Ask yourself, “What do I think about leadership and myself as a leader?” Each one of us has a wide range of skills, interests and abilities that we use in our daily lives – at home with our family – on the job – and in our communities. As Extension continues to focus on youth and adult leadership, I hope to motivate you to release the leader within and get yourself up and moving to contribute as a leader to your school, church, community or even among your friends.
As you consider your leadership philosophy and style, ask yourself what can I contribute to my organizations and community – either on or off the job? Understanding and supporting the motivation of the individual group member is vital. Your own enthusiasm and commitment are also crucial to success. As someone who attends a great deal of meetings each month, I see a wide range of leadership and experience in serving on local boards. In my observations, the best leaders are not always the most outspoken or aggressive, but often the “thinkers” at the back of the room who wait until the perfect moment to speak their opinions. That is not to say those that speak up are wrong in their ideas, just that we should all be aware of possible leaders at our activities – and not determine leadership by where a person sits in the room.
Citizen leaders are people in the community who are concerned about the quality of life in their community. They assume responsibility for the public good and see a need to act together for the common good of the community. Citizen leaders take ownership of the problems and opportunities that exist in the community and hold themselves accountable for seeing that action is taken. In other words, they don’t want “experts” or politicians to solve the problems for them.
Citizen leaders work with others in the community to identify opportunities or problems. They help others articulate a common purpose and set goals and objectives. They also assume that there are differences in the way people regard the opportunity or problem – such as different values of the people, different experiences, and different viewpoints. Citizen leaders help people connect their differences to the common purpose that brought them together. In other words, the citizen leader helps people see how their differences can be used to solve problems rather than be a point of conflict. In the Southwind District, these citizen leaders are often the most exciting group for us to work with. With a shared passion for the betterment of Allen, Neosho, Bourbon and Woodson Counties, with resources from Kansas State University, the possibilities are truly endless.
When you are thinking about moving into a leadership position, or a more active role as a group member, think about these questions:
As I observe our rural communities in the Southwind District, I can’t help but see the many opportunities that exist for your leadership. Think about what motivates you, get excited about that motivation and consider the opportunity to step up and serve as a local leader in your own community. I would be interested in your thoughts on leadership, so please email me at [email protected] if you are motivated to consider leadership as an activity and not just a position.
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The Fort Scott – Topeka VA Shuttle service is now providing weekly service to area Veterans on Mondays and Tuesdays. The new schedule starts Monday, March 4, 2019.
There is no cost to the Veteran to ride the shuttle. The shuttle service is for any Veteran who needs transportation to Topeka for their medical appointment.
The VA shuttle holds five passengers and riders must preregister for a seat. Seats on the shuttle are open to any area Veteran on a first come, first served basis.
The shuttle will depart from Pete’s 66 service station on Main Street at 6:15 am and will return to Fort Scott after the last rider has completed their appointment in Topeka.
The rider must be at the designated departure point by 6:10 am. This is not a pickup or taxi service. The Veteran is responsible for being at Pete’s by the departure time.
The shuttle does not accommodate wheelchairs or pets. Only certified service dogs are permitted on the shuttle. Oxygen tanks are not permitted on the shuttle. Oxygen concentrators are allowed.
Family members may not ride with the Veteran on the shuttle. Those Veterans who need a caregiver to accompany them must have a signed note from their doctor attesting that the Veteran requires a caregiver to accompany them to and from their appointment.
To register for a shuttle seat, the Veteran must
· Have an appointment at the Topeka VA Medical Center between 9 am and 1 pm for the day they schedule their shuttle seat.
· Call 785-925-0261 to schedule their seat. All seat reservations must be scheduled by 5 pm, the day prior to their appointment in Topeka.
Contact Carl Jowers, Fort Scott Shuttle Coordinator, at 785-925-0261 with any questions you may have about the shuttle service or for information on becoming a shuttle driver.
Jerry Dean Payne, age 78, a resident of Erie, Kansas, passed away Saturday, February 9, 2019, at his home. He was born September 4, 1940, in Ft. Scott, Kansas.
He was raised by his mother, Alice May Brady Ashley and his step-father, William L. Ashley. Jerry graduated from the Herington High School. He married Wilma Winters on July 5, 1997, in Ft. Scott. Jerry worked in law enforcement for thirty-three years. He retired as Chief of Police for Erie, Kansas.
Survivors include his wife, Wilma, of the home in Erie; a daughter, Jessie Lou Wiley Payne, also of the home; two sons, Terry Lee Payne, of Abilene, Kansas and Monty Ray Payne and his wife, Patti, of Holyrood, Kansas; three step-sons, Ernest Wiley (Rubortia), Jeff Wiley and Paul Wiley. Also surviving are three grandchildren, Kelby, Kaylene and Holli Payne; two step-grandchildren, Destiny and Joanna Wiley; two great-grandchildren, Kyler and Hazley.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Larry Lynn Payne; two sons, Bobby Joe Payne and Larry Dennis Payne a step-son, Larry Dean Wiley and his former wife, Lesa Payne.
Pastor Danny Flippo will conduct funeral services at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, February 16th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Mapleton Cemetery at Mapleton, Kansas. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Friday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to the Jessie Payne Scholarship Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: February 12th, 2019
1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________
3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Kendell Mason
9:00-9:45-Jim Harris
10:00-10:30-Bill Martin-Budgets
10:30-11:00-Jody Hoener-Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property
11:00-12:00-Justin Meeks
12:00-1:30-Commissioners gone to lunch
1:00-ABC Trails Meeting
2:00-2:15-Matt Godinez-SEK Regional Planning Committee
3:30-4:00-David Neville-Generator Discussion
Anna Margaret Gibson, resident of Carthage, MO, formerly of Ft. Scott, KS, passed away on February 10, 2019, into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, at Joplin Gardens, Joplin, MO.
She was born May 15, 1928, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Ralph, Sr. and Julia Karleskint Sluder. Anna attended Liberty school where she graduated and received her certificate of education from the State of Kansas.
She married the love of her life, Samuel Gibson on September 10, 1945. They were married for 63 years, until Samuel preceded her in death on April 12, 2008.
Anna worked for Key Industries for 38 years and was plant supervisor at the time of her retirement in 1993.
Anna attended the Community Christian Church in Ft. Scott. She was a remarkable woman.
She had a green thumb and enjoyed working in her flower gardens, cooking for family and friends, and singing, especially hymns.
She was most passionate about being a witness for her Savior, Jesus Christ. Anna was a devoted mother and grandmother. She enjoyed spending time with her family and was fondly known as “Granny Bird”. She will be greatly missed by family and friends.
Survivors include her two daughters, Kimberly Brillhart, Jasper, MO, and Julie Howard and husband John, Joplin, MO; Also surviving are four granddaughters, Brooke Campbell and husband John, Kate Sears and husband Matthew, Ashley Osborne and Samantha Burk and husband Stephen; great-grandchildren Maddie and Lucas Campbell, Blake and Joey Jean Sears, Ian and Jasper Osborne, and Samuel and Anna Burk; one sister, Erma Knight and husband Warren, Ft. Scott; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and a very special friend, Ralph Stapp.
Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by four brothers, William, Ralph, Jr., Charles and Joseph Sluder; 3 sisters, Marcelia Cox, Mary Moore, and Ruth Helen Sluder; and her parents.
Rev. Kevin Moyers will conduct graveside services at 11:00 AM Thursday, February 14th, in the U. S. National Cemetery, Ft. Scott.
Memorials are suggested to the Pediatric Cancer Unit of Children’s Mercy Hospital Kansas City and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Seasonal Park Guide Position Available at Fort Scott National Historic Site
Fort Scott KS – Fort Scott National Historic Site is recruiting for a GS-04 Park Guide temporary position starting Monday, February 11th for the summer of 2019. Application information can be found at: www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/523844900. Additional park positions will be announced later this spring.
The Park Guide is responsible for daily visitor center operations, including providing visitors with accurate information on park resources and cultural history, as well as safety and information for the surrounding area. The incumbent serves as a front-line representative providing informal interpretive opportunities and formal interpretive programs such as walks, talks, multimedia, demonstrations, and children’s programs. They will also participate in living history programs, education programs, and work closely with park staff on critical special initiatives including website development, social media, and special events.
The GS-04 Park Guides generally work a full-time 40-hour week and is entitled to paid holidays. Holiday, evening, and weekend work is required. A driver’s license is recommended.
This position is expected to start in April and end in September. The advertisement closes on Friday, February 15, 2019.
For more information about the park in general, contact Fort Scott NHS at (620) 223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.
The City of Fort Scott City Administrative Offices will be closed on Monday, February 18th, 2019 in observance of the President’s Day holiday. The offices will reopen on Tuesday, February 19th, 2019.
The City’s tree and brush dump site located on North Hill will also be closed on Saturday, February 16th, 2019 for the President’s Day holiday. It will be open again on Tuesday, February 19th, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
