All posts by Submitted Story
4-Barrel Carburetor by Carolyn Tucker
Keys to the Kingdom by Carolyn Tucker
4-Barrel Carburetor
I really enjoy walking down memory lane at car shows and looking at the gorgeous classic ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s cars on display. I have personal fond memories of these powerful beauties because the first car I remember my folks owning was a ‘59 Chevy Impala. And later, when I was in high school, I was permitted to drive their ’68 Chevy Caprice SS. Wowie zowie; this car was so classy she even wore skirts! Something unexplainable happened to me during those years that caused me to fall in love with glasspacks and 4-barrel carburetors.
As opposed to a 2-barrel, a 4-barrel is a more-complex carburetor commonly used in high-performance engines. It uses two primary and two secondary barrels to supply air and fuel to the engine which results in increased horsepower and performance. Only the primary barrels open at idle and low-rpm driving, but the secondary barrels open up during high-rpm driving, e.g., passing vehicles or just flooring it for the fun of it! Modern cars don’t have carburetors; they’ve been replaced by fuel-injection systems. Ah, for the good ol’ days when you ran out of gas and had to save a little bit to pour into the carburetor. They just don’t make ‘em like they used to!
At my age, I’m pretty much considered a “classic” because I’ve noticed that when I wake up in the mornings, I just don’t feel like I used to at 22. I’m basically just idling on a 2-barrel carburetor for several minutes. But as I meander to the kitchen, I know I’ll be strengthened, encouraged, and reinforced with power once I read my Bible and devotional books. As I spend time with my heavenly Father, He begins to pour fuel into my 4-barrel which enables me to get started and have the power I need for the day. Dad used to say, “You never know what the day holds when your feet hit the floor in the morning.“ And I might add, “So you better take time to fill up your spiritual gas tank so you won‘t run out of power.
Apostle Paul wrote that we believers are in a race. So we can think of ourselves as driving a race car. Every day we run laps, around and around, and it takes lots of focus, determination, strength, and power. So it makes sense that every morning we need to get our jump-start from Jesus (and a cup of coffee) to get us up and running at full throttle. Every believer finds his/her source of power in the Father, so we can commit our prayers to Him in confidence. Apostle Paul wrote a letter to the Church of Ephesus and surrounding area churches: “May He grant you out of the rich treasury of His glory to be strengthened and reinforced with mighty power in the inner man by the Holy Spirit Himself indwelling your innermost being and personality” (Ephesians 3:16 AMP).
There’s power in a 2-barrel, but I would most-certainly choose the mighty power of the 4-barrel. As Christ followers, it’s our choice. So why be puny when you can be powerful? The “inner man” is the true and enduring self — who we really are. So we need to keep our heart (inner man) tuned up so we can accomplish our calling and participate in the race of life at full power. Thankfully, we don’t have to try to live our lives on our own strength. “Now all glory to God, Who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20 NLT).
The Key: In the words of Tim “The Tool Man” Taylor, choose more power.
Opening Soon: 4-H Enrollment!
Opening Soon: 4-H Enrollment!
As the largest youth development organization in the country, reaching 6 million young people annually, 4-H is uniquely equipped to ensure youth are ready for work and life after high school. 4-H is delivered by Cooperative Extension – a community of more
than 100 public universities across the nation that provides experiences where young people learn by doing. Additionally, our 4-H alumni network reaches every industry and is 35 million strong.
4-H is also the only organization with a scientifically proven approach to developing young people, backed by more than 20 years of longitudinal research in partnership with Tufts University. The data are clear: youth who participate in 4-H programs are more likely to succeed academically, engage civically, and contribute to their communities. They’re also more prepared to enter the workforce and navigate the complexities of life with confidence.
Across a nation 4-H will is working to continue to provide more high-quality positive youth development programs to assist in preparing youth with the skills to be ready for work and life. To go beyond the expected. To be Beyond Ready.
4-H Beyond Ready is a national movement to prepare young people for the challenges and opportunities of the future. 4-H has been around since 1902. The world has changed significantly and yet, the impact of 4-H on youth has stood the test of time. 4-H has a tried-and-true, research-backed approach to helping kids reach their potential. Research shows that kids who participate in 4-H programs are more likely to make healthy choices, serve their communities, and live with purpose. They are also more likely than their non-4-H peers to feel competent, positive, and confident in what the
future holds.
Now is the time to join 4-H to help youth be Beyond Ready. Starting on October 1, enrollment opens for the new 4-H program year. All youth ages 5-18 are encouraged to enroll in the Kansas 4-H program through K-State Extension – Southwind District. Enrollment will close for those youth eligible to participate in competitive events within the 4-H program on December 1. And all adults who want to volunteer should plan to enroll at this time too!
Have questions about 4-H, don’t hesitate to reach out to K-State Extension – Southwind District, 4-H Youth Development Agent, Jennifer Terrell at [email protected] or 620-223-3720. All are welcome to visit the following websites as well, southwind.ksu.edu or kansas4h.org.
What’s Happening in Fort Scott
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A Grave Injustice by Patty LaRoche
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)
One week before Charlie Kirk’s death, I mentioned to a family member that if I could have lunch with anyone, it would be Charlie. His death left me in tears.
As a former high school debate coach, I was awestruck by his ability to express his opinion, showing respect for his opposition while imparting unique, masterfully-crafted arguments that I never had considered. Who was this man?
I mean, I am fairly knowledgeable about the Bible, but Charlie had a way of synthesizing scriptural positions in a way I failed to anticipate. “How did he come up with that?” I would ask my husband, or whomever was in listening position. “That’s a brilliant argument,” I would say to myself. Like I said, who was this man?
Regardless of what you think of Charlie Kirk, I hope you consider his assassination a grave injustice. Instead of facing off with this man-of-faith to discuss their differences, Tyler Robinson premeditatively chose to put a bullet through his adversary’s neck.
Today, while driving to work, I listened to the radio as the detective assigned to the crime discussed how Robinson begged the arresting officers to be gentle with him, not to cause him harm by sending a SWAT team to bring him in. Basically, to treat him with a dignity he did not afford Charlie Kirk.
And I thought…that takes some nerve. How can someone who offers no mercy expect to get any in return?
Matthew 18:23-35 confronts that issue. Jesus’ parable addresses a king who decided to bring his accounts up to date with servants who had borrowed money from him. One who could not pay owed millions of dollars. His master ordered that he be sold—along with his wife, his children, and everything he owned—to pay the debt.
The man fell down and begged his master to be patient; he would repay it all. The master, pitying his servant, forgave his debt. When the man left the king, he met up with another servant who owed him a few thousand dollars, grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment.
Just like the servant with the king, this man fell down and begged for clemency. “Be patient with me, and I will pay it.” Instead, his creditor had the man arrested and jailed until he repaid the debt in full, a lack of mercy that upset the other servants who witnessed the injustice. They went to the king and told him what had happened.
The king responded by calling in the servant he had forgiven and said, “You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?” Payback time. The king sent the man to prison to be tortured until he had paid his entire debt.
Jesus had one last message for his crowd: “That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart.” If only Robinson would have done that with Charlie! He who couldn’t find any mercy begged for kindness and compassion when arrested.
So, what are we to take from this message? We are not to respond as Robinson and the king’s servant did and seek vengeful payback, as much as we want to do so. After all, God will be the final judge. Should Robinson not repent, his eternal punishment from the King will be much worse than any we can inflict with our lack of mercy.
As is true as that is for Kirk’s killer, so it is for us as well. Are we showing the same mercy to others as we want in return?
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Sept. 26
KCC approves unanimous settlement agreement in Evergy rate case
TOPEKA – This morning, the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) approved a unanimous settlement agreement allowing Evergy to increase its rates by $128 million to recover investments made to replace aging equipment and increase the resiliency and reliability of the power grid. Evergy requested an increase of $196.4 million in its application filed in January. The settlement agreement was reached after extensive negotiations between KCC staff, the Citizens Utility Ratepayer Board, Evergy, and many other intervenors representing industrial and commercial customers as well as school districts.
The new rates will take effect beginning with the October billing cycle. Residential customers with average monthly usage (900 kWh), will see an increase of approximately $8.47 per month. Based on an independent review of evidence in the record, the Commission found that the agreed upon rates will provide Evergy with sufficient revenues to meet its financial obligations yet will keep rates as low as possible while maintaining reliable service for its customers.
Commissioner Dwight D. Keen filed a partial dissenting opinion on today’s order. He objects to the Commission’s decision to grant a 9.7% Return on Equity (ROE) for transmission delivery charges (TDC), which covers costs associated with building and maintaining the transmission system. TDC charges are not included in base rates but are passed through to ratepayers as a separate surcharge on their monthly bill. Keen states the approved ROE is excessive and may present ongoing affordability issues for ratepayers.
Today’s order is available here.
View the Unanimous Settlement Agreement.
A recording of today’s Business Meeting featuring comments by Commissioners, is available on the KCC YouTube channel.
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Agenda for the Bourbon County Coalition on Oct. 1
The next Bourbon County Coalition General Membership meeting will be next Wednesday, October 1st at 1:00 p.m. in the Conference room at the Scottview Apartments, 315 S. Scott Ave.
Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition
General Membership Meeting Agenda
October 1, 2025 1:00 PM
Scottview Conference Room
315 S. Scott Ave
- Welcome:
- Member Introductions and Announcements:
- Program: Lacy Nickelson, Fostering Connections
- Open Forum:
- Adjournment: The next General Membership meeting will be November 5, 2025.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Sept. 25
Kansas Water Authority Seeks Regional Advisory Committee Members
RAC Membership Drive ends September 30 |
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The Kansas Water Authority is currently accepting applications for all 14 Regional Advisory Committees. Committee members serve as a voice for water issues in their community. Applications are available on at kwo.ks.gov. Regional Advisory Committees (RACs) are composed of local stakeholders and water professionals that cover a variety of knowledge – including agriculture, industry, public water supply, conservation and more. Each RAC meets to discuss local water issues and to advise the Kansas Water Authority and Kansas Water Office on the issues in their region. RAC members serve as local connections with the public and aid in establishing priorities and actions to be included in statewide water planning efforts. “Water issues and community needs vary from region to region in our state,” said Connie Owen, Director of the Kansas Water Office. “RAC members serve as boots-on-the-ground perspective and provide crucial, local input for statewide water planning.” To apply, visit www.kwo.ks.gov/about-us/ |
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Note to Editor: The Americans with Disabilities Act, (42 U.S.C. 12101), requires the Kansas Water Office to print the reasonable accommodations messages. |
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As the state’s water office, KWO conducts water planning, policy coordination and water marketing as well as facilitates public input throughout the state. The agency prepares the KANSAS WATER PLAN, a plan for water resources development, management and conservation. KWO in coordination with the KWA also reviews all water laws and makes recommendations to the Governor and Legislature for needed legislation.
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Unapproved Minutes of the FS City Commission for Sept. 23
CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of September 23, 2025 Special Meeting
A S meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The meeting was streamed live on YouTube.
The meeting was called to order at 6:00PM. Roll call was taken. Commissioners Kathryn Salsbury, Tracy Dancer, Dyllon Olson, and Matthew Wells were present with Mayor Tim Van Hoecke (by Teams).
In Attendance – Brad Matkin/City Manager, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Jessica Oliphant/Baker Tilly and Devin Tally/Finance Manager
VAN HOECKE led the Pledge of Allegiance and OLSON said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, the Citizens, our Government and City officials.
Approval of Agenda
MOTION: OLSON moved to approve the agenda as presented. WELLS seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Public Hearing
Consideration of Approval of the 2026 Budget
MOTION: DANCER moved to open the public hearing. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
No public comments.
OLIPHANT presented a revenue-neutral budget that maintains city services, provides a 3% cost-of-living adjustment for employees, and reduces the mill levy by 1.6 mills. The reduction was achieved by deferring two small capital projects—lobby glass replacement and filing system updates—saving $45,000. The initial proposal had a 0.8 mill reduction without cuts, but moving the projects doubled the reduction to 1.6 mills.
MOTION: OLSON moved to close the public hearing. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to approve the 2026 budget as presented. DANCER seconded.
OLSON requested VAN HOECKE amend his motion to include the revenue neutral rate.
Motion was struck and a new motion was made.
MOTION: OLSON moved to approve the 2026 budget as presented with a revenue neutral rate of 42.558. VAN HOECKE seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Commissioners Olson, Wells, Dancer, Salsbury and Van Hoecke gave individual comments regarding the City’s ability to remain revenue neutral for 2026 with a special thank you to BakerTilly.
Adjourn
MOTION: DANCER moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:16PM. SALSBURY seconded.
SEPTEMBER 23, 2025, MEETING ADJOURNED AT 6:16PM.
Submitted by Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk
Unapproved Minutes of the FS City Commission From Sept. 16
CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING
unapproved
Minutes of September 16, 2025 Regular Meeting
A regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The meeting was streamed live on YouTube.
The meeting was called to order at 6:00PM. Roll call was taken. Commissioners Kathryn Salsbury, Tracy Dancer, Dyllon Olson, and Matthew Wells were present with Mayor Tim Van Hoecke.
In Attendance – Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Jason Dickman/City Engineer-Earles Engineering & Inspections, Inc., Leroy Kruger/Codes Enforcement, Mary Wyatt/Planning, Housing & Business Development Director, Tom Coffman/Public Works Director, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Stephen Mitchell/USD234 Director of Technology, Destry Brown/Superintendent USD234, Pete Allen, Devin Reichard, Michael Hoyt, and Julie Buchta.
VAN HOECKE led the Pledge of Allegiance and said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, the Citizens, our Government and City officials.
Approval of Agenda – Request to amend the agenda with the removal of Consideration of Application – CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Grant – New Business – Action Item E.
MOTION: OLSON moved to approve the agenda as amended. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consent Agenda
MOTION: SALSBURY moved to approve the Consent Agenda. OLSON seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Public Comment – No public comment
Appearances
Devin Reichard – Request for Parade Permit – Pioneer Harvest Fiesta – October 2, 2025.
MOTION: WELLS moved to approve the Parade Permit for Pioneer Harvest Festival. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Unfinished Business:
Land Lease Agreement
Discussion was had regarding the options for which the City would use this document for leasing City owned property. WELLS asked that in the document it be included that the lessee will be responsible for the property taxes.
ACTION: WELLS will email FARMER the statute information he received regarding (90) year vs. (99) year verbiage.
MOTION: SALSBURY moved to have FARMER research the (99) year option and present a final version to vote on at the next meeting. WELLS seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Food Truck Ordinance
Discussion was had about the potential ordinance, business licenses, enforcement, and cost.
ACTION: MATKIN will check with other municipalities regarding online permitting.
WELLS called the question.
ACTION: MATKIN and FARMER will create verbiage as an addendum to municipal code pertaining to Solicitors, Canvassers and Peddlers to specifically address food trucks by the next meeting.
CHAMPS Bowl Game
MOTION: SALSBURY moved to rescind the $30,000.00 donation for the CHAMPS Bowl for this year. OLSON seconded.
OLSON, DANCER, SALSBURY and VAN HOECKE voted yes. WELLS abstained.
MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
Public Hearing
Consideration of Resolution No. 25-2025 A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 18 S. HOLBROOK
MOTION: WELLS moved to open the public hearing. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
KRUGER gave an overview of the structure and its violations. There were no other comments from the public.
MATKIN left the meeting at 6:50PM
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to close the public hearing. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
MOTION: WELLS moved to table the decision for (60) days so the Land Bank has an opportunity to look at it, to reach out to the County to see if it will be in the tax sale this year and explore a couple of opportunities before we move forward with the process on this particular house. DANCER seconded.
SALSBURY, OLSON, WELLS and DANCER voted yes. VAN HOECKE voted no.
MOTION CARRIED 4-1.
Consideration of Resolution No. 26-2025 A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 402 N. SHUTE
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to open the public hearing. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
KRUGER gave an overview of the structure and its violations. There were no other comments from the public.
MOTION: DANCER moved to close the public hearing. VAN HOECKE seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
MOTION: DANCER moved to approve Resolution No. 26-2025 A Resolution Directing the Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure at 402 N. Shute. VAN HOECKE seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
MATKIN returned to the meeting at 7:02PM
Consideration of Resolution No. 27-2025 A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 205 N. LINCOLN
MOTION: DANCER moved to open the public hearing. VAN HOECKE seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
KRUGER gave an overview of the structure and its violations. There were no other comments from the public.
MOTION: DANCER moved to close the public hearing. VAN HOECKE seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
MOTION: DANCER moved to approve Resolution No. 27-2025 A Resolution Directing the Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure at 205 N. Lincoln. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
FARMER left the meeting at 7:03PM
Devin Reichard appeared regarding the parade permit. He believed the meeting began at 7:00PM. MATKIN told him the permit had already been approved.
Consideration to Trade the 963k Track Loader for a 2023 Volvo EC160EL Crawler Excavator
COFFMAN explained that the trade consideration is because parts for the existing model are not available due to its age. The only cost incurred would be freight of approximately $1,200.00 and would be through G. W. Van Keppel Company.
FARMER returned to the meeting at 7:05PM
MOTION: WELLS moved to approve the straight across the board trade. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
IT Update
MITCHELL reported there were contact changes for the first year. There is also a shift in priorities for the next (60) days with the police department at highest priority. Updates given networks, firewalls, equipment, ticketing system, and backup system.
VAN HOECKE left the meeting at 7:18PM and returned at 7:20PM
Wyatt addressed the Commission to request two changes to the grant application process. First, she proposed requiring applicants to include a brief description of their business project and how the funding would impact their business. Second, she suggested a procedural clarification: that City staff should score the applications using the approved rubric and submit those scores to the Commission. Applicants would then appear before the Commission for questions, after which the Commission would award the grants. The Commission discussed the efficiency of this proposed process.
MOTION: WELLS moved to approve the changes suggested by City staff to make the process move forward more efficiently. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Planning, Housing and Business Development Update
Wyatt provided an overview of her responsibilities, including managing grants—those awarded, currently being written, and pending notification. In the Business Development Department, she focuses on retaining existing businesses and helping recruit new ones to Fort Scott. She also gave an overview of all three departments she oversees and answered questions from the Commission. Lisa Dillon will soon present a more detailed housing update.
Consideration of Second Amendment to Freeman ER Funding Agreement – Approved by Bourbon County Commission – September 8, 2025
ACTION: MATKIN will reach out to Freeman Hospital regarding the City being included the quarterly written itemized accountings.
MOTION: WELLS moved to send the document back to the County and ask for the City to be included in the furnishing of the quarterly written itemized accounting. OLSON seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Approval to Go Out for Codes Mowing Bids – 3 Year Contract
MOTION: WELLS moved to go out for mowing bids for (3) years. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consideration of CCLIP Project Programming Request
DICKMAN explained this is Phase III of the project. It has been awarded. The next steps would be to formally accept the award and go out for Statements of Qualification for Engineering design work.
ACTION: DICKMAN will send the City Manager and City Clerk the documents for the next step.
MOTION: WELLS moved to go forward with the project programming request for the third phase of the CCLIP project. OLSON seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Reports and Comments
CITY ENGINEER
– E. National Project Update
ACTION: DICKMAN will get updated exhibits to WYATT to submit for the Cost Share Program (CCLIP) of 3rd Street from E. National to US69.
– Lee Circle Drive base
CITY ATTORNEY – No comment
CITY MANAGER
– Naturalization at the Fort – September 17, 2025
– FEMA update – new projects 4th & Little and Pawn Shop waterway
ACTION: MATKIN will provide a City Manager Communicator by end of the week.
COMMISSIONER SALSBURY
– Shipping container ordinance on next agenda
– Confirmed the City does not have ducks or geese at Gunn Park
COMMISSIONER OLSON
– Comments on freedom of speech
COMMISSIONER WELLS
– Design Review Board and bylaws for CLG
– Codes Department and Fire Department
– Overpass and at-grade study requests status update
– Comments on freedom of speech
COMMISSIONER DANCER
– Moody building status
ACTION: MATKIN will meet with FARMER for plan of action on the next agenda.
– Items passed at table need to be posted on website
– Expense Report was not included in the packet and website
COMMISSIONER VAN HOECKE
– Response to comments made on local social media post about him and other rhetoric
– Naturalization Ceremony
– City work sites are not open to the public for safety reasons
MATKIN commented on Commission decorum and community reactions to decisions.
Adjourn
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:49PM. SALSBURY seconded.
SEPTEMBER 16, 2025, MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:49PM.
Submitted by Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk