All posts by Submitted Story
Bourbon County Dems Meet Feb. 19
Bourbon County Democrats will hold their first general meeting of 2023 on Sunday, February 19th, at 2:00 p.m.
They will be meeting in a new location on Fort Scott Community Campus: Room H121 in the Ellis Center.
Kansas Representative Christina Haswood will be their speaker.
Please call or text 620 215 1505 (Carol MacArthur) for a ride to the meeting or for more information.
Submitted by
Carol MacArthur\
Chair, Bourbon Co. Democrats
620 215 1505
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Sweating Dill Pickles by Carolyn Tucker
Keys to the Kingdom
By Carolyn Tucker
As a youngster, my son was very fond of dill pickles. Aaron is now in his 30s and he still loves dill pickles. As a little boy, he would come in from romping and playing outside and I’d grab him, set him on my lap and kiss his rambunctious cottontop head. And it would smell like dill pickles. If I climbed on a ladder and sniffed his head today, it would probably still smell like dill pickles. They say you are what you eat. So I suppose my head smells like chocolate.
My friend Ruby loves God and loves people. And this lifestyle she has chosen makes her very easy to love in return. When I’m in her presence and we’re saying our good-byes, she will lean forward with a big smile and a twinkle in her eyes and kiss my cheek. I know what’s coming, so I stand there, close my eyes and gratefully receive her kiss of Christian friendship. Believe me, I know that one little act of kindness will fill up a love tank for several days. A friendship kiss is not all that common in today’s cultural practice, but I grew up in a demonstrative family of huggers, kissers, laughers…and weepers. I understand and appreciate genuine outward expressions of the heart.
What’s in a kiss? Judas Iscariot kissed Jesus and it meant nothing more than betrayal. But when a former prostitute kissed Jesus’ feet it showed her gratitude, love, and adoration for Him. Outward expression comes from the inward heart. Four times in the New Testament, the apostle Paul teaches the importance of expressing earnest heartfelt affection. We would do well to understand that a repeated teaching is always important and shouldn’t be blown off. “All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss” (1 Corinthians 16:20 NKJV). “Greet one another with a holy kiss” (2 Corinthians 13:12 NKJV). “Greet each other in Christian love” (Romans 16:16 NLT). “Greet all the brethren with a sacred kiss” (1 Thessalonians 5:26 AMP). And then Peter jumps on the bandwagon and writes, “Greet one another with a kiss of peace” (1 Peter 5:14 TPT).
The resurrected Savior told Peter that his mission would be to strengthen the faith of believers. So Peter preached and wrote to Christ followers encouraging them to remain faithful to God and to love others. “Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and He will bless you for it” (1 Peter 3:8-9 NLT). For believers who say, “I don’t know what God wants me to do,” then “here’s your sign” straight from the bold lips of Peter.
It’s clear that God wants His children to practice genuine Christian affection. We should seek to grow in our love for others because we belong to the Father of Love. We’re to take the kiss of the world and sanctify it, make it holy, and devote it to God. We are including God in our hearts when we greet one another with a kiss, hug, fist bump, high five, hand shake, or touch on the shoulder. Just choose the tool of love that suits you and lay it on people. When we express Christ-like affection for one another, our hearts are literally saying, “You are precious to me and I value our relationship.” What a difference we could make if we would only break our rusty cage and run in the power of love.
The Key: Do something, don’t just stand there like a cow looking at a new gate!
Reduce Your Screen Time
Cassidy Lutz
K-State Research and Extension
Family and Consumer Science Agent
Southwind District
211 W. Butler
Yates Center, KS 66783
620-625-8620
Computers, phones, tablets, and smartwatches. Consumers today have more access to digital devices than ever before.
Recent studies indicate that spending hours on end staring at screens can have a large impact on your health. Lack of quality sleep, excessive eating, social isolation, low professional performance, and a lack of physical activity are all potential negative effects of spending too much time looking at screens.
The first step to combating these effects is to adjust how mindful and intentional you are with the time you spend looking at a computer, phone, or tablet screen. Experts recommend spending 3 to 4 hours daily screen-free. To help with sleep, put your devices away at least an hour before bedtime. This will allow your brain to start producing melatonin sooner, which is the hormone that helps “turn off” the brain. For eye health, take a break every 20 minutes and focus on an object at least 20 feet away. This is especially beneficial for those that work on a computer during the day as it prevents digital eye strain.
Parents of young children should be especially mindful of the amount of time they spend on screens with their young ones around. Children often mimic the behaviors they observe in their parents. If a majority of your time spent as a family includes screens, your children will likely pick up this behavior. Excessive screen time in children can lead to behavioral problems, irregular sleep, obesity, and impaired academic performance.
To become more mindful, recognize that behaviors are a choice. Every part of human behavior is driven by a choice and can be changed with a shift in thinking. Instead of simply saying that you will make a change, you need to take action to make that change happen. Next, think about the rationalizations behind your current thoughts. For example, why do you spend hours scrolling through social media sites when your time and energy could be better spent elsewhere? Lastly, think of alternatives. Reading a book, journaling, cleaning, cooking, or going for a walk are all great ways to spend your free time.
Taking control of your screen time can be challenging, but you and your entire family can benefit from this behavior change. For more information, contact Cassidy Lutz at [email protected] or by calling 620-625-8620.
Fruit Trees Should Be Pruned Now
District Extension Agent, Horticulture
Southwind Extension District
111 S. Butler
Erie, KS 66733
Office: 620-244-3826
Cell: 620-496-8786
Are you itching to get out of the house and do something productive in the landscape? If you have fruit trees, now is the time to prune. A little planning ahead with fruit trees, such as pruning, can mean big rewards later in the growing season.
Are you like many who are “afraid” to prune? Don’t be. When done correctly, pruning is an essential component of growing a healthy, productive fruit tree. Fruit trees should be pruned every year and for several reasons. The first is the development of a strong tree structure. Pruning should begin when the tree is planted and continued each year thereafter. Another reason to prune is the increased penetration of sunlight for the development of fruit buds and for the fruit to mature properly.
Trees can be pruned this early (winter) because they are dormant. This can be done in January, February and even early March. Pruning when trees are dormant makes it easier to see undesirable branches because leaves aren’t present. It is important to do any pruning before dormant sprays are applied, to avoid spraying some of the wood that will later be removed. Total spray coverage of limbs, branches and shoots will be increased after pruning. Do not prune if temperatures are below 20°F because this can cause tissue damage.
Have your fruit trees been neglected for quite some time? If so, pruning can seem like an overwhelming task; where to start, how much wood to remove, etc. But a neglected tree can be revitalized.
The first step in revitalizing a neglected tree is to prune wood around the trunk area and near the ground. Remove all sucker growth around the trunk by cutting as close as possible to the point of origin. Then remove all dead and diseased branches. Next, look for two branches that rub and remove one of the two. Branches that are growing toward the interior of the tree should also be removed. No more than thirty percent of the tree should be removed in a year.
You will want to retain scaffolds that are growing away from the tree center at wide angles with the trunk. Scaffolds are one of the main branches making the basic framework of a tree. They should be positioned on different sides of the tree for good distribution of the fruit crop.
The right tools are needed for proper pruning. Tools always need to be sharp so clean cuts can be made. Cuts that result in bark tears, stubs, or jagged surfaces are slow to heal and may even not completely heal. A scissor type of hand shear is used to prune small size wood, usually ¼ inch in diameter. Long handled loppers should be used to cut ¼ to ½ inch wood. These will need to be used generally by the third year of tree growth. For branches larger than ½ inch, use a fine-toothed pruning saw.
The Extension office has a couple of publications on pruning fruit trees that explain in more detail how to prune depending on the species and age of the tree. These publications can be found on our Southwind website: www.southwind.ksu.edu
Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Agricultural 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.
Agenda for the U234 Board of Education on Feb. 13
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 13, 2023 – 5:30 P.M.
AGENDA SUMMARY
1.0 Call Meeting to Order
Danny Brown, 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
4.2 Financials-Cash Flow Report
4.3 Check Register
4.4 Payroll – January 20, 2023 – $1,543,148.20
4.5 Activity Fund accounts
4.6 Extended Trip Applications
4.7 COVID Operations Guidelines
4.8 Special Board Meeting – work session to discuss and prioritize long-term plan and capital improvements, February 27th – 6:00 pm
5.0 Employee and Student Recognition
6.0 Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion)
6.1 Fort Scott KNEA Report
6.2 Superintendent’s Report
6.3 Assistant Superintendent’s Report
6.4 Administrators’ Report
6.5 Finance Director’s Report
7.0 Old Business
7.1 Fort Scott Preschool Center (Information/Discussion)
8.0 New Business
8.1 Tennis Courts Resurface – Pro Track and Tennis, Inc. (Action Item)
8.2 Investment of Interest – 90-day – $2,500,000 (Action Item)
8.3 2023-24 School Calendar (pending negotiations) (Action Item)
8.4 Gilmore Bell Disclosure Compliance Services Proposal (Action Item)
8.5 District Meal Allowance Reimbursement Increase (Action Item)
8.6 MOU For Shared Employee Between USD 234 and SEK-CAP, Inc. (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)
10.4 Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)
10.5 Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)
11.0 Adjourn Meeting
President Brown
Obituary of George Johnson
George Allen Johnson, lifelong resident of Bronson, Kansas passed away on February 8, 2023 at the age of 78. He was born the second of three sons to William Harold Allen Johnson and Georgia May (Harrison) Johnson in Kansas City, MO. He graduated from Bronson High School with the class of 1962.
After graduation George worked for the Southeastern Kansas Gas Company and in 1969 began a decades long career as a heavy-equipment mechanic repairing hundreds of Allis-Chalmers tractors throughout Bourbon and surrounding counties when he worked for Reasoner’s Repair in Bronson.
He then was employed with Hillenburg Oil Company and added oil field pump-jack repair to his list of talents. After hours he assisted his Dad with city superintendent duties such as treating the water at the city lake (good excuse to take the boat out and hammer it down) and repairing the light on top of the water tower.
In later years he mixed paint for the presses at Ward/Kraft in Fort Scott until he retired in 2007.
He had a unique talent to build or re-work just about anything. He was a good cook and enjoyed displaying his culinary skills at family dinners and reunions as he was a great host. His famous “big” breakfast was a favorite and always included items from his garden.
In his younger days he enjoyed working on and drag racing (including wheel popping) his 4-speed, dual 4-barrel 1964 Ford Galaxie with the 427 engine he built himself. Other favorite cars in his collection included his bought-new 1969 Mustang Fastback and his 1992 Mustang convertible that escorted the grand marshals each year in the annual Bronson Day Parade.
He enjoyed family camping adventures, boating and water skiing. He was often seen at Lake Fort Scott skiing on one foot (with the other foot in the rope handle) and cousin Richard driving the boat.
His greatest blessing was his family and friends; he always put their needs before his own. George will be missed but never forgotten. Those left to continue his legacy include daughter Melinda (Jim) Lambert of Wichita, KS, son Ryan (Renee) Johnson of Camdenton, MO, grandsons Ryland and Rowan Johnson, brother Roy (Nina) Johnson of Amherst, OH and treasured neighbors Mitch, Brandi and Harlyn Spainhoward of Bronson.
The last goodbye is the hardest one to say, this is where the cowboy rides away. Per his request, no public service will be held. George is now at peace and will be laid to rest next to his parents and older brother Glenn in the Bronson Cemetery.
To honor his memory and help beautify the community he loved, a memorial fund has been established with the city of Bronson to fund benches for the city park 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 cheneywittcom.
The Strength of Humility by Patty LaRoche
Don’t let the wise brag of their wisdom. Don’t let heroes brag of their exploits. Don’t let the rich brag of their riches. Jeremiah 9:23 (MSG)
Dave and I were in the Las Vegas airport, standing in line to board our flight, when a fellow passenger noticed Dave’s name on his carry-on luggage label. Not quietly, he exclaimed, “You aren’t the Dave LaRoche who pitched for the Indians, are you?” This fan did not need a bull horn. My husband made the mistake of nodding.
The man could not contain his excitement, excitement he decided to share with his friend who was standing a good 10-feet away. “Jim, you aren’t going to believe this,” he yelled. “This is Dave LaRoche!!! Come on over and meet him.” I turned my back and struck up a conversation with the young couple in front of me who by now had pivoted to see what the commotion was all about. “So, how about those Chiefs!” I said. They, like many in line, were far too young to have heard of Dave. This was more of an annoyance than a reason to celebrate.
Dave, clearly embarrassed, answered quietly the questions of the man with the 60-foot voice. “Who was the best pitcher you ever saw?” “When did you retire?” “Who was the best hitter you faced?” “How hard did you throw?” The security line could not move fast enough.
One of my husband’s greatest strengths is his humility, and it was that quality he instilled in all of our children. No home run was ever hit when our sons or daughters raised their fists as they ran around the bases. None of them pumped their arms in order to get the fans to clap louder for them. The most acknowledgement I ever saw from them was a tip of their ball cap following a standing ovation for something they did on the field. As Dave always said, “Act like you’ve done this before.”
Rick Warren defined this principle: “Humility isn’t thinking less of yourself. It’s thinking of yourself less.” Let’s face it. Self-exaltation impresses no one, yet it seems that social media has given us a platform to boast about our strengths or accomplishments. Recently, a friend shared a series of pictures a mutual acquaintance posted on Facebook, each an elegant dinner she had prepared for her and her husband. Every time the couple go to a classy restaurant, a picture of the meal is shared. But what does that do for those who will never be able to afford such a fine-dining experience?
Saint Augustine had great advice: “Do you wish to rise? Begin by descending. You plan a tower that will pierce the clouds? Lay first the foundation of humility.”
On a flight years ago when Dave was coaching professional baseball, I was seated next to a man who talked about himself, basically from the time we took our seats to the time we deplaned. He was a stuntman in Hollywood who was a daredevil like no other…at least, according to him. Dave was seated next to me and heard every word of the man’s braggadocious exploits. As we walked off the jetway, the man asked Dave what he did for a living. Dave said that he was a coach, and the bragger commented, “Oh, at a high school?” Dave’s answer, “No, in major league baseball,” left the man stunned. “Why didn’t you say so?”
My answer, “Because he never talks about himself” hopefully left the man with something to think about. Of course, my husband thought it was unnecessary for me to say that.
I should have predicted that.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Feb. 10
Two Vacancies on FS Street Advisory Board
There are TWO (2) openings on the Fort Scott Street Advisory Board. The function of the Board is to provide suggestions to the City Commission regarding road improvement projects throughout the City of Fort Scott.
When submitting your letter/email of interest, please provide any specific knowledge or training you have that would complement you being a member of this Board.
All Boards and Commissions serve on a volunteer basis and are not compensated. If you would like more information please contact Lisa Lewis, City Clerk at [email protected] or by calling 620.223.0550. Please submit your letter of interest by March 8th, 2023.
What’s Happening in Fort Scott Feb. 9 Newsletter
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Uniontown City Council Agenda for Feb. 14
Uniontown City Council agenda for Feb. 14 at 7 p.m. at Uniontown City Hall.
___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Josh Hartman ___ Amber Kelly ___ Bradley Stewart
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Bourbon County Neighborhood Revitalization Program, Matt Quick –
Uniontown Ruritan Bathroom Project, Skeet George –
CITIZENS REQUESTS
FINANCIAL REPORT
Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
- Minutes of January 10, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
- Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
KCC Inspection
KRWA Conference
Codes Enforcement: Doug Coyan
Clerk Report: Sally Johnson
May 1, 2023 through April 30, 2024 Projected Gas Supply Requirements –
KRWA Voting Delegate –
Benefit-Cost Analysis Workshop, April 19-20, Manhattan –
Rabies Clinic this year?
CCMFOA Conference, March 22-24, Manhattan –
Court Clerks Conference, March 3, Wichita –
KSGFOA Membership, Spring Symposium, March 30, Wichita –
Utility Hearings this month – last Wed 22nd, change date to 28th?
LSLI survey –
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Ervin –
Councilwoman Esslinger –
Councilman Hartman –
Councilwoman Kelly –
Councilman Stewart–
Mayor Jurgensen –
OLD BUSINESS
Citywide Trash Service –
School Pond Project –
Placemaking Project –
American Rescue Plan Act update–
KMGA/MMGA Prepay project –
NEW BUSINESS
City Attorney –
Attachments: