All posts by Submitted Story
Beating the Back-to-School Blues
The smell of freshly sharpened pencils, the sound of bells ringing through the halls, and the gathering of friends that you haven’t seen all summer.
I am sure we can all think back to our childhood and remember how the beginning of a new school year brought on excitement, dread, or anxiety.
As a parent, you can help your children get a good start to this school year and ease some of those anxious thoughts and feelings.
For many kids, one of the biggest back-to-school worries is if they will like their teacher. Breaking the ice early is one of the best ways to calm their fears. If personal contact with the teacher is not possible before school starts, try locating the teacher’s picture on a school website or in a yearbook. Helping your child put a face with a name before the first day in the classroom can help them feel more at ease and prepare them for their first interaction.
Familiarizing your child with their environment is another thing you can do to help them avoid nervous tummy aches. If your school offers a walk-through before the first day, this can be a great opportunity for you to meet the teacher, find their desk, or explore the school together. With older children, try asking them to give you a tour of the school and their classroom. Not only will this help refresh their minds, but it will give you an idea of where they will be spending the majority of their time over the next several months.
Go over class supply lists and plan a shopping trip. Having all the needed school supplies can help your child feel prepared. By taking your kids back to school shopping, they will feel supported and encouraged. Allow for a couple of splurges like a cool notebook or a backpack in their favorite color while also keeping basic needs in mind. Even a small fun purchase can make going back to school more enjoyable and give them something to look forward to.
Ease into new routines the week leading up to the first day of school. Switching from a summer schedule to a structured school schedule can be stressful for everyone in a household. Avoid mayhem on the first day of school by getting into the new routine a few days in advance. Set an alarm clock, go through your morning ritual, and make time for a healthy breakfast. Routines help children feel comfortable, and establishing one early will make the first day of school go so much smoother.
After school kicks off, take time to talk as a family about how each day went. Try asking how they like their classes, if they have made any new friends, or what they like most about school thus far. Not only will you learn more about how they are adapting to all the changes, but this will also help strengthen family relationships by bonding over shared conversations.
Don’t let the beginning of a new school year create unnecessary stress for your kids and household. By doing some of these simple things, you can help your children feel prepared and ready to tackle another great school year. For more information, contact Cassidy Lutz at [email protected] or by calling 620-625-8620.
A Loss Without A Card
A Loss without a Card
I am talking about ambiguous loss which is often unclear and without closure.
This type of loss is a common part of life but is often the most difficult and stressful one to deal with. I recently learned more about it while viewing a webinar by Dr. Michelle Krehbiel with the University of Nebraska who also refers to University of Minnesota Extension’s A Changing Way of Life: Ambiguous Loss and Farming and Dr. Pauline Boss’s research.
So, what is ambiguous loss? It is a loss that is confusing, uncertain, unverified, and can go and on. It can be a physical loss such as a missing person or having to downsize the farm due to drought or disaster. It can also be psychological such as a loss of a loved as you knew him/her due to dementia or of your own identity due to being newly retired.
We’ve all dealt with something that did not have an official ritual to show that a loss occurred such as: divorce, miscarriage, a financial fall out, addiction, infertility, deployment, immigration, retirement, traumatic brain injury, or a natural disaster. What do we do to not get stuck in this complicated grief? In short, build resilience to lower the stress and anxiety caused by this loss and create a new narrative that one can live with. Here’s a few ways to work towards moving forward.
- Name what you are going through
Acknowledge that you have had a loss and name the feelings you are going through. Also do this with other family/friends that are affected.
- Make new meaning of the loss
There is no magic recipe that can do this, it will take time and a combination of answers to assist. However, reconstructing your identity within this loss may help. For example, if you struggle with retirement, you may embrace that you are now a full-time grandpa and volunteer.
- Normalize Ambivalence
Work towards ‘both and thinking’. It’s ok to have two opposing ideas in your mind at the same time. For example, he is both gone and may return (missing in action soldier); she is both gone and still here (dementia).
- Discover Hope
We know this is extremely important in suicide prevention. Hope may look different for you amidst loss but look for ways to discover it.
- Seek information and humor
If it’s an illness learn more about what you can do, become an advocate. When dementia gets particularly trying keep that sense of humor or it truly would be overwhelmingly sad.
- Engage in Self Care
Dr. Pauline Boss states that respite is essential and no one should feel guilty about taking it. Figure out what it means to you and make time for it!
- Evaluate and Build a Circle of Support
Sadness is often treated with human connection. Find, engage, and check in on your ‘community’. This could be faith based, friends/family, mental health, or support groups.
I hope to acknowledge my own and others’ ambiguous losses more adequately. We can all work together for better. For more information, contact Tara Solomon-Smith, [email protected], or by calling 620-244-3826.
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Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director of K-State Research and Extension, Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts.
Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 14, 2023 – 5:30 P.M.
PUBLIC AGENDA
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
- 07/17/2023 Regular Meeting
- 08/07/2023 Special Meeting
4.2 Financials-Cash Flow Report
4.3 Check Register
4.4 Payroll – July 20, 2023 – $1,619,878.22
4.5 Activity Fund accounts
4.6 USD 234 Gifts
5.0 Recognitions (Information/Discussion Item)
5.1 Student Recognition
5.2 Employee Recognition
5.3 Board Member Acknowledgements
6.0 Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)
6.1 Superintendent’s Report
6.2 Assistant Superintendent’s Report
6.3 Special Education Director’s Report
6.4 Finance Director’s Report
7.0 Old Business
7.1 Addition of two (2) full-time substitute positions (Action Item)
8.0 New Business
8.1 Handbooks for the 2023-24 school year (Action Item)
Emergency Operations Plan
Employee – Classified
Employee Safety Manual
Federal
8.2 KASB Policy Updates (Action Item)
8.3 SRO Agreement with the City of Fort Scott (Action Item)
8.4 MOU with Learning Tree Institute (Action Item)
9.0 Public Forum
10.0 Other Business – Personnel Matters
10.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)
10.2 Exit Executive Session
10.3 Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)
11.0 Adjourn Meeting
Bourbon County Commission Agenda for August 14
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Nelson Blythe
1st District Commissioner
Jim Harris, Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Clifton Beth
3rd District Commissioner
Attachments:
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
August 14, 2023 5:30
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute followed by Prayer
- Approval of Consent Agenda
- Minutes from 8/7/2023
- Approval of Payroll Totaling $214,430.95
- Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $394,953.25
- Public Comments
- Department Updates
- Public Works
- Overpass Request for Qualifications
- Jennifer Hawkins-County Clerk, KC Mart Cereal Malt Beverage License Renewal
- Susan Walker, Patty Love, Jennifer Hawkins-Financial Policies & Procedures
- Susan Walker & Patty Love-CD’s
- Sheriff Bill Martin-Policy & Procedure of Random Drug Testing
- Susan Walker-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(1)
- Jim Harris-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(1)
- Jim Harris-Executive Session KSA 75-4319(b)(4)
- Commission Comments
- Adjourn Meeting
Executive Session Justifications:
KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the
attorney-client relationship.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the
representative(s) of the body or agency.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships
KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting
would jeopardize such security measures.
KS Crime Victims Compensation Awarded
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The Artificers In September
The Artificers In SeptemberSeptember is almost here! Check out the calendar below for all the classes and events happening this next Month! |
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Master ArtistAmy SmithMixed Media Artist |
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Master Artist Classes!We have two unique classes Amy will be teaching September 2nd! |
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Both classes are ages fourteen and up! We cant wait to see you there! |
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Later in the Month…DARRELL WILLIAMS GRAPHITE & AIRBRUSH ARTIST OPENING RECEPTION SEPTEMBER 29TH 6-9pm MEET THE ARTIST SEPTEMBER 30TH 11-4pm |
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Darrell Williams has been creating artwork since childhood. His first commissions were for custom painted Hot Wheels cars. He has been perusing his interest in art and automobiles ever since. His mediums include airbrush, graphite, oils, and colored pencil. He composes pieces that have a sense of nostalgia highlighting his interest in classic vehicles and Americana. Williams will gladly create a custom piece for you. He also offers custom work on vehicles. |
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Agenda for Ft. Scott City Commission Meeting on August 15
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR
MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM – 123 SOUTH MAIN ST.
August 15, 2023 – 6:00 P.M.
- Roll Call:
- VanHoecke K. Harrington E. Woellhof M. Guns M. Wells
- Pledge of Allegiance & Invocation: Led by E. Woellhof
III. Approval of Agenda:
- Consent Agenda:
- Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of July 25, 2023
- Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1341-A — $1,627,351.54
- Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – $41,723.74
Invoice #16731 – 2022 Sanitary Sewer Inspection – $12,538.74
Peter W. Earles – 10.00hrs/$200.00 – $2,000.00
Shane Redfern – 48.50hrs/$48.50 – $6,741.50
Jason Dickman – 18.00hrs/&147.50 – $2,655.00
Amanda Simpson – 6.00hrs/$48.50 – $291.00
Mileage – 1,309.6 miles/0.65 – $851.24
Invoice #16727 – South Horton St. & West 6th St. – $22,485.00
Preliminary Design (100%) – $6,210.00
Final Design (35%) – $16,275.00
Invoice #16726 – 21-303A – WWTP – System Designs – $6,700.00
Phase III – $3,500.00
Phase II – $3,200.00
- Request to Pay – Invoice #08072301-EPEC-WWTP Aeration – $206,654.50
Phase II Aeration Upgrade (Total: $826,618.00)
25% of Total due – $206,654.50
- Request to Pay – Bourbon County – I.T. Services 2023 – $25,500.00
Shane Walker – $12,000.00
Jimmy Kemmerer $13,500.00
- July Financials
- Public Comment: Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda
and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at Commission’s discretion.
- Old Business:
- Consideration of bids for investment CDs from WWTP funds – B. Hart
- Consideration to approve purchase of split case pump and impellor for WTP- $31,052.92 – S. Flater
- Consideration to approve MOU to join Bourbon County Health in All Policies Task Force and select a City representative – TABLED 7/25 AND 8/1 –
- Consideration to adopt a new policy for City Commission Agenda deadlines
- Consideration to pay Diehl, Banwart, Bolton $18,150.00 (approved 7/25/2023) for Certified Audit of Records and Preparation of Audit Report for the year ending 12/31/22. Invoice #161402 indicates an additional $4,975.00 for Single Audit of Federal Funds. Total amount due $23,125.00 requiring a new motion.
- Approval to go out for bid for KDOT Sub-Area Road Extension
VII. Appearances: None
VIII. Public Hearing: None
- New Business:
- Consideration of Lake Campsite Improvements – B. Matkin
- Consideration of 14-Day Camping Regulation at Gunn Park (Ordinance No. 3606) and corresponding municipal codes
- Shelter House Price Increases for #2 and #6 (Ordinance No. 3607) and corresponding municipal codes
- Consideration to Approve Sale of General Obligation Bonds, Series 2023 to USDA – B. Hart
- Consideration to Adopt Bond Ordinance No. 3752
- Consideration to Adopt Bond Resolution No. 10-2023
- Consideration to Approve Earls Engineering and Inspection, Inc. submission of work hours estimate for CCLIP US54-from US 69–Barbee Street – J. Dickman
- Reports and Comments:
- City Manager Comments:
- Engineering Comments:
- Commissioners Comments:
- VanHoecke –
- Harrington –
- Woellhof –
- Guns –
- Wells –
- City Attorney Comments:
- Executive Session:
XII. Adjournment:
Food Truck and Country Music in Uniontown Park Starting at 5 p.m. Today
Ribbon Cutting/Chamber Coffee at HBCAT on Aug. 31 to Launch Local Transportation Service
Ft. Scott Area Community Foundation Summer 2023 Newsletter
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A Banana Split…Sort of by Patty LaRoche
“Who believes God performs miracles?”
The baseball players, attendees at the weekly Chapel service, all raised their hands.
“Who believes God can do a miracle in your life?”
Same response.
“Who believes God will do one right now?”
The athletes looked at one another, unsure what to do. If they didn’t raise their hands, were they denying the possibility that this speaker had a special connection with God? If they did raise their hands, was the miracle dependent upon their faith being powerful enough to make it happen?
The guest evangelist, sensing their confusion, removed a banana from a plastic bag and asked the crowd, “How many of you believe that God can split the fruit of this banana into thirds without altering the peel in any way?”
The ballplayers were dumbfounded. After all, God could do anything He wanted, so He certainly “could” perform such a miracle. Slowly the men raised their hands.
“Good,” the speaker continued. “I’m going to pray that God does just that. I’m going to ask Him to slice the meat of this banana into thirds without making a mark on the skin. How many of you are confident God will answer my prayer?”
Surely it was a trick. Or was it? No one moved.
The speaker spoke to their doubts. “You probably think I’m messing with you, right? To prove I’m not, I’m going to pass this banana around the room. Check it carefully. See if there are any external marks on its skin.”
Each ballplayer took his time studying the banana. No one could find any puncture or marking. While the players sat on the edge of their seats, the preacher took the banana, raised it high, and prayed for it to be cut into thirds when peeled. As he broke the top portion of the banana’s skin and pulled it back, one piece—approximately a third—fell onto the table. The same scene replayed itself as the skin was peeled further. Three pieces. Just like the miracle worker said.
My son Adam, a player in that room, phoned me from the clubhouse.
“Mom, I just saw a miracle.” Adam proceeded to tell me what had happened. Although somewhat skeptical—only because I wasn’t sure why God cared about a banana dividing itself into thirds—I was thrilled for my normally unexcitable son to be so pumped about what he had witnessed.
A few days later I relayed Adam’s story to my friend. “Patty, that’s an old trick,” she said. “A threaded needle is pushed through the banana by working in a circular motion. With enough punctures, it creates a cut, and the skin heals itself so the pin marks can’t be detected.” I couldn’t believe it. The ballplayers had been deceived. My friend was as bothered by this evangelist’s tactic as was I.
I shared my findings with Adam so he could discuss what had happened with the chapel leader who organized the visiting speakers. I told him what bothered me most was that God doesn’t need any help in the miracle department. Jeremiah 10:12 speaks to His authority: But God made earth by his power; He founded the world by His wisdom and stretched out the heavens by His understanding. His abilities are endless. For starters, He produced ten plagues to force Pharoah’s hand, provided manna for millions of Israelites wandering in the desert, saved Daniel and his friends from a fiery furnace, and made Himself man to redeem a lost humanity.
In retrospect, I hope the intention of the pastor was to excite his audience about God’s power and not to draw attention to his own ability to be used by God. I feel bad that he was so desperate to prove God is still in the miracle business. On the other hand, I would like to think my friend was wrong; there was no needle and thread and this man’s prayer was answered.
Yeah. I would like to think that.
I just don’t.