Mildred L. Bolin, age 98, resident of Fort Scot, KS passed away Thursday, June 20, 2024, at the Via Christi Medical Center in Pittsburg, KS. Services for Mildred Bolin will be announced by the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main.
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KDOT requesting comments on STIP amendment
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Governor Has Signed Legislation For Tax Cuts For All Kansans and STAR Bonds Use
Governor Kelly Signs Bill Providing Tax Cuts for
All Kansans
~~ Gov. Kelly Also Signs Legislation Approving Economic Development Tool to Attract Professional Sports Teams to the State ~~
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that she has signed Senate Bill 1, bipartisan legislation that will provide tax cuts for all Kansans without threatening the state’s long-term fiscal health. The bill reduces property and income taxes, immediately eliminates the state tax on Social Security income, and increases the standard deduction and Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit.
“I am proud to be delivering on my commitment to responsible, meaningful tax relief for all Kansans,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I appreciate the Legislature’s quick work to pass this tax relief package. Senate Bill 1 provides significant tax relief while preserving our ability to continue fully funding our public schools, roads and bridges, and State Water Plan.”
The governor also signed House Bill 2001, enabling the use of the Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) Bonds, an economic development tool, to expand Kansas’ portfolio of professional sports teams. STAR Bonds allow the issuance of bonds to finance the development of major commercial, entertainment, and tourism projects. The bonds are paid off through the sales tax revenue generated by the development.
“We know that modernizing our economic development tools provides the opportunity to increase private investment into the state,” Governor Kelly said. “By modifying the STAR Bonds program, one of our strongest economic development mechanisms, lawmakers crafted a viable option for attracting professional sports teams to Kansas.”
Click here to learn more about STAR Bonds.
Spoiled by Patty LaRoche
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)
I should have spoken up. At least then, the long-term damage might have been minimized. Instead, I chose to stay silent.
No excuse.
While in Walmart this week, I was in the toy section when I overheard a mother in the next aisle holding her ground against her demanding daughter who insisted on getting a toy. She was reminded that she had “hundreds” of toys at home that she never even played with, so she was not going to get another one. “I am not buying you that doll. You have dozens of them already.” The whining continued, but the mother held her ground. Yea, Mom!
When they ventured down my aisle, I was surprised to see that this was no toddler. She was, perhaps, four or five years old. As more things were pulled from the shelf, the youngster imploring her parent that she “needed” this or “needed” that, Mom held firm.
Tell her that you are proud of her for not allowing her daughter to win, I told myself. Tell her. The voice in my head persisted, but I said nothing.
You know what happened next. As I checked out, the mom/daughter duo pulled their cart up next to mine. Four toys (one, a doll) sat alongside a quart of milk and a loaf of bread.
NOOOOOOO, I wanted to scream. Why did you give in to her? You are creating a monster, a spoiled, “‘No’ doesn’t mean ‘No’” monster. Of course, you probably already have asked yourself why this mother even brought her child into the toy section if she had no intention of buying her anything. No doubt, this was not their first Walmart, toy story experience.
What is so hard about having our “no” mean “no” and our “yes” mean “yes”? The Bible actually addresses that in Matthew 5:37: Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.
Our words matter; they should be reliable and sufficient. This scripture does not mean that adding words to our “yes” or “no” is demonic. Verse 37 simply explains the verses preceding it in which Jesus is saying that we should not swear at all. We should not have to “swear to God” or “cross my fingers, hope to die, stick a needle in my eye” or even “pinky promise.”
How many times have you heard a parent say, “How many times do I have to tell you…”? Oh, I don’t know, Parent, probably as many times as you’re going to say it before you, in exasperation, start yelling or smacking or simply give in. And we wonder why kids become entitled brats.
Proverbs 3:12 tells us that the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in. Discipline is necessary, Readers, and I have to believe that the easiest way to teach our children right from wrong is to say what we mean and mean what we say. If we’re going to say “No,” our “No” should have no Plan B. Start early, and the lesson will be much less painful.
In “Empowering Parents.com,” several suggestions are given to make sure our kids do not grow up entitled. Here are three:
1. Don’t get pulled into fights with your child.
2. Know that parenting is not a popularity contest.
3. Saying “No” to your child takes practice.
Any one of those would have prevented what I witnessed in Walmart. Not only would the child have learned some discipline, the mom would have as well.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports June 21
2024 Lowell Milken Center Fellows Receive Keys to the City
The Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Kansas has awarded its 2024 National Fellowship to 12 educators. As part of their week-long experience in Fort Scott, the five fellows for June 16 – 21 were given the key to the city on Tuesday, June 18th, by Jackson Tough, Tourism Director. (Five more Fellows will arrive on June 23rd.) Upon presenting the keys, Tourism Director Jackson Tough said, “The students who participate in Unsung Hero projects are changed for life. They become the stars of the future! You, as teachers, do the same. You change lives, and you are our stars because of that. We sincerely welcome you to Fort Scott and as a small token of our appreciation for the work you do, we present each of you with a key to the city of Fort Scott.”
The Fellows honored this week were Aaron Kruger from Wyoming, Erica Quale from North Dakota, John Rosenbaum from Rhode Island, Michael Sandstrom from Nebraska, and Kelly Sheridan from Idaho. LMC Director Norm Conard praised these outstanding individuals, saying, “It is an honor to be able to network and collaborate with these exceptional educators and provide this opportunity for them to reflect, reenergize, and strategize with each other as they seek new ways to inspire their students.”
Every summer, the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes awards its Fellowship to national and international award-winning educators from America and around the world. As National LMC Fellows, they deepen their understanding of Unsung Heroes and project-based learning in preparation for developing Unsung Heroes projects with their students. They also learn the stories of powerful role models who have helped to change the world and can be life-changing examples for students today. Along with the time spent deepening their professional skills at the LMC, the Fellows enjoy visiting the Fort Scott area.
Unapproved Minutes of the Uniontown City Council of June 11
The Regular Council Meeting on June 11, 2024 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:02PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Amber Kelly, and Mary Pemberton. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, City Superintendent Bobby Rich and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Appoint City Clerk/Municipal Court Clerk, City Treasurer, Municipal Judge, Municipal prosecutor –
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to appoint Sally Johnson as City Clerk/Municipal Court Clerk, Charlene Bolinger as City Treasurer, Patricia Miklos as Municipal Judge, and Chase Vaughn as Municipal Prosecutor.
Oath of office was administered by Mayor Jurgensen for Sally Johnson and Charlene Bolinger. Clerk Johnson will administer oath for Municipal Judge and Prosecutor by the next court date.
Designate official bank and newspaper –
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to designate the Union State Bank, Uniontown, as official bank and The Fort Scott Tribune as official newspaper
CITIZENS REQUEST
None
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger asked if they wanted an oral report on April and May; they opted for oral for May 2024 Treasurer’s Report. April 2024 Treasurer’s written reports were presented. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $248,941.39, Receipts $51,651.27, Transfers Out $12,776.00, Expenditures $25,058.15, Checking Account Closing Balance $262,758.51. Bank Statement Balance $264,895.81, including Checking Account Interest of $55.65, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $2,137.30, Reconciled Balance $262,758.51. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $37,385.86, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $21,376.69, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $39,177.46, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $360,698.52. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $283.42, and Utility CDs $841.17 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $1,124.59. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of May 2024, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $4,311.86, Expenditures $4,311.86, Ending Balance $0. May Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00, to Capital Improvement-Streets $250.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, to Capital Improvement-Streets $750.00; from Gas Utility Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $6,250.00; from General Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $2,500.00 for Total Transfers of $12,776.00. Net Income for the month of May $13,817.12, Year-to-Date Net Income $27,279.31. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $46,034.81 (37.3%), Expenditures $56,155.73 (34.6%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $14,593.33 (39.5%), Expenditures $14,392.05 (34.2%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $78,818.29 (53.8%), Expenditures $51,114.51 (28.8%); General Fund YTD Revenue $93,682.10 (57.1%), Expenditures $95,345.38 (47.1%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $3,966.38 (54.6%), Expenditures $0 (0%). The June 2024 payables to date in the amount of $13,031.25 were presented. The invoices from KMGA, Homestead Tech, Phillips 66, and Ag Engineering have not been received by noon meeting day.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0, to approve amended Consent Agenda:
- Minutes of May 14, 2024 Special Council Meeting, May 14, 2024 Regular Council Meeting and May 23, 2024 Special Council Meeting
- April and May Treasurer’s Reports, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan was absent. Council received emailed reports.
City Superintendent Rich had nothing to report.
Clerk Johnson informed the Council the copier maintenance agreement renewal was received and is $25 higher.
Motion by Esslinger, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to renew copier maintenance agreement with Modern Copy Systems
She also went over 2024 KMGA Regional Meetings, KMU Health Insurance Pooling Survey, and KDHE public meeting on implementation of the 2022 Kansas Water Plan.
The request for quotes for the weather siren preventive maintenance was discussed.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – nothing
Councilwoman Pemberton – nothing
Councilman Stewart – absent
Mayor Jurgensen – FEMA/KDEM representatives were here on June 5th to do a preliminary assessment of flooding damages from the April 25-30 flooding event. Bourbon County has met the threshold for disaster declaration.
OLD BUSINESS
Pickleball Court Placemaking Project – Mayor Jurgensen and Councilwoman Pemberton will run some chalk lines to determine the best location for the court, then Superintendent Rich can paint. They will try to get project completed by July 3.
Warehouse project – Mayor Jurgensen is working on the specs for the project. Statute 12-1739 Sale of Building was reviewed. Clerk Johnson will follow-up with attorney on next steps of selling 402 Sherman to help fund refurbishing and have the county appraised value for next month.
Streets – Mayor Jurgensen is not having much luck communicating with Bettis regarding warranty work and possible future projects. Funding avenues were discussed and consensus is to hold off on more resurfacing while building up funds for future projects.
NEW BUSINESS
Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 7:27PM
Reegan McDaniel Receives Kansas Agriculture Skills and Competencies Certificate
Agriculture Education Students Awarded Kansas Agriculture Skills and Competencies Certificates
MANHATTAN, Kansas — Twenty-five students from five schools in Kansas have been awarded the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Kansas Agriculture Skills and Competencies Certificate. High schools with students earning certificates include Buhler, Centre, Ellsworth, Fort Scott and Republic County.
Students have completed requirements in the areas of classroom instruction, supervised agricultural experience (SAE) and FFA. They have demonstrated excellence in agricultural knowledge, career readiness, and leadership development. Students must also maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher in all school courses to earn the certification.
“Students receiving these certificates are among the most well-rounded agricultural education students in the state. This recognition isn’t based on one single activity or achievement but on meeting the criteria for several components showing diversity in agricultural knowledge and success in and out of the classroom,” said John Clark, the agriculture education teacher at Buhler High School.
KDA is committed to establishing a dynamic and well-equipped workforce that meets the diverse needs of the agriculture industry today. “As agriculture continues to advance, there is a continued need for skilled young people to operate high-tech machinery on our dairies, ranches, and farms, and technical specialists to provide research in agronomy, technology and animal science fields,” said Russell Plaschka, KDA marketing director. “Kansas agriculture is growing, and the industry requires a well-equipped workforce to help support that growth in our great state. We are proud of these young adults.”
These certificates have been endorsed by several industry organizations and employers.
Applications for the Kansas Agriculture Skills and Competencies Certificates are accepted each spring. To find more information, visit agriculture.ks.gov/ageducation
Complete list of students:
Buhler High School
Jaelyn Anderson
Peyton Coldren
Marlie Cooper
Brynlee Frank
Krysten Hamby
Amos Harder
Megan Krueger
Mikayla Milburn
Danielle Rogers
Madison Shain
Makenna Siemens
Emmie Stallman
Centre High School
Jenna Bittle
Leah Brunner
Karsen Kroupa
Jenaya Plett
Emilee Remmers
Isabel Rziha
Allie Stuchlik
Payton Svitak
Ellsworth High School
Rebekah Vague
Fort Scott High School
Reegan McDaniel
Republic County High School
Macey Homeier
Camryn Reynolds
Gracia Siemsen
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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports June 20
Service Notice of Theodore Rohde
SERVICE NOTICE
Theodore A. Rohde (Ted), age 94, of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away on Friday, May 17, 2024. Services will be held at Cheney Witt Funeral Home in Fort Scott, Kansas on Friday June 28, 2024, with visitation at 10:00am and committal service at the Fort Scott National Cemetery at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the KU Athletic Football Department or a charity of your choice and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.
Freedom’s Frontier NHA grant awarded to The Gordon Parks Museum
The Gordon Parks Museum received $1,000 in grant funding from Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area. The award will help with the museum’s technology and interactive display expansion for the purchase of a large 65-inch monitor display and mobile cart.
This purchase will help us to expand the museum, through the use of this monitor to provide slide shows of Gordon’s photographs, interviews, related films and videos along with other artist works that are inspired by Gordon’s remarkable career to fight against racism, poverty and discrimination.
The monitor will also be used as an additional monitor display for viewing, during presentations and events. This monitor can also provide promotional signage for future events and information for the museum.
“We are thrilled to be an award recipient of the Freedom’s Frontier NHA grant,” said Gordon Parks Museum Executive Director, Kirk Sharp.” We are excited to have this display installed, so to better enhance the visitor’s experience in our museum and for events.”
The goal to have the monitor and mobile cart installed and available for visitor’s use is August 1, 2024.
For more information about The Gordon Parks Museum visit gordonparkscenter.org
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Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area (FFNHA) is a federally funded nonprofit organization and affiliate of the National Park Service dedicated to building awareness of the struggle for freedom along the Missouri-Kansas border. Established by Congress in 2006, its nationally significant themes are the settlement of the frontier, the Missouri-Kansas Border War and Civil War, and the enduring struggle for freedom. These diverse, interwoven, and nationally important stories grew from a unique physical and cultural landscape. FFNHA inspires respect for multiple perspectives and empowers residents to preserve and share these stories. We achieve our goals through interpretation, preservation, conservation, and education for all residents and visitors.
Obituary of Robert Hoffman
Robert Joseph Hoffman, age 77, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Monday, June 17, 2024, at his home in Ft. Scott. Bob was born April 18, 1947, in Evansville, Indiana, the son of Bernard Hoffman and Phyllis Eckhardt Hoffman. Bob married Ann E. Stephan Gillmore on August 31, 1985, in Ft. Scott.
Survivors include his wife, Ann Gillmore-Hoffman of Ft. Scott; three children, Joanna Janger of Phoenix, Arizona, John Gillmore (Susan) of Ft. Scott and Kathy Gillmore-Dancer (Tracy) also of Ft. Scott, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Also surviving is a sister, Patricia Ann Hoffman of Glenview, Illinois.
Bob was preceded in death by a grandson.
Following cremation, private burial will take place at a later date in the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott, Kansas. Memorials are suggested to Shirley Yeager Animal Friends 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.