Local 4-H Youth: Livestock Judging Team National Champions!

Pictured: Mason Rookstool (Wamego), Reegan McDaniel, Tate Crystal, Kyser Nemecek, Esmerelda Franklin, standing: Brody Nemecek, 4-H All-Star Coach.

The Southwind District 4-H Livestock Judging Team members are the National Champions!

Reegan McDaniel (Fort Scott), Tate Crystal (Fort Scott) and Kyser Nemecek (Iola) were among six youth invited to try out for the Kansas 4-H All-Star Team this fall.

After successfully earning their spots, they joined Marais des Cygnes District 4-H member Esmerelda Franklin to form a new team representing Kansas at the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, KY.

In November, coached by Brody Nemecek, this All-Star Team achieved the ultimate honor—winning the National 4-H Livestock Judging Contest.

Their individual success was just as remarkable as their team accomplishments: Esmerelda – High Individual Overall; Reegan – Reserve High Individual; Kyser 8th overall; Tate 11th overall. All four team members were awarded All-American recognition for their efforts.

The Southwind boys also competed in the National 4-H Livestock Skillathon Contest in Louisville where they were named 7th Team Overall.

Traversing Life’s Sand Traps by Patty LaRoche

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

 

 

I love the story of the woman who woke up one Monday morning, looked in the mirror, and noticed she had only three hairs on her head. “Well,” she said, “I think I’ll braid my hair today.” She did and she had a wonderful day. On Tuesday she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she had only two hairs on her head. “Hmm,” she said, “I think I’ll part my hair down the middle today.” She did, and she had a great day. Wednesday morning she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that she had only one hair on her head. “Well,” she said, “today I’m going to wear my hair in a ponytail.” So she did, and she had a fun day. On Thursday she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that there wasn’t a single hair on her head. “Yes!” she exclaimed, “I don’t have to fix my hair today!”

I thought of that story this past Thanksgiving when Dave and I joined family members and their friends at the dunes in Dumont, California.  They all had spent several days there in their RV’s, riding their “toys” (dirt bikes and side-by-sides) over humongous hills of sand that stretched for miles. We were the newcomers, not nearly as daring (actually, I was terrified) and certainly much older than they.                                     Since Dave’s daughter, Nikki, her husband Dave and the other four families had spent the last 30 Thanksgivings there, they understood the terrain’s difficulties. More than once, they towed less-seasoned campers out of deep trenches of sand.                                     They shared food, tools, and “toys” with each other.  No one complained about the sand that filled their clothes, covered their hair and faces or found its way into their beds.  Our eyes were crusted and our mouths gritty as day after day the sand whirled around us.  Still, everyone loved the adventure enough to ignore this minor annoyance.                   I need to look at all of life with that perspective.  Not surprisingly, this past Sunday Dave and I tried a new church, and the sermon was on the book of Psalms and how the writers of the 150 chapters praised God through the good and the bad.  One strand of hair or sand-matted hair. It mattered not.                                                                Did you know that you can change your life by changing the way you think?  By finding reasons to praise God, for example, we will find the promise in Isaiah 26:3 (NLT): You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, whose thoughts are fixed on you. A mind filled with thoughts fixed on God will produce a heart filled with praise, a powerful tool in our spiritual arsenal as we traverse life’s challenges.                                          Praise brings healing to our spirit. It provides a conduit by which the Father conveys deliverance and blessing. With the Christmas season approaching, let’s all find reason to appreciate the gritty annoyances of life as we invite God to pull us out of our deepest trenches that mire us in stress and anxiety.  He waits to be given the chance.

 

 

 

Uniontown City Council Meeting Minutes From November 12

The Regular Council Meeting on November 12, 2024 at Uniontown Community Center 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

Public Restroom toilet issue – Danny Taylor, Taylor Plumbing, has worked on the flush valves for the toilets.  There is not enough water volume or pressure for the valves to work properly.  Suggestions to remedy are to replace current piping from the meter to the valves with larger piping and increase pressure to the valves or replace the toilets with residential toilets.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Esslinger, Failed 2-3 to replace toilets with residential ADA toilets

 

He will return next month with estimated figures for both options.

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

none

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger presented the October 2024 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $272,926.87, Receipts $72,792.48, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $36,882.81, Checking Account Closing Balance $305,810.54. Bank Statement Balance $313,061.25, including Checking Account Interest of $60.96, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $7,250.71, Reconciled Balance $305,810.54.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $37,624.74, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $21,491.62, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $39,426.41, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $404,353.31. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $587.65, and Utility CDs $1,443.93 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $2,031.58.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of October 2024, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  October 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 October $32,883.67, Year-to-Date Net Income $70,331.34.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $99,922.94 (81.0%), Expenditures $102,002.05 (62.8%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $29,153.80 (78.9%), Expenditures $25,731.01 (61.1%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $100,521.58 (68.6%), Expenditures $93,332.91 (52.6%); General Fund YTD Revenue $205,264.79 (104.9%), Expenditures $160,323.61 (51.8%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $8,175.91 (112.5%), Expenditures $7,183.05 (70.9%).  The November 2024 payables to date in the amount of $25,002.71 were presented.  The invoices from Homestead Tech, KMGA, Johnson-Schowengerdt, and Ag Engineering have not been received by noon meeting day.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

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

  • Minutes of October 8, 2024 Regular Council Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Reports, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

City Superintendent Rich had nothing to report.

 

Clerk Johnson reminded the council that we had received another quote for the storm siren maintenance in August, but no action was taken.

 

Motion by Stewart, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0-1 (Kelly abstained) to accept the quote from Kelly Electric to inspect semi-annually at $300/inspection for a contract term of five years

 

The 2025-2026 Projected Gas Supply Schedule was presented.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to accept 2025-2026 Projected Gas Supply Schedule as presented

 

KMGA prepay project – after discussion, Council requested more information.

A KMGA member update was presented.

League of Kansas Municipalities announced a Cyber Liability Insurance Program in partnership with Cowell Insurance Service Inc and Travelers Insurance.  There will be a free webinar November 21, 2-3PM to learn more.

Progress on Warehouse – the roof and outside metal has been removed.  Contractor says will be completed by December 15, 2024.

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – nothing

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilwoman Kelly – asked about check to Bloesser Outdoor Services.  It is in approved payables and will be mailed tomorrow.

Councilwoman Pemberton – nothing

Councilman Stewart – nothing

Mayor Jurgensen – asked if we know when Bettis Asphalt will be here to complete warranty work.  Clerk Johnson sent email request for timeline this morning, no response as of meeting time.  She will reach out again and impress upon them that property owners want to be able to get in their garage before it gets much colder.  He also presented a retirement plaque to Sally Johnson.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Pickleball Court Placemaking Project – Councilwoman Pemberton gave report that the will begin erecting fence on November 25 or 26.

 

Streets/FEMA – Clerk Johnson requested budgeting quotes from three contractors for the proposed mitigation work.  None were received by noon today.  One contractor did call this morning and will have quote to us later this week.

Sale of property – sale of property closed today and funds received.

 

SEED Grant – Grant application was submitted 11/4/24.  Councilman Ervin wrote the narrative and Clerk Johnson filled in the budget information.  Grant will be awarded in December.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:15

 

Open meeting resumed at 8:15.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to extend executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:30PM.

 

Clerk Johnson called in at 8:15, out at 8:28.  Open meeting resumed at 8:30PM.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to accept retirement of Sally Johnson as City Clerk effective 11/15/2024; accept resignation of Charlene Bolinger as City Treasurer effective 11/13/2024; appoint Christina Miller as City Clerk effective 11/18/24; and appoint Sally Johnson as City Treasurer effective 11/18/24

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 8:32PM

 

Special Meeting Minutes of the Uniontown City Council on November 19

The Special Council Meeting on November 19, 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.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0 to enter in to executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss vacancy of non-elected personnel position, the open meeting to resume at 8:10PM

 

Councilwoman Esslinger exited executive session at 7:45, back in at 8PM.

 

Meeting resumed at 8:10PM.

 

Motion by Stewart, Second by Pemberton, Approved 4-0 to accept resignation of Danea Esslinger as Councilwoman, effective immediately.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Pemberton, Approved 4-0 to accept resignation of Christina Miller as City Clerk effective 11/18/2024 and to hire Danea Esslinger as City Clerk, with a start date of December 5th or 9th, dependent upon notice to her current employer.

 

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 8:12PM

WREATHS GOAL IS MET

Diann Tucker, Wreaths Across Location Coordinator for Fort Scott National Cemetery has announced that this year’s goal has been met and a wreath will be provided for every site at the cemetery during the upcoming Wreaths Day ceremony.

Tucker extends her thanks to all who did fundraising and donations to make this possible. It is only through such generosity that we can accomplish this goal. She reminds us that if you did not get to support the 2024 fundraising campaign, they are already beginning to work on the 2025 goal. This is a year-long effort in to raise awareness and support to make this possible each year.

Saturday, December 14, the CFI Wreaths Across America semi-hauling wreaths for our soldiers depart to Fort Scott National Cemetery at 7:30 AM from the FSCC Harley Davidson School on 69 Highway north of Pittsburg, to arrive at the Fort Scott Cemetery about 8 AM.

The convoy from Pittsburg to Fort Scott will be led by the American Legion Riders Post 25. Motorcycles and personal vehicles are welcome to join the escort to Fort Scott. Boxes of wreaths will need to be off-loaded and distributed throughout the cemetery for laying after the ceremony. Volunteers will be needed to help unload the truck.

The Wreaths Across America ceremony will begin at 10 AM December 14 at Fort Scott

National Cemetery, with guest speaker Alan Drake, former U.S. Army. Immediately following the ceremony friends, family members and volunteers will be asked to present wreaths to each honored soldier resting at this cemetery site. Our mission emphasis continues to be Remember, Honor and Teach. Some limited golf cart transportation will be available to assist guests from parking areas to the ceremony location.

Please join us for this important event. We have the freedom to celebrate holidays and each day of our lives because of what our military has done and continues to do on our behalf each day.

Free Pictures With The Grinch at the Lowell Milken Center This Weekend

Sending on behalf of Chamber member Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes…

Lowell Milken Center is offering FREE Pictures with the Grinch during the Christmas on the Bricks Festival!

Friday, December 6th

5-8pm

Saturday, December 7th

12-2pm and 5-8pm

Lowell Milken Center – 1 S. Main St

A special thank you to our Chamber Champion members below…
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 

Agenda For the Fort Scott City Commission on Dec. 6

 

NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR SPECIAL

MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

City Hall Commission Room – 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

December 6, 2024 – 11:00 A.M.

 

 

  1.     Call to Order
  2.     Roll Call

Tim VanHoecke,   Matthew Wells,   Dyllon Olson,   Kathryn  Salsbury,  Tracy Dancer

III.       Pledge of Allegiance

  1. Invocation
  2. Approval of Agenda
  3. Public CommentSign up required before the beginning of the meeting on register at the entrance of the Commission Room. Public Comments are for any topic not on the agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at the Commission’s discretion.

VII.      Unfinished Business

  1. Consideration of Contractor’s Application for Payment No. 5-REV – Heck & Wicker, Inc. – Project No. 24-414 (Concrete and Dirt Work) $140,130.12

 

VIII.    Reports and Comments        

  1. City Manager Comments
  2. Engineering Comments
  3.  Commissioners’ Comments
  4. City Attorney Comments

 

 

  1. Adjourn

 

 

 

 

 

Skating Rink Is Nearly Completed for Christmas on the Bricks, Parade Is This Evening

The new ice skating rink at the Gathering Pavilion on North National Avenue on December 4.

The new synthetic ice skating rink will open on Friday, December 6, from 4 to 9 p.m. on North National Avenue at the Gathering Pavilion.

The rink is a new event offered for Christmas on the Bricks Festival, and the rink will be open five weekends through the first weekend of January, according to the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce website.

Hours on Saturday, December 7 will be from 12 pm-9 pm and on
Sunday, December 8 from 12 pm-4 pm

Starting next week, the rink will be open on Thursdays as well.

Admission is anticipated to be $5/skater.

People will sign waivers, skates will be for adults and children and also assistive devices will be available.

“Please be patient with us, this is all new,” Striler said about the skating rink procedures prior to skating.

Thanks to those in the community who came together to bring this project from dream to reality, according to the Chamber of Commerce website. The rink was totally paid for by donations.

 

Robert Coon’s A1Towing moved the rink room to the pavilion on Dec. 4.

The rink room will be the skate storage area for the skate rental and for paying for skating.

Brock Coon helps clean off the rink in preparation for the opening. Brock is the son of Robert Coon whose business, A1Towing, helped moved the rink room to the Gathering Pavilion on North National Avenue.
The list of those helping with the rink setup. Submitted photo.

The rink project had delivery and setup help through help from the following:  Matthew Wells and the Great Expectations Restoration crew, Kevin Allen, Craig Campbell, Robert Coon, Jeremy Dare, Frank Halsey, Jeff Allen Electric, Scott King, Rob Pfohl, Mitch Quick, Jared Weaver, The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office for surveillance, The Fort Scott Public Library for the mobile hot spot, Heidrick’s True Value for the squeegees, Shawn Pytlowany for lighting. The skating rink room was constructed by the Fort Scott High School Career and Technical Education whose instructor is Jason Johnson.

The Annual Christmas Parade Is This Evening, Dec. 5

Fort Scott High School Band entertained the crowd at the Christmas parade from a past year.

To kick off the festival weekend is the annual Christmas Parade. The following is the list of almost 60 participants who are scheduled to be in the parade.

The lineup begins at Wall and National, in front of the radio station going north.

Park entries as close as possible to the west curb when lining up.

The entry number should be placed on the right/passenger side of your entry. Numbers can be picked up until 5 p.m. at the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce at 231 E. Wall. If not picked up then, one can pick up at the radio station at Wall and National Avenue.

Entry participants are asked to pause briefly at the Heritage Pavilion at First and Main Street so the judges can announce your submitted  remarks to tell of your business/organization/ entity.

Volunteers Still Needed

Diane Striler, the leader of the festival project, said volunteers are still needed for Saturday night for a few venues from 8 to 10 p.m.

Contact the Chamber of Commerce,620- 223-3566

 

Christmas Celebration to benefit Bourbon County CASA.

Change a Child’s Story…

You are cordially invited to a Christmas Celebration

to benefit Bourbon County CASA.

Friday, December 13th 2024

7:00-9:00 pm

Heavy hors d’oeuvres & full bar provided

Gary & Sally Cullor

810 195th Street

Fort Scott, Kansas

RSVP: Friday, December 6th

Call 620-215-2769 or email [email protected]

Click HERE for the Bourbon County CASA Facebook page!

Giving Levels

*Payable with your reservation response card

Sponsors:

$25 per person

$50 per couple

Guardian:

$50 per person

$100 per couple

Guardian Angel:

$75 per person

$150 per couple

Friend:

$125 per person

$250 per couple

Defender:

$500 per person

$1000 per couple

Benefactor:

$1000 per person and over

A special thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!

STAY CONNECTED
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US

Kansas State Park Annual Permits and 2025 Campsite Reservations Coming Soon  

 

TOPEKA – Are you eyeing a cozy cabin by the water, aiming to complete your Kansas State Park bucket list, or breaking in a new tent? Mark these important dates for purchasing annual park permits and reserving campsites at Kansas State Parks on your calendar.

Starting December 9, 2024, annual permits for visiting and camping at Kansas State Parks will be available for purchase online and at state park offices.

  • Annual State Park Vehicle Permits that cover unlimited entry to all Kansas State Parks through December 31, 2025, at a cost of:
  • $25 for a standard annual vehicle permit, available for residents and non-residents
  • $13.75 for senior/disabled Kansas residents
  • Unconventional Vehicle Permit: $52.50 (for UTVs and golf carts, allowed on improved roads and parking areas only, and available only at state park offices)
  • Annual State Park Camping Permits that cover all daily camping fees (utility fees still apply) at all Kansas State Parks through December 31, 2025*, at a cost of:
  • $202.50 if purchased before April 1 or after September 30
  • $252.50 if purchased between April 1 and September 30
  • 14-Night State Park Camping Permits that cover daily camping fees (utility fees still apply) on a total of 14 nights at Kansas State Parks for $112.50.

Camping permits do not cover additional daily utility fees or prime site fees, and valid state park vehicle permits are also required. You must be 18 or older to rent a campsite or cabin at Kansas State Parks.

*All campers are limited to 14 consecutive days and a five-day absence is required before returning to the park to camp again.

In addition to these state park permits, reservations for campsites during the prime season (April 1 through October 31) at Kansas State Parks will open on:

  • December 13, 2024, at 12 p.m. CST for: Cedar Bluff, Cheney, Clinton, Eisenhower, Hillsdale, Kanopolis, Meade, Milford, Pomona, Perry, Sandhills, and Tuttle Creek state parks.
  • December 20, 2024, at 12 p.m. CST for: Crawford, Cross Timbers, El Dorado, Elk City, Fall River, Glen Elder, Historic Lake Scott, Lovewell, Prairie Dog, Webster, and Wilson state parks.

For those planning to visit Kansas State Parks during holiday weekends, please note these minimum stay requirements for campsite and cabin reservations:

  • Campsites:
    • Memorial Day Weekend: 4-night minimum including May 22-25, 2025
    • July 4th Weekend: 3-night minimum including July 3-5, 2025
    • Labor Day Weekend: 3-night minimum including August 29-31, 2025
  • Cabins:
    • Memorial Day Weekend: 3-night minimum including May 23-25, 2025
    • July 4th Weekend: 2-night minimum including July 4-5, 2025
    • Labor Day Weekend: 3-night minimum including August 29-31, 2025

To improve your chances of reserving a campsite on your preferred dates, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks recommends the following tips:

  1. Familiarize yourself with CampItKS.com or ReserveAmerica.com in advance of the December opening dates.
  2. Ensure your login information is current, with a complete profile, or create an account if you’re new to these platforms.
  3. Download the CampItKS mobile app for easy access on the go.
  4. Set reminders for state park permit sales and campsite reservation dates.

For a complete list of Kansas State Parks, including maps and available amenities, visit ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks.

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