Diann Tucker was Featured in the January, 2022, edition of Top Agent Magazine
Fort Scott, KS: Diann Tuckerof Stewart Realty Co. was featured in the January 2022 edition of Top Agent Magazine. Top Agent Magazine is the premier real estate magazine featuring the foremost real estate agents, mortgage professionals, and affiliates in the USA, Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Top Agent Magazine features the top producing and most accomplished professionals in the real estate industry, offering an in-depth look at their careers and providing a blueprint for their success.
To be considered for a feature in Top Agent Magazine all professionals must go through a nomination and interview process. ALL Candidates are then evaluated based upon production, professionalism, as well as industry and community involvement. It is considered a privilege to be nominated as it speaks to a certain success level all real estate agents strive for. Top Agent has set itself apart as a trusted source of real estate information and inspiration. Diann Tuckeris a stellar example of the kind of prominent leaders of real estate we are proud to feature in Top Agent Magazine.
“It is an honor to have been nominated and featured as a “Top Agent” in the real estate industry. I am humbled that my clients have reached out in such a way to have me recognized. I hope to continue to make real estate dreams come true.” For more information about Diann Tucker, please call 620-223-6700 or 620-224-7054, email [email protected], or visit www.stewartrealty.org.
Stewart Realty Co., 1707 S. National Avenue. From its Facebook page.
USD234 Superintendent Ted Hessong said in an email that as of Friday, January 7, the school district had 29 student active cases and nine staff cases.
He gave the statistics of the number of COVID positive students and staff/total number of students and staff in a building as of Friday:
Fort Scott High School= 1.52%
Fort Scott Middle School= 2.26%
Eugene Ware Elementary School = 1.88%
Winfield Scott Elementary School= 1.30%
USD 234 Preschool = 2.00%
“According to the district’s gaiting criteria, any building that has a positivity rate over two percent and the community spread is over 30 new cases, that building will need to wear masks until the positivity rate falls below 2%,” Hesson said. “Therefore, the middle school is required to wear masks at this time until the building positivity rate falls below 2%. The preschool is not required to wear masks at this time because they have a lower student/staff population, but we are monitoring that building’s numbers.”
The school district has provided a way to follow USD 234’s COVID Attendance Dashboard, he said, and this information is updated daily in the afternoon.
John L. Rodabaugh, age 74, a former resident of Pittsburg, Kansas and more recently of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Thursday, January 6, 2022, at the Freeman West Hospital in Joplin, Missouri.
He was born February 17, 1947, in Pittsburg, the son of Roy Rodabaugh and Anna Mae Westerlin Rodabaugh. John graduated from the Pittsburg High School and then served with the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He had worked for the Union Pacific Railroad as a track foreman for thirty years.
John married Hope Hall Gage on July 6, 1996, at Ft. Scott. He was a member of the Marvin Armstrong Masonic Lodge #187 of Pittsburg, the Scottish Rite and the Mirza Shrine.
John enjoyed coon hunting, fishing and raising fighting roosters. He attended the Open Door Church in Pittsburg.
Survivors include his wife, Hope, of the home; a daughter, Johanna Strum (Joshua) of Walnut, Kansas; two step-sons, Troy Gage (Barbara) of Columbus, Kansas and Jason Gage (Melissa) of Louisburg, Kansas and ten grandchildren, Tommy, Pixie, Brayden, Danielle, Johnathan, Bryce, Devin, Brock, Danny and Deacon.
John was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Roberta Hurlbert and a step-son, Tom Gage II.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, January 12th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial with military honors will follow in the Centerville Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Tuesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to the Shrine Transportation Fund 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.
The double murder case in Bourbon County is moving forward with the defendant, Dawson Mitchell, scheduled to appear on January 20 in a preliminary hearing at 2 p.m. at the Bourbon County District Court, according to information provided by John P. Milburn, Public Information Officer for the Office of Attorney General Derek Schmidt.
Mitchell is charged with killing his mother and step-father with a gun stolen from his father, and is currently an inmate in the Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center, Fort Scott.
The Bourbon County Courthouse.
The case is being prosecuted by attorneys with the Kansas Criminal Litigation Division of the Office of the Attorney General at the request of the Bourbon County Attorney. The case number is 2021-CR-588.
Charges are merely accusations; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty, according to the document provided.
The following are the charges against Mitchell.
The State of Kansas versus Dawson James Mitchell case alleges that
Count 1
On or about the 21st day of December 2021, in Bourbon County, Kansas, Dawson James Mitchell did unlawfully, feloniously, intentionally, and with premeditation, kill Melissa Hays Mitchell, which is murder in the first degree.
Count 2
On or about December 21, 2021, in Bourbon County, Dawson Mitchell did unlawfully, feloniously, intentionally, and with premeditation, kill Leonard Zimmerman, which is murder in the first degree.
Count 3
On or between December 19 and December 21, 2021, in Bourbon County, Mitchell, did unlawfully and knowingly possess a firearm, a Walther 9 mm handgun, and within five years preceding such possession was convicted of the distribution of a controlled substance. He was not found to have owned a firearm at the time of the prior crime, and has not had the prior conviction expunged or been pardoned for such crime. The charge is criminal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Count 4
On or between December 19, 2021, and December 21, 2021 in Bourbon County, Mitchell, exerted unauthorized control over property: a Walther 9 mm handgun, with the intent to permanently deprive the owner Jerald Mitchell, of the possession, use, or benefit of the property of a value of less than $25,000. The charge is theft of a firearm.
Count 5
On or about December 19-21 2021 in Bourbon County, Mitchell did unlawfully and knowingly possess a weapon; which was a Puma pocketknife, and within five years preceding such possession was convicted of the distribution of a controlled substance. He has not had the prior conviction expunged or been pardoned for such crime. The charge is an aggravated weapon violation by a convicted felon.
Count 6
On or between the December 19-21, 2021, in Bourbon County, Mitchell, exerted unauthorized control over property: which was Puma pocketknife and $200 cash, with the intent to permanently deprive the owner Jerald Mitchell, of the possession, use, or benefit of the property of a value of less than $25,000.
All of the above acts then and there committed being contrary to the statutes in such cases made and provided and being against the peace and dignity of the State of Kansas, according to the document.
The case was filed by:
OFFICE OF THE KANSAS ATTORNEY GENERAL
DEREK SCHMIDT
CJ. Rieg, W21 0
Assistant Attorney General
120 SW 10th Avenue, 2nd Floor
Topeka, Kansas 66612—1597
Phone: 785276-9707
Fax: 785.291.3875 [email protected]
Gordon Parks Museum is located on the campus of Fort Scott Community College.
The Gordon Parks Museum staff has been calling attention to and celebrating the life of Martin Luther King Jr. for a decade, according to Kirk Sharp, the executive director of the museum for three years.
“King was an activist, a (black)Baptist minister during the civil rights protests, who fought for change to eliminate racial inequality, all through non-violence,” Sharp said.
Kirk Sharp. Submitted photo.
The community is invited and encouraged to learn more about his life, which is celebrated nationally around January 15, his birthdate.
Several days are planned to celebrate King’s life in Fort Scott.
This celebration will be done through a series of diverse events: dramatic readings, ballet, films, Lunch and Learns, and the sharing of food.
Events start on Thursday, January 13 at the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center, on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton.
The day begins with the museum staff hosting the Fort Scott Area Chamber Coffee at 8:00 am.
At 7 p.m. that evening, a Kansas City ballet group will do a tribute performance in honor of Martin Luther King and Gordon Parks
The Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey: Ever Present will give a free performance that is funded by the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation.
A reception will follow the performance with light refreshments hosted by Great Western Dining, the FSCC food service provider.
Friday, January 14, a Lunch and Learn in the Ellis Arts Center at noon will feature the Fort Scott High School Advanced Drama students reading the “I Have A Dream” speech given by King. The students are under the direction of teacher Angela Bin.
FSCC students and members of the community will also do some readings related to Martin Luther King, Sharp said.
A reception will follow with birthday cake in honor of King’s birthday.
Lunch and dessert will be provided by Great Western Dining.
The day will also include three film showings at 9:00 am, 1:30 pm, and 3:30 pm, all related to the American Civil Rights Movement.
The celebration will wrap up on Monday, Jan 17th, with a Lunch and Learn event at noon by Prisca Barnes, speaking on the “The Dockum Drugstore Sit-In”, an event that happened in Wichita.
A free lunch will be provided by Luther’s BBQ. Drinks and desserts will be provided by Great Western Dining.
The community is invited and encouraged to bring canned food or cleaning products from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to the museum which is in recognition of King’s day of service events that will happen nationally. These canned goods/cleaning products will be presented to The Beacon, a local helping agency. Please, no out-of-date goods.
The Fort Scott Community College Endowment Foundation is a key contributor to the celebration events.
All events will take place at both the Gordon Parks Museum and Ellis Fine Arts Center.
Civil Rights films will also be shown throughout the day on Friday and Monday.
On Friday, Jan. 14, the community can view the beginning of the series of films Eyes on the Prize: American Civil Rights which starts at 9 a.m. with Awakening, about the murder of Emmett Till and the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
At 1:30 p.m. view Fighting Back, a story of the Little Rock Nine and James Meredith.
At 3:30 p.m. view Ain’t Scared of Your Jails, a story of the Nashville sit-ins/boycotts and the Freedom Riders.
On Jan. 17, at 9 a.m. view No Easy Walk, stories from Georgia and Alabama, and the Walk to Washington.
Martin Luther King.
At 10:30 a.m., Mississippi: Is This America? stories of Medgar Evers and the “Mississippi Burning” murders.
And at 1:30 p.m. A Tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr by Gordon Parks.
The mission of the Gordon Parks Museum is to honor the life and work of Gordon Parks, internationally-known photographer, filmmaker, writer, and musician; and to use his remarkable life story to teach about artistic creativity, cultural awareness, and the role of diversity in our lives.
Gordon Parks.
For more information call the Gordon Parks Museum at
The Bourbon County Courthouse, 2nd and National Avenue in Fort Scott.
Seventy-eight properties will go up for auction at the Bourbon County Tax sale next Thursday, January 13, 2022.
Forty-one are Fort Scott properties and 31 are from the Mapleton area, most of which are from Hidden Valley Lake, according to a spokesperson for the county.
Buyers must register for a bidding number at the Bourbon County Treasurer’s Office, 210 S. National Avenue.
Buyers can’t have delinquent taxes in Bourbon County.
Family members can’t buy property owned by another family member.
Properties in the city of Fort Scott will have an opening bid of the special assessment due on the property.
Any Fort Scott properties that don’t sell will go to the Fort Scott Landbank.
There is no redemption period for the current owner, properties transfer to the new owner at the auction.
Payment in full is required at the end of the auction.
There is an added fee for filing the deed above the auction bid price.
Announcements by the county will override any prior statements.
BOURBON COUNTY TAX AUCTION
JANUARY 13, 2022
PROPERTY LISTING
property address, City, OwnerName, OPENING BID, 2021 TAXES
1011 CLAY BRONSON ERICKSON, RICKY A 49.52
305 MAIN BRONSON BARTLETT, RICHARD L 146.19
307 CHARLEs BRONSON COMPTON, WILLIAM 73.78
1007 230TH ST FORT SCOTT HUTTON, GEORGIA N & PAMELA 500.73
104 N HOLBROOK FORT SCOTT HAWPE, AUBREY C 10.79
107 N CRAWFORD FORT SCOTT COWLISHAW, REBECCA $ 6 46.32 6.41
110 S MAIN FORT SCOTT BENITIZ, SANTIAGO2 ,152.36
113 N HOLBROOK FORT SCOTT HAWPE, AUBREY C 558.74
113 S NATIONAL FORT SCOTT D J & A LLC $ – 5 ,794.21
116 N CRAWFORD FORT SCOTT APRIL, HAROLD $ 6,852.85 608.61
12 N EDDY FORT SCOTT ISAACSON, JAMES $ 8,988.58 1 ,031.97
1302 GRAND RD FORT SCOTT JAYHAWK ENERGY INC 59.71
1311 E 1ST ST FORT SCOTT SIMPSON, BETTY A $ 2 0,516.37 230.32
1403 E OAK FORT SCOTT HACKNER, NELSON D $ 9 24.42 152.66
1498 212TH TER FORT SCOTT KENDRICK, JACK 142.32
1517 S MAIN FORT SCOTT HAGOOD, RAEANNE $ 1 79.32 203.43
1801 E WALL FORT SCOTT FOULK, JOHN D & ADDIE $ 7,521.70 752.59
201 S CRAWFORD FORT SCOTT APRIL, HAROLD $ 4,489.10 43.09
202 S BARBEE FORT SCOTT DECKER, MARY / FILES, CYNTHIA $ 1 3,431.95 43.09
208 N CRAWFORD FORT SCOTT DUROSSETTE, CHRISTINE $ 1 0,495.20 9.40
2144 MAPLE RD FORT SCOTT JUDY, ELMER JR & LEE ELLA 233.91
215 S OSBUN FORT SCOTT HAM, JACK D JR $ 6 9.83 9.40
216 S MARGRAVE FORT SCOTT FRIEND, MARGARET 111 341.35
219 S CRAWFORD FORT SCOTT DOUCET, STEVEN DAVID 510.08
312 S HEYLMAN FORT SCOTT COWLISHAW, JESSICA $ 2 ,754.35 130.59
315 N SHUTE FORT SCOTT JOHNSON, MITCHELL $ 1,949.34 89.55
317 S LITTLE FORT SCOTT CLARK, RICHARD$ 1 3,498.17 43.09
323 W 2ND ST FORT SCOTT HIPPLE, PAMELA $ 1 7,816.91 67.02
324 S BROADWAY FORT SCOTT JOHNSON, MITCHELL $ 6,051.44 47.86
416 S CRAWFORD FORT SCOTT ALFARO, ARLENE/KELSCH, GEORGE$ 1 3,948.43 93.34
417 S MAIN FORT SCOTT IRELAND, MICHAEL T/NEEDHAM, TRAVIS/ COON, RYAN $ 4 ,052.86 93.34
517 S BURKE FORT SCOTT CARSON, JOHN H 504.92
517 S CLARK FORT SCOTT DUREN, JIMMIE D $ 1 1,049.66 413.96
602 N SHUTE FORT SCOTT JOHNSON, MITCHELL $ 8 21.82 51.29
602 S ANDRICK FORT SCOTT CARSON, SHANE’313.73
612 S COUCH FORT SCOTT ADAMS, TYSON SR $ 4,329.60 9.40
615 S COUCH FORT SCOTT ADAMS, TYSON SR$ 2,985.12 9.40
616 S HORTON FORT SCOTT NEWBERRY, JAMES $ 7,241.70 93.34
619 S HEYLMAN FORT SCOTT DAVENPORT, SAMUEL $ 7 4.78 9.40
621 S BARBEE FORT SCOTT APRIL, HAROLD $ 2,126.93 135.98
E SYCAMORE FORT SCOTT JOHNSON, MITCHELL 20.34
N MARION FORT SCOTT BUCHFINK, TOMMY SUE 9.40
N SHUTE FORT SCOTT JOHNSON, MITCHELL 26.14
N SHUTE FORT SCOTT JOHNSON, MITCHELL 20.14
EAGLE ROAD GARLAND CULVER, ED 0.88
10 BITTERSWEET RD MAPLETON AFUALO, COLETTE 8.01
10 KANSAS DR MAPLETON DAVID, ANDREW R 185.40
11 BOURBON DR MAPLETON FREAR, INEZ G 6.75
127 OAK DR MAPLETON ADAMS, JAMES D JR & ADAMS, BRIAN 8.01
130 PERSIMMON RD MAPLETON HARN, LEVI/BRIGGS, JEFFREY 31.91
138 HIDDEN VALLEY RD MAPLETON HIGGINS, TRAVIS 2021-14.35
14 CLARK RD MAPLETON ANDRES, RICHARD 8.01
16 CLARK RD MAPLETON ANDRES, RICHARD 8.01
17 BITTERSWEET RD MAPLETON GLASS, LARRY 15.03
19 APPLE RD MAPLETON BRADFORD, DALE R 8.01
20 PECAN RD MAPLETON BOLIN, WALTER E TRUST 7.45
22 E EASTPORT RD MAPLETON GIER, JOHN A 8.01
22 WARE RD MAPLETON HAUN, CHRISTOPHER M 13.03
25 CHESTNUT DR MAPLETON DUNIVAN, MICHAEL P 8.01
27 CEDAR LN MAPLETON PARKER, BARRY / JARVI, STEVE 9.64
4 HACKBERRY RD MAPLETON SOWELL, SAMUEL D & DANIELLE D / COOPER, GARY 6.75
4 LOCUST RD MAPLETON BROWN, ANTHONY E 8.01
42 WARE RD MAPLETON HESS, DONALD G 9.48
48 HACKBERRY RD MAPLETON HARRIS, JESSIE R 8.01
48 WARE RD MAPLETON GILLESPIE, KENNETH C 21.60
BOURBON COUNTY TAX AUCTION
JANUARY 13, 2022
PROPERTY LISTING
5 APPLE RD MAPLETON HUNTER, JESSE W8.01
57 WARE RD MAPLETON GRIFFITHS, DALE15.99
58 WARE RD MAPLETON ADAMS, TYSON SR7.31
6 HACKBERRY RD MAPLETON SOWELL, SAMUEL D & DANIELLE D / COOPER, GARY 8.01
6 PECAN RD MAPLETON BOLIN, WALTER E TRUST 13.43
8 E LAKEVIEW RD MAPLETON BELT, AIMEE C16.98
80 WARE RD MAPLETON LINDBLOOM, VERNON L / GILLILAND, JOSEPH 6.75
98 CLARK RD MAPLETON FRIZZELL, ROBERT T 8.01
LIBERTY MAPLETON CULVER, INC1 1.95
MAIN MAPLETON CULVER, INC 10.85
20TH ST MORAN BURNS, WILLIAM34.71
402 N CEDAR REDFIELD CRAWFORD, HAZEL804.24
405 WASHINGTON UNIONTOWN CARPENTER, R A 57.14
41 FORT SCOTT
30 MAPLETON
1 GARLAND
1 REDFIELD
1 UNIONTOWN
3 BRONSON
1 MORAN
78
Sale date: 1/13/2022
Time: 10:00
Location: Bourbon County Courthouse
TERMS:
Buyers must register for a bidding number at the Treasurer’s office
Buyers cannot have delinquent taxes in Bourbon County.
Family members cannot buy property owned by another family member.
Properties in the City of Fort Scott will have an opening bid of the Special Assessment due on the property (if any)
Any properties in the City of Fort Scott that do not sell at this auction will go into the Fort Scott Land Bank
There is no redemption period for the current owner, properties transfer to the new owner after the auction.
Payment in full is required at the end of the auction
There will be an adidtional fee for filing the deed above the auction bid price.
Announcements by the County at the auction over ride any prior statemetns.
Ed and Susan Townly with their daughters from left Cheyanne Griffin, Dani Townly, and Ella Townly. The family is pictured in the 11 N. Main storefront before the holidays.
Ed Townly has purchased the County Cupboard Store, 12 N. Main from the Renard family on Dec. 28, 2021.
Last month, Townly, from Olathe, had purchased the Books and Grannie’s Book Store, just across the street at 11 N. Main.
Barb Albright, a realtor with H & H Agency, handled both the acquisitions.
Townly said that he doesn’t have definite plans for that store, nor the newly purchased one as yet.
The Townly’s have two businesses in the K.C. area and a daughter still in school, but they are looking forward to moving to Fort Scott, when their youngest daughter graduates, and she is currently in the eighth grade, he said in a prior interview.
The County Cupboard store was owned by Judy and John Renard for decades and was an anchor business in the historic downtown area, selling home decor, jewelry, clothing, cards, old fashion candy, and other accessories.
John died in 2019 and Judy in 2021.
Judy Renard, owner of the County Cupboard.
History of the Building
The building at 12-14 North Main was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, U.S. Dept. of Interior, National Park Service, in 2009. The building is approximately 5,000 square feet on the first floor and 2,000 square feet on the second, according to Barb Albright, the realtor.
It is part of the Fort Scott Downtown Historic District comprised of 9.5 blocks with irregular boundaries, according to the application for registration.
12-14 N. Main Street building was Liepman’s Clothing House, from 1895 until 1930, according to the application.
“Reportedly, this was not the Liepman family’s first business location in Fort Scott and this was not their first building on this property,” according to the national registration application. “In 1895, the family decided to build a more substantial building. In 1909 the property was recorded as the Liepman Block with M. Leipman & Brother (brothers Morres and Joseph Leipman), clothing occupying the storefront. Liepman’s Clothing Store operated until circa 1930.
By 1938, the A & P Grocery was located at this address.”
A marker on the outside of the building at 12 S. Main. Taken from Waymaker website.
Following the A & P Grocery store, it was a western clothing shop then the Renards purchased it in the 1980s.
“This is a rectangular two-story brick commercial building with a flat roof and parapet,” according to the national registration application. “It has a recessed central entrance flanked by display windows. The three-bay second-floor facade is well preserved with a smooth-cut stone belt course under the windows, ornamented pilasters between the window bays, and an ornamented belt course above the window bays. Central paired windows are flanked by a bank of three windows. The windows have 111 double-hung sashes with transoms. There is a brick panel at the eave with the name, “Liepman’s Clothing House,” spelled out in raised letters. A corbelled and molded brick cornice ornaments the parapet. Reportedly, the original display windows and entrance were altered about 1938. There is a shed-roofed shingled awning supported on posts. Aluminum storm windows have been installed on the second-floor windows.”
Tanya Glessner is the owner and stylist of Upper Cut Salon, Fort Scott, which opened for business on November 12, 2021.
Glessner has been a stylist for 16 years.
“I chose this career because I grew up in a salon watching and helping my mom, Laura Brown, in her salon,” Glessner said. “I always loved how her clients became family and no matter what was going on in their lives they always walked away looking and feeling good because of her talent and company. Now I get to share this experience with my clients. I can’t imagine doing anything else.”
Glessner operates her business in her home.
Upper Cut Salon interior. Submitted photo.
“Having the salon in my home also has the benefit of privacy and comfort for all my clients without the hustle and bustle of a typical salon,” she said. “It’s one-on-one and personal. I also have the benefit of flexible hours. So there’s no set work schedule. I schedule appointments based on my client’s needs every day of the week. I also make house calls for the elderly and those who aren’t able to leave their home.”
“Every Tuesday I offer $10 haircuts for everyone,” she said. “And every day I offer $10 haircuts for EMS, firefighters, veterans, law enforcement officers, and anyone currently in the military with proof. It’s my way of giving back to those in the frontline of our community.”
Upper Cut Salon services and prices. Submitted photo.Submitted photo.
“And for those who follow the salon on Facebook I always have something new going on each month,” she said.
Several years ago my son Aaron decided to pursue a concealed carry permit. After completing the classroom instruction, it was time to prove his proficiency with a handgun. All he had to do was shoot about 30 rounds anywhere into the silhouette. After shooting the target, the concealed carry instructor asked Aaron if he would like to help teach the next class because he had hit the center X every time.
Believers need to make sure we’re doing our best to stay on target. In today’s culture it’s easy to get sidetracked from pursuing God and practicing holy living. The apostle Paul instructs the Church in Philippi, “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me — everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:8,9 NLT). On what are you fixing your thoughts and sights?
Christians are to have a different mindset from unbelievers. Determining and doing the right thing is not always the popular or easy thing. “It is quite true that the way to live a godly life is not an easy matter. But the answer lies in Christ…. ” (1 Timothy 3:16 TLB). If we aren’t intentionally aiming at righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness of heart, the odds are excellent for missing the mark every time. Living a godly life in Christ is not a haphazard coincidence or a lucky shot in the dark.
The Old Testament Israelites had turned their backs on the one true living God and were asking a good-for-nothing idol to tell them what to do. Their idols had misdirected them and caused them to think and live foolishly. Almighty God was the only One who knew how to help, guide, and love them. Hosea 4:11 TLB: “Wine, women, and song have robbed my people of their brains.“ The Israelites had really missed the mark when they deserted God and aimed their prayers to a worthless idol.
God didn’t want the Israelites’ sacrifices, He wanted their love. He didn’t want their offerings, He wanted them to know Him. God hasn’t changed; He wants the same from us today. “Come, let us return to the Lord. In just a short time He will restore us so that we may live in His presence. Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know Him” (Hosea 6:1a,2,3a NLT). Are you currently in pursuit of knowing Him?
Believers are to look through the scope and line up our lives in the crosshairs of His Word. Perpetual distractions can mess up our aim and cause us to miss the target. “So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you” (James 4:7,8a NLT). The closer we get to God, the more He is magnified and the smaller we become. John the Baptist said, “He [Jesus] must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30 NKJV).
“Let love be your greatest aim….“ (1 Corinthians 14:1a TLB). We know that God is love, therefore, we could also say, “Let God be your greatest aim.”
The Key: If your sights are set on knowing God intimately, your aim is right on target!
Fort Scott Mayor Josh Jones said many positive events happened in the community this past year, and the city is poised for some promising events in the new year.
“A lot of things done in 2021 laid the groundwork for 2022 and we expect a lot of 2021 things to be executed in 2022,” Jones said.
The following is what Jones provided fortscott.biz as accomplishments.
In 2021, the Fort Scott City Commission:
1. Refinanced city bonds saving $15,500 per year over the next five years.
2. Passed a half-cent sales tax with 90% of revenue going towards streets and 10% going towards parks. This money will start coming in, in 2022.
3. Started an in-house safety training program saving the city $15,000 per year.
4. Utilized the Firstsource Building for Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department’s giving mass vaccines during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
5. Put out Requests for Qualifications for a new city attorney leading to the city commission hiring a city attorney saving the city approximately $200,000 a year.
6. Approved to enter into a cost-sharing venture with the Bourbon County Commission for joint purchase of materials and equipment.
7. Approved a conditional use permit for an area south of town to allow a micro-meat processing plant to build a facility, which will create about 30 jobs.
8. Implemented the SeeClickFix app, which allows citizens to report road problems and code nuisances.
9. Started semi-monthly roller skating sessions at Buck Run Community Center for an added amenity for the community.
10. Moved city-county emergency dispatch to the Bourbon County Courthouse.
11. Improved the beach area at Lake Fort Scott.
12. Sold the Firstsource Building for $315,000.
13. Sold four Lake Fort Scott lots for approximately $500,000.
14. Entered into a shared services agreement with Bourbon County for information technology services, saving approximately $30,000 per year.
15. Used $200,000 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for a feasibility study for re-use of the former Mercy Hospital Building as a hospital.
16. Reworked and finalized setting up the Fort Scott Land Bank which focuses on the conversion of vacant, abandoned, tax-delinquent, or otherwise underused properties into productive use.
17. Approved $2,000 bonuses for all emergency services workers that work for the city.
18. Entered into an agreement with Bourbon County REDI (Regional Economic Development, Inc.) to provide economic development services for the City of Fort Scott, saving approximately $100,000 a year.
19. Repaired over one mile of city sewer lines.
20. Entered into an agreement with the Kansas Department of Transportation for traffic signal upgrades in 2022 on Highway 69.
21. Was awarded a $50,000 grant from T-Mobile Internet for upgrades to the Skubitz Plaza area on the north end of historic downtown Fort Scott.
Lynne Oharah is the current chairman of the Bourbon County Commission. Submitted photo.
Bourbon County District 1 Commissioner Lynne Oharah is optimistic for the future.
“I am seeing major endeavors in economic development, improved infrastructure, and continued cost savings to the taxpayers,” Oharah said in response to questions from fortscott.biz.
“One of the major accomplishments that was achieved in 2021 is the mill levy was reduced by 1.68 mills for the 2021 budget year and 2.43 for the 2022 budget year which is a total reduction of 4.11 mills or approximately $440,000 taxpayer dollars, which is a trend that the commission is dedicated to continuing.”
A significant success this year was the asphalt program for roads.
“Our Public Works Director and his crews were able to lay 14 miles or 28 lane miles of asphalt at the depth of 2 and ½ inches which has never been accomplished in at least the last seven years,” he said. “If this trend continues through a vigorous chip and seal program coupled with increased asphalt application we are in a position to improve all of our asphalt roads.”
Additionally, the public works crews are increasing gravel production which will mean more gravel on county roads, he said.
“Although COVID-19 hit our community hard this year, the residents continued to support our local economy, “Oharah said. “Sales tax receipts were up this year, allowing us to do more projects in the road and bridge department on hard surface roads.”
“2021 saw the reorganization of BEDCO (Bourbon County Economic Development Council, Inc.) into a county-wide economic development board which was able to consolidate economic development for the county and cities, as a whole,” he said.
It is now called Bourbon County REDI (Regional Economic Development Inc.) and a new economic development director was hired, Rob Harrington.
“One of Rob’s first tasks was to provide a roadmap to a successful economic development program,” he said.
“Just to name one of these successes is the introduction of a $125,000 granting program that awarded grants to the smaller communities to improve quality of life in these communities, plus a bike recreation project in Gunn Park,” he said.
Harrington, along with other individuals, is working to increase access to healthcare, which is one of the keys to the growth of Bourbon County, he said.
Oharah said the results of the hospital feasibility study will be released on January 31.
For the Bourbon County Courthouse, there have been many personnel changes.
The commission has hired Susan Bancroft as the financial/human resource director, which has been needed for many years, he said.
This position has resulted in an ability to provide the financial tracking and oversite, budget planning, program implementation, and human resource services that have been lacking, he said.
Additionally, Bancroft is working part-time for the City of Fort Scott until they can find a replacement finance director.
A new county appraiser was hired, Matt Quick.
“Matt is very good at what he does and very good at public relations,” he said.
The commissioners also hired a new county clerk, Ashley Shelton. “Ashley has hit the road running, is personable, and a fast learner,” he said.
The county’s information technology department has been busy, as the City of Fort Scott and the county signed a contract to share the services and their costs, he said.
“The IT department worked with the 911 dispatch center to move dispatch into the old jail area at the courthouse which increases safety for this essential group,” Oharah said. “IT is continuing to work on providing broadband access to areas of Bourbon County that are poorly served.”
“Lastly, I’m sure that you have noticed that the front steps at the courthouse have been replaced,” he said.
A few anticipated Bourbon County Commission 2022 projects:
Start repairs on the Elm Creek Lake dam.
Move all budget responsibilities under directors and elected officials.
Move to electronic time reporting.
Implement public works to handle public works projects and work orders.
“As we wrap up 2021, I want to wish our residents a happy new year and I look forward to a more prosperous year in 2022,” he said.
MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture and K-State Research and Extension will offer virtual workshops January 31–February 4, 2022, to assist farmers’ market vendors and managers, and also for those wanting to sell food products directly to consumers. The workshop series includes four online Lunch and Learn sessions, followed by a half-day virtual workshop. Some K-State Research and Extension offices will be offering in-person watch parties for the February 4 half-day workshop.
“Over the past two years, we’ve seen an increase in people’s enthusiasm for locally sourced food, and these workshops will address common questions and concerns for farmers and small businesses who are embracing these opportunities to reach local consumers,” said Londa Nwadike, food safety specialist with K-State Research and Extension and the University of Missouri. “It’s also important for farmers to understand certain legal, safety and financial parameters before choosing to sell either directly to the consumer or at a farmers’ market.” In 2021, 89 farmers’ markets were registered with KDA’s Central Registration of Farmers’ Markets.
Dates and topics for each Lunch and Learn online session are as follows:
Monday, Jan. 31, noon to 1 p.m.: Food Safety for Value-Added Food Products
Tuesday, Feb. 1, noon to 1 p.m.: Sales Tax, Food Packaging, and How to Care for your Certified Scales
Wednesday, Feb. 2, noon to 1 p.m.: Meat and Poultry, Kansas Value Added Meats Lab
Thursday, Feb. 3, noon to 1 p.m.: Accepting EBT/SNAP & Double Up Food Bucks
The half-day virtual workshop on Friday, Feb. 4, 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., will cover topics such as How to Market your Market and Booth, How to Identify Common Legal Risks, Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, Vegetable Production, From the Land of Kansas program, and resources available from KSRE. Keynote speaker Brian Coppom, Colorado Department of Agriculture, will also be discussing Best Practices for Business Success when it comes to farmers’ markets.
KDA’s weights and measures program will offer free scale certification with a paid registration to an online workshop.
Registration for the January/February virtual workshops is now open. The cost is $5 per participant. Register at www.fromthelandofkansas.com/FMWorkshop.
For more information, contact Janelle Dobbins, KDA’s From the Land of Kansas marketing manager, at 785-564-6759 or [email protected]. The workshops are funded by the Kansas Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Alternative Crops, the Kansas Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program, and the Kansas Department of Agriculture.
KDA is committed to providing an environment that enhances and encourages economic growth of the agriculture industry and the Kansas economy. Kansas farmers’ markets not only provide a fresh food source, but also stimulate the local economy. The Kansas Ag Growth Strategy has identified training for small companies via workshops as a key growth outcome for the specialty crop sector. The farmers’ market/direct-to-consumer workshops will provide education through partnerships to help make Kansas farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses more successful.
