Key Apparel is seeking a motivated person to join our Embellishment Team as a Screen Printer. This position will work with screen printing, digital printing, and embroidery equipment and processes.As part of the Embellishment Team, you are responsible for embellishing uniforms, hats, outerwear, and other accessories.
A Screen Printer should have an eye for detail, be comfortable on their feet and moving product, be able to navigate graphic design software, and be able to create expertly designed prints that fully meet the customer’s expectations. You should have the ability to work efficiently while staying on top of multiple projects. Prior experience is not required, but a willingness and excitement to learn is!
Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Receiving work order jobs for Screen Printing.
Examining work orders to determine estimated printing times, ink, and material quantities.
Designing screen patterns according to customer specifications.
Selecting screen size, degreasing agents, and emulsion coatings.
Running prints and performing quality checks throughout the printing process.
Troubleshooting problems as they arise.
Drying, folding, and packing completed articles after the run.
Loading screen into printer.
Installing and repositioning screen printing plates and pressure roles.
Calibrating printer before batch is printed.
The ideal candidate must have:
Excellent hand-eye coordination.
Ability to manually operate large machinery.
Ability to work alone for long shifts.
High level of creative and artistic skills. Some graphic design experience is required.
Ability to stand for long periods.
Ability to work with ink and chemicals every day.
Compensation/Benefits:
Key offers competitive compensation, including a highly competitive benefits package.
Please submit your resume to: [email protected], or stop by and pick up an application at our offices located in the Industrial Park at 400 Marble Rd in Ft Scott.
It’s been said that no matter how old we are, we never outgrow our need for a mother. I’m in my 60s and I wholeheartedly concur with that statement. Nearly every day I remember some type of wisdom that Mom shared with me. She was a stay-at-home mother so I spent a lot of time with her and I‘m so grateful. She was an excellent role model because she taught me by words and example. Even though we haven’t had a conversation for ten years now, the tape recorder in my memory replays her good and encouraging words quite often. I’m very thankful for her love and voice that I continue to hold in my heart. In 1996, I spoke at a Mother-Daughter Banquet where Mom was presented with the “Exemplary Mother” award. I’d never thought of describing my mom with that adjective. But when she flew away to Heaven in 2015, we had “An Exemplary Life” engraved on her headstone.
I think the first scripture Mom began to drill into my head was Numbers 32:23. I can’t remember if I’d done something specific, but all during my childhood she would say to me, “Be sure your sin will find you out.” I figured that if I did something bad, my parents or God or both would find out and the fur would fly.
Here‘s another vital scripture Mom quoted to me: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head” (Romans 12:20 NKJV). I didn’t understand the part about putting hot coals on someone’s head; that didn‘t sound like a good thing to do. Nevertheless, Mom wanted me to learn the lesson of being nice and doing good things for people who weren’t nice to me.
She often quoted Proverbs 17:22, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.” She did an outstanding job of practicing this. She always had a big smile, a big laugh, and sometimes she’d even “cackle” when she got really tickled. Mom wasn’t a storyteller or a joke teller, but she sure got a kick out of everyone else’s funny stories. It’s been scientifically proven that laughter improves our mood and overall well-being. It reduces stress and tension, and also helps in bonding with others. I think a lifestyle of having a merry heart and laughing with family and friends is kinda’ like the glue that sticks us together. The ability to laugh together is bound to be a gift from God.
One time Mom and I were in the kitchen and, I don’t know what prompted this scripture, but she quoted, “A soft answer turneth away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1 KJV). You just can’t have an argument when someone has a smile and kind response. Mom was the first to show mercy and the last to pass judgment. She power-walked in her faith and she never wavered. She studied her Bible and practiced what she read. Her life was well lived and she was well loved.
Mothers are so important in how their children begin life and how they end life, and everything in between. “Hats off” to mothers in their constant efforts to nurture, teach, train, and love their off-spring. Mothers should be celebrated every day because they’re loving, relentless, valuable, selfless, beautiful, funny, and tough as nails.
The Key: Exemplary mothers never go out of style. Keep up the good work!
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) have issued a public health advisory due to blue-green algae.
The water recreation season in Kansas officially runs from April 1 to Oct. 31, as do the harmful algae blooms (HAB) response program’s active operations. Kansans should remain vigilant while engaging in activities taking place in or on the water, such as swimming, boating, and fishing.
A HAB may look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red. Blooms can develop rapidly; if the water appears suspicious or there is decaying algae on the shore, avoid contact and keep dogs away. These toxins can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation of aerosols and even skin contact. Symptoms vary depending upon the type of exposure (e.g., direct contact, ingestion, inhalation) but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache.
If you, or your pets, come into contact with algae rinse the area with clean, fresh water. Suspected HAB-related health incidents, whether human or animal, regardless of season, should be reported as soon as possible at kdhe.ks.gov/1163.
Active Advisories
Warning
Frazier Lake, Grant County
Lake Shawnee, Shawnee County
Watch
Council Grove City Lake, Morris County
A Hazard status indicates that a HAB is present, and extreme conditions exist.
When a hazard is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:
Signage should be posted at all public access locations.
It is recommended that either a portion of the lake or the entire lake or zone, be closed to the public.
In some cases, the adjacent land should be closed as well. Actual setback distances will be determined on a site-specific basis, if necessary.
In zoned lakes, if a lake zone is issued at a Hazard level, all other adjacent lake zones may be recommended for an advisory status dependent on lake conditions.
A Warning status indicates that a HAB is expected or present.
When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:
Signage should be posted at all public access locations.
Inhalation of spray or aerosols may be harmful.
Lake water is not safe to drink for pets or livestock.
Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.
Water contact should be avoided.
Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.
Do not allow pets to eat dried algae.
If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.
Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.
A Watch status means that a HAB is possible and may be present.
When a watch is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:
Signage should be posted at all public access locations.
Water may be unsafe for humans/animals.
Avoid areas of algae accumulation and do not let people/pets eat dried algae or drink contaminated water.
Swimming, wading, skiing and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms.
Boating and fishing are safe. However, inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals. Avoid direct contact with water and wash with clean water after any contact.
Clean fish thoroughly with potable water and eat fillet portion only.
Advisories are Lifted when cell densities and toxin concentrations dissipate to levels below the Watch thresholds.
KDHE investigates publicly accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on credible field observation and sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions.
If you observe a scum or paint-like surface on the water, small floating blue-green clumps or filaments in the water, or if the water is an opaque green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.
What’s Happening in Fort Scott! May 9th 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 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
FS Public Library
*Wednesday Writers every Wed. @ 1:30-3pm
*Summer Reading June 3rd – July 29th!
201 S. National Ave.
Kansas Small Business Development Center
at the Chamber, 231 E. Wall St.
Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month from 9am-4pm.
CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________
ROLL CALL: ___ Jess Ervin ___ Amber Kelly ___ Mary Pemberton ___ Savannah Pritchett ___ Bradley Stewart
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
CITIZENS REQUESTS
FINANCIAL REPORT
Sally Johnson – Financial reports
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
Minutes of April 9, 2025 Regular Council Meeting
March Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & March Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Codes Enforcement: Doug Coyan
405 Hill Street-letter sent to owner with requested repairs needed
406 Fulton Street-letter sent to regarding nuisance vehicles
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
Clerk Report: Danea Esslinger
Quickbook Online Course-attended May 8th, city office was closed.
Evergy is giving a presentation regarding the energy assistance program on 6/3/25 at 10 AM.
Fish Food has arrived.
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Ervin –
Councilman Kelly –
Councilwoman Pemberton – Zoning Public Forum meeting 5/14/25 at 6 PM
Councilwoman Pritchett –
Councilman Stewart–
Mayor Jurgensen –
OLD BUSINESS
SEED Grant – work has started on the City Libray and City Office
FEMA Flooding– Hydrology study not complete yet by Ag Engineering
Warehouse Insulation – is planned to start on May 13.
Sidewalk-Ag Engineering preliminary study is completed. He stated that we will receive completed documentation when finalized.
Park electric – CrawKan will do the boring for the electrical line needed for the park electric. We will wait to complete this when CrawKan has an opening in their schedule.
NEW BUSINESS
New Ordinance No. 206-presented to Council for changes or approval.
Motion by _____________, Second by __________, Approved ______, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at ____________.
ADJOURN Time ____________ Moved by ______________, 2nd ___________________, Approved ___________
Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
www.usd234.org
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
May 12, 2025 – 5:30 P.M.
AGENDA SUMMARY WITH COMMENTARY
1.0 Call Meeting to Order David Stewart, President
2.0 Flag Salute
3.0 Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)
4.0 Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)
4.1 Board Minutes
04-14-25
04-22-25
4.2 Financials – Cash Flow Report
4.3 Check Register
4.4 Payroll – April 18, 2025 – $1,686,779.39
4.5 Activity Funds Accounts
4.6 USD 234 Gifts
4.7 Middle School Student Council Fundraising
4.8 Washington Workshop Extended Trip
5.0 Recognitions
6.0 Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)
6.1 Superintendent’s Report
6.2 Assistant Superintendent’s Report
6.3 Special Education Director’s Report
7.0 New Business
7.1 Contract for Occupational Therapy Services with Outreach Occupational Therapy, LLC
for the 2025-26 School Year (Action Item)
7.2 KASB Membership Renewal (Action Item)
7.3 Set Capacity for Nonresident Student Enrollment Capacity
7.4 Greenbush Contracts for Low-Incidence and Audiology for 2025-26 school year (Action)
7.5 Community Health Center School Based Health Care Service Contract
7.6 Satchel Pulse Social Emotional Learning proposal
7.7 Adoption of Curriculum Resources and Materials for English Language Arts and Foreign
Language
8.0 Public Forum
9.0 Other Business – Personnel Matters – Time __________
9.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)
9.2 Exit Executive Session – _______ (Time)
9.3 Approve Resignations/Employment of Licensed/Supplemental
9.4 Approval of Classified Personnel Report #1 (Action Item)
9.5 Approval of Classified Personnel Report #2 (Action Item)
10.0 Adjourn Meeting _____ (Time) David Stewart, President
Sharon Kay Miller,81, of Fort Scott, most recently Tallahassee, Florida, passed away on February 4, 2025. There was cremation. A memorial service will be held at 11:30 AM Wednesday, May 21st, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott, Kansas. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 Tuesday evening May 20th, at the funeral home.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com
Disc golf, sales tax, and fireworks were all dealt with at the May 6, Fort Scott City Commission Meeting.
Appearances
Parks Advisory Board, Purchase of Disc Golf Baskets
Danny Craig spoke to the commission about the Parks Advisory Board’s decision to purchase a new set of disc golf baskets. “The more baskets we have the more people we can have for our tournaments,” he said. By having 36 baskets the parks can facilitate 180 tournament players.
The baskets with numbers and columns will cost $9,100. The plan is to add 18 new baskets to Gunn Park with the option to move them to other locations such as Riverwalk Park of Fort Scott Community College for tournaments. Gunn Park has two to three placements for each basket. The new baskets have more chains and catch discs easier than the old baskets.
“It is impressive how many people are playing at Gunn Park,” said Commissioner Dyllon Olson. Craig noted that it’s a growing sport in the area.
City Manager Brad Matkin asked if he would consider placing them permanently at Fort Scott Community College. Craig said he would.
The commission approved the purchase.
Jake’s Fireworks Sales
Marcus Shearhart, regional building manager for Jake’s Fireworks in Kansas asked that the city adapt to the state law for fireworks selling season, which is June 20 to July 7. Current selling dates in Ft. Scott are June 27 to July 5. Jake’s Fireworks has purchased the old Walgreens building, where they are currently selling Memorial Day Flowers. Next they will sell fireworks. Starting August 1, they will convert to Jumpy Jumpland, an inflatables park. Jake’s Fireworks has also purchased the old Taco Tico and will bring in a Quick Sip coffee shop. They also have plans for the old Pizza Hut building.
The commission voted to amend the current ordinance to match the state’s dates. Shooting dates remain unchanged.
GAAP Audit, tabled from 4/15/2025
Ben Hart talked to the commission about the meaning of switching over to a GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) system. GAAP are adopted nationwide, but the state of Kansas has decided that some cities and counties didn’t need to adopt them because of cost of changing over. Other cities in the state go by Kansas Municiple Audit Accounting Guide (KMAAG).
He gave the commission a three-page memo on the subject, as they had voted in an early meeting to switch over to the GAAP system in 2025, and he wanted them to understand the potential cost.
Mayor Timothy Van Hoeke asked Hart to give his professional estimate of the cost to the city to move to the GAAP system. Hart answered it would be at least $100,000 the first year, and the ongoing annual cost will be anywhere from $60,000 to $80,000 more than currently paying. The main reason for the increase is the people that would have to be hired to write up the financials and do asset assessments. The city would need to have permanent staffing to facilitate it. Currently, they only do cash basis and statutory audits.
Hart said that he was not asking for a decision tonight, but giving information. It will require budget amendments to pay for the new hires, and this is not an easy decision to reverse.
Matkin asked about the benefits of choosing GAAP versus KMAG. Hart said that GAAP is of more benefit to entities that issue a lot of debt, which Fort Scott does not do.
The commission decided to have the financial staff bring back a waiver to not go with GAAP and to address it in the next budget meeting
“I would like to see the city do a GAAP, but not for that cost,” said Olson.
Unfinished Business
Pumper Truck Purchase tabled from 4/15/2025
The commission approved the purchase of the Spartan, top-mount pumper truck for $784,702.
New Business
Public Hearing: CDBG Grant from Memorial Hall
Kylie Moore, grant specialist, said she’s hopeful they will be awarded the grant this year, as there’s more funding this round than there was last year.
The grant would be used to replace windows, restore masonry and mortar, and repair the northeast corner of the building. Some of which was damaged by water infiltration. The total cost estimate for the project is $766,484 and the city would match the grant at $184,282.
The application will be submitted on May 21, and results will be available two to three weeks after submission.
The commission approved going after the grant.
Request to Vacate Alley and Street at 123 McCleverty Street
The commission denied this request when it was first presented, However, the owner, Alyssa Green, says the information was incorrect at the original hearing and asked to present accurate information.
Mr. Williams spoke to the commission on Green’s behalf. Williams claimed that Second Street runs through Green’s house, and the alley intersects a building. He also said that Second Street ended at Lincoln and wasn’t plotted to go further in 1857.
Commissioner Matthew Wells and Olson both said that the city was plotted to have Second Street run all the way through. This issue is common in Fort Scott. Wells expressed concern that the precedent set by this would send landowners the message that if they build on city property, the city will give them the land.
Williams said that the city should not have allowed a building permit to build homes on city land.
Wells said that the city is following a rule of not choosing to vacate properties in this situation. He also said it’s incumbent on the property owner to do a survey to determine where the city’s property lines and easements are.
Matkin suggested offering Green the piece that part of her house rests on in exchange for her giving another piece of her property to the city.
Van Hoeke suggested that realtors in the area shouldn’t tell prospective buyers that getting the city to vacate property in dispute is to be expected.
Commissioner Tracy Dancer proposed that the engineer and the city attorney work out a land swap pursuant to a survey paid for by the owner or any agent of the owner. Motion carried.
“Rather than just saying ‘no,’ we’re giving you an opportunity to work this out,” said Van Hoeke.
Action items
Consideration of bid for CDs for wastewater, $2,000,000
The commission approved putting $2,000,000 from the wastewater fund into a CD at UMB Bank at the rate of 3.85%.
Consideration of Sales Tax Ballot Question
City Manager Brad Matkin spoke to the commission about the vote for the half-cent sales tax coming up this year. They need to make a decision at their May 20th meeting to get the question onto the ballot in time. Of the current half-cent tax, 90% is paid to streets, 10% to parks and community facilities. Matkin suggested a couple of possibilities, including staying at a half-cent and sending 80% to streets, 10% to public safety, and 10% to parks. This would help pay for the new pumper truck while not taking much from streets. Another option is to increase the tax to one cent, giving 85% to streets, 5% to parks, and 10% to public safety.
“We want to make sure we’re doing the best we can with the funds we’re getting. One thing to remember, sales tax comes from everyone,” said Matkin, including out-of-town visitors. Without the sales tax, a property tax increase may be needed, which would only be paid by residents. Raising the sales tax could allow for a reduction in property taxes.
Olson asked if the reduction in the amount going to the streets would affect the city’s ability to get planned future projects done. Matkin said that the city is doing more in-house work and has more equipment now than in the past, which will allow them to do the street projects for less.
Matkin suggested that the ballot question be to approve a 10-year tax. He also recommended having two or three town halls before the vote to explain it to the public and answer questions.
VanHoeke suggested that the commission take the information home and think it over for a vote next meeting. The commission voted to do so.
Consideration of Gunn Park Shelter Three Improvements
Brad Matkin said the only bid for repairs that the city received was for $55,000. This would be to repair masonry and wood elements of the shelter and would come from the parks sales tax fund. This shelter is one that the city rents out.
Consideration of 2025 Hay Rights Bids
The bid for haying at the airport went to Tip and T Cattle for $9,000.
Discussion of revamping land bank program
Brad Matkin said the land bank would like to have the city’s Housing and Revitalization coordinator take over management. She will help clean titles and coordinate neighborhood revitalization with the land bank properties. She deals with land bank issues daily. It would fit right into her job scheme and allow the city to keep the current funds for management.
VanHoeke asked Bob Farmer, city counsel, to look at the ordinances and make sure they can do that.
“It’ll make the whole process a lot smoother and allow us to coordinate things better with the city and the contractors moving forward,” said Wells.
Consideration of Use of Law Firm for Land Bank
Wells said that the land bank wants a Memo Of Understanding (MOU) with the attorney that Bourbon County will be using for its sheriff’s sale so that he can clear property titles as needed.
Motion carried with “no”s from Dancer and Olson.
Request to pay Heck & Wicker Inc. for Horton Street and Sixth Street Improvements $422, 022.76
Mr. Dickman, engineer, said that inspection shows that every item billed has been completed. The striping is still to be done.
Wells was very displeased with the asphalting job. “That road should have been done right. It should have been done according to specs.”
Wells moved to litigate for having the road re-done. Dancer and Wells voted yes, but the other commissioners voted it down.
Olson moved to pay it, but it didn’t pass. Salsbury, Wells, and Dancer voted against paying it.
Dickman will start the process with H&W to have unsatisfactory items repaired.
Consideration proposal for East National Project Design
Tabled until next meeting.
Reports and Comments
City Manager Brad Matkin
Hometown Parking Lot south of Hometown Pub has one more pour and they hope to finish it this week. It should be a 30-spot lot.
Sixth and Main Intersection is scheduled to be concreted by the end of May as well as the First Street Parking Lot, weather permitting.
The Eddie Street project is next in line. The water department will be doing the waterline project between 8th and 9th street after school is out at the end of May.
Moody Building update: There is a permit, but no work has been done in the last two weeks. Matkin hopes for more info on that by the next commission meeting.
“Things are going good in Fort Scott,” said Matkin. He mentioned the successful First Friday for May. The next one will be in August, as Good Old Days and Fourth of July will be at the beginnings of the next two months.
May 17, a Luau and opening of splash pad with sno cones and bands is planned. The Aquatic Center opens Memorial Day, May 26.
Farmers Market started May 3 and will continue on Saturdays from 8-12 and Tuesdays 4-6.
Commissioner Kathryn Salsbury asked to add to the next meeting agenda revisiting the idea of making the window when fireworks are allowed to set of fireworks shorter. She expressed concerned for veterans, pets, victims of domestic violence, and autistic kids.
Wells mentioned that St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church will host a melodrama during the Good Old Days Festival this year.
Olson said he is pleased will the filling of businesses in town. “Fort Scott’s not dying.” He thanked city manager and his various crews for what they do for the city. He also expressed gratitude for the other commissioners and the progress he sees.
Kenneth Lee Peterson, age 101, a longtime resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, went home to Heaven Wednesday, May 7, 2025, just a few weeks shy of his 102nd birthday. He was born May 31, 1923, the son of John Lemuel Peterson and Florence Edith Farmer Peterson.
He graduated from the Fort Scott High School and was then drafted into military service during World War II. Kenneth served with the Army Air Force from 1943 to 1946 where he was stationed in Burma and India. Following his military service, he returned to Ft. Scott where he was united in marriage to Marie Elizabeth Judy on March 8, 1946.
Early on he worked for Bruce Marble and Granite Works and then for Mid-America Printing which later became Ennis Business Forms. Following his retirement from printing, Kenneth continued to keep busy. He built his own home, worked in the garden, tended to his beehives, and enjoyed tinkering in his workshop and doing woodworking projects. He also worked part-time doing maintenance work for Iron Quill Estates.
As a young family man, he surrendered his life to Jesus Christ and has done his best to faithfully serve Him throughout the remainder of his life. He faithfully attended the Parkway Church of God (Holiness). He was also a staunch supporter of Ft. Scott Christian Heights and was proud of the many family members who graduated from that school. Although parting is painful, his family finds comfort knowing that he is safe in the presence of Jesus.
Survivors include five children, Kenneth L. “Sonny” Peterson (Betty) of Ft. Scott, Patricia Harris (James) of Pittsburg, Kansas, Marilyn Cornell (Bob) of Ft. Scott, Rodney Peterson (Heather) of Nappanee, Ontario, Canada and Melinda Teed (Rick) of Kalispell, Montana. Also surviving are a son-in-law, Raymond Mauck of Pittsburg, Kansas, ten grandchildren, twenty-five great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren with one more on the way.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Marie, on September 11, 2013. He was also preceded in death by a daughter, Sharon Mauck, a granddaughter, Tanya Tiethoff, and two brothers, James Harold Peterson and Junior L. Peterson.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, May 20th at the Parkway Church of God (Holiness), 1111 State Ave., Ft. Scott, Kansas.
Burial with military honors will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Monday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to the Peterson Family Memorial Fund at Ft. Scott Christian Heights 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.
Patty LaRoche. 2023. Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection www.alittlefaithlift.com AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)
Last night, I attended a T-ball game to watch Joey, a four-year-old, swing away at a rubber ball placed chest-high on a batting tee. The rest of the time, he stood at attention in the infield, moving only when a ball landed between his feet and the coach told him to pick it up and throw it to first. His mother is a childhood friend of my granddaughter, and I went to play “grandparent” since her parents live several hours away.
Joey isn’t fond of the game. He is the shortest player on the Grasshoppers’ team and rarely has a ball hit his direction. This night was different. “Did you see me, Mom? Did you see me, Dad? I caught the ball and threw it.” A first for the little guy.
From that point on, Joey covered the entire field. From left field to center field to third base, if the ball was hit, he sprinted to be part of the group that tackled each other to come up with the prize. I remember with great fondness our sons doing the same, and last night, I could not stop smiling.
But what really caught my attention was another teammate of Joey who was a head taller than all the other players and clearly had some baseball skills. Instead of showing off his arm, however, he would catch the ball and hand it to one of the smaller Grasshoppers to throw it to first. His parents had to be proud.
Unselfishness is in short supply. Two weeks ago, I watched a video of an Easter egg hunt at a Florida beach where my four-year-old granddaughter, Paige, placed plastic eggs in her younger sister’s basket. Other hunters were not so kind. They scooped up as many eggs as they could to fill their baskets, with no regard for much smaller kids reaching for just one.
What makes some people share (like that Grasshopper and Paige) and others be all about themselves? One such story in the Bible addresses what happens when we seek to serve ourselves. Abraham and his nephew Lot had accumulated great wealth in livestock and possessions, and soon there was an argument amongst their servants about rights to the springs of water. Deciding it was time to part company, Abraham gave Lot the choice of which parcel of land he wanted. Lot chose the richer, greener acreage of the Jordan River and settled near Sodom (Gen. 13:10-12) having no idea the sins of its citizens would result in his family and him running for their lives.
Ignoring God’s warning not to look back, Lot’s wife disobeyed and was turned into a statue of salt (Gen. 19:26). The end was not good for Lot and his daughters. Once safe (if living in a cave is “safe”), the daughters got their father drunk, had sexual relations with him, and birthed the beginning of Israel’s enemies, the Moabites and the Ammonites.
I wonder if Philippians 2:3 was written with Lot in mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. That little Grasshopper and my granddaughter offer lessons for all of us.
