stockier and less leggy. Try brushing 20 strokes per day. But keep in mind that brushing will not compensate for lack of light or over-crowding. Plants grown under inadequate light will always be spindly.
  8. Hardening Plants – plants grown inside will often undergo transplant shock if not hardened off. Plants are hardened off by moving them outside and exposing them to sun and wind before transplanting occurs. Start about two weeks before transplanting and gradually expose the plants to outside conditions. Increase the number of hours and degree of exposure over the two-week period.

I can’t stress enough how important it is to have adequate light to ensure the growth of healthy plants. It is fairly easy and inexpensive to make a homemade grow light using a four-foot shop light and PVC pipe. We have a supply list and instructions available in our office if you would like to make a DIY grow light.

If you would like to attend an in-person seed starting class, we have four scheduled for this month – February 13 – Thayer; February 15 – Toronto; February 20 – Uniontown; and February 22 – Humboldt. Classes are from 6-7 pm and the fee is $5. To register, please call 620-365-2242.

 

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Horticulture agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

 

 

 

 

Business, Clothing, Fort Scott

Celebrate Better in Bourbon’s Anniversary This Evening: Drinks and Sweet Treats

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Photo from online
Better in Bourbon, a boutique clothing store at 13 N. Main in Historic Downtown Fort Scott, is celebrating its second anniversary this evening.
Rachel Pruitt opened the business in December 2021.

“Better in Bourbon started as a pop-up concept, but thanks to the incredible support received, a permanent location was established in late 2021,” she said.

“We sell women’s and ‘tween girl clothing and accessories. We also offer permanent jewelry,” Pruitt said.

Some of the merchandise is in Better in Bourbon. Submitted photo.

“In the Fall of 2023, I experienced the loss of my father following a determined battle with cancer,” Pruitt said. “Tragically, my mother also fell unexpectedly ill and passed away. Facing the loss of both parents within such a short period, I found myself in desperate need of support.”

She turned to her friend Denise Beaman who helped her in the shop when Pruitt couldn’t be there.
“Without Denise’s timely assistance, Better in Bourbon wouldn’t have reached its current standing,” Pruitt said. “Denise is in charge of merchandising and is my only employee.”
Rachel said she and Denise are grateful for the opportunity to serve the community and are excited about their expansion plans on the horizon.
Rachel Pruitt, left, and Denise Beaman. Submitted photo.
Rachel and Denise bring their wealth of experience from both the retail and wholesale industries to offer expert styling services, according to a press release from Pruitt. Their boutique is renowned for its size-inclusive range, offering everything from wardrobe essentials to one-of-a-kind pieces.
Tonight, February 9, the two will be having a special ladies’ night from 6 to 8 p.m. at the store.
“Enjoy permanent jewelry specials as our way of saying thank you for your support over the years,” Pruitt said. “Sip on delicious drinks and enjoy Crooners Cakery treats while you shop our latest collections.”
Merchandise in the Better in Bourbon Boutique at 13 N. Main. Submitted photo.
Art, Fort Scott

Artificers Offers Conversation Heart Dish Class Tonight

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Conversation Heart Dish POP-UP Class Tonight!!

Starting at 5 tonight you can come into the studio and make your own conversation heart dish! Use it just for you or give it to someone special!! Walk-ins welcome!!

Thanks for LOVING Local!
Entertainment, Government, Kansas

Attraction Development Grants Spring Applications Open

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Kansas Tourism Announces Attraction Development Grants Spring Applications Open

TOPEKA – Kansas Tourism has announced the spring round of applications are open for the Tourism Attraction Development Grant Program. Attraction Development Grants are designed to assist in the development of sustainable travel experiences by developing new tourism attractions or enhancing existing attractions that will spur new visitation and increase visitor spending. A total of $500,000 will be granted during this round. Applications are due by April 1, 2024.

“Tourism is a key element to invigorating local economies,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Through strategic investments in developing new tourism opportunities, we create jobs and increase a community’s appeal as a place to live and do business.”

The goals of the Attraction Development Grants are to spur economic growth, increase visitation to the state, enhance the visitor experience and improve quality of life.

“The development of new attractions offers fresh avenues for exploration and discovery,” Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “This is one way we can encourage visitors to come back over and over to continually uncover more about Kansas each time they visit.”

For more information about the Attraction Development Grants, click here, or contact Kansas Tourism Grant Program Manager Carrie Doud here.

For a full list of grants offered by the Kansas Department of Commerce, click here.

About Kansas Tourism:

The mission of Kansas Tourism is to inspire travel to and throughout Kansas to maximize the positive impacts that tourism has on our state and local communities. Kansas Tourism works hand in hand with other Commerce community programs to elevate and promote Kansas as a tourist destination. Kansas Tourism oversees all tourism marketing and PR for the state, produces travel publications and advertising, manages state Travel Information Centers, manages both the Kansas By-ways program and the Kansas Agritourism program, approves tourist signage applications, produces the KANSAS! Magazine, and provides financial and educational support to the tourism industry in Kansas through grants, education, and support.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

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Bourbon County, Government

Uniontown City Council Agenda for Feb. 13

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Agenda for the Uniontown City Council for Feb. 13, 2024

Attachments:

02-24 Informational Items

2024 Financials – Jan Monthly Transaction Report

City Clerk Job Description

CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________

ROLL CALL: 

___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Amber Kelly ___ Mary Pemberton ___ Bradley Stewart

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

 

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

Shane Kober – speed bumps

 

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Minutes of January 8, 2024 Regular Council Meeting
  2. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

 

 

Codes Enforcement: 

 

Clerk Report:  Sally Johnson  

Insurance renewal conditional provisions

Website hosting price increase

Update on software progress

Court Clerks Conference, March 1, Wichita

CCMFOA Conference, March 20-22, Manhattan

 

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin –

Councilwoman Esslinger –

Councilman Kelly –

Councilwoman Pemberton –

Councilman Stewart–

Mayor Jurgensen –

 

OLD BUSINESS

Rabies Clinic –

 

NEW BUSINESS

Motion by ____________, Second by ______­­­_______, Approved ________ to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss job duties and benefits of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at _______.

 

ADJOURN Time ____________ Moved by ______________, 2nd ___________________, Approved ___________

Bourbon County, Government

Uniontown City Council Minutes of January 8

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The Regular Council Meeting on January 8, 2024 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, City Superintendent Bobby Rich and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Oath of Office was administered to newly elected councilmembers by Clerk Johnson.

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

None

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger present the December 2023 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $243,781.59, Receipts $73,292.55, Transfers Out $19,054.68, Expenditures $62,540.26, Checking Account Closing Balance $235,479.20. Bank Statement Balance $244,368.14, including Checking Account Interest of $53.92, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $8,888.94, Reconciled Balance $235,479.20.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $37,083.20, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $21,153.58, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $38,862.06, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $332,578.04. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $923.79, and Utility CDs $1,091.36 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $2,015.15.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of December 2023, 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, to Capital Improvement-Not Specified $1,000; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, to General Fund $3,000, to Capital Improvement-Not Specified $1,000, to Security Meter Deposit $9.56; from Gas Utility Fund to General Fund $3,000, to Capital Improvement-Not Specified $3,000, to Security meter Deposit $19.12; from General Fund to Capital Improvement-Not  Specified $3,000 for Total Transfers of $19,054.68.  Net Loss for the month of December $8,302.39, Year-to-Date Net Loss $108,072.77.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $124,626.63 (102.0%), Expenditures $119,097.15 (74.3%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $36,864.03 (100%), Expenditures $34,036.23 (82.7%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $137,399.07 (87.7%), Expenditures $163,108.78 (72.5%); General Fund YTD Revenue $207,072.57 (138.3%), Expenditures $156,498.76 (84.5%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $8,152.71 (109.3%), Expenditures $9,525.56 (75.6%).  The January 2024 estimated payables to date in the amount of $28,498.47 were presented.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda as amended:

  • Minutes of December 12, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
  • Destruction of records for 2013 and prior
  • Resolution 2024-0108-1 – 2024 GAAP Waiver

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

City Superintendent Rich requested to shut off water and close public restroom for the winter.  After water is shut off, the doors will be locked and signs will be placed on the doors.

He gave an update on the sewer issue at 100 Second St – the issue is on the property owner’s side of the sewer service.  It is recommended that when new line is tapped into main it includes a trace wire (all utilities).

The sewer main in the alley between Hill St and Clay St was backing up.  A screen was used when cleaned out to see what was blocking the flow.  Screen was full of feminine hygiene products.  A request to not flush certain items was put in the January newsletter.

The quote from CAS Constructors, LLC for labor to replace the butterfly water valve at the master meter is $4,720.  Valve, actuator, and solenoid have been ordered and still several weeks from delivery.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to accept quote in the amount of $4,720 from CAS Constructors, LLC to remove existing butterfly valve and replace with new actuated butterfly valve

 

Mayor Jurgensen asked for a followup on the standing water in the drainage ditch from midway between Third St and Second St to the railroad right-of-way box culvert.  Source of water is still undetermined.

 

Mayor Jurgensen reported that he spoke to owner of 201 Second St about the fallen fence and yard.  Tenants have picked up and stacked fallen fence and cleaned up yard.  It was also reported that improvements at 404 Washington are continuing.

 

Clerk Johnson reported the Kansas Health and Environment Labs schedule of fees are projected to increase 35% effective May, 2024.

She gave an update on the finance and utility billing software implementation.

Johnson received information regarding National Flood Insurance Plan training.  As Uniontown has not significant flood risk, she will not attend but will pass on information to her replacement.

Also received a notice regarding Information Technology/Operational Technology Essentials Workshop.  Council did not feel anyone should attend, but Superintendent Rich could attend if he wanted to.

She received notice of a rate increase from C2 today that will be effective with the January reading.  Service fee will increase from $20 to $25/month, usage rate will increase $.23/1000 gallons, a 5.22% overall increase.  Johnson presented options for city customer rate increase to be effective with the January readings to reflect the increase from C2.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to approve Ordinance No. 204 repealing Ordinance No. 195, relating to water rates and amending any previous ordinances for resolutions setting forth water rates for the City of Uniontown, Kansas with inside city limits minimum charge of $27.16 for the first 1,000 gallons or part thereof and $12.74/1,000 gallons over the first 1,000; for customers outside city limits minimum charge of $28.40 for the first 1,000 gallons or part thereof and $13.31/1,000 gallons over the first 1,000 to take effect on the January 26, 2024 billing

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – nothing

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – nothing

Councilwoman Pemberton – nothing

Councilman Stewart – nothing

Mayor Jurgensen – severe weather is forecasted for the weekend.  A member update had not been received from KMGA as of meeting, Clerk Johnson will reach out for an update.  He also reminded council that dog/cat registrations period is now until March 31.  It was asked if we would host a rabies clinic again this year.  Clerk Johnson with reach out to Dr Holeman for a late March date.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Placemaking project – Grant check has been received and work will begin when weather permits.

 

Pond Project – contractor is still waiting on county for rock.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Water Meter Replacement Plan – after discussion, we will start with a few this year and budget in the following years for more to have on hand and replace when needed.  Superintendent Rich stated he would need help to remove/replace some of the meters as some of the meters are pretty deep in the well.

 

Clerk Johnson asked when and where to advertise for the City Clerk position.  Mayor Jurgensen asked her to send the clerk’s job description to the council in next month’s packet and put a non-elected personnel executive session for on the agenda to discuss duties and benefits.

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 8:33PM

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening in Fort Scott?

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott! February 8th Weekly Newsletter

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

________________

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Daily Guided Tours: 10am & 1pm

Currently closed Wednesdays & Thursdays

until further notice.

Visit your National Park!

Click here to see all the FUN classes at The Artificers, classes for ALL ages!

BINGO hosted by the American Legion Post 25 every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month unless it falls on a holiday. Doors open at 6pm and Bingo starts at 7pm at Memorial Hall.

Bourbon County Arts Council call for entries through 2-23, the BCAC announces the 32nd Annual Fine Arts Competition and Exhibit at the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center, 2108 Horton, entry requested by calling Deb Anderson at 620.224.8650/Deb Halsey at 620.224.0684 or email [email protected]

ELVIS is in the building ~ concert, dinner, AND hotel package! Package includes an overnight stay on Saturday night at your choice of the Courtland Hotel and Spa or Sleep Inn and Suites Hotel/2 Tickets to the Elvis Concert at the River Room Event Center/includes happy hour & auction as well as a Tuscan Chicken Dinner, click here for more information and to reserve NOW!

Radio Auction EVERY Thursday and Friday starting at 3pm, MUST have a bid number/contact 620.223.4500 or stop by the station at 2 N. National to grab one, you can bid on the radio or online at kombfm.com, click here for more information!

2/8 ~ Dustin Treiber LIVE at Brickstreet BBQ, 6-8pm, click here for more information.

2/8-10th ~ FSHS Play – Arsenic and Old Lace, Adults $7/Children $5, doors open 30 minutes prior to show time, 7pm, click here for more details.

2/8-10 ~ Sixties Family Fun Night at the Museum of Creativity, $5/per person ages 3-103+, entrance includes participation in all competitions/activities and an ice cream float, click here for a complete listing of events!

2/8 ~ Sweetheart Dinner at Presbyterian Village for anyone 65 and older, alfredo pasta/fresh green beans/and fruit pizza for dessert, bring anyone you’d like or just bring yourself for a night full of fun, RSVP to 620.223.5550

2/8 ~ Conversation Heart Dish – Walk In Class hosted by The Artificers, 5-9pm, $10/per heart, all ages welcomed, click here for more information.

2/9-10 ~ Prairie Troubadour Catholic Symposium, click here for more information and a full schedule of events.

2/9 ~ Birthday Ladies Night Sip & Shop at Better in Bourbon, join Better and Bourbon as they toast 3 WONDERFUL years in business, enjoy permanent jewelry specials and sip on delicious drinks while you shop, 6-8pm, click here for more information!

2/10 ~ Cupid’s Corner Holiday Craft at Buck Run Community Center, ages pre-k – 5th grade, $1/per person, 9-10:30am.

2/10 ~ Timber Hills Lake Ranch Valentine’s Day Special, overnight stay including cabin AND food for two for only $175, visit www.timberhillslakeranch.com to view more or see flyer below!

2/10 ~ Legislative Update/Outlook from our legislators hosted by the Chamber, 10am, location Ellis Fine Arts Center meeting rooms on the campus of FSCC, 2108 S. Horton.

2/10 ~ Love Local Chocolate Crawl Shopping event hosted by Fort Scott Chamber, enjoy sweet deals and yummy treats, Downtown and around.

2/11 ~ SUPER BOWL LVlll, Kansas City Chiefs vs. San Francisco 49ers, Halftime show featuring Usher, grab your family and friends and watch the game at a local establishment! GOOOO CHIEFS!

2/12-17 ~ Valentine’s Day “Ghost” Class at The Artificers, 2 hours of wheel throwing as a couple/heavy appetizers catered by Crooners/guaranteed laughs & entertainment, $175 per couple, 6-9pm, see flyer below for more information!

2/15 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by the Gordon Parks Museum and Lowell Milken Center, Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton, 8am

2/15 ~ Lowell Milken Center features Unsung Hero James Reese Europe as part of Black History Month, this event will take place at the Ellis Center at FSCC, this event is free and all are welcomed, 11am, click here for more information!

2/16 ~ FSHS Homecoming Basketball vs Pittsburg Dragons, games begin at 4:30pm, Winter Formal/Homecoming dance is Saturday night February 17th with an admission of $5 per student, 7pm-10pm. GO TIGERS!

2/16-17 ~ LAST Indoor Yard Sale at the Museum of Creativity, Friday 9am-10pm and Saturday 9am-4pm, click here for more information!

2/17 ~ Care to Share – Evening with Elvis at River Room Events, happy hour and a silent auction at 5:30pm followed with a fantastic dinner and desserts with Twigs and Berries, $25/per person/$50 per couple/and $200 for a table of 8, click here for more information.

2/17 ~ Scouts Pinewood Derby at Memorial Hall, 6pm, click here for more details.

2/18 ~ Bourbon County Democrats first general meeting of 2024, Ellis Center Meeting Rooms, 2-4pm, click here for more information.

2/19 ~ Kid’s Art Party – Raining Cats & Dogs, $5 is all it takes to reserve your spot with the remainder $20 due the day of class, all supplies and snack are included, click here to reserve your youngster’s spot!

2/21 ~ Fort Scott Community College Community Conservation with Dr. Jason Kegler, the focus this session will be on the College’s identity, Ellis Fine Arts Center Meeting Rooms, 2108 S. Horton, 5:30pm, click here for more information.

2/22 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Lyons Realty Group, 8 E. Wall, 8am

2/22 ~ Bourbon County Job Fair hosted by KANSASWORKS & co-sponsored by Bourbon County REDI, the Chamber, and HBCAT, 2pm-5pm at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd., see flyer below for more information – 2-2:30pm is reserved for Veterans.

2/23 ~ Lacey’s Crew Chili Feed & Raffle at Fort Scott High School, all profits will go directly to Lacey to support her during her fight with Stage 4 Breast Cancer, 5-8pm, click here for more information.

SAVE THE DATE!

2/24-25 ~ Frostbite Event at Kansas Rocks Recreation Park, great food/great fun/great friends, $60 cost includes entry/ 1 hot meal/1 t-shirt and a drawing ticket, click here for more information!

2/24 ~ Casi Joy LIVE at Memorial Hall, 7-10pm, click here to get tickets!

2/25 ~ February Flower Class hosted by Sunshine Boutique at Papa Don’s Pizza, $10 due when signing up with the remainder $10 due at class, $20/per person, click here to register!

2/28 ~ Future Now Finance @ FSHS by SparkWheel, 8:00am-1:00pm

2/29 ~ Lunch – N – Learn about registered apprenticeship opportunities, 104 N. National, 12-1pm

_________________

SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!

Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!

Click here for Chamber member

specialty shopping & other retail in

Downtown & other areas of the community.
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue

Calendar of Events

Special Event Features

THANK YOU Chamber Champion members!!
Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?
Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.

Legislative Update Coffee THIS Saturday, Feb. 10th, 10-11:15am, hosted by the Chamber!

ALL are welcome to attend!

Timber Hills Lake Valentine’s Day

Sweetheart Special!

Love Local Chocolate Crawl Shopping Event is THIS Saturday, February 10th! See below for list of participating stores!

Valentine’s Day “Ghost” Class for Couples at The Artificers, click here to register!

Care to Share hosts Evening with Elvis at

The River Room, February 17th! Tickets on sale @ the Chamber or click here to purchase online!
Opinion

God’s Timing: Always On Time by Patty LaRoche

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Patty LaRoche. 2023.. Submitted photo.
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)

How long do we trustfully wait on God to answer our prayers? A few days?  Months?  Years?   God told Abram that he would be the father of many nations, yet there he was, over 99 years old, and he and his wife, Sarai, had no kiddos.  What was Abram thinking?

“Maybe God confused me with someone else.”

“Maybe I misunderstood.  Maybe He said ‘kids.’  Yea, that’s it.  He’s giving me a herd of goats.”

“Maybe I need to help God and make this happen myself.  Yep, that’s what I’ll do.  After all, God is busy.  He probably forgot His promise.”

God had told Abram that his offspring would be numerous.  Ten years later, Abram remained childless. When God came to Abram in a vision and promised to be Abram’s shield and great reward, Abram wasn’t too hepped about receiving that promise. “LORD God, what good will your gifts be if I continue to be childless?”

I get it.  The only one in the picture to inherit Abram’s vast estate was Eliezer, his servant.  God reassured him that he would have his own son and that his offspring would be more than the “dust of the earth” (Gen. 13:16) and later, the “stars of the sky” (Gen. 15:5).

But doubts began to creep in, so Abram took matters into his own, wrinkly hands.  After all, what harm could it do?  He finally, by golly, would have a “legitimate” heir.  He impregnated his wife’s servant Hagar who birthed Ishmael, never realizing that, to this day, this royal mess-up would cause unending problems between the Israelis and the Arabs.

Abram impatiently moved forward to help God’s will come to pass.  Surely we can’t blame him, right?  Wrong.  God lives in a timeless zone.  What seems to us late, for God is on time. Perfect time.

Haven’t we all been there?  We take our requests to God.  And wait.  And wait.  And wait.  Do we patiently endure, knowing that God will answer in His time? Do we continue to exude peace?  Sure we do.

NOT!  If you’ve read any of my columns, you know that I do not wait in peace. I “do” the first part of Matthew 7:7 well. Jesus says, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”  It’s the very next verse that causes me issues: “For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.”  I love the part that tells me I’m going to get what I want.  I don’t love the part that fails to tell me how long it will be before I “receive” what I’m seeking. (Not proud to admit that.)

We read that God did for Abram what He said He would do.  Sarai (meaning “my princess”), in her old age, birthed Isaac, and her name was changed to Sarah (“mother of nations”), while her husband’s name was changed to Abraham (“father of a multitude”).  I love that God did that miracle in their old age.  That way, they could give God all the credit.             Scripture makes it clear that God will answer our prayers.  He will.  Sometimes He wants us to figure things out on our own.  Other times, He wants us to grow our faith and trust in Him and His timing. (Sooooo hard, don’t you think?)  And let’s not forget that little “motive” thing.  Am I asking for something out of selfish ambition?

Mark 12:30 tells us that our relationship with God should have priority over any earthly matter.  Do we keep that in mind when we make our requests?  The way we answer that question likely determines the timing God uses to answer us.

 

 

 

 

Church news, Fort Scott

New Pastor at First Presbyterian Church: Reverend Sarah Gengler

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The First Presbyterian Church is located at 308 S. Crawford Street, Fort Scott.

As of February 1, the Fort Scott Presbyterian Church has a new pastor, Reverend Sarah Gengler.

Gengler didn’t start immediately in her current career.

While working at one career, she started volunteering at a Presbyterian Church.

Gengler graduated from  Adrian High School (Minnesota) in May 2001 and attended South Dakota State University from Sept. 2001 to Dec. 2004  earning a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and political science.

She began attending a Presbyterian Church in the community she was living in, while working as an education reporter for a daily newspaper.

“The work did not allow me to get to know people, as it had while working for a weekly newspaper, and my boss at the time seemed to thrive off the staff being unhappy,” she said. “I told the youth director I volunteered for at my church that I would love to do what she did, but I did not have the degree and could not afford to go back to school at that time. She told me that sometimes churches didn’t require youth directors to have a formal degree, so I left my journalism career and jumped into ministry with both feet.”

“After only a few months I knew I wanted to further my education in religious studies,” she said. “I began to take seminary classes online, for two years and felt God calling me to fully ordained ministry. I had just missed the cutoff for the fall of 2010 so I continued to work until I could enter seminary full time the summer of 2011.”

Gengler graduated from the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary in May 2014 with a Master of Divinity which focused on small rural ministry.

She was ordained in 2014 and has served Presbyterian churches in Indiana and Nebraska, and the last six months as a contracted pastor to an Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Minnesota.

“Some of my passions in ministry include preaching, pastoral care/visiting, mission and community work, and mailing greeting cards,” she said.” In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and two dogs (Max and Daisy), reading/listening to audiobooks, cooking, baking, quilting, and anything crafty. I seem to always be busy and truly enjoy helping others.”

Sarah Gengler was born and raised on a dairy farm near Adrian, Minnesota in the southwest corner of the state, as the third of six children.

“They still run the dairy farm with my two younger brothers and milk approximately 400 cows,” she said in a press release. “People are always stunned when I tell them there are 29 people, including me, in my immediate family.”

Pastor Sarah’s hours are Sunday from 9 a.m. – noon; Monday – Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. – noon; and afternoon times by appointment.

Contact info: Church – 620-223-3180; Email – [email protected]

Address of the church: 308 S. Crawford (at the corner of 3rd and Crawford Streets)

Service time: Faith Formation classes begin at 9:30 a.m. during the school year. Worship is at 10:30 a.m. Children are welcomed in worship or childcare is available.