The Street Advisory Board will meet on Thursday, April 8th, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. at the City Commission Meeting Room at 123 S. Main Street. This meeting is open to the public.
Fort Scott Tourism Board Meets April 7
The Tourism Advisory Board will meet on Wednesday, April 7th, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main. This meeting is open to the public.
The Tourism meeting will be available on the City’s YouTube channel.
Town-Wide Garage Sale May 7, 8
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South African Variant identified in Finney County
TOPEKA – A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Emerging Variant known as the South African variant has been identified in Kansas. An individual Finney County was found to have the B.1.351 variant. A case investigation is being conducted to determine how the person became infected with this particular variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, as well as if others may have been exposed. No further details are being released concerning the patient, including demographics.
The variant was determined through the whole genome sequencing conducted through the laboratories at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).
The B.1.351 variant was originally identified in South Africa in December and has been found in 31 states and territories in the U.S. At this point, it is not known to cause more severe disease and it is not clear whether it spreads more readily than other strains. Although this strain can reduce the effectiveness of some vaccines, vaccines still provide strong protection against severe illness and death.
“We continue to encourage people to take the appropriate precautions. This includes wearing a mask that fits snuggly around the nose and face and has multiple layers of fabric or layering thinner masks with an additional cloth face mask to improve the fit,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “Kansans should also follow isolation and quarantine recommendations, practice physical distancing, good hygiene, staying home if ill and getting the vaccine if you are able to.”
Another variant of concern, B.1.1.7, also known as the UK variant, has previously been identified in Kansas. There are currently 76 cases identified in 14 counties. This variant was first reported in the U.S. at the end of December 2020. Evidence from the UK indicates that this variant spreads much more quickly through the population and, given that fact, may rapidly increase the number of hospitalizations and deaths. More studies are needed to confirm this finding.
Testing is available and free for all Kansans. To find a location near you, visit: www.gogettested.com/kansas.
What’s Happening in Fort Scott
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Boiler Room Brewhaus Offers Live Music Tonight
The Boiler Room Brewhaus, 2 S. National Avenue, in historic Fort Scott’s downtown, offers live music throughout the year.
Tonight, Three Chord Justice will be playing classic country music from 7-9 p.m. with a suggested donation of $10.
The original group formed in March 2008 by Liz Grace in San Diego, CA.
“TCJ quickly gained a following of two-steppers and lovers of country music in Southern California,” according to information provided by Liz Grace.
“The short of it is, for Mark ( Markowitz )and I, gigging is what we do,” Grace said. “It’s what we love best and we can’t help but do it as much as possible. It’s church.”
“We met when he came to audition for the band in 2008,” Grace said. “He played the heck out of a train beat!”
“On New Years Eve 2012 he proposed onstage, in front of all our family, friends and fans,” she said. “April 2021 will be our 7th anniversary. Love and music keep us together!”
“In May of 2020, Mark and I moved the band to Grove, Oklahoma, reformed with guitarist Jason Richison and bassist Rick Alumbaugh just a couple months later,” she said. “We couldn’t be more blessed to have our health and a busy calendar in 2021.”
The band features LeeRoy Whisenhunt on pedal steel, she said.
Hailing from Missoula Montana singer/songwriter Grace leads the group through a mix of classic country-influenced originals and handpicked covers from the likes of Emmylou Harris, Hank Williams, Loretta Lynn, Buck Owens, Patsy Cline and other country greats, she said.
“I got an early start singing in bars and honky-tonks, far before legal age, having to wait in alleys during band breaks,” Grace said.
Here is the entertainment/food truck schedule for the Boiler Room Brewhaus:
Friday, April 2nd 7-9 p.m. Three Chord Justice
Friday, April 2nd 4 p.m.to sell out, Ghetto Taco Food Truck
Friday, April 16th 7-9 p.m. David Loving Music
Saturday, May 1st 8-10 p.m. Leyton Flatt Comedy Show
Saturday, May 8th 7-9 p.m., Ashtyn Barbee
Saturday May 8th 4 p.m. to sell out, Blue Spoon Food Truck
Saturday, May 22nd 7-9 p.m., Hoo Doo Band
Saturday June 4th 7-9 p.m., Sarah Loethen
Saturday, July 10th 7-9 p.m., Alyssa Galvin
Friday, August 6th, 7-11 p.m. Left of Center Band
CHC/SEK staff receive White House Commemorative Easter Eggs
President Joseph Biden and First Lady Jill Biden sent Easter greetings to the staff of Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas this week in the form of Easter eggs.
“Your organization’s efforts are a testament to the hard work that needs to occur in order for our country to reopen safely,” read the letter from the White House. “The health and wellbeing of Americans remain an utmost priority to the President and First Lady, and your efforts and dedication are truly appreciated. On behalf of the President and First Lady, we wish you and your family a safe and Happy Easter!”
The commemorative wooden eggs were originally produced for the traditional White House Egg Roll held on the White House lawn each year. However, with the ongoing pandemic the event was canceled this year. Instead, the White House decided to send the eggs in recognition of community health workers.
“We are honored to be recognized by the President and First Lady for our efforts to make our communities safer and healthier,” CHC/SEK President and CEO Krista Postai said.
In March, the Biden Administration created the Community Health Center Vaccine Program and chose CHC/SEK among 250 Community Health Centers serving vulnerable populations in the country’s most underserved communities to receive COVID-19 vaccine directly from the government.
“With the Biden administration’s support, CHC/SEK has been able to distribute more than 22,022 vaccines to help us get closer to ending this pandemic,” Postai said.
Jesus Is Alive by Patty LaRoche
If I knew that I had only a few breaths left before I died, I would pick my words carefully. Whatever I said would hopefully have an impact and be a lasting memory for those within earshot. Conversation about my favorite food (lobster) or television show (Songland) or movie (The Greatest Showman) or vacation spot (Mazatlán) would not be important. Jesus’ last words demonstrates such importance. As he hung on the cross, his body torn to shreds from the torturous flogging, he fought desperately to take air into his lungs. Words were precious. So, what did he say? Seven memorable things, listed here in chronological order:
1. “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34
2. “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.” Luke 23: 43
3. “Woman, behold, your son!” Then He said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” John 19:26-27
4. “ELI, ELI, LAMA SABACHTHANI?” that is, “MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?” Mt. 27:46
5. “I am thirsty.” John 19:28
6. “It is finished!” John 19:30
7. “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” Luke 23:46
Jesus chose his words with eternal implications. The first three demonstrated merciful compassion. Let’s revisit them. 1. He offered forgiveness to his persecutors. He could have called for their eternal damnation (and who could blame him), but he chose instead to show them both grace and a second chance to get it right.
2. He offered eternity (with no works attached) to the criminal hanging on the cross next to him after the thief said, “Jesus, remember me when you come in your kingdom!”
3. He offered concern and love for his mother, Mary, that she be taken care of for the rest of her life by his best friend, John.
Three statements, each demonstrating Jesus’ unfailing love for others.
The next two phrases show Jesus’ relentless, human struggle.
4. He felt abandoned, alone, forsaken by his Father. Many theologians believe that this was when God saw Jesus covered with the sins of mankind and could look on His son no longer. At this moment our Savior felt the weight of humanity’s evil and could take no more.
5. Jesus was fully human and fully divine, yet his divinity did not allow him to sidestep the realness of the anguish he was feeling, thus his thirst came from a parched mouth. He needed the ability to say two more things.
6. Jesus’ work on earth was done (a Hallelujah moment).
7. And then, finally, finally, the horrific cruelty was over. Jesus took his last breath and went Home to Heaven, thirty-three years after he came to earth.
Seven statements, some showing the humanity, some showing the divinity, of our crucified Savior. Fortunately, Jesus had more to say. Starting three days after he was buried, he appeared to offer encouragement at least 10 more times to his followers. And then again, he ascended into Heaven, once and for all. Jesus left the cross and the grave empty.
What does that mean for us?
Jesus is alive!!! (I cannot add enough exclamation marks!)
Today he sits at the right hand of the Heavenly Father where he intercedes for you and me. May we all remember that as we celebrate Resurrection Sunday!
COVID-19 Vaccine Help
Kansas Department of Health and Environment
Find My Vaccine
Bourbon County Commission Agenda For April 6
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: April 6, 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
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- Flag Salute
- Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
- Eric Bailey – Road and Bridge Report
- Haybids – Elm Creek & Native Road
- Breakdown of Dispatch Budget
- City/County Lease Agreement
- County Counselor Comment
- Public Comment
- 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.
Kansas Tax Collections Received $66 Million More Than March 2020
Kansas’s March Total Tax Collections $66.7 Million Ahead of Previous March
TOPEKA – Kansas outperformed the March estimate by $52.3 million, or 9.7%, with $590.1 million received in total tax collections. That is $66.7 million more than last March.
“While this revenue growth is encouraging, we must continue practicing fiscal responsibility – particularly as we’re getting a clearer picture of how federal and state tax legislation could impact the state’s ending balance,” Governor Kelly said. “We cannot risk passing any tax bill that would put Kansas back into a self-inflicted budget crisis, and jeopardize our COVID-19 recovery efforts.”
With the late start of tax season and refunds going out in March, individual income tax collections were lower than the estimate by $4.8 million, or 1.9%, with $255.2 million collected. Corporate income tax collections were $25.3 million, beating the estimate by 26.7%, or $5.3 million.
Consumer spending has not slowed down as both retail sales tax and compensating use tax collections were more than estimated. Retail sales tax collections were up $19.2 million for the month, with $194.2 million collected. Compensating use sales tax was $2.6 million more than the estimate with $42.6 million collected.
The Consensus Revenue Estimating Group will meet later this month to reassess future estimates and consider the impact COVID-19 related federal legislation has on revenue numbers.
Please find the revenue numbers here.
