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Legislative Update By State Senator Caryn Tyson

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January 31, 2020

Kansas Property Taxes have increased 164% from 1997 to 2018, while inflation was 49.5%. during the same time-frame.  And we have some whose property taxes have increased 15% or more just in the last year.

 

Senate Bill (SB) 294 and SB 295 were introduced to promote transparency and fairness in our property tax system.  SB 294 would require a vote of local government to increase your property taxes.  Taxpayers deserve to know why their taxes are increasing.  SB 295 would stop your property tax from increasing for normal maintenance.  When you need to paint your house or need a new roof it shouldn’t increase your property tax.  Especially when the person who doesn’t take care of their property receives a lower tax bill.

 

There is an effort by some who are funded with property taxpayer dollars to try and kill or weaken the bills.  It appears they want business as usual.

 

Value Them Both (mother and child) Constitutional amendment, Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 1613, passed the Senate on a vote of 28 Yes to 12 No.  The SCR would allow Kansas voters the opportunity to amend our State Constitution and clarify the authority to enact laws on abortion is with the legislature and not the courts.  The next step is for the House to debate and vote on the SCR.  It must pass the House with 2/3 majority before it can be on a ballot for Kansas voters.  If the amendment passes the House and goes on a ballot, a yes vote would keep Kansas abortion laws already in place.  This is required because the Kansas Supreme Court ruled that our founding fathers allowed for abortion in our state constitution.

 

The amendment would help in stopping the courts from legislating abortion laws from the bench.  The Court opinion is posted online at:

www.kscourts.org/Cases-and-Opinions/Opinions/SupCt/2019/20190426/114153.pdf.

 

Legislating from the bench needs to be stopped.  Last year a Kansas Supreme Court decision blocks the state from prosecuting illegal immigrants who use a fake Social Security Number (SSN).  The majority of justices ruled Kansas has no right to prosecute an “alien” for using a stolen SSN.  Two justices dissented and understood how disastrous it is to not be able to prosecute whomever breaks Kansas laws.

www.kscourts.org/Cases-and-Opinions/opinions/SupCt/2017/20170908/112502.pdf

 

A loud and clear message must be sent to the justices that we will not tolerate judges rulings based on personal opinions rather than on law.  SCR 1613 will help send that message.

 

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.

Caryn

 

 

Bourbon County, Schools, Sports, Uncategorized

Uniontown High School Basketball

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Submitted by Addie Martin, Uniontown High School

The Uniontown Eagles competed against the Marmaton Valley Wildcats and the Osawatomie Trojans in the final game of the Mid-Season Tournament on January 25. The girls fought for 3rd place in the tournament and the boys played in the championship game.

The girls Varsity won against Moran 33-25, taking 3rd place in the tournament. Danielle Howard and Karleigh Schoenberger each scored 11 points; Howard also had 8 steals and 5 assists, and Schoenberger had 5 rebounds. Gwenyth Fry had 6 rebounds and 7 points. “Tonight was a good example of a hard-fought rivalry game. We knew coming in to this one that it would be a battle. It wasn’t pretty, but it was a win.” Alie Fuhrman commented, “We didn’t play to our full potential, but we still pulled through.”

The boys lost against Osawatomie 49-51, leaving them the runners-up in the tournament. Luke George had 10 rebounds, all of them defensive, and 6 assists. Jake Harvey led in points, accumulating 16; he also had 9 rebounds. Clay Sutterby followed with 10 points and 5 rebounds. Drew Perry and Cade Goodridge each had 2 steals. “I am proud of our team,” said Coach Hays. “Not many would have picked us to be playing for the tournament Championship. It was a great game. Osawatomie has a talented team. Congrats to them on winning the tournament.”

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Nothing by Pastor James Collins

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She’s That “Nothing” When People Ask Me What I’m Thinking About

“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.”

Ephesians 5:25

My wife, Amanda, and I have a major anniversary coming up this year. She has been good for me. Yet, somehow, I am afraid that people have not realized that I have been, and am, good for her.

For example, whenever she is not with me, why do people ask, “How’s poor Amanda?”

Last week, a woman in church said, “Amanda must be a saint.” I said, “According to most textbooks on theology, a saint is someone who often endures hardships, persecutions, sufferings, and torments.” “I know…” she replied.

It must be that I have failed to toot my own horn in this matter. Somehow, my humble spirit being what it is, I have failed to let people know the blessing I am to her.

Take our anniversary last year. I did it up right. I went to the cemetery and found her some flowers in the trash. Show me another man who recycles and thinks of his flower-loving wife at the same time.

I took her to Walmart where she looked at the anniversary cards in the display. When she found one that she liked, I read it to her before carefully putting it back. I didn’t want to bend it and have to pay for it.

Then I drove her through the drive-through at McDonalds. I let her read the menu and smell the hamburgers.

I listened as she said that she would like to look at some new dresses. I took her to the mall in Joplin. We went to Sears, J.C. Penny, and Macy’s. For over two hours, I let her walk through the dress area and look to her heart’s content.

She kept saying something about needing a new dress, but I’m not sure she does. She has a perfectly good one that she never wears. As a matter of fact, it is a rather expensive long white dress. It is also the most beautiful dress that I have ever seen on her. But, as beautiful as it is, I have only seen her wear it once for a public event, our wedding. She was then, and still is now, the most stunningly gorgeous woman that I have ever laid eyes on. Next to my salvation in Jesus Christ, marrying Amanda is the best thing that ever happened to me.

Love delights to give. I would have continued giving more to Amanda on our anniversary last year, but she ran out of money. But seriously, love delights to give. Tell me how much you give, and I will tell you how much you love.

God loved you and me so much that He gave His only Son. The Bible says that husbands are to love their wives in that same way (Ephesians 5:35). A husband should be willing to give his very life for his bride.

The point is: Loving and giving are inseparable. Whether you are dating or have been married half a year or half a century, love deeply and give freely.

For over two decades, I have been blessed to live with a woman who makes life worth living. And, I join those who wonder how she can put up with me, but I am glad that she does. Life would not be worth living without her.

So, all kidding aside, I would die for her.

More importantly, I will live for her.

James Collins is the senior pastor at Fort Scott’s First Southern Baptist Church. Find out more about his ministry at the website www.fortscottfsbc.com.

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Obituary of Tobiah Nighswonger

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Tobiah G. “Toby” Nighswonger, 45, of Fort Scott, passed away Sunday evening, October 27, 2019 at the Medicalodge Nursing Home. He was born September 19, 1974 in Fort Scott, Kansas the son of Thomas Henry and Glenda Frances (Painter) Nighswonger.

Toby graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1993. He graduated from the Police Academy in 2002. He was a Police Officer here in Fort Scott for 13 years, during which time he was a School Resource Officer for U.S.D. 234 and an advocate for the S.A.F.E. program at F.S.H.S. He was well known for his sense of humor and his love of the outdoors. He will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his wife, Nicole Pellett of the home, four sons, Michael Nighswonger and Alli of Fort Scott, Thomas Nighswonger and Brian Nighswonger both of Fort Scott, and Jacob Pellett of the home; two sisters, Vicky Nihiser and Lewis of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, and Debby Myers of Fort Scott; and four brothers, Pete Nighswonger and Kristin of Lenexa, Kansas, Joe Nighswonger and Marcy of Osawatomie, Kansas, Kenny Nighswonger of Frontenac, Kansas and Chris Nighswonger of Springfield, Missouri, and his parents, of Fort Scott.

He was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Tim Myers.

The family would also like to recognize Jannah Farrington, as well as Wade and Julie Pellett as special caregivers throughout his illness.

Following Cremation, Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, November 1, 2019 at the First United Methodist Church.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday evening, October 31, 2019 at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

The family suggests Memorial Contributions to the Avalon Hospice, contributions may be sent to, or left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guest book at konantz-cheney.com.

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Obituary of Charles Hennessey

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CHARLES DAVID HESSESSY

Charles (Chuck) David Hennessy, passed away peacefully in his sleep, on August 2, 2019. He was born on May 20, 1939 in Kansas City, Kansas to Gertrude (Shannon) and John Hennessy. Chuck was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved brother, John.

He served in the United States Marine Corps in the Philippines, earning the rank of E4. He was also very active in the Boy Scouts of America for many years, starting two Boy Scout troops in the Colorado Springs area. Chuck volunteered with the El Paso County Search and Rescue and enjoyed mountain climbing, including many of the Colorado “14ers” and the twenty-thousand-foot peak of Mt Chimborazo in Ecuador. He was an avid hiker with the Colorado Mountain Club and the American Volkssport Association. Chuck retired from the US Post Office after 30 years of carrying mail.

He is survived by his loving wife, Ilene (Mallett) Hennessy, 4 children, 2 step-children, 13 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren, as well as many friends.

Father Robert McElwee will offer the burial rites at St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery in Fulton, Kansas, 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 25, 2019 under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, PO Box 309, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Members of the United States Marine Corps Funeral Detail will present Military Honors. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Abode Hospice of Colorado Springs at 5465 Mark Dabling Blvd, Floor 1, 80918

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Obituary of Rex Moore

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Rex Bryant Moore, age 56, a resident of Redfield, Kansas, passed away Thursday, September 26, 2019, surrounded by his loved ones at the Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas.  He was born on April 22, 1963, in Lawrence, Kansas, the son of William Lee Moore and Shirley Jean Rogers Moore.  On May 21, 2004, Rex married the love of his life, Stacy.  Rex and his father traveled across the United States so he could pursue his dreams of racing professional motocross.  Although his career was cut short, the love he had for the sport never stopped.  He enjoyed watching his favorite rider, Austin Howell.  He lived week to week to watch this young man aspire at his dreams.  He also played his motocross video games and took pride in them knowing that “Rocket Rex” was still out there whooping everyone even though it was not in person.  His favorite thing to do was attending his daughter, Hannah’s activities.  He enjoyed every minute of watching her in action.  She was his pride and joy and he loved her very much, just as she did him.  They had an unbreakable bond.  Hannah was his “baby girl.”  Rex loved being around his family and friends.  Rex will forever be remembered for his beautiful smile, gentle eyes, caring heart, loving embrace and unconditional love.  Rex loved so many and was loved by so many more.  He had an energy that with just one encounter with him you would remember for life; he definitely left his mark.  He made friends everywhere he went including Hannah’s friends which all adopted him as their dad.  He brought so much joy to our lives and those around him.  Although our hearts are heavy, we will celebrate his life and find comfort in knowing that he has no pain and is in heaven watching over us.  Yet, we continue to hurt as he has left us.  He yearned for that place in which he could breathe.  Now he sits with God in the natural beauty and astounding light of heaven and he can finally breathe.

Survivors include his wife, Stacy, of the home; six children, Hannah Moore, of Redfield, Kansas, Sarah Powers, of Eldorado Springs, Missouri, Austin Moore, of Boliver, Missouri, Shelby Morillo, of Bronson, Kansas, Tyler Wilkerson, of Kincaid, Kansas and Dalton Church, of Coleman, Alabama and six grandchildren.  Also surviving is a brother, Ronald Moore, of Shawnee, Kansas.  He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

Lloyd Houk will conduct funeral services at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, October 10th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Burial will follow in the Woods Cemetery near Redfield, Kansas.  The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Wednesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to the Rex Moore Memorial 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.

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Mommy Who Was Irena Sendler? Book Signing Today from 3:30-5:30 p.m.

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REMINDER:
The book signing event
celebrating the
20th Anniversary of
“Life in a Jar: The Irena Sendler Project” is TODAY, September 19th at 3:30pm
The Lowell Milken Center
For Unsung Heroes
invites you to a book signing event celebrating the 20th Anniversary of
“Life in a Jar: The Irena Sendler Project”
on Thursday, September 19th from
3:30-5:30 p.m.
Author of the book “Mommy, Who Was Irena Sendler?” Cathy Werling, along with characters from the book Megan & Blair Felt, will be there to sign autographs. The book will be available for purchase and refreshments will be served.
Cathy Werling is a retired Fort Scott elementary teacher and author of:
  • Why Did Grandpa Cry?
  • Why Did Sergeant Stubby Go To War?
  • Mommy, Who Was Irena Sendler?
  • What If Higgins Had Given Up?
For more information, call
The Lowell Milken Center at
620-223-1312, or visit the website by clicking HERE
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Work Ready Employer Lunch Sept. 24

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Employer Luncheon to Educate and Celebrate Bourbon County as a WorkReady Community
What:  The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces invites local employers to a Luncheon on WorkKeys and Bourbon County becoming a WorkReady Community this coming Tuesday, September 24th from 11:30am to 1pm at FSCC in Burris Hall. Lunch will be complimentary, provided by Fort Scott Community College.
RSVP’s are requested for the luncheon by noon Monday 9/23 by clicking here.
Who:  This luncheon and WorkReady initiative are applicable to employers of any size and any type of business!
Why: The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce has been leading Bourbon County to become a WorkReady Community, as one strategy to close the gap on workforce needs of local employers and align those needs with students and traditional job seekers. This effort is in partnership with local employers, school districts, FSCC, Bourbon County and others who recently supported a local team to attend the required WorkReady Boot Camp as part of the certification process. The timing is now for us to become WorkReady as Kansas state-wide passed last year for for all high school juniors to take the WorkKeys test and earn a WorkReady Certificate. Part of our mission is now to educate employers on what the certificate and scoring means and how employers can implement recognizing the WorkReady Certificate into their hiring practices. Adults may also take the WorkKeys test and we want to increase awareness of the availability of that testing to the benefit of employers.
Where: The luncheon will be held at FSCC, 2108 S. Horton in Burris Hall, on the back side of the campus just north of Arnold Arena.
How:  What is the plan to educate employers on the initiative? A team of 9 from FS/BB County attended the Boot Camp in August to become educated on the program. At the luncheon on Tuesday, remarks will be made by USD-234, FSCC, KANSASWORKS and the Chamber. Attendees are encouraged to bring a laptop, if available, in case they would like to access any of the WorkReady information during the luncheon.
Now that Bourbon County’s application has been approved and a team has attended the required Boot Camp, this event will also be the “Go Public, Get Lit” event to officially be reflected as a WorkReady Community on the WorkReady website and for our county dashboard to become live. There is a plethora of information and resources about the program on that website, including recorded podcasts by clicking here.
Please RSVP for the luncheon, we hope to see you there! If you are not able to attend and another representative of your company would like to,
please forward this information to them or invite them to come with you.
The Chamber would like to recognize and thank the following businesses/organizations who sponsored the WorkReady Boot Camp:
Bourbon County
Fort Scott Community College
Niece Products
Peerless Products
Ward/Kraft, Inc.
USD-234
USD-235
Special thanks to Fort Scott Community College for sponsoring this Employer Luncheon!
WorkReady Boot Camp Attendees pictured below include (L to R):
Front: Dawn Parker (Dairy Queen), Lindsay Madison (Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce), Cathy Bishop (Niece Products), Jody Hoener (Bourbon County)
Back: Ralph Beacham (FSCC), Frank Adamson (Courtland Hotel & Spa), Josh Messer (FSHS Counselor), Sara Lancaster (Cobalt MedPlans), Ted Hessong (FSHS Superintendent)
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Kansas Opens New Park Oct. 12

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Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park to Open October 12

 

Topeka, KS – The wait is finally over. The Nature Conservancy and Kansas Department of Wildlife Parks & Tourism (KDWPT) announce the much-anticipated Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park will open on Saturday, October 12. Located in southern Logan County, Little Jerusalem is easily accessed from Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 83.  A grand opening celebration with speeches and a ribbon cutting will take place at 10:00 a.m. The two permanent trails will open after the ceremony and close at sundown, approximately 7:00 p.m. Free snacks and water will be available.

 

Grand opening activities include free, guided tours departing from the parking lot on Saturday at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., and 5:30 p.m. Space for the guided tours is limited and advance registration at nature.org/littlejerusalem is required. All visitors may hike the two permanent trails at Little Jerusalem at their own pace. The Overlook Trail extends one-quarter mile along a crushed rock surface to a scenic viewpoint. The Life on the Rocks Trail winds 1.5 miles along the rim of the formations from which visitors can enjoy a variety of views and two scenic overlooks. Visitors are not allowed off-trail unless accompanied by park staff on a guided tour.

The 332-acre area encompasses 220 acres of dramatic chalk rock formations and is owned by The Nature Conservancy, a global non-profit conservation organization. Beyond the impressive scenic views, the area serves as nesting habitat for ferruginous hawks and is home to rare plants. Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park was established by the Kansas Legislature in 2018 after The Nature Conservancy partnered with KDWPT to have the area designated as a state park. Together, the organizations developed two trails, parking and additional infrastructure at the park. A long-term agreement allows KDWPT to manage outdoor recreational activities in a manner that protects the fragile rocks while The Nature Conservancy continues to own the land and manage the natural resources.

 

“The Nature Conservancy’s chief purposes for Little Jerusalem are, first, to protect the pristine natural features and, second, to provide opportunities for people to enjoy the natural beauty of the area,” said Conservancy director Rob Manes. “Striking that balance took time and we are confident that the partnership between The Nature Conservancy and KDWPT provides the public with the best possible experience. We can’t wait to share Little Jerusalem with everyone next month.”

 

“From the start, we’ve envisioned this property as a special kind of state park, where natural resource conservation is the highest priority,” agrees Linda Lanterman, KDWPT state parks director. “That means that public interaction with the landscape will necessarily be limited to only activities that have the least impact. We’ve struck a great balance with the trails that allow visitors to experience a diversity of views.”

After the grand opening, Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park will be open to visitors from sunrise to sunset daily, all year round. Visitors will be required to purchase a daily vehicle permit, currently $5, at the park or have an annual Kansas state parks vehicle pass. Guided tours provided by KDWPT staff will be available by appointment.

 

For more information, please visit nature.org/littlejerusalem and KSOutdoors.com/Little-Jerusalem.

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The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. Working in 72 countries, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit www.nature.org or follow @nature_press on Twitter. In Kansas, the Conservancy has protected 140,000 acres of the state’s most ecologically important lands and waters. To learn more, visit www.nature.org/kansas.

 

The mission of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) is to conserve and enhance Kansas’ natural heritage, its wildlife and its habitats to assure future generations the benefits of the state’s diverse, living resources. The Department also strives to provide opportunities to use and appreciate the state’s natural resources. The Department provides opportunities to promote diverse communities, natural assets, and the State of Kansas as a tourism destination. It is a cabinet-level agency with a Secretary appointed by the Governor of Kansas. A seven-member, bipartisan commission, also appointed by the Governor, advises the Secretary and approves regulations governing outdoor recreation and fish and wildlife resources in Kansas. Visit KSOutdoors.com or TravelKS.com for more information.

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