4-H Leadership Project

Jennifer Terrell, K-State Extension Agent

Submitted by Jennifer Terrell

4-H Leadership

In the leadership project, youth will learn how to bring out the best in themselves. Youth will learn about the skills it takes to be a leader such as: understanding themselves, communicating, getting along with others, learning, making decisions, plus managing and working with groups. The 4-H Program is a great opportunity for youth to master the skills of being a great leader with their club and community.

There is 4-H Curriculum that can be purchased for anyone interested in leadership project. Here is a breakdown of what youth can learn at different levels:

Ages 7-9

  • Determine what is important to you

  • Learn how others feel

  • Learn how to be responsible

  • Learn group cooperation

Ages 10-13

  • Participate in a trust walk

  • Learn to be accountable and dependable

  • Practice teamwork in achieving a goal

  • Learn meeting manners

Ages 14-18

  • Learn to accept differences in people 

  • Accept your own strengths and weaknesses

  • Develop and participate in an interview process

  • Identify different leadership styles

In addition to the curriculum, youth are also offered the opportunity to attend project meetings held by volunteers. Each year, youth are able to demonstrate their hard work locally at the county fair and depending on age and placing, the Kansas State Fair.

The leadership project is a great opportunity for youth to learn important life skills. For more information about this project, contact Jennifer K. Terrell, 4-H Youth Development for K-State Research and Extension – Southwind District at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

Oh Where, O Where Can He Be?

Carolyn Tucker. Submitted photo.

 

Keys to the Kingdom – Carolyn Tucker


My first dog was an adorable little black and white Rat Terrier. We named him Stormy because he was born on a stormy night and Dad brought him home on a stormy night. And then there was Davy, a smart grayish-black Poodle. I hadn’t had him very long when he simply disappeared; we never figured out what happened to him. And then in 2012, the same thing happened to Gus, my son’s beloved fawn Boxer. He was a beautiful and loyal friend, but one day he simply disappeared and we never saw him again.

No one lives forever on planet earth. For everything there is a season — a time to live and a time to die. Living and dying are eternally connected because the way you live determines where you go after you die. Your physical body returns to dust, but your spirit lives on forever in either heaven or hell. And it doesn’t matter whether you believe there’s a heaven or a hell; you will spend eternity in one place or the other because God‘s Word says so. God’s truth will trump man’s false opinion every time.

By inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the apostle Paul tells us, “And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment, so also Christ died once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people“ (Hebrews 9:27,28a NLT). God’s perfect plan is for everyone (who believes in Jesus and obeys His Word) to have an eternal home in heaven (John 14:1-4). You can take it to the bank — God is loving and full of mercy!

Jesus speaks of the judgment that comes after death: “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels‘…And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life” (Matthew 25:41,46 NKJV). It’s important to understand that hell was not made for people. However, when an individual chooses not to become born again and rejects Jesus as Savior and Lord, he has damned himself to spend eternity in hell.

Paul wrote to the Christians in the province of Galatia: “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:19-21 ESV). If any of these things are active in your life, then earnestly repent and receive God’s forgiveness now. You may not have tomorrow.

Oh where, oh where will you be after you take your last breath? If you think you’re simply going to disappear and take a long snooze, you’re sadly mistaken. When I was a young girl, I used to play and sing a song in church entitled, “Where Will You Be?” Here’s the first verse: “Just one life to live on earth and it swiftly passes by. From the moment of our birth ’til our time has come to die; God has given us this choice to decide our destiny. In a million years, where will you be?”

The Key: Heaven is as wonderful as hell is horrible. You better get to livin’ like there’s no tomorrow, because at the end of your life there’s only one thing that will matter.

Tenants and Landlords Relief

The following is the Cares Act Relief Program for landlords and tenants who have been impacted by the COVID pandemic.

Program Description: The Kansas Eviction Prevention Program (KEPP) provides rental assistance to households that have missed one or more rent payment(s) as a result of the COVID pandemic. Landlords and tenants apply via a joint online process. If the application is approved, the landlord receives rental assistance funds directly from KEPP, applies KEPP funds to the tenant’s account, and waives late fees for the month(s) assistance was awarded. Approved tenants are eligible for a maximum of nine months of assistance, not to exceed $5,000 per household.

KEPP serves tenants and landlords who have missed paying or collecting at least one rent payment since April 1, 2020 due to the COVID pandemic.

Apply online through the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation :  

https://kshousingcorp.org/eviction-prevention-program/

Eviction Prevention Program | Kansas Housing Resources Corporation

The Kansas Eviction Prevention Program provides rental assistance to households that have missed one or more rental payment(s) due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

kshousingcorp.org

Summitted by Jody Hoener, LBSW, MBA

Bourbon County Kansas

Economic Development Director

210 S National Ave

Fort Scott, KS 66701

1-620-223-3800 

1-620-215-5725 Mobile

www.bourboncountyks.org

AD: Nancy Ingle for Kansas Senate Dist. 13

(click to watch video on youtube)

“I will always put SE Kansas FIRST!
Our communities deserve the best schools for our children, safe highways, access to quality, affordable healthcare, and economic development.”

  • Born & raised in Southeast Kansas
  • Graduate of Pittsburg High School
  • Graduate of Kansas State Teachers College, now Pittsburg State
  • Law degree from Washburn University
  • Former assistant county attorney in the Crawford County Attorney’s office
  • Former assistant of policy for Governor John Carlin
  • Dedicated 20 years of career to protecting the rights and medical care of patients of clinical trials

Please contact me if you have questions:
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Nancy Ingle for State Senate

Paid for by Ingle for State Senate, Steve Langerot, Treasurer.

AD: Lynn Grant For Kansas Representative District 2

Lynn Grant. Submitted photo.

 

Lynn D. Grant, the longtime city councilor and widow of 10-term Kansas legislator Bob Grant, is running for her late husband’s seat representing Kansas State House District 2.

Kansas State House of Representatives District 2 includes most of Crawford County, the eastern 1/3 of Allen and Neosho Counties, and a small portion of SW Bourbon County.

“I have been involved in the community that is SEK for over 50 years,” said Grant, who was born in Overland Park, but moved southeast to attend Pittsburg State University and never left. “This is my home. Now I hope to honor Bob’s legacy by representing the constituents of the second district in Topeka.”

Here are the key issues, Grant said:

Transportation   Good highways, bridges and railways are essential to not only the safety of Kansans, but to the positive economic development needed in Southeast Kansas. Locally, US 69 must always be a top priority and Highway 7 north of Girard needs critical attention.

Jobs/economy    In order to attract businesses that will create full time, good paying jobs, I will support efforts to establish responsible tax policies and to protect education and infrastructure.

Public Education    I am passionate about the Legislature supporting public education. That begins with fair funding of early childhood through post-secondary education, be it technical, trade or higher education, so all students have endless possibilities for their future. Good education is the cornerstone for a good society. It is also the best investment we can make for the good of our communities.

Local government control    Representatives to local government know our needs, priorities and are elected by the people in their community. I object to the current trend of the state making decisions for local governments and handing down mandates that adversely affect the ability of local governments to do their jobs.

Health Care   I believe that all Kansans deserve affordable health care.  I will fight the tax policies and callous decisions that have contributed to lack of adequate treatment and facilities for those who undergo any kind of illness. Expansion of Medicaid MUST be on the table in the next Legislative session. We are judged by the way we treat our most vulnerable.

Higher Ed   Kansas must support the institutions that allow students to pursue a college education. Post-secondary education enables people to learn and follow a path to a productive life no matter what course of study they choose. These institutions are drivers in economical benefits for their communities through employment and the services required for students.

Judiciary   There are three, separate, independent branches of government because those checks and balances are essential to maintaining a system that is of, by and for the people.

Food Insecurity   With the decline of our small towns and their grocery stores, Kansas is beginning to experience “food deserts.” This doesn’t mean the food is not available, but that healthy food is increasingly hard to get. The United States Department of Agriculture defines food insecurity as “limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods . . .”

People are getting fed but not in a way that contributes to overall good health.

We need to examine ways to rectify that to protect people of all ages in our communities.

 

* I respect all life from the preborn to those making end of life decisions. Health care, care for women before and after giving birth, education, fighting poverty, providing safe homes for foster children, taking care of our seniors, respecting the dignity of all. This is all pro-life.

*I respect the 2nd Amendment and have never considered taking away guns as an option. I have always supported reasonable, safe  gun ownership.

Lynn Grant. Submitted photo.

Paid for by Grant for Kansas, Becky Messinger, Treasurer

 

AD: Nancy Ingle for Kansas Senate Dist. 13

(click to watch video on youtube)

“I will always put SE Kansas FIRST!
Our communities deserve the best schools for our children, safe highways, access to quality, affordable healthcare, and economic development.”

  • Born & raised in Southeast Kansas
  • Graduate of Pittsburg High School
  • Graduate of Kansas State Teachers College, now Pittsburg State
  • Law degree from Washburn University
  • Former assistant county attorney in the Crawford County Attorney’s office
  • Former assistant of policy for Governor John Carlin
  • Dedicated 20 years of career to protecting the rights and medical care of patients of clinical trials

Please contact me if you have questions:
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Nancy Ingle for State Senate

Paid for by Ingle for State Senate, Steve Langerot, Treasurer.

AD: Lynn Grant For Kansas Representative District 2

Lynn Grant. Submitted photo.

Lynn Grant. Submitted photo.

Lynn D. Grant, the longtime city councilor and widow of 10-term Kansas legislator Bob Grant, is running for her late husband’s seat representing Kansas State House District 2.

Kansas State House of Representatives District 2 includes most of Crawford County, the eastern 1/3 of Allen and Neosho Counties, and a small portion of SW Bourbon County.

“I have been involved in the community that is SEK for over 50 years,” said Grant, who was born in Overland Park, but moved southeast to attend Pittsburg State University and never left. “This is my home. Now I hope to honor Bob’s legacy by representing the constituents of the second district in Topeka.”

Here are the key issues, Grant said:

Transportation   Good highways, bridges and railways are essential to not only the safety of Kansans, but to the positive economic development needed in Southeast Kansas. Locally, US 69 must always be a top priority and Highway 7 north of Girard needs critical attention.

Jobs/economy    In order to attract businesses that will create full time, good paying jobs, I will support efforts to establish responsible tax policies and to protect education and infrastructure.

Public Education    I am passionate about the Legislature supporting public education. That begins with fair funding of early childhood through post-secondary education, be it technical, trade or higher education, so all students have endless possibilities for their future. Good education is the cornerstone for a good society. It is also the best investment we can make for the good of our communities.

Local government control    Representatives to local government know our needs, priorities and are elected by the people in their community. I object to the current trend of the state making decisions for local governments and handing down mandates that adversely affect the ability of local governments to do their jobs.

Health Care   I believe that all Kansans deserve affordable health care.  I will fight the tax policies and callous decisions that have contributed to lack of adequate treatment and facilities for those who undergo any kind of illness. Expansion of Medicaid MUST be on the table in the next Legislative session. We are judged by the way we treat our most vulnerable.

Higher Ed   Kansas must support the institutions that allow students to pursue a college education. Post-secondary education enables people to learn and follow a path to a productive life no matter what course of study they choose. These institutions are drivers in economical benefits for their communities through employment and the services required for students.

Judiciary   There are three, separate, independent branches of government because those checks and balances are essential to maintaining a system that is of, by and for the people.

Food Insecurity   With the decline of our small towns and their grocery stores, Kansas is beginning to experience “food deserts.” This doesn’t mean the food is not available, but that healthy food is increasingly hard to get. The United States Department of Agriculture defines food insecurity as “limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods . . .”

People are getting fed but not in a way that contributes to overall good health.

We need to examine ways to rectify that to protect people of all ages in our communities.

 

* I respect all life from the preborn to those making end of life decisions. Health care, care for women before and after giving birth, education, fighting poverty, providing safe homes for foster children, taking care of our seniors, respecting the dignity of all. This is all pro-life.

*I respect the 2nd Amendment and have never considered taking away guns as an option. I have always supported reasonable, safe  gun ownership.

Lynn Grant. Submitted photo.

Paid for by Grant for Kansas, Becky Messinger, Treasurer

 

Fireworks on Halloween

Community Christian Church’s usual Fall-O-Ween festivities will look a little different this year due to COVID-19.

Presenting: Fall-O-Works!

This will be a 15-20 minute firework show on Oct. 31 for the whole community to enjoy.

Community Christian will not have trunk-or-treat or serve any food, but anyone in the community is welcome to find a spot, your normal July 3rd spot will be perfect, and enjoy this show as one of your Halloween thrills.

The fireworks will begin around 7:45 p.m. and will be shot off from Ty Cullor Field on the campus of Fort Scott Community College.

Holiday Shop Looking For Vendors For Nov. 20

The Creative Sugarplums Holiday Shop is looking for vendors.  Many events have been cancelled this year for public health reasons.  To help local vendors and businesses The Creative Sugarplums Holiday Shop will be open this holiday season for these individuals to showcase and sale their products.  The opening date is scheduled for November 20th and will be located in the space recently vacated by Factory Connection.  Anyone interested in becoming a vendor can e-mail [email protected] or text (620) 224-8442 for more information.
Thanks,
Emelia Whiteaker

FS Commission Special Meeting Minutes of Oct. 29

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of October 29, 2020 Special Meeting #13

A special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held October 29th, 2020 at 10:30 a.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 JoLynne Mitchell presiding.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Jason Pickert, Deb McCoy, Bobbi Kemna, Janice Allen, Lynette Westhoff, and Michael Hoyt. Ty Parks with KOAM-TV, Channel 7. Jeff Deane appeared via Zoom.

I. CONSIDERATION:

  1. Discussion of City’s insurance – Jeff Deane, City Attorney said that this resolution is written notice of withdrawal from KCAMP Insurance. There was verbal notice given at our October 20, 2020 meeting, but according to the bylaws, since the Commission decided to move to EMC, written notice needs to be given.

Discussion was held why this resolution was needed and why James Charlesworth wasn’t ready with this resolution.

Jeff said that Mr. Charlesworth recommendation was to remain with KCAMP and not move to EMC.

K. Allen asked if we would still be covered by KCAMP in 2021 for situations which may have been incurred in 2020?

Jeff said that as far as he knows. Anything that is open and pending is certainly covered.

Discussion was held regarding purchasing tail coverage through KCAMP so there will not be a gap in coverage.

Jeff said that he would have to check to see the cost of this tail coverage with KCAMP.

P. Allen asked if the City can expect assessments from KCAMP after the policy is terminated?

Jeff said that he does not know this answer. He will get the plan documents from Deb Needleman and have an answer for them by the next meeting. This resolution does have to be approved and signed today to withdraw from KCAMP Insurance.

L. Watts made a motion to accept Resolution No. 16-2020 to withdraw from KCAMP Insurance effective January 1st, 2021. K. Allen seconded. K. Allen, P. Allen, and L. Watts voted aye. R. Nichols and J. Mitchell voted no. Motion carried 3-2.

APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 16-2020 TO WITHDRAW FROM KCAMP INSURANCE EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1ST, 2021.

  1. Discussion of Interim City Manager position – Mayor Mitchell said that they were going to adjourn into Executive Session for this item.

Executive Session:

L. Watts moved that the City Commission recess into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1). The open meeting will resume in the Commission meeting room at City Hall at 11:05 a.m. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye. This included the City Commission and City Attorney.

L. Watts moved that the City Commission come out of Executive Session at 11:05 a.m. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

L. Watts moved that the City Commission recess into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1). The open meeting will resume in the Commission meeting room at City Hall at 11:37 a.m. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye. This included the City Commission and City Attorney.

L. Watts moved that the City Commission come out of Executive Session at 11:38 a.m. R. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

L. Watts said that per their discussion they will be looking at different avenues to fill the Interim City Manager position at the November 3rd, 2020 meeting. She asked the Clerk to place this on the agenda.

  1. Discussion of search for new City Manager – Mayor said that there has been some different research done whether it is to accept applications from here in the community, to hiring a firm to accept applications, or hiring the League of Kansas Municipalities to search for candidates for us.

L. Watts said that she has talked to the League and feels like this is a great service that they offer.

R. Nichols said if we use this program that everyone is welcome to apply.

R. Nichols moved to use the League of Kansas Municipalities to search for a new City Manager. L. Watts seconded.

L. Watts said that one of the things she likes about this program is that the League has discussion with each Commissioner. Each Commissioner tells them what they are looking for in a candidate and then they advertise, and they bring forth candidates.

R. Nichols said that they can offer guidance to us.

P. Allen said once again they are brought a proposal that for the first time before 2/5’s of the Commission has even seen it. They have no idea what it’s about and you want us to vote on it. What is it going to cost us? He sees a quote for services for $7,765 for base price services, advertising price $1,400 to $2,000, process options up to $2,000, and participating in interview process is $1,800, and this is the first time he’s seen this paperwork. He’s not in a position to vote on this. We have a meeting coming up on Tuesday and why not let us look at this first and table this.

L. Watts said that she gathered information beforehand since she knew this meeting was going to happen. She reached out to the League first and then also talked to our H.R. department to look at our options. She feels like if we do it ourselves, it could be perceived as a bias approach in the public. We do need to start as soon as possible.

K. Allen said that he agreed with Pete and this is hard to digest. He also asked for more time to look at it. He just received this and hasn’t had time to look at it. He wants to make sure we are making a wise decision.

L. Watts said that there are outside firms that would conduct a search that are far more expensive and could amount up to $20,000 to $30,000. There are costs using the League, but not as expensive as a private firm.

P. Allen said that he doesn’t want this to be our only source. We should have other options we could look at.

K. Allen asked again what the costs were.

R. Nichols said that it is $$7,765 plus the advertisement fee of $1,400 to $2,000, an onsite facilitation including a meet and greet for $2,000 and the interview process is $1,800. We could do the meet and greet on our own.

K. Allen said that he would like to look this over more.

L. Watts said she would rescind her second to Randy Nichols motion.

R. Nichols motion died for lack of a second then.

K. Allen moved to table this discussion on the search for a new City Manager until the November 3rd, 2020 meeting. P. Allen seconded. K. Allen, P. Allen, L. Watts, and J. Mitchell voted aye. R. Nichols voted no. Motion carried 4-1.

APPROVED TO TABLE THIS DISCUSSION ON THE SEARCH FOR A NEW CITY MANAGER UNTIL THE NOVEMBER 3RD, 2020 CITY COMMISSION MEETING.

II. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT:

J. Mitchell moved to adjourn the special meeting at 11:53 a.m. L. Watts seconded. All voted aye. Motion carried.

ADJOURNED SPECIAL MEETING AT 11:53 A.M.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on November 3rd, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.

RECORDED BY:

DIANE K. CLAY

CITY CLERK

Bourbon County Local News