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Obituary

Obituary of Anita Lightwine

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Anita Lavon Lightwine, age 84, resident of Moundville, MO, died Sunday, December 24, 2023, in Nevada, MO.  She was born December 4, 1939, in Deerfield, MO, the daughter of Gaylord Franklin Pettibon and Erma Roberts Pettibon.  She lived and raised her family in various locations with her husband Howard’s Naval career.  They finally settled in Moundville, MO in 1976.  Anita worked as an LPN for the Nevada State Hospital until her retirement.  She enjoyed gardening in her free time.  She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

 

Survivors include her 4 sons, Leslie Lightwine (Mary), Clever, MO, Lee Lightwine (Anne), Zionsville, IN, Anthony Lightwine (Jamie), Nevada, MO, and Michael Lightwine (Jamie), Moundville, MO; 9 grandchildren, Patrick, Gavin, Dustin, Victoria, Rachel, Megan, Shelby, and Tristan Lightwine, and Alyshia Rosales; and one brother, Jack Pettibon.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Lee Lightwine; 4 brothers, Burl, Grover, Keith, and Forrest Pettibon, and her parents.

 

Funeral services will be held at 12:30 PM Thursday, December 28th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel, Fort Scott, KS.  Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery, Fort Scott.  Memorials are suggested to the Arbor Day Foundation and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be left

Opinion

When Christmas Comes to Bourbon County by Carolyn Tucker

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Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Hayward Tucker

During winter, the frosty windows often showcase a landscape of cedar trees laden with glittery snow. I enjoy looking at the wintry majesty of God‘s creation. As a youngster, I would play outside until my hands were numb and nearly frozen solid. I would also express my concern for the farm animals standing in the freezing temperatures with snow on their backs. Mom would make me feel better by telling me that they had thick hides. After three months of winter shivers, we would begin to look forward to the coming of spring. We were expectant and hopeful that the warmth, extra light, and new birth of spring was just around the corner.

 

The Messiah’s coming was prophesied in the Old Testament hundreds of years before Jesus’ birth in the New Testament. There was no instant “drive-through” Jesus. The people sat in darkness for a long time before the Light of the World came. In our impatient culture of fast food, microwaves, instant pots, and bread makers, I’m not sure how well today’s society would wait for the Messiah’s arrival.

 

Some of the sacred Christmas music just can’t be ignored. The haunting melody and lyrics of the hymn, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel “ is a compelling reminder of how  desperately we needed (and still need) a Savior. This ancient 12th century Latin hymn was originally used in the medieval church liturgy. Each stanza concentrates on a different biblical name for Jesus: Emmanuel, Lord of Might, Rod of Jesse, Dayspring, Key of David, Bright and Morning Star, and King of Nations.

 

As the prophets foretold, the Messiah finally came 600 years after His coming was prophesied. Although Jesus fulfilled every single prophecy, many people still missed Him. At every turn, He frustrated the religious leaders. They expected one thing and He delivered another. They wanted Jesus to choose sides, but He chose sinners instead. He didn’t fit their religious ideology of who and what a Savior would be like. He was born to a virgin, delivered in a germy stable, learned the trade of a carpenter, and basically owned nothing. With that background check, Jesus fell short of their rigid religious expectations. But He was wilderness tested and God approved. Let’s face it, God often surprises us with how and when He accomplishes His will.

 

If you miss your 737 flight the first time, you can always catch the next flight out. For those who have continually missed the Messiah, we have God’s Word to help us find and accept the Savior today. God makes a way when there seems to be no way. The world, in and of itself, is without hope, but Jesus came to fix that. Not even Satan (Matt. 4:1-11) or Peter (Matt. 16:21-23) could scrub the divine mission that God planned for His only begotten Son.

 

Even though the religious leaders didn’t acknowledge the long-awaited Messiah, the demons knew exactly who He was. Jesus and His disciples went to Lake Galilee to teach and heal the people. “And whenever those possessed by evil spirits caught sight of Him, the spirits would throw them to the ground in front of Him shrieking, ’You are the Son of God!’” (Mark 3:11 NLT).

 

The Key: Let’s accept and allow the Key of David to open our heart’s door and change our lives forever. That’s why He came.

K-State Extension

Quick Facts About Radon Risks and Your Home

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Tara Soloman-Smith, Family and Wellness Agent, Sunflower District of Kansas State University’s Extension Office. Submitted photo.

 

 

Beware of a silent threat in your home: radon. This colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas naturally lurks in the soil. The silver lining? Take action this winter, especially during Radon Action Month in January, to safeguard your home and loved ones.

 

Here are the facts on radon:

  1. Radon and lung cancer

Radon induced lunch cancer is the number one cause of death in homes and is the second leading cause of lung cancer.   One in four Kansas homes have high levels of radon.

 

  1. Radon in Kansas

Radon seeps into your home through the ground, exploiting cracks and openings in the foundation. According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the average indoor radon level statewide stands at 5.4 picocuries of radon per liter (pCi/L), surpassing the EPA threshold of 4.0.

 

  1. How do I know the level of radon in my home?

Testing is the only reliable way to determine the radon levels in a home.  Test kits can be obtained from your Southwind Extension District office for a reduced fee, which includes a lab analysis and return postage.

 

  1. My home has elevated radon levels, now what?

The most common technique to reduce levels is called Active Soil Depressurization. An ASD mitigation system is a permanently-installed pipe-and-fan system that places a direct constant vacuum on the soil beneath the home’s foundation, so the amount of radon that can penetrate into the living space is reduced.

 

More information about radon, testing, and mitigation is available at www.kansasradonprogram.org or by calling the Kansas Radon Hotline at 1-800-693-5343.  To purchase a test kit locally, contact Tara Solomon-Smith, [email protected], or call 620-244-3826.

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Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

Government, Kansas

Kansas Non-resident Turkey Permits Begin January 9

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Application Period for Non-resident Turkey Permits to Begin January 9

SHAWNEE – Non-resident hunters who wish to obtain a 2024 Kansas spring turkey permit may submit an application for the all-new lottery draw from January 9 through February 9, 2024. Non-resident hunters may apply for a permit – valid only in a single unit – in Units 1, 2, 3, 5, or 6; a $10 application fee will apply. Similar to Kansas’ non-resident deer permit draw, any leftover non-resident spring turkey permits will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis shortly after the draw.

To apply for a 2024 non-resident turkey permit:

  1. Visit gooutdoorskansas.com between the dates of 01/09/24 – 02/09/24.
  2. Select “Purchase Licenses, Permits, & Tags”
  3. Login to your account
  4. Select “Limited Draw Applications”

NOTE: Hunters who qualify as a “resident” or “non-resident tenant” may still purchase a spring turkey permit in Units 1, 2, 3, 5, or 6 either over the counter or online beginning March 5.

The all-new lottery draw is part of a larger strategy by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks to reduce overall hunting pressure and turkey harvest in Kansas in response to declining turkey populations nationwide.

Staff first recommended to Commissioners a lottery draw for non-resident turkey permits in August 2022, after which it remained a regular public meeting agenda item until voted on by the Commission on June 22, 2023 – the group’s sixth meeting to examine and discuss the recommendation.

For more on turkey hunting in Kansas ­– including season dates, other special draws, and how to obtain an electronic permit – click HERE.

Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

LMC Reaches All Time High For Visitors

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December 22, 2023                                                          Volume 15

FORT SCOTT, KS – December 14, 2023 – Since its establishment in 2007, the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes has welcomed visitors from across the globe, representing 109 countries and all 50 states in the US. On December 14, 2023, the center achieved another significant milestone, welcoming its 14,226th visitor for the year, marking its highest annual visitor count.

Denymh Smith, a Fort Worth, Texas student attending Fort Scott Community College, was recognized as the distinguished visitor for 2023. Accompanied by members of his basketball team, DJ McDonald from Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Bryce Journee from Owasso, Oklahoma, Denymh received special gifts from the Center to commemorate this important milestone for 2023. Expressing his enthusiasm for history and reading, Denymh was particularly delighted to receive a copy of “Life in a Jar: The Irena Sendler Project.” The Center thanks Denymh for his interest and congratulates him on being the 14,226th Visitor for 2023!

Visitors such as Denymh and his companions play a crucial role in advancing the mission of the Center. As they delve into the stories of the featured Unsung Heroes and share their impactful contributions to the history of our country and the world, the Center continues to flourish. As interest increases, the number of projects submitted to the Discovery Award and ArtEffect competitions rise. Consequently, new Unsung Hero exhibits are consistently being added to the Lowell Milken Center’s Hall of Heroes, the Lowell Milken Park, and the Center’s website. These unsung heroes serve as inspirational role models, motivating all who learn about them to strive to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Opinion

What A Christmas Program and Family Reunion Have In Common

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Patty LaRoche. 2023.
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)

Kaden, my great-grandson, had an important role in his preschool’s Christmas program in Las Vegas last night.  He was a cow. He had asked to be a dinosaur but was given the choice of a cow, a sheep or a donkey. Along with 11 other three-year-olds, his job was to sit in a chair at the front of the stage and stand when it was his turn to sing a Christmas carol.  Upon entering the stage, he walked like a Raptor and his “moo” sounded more like a “ROAR,” so we guessed he was a cross between the two animals, more like a “cowasaur.”

Twenty preschool “angels” sat at the back of the stage.  They each had one line they were to deliver into the downstage microphone.  Directing dinosaurs would have been easier.  They, at least, returned to their seats after they spoke.  Kaden’s group, on the other hand, included a couple of runaways, a little girl who tried to put her hairbow in Kaden’s cow hat and then sat with her back to the audience, several who randomly stood and moved in the sanctuary wherever they wanted, and not a few who removed their costumes on stage (Kaden included).  Fortunately, there were clothes underneath.

 

We marveled at the patience of the adults in charge and the teenage “angels” who sat in strategic spots to try and keep the kiddies under control. An almost impossible task.

I love how God gives us all different gifts.  If you read my book, you know that working with a group of little tikes is not my thing.  I fail at it miserably.  What I appreciated about these adult workers was how they never stopped smiling, even if they had to leave their kneeling, directors’ positions in front of the kiddos to chase one of the escapees and return him (yes, him, always a him) to his assigned position on the stage.

 

We were there because this Christmas was a reunion for the LaRoche clan.  We met at Dave’s daughter’s house for six days in Henderson, Nevada, and had a blast. Every couple was responsible for a meal for 27 relatives.  There were pickleball and wallyball competitions, bike rides, guys-against-girls board games, a crazy, neighborhood, Christmas scavenger hunt, times to watch two three-year-olds and three one-year-olds learn to share and get along, and lots of visits to catch up, to spend time with loved ones. Each of our “gifts” was evident.

From organizing child car seats in vehicles (think musical chairs with car seats) to food preparation/clean-up to game/activity orchestrating to scorekeeping to entertaining babies to praying and leading a devotional, we all had a purpose. 1 Peter 4:10 (ESV) reminds us of how we are to use our gifts: As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.                                                                                                           

Any time a group of people are involved (albeit conducting a children’s Christmas program or a family reunion), it is paramount that individuals work together for the good of all.  Had those volunteers at Kaden’s event allowed the kids to run amok, chaos would have ensued.  Had any of our relatives sat back and expected to be catered to, they would have found themselves in a very lonely position.            And probably very, very hungry.

As it turned out, we are already discussing our next get together.  I hope the volunteers at Kaden’s program are doing likewise.  One thing’s for certain—they deserve all the prayers they can get.

Merry Christmas, All!

Bourbon County, Government

Minutes of the Bourbon County Commission on December 11

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December 11, 2023                                                                         Monday, 5:30 p.m.

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.

 

Leroy Kruger, Teri Hulsey, Jason Silvers, Dale Griffiths, Jon Lowry, Michaela Hawthorne, Michael Hoyt, Clint Walker, and Kevin Schafer were present for some or all of the meeting.

 

Jim Harris opened the meeting with the flag salute followed by a prayer led by Nelson Blythe.

 

Nelson made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 12/4/23. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved.

 

During public comments Leroy Kruger introduced himself and stated he is a lifelong resident of Bourbon County and announced his plan to run for Sheriff in 2024. Mr. Kruger stated he is a former Chief Deputy with the Sheriff’s Department and his promise for running is to lower the budget and bring peace and unity back to local government. Troy Felt spoke again of Medicaid expansion and voiced his concern of subsidizing and ER. Mr. Felt said he wants a hospital back not just and emergency room. Dale Griffiths said he is a resident of western Bourbon County and that he watches every commission meeting on YouTube and would like to talk about how constituents are treated when they have a differing opinion. Mr. Griffiths stated it comes across that our Commission treats its constituents as smaller or lower class than them when we have a differing opinion and he asked the Commission to keep that in mind in the future. Mr. Griffiths said he understands that things can get heated but just because someone is questioning what the Commission is operating on or has come up with different facts than them doesn’t mean we should belittle them.

 

Senator Tim Shallenburger introduced himself to the Commissioners and stated he is the State Senator for the 13th District. Mr. Shallenburger stated his was a banker by profession, served in the legislature in the 90s, was State Treasurer, and Mayor of Baxter Springs until he was elected in January to replace Richard Hilderbrand. Mr. Shallenburger touched on Medicaid expansion and said that will come up again in Topeka as well as tax reform at the state level. Mr. Shallenburger said the next session starts in January and that he currently sits on the Transportation Committee and recommends talking to KDOT about projects in our county and to participate in grant programs that are available at the state level. Jim asked Senator Shallenburger if he thinks the Governor will be successful with Medicaid expansion and the Senator responded that he has not seen the bill and does not know what she is proposing or what will be included in the bill. Mr. Shallenburger spoke how the delivery of healthcare has changed and does not feel that if Medicaid expansion is approved that it wouldn’t open a hospital in Fort Scott. Clifton stated he is disappointed in both sides for using the ER closing as political gain but not offering to help. Clifton said he is not talking about Senator Shallenburger and appreciates the Senator for coming but he doesn’t put a lot of faith in Topeka.

 

Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, stated Purple Wave was there today getting information on equipment that will be selling in the January 9th auction. Eric said there was a culvert that began to collapse last week east of 120th Street on Kansas Road. The culvert is in a flood plain so they are working with Ag Engineering to perform a hydraulic study. There are barricades up but residents are still able to get by to access their property. Eric informed the Commissioners of a solid waste compliance inspection that happened at the landfill on November 29th. There was only one violation and that was due to not notifying KDHE within their specified time frame of a fire that occurred at the compost site. Eric stated they have received the trailer for the special bridge crew. Eric said his crew would like to thank the Commission for the longevity pay and holiday dinner. Jim said to thank them for doing a good job.

 

Teri Hulsey, EMS Director, stated she wanted to let the community know that Bourbon County EMS isn’t going anywhere. There has been a lot of talk and concern in the community and Teri wanted to allay their fears. Teri said she has noticed the marquee is off at the Hospital building and is checking about getting a Bourbon County EMS sign to place along the highway. Teri said there have been a lot of questions about where they will transport patients and Teri stated they have to go to the closest appropriate facility. Teri said the ER will be closing on December 20th and they will be implementing all call. They have two trucks that are manned 24/7 and when both trucks go out, they will send out an all call which will notify employees to come into the station to be ready to provide service if additional 911 calls come in.

 

Shane Walker requested an executive session.

Clifton made a motion to go into a 5-mnute executive session under 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 to include all three Commissioners, Justin Meeks, and Shane Walker and will return at 6:15. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:15 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Justin Meeks, County Counselor, requested a 15-minute executive session.

 

Nelson made a motion to go into a 15-mnute executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships to include all three Commissioners, Justin Meeks, and Rob Harrington and will return at 6:31. Jim seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:31 with action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.

 

Justin asked for permission to schedule with Rob an emergency evening meeting with the City Commission, Mr. Farmer, the possibility of City bond council, and our Commissioners.

 

Clifton made a motion to have an emergency meeting before our next regularly scheduled meeting and if the meeting happens it will consist more than likely of an executive session most likely due to KSA 75-4319(b)(4) and they will make that motion at the start of the meeting if needed. Nelson seconded the motion and added Tuesday or Wednesday night would be good for him and the other Commissioners stated they are available those nights as well. All approved the motion.

 

Nelson had no comments during the Commission comments section. Clifton said as someone who works in healthcare, he agrees with Medicaid expansion and that the fearmongering people put out isn’t backed up with facts. Clifton said if Medicaid expansion does happen, we wouldn’t have people knocking on our door to open a hospital. Clifton said that Senator Moran is introducing a bill to change the REH date to 2015 and said the Senator has listened to all the phone calls he received. Clifton thanked Senator Moran and stated he hopes they can get that passed in Washington. Jim also thanked Senator Moran for introducing the bill.

 

Nelson made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:39. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved.

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

___________________, Chairman

___________________, Commissioner

ATTEST:                                                                                   ___________________, Commissioner

 

Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Clerk

12-18-2023                 Approved Date

 

 

 

 

 

Government, Kansas

Statewide Transportation Improvement Program Comments Sought

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KDOT requesting comments on STIP amendment
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) requests comments on an amendment to the FFY 2024-2027 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.  In addition to the project list is Administrative Modification #2 for narrative updates in the STIP.

The approval of the STIP amendment requires a public comment period, which concludes Jan. 3. 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).

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Opinion

Letter to the Editor: Pete Allen

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SOAP BOX DERBY MANIA IN FORT SCOTT

Suck it up Good Old Days (GOD) Committee! The kids come first in Fort Scott. Your opposition to the Derby, and unwillingness to help accommodate this worthy event at the commission meeting last night did not go unnoticed. It is actions like yours on display last night that hinder the retention of young people here. Seth Needham is going way out of his way to bring something exciting to the GOD’s, something new and something desperately needed for our town and for our kids to enjoy. Face it, GOD’s has gone from a 3-day weekend to 1 day, and the same old faces keep showing up year after year. It has grown old and stagnant!

I see the soap box derby as a way for the city and city businesses and the Chamber to get behind a worthy endeavor. These kids will be in the parade, showing off their handiwork and it will be an event for them to look back on forever, as well as bringing 200 kids and their families to our town.

Seth’s goal is to take 20 scouts to summer camp this summer and they have been working hard on fundraisers. They need to raise around $7,000 to take these kids to camp, and the Derby is one means to advertise their efforts. I can remember my days of scouting and selling boxes of candy for my camp fundraising project. I always went, but I know I did not sell enough candy to pay my way and I thank the benefactors of FS in those days for making sure I went.

My goal is to help Seth achieve his goal by supporting him and asking the community to help him as well. Unfortunately, the GOD’s is in June and Seth needs the funds before then to secure reservations. We are setting up a collection box at the Historical Society office in Memorial Hall and Ann Rawlins is in charge of it. We are asking for help and would appreciate donations be dropped off there, and let’s all get behind Seth and his Scouts of Fort Scott.

Thank you.

Pete Allen

Amazing project for all of Fort Scott, tourism, sales in all our stores, gas, lodgings and derby cars repairs. Come on Fort Scott, support our kids and give memories. See you at OFGS.

Ann Rawlins