Submitted by
Would you like to make an impact in your community while broadening your skill set, connecting with people, working close to home, and receiving good pay & great benefits?
As Uniontown City Clerk/Municipal Court Clerk you can do all this and more! This is a 40 hours per week position with above average wage and benefits, including:
Personal Requirements:
The Clerk position entails performing all duties as defined by Kansas State Statute and City Ordinances: receive and disperse monetary funds and maintain financial records; complete various administrative reports; grant applications & administration; prepare, mail and apply payments of monthly customer utility billing; assist residents via phone or walk-in; attend and record minutes of all city council meetings, write monthly community newsletter; maintain city website; other duties as required (a more detailed job description and list of duties available upon application).
Apply in person at Uniontown City Hall, call 620-756-4742, or submit your resume via email to [email protected] . Applications accepted until Noon, August 7, 2025.
Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker
Squirrel Dynasty
My rambunctious squirrels provide early-morning entertainment for me. They appear to work hard and play hard all at the same time. Many years ago, our friend Hildred gave us two little pecan trees that my late-husband Jimmy planted. The trees have been bearing nuts for several years but I’ve yet to pick or eat one. That’s because the squirrels are busy little critters and beat me to the pecans every year. I had great fun watching a Momma bird beat the tar out of two squirrels because they were getting too close to her babies’ nest. After their sound beating, they were smart enough to run away and play somewhere else.
We can learn from the bird that it’s the parents’ responsibility to protect and bring up our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (ref. Ephesians 6:4). The observation of nature can be a practical teacher if we will only pause and pay attention. In the Book of Proverbs we find both the nature and the spiritual fused together as a relevant learning tool. This Book of Wisdom speaks about the ant, rock badger, locust, lizard, spider, eagle, snake, lion, rooster, etc. Like a rock badger, believers can hide in the Lord as our solid Rock when storms hit us. Just as locusts are part of a swarm, believers are part of a team (the family of God). We can receive great insight and spiritual lessons from the simple things right in front of our eyes.
Humans have a natural tendency to be foolish. But for those who fear (revere) the Lord, wisdom is available to those who sincerely seek it from God. “My child, will you treasure My wisdom? Then, and only then, will you acquire it. And only if you accept My advice and hide it within will you succeed. So train your heart to listen when I speak and open your spirit wide to expand your discernment — then pass it on to your sons and daughters” (Proverbs 2:1-2 TPT). Knowledge is found in books, but wisdom comes straight from God. “Wisdom is a gift from a generous God, and every word He speaks is full of revelation and becomes a fountain of understanding within you. For the Lord has a hidden storehouse of wisdom made accessible to His godly lovers“ (Proverbs 2:6-7 TPT). We need God’s wisdom everyday to guide our steps and direct our life.
God is good, thoughtful, and caring so He created the animal kingdom with instincts. You’ll never find a squirrel reading a book, yet he knows how to outsmart me by eating or burying every last stinkin’ pecan on my place. Yes siree Bob, I have an army of hard-working, fun-loving squirrels with ginormous energy. I researched and found that squirrels like to eat other things besides my pecans and black walnuts. They also enjoy stuffing themselves on vegetables, seeds, insects, fruits, fungi, eggs, plants, berries, cereal, worms, pumpkins, birdseed, cheese, flowers, mushrooms, beans, corn, spinach, celery, and bark. I knew they liked bark because they’ve been chewing on my park bench — even though they‘re surrounded by trees and live in them!
God created an awesome nature for us to enjoy and also learn from. We’re doing ourselves a great disservice when we fail to look for the lessons in nature that can be applied in a spiritual manner. Some have said, “I feel closer to God when I’m fishing.” And I say, “Be wise and do both — go to church and then fish if you want.”
The Key: Join God in His nature and see what you can apply to your spiritual life.
Back-to-school season seems to arrive faster each year, and with inflation affecting everything from pencils to backpacks, families are finding creative ways to shop smarter. While big-box stores may seem like the go-to for deals, shopping locally can be just as cost-effective and even more rewarding. Local businesses not only offer unique products and personalized service, but they also invest in your community. For every $100 spent at a locally owned store, about $68 stays within the community, supporting essential services and local programs.
As you prepare your student for the school year ahead, here are some practical ways to cut costs and support your hometown:
Beyond the savings, shopping locally has a long-term impact. Sales tax from local purchases funds critical services like police, fire departments, and road maintenance. Local businesses often stock unique, one-of-a-kind products and offer exceptional customer service rooted in personal relationships. They’re more likely to adjust inventory based on your needs and support community initiatives that enhance our schools and neighborhoods.
Your dollars matter—and when spent locally, they do double the good. This school year, think beyond the price tag. Support local. Save smart. Strengthen your community. For more information, contact Community Vitality Agent Amanda Clasen at any Southwind District office or [email protected].
Kansas Water Authority Seeks Regional Advisory Committee Members
The Kansas Water Authority is currently accepting applications for all 14 Regional Advisory Committees. Committee members serve as a voice for water issues in their community. Applications can be found at kwo.ks.gov.
Regional Advisory Committees (RACs) are composed of local stakeholders and water professionals from diverse backgrounds – including agriculture, industry, public water supply, conservation and more.
Each RAC meets to discuss local water issues and to advise the Kansas Water Authority and Kansas Water Office on the issues in their region. RAC members serve as local connections with the public and help to shape statewide water planning by identifying regional priorities and actions.
“Water issues and community needs vary from region to region in our state,” said Connie Owen, Director of the Kansas Water Office. “RAC members serve as boots-on-the-ground perspective and provide crucial, local input for statewide water planning.”
To apply, visit www.kwo.ks.gov/about-us/regional-advisory-committees. Applications are due September 30.
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As the state’s water office, Kansas Water Office conducts water planning, policy coordination and water marketing as well as facilitates public input throughout the state.
The agency prepares the KANSAS WATER PLAN, a plan for water resources development, management and conservation.
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland encourages jobseekers and employers searching for available talent to take part in this month’s Virtual Statewide Job Fair, hosted by KANSASWORKS, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 13.
“Kansas businesses are expanding and we’re landing more private sector investment from outside the state than ever before — retaining and creating an unprecedented number of jobs and growing our workforce in the process,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Whether you’re an employer seeking to fill essential roles or a jobseeker looking to take on a new adventure — our job fairs offer the connections, opportunities and resources to grow your future in Kansas.”
The Virtual Job Fair format allows anyone searching for a new job to fill out applications, chat live and interview virtually with participating employers.
This month’s Virtual Statewide Job Fair portal features helpful information such as a jobseeker training video, a list of participating employers and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as they might be asked to engage in an interview.
Candidates can participate through any digital device. Any individual with a disability may request accommodations by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event. Registration is required to participate in virtual job fairs, regardless of previous participation. To register, click here.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
About KANSASWORKS:
KANSASWORKS links businesses, job candidates and educational institutions to ensure that employers can find skilled workers. Services are provided to employers and job candidates through the state’s 27 workforce centers, online or virtual services KANSASWORKS is completely free for all Kansans to use. Learn more at KANSASWORKS.com. State employment opportunities can be found at jobs.ks.gov.
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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR
MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
City Hall Commission Room – 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
August 5, 2025 – 6:00 P.M.
III. Invocation
VII. Appearances
VIII. Unfinished Business
Public Hearing:
Action Items:
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR SPECIAL
MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
City Hall Commission Room – 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
August 4, 2025 – 5:00 P.M.
III. New Business
Action Items:
~~Kansas Joins Coalition in Suing Federal Agencies Over Illegal Use of
a Single Clause in Federal Regulations to Terminate Billions of Dollars
in Federal Funding~~
TOPEKA — Governor Laura Kelly today announced that Kansas joined a coalition of 23 attorneys general and governors for the commonwealths of Pennsylvania and Kentucky in suing the Trump Administration over its unprecedented and unlawful attempts to invoke a single provision buried in the federal regulations to strip away billions of dollars in critical federal funding for states and other grantees. The lawsuit seeks to limit the Trump Administration’s use of this regulation to indiscriminately and illegally terminate critical funding for combating violent crime, educating our students, protecting clean drinking water, conducting lifesaving medical and scientific research, safeguarding public health, addressing food insecurity, and much more.
“It makes no sense to claim that protecting Kansans from natural disasters or supporting Kansas farm products no longer supports the priorities of FEMA or the USDA,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I joined this lawsuit on behalf of Kansas to ensure funds going towards critical programs our state depends on are not ripped away by the Trump Administration—or any presidential administration—on a whim.”
Since January 20, at the direction of President Trump and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), federal agencies have stripped away thousands of grants they had previously awarded to states and grantees. The Trump Administration has slashed this critical federal funding by invoking a single clause in the federal regulations of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), which provides that agencies may terminate an award of federal funding if it “no longer effectuates … agency priorities.” Those five words have formed the basis for much of the Trump Administration’s indiscriminate campaign to unlawfully terminate critical funding expressly authorized by Congress and awarded to states.
In Kansas, since January 20, the Trump Administration has terminated millions of dollars of federal funding for a wide variety of critical programs.
Among other things, the Trump Administration has invoked the five words in this regulation to terminate millions of dollars used to purchase goods from Kansas farmers, to mitigate natural disasters, and to enhance childhood education.
It has cut $2 million to a Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) program that strengthened our food supply chain by purchasing local Kansas grown food and goods for distribution across the state. It has cut Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) programs in Southeast Kansas that enhanced K-12 science education and access to healthy food.
As this lawsuit explains, the Trump Administration’s decision to invoke this regulation as its basis for slashing billions of dollars of critical funding to states is a dramatic departure from past practice. Before the Trump Administration, federal agencies had not terminated grants merely because the agency’s priorities shifted midway during the use of the grant without any advance notice. That was not how they applied the regulation, either.
However, since President Trump took office, federal agencies have shifted course and claimed unfettered authority to terminate grants on a whim and with no advance notice. In February, President Trump issued an executive order formally directing agencies—and the DOGE employees assigned to these agencies—to terminate grants en masse. And federal agencies have carried out that directive by invoking the regulation as grounds for terminating entire programs based on a purported shift in agency priorities, without any notice to the states and in conflict with the federal statutes appropriating funding for these programs.
The lawsuit argues that the Trump Administration’s decision to invoke the regulation to terminate grants based on their changed agency priorities is unlawful. The lawsuit explains that the regulation does not authorize federal agencies to terminate grants based on changes in agency preferences that occur after a grant is awarded. The lawsuit also notes the importance of obtaining clarity regarding the scope of this regulation, as states collectively accept hundreds of billions of dollars a year that are at risk of termination pursuant to this regulation.
The coalition’s lawsuit is against OMB and a number of federal agencies that have unlawfully relied on this regulation to collectively slash billions of dollars in federal funding to states: the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Homeland Security, Interior, Justice, Labor, and State, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency, Federal Emergency Management Agency, National Endowment for the Humanities, and National Science Foundation.
The coalition filed suit in the District of Massachusetts and seeks a declaratory judgment that the OMB regulation and Defendants’ regulations do not independently authorize the Trump Administration to terminate funding based on agency priorities that were identified after the grant was awarded. In the alternative, the coalition seeks to vacate the Trump Administration’s decision—reflected in its uniform practice across all of the Defendant agencies—to invoke the regulation as grounds for terminating billions of dollars of federal funding based on purported changes in agency priorities.
Joining the amended filing alongside Governor Kelly is Governor Andy Beshear for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Others participating in the suit include: the Attorneys General of New Jersey, Massachusetts, New York, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wisconsin, and Governor Josh Shapiro for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
A copy of the filing is available here.
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mini golf, laser tag, cookies and lemonade, face painting and inflatables,” he said.
The center is celebrating 50 years of service to the community this year, and here is what is offered to the community: handicap-accessible services, with a full-sized basketball court and two regulation volleyball courts. The structure also has a tumbling/gymnastics and aerobics room upstairs, as well as a weight room and fitness center. Picklball and racquetball are played there as well, according to its website. There is another pickleball outdoor court at 9th and Burke Street, by the water tower.
https://brcc.recdesk.com/Community/Home
Features of the center:
Also outside of the Buck Run Community Center, there is a sand volleyball court. The meeting rooms and auditorium may be rented for private use.
The Fort Scott Recreation Department runs an extensive adult and youth program from within the Center. For information on facilities or recreation programs, call 620-223-0386.
There is an on-site meal for those 60 years old and over at Buck Run in one of the meeting rooms.
Deb Stewart, site director of 60+Nutrition, said the meal is provided with a $2 suggested donation at 11:30 a.m., and the only qualification is being at least 60 years old. For more information: https://www.sekaaa.com/nutrition
The Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging manages the 60+ Nutrition Program for nine SEK counties, providing nutritious meals to individuals 60+ years of age. The meals can be provided in home (for those who qualify) or at designated sites in the community. A suggested donation of $2 per meal is requested, but inability to pay does not prevent anyone from receiving a meal, according to its website.
Have you ever flattered someone, only because you wanted them to think kindly of you or because you were going to need them to do something for you later? Games-players can appear soooo sweet. (“I am so sorry I didn’t show up for our meeting but I’ve been under such stress and I didn’t want to bother you all with my problems so I’ll just carry them alone.”)
They might even manipulate with money or gifts, obligating you to do whatever they ask. Think wolf in sheep’s clothing. Allow me to illustrate with a real-life scenario. I once attended a ladies’ Bible study in which the leader instructed us on how to make our husbands more attentive (i.e., how to manipulate):
The key, we were told, was to keep him wondering.
I thought the leader was going to get a standing ovation. The young audience was excitedly taking copious notes. New tactics! Hooray! My girlfriend Gretchen and I were glancing at each other, our eyeballs doing somersaults with each new option. Simultaneously, our arms shot up. Gretchen got the nod.
Of course. Gretchen always got the nod. She was gorgeous, stylish, energetic, and she had a southern drawl that would curl your eyelashes.
“I’m sorry,” she began, “but isn’t that a form of manipulation?” The leader stammered, desperately trying to win back her audience with a scripture or two. It was pointless. Every justification she presented was immediately countered with our frantic arm movements.
Before long, she glanced at her watch and silenced our gestures with, “Oh, dear, IMAGINE THAT. We’re out of time.” Our session quickly was terminated, and she disappeared.
Another way to play games is to use favors. We cook his favorite meal or wash her car or run his errands or tolerate her anger…anything to get what we want, either the same day or, for the real pro’s, a few weeks later.
You know how this works. You’ve been eyeing that stunning new suit at your favorite boutique, but oh, my! Way too expensive. There’s no money in the budget for anything that extravagant. What to do! Well, just maybe if you can get Hubby in a good mood he’ll oblige. Yes, of course, that’s it. Mood is everything.
You swing into action. You recognize what moves your husband and you get busy. Perhaps he needs help weeding the yard—you lather on the sunscreen, clap the crusted dirt off your gardening gloves, and whistle while you work. Maybe he just enjoys your company when he runs his errands—you grin and bear it, pretending to actually enjoy your one-aisle-at-a-time, Home Depot excursion. He’s one content man. Happy camper man. Now, if you’re really smart you let a little time pass—you don’t spring your request on him immediately, but you do make sure his mood hasn’t changed before petitioning for that expensive outfit.
Oh, yes, you are so clever. And he is so clueless! A fine combination, indeed.
Proverbs 24:8 states, “He who plots evil will be called a schemer,” and 12:2 warns us, “The good person obtains favor from the Lord, but He condemns a man who schemes.” Any time we do anything with the intent of getting something in return, we are scheming. God is not concerned with the outcome; He is concerned with our motives. Certainly worth a little self-investigating, don’t you think?
