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Opinion

Taking My Own Sweet Time by Patty LaRoche

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Patty LaRoche

A spider and a centipede are having tea.  The centipede gets up and offers to go buy snacks.  He goes out the door and hours pass.  The spider is so hungry, wondering what happened, and opens the door, only to find the centipede sitting on the doormat, still putting on his shoes.

Sometimes I am that centipede.  It takes me F.O.R.E.V.E.R. to tie my hundred shoes, to get going…in a spiritual sense, I mean.  In real world activities, I am the Energizer Bunny.

Francis Chan’s “New York Times” best seller, Crazy Love, makes me wonder if I am taking my own sweet time in becoming what God desires for me, even after 45 years of being a Christian.  Chan writes much about “lukewarm Christians” (in other words, not Christians at all).  They love God for what He can do for them (like eternity in Heaven) and not for who He is.

The test is simple, using the question John Piper wrote in God In the Gospel: “If you could have heaven, with no sickness, and with all the friends you ever had on earth, and all the food you ever liked, and all the leisure activities you ever enjoyed, and all the natural beauties you ever saw, all the physical pleasures you ever tasted, and no human conflict or any natural disasters, could you be satisfied with heaven, if Christ was not there?”

Spend some time before answering.

The author is concerned about the unfaithfulness of Christians.  Referring to the question “Can I go to heaven without truly and faithfully loving Jesus?”, Chan’s response comes as no surprise.  “I don’t see anywhere in Scripture how the answer to that question could be yes.”

We know that Jesus’ sacrifice to die on the cross for our sins benefits us eternally, but have we ever considered the emotional pain well before the crucifixion, like how it had to sadden God to say farewell to His son and send him to earth to live with sinners who would reject him, abandon him, deny him and kill him?  (If you are a parent, put yourself in God’s shoes.)

Leading up to that Heavenly good-bye, I wonder if the angels were huddled in panic.  Were there lingering hugs and tears? Surely Jesus knew what was ahead, that he would be grieved, tempted, exhausted, frustrated and would agonize over his impending death. Still, he volunteered to come, to offer to die in our place.

How much love he has for you and me, that he made that choice!

Jesus wasn’t finished. He returned to Heaven but did not leave us without help: the Holy Spirit. Jesus told His followers and therefore us, “… it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go the Helper will not come …” (John 16:7). Get that?  Better than Jesus remaining with the disciples is that we can be gifted with his Spirit. And what a gift he is!   In John 14, we learn much about what we Christians have living inside of us, thank you, Jesus, waiting to be used.  A helper.  A comforter.  A teacher. A guide.  A prophet. A convicter. An intercessor.

Christians, we have been given everything we need to faithfully follow Jesus.  It is time we lace up our spiritual shoes and get moving.  Luke 10:2 reminds us of Jesus’ words, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few…”

Often, I have made time to talk about politics, about families, even about the weather, but I don’t make time to put on the Jesus shoe to tell others what matters most.

I have to wonder, Would Chan use that as a definition of “lukewarm”?

 

Government, Kansas

Kansas Water Office Releases 2022 Kansas Water Plan

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The plan addresses water issues facing stakeholders throughout the state

 

The Kansas Water Office (KWO) released the finalized 2022 Kansas Water Plan (KWP) this week. This is the first comprehensive water plan for the state of Kansas to be released since 2009 and provides a roadmap for navigating the vast array of water issues throughout the state.

The water plan provides an outline for management, conservation and development of the state’s water resources. To do so, it names five guiding principles – conserve and extend the High Plains Aquifer; secure, protect and restore our Kansas reservoirs; improve the state’s water quality; reduce our vulnerability to extreme events; and increase awareness of Kansas water resources.

The KWP is created by the Kansas Water Office with input from partner agencies and Regional Advisory Committees (RACs). The draft is offered for public comment before being reviewed, finalized and approved by the Kansas Water Authority.

The finalization of the plan leads into the implementation phase, where the Kansas Water Office will work with other state agencies and Regional Advisory Committees across the state to address the principles outlined in the KWP. Implementation is supported by the State Water Plan Fund, a statutory mechanism created to pay for the projects and programs identified in the KWP. This year, two statutory transfers into the fund were fully provided for the first time since 2008.

“The drought conditions throughout the state drive home the importance of having a comprehensive plan,” said KWO Director Connie Owen. “Water is the most valuable resources we have, and we must manage it strategically to ensure a safe and secure supply now and for the future.”

Church news, Food, Fort Scott

Trunk or Treat at First Methodist Church on Oct. 31

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First United Methodist Community Halloween

Monday, October 31st   5:30 – 6:30pm

Parking Lot behind the church: 301 S National 

Setup begins at 5:00pm, lot will be blocked off at 5:20 for safety

Open to all. Parents and grandparents are invited to bring the kids.

Come in costume and celebrate All Hallows Eve with your friends and neighbors.

There is no charge for this event.

While you’re there, sign up for our “Parents Day Out” to be held November 12th 9am – 2pm

Submitted by Rev. Christopher Eshelman, Pastor – Fort Scott First UMC

Obituary

Obituary of Joy O’Neal

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Joy Ann Whitesell O’Neal, age 82, resident of Nevada, MO previously Ft. Scott, KS died Tuesday October 18, 2022, at Mercy Hospital, Joplin MO.

She was born July 17, 1940, in Filley, MO, the only daughter of Kenneth Whitesell Sr. and Bonnadell “Bonnie” Blevins Whitesell.

Joy graduated from Eldorado Springs High School in 1958. She then attended the University of Missouri and Fort Scott Community College. She married George O’Neal on October 31, 1959, in Nevada, MO. They had one son, Larry.

 

Joy took great pride in her job. She worked at Key Industries in Ft. Scott, KS for many years. While there she held various positions including Vice President of Customer Service, Shipping and Accounts Receivable. A co-worker remembered her as “a lovely person to work with.” She also took pride in her community, serving in many organizations. She was involved with the Downtown Program, board member of The Beacon, City Council, Mayor and Rotary where she served as president as well as one of the first female members of that organization. Joy supported the Keyhole Youth Center serving on the board. As a cancer survivor she advocated for the Care to Share organization and helped with Relay for Life events. She also enjoyed Ft. Scott’s rich history, volunteering for candlelight tours of the fort and tours of the city’s Victorian homes.

Joy attended Community of Christ Church.

Always an encourager, she exuded positive energy. She took great pride in her son, Larry, her grandchildren, and great grandchildren. As busy as she was Joy continued to travel/care for her mother who resided in the family home that Joy was born in, giving many of her weekends to travel back and forth.

She was an encourager, always looking for the positive in life…drawing people to her. The past few years she resided at Joe Clark Residential Care Home where she was in charge of activities playing Yahtzee and bingo encouraging others around her to participate. She could tell you all about the dreams and aspirations of the staff that worked there.

Joy Ann was aptly named; she was quite frankly a joy.

 

Survivors include a son, Larry O’Neal and wife Teresa, Ohio; a brother, Gary Whitesell and wife Robin, Stockton, MO, a granddaughter, April Kennard; four great grandchildren, Nate Elliot, Joshua Lyon, Katie and Jack Kennard, sisters-in-laws Vera Whitesell, Filley, MO and Wendy Whitesell, Newport Beach, CA and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband George, brothers Jack, Kenneth, Jr. and Barney Whitesell and granddaughter Erin Lyon.

 

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, October 22nd, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Eldorado Springs City Cemetery, Eldorado Springs, MO.

The family will receive friends Saturday from 1:00 PM until service time at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Government, Schools

U235 Special Board Meeting on Oct. 24

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Uniontown Unified School District No. 235

 SPECIAL MEETING Monday, October 24, 2022, 7:30 p.m. in the UHS Board of Education Room Uniontown, Kansas

UNIONTOWN USD 235 601 Fifth Uniontown, Kansas 66779

TELEPHONE: 620-756-4302 FAX: 620-756-4492

Associate Superintendent Vance Eden

Board of Education Clerk Sherri Hartman Deputy Clerk Charlene Bolinger

Attendance Centers West Bourbon Elementary Uniontown Junior and Senior High School

October 20, 2022

TO: USO 235 Board of Education Members FROM: Sherri Hartman, Clerk of the Board

This letter is to serve as your official notice·of the SPECIAL board meeting to be held at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, October 24, 2022, in the Board of Education room.

Board of Education Jason Sutterby, President * Mike Mason, Vice-President * Sally Johnson * Troy Goodridge* Josh Hartman * Brian Stewart * Tyler Martin

UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 235 UNIONTOWN, KANSAS BOARD OF EDUCATION AGENDA

  1. Call to Order
    1. Flag Salute
    2. Approve the Agenda C Mission Statement.
  2. Facility Survey Presentation by Shelly Kiblinger

Next regular board meeting date is Monday, November 14, 2022 at 7:30.

Government, Kansas

KDOT Asks For Comments on Transportation Improvement Plan

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KDOT requesting comments on STIP amendment
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) requests comments on an amendment to the FFY 2023-2026 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) document.

The STIP is a project specific publication that lists all KDOT administered projects, regardless of funding source, and includes projects for counties and cities as well as projects on the State Highway System. The list of projects being amended to the STIP can be viewed at http://www.ksdot.org/bureaus/burProgProjMgmt/stip/stip.asp.

Along with the project listing is Administrative Modification #1 for updates to the Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Programs narrative section and for the creation of Appendix D for the inclusion of RAISE grant awards that are not administered by KDOT with no involvement, oversight or stewardship of funds provided by KDOT.

The approval of the STIP amendment requires a public comment period, which concludes Nov 2. To make comments on the amendment, contact KDOT’s Division of Program and Project Management at (785) 296-3254.

This information is available in alternative accessible formats. To obtain an alternative format, contact the KDOT Division of Communications, (785) 296-3585 (Voice/Hearing Impaired-711).

Obituary

Obituary of Dale Johnson

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Dale Gene Johnson, age 85, a resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Tuesday, October 18, 2022, at Via Christi Medical Center in Pittsburg, KS. He was born August 20, 1937, in Ft. Scott, the son of Buford and Evelyn Goodrick Johnson.

He graduated from Mound City high school with the class of 1955. Dale joined the Army following high school and served 4 years in Germany.

He married Charlotte Sears in April of 1978 in Mound City, KS. He worked for Rural Electric in Iola, KS, and City Maintenance and the public school system in New Mexico. Dale and his wife Charlotte ministered to the Navajo and Apache people in New Mexico and Arizona for 15 years.

Dale enjoyed his guns, woodworking, construction, attending auctions, and his dogs and cats. He was a member of the Gideons and the Bethel Community Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife Charlotte of the home; 2 children, Rebecca Johnson and husband Mark Thorndike, Anchorage, AK, and Dan Johnson and wife Jill, Lubbock, TX; 4 step-children, Robert Barkdoll and wife Pat, Galesburg, IL, Rick Barkdoll and wife Tammy, Chanute, KS, Michelle Hoyt and husband James, Austin, TX, and Donna Tippie Taylor, Blue Springs, MO; a step son-in-law Vern Crawshaw, Altoona, KS; and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a daughter Sally Ann Johnson; a stepdaughter, Teresa Crawshaw; and three brothers, Eddie, Richard, and Russell Johnson.

Pastor Ben Heffernan will conduct funeral services at 2:00 PM Friday, October 21st, at the Bethel Community Baptist Church.

Burial will follow in the Woodland Cemetery Mound City.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Thursday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to either Gideons or Bethel Community Baptist Church and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Opinion

Letter to the Editor: Doug Niemeir

2 Comments

THE TIME HAS COME

November 8 marks the next general election – 2022 edition. This is our chance as U.S. citizens to influence our government, to perhaps change the direction of some of the unreasonable (devoid of any commonsense or moral standing) measures that have been pushed upon us in the last few years.

If anyone ever tells you that your vote does not count, ignore them.  This is exactly the time for every citizen to go vote and have some impact on what is happening to our nation through our governmental entities.

I do have some observations of the current political/election activity:

  • There are a lot of lies out there about issues as well as candidates that are being publicized widely, while real facts about both are hard to find – sometimes even suppressed. Unfortunately, we can no longer simply look to sources that in the past we may have trusted to be truthful and objective.

 

  • Therefore, voters need to put in the time it takes to research and truly understand the relevant issues and candidates; then evaluate which candidate best fits your and your family’s values and morals and vote accordingly. Don’t be distracted by a party label or the bombardment of loud voices telling you what you should think and how you should vote.

So, voters, interpret this letter as an encouragement to vote.  I think many of us are seeing things happening in our country that we never thought we would see – and don’t want to see – in the United States of America.  Now is our chance to do something about it, but we must vote!

Where our country is as a world power, an economic power, and a free country is at stake.  This is not the time be let down your family, community, state, country, and, not to be overlooked, your God!  We cannot be silent!

Cast your vote on November 8!  Don’t sit this one out!

PS: for a look at the complete ballot for a registered voter:

**do a Google search for the “Kansas Secretary of State”,

**click on Elections,

** scroll down to Voter View and click,

** enter applicable information and click Look Up,

** scroll down to Sample Ballot and click.  This should be the ballot you will see on the 8th.

Be sure to look over the two state constitution amendments on page 2 of the ballot.  It looks like these could be positive additions to this document.

 

A Fellow American,

Doug Niemeir

Bourbon County, Government

Uniontown City Council Meeting Minutes of Oct. 11

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The Regular Council Meeting on October 11, 2022 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger (7:02), Amber Kelly, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Raymond George (Uniontown Ruritan), Kyle Knight (Knight’s Tree Service), City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Ruritan Bathroom Project, Raymond “Skeet” George – Painting is supposed to be finished, electrician should be in next week.  He is trying to get LACO to donate the guttering.  Hopeful to have it finished by next month.  Clerk Johnson asked what times they wanted to have the locks set to unlock/lock – during central standard time, 7am-5pm, during central daylight time, 7am-10pm.  Signage for the doors needs to be ordered.  Council directed clerk to order blue background with braille.

 

Kyle Knight, Knight’s Tree Service, suggested trimming tree canopy over Washington Street from First Street to Seventh Street, Sherman Street from Fifth Street to Sixth Street, and the one tree on Sixth Street west of Methodist Church.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0 to get quotes for trimming canopy over Washington Street from First Street to Seventh Street, Sherman Street from Fifth Street to Sixth Street, and the one tree on Sixth Street west of Methodist Church to a height of 18’ and back from street to main trunk and to be able to start within 10 days, not to exceed $3,500.

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

East Coast Trip Fundraiser – a group of junior high students are raising funds to take a trip to Washington DC, Mount Vernon, and Gettysburg in July 2023.  They are asking for donations to defray the cost.  The City of Uniontown historically does not donate tax revenue to fundraisers except the Send Off Seniors after graduation party.

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger presented the September 2022 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $363,858.59, Receipts $42,963.45, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $35,368.83, Checking Account Closing Balance $368,427.21. Bank Statement Balance $369,935.26, including Checking Account Interest of $30.37, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $1,508.05, Reconciled Balance $368,427.21.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $30,127.37, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $18,621.26, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $28,406.10, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $445,581.94. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $269.90, and Utility CDs $253.30 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $523.20.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of September 2022, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  September Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, Total Transfers of $3,026.00.  Net Income for the month of September $4,568.62, Year-to-Date Net Income $44,683.71.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $86,225.64 (81.8%), Expenditures $82,163.60 (62.9%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $26,324.90 (73.7%), Expenditures $28,239.03 (68.9%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $105,077.39 (75.3%), Expenditures $111,413.74 (45.4%); General Fund YTD Revenue $127,710.65 (99.4%), Expenditures $109,019.30 (66.0%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $5625.70 (82.1%), Expenditures $7,768.61 (73.1%).  The October 2022 estimated payables in the amount of $33,126.10 were presented.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda:

  • Minutes of September 13, 2022, Revenue Neutral Rate Hearing, Budget Hearing and Regular Council Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Lead and Copper additional sample results have been received.  KDHE has invalidated the first sample results from 601 Fifth St and replaced it with the new sample results.  They will not accept the two additional samples as they are not on our approved site sampling plan.  KDHE is hosting a Public Meeting for Public Water Supply Lead and Copper Rule Implementation.  Clerk Johnson asked if Superintendent Rich and she could attend on October 12, 2022 in Chanute from 1-3PM.  Council gave permission for both to attend.

The east rollup door at the barn will not raise – one of the overhead springs is broken and both springs need replaced.  Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan will forward some recommendations for making repairs.

Rich thanked the Council for the vacation time.

 

Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported Smith Estate demolition is progressing and he feels they should have completed by the end of the month.

 

Clerk Johnson reminded Council that the November regular meeting was rescheduled for Tuesday, November 15, 7PM.  Councilmember Ervin and Kelly will be unable to attend.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to reschedule November regular meeting on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, 7PM due to possible lack of quorum.

 

Clerk Johnson will post the rescheduled date and put in the newsletter and on the billing cards.

Bourbon County REDI Visioning Session II was rescheduled to October 12, 2022, 5:30PM, at Uniontown High School Commons Area.  RSVP by 10/10/22.  Jurgensen, Ervin, Stewart, and maybe Esslinger will attend.  Johnson will post the possible quorum attending and that no city business will be discussed.  She will also RSVP even though date has passed.

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – his Midwest Fertilizer email is no longer valid as he has changed jobs.

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilman Hartman – absent

Councilwoman Kelly – has anyone claimed the stray black/white collie mix?  Animal Control Officer has been trying to catch, but unable to get close enough.

Councilman Stewart – has some recommendations for outdoor exercise equipment.

Mayor Jurgensen –USD 235 has some surplus chairs that they are giving away.  He had Rich get all he could for the Community Center, 54.  We will check to see if there is going to be any more available, then decide what to do with the metal folding chairs we currently have.

 

OLD BUSINESS

School Pond Project – Per Don George, KDWPT, we do not have to send out for bids again.  Two quotes were received for the placement of riprap – Eden Landscaping, $20,540, and Mix Contracting, $9,360.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to award contract to Mix Contracting, $9,360

 

Timing of starting will have to be coordinated with Bourbon County Public Works (supplying 4”-6” rock) and Mix Contracting.

 

Placemaking Survey – Mayor Jurgensen has formed a committee for selecting outdoor exercise equipment and will be meeting soon.

 

American Rescue Plan Act update – no other quotes were received for the ADA restroom upgrade at City Hall.  Clerk Johnson will reach out to French Plumbing to see if he is still interested in submitting a quote.

 

Trunk or Treat is scheduled for October 31.  Clerk Johnson purchased three bags of mini tootsie pops.  Amber Kelly will distribute on behalf of the City.  Flu Shot Clinic, Monday, October 17 at Community Center.  November 1, KMU will conduct a water training on Lead and Copper Revised Rule and Surface Water Treatment.

 

NEW BUSINESS

None

 

Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 8:43PM