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Government, Kansas, Uncategorized

Senator Hilderbrand’s Weekly Newsletter March 6

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State senatorRichard Hilderbrand13th district
Communications From The State Capitol
March 6, 2020 ∙ Week Eight
HARD FACTS
The Budget
·      The Governor’s budget sets a new record of spending from the state general fund at $7.8 billion. That’s an $800 million increase from 2019.
·      KPERS executive director Alan Conroy estimated the Governor’s proposal to re-amortize the employee pension plan would cost more than $4.4 billion in additional contributions over the next 25 years.
·      Although Governor Kelly promotes “Closing the Bank of KDOT,” sweeps from 2019 &2020, total $838 million. http://www.kslegresearch.org/KLRD-web/Publications/Transportation/SHF_xfersFY2011-FY2020Apprvd2019and2020.pdf
·      Governor Kelly’s proposed budget calls for a tax on “all sales of digital property,” which starting in July of 2020, would cost taxpayers an estimated $26.7 million in state taxes.
Kansas Talking Books Week is March 1-7
The Kansas Talking Books program, a division of the State Library of Kansas, provides library materials in a specialized format to any Kansas resident with a visual or physical impairment that makes reading difficult. This no-charge service includes fiction and nonfiction in braille or audio format, magazines in braille or audio, plus descriptive videos. A simple application is available at https://kslib.info/talking-books. A signature from a certifying authority such as a medical doctor, optometrist, or librarian is needed. If you or someone you know would like information, please visit the Kansas Talking Books website https://kslib.info/talking-books or call 620-341-6280 or 1-800-362-0699.
FLOOR ACTION
March 5, 2020
The following bills all received unanimous support and were passed Yea: 40 Nay: 0
SB 255 continues a 2007 commitment by the legislature to provide $5 million per year in support to The University of Kansas for obtaining the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) Clinical Cancer Center Designation. This funding has served as a critical resource for The University of Kansas Cancer Center.
An NCI-Designated Cancer Center must demonstrate scientific leadership, resources, and capabilities in laboratory, clinical, or population science. It must also demonstrate reasonable depth and breadth of research in each of three major areas: laboratory, clinical, and population-based research. The University of Kansas Cancer Center met these rigorous standards and was awarded an NCI Clinical Cancer Center designation in 2012.
The bill asks the legislature to appropriate an additional $5M annually to the KU Cancer Center. This additional money will be used for KU Cancer Center to achieve the most prestigious designation known as the Comprehensive Cancer Center Designation. The KU Cancer Center will apply for Comprehensive Designation in 2021.
Comprehensive Cancer Center Designation is only awarded to cancer centers which are recognized for their trailblazing research and leadership in developing cutting-edge treatments. For KU Cancer Center, becoming one of only 51 centers in the U.S. with this comprehensive designation means access to more research dollars, attracting internationally renowned researchers and physician-scientists. This appropriation and designation will continue the urgent journey to break the devastating grip of cancer.
SB 140 establishes income tax and privilege tax credits for contributions to the Eisenhower foundation. Senate Bill 140 would allow a taxpayer, Corporation, or Financial Institution to receive a new tax credit for 50.0 percent of certain contributions made to the Eisenhower Foundation for tax years 2019-2023. Individual income taxpayers would only be allowed to claim up to $25,000 per tax year. Corporations and Financial Institutions would be able to claim $50,000 per tax year on income or privilege tax. The total amount of credits claimed in any fiscal year would be limited to $350,000
The following bill was passed Yea: 35 Nay: 5
SB 409 makes permanent the quality care assessment imposed on skilled nursing care facilities. This is a technical bill to push back the sunset (expiration) of the Nursing Quality Care Assessment from July 1, 2020 to July 1, 2030. (I voted no on this bill. This bill allows a bed tax for nursing home patients.)
The following bill was passed Yea: 31 Nay: 9
SB 225 amends the hospital provider assessment rate and uses and membership of the healthcare access improvement panel.(I voted no on this bill. This bill increases the tax for all inpatient hospital procedures from 1.83% to 3.0%, and adds a 3.0% tax for all outpatient hospital procedures.)
The Appointment of David Weishaar, Kansas Adjutant General, was confirmed Yea: 40 Nay: 0
The Senate Committee on Federal and State Affairs heard the nomination of David Weishaar on February 20. He succeeds Major General Lee Tafanelli, who has served as Adjutant General since January 28, 2011 and who retires March 31, 2020.  In Kansas, the adjutant general is the top military advisor to the governor, leads the state’s 7,100-person Army and Air Guard operations and directs the state’s division of emergency management and homeland security.
ABOUT OUR NEW ADJUTANT GENERAL
Prior to his appointment, Brigadier General David Weishaar served as the Director of Joint Staff, Kansas National Guard, Chief of Staff- Air, Commander, Kansas Air National Guard and most recently became dual hatted as the Air National Guard Assistant to Commander, Air Force Sustainment Center, Air Force Materiel Command, Tinker AFB.
He initially entered the Air Force in January 1981 as an aircraft maintenance specialist. He separated from the active duty Air Force and joined the Kansas Air National Guard in 1985. He held various positions in the aircraft maintenance arena until his commissioning through the Academy of Military Science as a Distinguished Graduate in 1996. In the past 15 years in the Air Guard at McConnell Air Force Base, he commanded the 184th Intelligence Wing, 184th Mission Support Group, 299th Network Operations and Security Squadron, and the 127th Command and Control Squadron.
Brig. Gen. Weishaar’s awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Air Force Meritorious Service Medal with six oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, Air Force Achievement Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with six oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal with one device, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and Armed Forces Services Medal among many others.
THANK YOU, GENERAL TAFANELLI!
Before giving his final report on the activities and status of the Adjutant Generals Department, General Tafanelli said, “For the past nine years, I have had the great privilege and honor and solemn responsibility to serve as the Adjutant General, and for that I am forever grateful as it has been a distinct pleasure and the greatest honor to serve as Adjutant General.”
Later, when reflecting on his interactions with counterparts across the country, he shared that “I always return home thankful for the clear and enduring support that the Kansas Legislature shows our troops and our civilians while working hard to make sure that our families sleep safely at night.” He closed by expressing his full and complete support for the nomination of David Weishaar.
Prior to his appointment as adjutant general, Tafanelli assumed the position of assistant adjutant general – Army, Kansas Army National Guard, and commander of the Land Component for the Joint Force Headquarters-Kansas in 2010. Tafanelli joined the Kansas Army National Guard in 1980 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers through Pittsburg State University’s ROTC program in 1982.
Maj. Gen. Tafanellli’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with two bronze oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal with two bronze oak leaf clusters, Army Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster, National Defense Service Medal with bronze service star, Global War on Terrorism Medal, and Iraq Campaign Medal among many others.       Click here to listen to the committee audio.
YET ANOTHER KANSAS SUPREME COURT DECISION IS STRICKEN BY HIGH COURT
The United States Supreme Court has once again overturned a decision made by the Kansas Supreme Court. The case, Kansas v. Garcia, 17-834, centered around the issue of whether or not the state can prosecute illegal immigrants who use false identifying documents to secure employment.
In 2017 the state Supreme Court ruled the federal government is the sole authority allowed to prosecute such cases and threw out state convictions of three immigrants who had used false information on certain employment forms, like the I-9. However, this week the high court, in a 5-4 decision, ruled that nothing in federal immigration law prevents states from going after immigrants who use false documents and numbers.
In the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision, Justice Samuel Alito wrote “The mere fact that state laws like the Kansas provisions at issue overlap to some degree with federal criminal provisions does not even begin to make a case for” the state having to forgo prosecution.
More information can be found at https://apnews.com/8f345352b9e3d4aa8539b22c17be061f.
COMMITTEE UPDATES
SHOULD STUDENT-ATHLETES RECEIVE COMPENSATION?
On Wednesday, the Commerce Committee held a hearing on SB 474, which would allow student-athletes to receive compensation for the use of their name, image, likeness rights or athletic reputation if 15 other states adopt similar legislation.
The practice goes against current NCAA rules, but about 30 states are addressing legislation to make it possible. Examples include student-athletes being paid to autograph memorabilia, accepting gifts or meals or even signing outright endorsement deals similar to what professional athletes receive.
Erinn Barcomb-Peterson, a spokeswoman for KU, said the Senate bill was a reaction to other states saying, “Senate Bill 474 does not intend to put Kansas universities in the forefront of this evolving policy matter, but rather simply seeks to ensure Kansas student-athletes aren’t disadvantaged relative to their peers in other states.”
“Recruiting is one of our biggest challenges for our student-athletes. We’re not the NBA, MLB or NFL where you get drafted. You choose where you go,” said K-State Athletics Director Gene Taylor.
Matt Lindsey of the Kansas Independent College Association testified neutral to the bill but requested, if the committee works the bill, he would like it to include a measure that would allow smaller institutions to opt-out if they don’t have the funding or resources to participate in the agreement.
SEDGWICK COUNTY CONSIDERS REORGANIZATION POSSIBILITIES
On Thursday, the Ethics, Elections and Local Government Committee held a hearing on SB 406, which would authorize the formation of a charter commission to study and propose possible reorganization to the Sedgwick County government. The bill essentially forms the commission and gives different Sedgwick county organizations and the Kansas House and Senate the authority to appoint its members.
SUNDAY MORNING BUZZ: FED AND STATE CONSIDERS EXTENDING SUNDAY LIQUOR SALES
SB 456, which was heard by the committee on Federal and State Affairs Thursday, would change the start time for liquor sales on Sunday morning from 12 noon to 9 a.m. No other changes to statute are made through this bill.
COMMITTEE LOOKS TO CRACK DOWN ON ASSAULT OF A CORRECTIONAL OFFICER
On Thursday, the Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing on SB 413 which considers adding penalties for assault or battery of corrections officers at private, state-contracted prisons that would be equal to similar offenses against officers in state-run prisons. The costs of such a change are hard to determine due to the impossibility of estimating the number of new court cases that might follow.
CALENDAR
Monday, March 9
Ø Final action: SB 474 — Permitting student athletes to receive compensation for the use of their name, image, likeness rights or athletic reputation when 15 other states adopt similar legislation. (8:30, Commerce, 548-S)
Ø Final Action: SB 375— Providing for the FORWARD transportation program. (10:30, Ways and Means, 548-S)
Ø Hearing: HB 2515 — Creating the Kansas promise scholarship program.(1:30, Education, 144-S)
Ø 2:30 p.m. session
Tuesday, March 10
Ø Hearing: HB 2451 — Amending Kansas department of agriculture division of animal health license, permit and registration renewal deadlines.(8:30, Agriculture and Natural Resources, 159-S)
Ø Hearing: HB 2462 — Updating provisions related to the Kansas department of agriculture division of conservation.(8:30, Agriculture and Natural Resources, 159-S)
Ø Possible final action: HB 2506 —Expanding the military spouse and servicemember’s expedited licensure law to certain other license, certificate or registration applicants. (8:30, Commerce, 548-S)
Ø Hearing: SCR 1601 — Constitutional amendment eliminating transfers from the state highway fund.(8:30, Transportation, 546-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 360 — Authorizing certain sales taxation authority for the Sherwood improvement district. (9:30, Assessment and Taxation, 152-S)
Ø Hearing: HB 2118 — Providing income tax credits for aerospace and aviation program graduates and their employers. (9:30, Assessment and Taxation, 152-S)
Ø Hearing: HB 2509— Vacating certain blocks in the original town plat set aside for a college and a park of the city of Americus and vesting fee simple title in the city.(9:30, Ethics, Elections and Local Government, 142-S)
Ø Hearing: HB 2510— Special districts may be dissolved and responsibilities assumed by a city.(9:30, Ethics, Elections and Local Government, 142-S)
Ø Hearing: HB 2583— Clarify the vacation of territory from city boundaries or release of easements. (9:30, Ethics, Elections and Local Government, 142-S)
Ø Hearing: HB 2479— Codifying the NAIC corporate governance model regulation into statute. (9:30, Financial Institutions and Insurance, 546-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 467 — Creating a statewide alert program for missing military members. (10:30, Federal and State Affairs, 144-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 468 — Providing the state fire marshal with law enforcement powers and requiring an investigation of deaths resulting from fire. (10:30, Federal and State Affairs, 144-S)
Ø Hearing: HB 2429— Adding a public defender to the Kansas criminal justice reform commission. (10:30, Judiciary, 346-S)
Ø Hearing: HB 2447— Changing how two-way electronic audio-visual communication is used in courts. (10:30, Judiciary, 346-S)
Ø Hearing: HB 2448— Changing penalties for crimes related to motor vehicles. (10:30, Judiciary, 346-S)
Ø Hearing: HB 2449— Changing the requirements for board of indigents’ defense services appointments. (10:30, Judiciary, 346-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 274— Eliminating KPERS working-after-retirement employer contribution requirement when first employing retirees aged 65 or older. (10:30, Ways and Means, 548-S)
Ø Hearing: HB 2346 — Relating to standards for school-administered vision screenings.(1:30, Education, 144-S)
Ø Hearing: HB 2487 — Including emotional disability rather than emotional disturbance in the definitions of “children with disabilities” and “individuals with disabilities.”(1:30, Education, 144-S)
Ø 2:30 p.m. session
Wednesday, March 11
Ø Hearing: SB 435 — Providing for the use of personal package delivery devices on sidewalks and crosswalks, exempting such devices from motor vehicle regulation and preempting additional municipal regulation. (8:30, Commerce, 548-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 459 — Creating the distracted driving violation and prohibiting the use of a wireless telecommunications device while operating a motor vehicle. (8:30, Transportation, 546-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 338 — Allow municipalities to adopt an alternate budget procedure. (9:30, Assessment and Taxation, 152-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 414 — Exempting grocery stores from sales tax assessments for community improvement district. (9:30, Assessment and Taxation, 152-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 457 — Requiring use of the soil survey version dated September 16, 2019, for mapping agricultural land for property tax purposes. (9:30, Assessment and Taxation, 152-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 462 — Prohibiting disclosure by the secretary of revenue of certain sales and use tax information to taxing officials of other states. (9:30, Assessment and Taxation, 152-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 454— Creating exemptions in the open records act for election security records and cyber security records. (9:30, Ethics, Elections and Local Government, 142-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 458— Increasing the compensation of members of the state banking board. (9:30, Financial Institutions and Insurance, 546-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 407— Requiring the Kansas department for aging and disability services to operate acute psychiatric inpatient beds for children in Hays and Garden City. (9:30, Public Health and Welfare, 118-N)
Ø Hearing: HB 2646— Allowing the attorney general to coordinate training for law enforcement agencies on missing and murdered indigenous people. (10:30, Federal and State Affairs, 144-S)
Ø Hearing: HB 2521— Enacting the revised uniform athlete agents act. (10:30, Judiciary, 346-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 368— Transferring $268,412,000 from the state general fund to the Kansas public employees retirement fund in FY 2020 and eliminating certain level-dollar KPERS employer contribution payments. (10:30, Ways and Means, 548-S)
Ø Hearing: HB 2503— Authorizing the transfer of $268,412,000 from the state general fund to the KPERS fund during fiscal year 2020 and eliminating certain level-dollar employer contribution payments. (10:30, Ways and Means, 548-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 418— Requiring the joint committee on information technology to meet on a monthly basis. (10:30, Ways and Means, 548-S)
Ø Hearing: HB 2540 — Requiring moneys attributable to at-risk student weighting be expended for approved at-risk educational programs.(1:30, Education, 144-S)
Ø 2:30 p.m. session
Thursday, March 12
Ø Hearing: HB 2464 — Updating egg repacking requirements for retailers.(8:30, Agriculture and Natural Resources, 159-S)
Ø Hearing: HB 2432 — Creating the Kansas pesticide waste disposal program and allowing up to $50,000 to be transferred annually from the Kansas agricultural remediation fund to a new Kansas pesticide waste disposal fund.(8:30, Agriculture and Natural Resources, 159-S)
Ø Hearing: HB 2507 — Liability protection for businesses that participate in high school work-based learning programs. (8:30, Commerce, 548-S)
Ø Hearing: HB 2420 — Allowing military surplus vehicles to register with the division of vehicles for road use. (8:30, Transportation, 546-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 396 — Discontinuing apportionment of countywide retailers’ sales tax imposed for general purposes between the county and cities located therein. (9:30, Assessment and Taxation, 152-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 460 — Increasing the sales tax collection thresholds relating to time frames for filing returns and paying sales tax by certain retailers and providing that electronic filing is not required for certain retailers. (9:30, Assessment and Taxation, 152-S)
Ø Hearing: HB 2466 — Enacting the Kansas taxpayer protection act; requiring the signature and tax identification number of paid tax return preparers on income tax returns; authorizing actions to enjoin paid tax return preparers from engaging in certain conduct. (9:30, Assessment and Taxation, 152-S)
Ø Hearing: HB 2452— Providing certain KP&F tier II spousal and children’s benefits for death resulting from a service-connected disability. (9:30, Financial Institutions and Insurance, 546-S)
Ø Hearing: HB 2500— Amending the Kansas power of attorney act regarding the form of a power of attorney and the duties of third parties relying and acting on a power of attorney. (10:30, Judiciary, 346-S)
Ø Hearing: SB 437 — Enacting the Kansas electricity bill reduction bonds act and authorizing the state corporation commission to issue securitized ratepayer-backed KEBRA bonds for electric utility property.(1:30, Utilities, 548-S)
Ø 2:30 p.m. session
Friday, March 13
Ø Final action: HB 2462 — Updating provisions related to the Kansas department of agriculture division of conservation. (8:30, Agriculture and Natural Resources, 159-S)
Ø Final action: HB 2451 — Amending Kansas department of agriculture division of animal health license, permit and registration renewal deadlines. (8:30, Agriculture and Natural Resources, 159-S)
Ø Hearing: HB 2702 — Decoupling the KIT and KIR workforce training programs from the high-performance incentive fund program and enhancing the workforce training tax credit. (8:30, Commerce, 548-S)
Ø 8 a.m. session
Thank You for Engaging
Thank you for all your calls, emails, and letters regarding your thoughts and concerns about happenings in Kansas. Constituent correspondence helps inform my decision-making process and is taken into great consideration when I cast my vote in the Kansas Senate. I hope you’ll continue to engage with me on the issues that matter most to you, your family, and our community. If you are on Twitter or Facebook, I encourage you to follow along with the #ksleg hashtag for real-time updates on legislative happenings in Topeka.
Please know that I am fully committed to addressing the current issues in our state, and I am proud to be your voice in the Kansas Senate.
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Sunshine Boutique Expands: Rental Opportunity on Main Street

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Sunshine Boutique owner Georgia Brown stands in front of her storefront on Wall Street.

Long-time store owner Georgia Brown is expanding Sunshine Boutique.

 

The store will be expanding to the east, through a door in the store to the property at 2 S. Main that the Brown’s also own.

 

 

“We are excited about the expansion,” Brown said.

 

 

The store is a family affair.

 

She, her husband-Donnie and granddaughters Rilie Creollo, Kinede Houdashelt and Tucker Ross are all involved with the store.

 

 

The door behind the black shelf in the middle of this photo, leads to 2 S. Main and is where the expansion of Sunshine Boutique will be.

 

“There will be new boutique clothing, a designated wedding planning area and we will make our all-occasion flower section bigger, this includes fresh flowers in a cooler,” Brown said.

“The girls have been wanting to do clothing for several years,” she said.

 

Sunshine Boutique has been selling new clothing since January 2020.

 

Donnie is co-owner, Rilie is the assistant manager, Kinede’s wedding cakes will be featured, and Tucker does technology-part time, Brown said.

 

The Browns own 2 S. Main and 4 S. Main, which were recently vacated by the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, which had used it for storage the last year, she said.

 

“We have not used the west side of the street very much, for the past year,” Norman Conard, executive director of the center said.

 

The new LMC, at 1 S. Main,  is  across the street from the 2 and 4 S. Main.

 

“The new building is so popular that everyone, teachers and students, want to be in the new building,” he said.

 

Rental Opportunity

 

4 S. Main will be available for rent next week, Brown said.

 

It is 1,300 square feet, has two areas divided by a half wall, a bathroom and an area in the back that has been used as a staff room, Brown said.

 

 

2 and 4 South Main.

 

 

 

Fort Scott Community College, Uncategorized

FSCC Announces Fall 2019 Honor Roll

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Submitted by Kassie Fugate-Cate on February 13, 2020 – 3:35pm

group picture of several FSCC students lined up for a picture in Ellis Hall

Fort Scott, KS–Fort Scott Community College (FSCC) has over 240 students on the fall 2019 honor roll list! These students work hard every semester and it truly shows. There are three lists of honorees, each group being at a different level.

 

President’s Honor Roll- 4.0 GPA

Vice President’s Honor Roll- 3.75-3.99 GPA

Honor Roll- 3.5-3.74 GPA

 

Congratulations Hounds on your success! Keep pushing forward and make this decade the best yet!!!

 

To see the full lists of honorees, please click the link below!

FALL 2019 HONOR ROLL LIST

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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.