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Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker
Vacation of Miscommunication
My family went on vacation together and we headed to our favorite beach in Alabama. We were in Mississippi by supper time, so we pulled into a drive-through and my son-in-law Levi placed the order for seven people. I was impressed with his ability to communicate all the orders correctly. After placing the order, the voice on the other end of the speaker asked, “What size do you want?” Levi asked, “What size comes with the combo?” After she asked additional questions that didn’t make sense, Levi finally understood that the original question had been, “What sauce do you want?” My daughter and I completely cracked up over this miscommunication caused by colloquial enunciation.
Since we traveled 12+ hours one way, we had plenty of time to talk about all sorts of things. Usually, it was whatever popped into any of our heads. On the way home, someone mistakenly interchanged the words “duvet” and “bidet” in a sentence. It’s a good thing I wasn’t driving — I would’ve had to pull over from laughing hysterically.
I’m thankful God speaks clearly in the Bible. Yes, there may be some scriptures or chapters we don’t fully understand, but there are plenty we do understand. If we stay busy focusing on what we understand, that will keep us out of trouble and moving forward in our spiritual journey.
Romans Chapter 12 in the TLB uses plain everyday language regarding how to treat people: “Don’t just pretend that you love others: really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good. Love each other with brotherly affection and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy in your work but serve the Lord enthusiastically. Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and prayerful always. When God’s children are in need, you be the one to help them out. And get into the habit of inviting guests home for dinner or, if they need lodging, for the night. If someone mistreats you because you are a Christian, don’t curse him; pray that God will bless him.”
“When others are happy, be happy with them. If they are sad, share their sorrow. Work happily together. Don’t try to act big. Don’t try to get into the good graces of important people, but enjoy the company of ordinary folks. And don’t think you know it all! Never pay back evil for evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honest clear through. Don’t quarrel with anyone. Be at peace with everyone, just as much as possible.”
“Dear friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God, for He has said that He will repay those who deserve it. [Don’t take the law into your own hands.] Instead, feed your enemy if he is hungry. If he is thirsty give him something to drink and you will be ‘heaping coals of fire on his head.’ In other words, he will feel ashamed of himself for what he has done to you. Don’t let evil get the upper hand but conquer evil by doing good.” We don’t have to be a rocket scientist to understand this chapter; we just may not want to do it. God knows how to get His point across if He can only find willing hearers and doers. God often speaks to His children through the voice of our conscience. Is your conscience communicating properly to your mind?
The Key: Don’t act like you don’t understand what God is saying. He never stutters.
Although many gardens are still producing, it is time to get our fall vegetables planted. Believe it or not, fall is a great gardening season!
When you think about it, fall weather is much like spring – warm daytime temperatures and cool nights. Rainfall is typically more abundant in the fall than summer so less irrigation is needed and fall gardens often have fewer insect pest and disease problems. Combine all of these and you have the ingredients for a great garden! And of most importance is the taste of the produce grown. Flavors of fall grown vegetables are often sweeter and milder in taste than those grown during hot summer weather.
Some of the best vegetables for a fall garden are lettuce, spinach, radishes, beets, cabbage, turnips and carrots because of their frost-tolerance. These vegetables can be planted directly into your garden wherever space can be found – next to plants still growing in the garden like tomatoes, cucumbers and pumpkins. Plant mid-August until the first week of September.
Left over seed from spring planting can be used as long as it was stored in a cool, dry location. To speed up germination and seedling emergence, soak the seeds overnight before planting. If you are purchasing new seed, look for the shortest season cultivars that you can find to insure harvest before a killing frost. The average fall freeze date for our area is around October 24 according to the Weather Data Library on the K-State campus.
Sometimes establishing a fall garden can be difficult during the summer when soil temperatures are extremely high. One way to avoid this is to establish plants in containers or pots for transplanting into the garden later in the season when the weather begins to cool. Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and collards can be grown in cooler protected areas for 2-4 weeks prior to setting in the garden. Be sure to acclimatize crops for several days before transplanting directly into the garden.
Garden soil should be prepared just like for spring. An application of fertilizer will probably be necessary for optimum plant growth. Use one pound of a complete analysis fertilizer, such as 12-12-12, applied per 100 square feet of garden area. Weeds and grasses will also grow well in a fall garden so mulching may be warranted.
If you do not have a traditional garden space, think about doing a container garden. Just about anything that will hold soil and have a drain hole in the bottom can be used.
Everyone gets geared up to plant vegetables in the spring, but the fall season offers many benefits to gardening. Few take advantage of the season, but consider giving it a try this year.
The Extension office has the “Vegetable Garden Planting Guide” publication available free of charge. This guide offers information such as days to first harvest, days to germination, planting depth, frost resistance, and more.
Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Horticulture agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
1st District Commissioner
2nd District Commissioner
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
August 26, 2024 4:00 p.m.
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.
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Norma Joyce Kramer, 86, passed away Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at Nevada Regional Medical Center.She was born November 4, 1937 to William Henry Madison and Blanche Louise (Tucker) Madison in Fort Scott. She attended country schools and St. Mary’s Catholic school in Fort Scott. On September 30, 1954, she married Bill Kramer. He preceded her in death in 2017.
She enjoyed listening to music, staying active, and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and watching them in their many sporting events and activities. She was a lifelong member of the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church.
Survivors are her sons, Michael Kramer and wife, Patricia, of Fort Scott and Larry Kramer, and wife Grace, of Fort Scott; her daughter, Dolores Pruitt and husband, Jim, of Fort Scott; her grandchildren, BJ Pruitt (Kayla), Brett Kramer (Erica), Jake Kramer, Cody Kramer, Cole Pruitt (Samantha), Megan Crosier (Clint), Patricia Sheehy (Morgan), and Michael Kramer; her ten great grandchildren and one expected in October; her siblings Nora Karleskint, Warren Madison, Cathy Thomas, Frank Madison, and Claude Madison.
She was preceded in death by her husband Bill, brother William Madison, and sister Carol LeFever.
Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 26th at the Kennedy Gym with Father Yancey Burgess officiating.
Burial will be at the National Cemetery in Fort Scott.
A rosary will be at 2 p.m. on Sunday, August 25th at Cheney Witt Funeral Chapel with a visitation to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Care to Share. Donations may be sent to the Cheney Witt Funeral Home, 201 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Our Bi-partisan Citizens Group which worked on a petition to place the question of increasing our Commissioner Districts from three to five, would like to thank all of the participants who voiced their concerns and signed the petition.
621 signatures were required to get this placed on the November 2024 ballot. We collected over 500 signatures as of August 20, 2024.
Michael Hoyt, a member of our group attended the August 20th, 2024 County Commissioner Meeting to encourage them to sign a resolution that will allow the citizens “to vote on expanding the commissioner districts in Bourbon County to give more opportunity for constituents to have more representation and better collaboration.”
The Resolution was voted on and signed, so that the question will be placed on the ballot on November 5th, 2024 eliminating the need to complete the petition.
If the voters approve the increase in the number of county commissioners the following will occur:
1) The Commission will notify the Kansas Secretary of State who will then provide an outline of the five (5) Commissioner districts in Bourbon County, Kansas, that are as equal and compact as possible in population and area.
2) An election will occur in April 2025 to elect two (2) additional Commissioners to terms as specified by the statute to stagger the terms.
It takes a spark to initiate an idea, then come together, work together, and succeed together in moving our community forward. Thank you for your support.
Thank you county commissioners for doing the right thing in giving the people in our community a voice in this matter. Just VOTE!
We were an informal group that worked together to put the petition together and gather signatures.
Sincerely,
Bi-Partisan Citizens Group
Michael Hoyt, Deb McCoy and Janice Allen
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REVENUE NEUTRAL HEARING
A. Comments from the Board
B. Comments from the Public
C. Approval of 2024-25 Revenue Neutral Rate Resolution
WHEREAS, the Revenue Neutral Rate for Fort Scott Community College was calculated as 27.726
mills by the Bourbon County Clerk; and
WHEREAS, the budget proposed by the Governing Body of Fort Scott Community College will
require the levy of a property tax rate exceeding the Revenue Neutral Rate; and
WHEREAS, the Governing Body held a hearing on July 11, 2024 allowing all interested
taxpayers desiring to be heard an opportunity to give oral testimony; and
WHEREAS, the Governing Body of Fort Scott Community College, having heard testimony, still
finds it necessary to exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY
COLLEGE:
Fort Scott Community College shall levy a property tax rate exceeding the Revenue Neutral Rate
of 29.950 mills.
This resolution shall take effect and be in force immediately upon its adoption and shall remain
in effect until future action is taken by the Governing Body.
Recommendation: It is recommended that the Board approve the 2024-25 Revenue Neutral Rate
resolution as stated above.
BOARD ACTION: MOTION _____ SECOND _____ VOTE _____
DISCUSSION:
VOTE: Bailey Bartelsmeyer Fewins
Holt McKinnis Ropp4
BUDGET HEARING
A. Comments from the Board
B. Comments from the Public
C. Adoption of 2024-25 Budget
Recommendation: It is recommended that the Board approve the 2024-25 budget as presented.
BOARD ACTION: MOTION _____ SECOND _____ VOTE _____
DISCUSSION:
VOTE: Bailey Bartelsmeyer Fewins
Holt McKinnis Ropp5
6
7
8
9
CALL TO ORDER
A. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
B. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC10
FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
July 15, 2024
PRESENT: Ronda Bailey, John Bartelsmeyer, Jim Fewins, Bryan Holt, Chad McKinnis (via Zoom until 5:40 pm),
and Doug Ropp
ALSO PRESENT: Sara Sutton – Interim President, Juley McDaniel – Board Clerk, faculty, staff, community members
Chairman Holt called the meeting to order at 4:03 pm in the meeting rooms of the Ellis Fine Arts Center.
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: None.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: None.
FOUNDATION UPDATE: Foundation Director Lindsay Hill provided an update of activities and progress in the Foundation.
Mark Lewis, Kellye Barrows, and Katie Casper are serving as new board members, and Brian Comstock is serving as their new chair. Lindsay thanked Carolyn Sinn for all her help during the transition. She said she has been having tax credit conversations and planning for an alumni event over Labor Day weekend.
A platform for the foundation is currently being sought, as the current website limits donations. J1 will allow a donor
platform on the back end, but something on the front side is needed to collect donations.
CONSENT AGENDA:
A motion was made by Holt, seconded by Ropp, and carried by unanimous vote to move Consent agenda items E
and F to be Item A under Action Items, and all other action items move one letter down.
A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Bartelsmeyer, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the consent agenda as amended.
DISCUSSION ITEMS: A proposed travel policy was presented. The board is encouraged to review and make recommendations for revisions prior to it being put in as an action item for the August meeting. Would like for this to funnel into a travel policy for the institution as a whole.
ACTION ITEMS:
A. Personnel Actions and Board Officer Items as moved from Consent Agenda
A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Bailey, and carried by unanimous vote to approve Sue Henry as the MEP Administrative Liaison.
A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to approve Cable Wareham as the Assistant Rodeo Coach.
A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by a 4-2 vote to approve Matt Glover as the Men’s Basketball Head Coach. McKinnis and Ropp voted in opposition.
A motion was made by Bailey, seconded by Ropp, and carried by unanimous vote to approve Rory Chaplin’s transition from Interim CTEC Director to Associate Dean of Career and Technical Education and Workforce Development.
A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to approve Santos Manrique’s transition from HEP Recruiter/Mentor and Dean of Crawford County Campuses to HEP Recruiter/Mentor.12
A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Bailey, and carried by unanimous vote to approve Melissa Scott as the FSCC Board of Trustees Treasurer.
B. Resolution 2024 – 38: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer seconded by Ropp, and carried by unanimous
vote to approve the list of annual consortium memberships and dues for the 2024-25 year.
C. Resolution 2024 – 39: A motion was made by Ropp, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to rescind the approval elevator repair that was issued in June.
D. Resolution 2024 – 40: A motion was made by Ropp, seconded by Bartelsmeyer, and carried by unanimous vote to accept Option 1 from Berkley Life & Health for athletic insurance and catastrophic insurance from Mutual of Omaha, ensuring cheer is included in the men’s sports.
E. Resolution 2024 – 41: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Ropp, and carried by unanimous
vote to approve the current coverage level for the flood insurance renewal.
F. Resolution 2024 – 42: A motion was made by Bailey, seconded by Ropp, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the revisions to Construction Trade Certificate and Associate in Applied Science Degree and the Criminal Justice Certificate as presented.
G. Resolution 2024 – 43: A motion was made by Bailey, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the updated organizational chart.
REPORTS:
• ADMINISTRATION – The Board reviewed and heard updates from Academic Affairs, Student Services,
Athletics, Finance and Operations, and the Interim President.
There was group discussion about how to evaluate employee and student satisfaction more frequently than once a
year.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustee they adjourned.