Monthly Archives: April 2024

Entertainment, Fort Scott

Free Car Show On April 21 at Riverfront Park

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Submitted photo of last year’s Rumble on the Bricks car show.

Rumble on The Bricks is a local car show organized by Fort Scott residents,  Austin Alfaro and Dakota Rusk.

“We present ourselves as a car community but this is for anybody who wants to come out and have a good time, see friends, and promote small businesses/ideas,” Rusk said. “All vehicles are welcome, bring whatever you’ve got, just come hang out.”

Their first car shows were in 2023 and one is scheduled for April 21 at Riverfront Park, north of the orange-colored bridge on North National Avenue. The event starts at noon and will last about three hours, Rusk said.

Dakota Rusk with his son at the car show in 2023. Submitted photo.

“This is a family-friendly event, food trucks are welcome to come,” he said.  “We’ve had Over Yonder BBQ bring some amazing food last year.”

Last year’s Rumble on the Bricks car show. Submitted photo.

They hope to bring the community together and give people something to do, once a month when the weather is nice, Rusk said.

 

Austin Alfaro, submitted photo.

“My main goal is to bring the community together and have fun,” he said. “This is a car show, just for fun.”

Admission is free.

A motorcycle was part of the show in 2023. Submitted photo.

 

 

Obituary

Obituary of Sandra Lessley

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Sandra Fay Lessley, age 62, resident of Fort Scott, KS died Friday, April 12, 2024, at North Point Skilled Nursing in Paola, KS.  She was born May 23, 1961, in Webb City, MO the daughter of James Lee and Dorothy Lavona Collins Petty.  Sandra worked for Med Plans Insurance Company and later in daycare.  She enjoyed dancing, camping, and spending time with her family.  Sandra was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan.  She had a heart of gold and would help anyone in need.

 

Survivors include her son Alex Lessley; siblings Larry Thompson, Linda Thompson, and Lenda Tibby; and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by two brothers, Darrel and Roy Thompson, a nephew, Bryan Mize, and her parents.

 

There was cremation.  Interment will be announced later to take place later in West Liberty Cemetery.  Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS.  Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

Bourbon County, Government

Amended Bourbon County Commission Agenda for April 15

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Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-583

 

Attachment:

Agenda Removal Email

 

Bourbon County, Kansas

1st District Commissioner

Jim Harris, Chairman

2nd District Commissioner

Clifton Beth

3rd District Commissioner

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

 

April 15, 2024 5:30 p.m.

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 4/8/2024
    2. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $13,848.18
  1. Public Comments
  2. Cherri Walrod-CORE Community Program Update
  3. Charles Gentry-Citizens for ER Committee
  • Discussion of Solar Panel Farms
  • Eric Bailey, Public Works Director- 2024 Hard Surface Road Plan
  1. Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk
    1. Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(2)
    2. KDHE Public Notice
    3. KDOT District Meeting
    4. KCAMP Documents
  2. Commission Comments
  3. Adjourn Meeting

 

 

 

Executive Session Justifications:

 

KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the

attorney-client relationship.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the

representative(s) of               the body or agency.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual     proprietorships

KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting

would jeopardize such security measures.

 

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott, History

CIVIL WAR CAMP DANCE FEATURED THIS WEEKEND

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Dee Young along with Wayne and Barrett Young will provide the music and instruction for the Civil War Camp Dance to be held at Memorial Hall on April 20.

CIVIL WAR CAMP DANCE FEATURED THIS WEEKEND

Dust off your dancing shoes and mark your calendar for the Civil War Camp Dance this Saturday, April 20.  The fun filled evening, hosted by the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site Inc., is being held at Memorial Hall 1 East 3rd Street in Fort Scott and will feature 19th century music, Victorian dance instruction and light refreshments.  Doors open at 6:30 pm with dancing to begin at 7:00 pm. Admission is $15 per person or $25 per couple. Period dress is encouraged but not required.

Dancing was a favorite form of entertainment during the Victorian era (1840s-1890s) and especially during the Civil War as it offered respite from the worries and horrors of a war that affected the entire nation. Come find some respite from your own busy schedule as you are transported to times past.  All ages are welcome and no prior dance experience is necessary to enjoy the evening.

This event is being offered in conjunction with Fort Scott National Historic Site’s (FSNHS) Civil War Encampment. For more information concerning FSNHS’s Civil War Encampment go www.nps.gov/fosc.

The Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site is a non-profit organization established in partnership with the National Park Service to support and promote the preservation and interpretation of FSNHS.

Bourbon County, Government

Uniontown City Council Special Meeting is April 17

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The Uniontown City Council will hold a special meeting on April 17 at 5:45 p.m. at city hall.

 

CALL TO ORDER AT _________ by __________________________________________

ROLL CALL:

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

 

Motion by _____________, Second by  __________, Approved ______, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to interview applicants of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at ____________.

 

Bourbon County, Elections

Bo Co Democrats Meet April 21

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The Bourbon County Democrats will meet on Sunday, April 21, at 2:00 p.m. in the Ellis Center Meeting Rooms at Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton.
After a short meeting, State Representative Linda Featherston will speak and then hold a short discussion time. Information regarding the special election on May 14 will be shared, and a candidate who has filed for State Senate will introduce himself.
Please come join us. We have a full agenda! Contact 620 215 1505 by leaving a message or, preferably, a text with your name.
Submitted by:

Carol MacArthur
Chair, Bourbon Co. Democrats
Please like them on Facebook
“Serving Bourbon County’s Registered Democrats”
Opinion

As Good as it Gets By Carolyn Tucker

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Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker

 

 

Today’s society likes to give ratings and many businesses encourage consumers to rate their experience concerning services or products. With the five choices of (1) very poor, (2)  poor, (3) average, (4) good, (5) excellent, receiving a five-star rating is as good as it gets. After a recent church service, I told my Pastor that he delivered a six-star message (I thought it was “over the top.”) In my mind, that was the same as giving him an A+!  I sure hope he didn’t think I was giving him a 6 out of 10. Maybe that’s why he gave me that funny look.

 

When God created the heavens and the earth, “God saw that it was good” was recorded five times in the Book of Genesis as a summary statement. But on the sixth day, when He created man (humankind) in His own image, He upped His own rating from good to very good: “Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good” (Genesis 1:31 NKJV). Since Yahweh is a five-star God, I prefer to believe that “very good” is the same as “excellent” and that’s as good as it gets.

 

Before he became king, David penned the following psalm: “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” (Psalm 34:8 NKJV). David could say that the Lord was good by his personal experience. He placed his faith in a never-failing God. David experienced many turbulent circumstances but they never shook him loose from God’s promises to protect and deliver him. “You have done many good things for me, Lord, just as You promised (Psalm 119:65 NLT). If believers will only taste (give God a chance), we’ll see (experience) His goodness in our lives.  

 

Because we have an excellent 5-star God, we should desire to step up to the plate and serve Him with excellence. As His ambassadors, we represent Christ  in everything we do and say. The rubber meets the road outside the walls of the church building. When the pressure is on, the following thoughts may cross your mind: “This is good enough.” “I don’t have time to do it right.” “I’ll do better next time.” “Nobody cares, so why should I?” “I’m just guessing; I hope I spelled his name correctly.” I’m sure grateful that God never has a lazy or lousy mindset about His responsibilities.

 

Peter boldly reminds believers that we have an important job to do. “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9 ESV). Just like a mannequin in the store window, we’re to display the excellent virtues of Jesus. I’ll be the first to admit, there are times when I feel like a dummy because I thoughtlessly said or did something unkind. Regretfully, I didn’t represent Jesus well in that moment. But, thankfully, there’s mercy and forgiveness for a dummy’s repentant heart. “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever” (Psalm 107:1 NKJV). “For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and His faithfulness continues to each generation” (Psalm 100:5 NLT).  

 

The Key: God is good. God is very good. God is excellent.

Bourbon County, Government

Bo Co Commission Agenda for April 15

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Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-583

 

Bourbon County, Kansas

Attachments:

1st Quarter 2024

Financial Review Accounts Payable 4-10-2024

1st District Commissioner

Jim Harris, Chairman

2nd District Commissioner

Clifton Beth

3rd District Commissioner

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

 

April 15, 2024 5:30 p.m.

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 4/8/2024
    2. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $13,848.18
  1. Public Comments
  2. Cherri Walrod-CORE Community Program Update
  3. Charles Gentry-Citizens for ER Committee
  • Eric Bailey, Public Works Director- 2024 Hard Surface Road Plan
  • Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk
    1. Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(2)
    2. KDHE Public Notice
    3. KDOT District Meeting
    4. KCAMP Documents
    5. Incompatibility of Office Clarification
  1. Commission Comments
  2. Adjourn Meeting

 

 

 

Executive Session Justifications:

 

KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the

attorney-client relationship.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the

representative(s) of               the body or agency.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual     proprietorships

KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting

would jeopardize such security measures.

 

Bourbon County, Food, Fort Scott, Government, K-State Extension, Kansas

Kelly Perry: Kansas State Food Fellow Offers Free Workshop For Local Food Sellers

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Kelly Perry. Sumbitted photo.

Kelly Perry answered a job ad from the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team posting in October, 2023 for a local food fellow position.

“I was so excited and quickly applied and in January was interviewed by Amanda Lindahl, Local Food System Program Coordinator with Kansas State, and Rachel Carpenter with HBCAT,” she said. ” I love food, small business, and local so this was right up my alley.  The duties were pretty vast for an 18-week program that is brand new across the state…and I landed this awesome opportunity!”
“As part of my job duties, I am required to hold an educational workshop,” she said. “I wanted to focus on food labeling at the farmers market. I know our local Fort Scott Farmers Market is growing like crazy, pun intended. I figured it would be a great topic for people to learn what the state requires at pop-up shops, festivals, bake sales, and farmers’ markets. I also wanted to cover the proper food licenses required by the state.”
“The main reason for this is that I receive about three calls, texts, or messages a week asking food-related questions from everyday people who own, run, or are thinking of starting a business full-time, part-time, or occasionally,” she said.
Kelly and her husband Thadeus Perry own Perry’s Pork Rinds and Country Store in Bronson.

“People know me and know I’m willing to help if I can,” she said. “Sometimes people get intimidated or scared of the inspectors or do not know who to contact to ask the questions so that leads them to me. I, for one, have had to attend countless seminars, online Zoom meetings, and hours of reading to learn about my family’s business Perry’s Pork Rinds, and our food laws and regulations.”

“I remember having the state Inspector show up at our front door needing to look over our home-based business back in 2018,” Perry said. “I remember the federal meat inspector showing up as well, due to the product we make being a meat product. I cried each time someone would flash their badge at the front door and I’d panic. After years of visits, and our yearly renewal inspections I came to realize food inspection, safety, and visits were not intimidating or anything to be scared of.”
“They had a job to do and if we were doing something wrong they would answer questions and tell us what to do to fix it and be in compliance,” she said. ” It’s in the state’s best interest to HAVE business in operation and to generate revenue. They want the businesses but they also have standards and regulations to help keep us all safe, both the consumer as well as the producer.”
“I figured a food license discussion would help so many who were just unsure, curious or didn’t know where to start,” she said.
The workshop is FREE to anyone from any part of the state, from 6-8 p.m. at the HBCAT offices, 104 N. National Avenue on Monday, April 15.
“We ask that you register so we can make sure to have enough handouts and packets created,” she said.
“We are so fortunate to have From the Land of Kansas’s very own Robyn Dolby attend and present a slide show and answer questions,” Perry said. “We will also have the K-State Local Food System Program Coordinator Amanda Lindahl coming to discuss the Local Food Fellow Program as well.”
Robin Dolby, From the Land of Kansas Marketing Coordinator, Kansas Dept. of Agriculture. Submitted photo.
Amanda Lindahl from her LinkedIn page.
“My goal with this Local Food Fellow position and HBCAT goal is to provide knowledge, access to resources, and networking,” she said. “We can then grow as producers, growers, suppliers, and a community! HBCAT always has the saying  Stronger Together and it is just that simple.”
 A description for the position she accepted is
– Update the Bourbon County Wholesale Food Directory
– Create a storytelling campaign on food-related business.
– Organize an Educational Workshop in Bourbon County.
– Complete the final report to be submitted to the K-State Research and Extension Local Food Systems Program Coordinator
K-State Extension, Youth

Helping Children Self-Regulate

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Cassidy Lutz
K-State Research and Extension 
Family and Consumer Science Agent 
Southwind District 
211 W. Butler 
Yates Center, KS 66783
620-625-8620

 

K-State Research and Extension Southwind District – Family and Consumer Science Agent

Helping Children Self-Regulate

Self-regulation is defined as the ability to manage thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. These skills develop in young children as they interact with their family, caregivers, and environments.

Children who are able to keep themselves calm during a frustrating situation, instead of having a tantrum, are using their self-regulation skills. These skills can be learned throughout the lifespan but can be extra beneficial for young children. By controlling their emotions, children can focus more on achieving their goals while keeping an open mind that stimulates learning.

Brain development plays a big role in self-regulation. Infants rely on the “survival center” near the bottom of the brainstem to maintain things like breathing and digestion. Toddlers and preschoolers start to use their “emotional center” known as the amygdala to communicate and express themselves through feelings. Young children and adolescents begin to use their “thinking center” or the cerebrum to problem solve, think before acting, and organize their behavior. Without the development of self-regulation skills, children will be stuck relying on the survival and emotional centers in their brains. This makes it hard for children to control their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

To develop these skills, the brain needs safe and meaningful interactions with family members, peers, and the world around them. This helps the brain make new connections that help with thought process and learning. To help your child(ren) develop these skills, start by focusing on building a strong connection with them. Respond warmly and consistently to their emotional and physical needs and encourage exploration and learning. Family routines and rituals are also beneficial to foster learning. This can look like family meals together, playtime, or bedtime routines. Focusing on positive rules can also encourage critical thinking. Focus on what things they should do instead of what they shouldn’t.

Practice makes perfect for children and adults alike. If your child has a hard time controlling themselves in certain environments, continue to practice what that should look like and focus on what they are feeling. If you encourage them to share openly some of the things that frustrate them, you will be able to talk through those things and help them overcome them. Practicing through play can be a positive way for your child to practice new skills. Encouraging breathing and mindfulness exercises can also help children calm down and be aware of what they are feeling. These activities help them return control to their “thinking center” of the brain, which will help them make good choices.

Self-regulation is a skill that can be developed with time, help, and support. Therapy, counseling, and parent support groups may be helpful resources for you to seek out as you support your child(ren)’s healthy development. For more information, contact Cassidy Lutz at [email protected] or by calling 620-625-8620.

 

Uncategorized

The Vital Roles of a Newcomer

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Amanda Classen. Submitted photo.

In small towns and rural areas, new folks bring big changes that matter a lot. When people move to different states or areas, they have all sorts of reasons for choosing those locations. Understanding these reasons is key to knowing how newcomers help places grow.

Newcomers aren’t just faces in a crowd—they’re the ones who bring new energy and ideas to small towns. Experts have studied and seen that, when fresh faces show up, it can be like a breath of fresh air for communities.

You might wonder why someone chooses to move to a specific town or state. Some come for jobs or better work opportunities, while others might move for the beautiful landscapes or a slower pace of life. Some pick a place because of family ties or friends already living there. Understanding these reasons helps communities see what makes them attractive to new folks.

When newcomers arrive, they’re like a boost for small towns. They often bring new skills, different perspectives, and lots of enthusiasm. They bring a bit of their own spice to the mix, making things more interesting. And it’s not just about them moving in; it’s about what they do when they get there.

Some newcomers dive right in—they join clubs, volunteer, start businesses, and get involved in making decisions for their community. This isn’t just good for the town; it’s good for everyone. They bring fresh ideas, help businesses grow, and make the place feel more connected; others may need a bit more of a “pull” from others in the community to come out of their shell.

 

Understanding what makes newcomers feel at home is vitally important. Maybe it’s about creating more job opportunities, inventing fun events, improving schools. Knowing these things helps make the place more welcoming and helps keep these new faces around.

 

A few ways your community can become more welcoming for newcomers:

  • Start by listening: Both newcomers and longtime residents can feel alienated by change and unwelcome in their community.
  • Create “Do It Together” opportunities: Bring residents together through common projects. It’s an opportunity to bring people together through the arts, sports, volunteering, or myriad other ways that provide a chance for neighbors to find common ground.
  • Build a community-wide Welcoming agenda: Communities can create their own welcoming plan and bring together different sectors—government, business, community, faith, etc. Remember, when new people come in, they bring fresh perspectives and ideas. And when they feel welcomed and understood, they stick about and help make things better for everyone.

In the end, newcomers can be the secret ingredient that makes small towns better. They bring new ideas and energy, making these places feel like home for everyone. When new people come in, they bring fresh perspectives and ideas, but when they feel welcomed and understood, they stick around and help make things better for everyone.

 

For More information, contact Community Vitality Agent, Amanda Clasen at [email protected] or at 620-244-3826.