

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly has signed the following three bills into law:
Senate Bill 118 would establish a procedure by which a city or county may assume the powers, responsibilities, and duties of a special district within the city’s corporate boundary or the county’s boundaries.
Senate Bill 64, as amended, would amend the Kansas Private and Out-of-State Postsecondary Education Institution Act (Act) to clarify the State Board of Regents’ (Board) authority over private and out-of-state institutions.
HB 2063, as amended, would revise the benefits for members of the Kansas Police and Firemen’s Retirement System (KP&F) who are Tier II members, meaning those
employees hired since July 1, 1989, who are disabled and ultimately die due to a “service-connected” condition, as that term is defined by law. The bill would apply to deaths that occurred on and after January 1, 2017, and would designate these amendments to law as the Michael Wells Memorial Act.
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March Uniontown 4-H Report
The Uniontown 4-H club met on Sunday, March 14th, 2021. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 by President, Bareigh Farrell. The flag salute was lead by Maley Sutton and the 4-H pledge was lead by Seth Shadden. Roll call was “What is your favorite Disney character?” There were 18 members, 3 leaders and 6 guests present.
The club recognized the Regional 4-H Day participants.
Bareigh Farrell – Senior novelty, top blue; Senior instrumental solo, blue; Senior vocal solo, top blue; Senior reading, top blue.
Kendyl Bloesser – Intermediate reading, top blue
Austin Maycumber – Intermediate demo/ talk, blue
Tag in for sheep, meat goat, and swine are Wednesday, April 28 at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds, Fort Scott 4pm- 6pm and Friday, April 30 at Uniontown Saddle Club Arena at 4pm- 6pm.
For the communication project, Deidra Maycumber and Jackie Shadden discussed cultural differences and traditions. Club members shared their family backgrounds and traditions. Cin Walker led the club in the song BINGO. The evening recreation was 4 corners, led by Tucker Sutton. The next Club 4-H meeting will be Sunday, April 11th, 2021 at 6:00.
In addition to the club meeting in March, the club had several members participate in FSCC Aggie Days held on Friday, March 26th. Livestock Judging participants included: Hailey Shadden, Kendyl Bloesser, MaKinlee Bloesser, Zeb Barbour. Meat Judging participants included: Marley Sutton, McKinley Sutton, Seth Shadden, Austin Maycumber.
Kendyl Bloesser, Uniontown 4-H club reporter

Keys to the Kingdom – Carolyn Tucker
I’m not a know-it-all, but there are a few things I know pretty well…and one of them is chocolate. When I figured out what “connoisseur” meant, I decided I was one. Eating milk chocolate will make me pat my head, rub my tummy, and grin like a ’possum. If a friend offered me a box of cocoa-dusted truffles and said, “Take all you need,” I’d choose three.“ However, if she said, “Take all you want,” I’d take the whole box and thank her kindly. The three truffles would satisfy my sweet tooth for the moment, but a full box would satisfy all my teeth for a week or so.
The definition of need: require something because it is essential or very important. The definition of want: to crave, or to desire. God offers abundant life now and eternal life later through Jesus (His one and only Son). Jesus plainly said, “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life” (John 10:10 NLT). God knew everyone needed a Savior so He provided Jesus as the only perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world.
It’s possible to need Someone and not even want Him. Satan (the thief) dangles a dried-up carrot in front of unbelievers and they run like crazy to catch it. Jesus died and rose again to freely give humanity everything needed in order to live an abundant life. Jesus has done His part, now it’s up to each person to accept Him as Savior and Lord. Many foolishly reject His loving offer and choose to choke on the carrot. People desperately need the Lord and they don‘t even know it as they search in all the wrong places.
Jesus said, “My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. …I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger and he who believes in Me shall never thirst“ (John 6:33,35 NKJV). Jesus abundantly satisfies the deepest need of the human heart.
In Matthew 5:3-11, Jesus is explicit in what God will do for those who commit their whole heart to Christ. Jesus says that if you have a spiritual need, He will bless and help you grow in grace. If you are experiencing sorrow, He will bless you with His comfort. If you are humble, kind, and obedient to God, you will receive His promised blessings. If you earnestly desire all that God offers and requires, and long to see the right prevail, you shall be peacefully satisfied. (A spiritually-mature believer is the first to do what’s right even if nobody else is doing so.)
If you show mercy and forgiveness to others, you will receive mercy from God. If you’re genuinely in love with God and your life reflects holy integrity with loving deeds, you’ll live with Him for all eternity. If you actively work at bringing peace into all your relationships, you’ll be fashioned into God’s character. If you stand for what is godly and refuse involvement in unethical or immoral behavior, the Kingdom of Heaven is yours. If hate-filled enemies mock you, slander you, or persecute you because you’re a Christ follower, your reward will be great in heaven.
It’s a no-brainer that believers and unbelievers need Jesus every hour.
The Key: Jesus is all you need and all you could ever want.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought overwhelming grief to many families.
At Federal Emergency Management Agency, our mission is to help people before, during and after disasters. We are dedicated to helping ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the virus.
Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA will provide financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020.
We are working with stakeholder groups to get their input on ways we can best provide this assistance, and to enlist their help with outreach to families and communities. FEMA will begin to implement COVID-19 funeral assistance in April.
Additional guidance is being finalized and will be released to potential applicants and community partners as soon as possible. In the meantime, people who have COVID-19 funeral expenses are encouraged to keep and gather documentation.
To be eligible for funeral assistance, you must meet these conditions:
COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Line Number
Applications begin on April 12, 2021
844-684-6333 | TTY: 800-462-7585
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday
8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Central Time
If you had COVID-19 funeral expenses, we encourage you to keep and gather documentation. Types of information should include:
If you are eligible for funeral assistance you will receive a check by mail, or funds by direct deposit, depending on which option you choose when you apply for assistance.


Mona Lee Stern, age 92, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Friday, April 2, 2021, at Country Place Senior Living in Ft. Scott.
She was born August 1, 1928, in LeRoy, KS, the daughter of Shot George and Oleeta Corwin George. Mona attended Aliceville, KS grade school and graduated from Westphalia high school where she was a cheerleader for four years. She attended Emporia State for two summers.
Mona taught for one year at Avandale rural school.
Mona married Donald Ray Stern on June 20, 1948, at Aliceville. They had three children, Tommy Lee, Gary Ray, and Donna Jo. Mona and Don moved to Ft. Scott in 1963. They purchased 40 acres and built their dream home, Don and Mona Ranch.
Mona worked for the Western Insurance Company and retired in 1993.
She enjoyed camping, fishing, playing cards, needlepoint, KU basketball, and cooking.
Following retirement, Mona and Don spent many winters in South Texas where she learned to create stained glass. They also enjoyed camping and fishing in Colorado and Canada.
Survivors include her daughter, Donna Britain and husband Roger; son Gary Stern and wife Pat; daughter-in-law Susan Stern; sister Patty Mathis; brother, Bill George and wife Mary; four grandchildren; and ten great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband Donald; a son, Tom Stern; and her parents, Shot and Oleeta George.
Private family burial will take place Tuesday, April 6th, in U. S. National Cemetery, Ft. Scott.
Services are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Let’s face it, discipline when it comes to managing our money isn’t always easy. And saving? Another challenge.
To help boost money management skills, including ways to save, manage debt, and handle credit, K-State Research and Extension is offering the Wallet Wisdom program, which are six free webinars in April and May.
The webinars will be presented Thursdays from noon to 1 p.m. CDT via Zoom, beginning April 22. With just one registration, you can access just one or all six webinars. Time is allowed for questions and answers. For privacy reasons, only the host will be able to see who is asking the questions. All sessions will be recorded for participants to view at their convenience any time.
Dates and topics include:
The webinars are presented by K-State Research and Extension educators who specialize in family resource management. Program details and registration available at www.southwind.ksu.edu/events For more information, contact Joy Miller at [email protected] or by calling 620.223.3720
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR
MEETING OF
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL
CITY COMMISSION MEETING ROOM
123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
APRIL 6, 2021
6:00 P.M.
Call to Order
Roll Call:
K. Allen P. Allen R. Nichols L. Watts J. Jones
II. Flag Salute:
Invocation: Led by: Associate Pastor Allen Pruitt, Grace Baptist Tabernacle
Approval of Agenda:
Proclamations/Recognitions: Introduction of Jon Carpenter, new Law Enforcement Officer Academy Graduate
Consent Agenda:
Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of March 16th, 2021 and special meeting minutes of March 23rd, 2021, and March 30th, 2021.
Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1285-A totaling $887,464.66.
Request to Pay – HDR Engineering, Inc – $12,405.00 – Phase II Dam Improvements – River Intake Project
Public Comment:
(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at Commission discretion)
City Manager Reports and Comments:
Director Reports:
Old Business:
Approval of Ordinance amending Assessment of Mowing Costs from $300.00 to $75.00 – Ordinance No. 3576
Discussion of Golf Course Tiered Memberships
Appearances: None
Public Hearing: 6:15 p.m. – Petition for Vacation of the platted 2nd Street East of South Lincoln Street – Approval of Ordinance No. 3577
New Business:
Approval of Ordinance No. 3578 – Ordinance authorizing the levy of a .5% Citywide relation sales tax and related matters
Consideration of Change Order – Mayco Ace CDBG Project
Discussion and presentation of importance of water/sewer rate study – Jason Solomon – Kansas Rural Water Association
Consideration of Wrecker Rotation Policy
Consideration of Dispatch Contract
Consideration of Contract Mowing Bid
Consideration of RFP’s – 10 N. National
Request to pay – Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation – February invoice – Port-A-Potties – $968.00
Discussion of City fees
Municipal Court – Raising from $51.00 to $100.00 (Approval of Charter Ordinance if approved)
Aquatic Center – Pool Parties – From $100 to $150 per hour
Buck Run Community Center
Small meeting room – From $15 to $25 for three hours
Large meeting room – From $15 to $35 for three hours
Airport – Hangar Spot Rental – From $70 to $75
Nightly Storage Fee – Single $10 – Twin $20
Discussion &/or consideration of two contracts with Earle’s Engineering:
City Engineering Services
Public Works Project Manager
Discussion &/or consideration to award emergency bid of mill and overlay on National from 14th to Highway 69
XII. Reports and Comments:
A. Commissioners Reports and Comments:
B. City Attorney Reports and Comments:
XIII. Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for Executive Sessions)
XIV. Adjournment:
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of March 30th, 2021 Special Meeting #9
A special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held March 30th, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.
ROLL CALL:
Commissioners Kevin Allen, Pete Allen, Randy Nichols, and Lindsey Watts were present with Mayor Josh Jones presiding.
AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Jason Pickert.
CONSIDERATION:
Interview of Engineering Firms – City Manager said that there were three engineering firms selected to be interviewed. The first interview was with Kaw Valley Engineering. The second interview was with Earle’s Engineering. The third company was with Agricultural Engineering.
K. Allen made a motion to hire and negotiate a contract with Earle’s Engineering as the City’s municipal engineering firm. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO HIRE AND NEGOTIATE A CONTRACT WITH EARLE’S ENGINEERING AS THE CITY’S MUNICIPAL ENGINEERING FIRM.
ADJOURNMENT:
R. Nichols moved to adjourn the special meeting at 6:46 p.m. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.
ADJOURNED MEETING AT 6:46 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Diane K. Clay, M.M.C.
City Clerk