The Whites of Their Eyes By Carolyn Tucker

Keys to the Kingdom

By Carolyn Tucker

 

The Whites of Their Eyes

 

While driving down the main drag of a nearby town, I noticed the sign, “Contactless Ordering” outside a fast-food restaurant. It seems the business owner was touting this option as a drawing card for customers. But I immediately thought, “I don’t want contactless, I want a real person!” I want to see the whites of their eyes when I’m placing an order. I need to ask questions and get answers. I like to be silly and have fun with people I know and even people I don‘t know. Recently, I approached a local fast-food counter where a young man was taking orders and I said, “Tell me something I don’t already know.“ He was clearly stumped and asked, “About food?“ I couldn’t help but laugh at his response. I love that! Without interacting with people, our lives would be dull, lonely, and greatly lacking in laughter.

 

Let’s face it, how can we love people if we do everything within our power to isolate? I believe God created us to need one another and, therefore, be with one another. How can we be strengthened and encouraged when we perpetually choose to stay home and watch church online? A few times I’ve returned home from church and re-watched the service online and it was not the same. A sanctuary full of people who love Jesus and love one another is a totally different atmosphere from being home alone with me, myself, and I.

 

I appreciate what John the Beloved had to say about loving one another: “Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and His love is brought to full expression in us” (1 John 4:11-12 NLT). Not if, but when we’re tempted to be unloving, we need to remember that Jesus told us to love others in the same way that He loves us. That’s a tall order for sure. But Jesus never tells us to do something we can’t do because He provides the power to do it if we really want to obey His Word. “I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13 NLT).

 

And then we have Apostle Paul’s letter to the church family in Colossae: “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony” (Colossians 3:13-14 NLT). Loving people goes hand-in-hand with forgiving people. We’re supposed to wear love like we wear clothes. You wouldn’t dare leave home without a stitch of clothing on and, likewise, we better not leave home without being wrapped up in a love coat.

 

As we celebrate Valentine’s Day, let’s remember that love makes the world go ‘round. February is known as the month of love, so put your heart and soul into loving people (whether you know them or not). Try throwing your love around like candy in a parade

 

The Key: Love never goes out of style, so put it on and wear it everyday.

Join Our Parent Empowerment Circle

Tara Soloman-Smith, Family and Wellness Agent, Sunflower District of Kansas State University’s Extension Office. Submitted photo.

 

Are you a parent navigating the extraordinary journey of raising a child with special needs? You’re not alone. The Parent Empowerment Circle inspires, educates, and connects you with others who understand your unique challenges and joys.

 

Join us for the first monthly meet-up, Sunday, February 23rd, 1:30-3:30 pm, at First Baptist Church Family Life Center, 1818 S. Main Street, Fort Scott.  Refreshments will be provided, contact Cherri Walrod, Community Health Worker, at 620-945-9081 or [email protected] with questions.

 

We look forward being with you to share stories, celebrate resilience, access expert resources, connect with supportive parents, and gain the confidence to thrive together!

 

# # #

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director of K-State Research and Extension, Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts.

 

January 27 Minutes of the FSCC Board of Trustees

FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
January 27, 2025

PRESENT: Ronda Bailey, John Bartelsmeyer, Jim Fewins, Bryan Holt, Chad McKinnis, and Doug Ropp (via
Zoom)

ALSO PRESENT: Sara Sutton – Interim President (via Zoom), Juley McDaniel – Board Clerk, faculty, staff,
community members.

Chairman Holt called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm in the meeting rooms of the Cleaver-Burris-Boileau
Agriculture Building.

The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and Holt reading FSCC’s mission statement.

COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: None

COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: None

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. CELEBRATION UPDATE: Kirk Sharp, Director of the Gordon Parks Museum,
highlighted the events of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration as well as the Gordon Parks Museum. Students
read tributes to Martin Luther King, Jr. at the recent celebration. In addition to the Lunch and Learn, a Day of
Service was held to take donations for the Beacon. The Museum is gearing up for Black History Month. A Lunch
and Learn will be held on February 12. Tribute panels will be displayed in the Ellis Fine Arts Center Lobby
throughout February to showcase lesser-known members of history. KSN’s Living Well program will highlight the
Gordon Parks Museum in February, as well. First graders from Winfield Scott recently visited the Museum, and
Eugene Ware fifth graders are planning an upcoming visit. Kirk will be presenting to PSU’s Black Student Union in
February. Other upcoming events include Gordon Parks Fashion Bootcamp, Gordon Parks Museum Fundraiser
event, and Fort Scott Now Stories Documentary and Photos. The museum is going to start expanding the Langston
Hughes and Gordon Parks traveling collection with support of Kansas Tourism. The history of the Waymen Chapel
AME Church Park Project was shared. The annual Gordon Parks Celebration will be on October 2 – 4, 2025.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS:

A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Bailey, and carried by unanimous 5-0 vote to appoint Bryan
Holt as Board Chair. Holt abstained.

A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Bailey, and carried by unanimous 5-0 vote to appoint
Doug Ropp as Board Vice-Chair. Ropp abstained.

APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS, POSITIONS, AND OFFICIALS FOR 2025:

A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Bailey, and carried by unanimous vote to approve appointments below
for 2025.

INFORMATION OFFICER
Juley McDaniel
CLERK OF THE BOARD
Juley McDaniel
TREASURER
Melissa Scott
KPERS REPRESENTATIVE
Juley McDaniel
KACCT REP AND COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS REPRESENTATIVE
Chad McKinnis, Ronda Bailey
FINANCIAL COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVE
Bryan Holt, Jim Fewins
GREENBUSH REPRESENTATIVE
John Bartelsmeyer
NEGOTIATIONS REPRESENTATIVE
Chad McKinnis
DESIGNATED BANK FOR GENERAL FUND
Landmark National Bank
DESIGNATED ATTORNEY
Zackery Reynolds
OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER
Fort Scott Tribune6

CONSENT AGENDA:
A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Bartelsmeyer, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the consent
agenda.

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

A. TRUSTEE EMERITUS: Ronda shared the Trustee Emeritus possibility as shared by Robert Nelson. The
board agreed that if it starts there needs to be criteria and guidelines and also identify who is in charge of
keeping it up and going. Fewins questioned if any other community colleges have a similar recognition.
Board members will further research the topic and bring ideas back to the next meeting for discussion.

REPORTS:

ADMINISTRATION – The Board reviewed and heard updates from Academic Affairs, Student Services,
Foundation, Finance and Operations, and the Interim President.

EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous
vote to adjourn to executive session for fifteen minutes beginning at 7:00 pm for the purpose of discussing non-
elected personnel as it relates to discussion of identifiable information of non-elected personnel with no action
expected to follow. The board invited Sonia Gugnani and Sara Sutton to join.

OPEN SESSION: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to
return to open session at 7:15 pm.

EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous
vote to adjourn to executive session for fifteen minutes beginning at 7:16 pm for the purpose of discussing non-
elected personnel as it relates to discussion of identifiable information of non-elected personnel with no action
expected to follow. The board invited Sonia Gugnani and Sara Sutton to join.

OPEN SESSION: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to
return to open session at 7:31 pm.

EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous
vote to adjourn to executive session for fifteen minutes beginning at 7:35 pm for the purpose of discussing non-
elected personnel as it relates to discussion of identifiable information of non-elected personnel with no action
expected to follow.

OPEN SESSION: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to
return to open session at 7:50 pm.

ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at
7:50 pm by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote.

Chairman Clerk
7

FSCC Board of Trustees Agenda For Feb. 17

To view the complete packet: 2.17.25 Consent Agenda

February 17, 2025

‌Board of Trustees

‌Fort Scott Community College 2108 S. Horton

‌Fort Scott, KS 66701

‌The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on Monday, February 17, 2025. The meeting will be held in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall at Fort Scott Community College.

5:30 p.m. Regular monthly Board meeting

‌THE AGENDA

‌5:30 ROLL CALL, 3

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

‌MISSION STATEMENT

Fort Scott Community College is an institution of higher learning with a long history of culture and diversity that provides affordable academic, technical and occupational programs to meet student needs while fostering a mutually supportive relationship between the college and its communities.

‌CALL TO ORDER, 4

  1. Comments from the Chair, 4

  2. Comments from the Public, 4

  3. FSCC Basketball Program Update, 4

‌CONSENT AGENDA, 5

  1. Approval of Agenda, 5

  2. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on January 27, 2025, 6

  3. Approval of Bills and Claims, 13

  4. Approval of Personnel Actions, 4

‌DISCUSSION ITEMS, 37

  1. Purchase Order Board Approval, 37

  2. Trustee Emeritus, 37

  3. Civility Policy, 38

  4. Recruitment Code of Conduct, 40

  5. Disposition of Surplus Property, 42

  6. Review of Mission Statement, Core Values, and Vision Statement, 43

ACTION ITEMS, 44

  1. Scheduled Policy Review and Approval, 45

  2. Consideration of Vector Training Solution, 48

  3. ‌Approval of 2025-26 Academic Calendar and 2024-25 Academic Calendar Revision, 76

  4. ‌Approval of Memorandum of Understanding with Bourbon County REDI, 79

CORRESPONDENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES, 80

EXECUTIVE SESSION, 91

ADJOURNMENT, 92

UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:

  • February 17, 2025 Board Meeting

  • March 24, 2025 (Changed from March 17 due Board Meeting to spring break)

  • March 17 – 21, 2025 Campus Closed – Spring Break

  • March 28, 2025 Aggie Day

  • April 18, 2025 Campus Closed – Good Friday

  • April 21, 2025 Board Meeting

  • May 19, 2025 Board Meeting

  • May 26, 2025 Campus Closed -Memorial Day

  • June 16, 2025 Board Meeting

Sincerely,

Bryan Holt, Chair

Sara Sutton, Interim President

FSCC’s vision for the future is to support “Students First, Community Always” through a central focus on teaching and learning; advancing strong, innovative programs and departments; maximizing and leveraging opportunities; initiating efficient and effective processes; and developing the region’s workforce.

Fort Scott City Commission Meeting Agenda for Feb. 18

NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR

MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

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

February 18, 2025  –  6:00 P.M.

 

 

  1.     Call to Order/Roll Call
  2. Pledge of Allegiance

III.       Invocation

  1. Approval of Agenda
  2. Consent Agenda
  3. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1378-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of January 30, 2025 – February 11, 2025$435,193.60
  4. Approval of Minutes: February 4, 2025
  5. Request to Pay – Olsson – Invoice 524497 – AIP Project No. 3-20-0022-024/025-2025 – Grading and Runway Lighting – Design & Bidding Fee – Phase 1$33,480.00
  6. January Financials

                                                                

  1. V Public Comment

VII.      Appearances

                       

VIII.   Unfinished Business

  1. Status of 118 E. Wall Kruger

 

  1. New Business

            Public Hearing:

  1.   Zachary Bradley – Vacation of Alley between 1418 Wall and 1416 Wall

 

            Action Items:

  1.  Credit Card Purchasing ChargesD. Tally
  2.   Approval of Purchase – Golf Course Grounds Greens Mower –  M. Wyatt
  3.   Discussion of Projects for Grant Opportunities – M. Wyatt
  4.  Christmas Tree Approval – B. Matkin
  5.   Consideration to Amend Verizon Tolling Agreement – B. Farmer

              

  1. Reports and Comments

 

  1. Adjourn

Obituary of Opal Maxine Hunziker

 

Opal Maxine Hunziker, age 84, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, died unexpectedly Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at her home.  She was born July 29, 1940, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Leland Christy and Eileen Colvin Christy.  Maxine graduated from the Uniontown High School.  She married Donald Glen Hunziker in 1957.

Maxine worked as a bookkeeper for Tower Metal for several years.  She also kept the books for her family’s drilling and restaurant businesses, Max’s Enterprises and Max’s Weigh Station.  She enjoyed reading and crocheting.  She was also and accomplished seamstress and made many outfits for her grandchildren.  Maxine loved sports and was a great fan of the Dallas Cowboys and the KU Jayhawks.  She also faithfully attended her grandchildren’s sporting events.  Maxine loved time spent outdoors working in her yard and watching and feeding the birds and squirrels.  She was currently attending the Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene.

 

Survivors include her son, David Hunziker of Kansas City, Missouri, thirteen grandchildren and several great and great-grandchildren.  Also surviving are a son-in-law, Dwight Belcher, a daughter-in-law, Carol Hunziker both of Ft. Scott and two brothers, Gene Christy of Girard, Kansas and Sam Christy of Poplar Bluff, Missouri.

Maxine was preceded in death by her husband, Don, a daughter, Christie Belcher, a son, Doug Hunziker, a grandson, Drew Pelzer and two great-grandchildren, Noel Belcher and Tyler Claypool.

 

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, February 19th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Memory Gardens Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 10:00 A.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to St. Jude’s Hospital 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.

Ft. Scott City Commission approves letter of support for house-building grant by FSCC

Fort Scott City Hall.

Ft. Scott Community College came to Fort Scott City Commission last week to obtain a letter of support for a house-building grant they are applying for. The application is due February 14, 2025.

Sonia Gugnani, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Rory Chaplain, Associate Dean of CTE and workforce development spoke to the commissioners on Feb. 13 in a special meeting.

Gugnani told the commission that Fort Scott Community College is applying for the Frame grant through the Department of Commerce for community and technical colleges in Kansas. It’s a construction trade grant. The total amount available is $2million, with awards ranging from $250,000 to $1 million per award for those who qualify. This grant is to be used to build 4 houses in the next 2 years, with the first 2 either being renovated or built in the first year and proceeds from the sale of those properties used to build another 2 houses in the next year.

However, the grant money cannot be used buy the land or create the infrastructure needed for the houses.

Gugnani told the commissioners that FSCC wants to collaborate with the city to benefit students and residents of Bourbon County. She asked the city to donate land to build houses on. These houses would be 1100 to 1500 square feet with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths. The Bourbon County Housing Assessment study by Regional Economic Development Inc. (REDI) in 2022 showed there is a need for these kind of houses in Fort Scott.

It would give our students work alongside the contractor and give them an opportunity to give back to their community, said Gugnani.

Chaplain explained that their aim is to build houses in the $185,000 to $225,000 range, so they “feel like it kind of needs to be more of a subdivision, rather than infill,” because the goal is to perpetuate the grant by continuing to build and sell homes. This will give students the ongoing opportunity to learn building skills. Homes must be sold within 180 days of completion.

They are hoping to build a neighborhood, according to Gugnani. The problem with using the renovation option of the grant, is that the department of commerce says they (the homes) must be uninhabitable to qualify.

Commissioner Katheryn Salsbury asked if the school could work with the land bank, which keeps the city from having to build all the infrastructure on a neighborhood plot of land. “It seems to me like that would be a better route,” she said.

Chaplain explained that the issue with using land bank properties is the difficulty of getting a clear title. “The Frame grant allows us to do more, as far as scale. We want to get a bigger return up front before working infill lots.”

Regarding the need to add infrastructure, he said if the land has water and sewer, that could spur on other builds from other contractors.

Gugnani also pointed out that the lots need to be adjacent to facilitate student’s working, as they are bussed over from their schools.

Commissioner Tim Vanhoeke verified that the school does not already have a parcel in mind, and asked how much FSCC is putting into the purchase.

City Manager Brad Matkin explained that the city would purchase the land and gift it to FSCC. As for infrastructure, the city would do it. He said that committing to a certain dollar amount of land purchase money is all the grant application requires.

Commissioner Tracey Dancer said he is not supportive of the city being a land holder or of city tax payers paying to supplement another taxing entity’s acquisition. FSCC already taxes residents of the city and, “the idea that the city tax payers would then pay again, more, to then supplement the community college’s budget. I can’t support it.”

Chaplain responded that FSCC is not asking for more taxes. “The point of the grant is to bolster housing and then also the training for the skills gap…and then also the economic development.”

Gugnani said it’s about whether or not they can include the city’s support in their grant application.

Commissioner Matthew Wells said, “You gotta look at the benefits vs. the cost. One of the benefits that this would bring, specifically to the school, is that if they can get this grant and invest in it now, then in the third and fourth year, they’re going to have the money….this is something that allows them to sow in to doing the land bank properties later.” If they go after the land bank properties right now, they’re not going to make enough of a return to make this particular grant viable for the long-term probability of the program to be able to benefit the city.19:14

Matkin suggested the city buy a 10 acre plot, give 4 to the school to build on and sell the rest to developers to recoup the costs of the city’s initial investment.

Katheryn Salsbury mentioned that at the last city commission meeting they discussed the need for properties in the $60,000-$70,000 range. “I wish that’s what we were doing here….are there enough people in the area who can afford housing these houses that are $125,000 plus?”

Chaplain said that based on housing study and realtors they’ve spoken with, the range they are aiming for is the most popular ask.

Vanhoeke asked what number FSCC wants the city to commit to.

Chaplain replied they are looking at property in the $10,000-$15,000 per acre range.

Matkin said that while the city doesn’t have a 5-10 acre plot within city limits, but there are properties owned by others.

Dancer said he could support working with land bank properties. But reiterated his unwillingness to help another taxing entity (FSCC) by spending taxpayer dollars to buy property.

Matkin replied that FSCC isn’t asking for the city to help them with their budget, they are asking for a grant to give kids the opportunity to build houses. The grant provides material and tools.

Chaplain asked about the city’s economic development dollars.

Dancer said it was already designated. Wells disagreed, saying they had “over $100,000,” and Matkin mentioned land bank money as well.

“We are not looking for 8-10 acres, that was just an idea for the city to recoup the costs,” said Gugnani.

Commissioner Dyllan Olson said the city has to grow. “If your saying investing $100,000 to get more than $2 million in return is a bad investment, I would have to disagree with that.”

Wells pointed out that at the end of the day the city would get 4 taxable properties that would pay back into the city coffers in the form of property taxes for the foreseeable future. He said that by spending $30,000 for 2 acres for the school to build houses on, at current tax rates, the city would recoup their investment in less than 10 years.

Olson said the land bank lacks properties with clear titles that would be viable for the school’s project. Title insurance won’t be available for at least 10 or 15 more years, while the land bank works to clear up the titles.

“We need to make sure were are building the place that we able to sell it so we can recoup the money so that we can continue this project…Building is one part of it. Sustaining is a bigger part of it,” pointed out Gugnani. She said that all the profits of the sale of the houses are rolled into building the next house. FSCC cannot keep any of the money.

Vanhoeke said he was opposed to putting any monetary support in a letter of support from the city.

The City of Fort Scott, REDI, Bourbon County Foundation, and USD234 have all been asked for a letter of support, per Gugnani.

Wells made motion: Because it’s Fort Smith Community College and would provide benefit to our city, provide employees that know how to build,  “I’d be willing to offer up at least $30,000 from the economic development fund to be able to purchase land to donate to the school in order to get this program going, just based on the return that we’re going to see.”

Motion was seconded by Olson.

It failed to carry due to Dancer, Vanhoeke, and Salsbury voting against it.

Dancer then made a motion for a letter of the support to include infrastructure, but with no dollar amount or acquisition of property.

Olson asked if the city manager could then look for properties.

Dancer then retracted his motion.

“We have 25 years of not having new housing,” a concerned citizen addressed the commission, saying that the community serious has housing issues and has voiced that they are desperately looking for new housing. “All I ask is that you take the time to consider… that they [community] are looking for some new options to be able to stay here in Ft. Scott. Our population is continually declining. If we don’t make some sort of a move in some direction, I’m afraid that that decline will still continue.”

Salsbury tried to bring the commission to a decision saying they want to support FSCC, but without a dollar amount.

Vanhoeke said dollars should be used to incentivize contractors to rehab or build infills, not fund FSCC’s plan.

Matkin asked what the difference is between giving financial help to a developer (which he predicted would be asked for in a future commission meeting) and buying land for FSCC to build houses on, because it’s a grant they are going after, it’s not benefiting FSCC, but the tax payers by putting houses on the tax rolls.

It’s beneficial to the people who live here and attracting people who commute here. The students who live here in the county, help the community, take pride in it, will be building the houses, pointed out Gugnani.

Wells said there are more than 2,800 commuters to Fort Scott who want to live here, but they want new homes, so they buy them in other cities.

Dancer said that due to the short notice, he is disinclined to commit to support in a monetary amount. “The public has not had a chance to consider this, to contact their representatives…”

Chaplain apologized for the last-minute nature of their meeting, but said regarding helping FSCC and developing housing in Fort Scott, “I don’t think that should be anything new as far as what the idea is.”52:08

Wells made the motion, “that the city write a letter of support saying that we will donate land for the building of the four houses and help with the infrastructure that is needed in order to get the grant.”

Olson seconded.

Dancer wanted to clarify that the city is committing to donate the land by the Aug. 1, 2025 grant start date, “whether we have it currently or not. So sometime in the next 5 months we would have to find the land, or acquire the land, or have it donated.” He expressed concern about urgency driving prices of the land up.

Vanhoeke and Dancer voted no.

Wells and Olson voted yes.

Salsbury broke the tie with her “yes” vote.

Letter to the Editor: solar energy and economic growth

Submitted by Bourbon County landowners: Steve Shepard, Gale George, Herschel George, Monty Carriker, Jason Koch, Holly Koch, Brad Blythe, Chip Blythe, and Jon Eden.

Since our Bourbon County commissioners voted to pass a moratorium on commercial solar energy projects, one must ask: where is the commitment to fostering economic growth and development in our underserved county?

Our elected officials should be supportive of new business coming to town, not hindering it. However, they are doing just that by turning down new projects that offer jobs and critical tax revenue to our region.

Our community should be rolling out the welcome mat for industries that promise economic revitalization, job creation, and a stronger tax base. This is how we can keep our young people from leaving and attract new residents. Successful communities do not turn away new opportunities nor companies that are willing to invest in their future.

Unfortunately, our county commissioners have chosen a different path. They filed a lawsuit against the county and three solar developers, which forced authorization of $50,000 of taxpayer dollars to fund their legal fight. And now they are imposing a solar moratorium, which is likely unenforceable due to the absence of zoning regulations in Bourbon County.

The reasoning behind the moratorium seems rooted in the complaints of a vocal minority who regularly attend commission meetings to oppose progress. Yet the benefits of these projects are undeniable. Solar energy companies have already demonstrated their commitment to our community through donations to local organizations and school programs. These projects are anticipated to bring millions of dollars annually in tax revenue—a lifeline for a county grappling with severe budget issues. The funds could go toward improving schools, bolstering emergency services, and addressing other pressing needs.

However, false claims about potential public health or safety hazards have stalled progress that would benefit us all. Our local fire departments have ample time to plan before construction begins.

Furthermore, the solar projects allow landowners to decide how to use their property. Restricting these projects is not just bad policy; it is an attack on landowners’ rights and their personal freedom.

Bourbon County has the opportunity to become a hub for economic development. The question is: will our leaders rise to the challenge, or will they cling to outdated thinking that prioritizes the few over the many? It’s time for our county commissioners to listen to the broader community and embrace a future that promises prosperity for everyone. The stakes are too high to let this moment pass us by.

 

 

Two Sides to the Superbowl by Patty LaRoche

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

The Kansas City Chiefs took quite a Super Bowl thrashing this past Sunday. Not even my Mahomes jersey and my KC Chiefs’ paper plates made a difference. Our San Francisco friends, Howard and Joyce, had driven to our home in Vegas, and they and Dave’s two daughters, Nanette and Nikki, joined us for the game.

Before the festivities began, Dave asked Nikki if she was rooting for the Chiefs.  What kind of a question was that?  Of course she was rooting for the Chiefs!  Our whole family knows what a fan I am, so when she did not answer, I about keeled over.  “What?  Say it isn’t so,” I said.  After all, the Eagles were enemies. Boo, Eagles!

To explain Nikki’s answer, I need to back up a few years to the shooting massacre that happened when Jason Aldean’s country band was performing here in Vegas.  Nikki’s son’s best friend, Quentin, was there with his girlfriend when the shots rang out.  As it became apparent that this was no fireworks show, people ran for their lives or dove to the ground.  Quentin lay on top of his girlfriend, and when the first round of shots stopped, he got to his knees to look for a way to escape.  That’s when he was shot and killed.

Dave and I were visiting Nikki and her family at the time, so we walked through the family’s pain of losing a 19-year-old whom we had known since he was a little boy.  So beloved by the community was he that the high school he attended painted a large “Q” on the mountain nearby.

What does that have to do with the Chiefs’ game?   Nikki explained that Quentin was a huge Philadelphia Eagles’ fan and that after he died, the Eagles found out about his passion for their team and sent memorabilia for the family to help honor their son. Nikki was torn between my love of the Chiefs and Quentin’s love for the Eagles.

Suddenly, my excitement for the Chiefs was not so passionate.  The Eagles were not bad guys.  They had done something that touched Quentin’s family and friends forever, and now they touched mine.

Isn’t that the way life is?  We are adamant about one position/side, but when we hear of a kind gesture from the opposition, our stubbornness mellows. At least it should.

Philippians 4:8 cautions us about our thoughts: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

There is nothing wrong with being a fan, but that loyalty needs to be put into perspective.  The lesson?  If I’m ever swayed to favor one team/idea/position, I need to take time to look at the other side and focus on the merits of both.

 

 

 

What’s Happening in Fort Scott Feb. 14 Edition

What’s Happening in Fort Scott! February 14th Weekly Newsletter

SAVE THE DATE!

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Chamber Coffees

Every Thursday at 8am

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

________________

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Visit your National Park! Visitor Center and historic buildings are currently open Friday through Tuesday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. The grounds continue to be open daily from ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset

Click HERE to visit the website.

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. (Taking the month of August off for BINGO & will start again in September)

KANSASWORKS in Fort Scott

Every Tuesday 9am-4pm

Office located at the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, 104 N. National Ave.

620-231-4250

Wednesday Writers at Hedgehog.Ink Book Store

Every Wednesday 1:30-3pm

Downtown Fort Scott, 16 S. Main St.

Kansas Small Business Development Center

at the Chamber, 231 E. Wall St.

Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month from 9am-4pm.

2/1-28 | Valentine’s Day “Ghost” Class

at The Artificer’s

2 hr private wheel throwing class as a couple.

$175/couple for minimum of 5 couples

$300/couple for private session

RSVP 913.574.7741

EVERY THURSDAY EVENING

STUDENT NIGHT AT FORT CINEMA

$5 tickets for all students Pre-K thru College

KOMB-FM ALL HIT 103.9 Radio Auction

Every Wednesday and Thursday

January 22nd – February 27th

Starting at 3pm

Get bidding and PIN #:

620-223-4500 or radioauction.kombfm.com

__________________________________

UPCOMING EVENTS

2/14 ~ 12-1pm | “The Kansas City Monarchs and America’s National Pastime” Lunch and Learn hosted by Gordon Parks Museum.

Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton St.

Free Event – Bring your lunch (drinks, chips, & desserts provided)

T-Mobile on site with a raffle drawing!

2/14 ~ 6:30-8:30pm | FSMS Valentine’s Dance hosted by the Junior Class/After Prom

$5 entry (includes 1 snack & 1 drink)

Buck Run Community Center

2/15 ~ 5-7:30pm | Cohn’s Cafe presents

Murder Mystery Dinner

5-6pm-Cocktail Hour | 6-7:30pm-Dinner

$45

Cash Bar available

RSVP text 620-418-6209 or 110southmainfortscott@gmail.com

2/15 ~ 6-9pm | Care to Share Pre-Spring Fling

Presents “The Piano Man” A Rock & Roll Tribute

River Room, 3 W Oak St. (elevator available)

Piano Man Dennis Laffoon, a long-time member of Shooting Star and Piano Man extraordinaire.

Tickets:

Single: $30 Couples: $60 Table of 8: $250

Click HERE to get your tickets!

**Tickets ARE refundable

2/15 ~ 8-11pm | Bourbon County Community Theatre Presents: Saturday Night Fever

Adult Prom Fundraiser

Sharky’s Pub & Grub, 16 N. National Ave.

Tickets:

Single: $25 Couple $40

Click HERE to get your tickets!

Click HERE to follow the Facebook Event Page!

2/16 ~ 4-6pm | Galentine’s Paint & Sip hosted by Brickstreet BBQ

Click HERE to reserve your spot

2/18 ~ 10:15am | Story Time at Fort Scott Public Library – “I Don’t Want To Be A Frog”

2/18 ~ 4:30-7:30pm | Potato Feed

hosted by FSHS Key Club

partnered with Kiwanis & Pioneer Kiwanis

FSHS Commons Area, 1005 S. Main St.

$7 classic Baked Potato

$10 Pulled Pork Loaded Potato

To-Go Meals Available!

2/19 ~ | FSCC Basketball at Home

Women 5:30pm | Men 7:30pm

FSCC Arnold Arena

2/20 ~ 8am | Chamber Coffee hosted by Trophy Properties & Auction, Cedar Ridge Group.

Coffee will be held at Common Ground Coffee Co.

12 E. Wall St.

2/20-22 ~ 7pm | Fort Scott High School Thespians Presents “And Then They Came For Me” -Remembering The World Of Anne Frank

FSHS Auditorium

Doors open 30 min prior to showtime

$7 Adults | $5 Students

Tickets available at the door or by clicking HERE!

2/21 ~ 6-8pm | USD234 Daddy Daughter Dance

“Dancing Through the Eras” Taylor Swift themed

Children ages Pre-K – 5th grade

Pre-Register $5/couple $2.50 additional child

*At the door $8/couple $4 addtl child

Buck Run Community Center

2/21 ~ 6-8pm | The Artificers “Art + Business 101”

$25

Sign up HERE!

SAVE THE DATE

2/22-23 ~ 8am/daily | Bareback & Bronc Riding Clinic hosted by FSCC

Instructors: Hardy Braden, Bo Casper,

& FSCC Staff & Students

$300/student (suitable stock for all levels)

Contact: 620-224-6108 or 620-223-2700 x 7020

[email protected]

2/22-23 ~ | LaRoche Baseball Complex hosts the Play NAIA Game Series.

22nd: 1pm & 4pm

23rd: 12pm & 3pm

Two Days of baseball doubleheaders feat.

Concordia vs. University of Jamestown

2/22 ~ 11am-1pm | Pasta Making Class & Lunch with Chef Sebastian at The Kitchen Collective + Collaborative

$65

Sign up by clicking HERE!

2/22 ~ 8am | FrostBite ’25 – The Thrill of the Chill at Kansas Rocks Recreation Park

$65/ day passengers ride free!

Click HERE to register or pay at the gate

To RSVP for 2/21 camping click HERE !

Raffle drawings with over $40k worth of prizes!

Live television film crew for the upcoming TV show American Dream is on site!

2/22 ~ 6-8pm | Scouts Annual Pinewood Derby

Memorial Hall, Fort Scott

$30 includes Pinewood Derby Car Kit, Race Registration, Dinner, & Company Recognition

Contact Seth Needham

620-215-6934 or [email protected]

2/24 ~ 8:30am-2:30pm | Blood Drive

Fort Scott High School Aux Gym

1005 S. Main St.

Appointments are strongly encouraged.

Call 417-227-5006 or click HERE.

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.