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Use What You’ve Got! by Carolyn Tucker
Keys to the Kingdom – Carolyn Tucker
My Mom was an extraordinary country cook who knew her way around in the kitchen. She was like the Proverbs 31 woman of excellence. She joyfully practiced hospitality, which has nearly become a lost art in today’s society. As a kid, I can remember Mom baking pies to take to families that had lost a loved one. She never explained the reason she did this, and I was too young to understand why. All I knew was that if someone died, you needed to take a pie to the house. As I look back, I realize that she was simply showing her love by doing what she could. She happily stayed in her comfort zone and delivered a smile and a warm pie to a hurting family.
The Word of God contains many examples of people using what they had to make a difference. Benaiah was a heroic soldier who was armed only with a staff, but he wrenched the spear from an Egyptian’s hand and killed him with it. God asked Moses, “What do you have there in your hand?” And he replied, “A shepherd’s rod.” Moses used this stick to perform supernatural miracles of God. Shamgar saved Israel from disaster when he killed 600 Philistines with an ox goad. When the strength of the Lord came upon Samson, he picked up a donkey’s jawbone and killed 1,000 Philistines.
Rahab hung a red rope out of her window and saved the lives of all her family. A brave woman named Jael had a hammer and a sharp tent peg which she pounded through the enemy’s head and secured victory for Israel. Dorcas had a needle and thread and sewed clothing for the poor. Mary had oil of spikenard and used it to anoint Jesus’ feet, plus she had long hair and used it to wipe His feet.
When believers use what they have to help others, they’re pleasing God. “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).
Everyone has something they can use to serve and bless others. Everyone has at least one gift, and most have several gifts, that can benefit other people. Jesus is the best example for Christians to follow. “Jesus went around doing good…” (Acts 10:38 NLT). There are no complicated rules or regulations, so just do it. My sister-in-law has a sewing machine and she made 24 therapeutic corn bags last winter and gave them away.
If you truly want to live a life of love and do good, remember to “stay within your gifting.” I’ve learned some important things down through the years and here’s one of them: There’s joy and satisfaction in doing what God has gifted you to do. But on the flipside, there’s misery and frustration in trying to do what God has not gifted you to do. If you love it and you’re good at it, then that’s what God created you to do — so do it and you‘ll find fulfillment. When you use your gift to focus on others‘ needs, God will ultimately be glorified and honored.
When Jesus was eating supper in Bethany at Simon’s home, a woman came in with a beautiful flask of expensive perfume and poured it over his head. Jesus complimented her expression of love and said, “She has done what she could…“ (Mark 14:8 NLT).
The Key: Use what you’ve got and do what you can.
Governor Vetos, Signs Bills
Governor Laura Kelly Vetoes Divisive Voter Suppression Bills, Keeps Kansas Welcoming and Open for Business
~Governor Kelly also vetoes bills that would endanger children and deter families and businesses from moving to Kansas~
TOPEKA – Demonstrating her commitment to ensure that our state is welcoming to every Kansan and open for business, Governor Laura Kelly today vetoed the following:
House Bill 2183 and House Bill 2332
The following message is from Governor Laura Kelly regarding her vetoes of House Bill 2183 and House Bill 2332:
“Although Kansans have cast millions of ballots over the last decade, there remains no evidence of significant voter fraud in Kansas. This bill is a solution to a problem that doesn’t exist. It is designed to disenfranchise Kansans, making it difficult for them to participate in the democratic process, not to stop voter fraud.
“We also know what happens when states enact restrictive voting legislation. Hundreds of major companies across the nation have made it abundantly clear that this kind of legislation is wrong. Antagonizing the very businesses Kansas is trying to recruit is not how we continue to grow our economy.
“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto Senate Substitute for House Bill 2183.”
The following message is from Governor Laura Kelly regarding her veto of House Bill 2058:
“Throughout my time in public office, I have been a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and of Kansans’ right to own firearms.
“But we can respect and defend the rights of Kansas gun owners while also taking effective steps to keep our children and families safe. Legislation that allows more guns on campus is neither safe nor effective, and it will drive prospective students away from our schools.
“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto House Bill 2058.”
The following message is from Governor Laura Kelly regarding her veto of House Bill 2166:
“As long as I’m governor, I will do everything in my power to ensure that Kansas remains welcoming and inclusive. The Gadsden flag has become, over time, a symbol of racism and divisiveness. By inserting the Gadsden provision into an otherwise positive piece of legislation, the Legislature ensured a veto.
“The Legislature can easily pass and send me the original bill. If they do, I will sign it.
“Under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto House Bill 2166.”
Bourbon County Commission Agenda for April 27
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: April 27, 2021
1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District-Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District-Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Kendell Mason
MEETING WILL BE HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM. ANYONE ATTENDING THE MEETING WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK. MUST MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING.
Call to Order
- Flag Salute
- Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
- Eric Bailey – Road and Bridge Report
- Lynne Oharah – Gilmore & Bell, Disclosure Compliance Services Proposal
- Lynne Oharah – Gilmore & Bell, Notifying State Treasurer about Refinancing 2021a & 2021b bonds
- Lynne Oharah – Mask Mandate
- Elected Officials Comment
- County Counselor Comment
- Susan Bancroft, Finance Director – Gilmore & Bell Continuing Disclosure
- Susan Bancroft, Finance Director – RFQ for Broker vs Consultant for bids on Property and Casualty, WC and Benefits
- Public Comment
Anne Dare – Biden’s 30 x 30 Plan
- Commission Comment
Justifications for Executive Session:
KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
KSA 75-4319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
KSA 75-4319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency
KSA 75-4319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships
KSA 75-4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property
KSA 75-4319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.
What’s Happening in Fort Scott! April 23rd Weekly Newsletter
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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports April 23
The Fort Scott Police Department Daily Reports April 20-22
High Utility Bill Low-Cost Loans Available
Governor Laura Kelly Signs Bill Providing Low-Cost Loans to Families, Businesses Experiencing High Utility Bills
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today signed Senate Bill 86, establishing the Kansas Extraordinary Utility Costs Loan Deposit Program to provide low-cost loans to Kansans experiencing increased utility bills due to the extreme cold temperatures in February 2021.
“Since extremely cold temperatures hit our state in February, my administration has worked with local and national partners to find solutions to provide relief to Kansas families and businesses experiencing surging utility costs,” Governor Kelly said. “This legislation is a critical step in our continued response – and I thank the Legislature and State Treasurer Lynn Rogers for their collaborative effort to get this bill to my desk.”
The loan program will be administered by the Kansas State Treasurer.
“I want to thank Governor Kelly for signing this bipartisan legislation into law today. This is critical and necessary for Kansas communities and businesses to fully recover from the extraordinary weather event in February as well as the pandemic we continue to endure,” State Treasurer Lynn Rogers said. “My staff and I are ready to move forward with rolling out the low-cost loan programs the first week of May.”
Governor Kelly also signed the following pieces of bipartisan legislation into law:
House Bill 2208 enacts the Rural Emergency Hospital Act (Act) and creates a category of licensure to enable certain Kansas hospitals to receive federal health care reimbursement as rural emergency hospitals; establishes certification for certified community behavioral health clinics; authorizes licensed out-of-state physicians with telemedicine waivers to practice telemedicine in Kansas; and modifies licensure, temporary permit, and regulatory requirements on the Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board and its licensees.
House Bill 2401 authorizes the Secretary of Corrections (Secretary) to enter into agreements for public-private partnerships for projects for new or renovated buildings at correctional institutions.
Governor Vetoes Transgender Sports Bill
Governor Laura Kelly Vetoes Divisive Transgender Sports Bill, Keeps Kansas Welcoming and Open for Business
~Governor Kelly also vetoes bills that would wrongly take away constitutionally-endowed curriculum authority from the State Board of Education~
TOPEKA – Demonstrating her commitment to ensure that our state is welcoming to every Kansan and open for business, Governor Laura Kelly today vetoed the following:
The following message is from Governor Laura Kelly regarding her veto of Senate Bill 55:
“This legislation sends a devastating message that Kansas is not welcoming to all children and their families, including those who are transgender – who are already at a higher risk of bullying, discrimination, and suicide.
“As Kansans, we should be focused on how to include all students in extracurricular activities rather than how to exclude those who may be different than us. Kansas is an inclusive state and our laws should reflect our values. This law does not do that.
“This bill would also undoubtedly harm our ability to attract and retain businesses. It would send a signal to prospective companies that Kansas is more focused on unnecessary and divisive legislation, than strategic, pro-growth lawmaking.
“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto Senate Bill 55.”
House Bill 2089 and House Bill 2039
The following message is from Governor Laura Kelly regarding her vetoes of House Bill 2089 and House Bill 2039:
“The Kansas Constitution endows our state Board of Education with the authority to set the curriculum for our public schools. We should let the state Board of Education do that job, not the Legislature. This is legislative overreach. I encourage the Legislature to work with the State Board of Education to modify curriculum.
“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto House Bill 2089 and House Bill 2039.”
DOWNTOWN SPRING CLEAN DATE RESCHEDULED AGAIN
The Downtown Division of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces that the new date for the Downtown Spring Clean event, again due to weather, will be Wednesday, May 19th from 3 to 6 p.m, with painting of the artistic crosswalks at Wall and Main Streets taking place throughout the day.
Since Fort Scott Community College will be out for summer break, 100-plus student volunteers will not be able to participate. Because of this, the committee is asking for additional volunteers. Materials have been secured for multiple projects planned that will immediately benefit the Downtown area and this is an opportunity to complete work prior to the annual Good Ol’ Days celebration and the height of summer tourism. Businesses, churches, civic groups, and other individuals are encouraged to donate just a few hours of time and each volunteer will receive a FREE t-shirt and dinner the day of the event.
Community members interested in volunteering may signup through Bailey Lyons, Downtown Division Chair by phone 620-224-7795 or email [email protected].
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Walgreens Offers Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccines
KDHE amends travel quarantine list
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has amended its travel quarantine list to add the state of Minnesota and the countries of Argentina, Aruba, Bahrain, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Sweden and Turkey. The state of Connecticut and countries San Marino, Estonia and Jordan have been removed from the quarantine list.
A comprehensive list of those individuals needing to quarantine includes visitors and Kansans who have:
- Traveled on or after April 22 to Minnesota or the countries of Argentina, Aruba, Bahrain, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Sweden and Turkey.
- Traveled on or after April 8 to Pennsylvania or the countries of Andorra, Bermuda, Curacao, Poland, Serbia or Uruguay.
- Traveled on or after March 26 to Delaware, Michigan or Rhode Island or the country of Hungary.
- Traveled on or after March 12 to New Jersey or New York or the country of State of Palestine.
- Traveled between April 8 – April 22 to Connecticut.
- Traveled between March 26 – April 22 to Jordan.
- Traveled between March 12 – April 22 to Estonia.
- Traveled between Feb. 26 – April 22 to San Marino.
- Attendance at any out-of-state mass gatherings of 500 or more where individuals do not socially distance (6 feet) and wear a mask.
- Been on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15, 2020.
The travel quarantine period is seven days with a negative test result or 10 days without testing, with release from quarantine on Day 8 and Day 11, respectively. Further information on quarantine periods can be found on KDHE’s website.
For those traveling internationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is requiring testing within three days of flights into the U.S. For further information on this and other requirements, visit their website.
For those who are fully vaccinated (meaning it has been greater than two weeks since they completed their vaccinations) they are not required to quarantine regarding travel if they meet all of the following criteria:
- Are fully vaccinated (i.e., ≥2 weeks following receipt of the second dose in a 2- dose series, or ≥2 weeks following receipt of one dose of a single-dose vaccine)
- Are within 6 months following receipt of the last dose in the series
- Have remained asymptomatic since the travel
Persons who do not meet all three of the above criteria should continue to follow current quarantine guidance for travel.
Additionally, people with previous COVID-19 disease are not required to quarantine following travel if they meet all of the following criteria:
- Have evidence of a previous infection supported by a positive PCR or antigen test
- Are within 6 months following infection. If an investigation was done documenting the date that symptoms resolved, or the date isolation measures were discontinued for asymptomatic patients, then the 6-month period can start from that end date. If those dates are not available, then the period will start from the date of the positive laboratory test. A serology or antibody test may not be substituted for a laboratory report of a viral diagnostic test.
- Have remained asymptomatic since the travel
Persons who do not meet all three of the above criteria should continue to follow current quarantine guidance for travel.
The travel quarantine list is determined using a formula to evaluate new cases over a two-week period, then adjusted for population size to provide a case rate per 100,000 population. This provides a number that can then be compared to the rate in Kansas. Locations with significantly higher rates — approximately 3x higher — are added to the list.
For more information on COVID-19, please visit the KDHE website at www.kdhe.ks.gov/coronavirus.