Monthly Archives: June 2025
Stand By Your Man by Carolyn Tucker
Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker
Stand by Your Man
I have innumerable memories and life experiences that are connected with music. When I was around two years old, my family lived in southern California. When we went to the ocean, the four of us had to walk across storefronts to get to the beach. On one of these excursions, my parents noticed that I had fallen behind and wasn’t with the rest of the family. Mom had to walk back to the beer joint and get me because I had stopped to dance to the music that filtered out the open door. Little kids don’t have to be taught how to dance. They simply do it naturally…and gleefully.
When couples marry, they bring to the holy union boxes of stuff from their single days. Two items I specifically recall that my late husband brought to our marriage in 1980 was a shoebox full of cassette tapes. When Elvis died in 1977, Jimmy listened to the radio and taped the Elvis songs that the DJ played. This box also contained a cassette of Tammy Wynette which included her #1 hit song, “Stand by Your Man.”
One of the best Old Testament examples of loyal friendship is between Jonathan and his armor bearer (who isn’t mentioned by name). The Philistines were at war with Israel during King Saul’s reign. One day Jonathan (son of Saul) said to his armor bearer, “Let’s go across to the outpost of those pagans. Perhaps the Lord will help us, for nothing can hinder the Lord. He can win a battle whether He has many warriors or only a few!” (1 Samuel 14:6 NLT).
I really like the supportive attitude of Jonathan’s young attendant. He knew what it meant to “Stand by Your Friend.” “His armor bearer said to him, ’Do everything that is in your heart; turn yourself to it, and here I am with you, as your heart desires‘” (1 Samuel 14:7 NASB). He could have rattled off 20 reasons why two warriors shouldn’t engage in fighting a military garrison of Philistine soldiers. Instead, he joined with Jonathan and together they quickly made a brave attack, overwhelming and killing about 20 of the enemy. Their victory proved then, and now, that God is greater than circumstances. Jonathan’s bold words of faith expressed His confidence in God, Who then enabled this fighting duo to overcome immense odds.
I want to be a loyal friend like Jonathan’s armor bearer. He said, “Here I am with you.” Jonathan was encouraged by his attendant’s promise to stand by him and follow him wherever he went. We all know what it means when a friend says, “I’ve got your back.” He/she will not turn his/her back on you. A loyal friend is there for the long haul. It’s been said that in order to have a friend, you must be a friend. It might be a challenge to keep the unspoken promise to stand by your friend through thick and thin, but do it anyway. Having a friend to defend is worth fighting for.
A loyal friend is supportive, trustworthy, confidential, and honest with you. A friend stands by you, defends you in your absence, and helps you out in times of stress and strain. A friend will laugh and cry with you, comfort you, and pray for you. A friend will think the best of you when you stumble and fall, and will lend a hand to help you stand. A loyal friend will throw out the lifeline when you’re going down for the third time.
The Key: Stand by your friend until the very end.
A Summer Adventure: Your Town, Your Treasure
As the days grow longer and the sun warms our sidewalks, there’s a familiar buzz in the air: summer is here, and with it comes opportunity.
It’s more than just a season—it’s a moment when our community shines its brightest. The farmers’ market hums with local produce. Sidewalk cafes fill with neighbors and newcomers alike. Downtown shops welcome foot traffic that brings stories, laughter, and support.
Summer tourism may feel like a visitor’s game, but it’s actually a community team effort. Every family that stops at the splash pad, every couple who books a B&B or grabs ice cream on Main Street—they’re more than tourists. They’re economic partners. When we support and promote local attractions, events, and businesses, we strengthen the very heartbeat of our town.
Whether you’ve lived here for decades or just moved in, you’re part of the hospitality that makes this place unforgettable. It starts with simple things:
- Sharing upcoming events on social media.
- Encouraging friends to attend the weekend music series or art walk.
- Choosing local vendors when planning a summer barbecue or birthday party.
Behind every storefront is a family, a dream, and often a neighbor. And in many cases, summer makes the difference between making it and closing up shop.
It’s easy to overlook the hidden gems in our own backyard. When someone asks for local events or places to visit, we often draw a blank—not because they aren’t there, but because we’ve grown so used to them. Need a reminder? Here are 5 simple ways to support locals this summer:
- Shop the Farmers’ Market
Buy fresh produce, handmade goods, and baked treats from local growers and artisans. Every dollar stays in the community! - Dine Local (and Post It!)
Eat at family-owned restaurants, food trucks, or cafes—and tag them on social media to help spread the word. - Bring Guests Downtown
Hosting out-of-town friends? Take them on a tour of Main Street, local parks, or community festivals. - Attend Local Events
Music in the park, library programs, art walks, and small-town parades all thrive with your presence and participation. - Leave Reviews & Say Thanks
A kind word goes a long way—online or in person. Leave a 5-star review for a local shop or just tell them you appreciate what they do.
This summer, let’s not just welcome visitors—let’s also rediscover the charm of our own backyard. Your support matters. Your presence matters. And together, we can ensure this season brings prosperity not just for a few weekends—but for the year ahead.
For more information, please contact Community Vitality Agent Amanda Clasen at any Southwind District office.
Newly Hatched Bagworms Are Gearing Up to Cause Damage
Bagworms are a yearly pest in our area and can cause considerable damage. Most homeowners typically don’t get too concerned about bagworm control until they see large bags present on plants. By then it is too late and the damage is already done! The window of opportunity for optimum control is approaching.
Bagworms overwinter as eggs deposited in the female bags. From mid-May through mid-June, larvae hatch from the eggs and exit from the bottom opening of the old bag. Larvae begin constructing their miniature silk-lined bags immediately. Only after the bags have been completed do the larvae begin actual feeding activities. And as the larvae grow, so do their bags. By mid-to late August when feeding activities are complete, larvae firmly anchor their bags to the twigs and branches on which they were feeding.
Bagworms are most commonly found on eastern red cedar and junipers. However, bagworms can attack arborvitae, spruce and pine. Broadleaf trees, shrubs and ornamentals can also serve as a host to bagworms. After bagworms have defoliated a host plant, they are capable of migrating in search of additional food sources. They may attack the same species from which they came or a completely different species.
The damage caused by bagworm feeding can be minimal to severe. As larvae enter their later development stages, they require greater amounts of food. Sometimes in what seems to be just overnight, bagworms can completely defoliate a tree. Several successive years of heavy foliar feeding can result in the death a tree, especially with conifers.
There are two ways to control bagworms – cultural and chemical. Cultural practice is used by those who do not want to utilize insecticidal sprays to control bagworms. Instead, bagworms are eliminated by handpicking individual bags from plants. This is best done in the winter months when bags stand out against a trees background color. Keep in mind that a single missed bag could result in a thousand new bagworm larvae. Of course, handpicking becomes impractical when a host is literally covered with bags or it is too tall to make handpicking possible.
Chemical control is most effective when larvae are in their early developmental stages. Generally, bagworm larvae will begin emerging from the overwintering bag by mid-to late May. Hatching does not happen overnight. Instead, hatching can continue for 4 to 5 weeks. Controls applied in late summer are often a waste of time and expense because the larvae are large, tough and may have stopped feeding. About the third week of June is the ideal time to make insecticidal control.
Insecticides commonly used to control bagworms include spinosad, acephate, cyfluthrin, or permethrin. These are sold under a variety of trade names. Check the product label for active ingredients.
For more information on bagworm control, please contact me at one of our Southwind Extension District office locations.
Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Horticulture agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Give Your Comments To KS Supreme Court on Rule 1204
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Agenda for the Bourbon County Commission Meeting on June 9
The 06.09.25 Agenda for Bourbon County Commission for the meeting on at 5:30 p.m. in the Commission Chambers.
submitted by
Susan E. Walker
Bourbon County Clerk
The USD235 Board of Ed. Packet For June 9
Board of Education Meeting Monday, June 9, at 7:30 p.m, packet attached.
Submitted by–
Pam Kimrey
Board Clerk USD 235 Uniontown
What’s Happening in Fort Scott June 6 Edition
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FS Baseball Franchise Team Name Revealed July 11
Fort Scott’s new baseball franchise will reveal the teams name and the inning submitter of that game on July 11.
The wait is almost over.
Fort Scott’s new Mid-America League baseball franchise is ready to take the next big step — and the fans are about to find out what it will be called.
Following a month’s-long “Name the Team” contest that brought in hundreds of creative and passionate submissions from the Fort Scott community, the franchise will officially unveil its
name, logo, and identity at the opening night of the “Summer Series” on Friday, July 11th.
One lucky fan — whose submission was selected as the winning entry — will be publicly honored during a pre-game ceremony and awarded two (2) season tickets for life.
“This team is built for and by the Fort Scott community, and it was only fitting that our fans had a hand in shaping its identity,” said Mike Marek, Vice President of the Fort Scott franchise.
“The name we’ve chosen tells a powerful story about the city and the spirit we aim to bring to the ballpark.”
The “Summer Series” a three-game series from July 11-13 between the Texarkana Rhinos and the Joplin Outlaws will feature a family-friendly experience and a sneak peek into the franchise’s future.
Official team merchandise will be available following the announcement
Friday evening game times will be 7:05 pm on Friday and 6:05 pm on Saturday and Sunday.
USD234 Agenda for June 9
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
June 09, 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
05-12-25
4.2 Financials – Cash Flow Report
4.3 Check Register
4.4 Payroll – May 15, 2025 – $1,707,170.52
4.5 Activity Funds Accounts
4.6 USD 234 Gifts
5.0 Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)
6.0 New Business
6.1 Student Chromebook Purchase (Action)
6.2 Staff Laptop Purchase (Action)
6.3 10 Passenger Van Purchase (Action)
6.4 71 Passenger Buses Purchase (Action)
6.5 Passenger Car Purchase (Action)
6.6 Participation in the National School Lunch Program (Action)
6.7 Revision to Policy EE – Food Services Management (Action)
6.8 E-Rate Category 2 Funding – Wireless Access Point (Action)
6.9 Kansas Insurance Cooperative for Schools Property and Casualty Insurance Renewal
7.0 Public Forum
8.0 Other Business –Negotiations _____(Time)
9.0 Other Business – Personnel Matters – Time __________
10.0 Adjourn Meeting _____ (Time) David Stewart, President
Unapproved Minutes of the Uniontown City Council From May 13
The Regular Council Meeting on May 13, 2025 at Uniontown Community Center was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, Savannah Pritchett, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Codes Officer Doug Coyan, City Treasurer Sally Johnson, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, and City Clerk Danea Esslinger.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
None
CITIZENS REQUESTS
None
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Johnson presented the April 2025 financial reports. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds for April was $323,763.55, Receipts $30,247.46, Transfers Out $3,024.00, Expenditures $54,009.88, Checking Account Closing Balance $296,977.13. Bank Statement Balance $298,347.71, including Checking Account Interest of $64.45, Outstanding Deposits $0.00, Outstanding Checks $1,370.58, Reconciled Balance $296,977.13. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $38,072.00, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $22,822.26, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $44,900.89, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $402,772.28. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $251.23, and Utility CDs $640.47 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $891.70. Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,622.00 for Total Transfers of $3,024.00. Net Loss for the month of April $26,786.42 Year-to-Date Net Income $33,113.39. Appropriations to date for April 2025 are $31,355.12.
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Brad, Approved 3-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
- Minutes of April 9, 2025 Regular Council Meeting.
- Treasurer’s Reports & Monthly Transaction Report for April 2025 and the Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Codes Enforcement: Doug Coyan
405 Hill Street-letter sent to owner with requested repairs needed, some repairs have been completed, he will contact owners about the other repairs needed
406 Fulton Street-letter sent to regarding nuisance vehicles, no reply at this time
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
Fire truck in park-he will apply an adhesive to the bolts
Mosquito spraying-will start soon
City Wide Dumpster-dumpster’s not as full as in the past and no complaints
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.
Thank you card for the donation to the SOS.
Summer Food Program in June at the West Bourbon Elementary School.
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Ervin – None
Councilman Kelly – stop signs needed at 2nd, 3rd, and 4th of Fulton St, ask school if another pond signage regarding no parking at the East side of Pond
Councilwoman Pemberton – Zoning Public Forum meeting 5/14/25 at 6 PM
Councilwoman Pritchett – no ordinance about chicken and ducks
Councilman Stewart– Bolts needed for the Pond Dock
Mayor Jurgensen – Ruritan may help with the Public Restroom replacement and repairs
City fixed the sewer main, and this issue caused a citizen to have major flooding issues
Motion by Kelly, Second by Pritchett, Approved 5-0 to accept paying for the citizen’s insurance deductible of $1,000.
OLD BUSINESS
SEED Grant – work has started on the City Library and City Office, have new lighting in the City Office, and they have started the electrical work for the ceiling in the Library, and the Council stated to close office to the public during the 1st week of June to complete the City Office flooring, shelves, and new window.
FEMA Flooding– Hydrology study not complete yet by Ag Engineering, and we have another new FEMA project manager.
Warehouse Insulation – is planned to start on May 13, and work has started today
Sidewalk-Ag Engineering preliminary study is completed. He stated that we will receive completed documentation when finalized.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0 in regard to the East Sidewalk of the Square, send pictures and a letter to ask lawyer if we can proceed with replacing said sidewalk as we own it per survey
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 Pemberton, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to approve the New Ordinance No. 206
Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0, 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 8:39.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0, 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 9:20.
Danea Esslinger called in at 8:40, out at 9:15.
ADJOURN Time 9:25 Moved by Ervin, 2nd Stewart, Approved 5-0
Uniontown City Council Meets June 10 at 7 p.m.
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 May 13, 2025 Regular Council Meeting
- May Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & May 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 & mowing sign on door
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
Clerk Report: Danea Esslinger
City Wide Garage Sales?
Modern Copy Systems–new maintenance agreement
Jayhawk Software Back Up vs Microsoft Office backup
Junk Vehicle Citation-2 certified letters sent/no pickup
Thank You Card-Kelly Droel
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Ervin –
Councilman Kelly –
Councilwoman Pemberton –
Councilwoman Pritchett –
Councilman Stewart–
Mayor Jurgensen –
OLD BUSINESS
SEED Grant – work has started on the City Library and City Office
FEMA Flooding– Hydrology study not complete yet by Ag Engineering
Warehouse Insulation – is completed at this time.
Sidewalk-Ag Engineering sent the completed documentation and bill.
-Lawyer Chase Vaughn response to replacing this sidewalk.
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
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 ____________.
Attachments:
Lawyer reply to 206-208 Sherman Sidewalk