Monthly Archives: June 2024

Government, Kansas

KS Pesticide Law Is Updated

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KDA Celebrates Governor Kelly Signing Bill to Update State Pesticide Law

MANHATTAN, Kansas — Several legislators along with leadership from key Kansas agriculture organizations joined the Kansas Department of Agriculture on June 6 as Governor Laura Kelly signed House Bill 2607, a bill amending and updating the Kansas Pesticide Law.

The KDA pesticide and fertilizer program administers and enforces the laws applicable to pesticide use in Kansas, including the licensure, training, and certification of pesticide businesses, dealers, and applicators. HB 2607 made critical updates to the state’s pesticide law which will enable KDA to continue working with Kansas producers to ensure we have a safe, effective system to provide oversight of pesticide use in the state, emphasizing training and education.

“Legislators, state agencies, and industry stakeholders worked diligently together to achieve this all-encompassing piece of legislation addressing pesticide use and application for future years,” said Representative Lisa Moser, vice chair of the House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources.

The bill’s development incorporated input from stakeholders in the Kansas agriculture industry, legislators, and pesticide applicators. The bill makes necessary revisions to expand education, reduce barriers, and meet the standards required by the EPA to enable the program to continue its role in administering and enforcing the Kansas Pesticide Law.

“I appreciate how we were able to collaborate with KDA and others in the Kansas agriculture industry to make amendments in the House to address stakeholder concerns and make this bill work for Kansas,” said Representative Sydney Carlin, ranking minority leader of the House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Following the signing of HB 2607, the KDA pesticide and fertilizer team will develop regulations to provide more guidance to the regulated community about how the statute will be applied to those who are licensed as pesticide businesses and applicators. In addition, KDA will work with K-State Research and Extension to develop training and testing materials as outlined in the bill.

For more information about the Kansas Pesticide Law, visit KDA’s website at www.agriculture.ks.gov/PestFert or call 785-564-6688.

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Obituary

Obituary of Sandra Martin

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Sandra Sue Martin was born into this life on March 31, 1941, to Wilma (Clark) and Oscar Woody on the family farm in Vernon County, Missouri. She passed from this life on June 4, 2024, at her home in Stratford, Oklahoma. Sandra met her husband Richard Martin in their early days and the two married in a ceremony on December 6, 1960, in Miami, Oklahoma.

Sandra began her career as a School Teacher in Riverton, Kansas before going to teach in Baxter Springs, Kansas. After teaching she went on to work for Avon for several years, and finally she worked for DHS in Oklahoma for over 20 years before retiring from the State of Oklahoma DHS System.

Sandra is preceded in death by her parents; an infant son; Bradley Steven Martin; a sister, Donna Woody Eaton; and a brother, Paul Clark Woody.

She is survived by her loving husband, Richard Martin; son Shawn and wife Sheena Martin; 2 sisters, Marian Wood and Sharon Robinson as well as her beloved grandpups.

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 11:00 AM Thursday, June 13th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel, Fort Scott, Kansas.

Burial will follow in the Crocker Cemetery, Pittsburg, Kansas.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until service time Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to the Crocker Cemetery and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, Kansas 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary

Obituary of Jessica Mowen

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Jessica Ammere “Jescee” Mowen, age 48, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away June 5, 2024, at her home in Ft. Scott.  She was born October 9, 1975, the daughter of Wilbur E. Mowen, Jr. and Patricia L. Lattie Mowen.  Jescee grew up in Kansas City, Kansas and graduated from Turner High School.

Jescee loved people and felt a calling to healthcare.  She became a respiratory therapist and worked for a time in Kansas City area hospitals. She also had a love for animals.  She worked as a veterinarian assistant and at horse stables in the Kansas City area.

Jescee later moved to Ft. Scott. She worked as a medical aide at the Southeast Kansas Regional Correctional Center.  While working at the jail, Jescee had a reputation for being both tough and compassionate, and she earned the love and respect of the people she came in contact with.

Jescee later worked as the animal control officer for the Ft. Scott Police Department.  She was always willing to go the extra mile to lovingly train and rehome the animals in her care.  Jescee was diagnosed with leukemia in January of 2024.  Following her death, her family has been amazed at the number of people who have reached out and shared about the impact that Jescee had on their lives.  Her family is proud of the legacy of love that she has left behind.

 

Survivors include her parents, Wib and Patty Mowen of Ft. Scott and her children, Chance Guenther, Hunter Sprague, Amanda Kidwell (David) and Lia Lloyd (Shelby), three grandchildren and a god daughter, Celeste Miller.  Also surviving are two brothers, Drew Mowen (Angela) and Brent Mowen (Kristen) several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews as well as a special friend A. C. “Buzz” Hawpe.

 

There was cremation.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Jescee’s life from 1:00-5:00 P.M. Saturday, June 22nd at the Bourbon County 4-H Building, 2109 Horton St., Ft. Scott, Kansas.

Memorials are suggested to the Jessica Mowen 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.

Area News, Bourbon County, Fort Scott, K-State Extension

New K-State Extension Agent: Lonnie Mengarelli

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K-State Extension Crops and Natural Resources Agent. Lonnie Mengarelli. Submitted photo.
 Lonnie Mengarelli, 35, is the new Kansas State University Southwind District Crops and Natural Resources Agent.
His office is in Fort Scott, but the district covers Allen, Bourbon, Neosho, and Woodson counties.
He replaced Chad Guthrie and began his duties on May 13, 2024.
Mengarelli is a 2008 Girard High School graduate, who earned a Bachelor of Science from K-State in 2013, majoring in Agricultural Technology Management with two minors: agronomy and animal science.
His background: from November 2021- May 2024 he was an agronomist for Producer Cooperative Association in Girard, making herbicide and fertilizer recommendations for producers.
From  June 2013 to November 2021  he worked for K-State at the Southeast Research and Extension Center in Parsons,  doing small plot row crop research,  in charge of crop variety trials (corn, soybean, grain sorghum, wheat, and oil seed sunflower), and the field lead for the crop production studies under Dr. Gretchen Sassenrath researching soil health and cover crop studies.
He grew up on farm northeast of Girard raising Angus influence cattle.
“I put up hay all summer long including alfalfa, fescue, sedan grass, and prairie hay,” he said. “My father was the fourth agent in Crawford County so I was heavily involved in county fair preparations and extension events.”
His duties for this position: “Being the first person-to-person contact for all row crop production, rangeland, and wildlife questions. I will help with weed identification and control, crop pest control, and consulting on management practices to help improve ag production. I will also be heavily involved in the Bourbon County Fair assisting with the 4-h shows and projects.”
He lives in Hepler, Kansas with his wife Hannah (high school sweethearts) and four kids: Heidi (10), Avery (8), Emery (8), and Heston (6).
‘We’ve been happily married 12 years and own our 160-acre Charolais-influenced cow/calf operation,” he said.
Outside of work, he has many hobbies.
“They include working on my antique trucks and tractors and going to support my kids in all their activities. When not at work I enjoy helping family on their farms from operating equipment to turning wrenches and working with livestock. I am the Fire Chief for the Hepler Rural Fire Department. Also, I am an active member of the Hepler Ruritan Club. I serve as beef project leader for the Bone Creek 4H club in Crawford County.  In the spring I volunteer to run field events such as shot put and discus at Girard High/Middle School track meets. “
Mengarelli’s office is in the Bourbon County Courthouse, 210 S. National Avenue.
Mengarelli can be reached at
Office: 1-620-223-3720
Cell: 1-620-238-0532
Area News, Bourbon County, Government, Kansas

Bourbon County Still in A Drought Watch

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Governor Kelly Updates Declaration of Drought Emergency, Warnings, and Watches for Kansas Counties

 

TOPEKA — Governor Laura Kelly has approved updated drought declarations for Kansas counties through proclamation.

“While drought conditions have improved in some areas of the state, many counties continue to be negatively impacted by the decline in water supply or strains on water resources,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “I strongly encourage all Kansans to continue to conserve water over the summer months.”

The drought declaration placed four counties into emergency status, 35 into warning status, and 66 into watch status. This action was recommended by Connie Owen, Director of the Kansas Water Office and Chair of the Governor’s Drought Response Team. While Eastern Kansas has seen significant relief from drought since March, central and western Kansas has declined rapidly into Severe and, in a few counties, Extreme Drought.

“The counties in a watch status are experiencing conditions that indicate the probability of a water shortage is rising. It is important to monitor these conditions and be mindful of water usage in these counties,” said Owen. “Summer has arrived, and with it, higher temperatures and a decrease in precipitation. The Governor’s Drought Response Team will continue to monitor the drought conditions across Kansas and make recommendations to Governor Kelly as conditions change.”

Through an interagency agreement between the Kansas Water Office, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, and the Kansas Division of Emergency Management, counties in the emergency stage are eligible for emergency water use from certain state fishing lakes and some federal reservoirs.

 

Individuals and communities must contact the Kansas Water Office for a water supply request before any withdrawals from lakes. These requests will, in turn, be referred to the appropriate office to obtain necessary permits to withdraw the requested water.

 

This proclamation shall remain in effect for those counties identified until rescinded by a proclamation ending the declaration or revising the drought stage status of the affected counties.

 

Effective immediately, the proclamation:

 

  • Declares a Drought Emergency, Warning, or Watch for the counties as identified below;
  • Authorizes and directs all agencies under the jurisdiction of the Governor to implement the appropriate watch, warning, or emergency-level drought response actions assigned in the Operations Plan of the Governor’s Drought Response Team.

 

The Governor’s Drought Response Team will continue to watch the situation closely and work to minimize the negative drought-induced effects on Kansans.

For more detailed information about current conditions, visit the Climate and Drought webpage on the Kansas Water Office website at kwo.ks.gov.

County Drought Stage Declarations:

Drought Emergency: Hodgeman, Ness, Pawnee, Rush.

 

Drought Warning: Barber, Barton, Clark,

Comanche, Edwards, Ellis, Ellsworth, Finney, Ford, Grant, Gray, Greeley, Hamilton, Harper, Harvey, Haskell, Kearny, Kingman, Kiowa, Lane, McPherson, Meade, Morton, Pratt, Reno, Rice, Russell, Scott, Sedgwick, Seward, Stafford, Stanton, Stevens, Sumner, Wichita.

Drought Watch: Allen, Anderson, Atchison, Bourbon, Brown, Butler, Chase, Chautauqua, Cherokee, Cheyenne, Clay, Cloud, Coffey, Cowley, Crawford, Decatur, Dickinson, Doniphan, Douglas, Elk, Franklin, Geary, Gove, Graham, Greenwood, Jackson, Jefferson, Jewell, Johnson, Labette, Leavenworth, Lincoln, Linn, Logan, Lyon, Marion, Marshall, Miami, Mitchell, Montgomery, Morris, Nemaha, Neosho, Norton, Osage, Osborne, Ottawa, Phillips, Pottawatomie, Rawlins, Republic, Riley, Rooks, Saline, Shawnee, Sheridan, Sherman, Smith, Thomas, Trego, Wabaunsee, Wallace, Washington, Wilson, Woodson, Wyandotte.

 

# # #

 

 

As the state’s water office, the Kansas Water Office conducts water planning, policy coordination and water marketing as well as facilitates public input throughout the state.

 

The agency prepares the KANSAS WATER PLAN, a plan for water resources conservation, management and development.

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Public Updates of Local Entities at the Empress Event Center on June 12

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Join us!

Community Connection Panelist Luncheon

Wednesday, June 12th, from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Empress Event Center, 7 N. Main St.

Chamber members and the community are invited to hear 7-minute updates by the following entities: City of Fort Scott, Bourbon County, Fort Scott Community College, USD-234 and USD-235 School Districts, and Bourbon County REDI

The event is free to attend but registration is requested. Box lunches are available by pre-order for $10.

Those planning to attend may RSVP here. (lunch orders being accepted online thru noon, TODAY, Monday the 10th.)

Moderator for the event will be Chamber Board Member Colleen Quick of Labconco.

Contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at 620-223-3566 for more information or visit fortscott.com.
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Church news, Youth

Local V.B.S. Dates In The Community for 2024

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If your church has a Vacation Bible School this summer, please send the name and address of the church, the date of VBS and times, the age group of children invited, and the theme of the VBS. The following are Vacation Bible Schools for this summer that have been submitted.

 

Rinehart Christian Church; 9443 S 900 Rd, Richards, MO 64778
With a Theme-“Circus theme. Big Show, Big Faith, Bigger God, Rinehart Christian Church will have their V.B.S. from June 9-12 (Sunday-Wednesday evenings); 6-8:30 p.m. “We feed everyone at 6, including parents who bring their kids and don’t want to make another trip back to pick them up…so they stay for the evening.”
First Baptist Church
The First Baptist Church, 123 Scott is hosting a One Day Vacation Bible School on Saturday, June 15 from 9:30 a.m. -1 p.m.  Lunch will be provided.  Children ages 5-12 are welcome to attend!

First Presbyterian and First United Methodist Combine Efforts

Denise Needham is the VBS director for the First Presbyterian and First United Methodist Church team.

This year our VBS is being hosted by the First United Methodist Church at 301 S National Ave in Fort Scott Ks. From June 17th to 21st, 5:30 pm to 8 pm. Free Dinner provided.

Our theme is “Just like me: Digging in and Growing Deep”

“Free for children going into Kindergarten through 5th grade. Join us in a garden full of wonder and love!”

Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene

Fort Scott Nazarene church, 1728 Horton St. Fort Scott,  will have their VBS from June 24th-27th from 6:00-8:30 pm. with a
Scuba theme
See their website fsn. life or our Facebook page for more info.

Uniontown First Missionary Baptist Church

The Uniontown Baptist Church will have its VBS with the theme of God’s Backyard Bible Camp ‘Under the Stars’ on July 22-26, from  9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. for ages 4 through 5th grade.
Each child can fill a Samaritan’s Purse Christmas Shoebox to send to a child overseas.  The school includes game time and bounce houses.
Bethel Community Baptist Church
Submitted graphic.

VBS K5-6th grade:
Church name: Bethel Community Baptist Church
Address: 1397 155th St, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: Wednesday, July 31st-Sunday, August 4th.
Time: 9am-noon.
Theme: On a mission for the Lord

Submitted graphic.

VBS 7th-12th grade:
Church name: Bethel Community Baptist Church
Address: 1397 155th St, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: Monday, August 5th-Thurs. August 8th.
Time: 6:30-9:00 pm.
Theme: Teen Challange

Opinion

Dangerous Distractions by Carolyn Tucker

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Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker

 

 

Often I find myself so distracted that I completely forget my original intentions. Recently, while in the kitchen, I realized I’d left my water bottle on the nightstand. On my way to the bedroom, I noticed that I hadn’t fired up my computer. So I stopped to turn it on, and then I checked the weather. By then I’d forgotten about my original mission and returned to the kitchen. Then I remembered I didn’t even make it to the bedroom to retrieve my water bottle. I unintentionally aborted my own mission simply because I let myself get distracted. Like the busy woman in the middle of the staircase who got distracted, stopped to send a text, and then couldn’t figure out if she was supposed to be going up or down.

 

Spiritually speaking, distractions are not humorous or harmless. In the Old Testament, the prophet Elisha sent his servant Gehazi on an urgent mission. Elisha warned him not to be casual or distracted along the way. “Get ready to travel; take my staff and go! Don’t talk to anyone along the way. Go quickly and lay the staff on the child’s face” (2 Kings 4:29 NLT). The MEV states, “Prepare yourself, take my staff in your hand, and go. If you find anyone, do not greet him, and if anyone greets you, do not answer him, and lay my staff on the face of the boy.” Gehazi was not to dilly dally on the journey because the boy had died on his mother’s lap, and she had hurried to Elisha for help.  

 

When Elisha and the mother arrived later at the house, he found the boy dead and lying on his  bed. He entered the room, shut the door to distractions, and prayed to God. He put his face on the boy’s face and his hands on the boy’s cold hands. Then Elisha bent over the boy and his flesh warmed. He left the room and then returned, bent over him again and the boy sneezed seven times and opened his eyes. The thing that struck me while reading this account in this year’s reading was not the miraculous raising of the dead by the man of God. It was the fact that allowing certain distractions can change the outcome of our lives.

 

This young boy’s life could have had a much-different ending had Gehazi allowed himself to be distracted along the way to the woman’s son. This incident occurred in the Old Testament, and the topic of distractions was also candidly addressed in the New Testament. And in the 21st century, we continue to deal with risky distractions that persistently plague our culture.

 

“I will guard against the cares and anxieties of the world and distractions of the age, and the pleasure and delight and false glamour and deceitfulness of riches, and the craving and passionate desire for other things that creep in and choke and suffocate the Word, causing it to become fruitless” (Mark 4:19). Jesus was on a mission of love and salvation  to change the world. Because He and His disciples disallowed distractions, they turned the world upside down. There was an urgency with Jesus as He stayed on task to do His Father’s will.

 

As full-on believers, let’s be more aware of the dangerous distractions of this world and be determined to fervently follow Jesus’ example. Life is full of intense choices and glowing opportunities, but we must honestly realize that, “I cannot do everything so I choose those things which are vital and excellent and of real value. I have wisdom and I am able to distinguish the highest and the best things for me to do” (Philippians 1:10).        

 

The Key:  Block distractions so you can determine if you’re going up or down.

Bourbon County, Government

Agenda For The Bourbon County Commission on June 10

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Bourbon County Courthouse

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

 

Bourbon County, Kansas

Brandon Whisenhunt

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

 

June 10, 2024 5:30 p.m.

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 6/3/2024
  1. Public Comments
  2. SEK Multi-County Health Department 2025 Budget Request
  3. Pike Lake Group
  • Sheriff Bill Martin-K-9 Retirement
  • Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk
    1. KDHE Public Notice
    2. Jarred, Gilmore, and Phillips Request
    3. Committee Letters Deadline
    4. Resolution 07-24 2024 Salaries for Elected Officials
  1. Action for NRP Refunds
  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, Fair, Food, Youth

Bourbon County Fair is July13-19: Open Class Check In on July 15

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The Welcome Sign at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds.

The 2024 Bourbon County Fair will be July 13 through July 19, 2024, at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds.  Check in time for Open Class exhibits will be Monday, July 15 at the Myers Building, 2pm – 6pm.  King Arthur Baking Company continues to sponsor a baking contest.  The adults will be making a “Sneaky Shortcut Banana Bread”.  Learn a new way to prepare banana bread.  King Arthur flour and recipe can be picked up at the Extension Office July 1 and until the fair.

The Youth will be making Ultimate Brown Butter Rice Krispies Treats.  Recipes will also be provided by the Extension Office.

New categories have been added this year in the Arts and Crafts section. The Lego’s categories have been so popular with the youth and also adults.  This year the categories have been divided into age groups with Junior and Senior classes.  This will aid the judges to be able to judge more fairly.

Also, in the Arts and Crafts section a Hooking Division has been added.  Rug hooking has become very popular, so 4 classes have been added including a class for punch needle items.

This year the Table Runner Contest will be making an Easter Egg Table Runner.  The pattern provides the guidelines for the project, but the “eggs” can be your own design.   Contact Jackie Warren, 620-224-8161, for pattern for this project.

Don’t forget the Scarecrow and Hay Bale Contests.  Contact Terri Williams, 620-215-3202 to register.  A hay bale will be provided for you if requested and a bucket of sand for the scarecrow will be provided.

Judging of the open class exhibits will be Tuesday, July 16, 8am till completed.  Remember that the Myers building will be closed during this time for the judging.  The building will be open for viewing the exhibits and for the FCE Bake sale at noon.

More information is in this year’s fair paper with a complete list of the categories.  All volunteers and sponsors are very much appreciated and make each year’s fair a successful one.  If you have any questions, please call Terri Williams, 620-215-3202 for more information.