Opinion

Security Guards Required by Pastor Jimmy Tucker

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The Bottom Line

by Jimmy Tucker

Security guards required

I’ve had guard duty assigned to me many times…by my wife. Occasionally, she would need me to watch our children when they were small. Apparently, I did a pretty good job of guarding them because nothing serious ever happened on my watch. As Christian parents, we have 24-hour duty to guard our families against Satan’s attacks. This responsibility begins by guarding our own hearts and trusting God for protection, blessing, and favor for our loved ones.

In 1 Chronicles Chapter 9, the Israelites were just returning to Jerusalem from their exile to Babylon because of their unbelieving and disobedient lives. The first to return were the priests, Levites, and the temple support staff. All of the priests were heads of their families and were skilled and seasoned servants in the work of worshiping God. The Levites were the musicians and security guards for the House of God.

The security guards were responsible for round-the-clock-surveillance of God‘s Temple, and they opened the gates each morning. The musicians had permanent living quarters in The Temple because they were on 24-hour duty. The Temple of God was a big deal, and not to be taken lightly. We can take this as an example of how we are to guard our hearts and lives.

When the Holy Spirit was given on Pentecost, all believers became the Temple of God. Our body and soul are the Temple of God now. “Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19,20 NLT).

The Old Testament security guards respected and protected God’s Temple 24-7. So how are you doing guarding your heart and trusting God for protection, blessing, and favor? If you were the Holy Spirit, would you feel at home in your body? Your body, your health, your family, and all that you have been given are not your own to do with as you please. Your entire being has been paid for by the Son of God’s sacrifice on Calvary.

Each believer has the grave responsibility of guarding his heart. No one else can do this for you. The Bible tells us to guard our heart, lips, mind, etc. “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life“ (Proverbs 4:23 NLT).  If you’re not doing a good job of guarding your heart and trusting in God, you can expect God to discipline you as He did the Nation of Israel. You’ll have to decide to obey God, be responsible, and make the necessary changes to ensure proper surveillance of your body, soul, and spirit (God’s Temple). “Didn’t the LORD make you one with your wife? In body and spirit, you are His. And what does He want? Godly children from your union. So guard your heart; remain loyal to the wife of your youth” (Malachi 2:15 NLT). 

How do you guard your heart? Proverbs 4:20-22 NLT tells us to “…pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to My words.  Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body.” You have the privilege and responsibility to open the gate of your heart to the Holy Spirit and His Word every day. “Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak” (Mark 14:38 NLT).

The Bottom Line: Don’t go to sleep on guard duty, because it’s your responsibility and no one else can do it for you.

Pastor Jimmy Tucker

(620) 223-1483

Diamond Community Church

10:45 a.m. Worship

Fort Scott Community College

No Extra Fees For Online Classes at FSCC

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Submitted by Kassie Fugate-Cate

picture with a wood style background, laptop graphic in the middle with "online fees" and the no symbol on top. Happy emoji to the right of the computer, thumbs up graphic on the left of the computer.

Fort Scott Community College has done away with extra fees for online classes! You can now take courses online for the same price as taking it in the classroom.

 

By taking classes online, it allows you more flexibility with your time and less money out of pocket.

 

You can earn an Associates Degree in Science, Arts, or General Studies right from the comfort of your home.

 

Scholarships are available for online students as well. You can check that out by clicking HERE.

 

To see a full list of classes offered online, click HERE.

 

If you have any questions or are ready to join the Greyhound pack, contact Advising at 620.223.2700 ext. 3630 or come on by!

Cost of Classes

Kansas Resident Tuition Fees Total
Bourbon County $47.00** $55.00 $102.00
High School/Concurrent (outside of Bourbon County) $50.00 $55.00 $105.00
Other Counties $62.00 $55.00 $117.00
Border States (MO, OK, NE, CO, AR) $62.00 $55.00 $117.00
Other States $62.00 $55.00 $117.00
International $128.00 $55.00 $183.00

 

Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening in Fort Scott April 26 by the Chamber of Commerce

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SAVE THE DATE! Mark your calendars for the Spring Town-wide Garage Sale on Friday and Saturday, May 10th and 11th.

Businesses are encouraged to advertise on the official garage sale map, which will be distributed to shoppers the week of the Town-wide Garage Sale. The maps will be distributed from local stores and the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce. Costs for an advertisement are $25 and $35.
Ad spaces are limited! Contact the Chamber of Commerce at 620-223-3566 or email: [email protected] to reserve your ad space!
Care to Share (“The Sharing Bucket”) will be hosting the 5th Annual “TaTa” Ride on June 15th, 2019 and an “AR-15 Gun Raffle”. Raffle tickets are $5 each and on sale now! ATF Regulations apply. Contact Stacey Wright for tickets or more info. (See flyer below)
Win a trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico! Drawing tickets are $5 each, or 3 for $10. All proceeds go to the Good Samaritan Program, which directly benefits Fort Scott Presbyterian Village residents who have outlived their financial resources through no fault of their own.

Tickets are available at the Chamber of Commerce, 231 E. Wall St. (See flyer below for more info)
Hedgehog.INK now has gardening books on the sale rack in the front of the store – These books are FREE, for a donation to Tri-Valley Horticulture Therapy Program (see flyer below for more info)
First Ever Poetry Contest at Hedgehog.INK for the month of April – Deadline for entry is April 30th

Pick up an entry form at the store, 16 S. Main (see flyer below for more info)
SPONSORS WANTED! The PTO that serves Winfield Scott and Eugene Ware are looking for sponsors to adopt students with Back to School supply packs for the 2019 school year. There are over 200 students that still need help with school supplies.
The PTO will be purchasing all the supplies and bundling them per student and delivering them to the school during open house. The cost to sponsor a student is $25, of which 100% go directly to the purchase of supplies. This is not a fundraiser, but rather an act of love and service.
IF YOU WOULD BE WILLING TO SPONSOR ONE OR MORE OF THESE KIDS, contact Suzanne Griffin: 479-263-4059 or email [email protected] by April 26th. Thank you!
26-27
Weekly Livestock Sale at Fort Scott Livestock Market. Starting at 10am on both Fridays & Saturdays
Fridays:  Cows, Pairs, Big Bulls
Saturdays:  Stocker & Feeder Cattle, followed by any cows & bulls that come in late Friday & Saturday. Cafe open both sale days. You don’t have to be a buyer, just to come watch the sale and visit the cafe!
26 Aging With Attitude Regional Expo – Community Christian Church, 1919 S. Horton, 9am-3:30pm

A one-day expo providing inspiration, answers to questions, and information to make the most of life! Keynote speaker is Patty LaRoche (“What Matters Most”)

(See flyer below for more information)
26 FREE BBQ 101 Class sponsored by Southwind Extension District – Bourbon County Fairgrounds Meeting Room, 2102 S. Huntington Blvd., 6-8pm

RSVP: 620-223-3720 (See flyer below for more info)
26
Friday Night Concert Series Kick Off – First Southern Baptist Church, 1818 S. Main St., 7-8pm

The Friday Night Concert in the Park Series will kick off Friday, April 26th with piano students performing from the Tucker Music Studio

Due to unpredictable spring weather, the concert will take place at 7pm at the First Southern Baptist Church, 1818 S. Main St. The concerts normally take place at the Heritage Park Pavillion at 1st & Main Streets
27-28
Civil War Encampment at Fort Scott National Historic Site – 1 Old Fort Blvd.

Fort Scott National Historic Site is hosting the Annual Civil War Encampment April 27 and 28.  Experience artillery, cavalry and infantry troops preparing for battle. Cooking demonstrations will be in the mess hall and the post sutler will be hawking his wares in the sutler store. A Civil War doctor will be promoting period medical practices and reenactors will be discussing surgery of the era, sometimes at the cost of “an arm and a leg.”
27-28 Annual Jim Everitt Memorial Pool Tournament at Holmtown Pub – 206 N. National Ave.

Holmtown Pub will be hosting a 6 and under handicap singles tournament on April 27th, $20 entry fee, and a Jack and Jill Scottish doubles, 11 handicap, tournament on April 28th, $40 per team

Both tournaments will Calcutta at 11am, with play starting at noon. There will be a $5 green fee per team. Registration is open and available at Holmtown Pub. Direct any questions to James Wood (Woody) at 620-224-9687
27 2019 Fort Scott Pickle Ball Spring Open – Pickle Ball Courts, 910 Burke St., 8am-1pm

Men’s & Women’s Doubles at 9am, Mixed Doubles to follow. Tournament format based on registration numbers. Outdoor Pickle Balls will be used. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place medals per division. T-Shirt included

Divisions; 55 & under; 56 & over

$15 for the 1st event and $5 each additional event if registered by April 24th ($20 after that)
27 T.A.K.E. Defense Training for Women and Girls –

T.A.K.E. (The Ali Kemp Educational Foundation) Defense Trainingprovides girls and women of all ages with unique reality-based, hands-on self-defense training. When you attend a class, you’ll receive priceless awareness education and practical application of the skills demonstrated and learned in the session. We will also cover internet safety, community safety, home safety, safe travel and much more. It’s our goal to give you the advantage if you’re ever in a situation that makes you question your safety

For more information and to register, visit the website: http://takedefense.org/
27 Elks Lodge 579 Benefit Golf Tournament for City Fireworks Display – Woodland Hills Golf Course, 2414 S. Horton, 11am-4pm

(See flyer below for more information)
27 Civil War Camp Dance at Memorial Hall – 1 E. 3rd St., 7-9pm

Come dressed in 1860’s Civil War/pioneer attire. All ages welcome. $5 per person at the door. All proceeds go to the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site
27 Matt Snook (Team Blake Shelton of “The Voice” at Liberty Theatre – 113 S. Main St., 8:30pm

This show features Matt Snook (Team Blake Shelton of “The Voice”) and friends for Snook’s show, “Country Tonight”. Matt returns to the Liberty Theatre for an evening of Country music and fun!

Tickets are $30. For more info or to purchase tickets, visit online: www.fortscottliberty.com, or contact the Liberty Theatre Box Office: 620-224-9787
28 Team Trivia at the Boiler Room Brewhaus –
10 S. National, 3-5pm

Exciting, fun and challenging team trivia. Put your team together (maximum of 8 teams, maximum of 5 members on a team). $5 per person. Cash prizes for winning team. Pre-register at the tap room
30-May 1 Story Time – Fort Scott Public Library,  201 S. National Ave., 10-11am
30 T.O.P.S Meeting – Buck Run Community Center,
3-4pm
30 Fort Scott Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room, 2108 S. Horton, 12-1pm
May 1
Rotary Meeting – Presbyterian Church,
308 S. Crawford St., 12-1pm
1 Monthly Grief Support Luncheon at Cheney Witt Chapel – 301 S. Main, 12-1pm

A Grief Support Luncheon is hosted by Cheney Witt Chapel the first Wednesday of each month at noon. Anyone dealing with a loss is encouraged to come and bring a friend. Cheney Witt Chapel will provide lunch at the Carriage House, 301 S. Main. Call 620-223-1186 with questions
1 Bourbon County Coalition Monthly Meeting  (public welcome!) – Basement of the First Baptist Church, 123 Scott Ave., 12-1pm
1 2nd Annual Combat Warrior Convoy – 1:30 pm

On Wednesday, May 1st we will have our second annual warrior convoy through Fort Scott, honoring our veterans from all branches of the Armed Forces. The overwhelming support our town showed these soldiers last year meant more to them than you will ever know. We would love your help again by simply standing by the street somewhere along the route from Fort Scott Municipal Airport to the E3 Ranch

(Route- We’ll start east on Lake Road, North on 69 Highway, Left on National through town, right onto Old Fort Blvd, left on Wall  street traveling East all the way out of town.)

Feel free to make a sign, wave a flag, salute or just simply wave as we honor these brave men and women. The convoy will start at 1:30pm on Wednesday, May 1st. Keep an eye on @e3foundation Facebook page for up to date convoy information
1
Adult Coloring Program – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave., 2-4pm

Join us in the library events room for a relaxing afternoon of coloring and conversation. Library provides coloring pages, pens and pencils, and snacks. Bring your own beverage of choice (no alcohol, please)
1
TAG (Teen Advisory Group) – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave., 4-5pm

Exclusively for middle and high school students. We have meetings weekly, including a games & snack night, a community service project, a book club meeting, and a craft night each month
Make a difference in your community while having fun at TAG! Each meeting includes food, drinks, and a good time with your fellow teens. Bring your friends!
2-3
FSCC Theater Department Presents: Loose Ends – FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton, 7:30pm both nights

Before dropping the final curtain on the school year, Fort Scott Community College presents “Loose Ends,” a night of five student- and guest-directed one-act plays (and two monologues) designed to make the audience laugh, cry, think, curse or all of the above

In addition to the short plays, Royalty Mercer, a freshman from Lithonia, GA, will perform two monologues
2
Join us for the weekly Chamber Coffee of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at 8am. This week’s Chamber Coffee will be hosted by the National Day of Prayer Breakfast, at the FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center
Location: 2108 S. Horton
The Fort Scott Kiwanis and Cheney Witt Chapel are hosting a buffet breakfast from 7:30-8am; Chamber Coffee program begins at 8am
2 Pioneer Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room, 12pm-1pm
2 “Gardening at Noon”  2 classes presented by Southwind Extension District – Heritage Park, 102 E. 1st St., 12:15-12:50pm

(See flyer below for more information)
2 Kids in the Kitchen – First Church of God, 1115 E. Wall St., 4-5:30pm

K-State Research and Extension is offering a FREE Kids in the Kitchen class for grades 4th thru 6th grade, each Thursday

This class will teach kitchen safety, how to prepare healthy and inexpensive snacks. For more information, please contact Malynda Payne
(620) 768-9459
2 Thursday Card Players – Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Ave., 6-9pm

Free weekly event to anyone that wants to play cards, drink coffee, eat snacks, and socialize
2
A Star is Born (or Died) – Boiler Room Brewhaus, 10 S. National Ave., 7-9pm

Join us at The Boiler Room Brewhaus on Thursday evenings from 7 to 9 for karaoke fun.  Cheer on your local, favorite star!
3-4
Weekly Livestock Sale at Fort Scott Livestock Market. Starting at 10am on both Fridays & Saturdays
Fridays:  Cows, Pairs, Big Bulls
Saturdays:  Stocker & Feeder Cattle, followed by any cows & bulls that come in late Friday & Saturday. Cafe open both sale days. You don’t have to be a buyer, just to come watch the sale and visit the cafe!
3 YPL First Friday Luncheon (Young Professional’s League of Bourbon County) – Papa Don’s, 10 N. Main St., 12-1pm

Join us for the YPL First Friday Luncheon, open to YPL members or anyone interested in the organization
3 Friday Night Concerts in the Park – 1st & Main St., 7-8pm

The concerts are held weekly from 7-8pm at the Heritage Park Pavilion on the corner of 1st & Main, Downtown Fort Scott

The concerts are organized by Ralph Carlson. If you or someone you know is interested in performing, contact Ralph at [email protected]

Bring your lawn chair as seating is limited
4 Fort Scott Christian Heights Country Store & Auction, 5K Race / 2 Mile Fun Walk – 1101 S. Barbee St., 7:30am-7pm

See flyer below for more information)
4 Farmer’s Market – Skubitz Plaza (in front of the historic fort) –

Saturday Mornings, 8:00am – 12:00pm

Fort Scott Farmers’ Market is a farmer driven and run market. The farmers work hard to produce the very finest produce available. We also provide a great venue for community organizations to promote their mission and raise funds

We are focused on fresh locally produce farm products
4 BCAC Concert on the Patio: PDA (Charlie Barrale & Julia Parsons) – Liberty Theatre Patio, 113 S. Main St., 8pm

Part of the Bourbon County Arts Council Summer Concert Series

To watch a video, click on this link:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QIYqMtxMCo

(See flyer below for more information)
4 Charlie Barrale & Julia Parsons at the Boiler Room Brewhaus, 2 S. National Ave., 3-5pm

Southern music duo. Tickets $10 available at The Boiler Room Brewhaus, Chamber and Visitors Center. Meet Charlie and Julia at a pot luck from
2-3pm
5 Team Trivia at the Boiler Room Brewhaus – 10 S. National, 3-5pm

Exciting, fun and challenging team trivia. Put your team together (maximum of 8 teams, maximum of 5 members on a team). $5 per person. Cash prizes for winning team. Pre-register at the tap room
7-8 Story Time – Fort Scott Public Library,  201 S. National Ave., 10-11am
7 Fort Scott Middle School Pizza Hut Nights Fundraiser – 1810 S. Main St.

The middle school fundraiser is always the first Tuesday of each month that school is in session. Tuesday, September 5th will be the first one of the year.  Please plan to eat at Pizza Hut sometime that day and use the FSMS voucher
7 Small Business Procurement Day Event in Topeka, KS – Capitol Plaza Hotel, 1717 SW Topeka Blvd.,
9am-3pm

A celebratory event will be held on Tuesday, May 7, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Topeka, KS. This free event will provide an opportunity for small businesses to connect with federal agency buyers and contracting officers to determine contracting and procurement opportunities. There will also be a one-on-one Agency-Vendor Engagement Session and training session to learn about resources that will be helpful to the growth and development of small businesses in the procurement market space, including Contracting 101 and FedBid/GSA Purchasing

All categories of small businesses are invited to attend. To register for Procurement Day, visit https://www.center-gateway.com/#/events/event_detail;event_id=53665
7 T.O.P.S Meeting – Buck Run Community Center,
3-4pm
7 Fort Scott Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room, 2108 S. Horton, 12-1pm
7 Farmer’s Market – Skubitz Plaza (in front of the historic fort) –

Tuesday evenings, 8:00am – 12:00pm

Fort Scott Farmers’ Market is a farmer driven and run market. The farmers work hard to produce the very finest produce available. We also provide a great venue for community organizations to promote their mission and raise funds

We are focused on fresh locally produce farm products
7 Zumba Classes at FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton

Zumba classes are held every Tuesday & Thursday night from 5-6:15pm. $3 per class

Contact Kassie Fugate-Cate: 620-223-2700 for more info
7 City Commission Meeting – City Hall, 123 S. Main St., 6-7pm
7 Poetry Contest Reception at Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore – 16 S. Main St., 6-7pm

A poetry contest reception for April’s poetry contest will be held at the store. Winners will be announced at this time. Light refreshments will be served
7 Community Bingo Night at Fort Scott Middle School – 1105 E. 12th St.

(See flyer below for more information)
8 Breakfast Bingo at Buck Run Community Center –
735 Scott Ave., 9-10am

Come drink some coffee and play some bingo at Buck Run.  Staff will provide the bingo cards, the caller, and coffee.  Prizes provided by the Fort Scott Recreation Commission
8 Google Livestream hosted by the Chamber: “Drive Business Results with Google Ads” – Lowell Milken Center, 1 S. Main St.

Join us for a free Grow with Google livestream during National Small Business Week.  The livestream will focus on teaching the basics of advertising online with Google Ads.

What local businesses can expect from the livestream:
  • Real-time guidance from Google experts
  • Details on different advertising campaign types
  • Instructions on how to increase leads, sales, and brand awareness
  • How-tos for first-time users on choosing goals and measuring success
To sign up, contact Lindsay Madison: 620-223-3566
8
Rotary Meeting – Presbyterian Church,
308 S. Crawford St., 12-1pm
8 A Better Visit: A discussion about improving visits with individuals in middle stages of Alzheimer’s – Mercy Hospital, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd.,
12:30-1:30pm

This Remote Learning Series is bringing education to the community and providing the opportunity to attend a session close to home. Please join us for this month’s program of A Better Visit: A discussion about improving visits with individuals in middle stages. Call 800.272.3900 to register for any session
8
Adult Coloring Program – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave., 2-4pm

Join us in the library events room for a relaxing afternoon of coloring and conversation. Library provides coloring pages, pens and pencils, and snacks. Bring your own beverage of choice (no alcohol, please)
8
TAG (Teen Advisory Group) – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave., 4-5pm

Exclusively for middle and high school students. We have meetings weekly, including a games & snack night, a community service project, a book club meeting, and a craft night each month
Make a difference in your community while having fun at TAG! Each meeting includes food, drinks, and a good time with your fellow teens. Bring your friends!
9
Join us for the weekly Chamber Coffee of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at 8am. This week’s Chamber Coffee will be hosted by Woodland Hills Golf Course
Location: 2414 S. Horton
9 Pioneer Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room, 12pm-1pm
9 Gardening at Noon – 2 classes presented by Southwind Extension District – Heritage Park, 102 E. 1st St., 12:15-12:50pm

Spring has sprung, and it’s time to get gardening! Bring your lunch, a drink, and come learn something new!

Southwind Extension District presents two special “Gardening at Noon” classes: (May 2) All About Herbs and (May 9) Attracting Butterflies

All participants will receive a 25% off coupon to use towards any gardening book in the Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore, located at 16 S. Main St.  Note: Rain cancels events
9 Kids in the Kitchen – First Church of God, 1115 E. Wall St., 4-5:30pm

K-State Research and Extension is offering a FREE Kids in the Kitchen class for grades 4th thru 6th grade, each Thursday

This class will teach kitchen safety, how to prepare healthy and inexpensive snacks. For more information, please contact Malynda Payne
(620) 768-9459
9 Thursday Card Players – Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Ave., 6-9pm

Free weekly event to anyone that wants to play cards, drink coffee, eat snacks, and socialize
9
A Star is Born (or Died) – Boiler Room Brewhaus, 10 S. National Ave., 7-9pm

Join us at The Boiler Room Brewhaus on Thursday evenings from 7 to 9 for karaoke fun.  Cheer on your local, favorite star!
Save the Date:
– May 10 & 11 – Town-wide Garage Sale
– May 10 – Friday Night Concert in the Park
– May 11 – Farmer’s Market
– May 11 – Storytime at Hedgehog.INK!
– May 12 – Team Trivia at Boiler Room Brewhaus
– May 13 – Uniontown Regional High School Tournament
Click here for full events listing on our website.
In This Issue
Join Our Mailing List!
Chamber Highlights
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
Like us on Facebook
Visit Fort Scott KS
Like us on Facebook

Click HERE for a digital copy of the
2019 Fort Scott Area Community Guide & Chamber Membership Directory.

 

The Fort Scott National Historic Site 2019 Schedule of Activities.

Click HERE for details.

Kansas Rocks Recreation Park

4-Wheeling, Biking, Hiking

2019 Schedule of events.

Click HERE for details.

Bike Share Program

Bike Share Program is now
available to the public!
Click here to view more detail about this amazing program and
for additional information on our website click here!

CHAMBER COFFEE
UPCOMING INFORMATION
 
 Chamber Coffee 
 

Thursday, May 2, 2019
Breakfast buffet

at 7:30 a.m., program starts at 8 a.m.
This week’s Chamber Coffee will be hosted by
Pioneer Kiwanis and Cheney Witt Chapel
National Day of Prayer Breakfast
Location: FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center,
2108 S. Horton
Visit Fort Scott Pioneer Kiwanis’ Facebook page
by clicking here. Visit Cheney Witt’s web page by clicking here.
Upcoming Coffees:  
May 9 – Woodland Hills Golf Course
May 16 – Fort Scott Paws & Claws
May 23 – OPEN – CALL TO SCHEDULE
May 30 – Good Ol’ Days Committee @ Skubitz Plaza
Fort Scott National Historic Site

Prairie Fire at FSNHS on April 28

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Prairie Prescribed Fire Planned at Fort Scott National Historic Site
Fort Scott Kan. – Park managers at Fort Scott National Historic Site, in coordination with Fire Managers with the US Fish and Wildlife Service from Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge, plan to burn the five-acre restored prairie just after 4 pm. Sunday, April 28, 2019.  The ignition will depend upon weather conditions and the burn may be postponed or canceled if conditions are unfavorable.

“We were very excited to be able to implement this project as an in-season prescribed fire (Rx) with the assistance of our interagency neighbors. Our ability to treat the tallgrass prairie at a time of year when fires naturally occur enhances the resilience of the ecosystem and protection of visitors, the infrastructure of Fort Scott National Historic Site, and the city of Fort Scott,” said Betty Boyko, Superintendent, Fort Scott National Historic Site.

Like all prescribed fires, the plans for the tallgrass prairie Rx contain a set of parameters which define (among other things) the expected weather and fuel conditions under which the fire can be initiated. Prior to implementing the burn, fire managers will evaluate current conditions and will only ignite the fire if all of the prescribed conditions are within those parameters.

During typical prescribed fire activity, daytime smoke disperses to the northeast, up and over the highway.  Coordination with the City of Fort Scott, Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas State Highway Patrol, and Kansas Department of Transportation is already underway for this prescribed fire.  Smoke impacts or traffic delays on Highway 69 should not occur during the burn.

Bourbon County, Business, Exercise, Health Care, Housing, K-State Extension

Aging With Attitude

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Expo attendees moved around to the vendor’s tables before the first whole group educational panel discussion on the opioid crisis.

Aging with Attitude Regional Expo filled the gym of Community Christian Church on Friday to hear breakout speakers on the opioid crisis, scams against senior citizens, life with partial sight, veteran’s benefits, gardening, farm families in tough times, and getting beyond superficial conversations.

Aaron and Lindsay Watts, Smallville Crossfit owners, facing the camera, lead the group in exercises.

Aaron and Lindsay Watts, owners of Smallville Crossfit, Fort Scott, demonstrated exercises that can even be done from a chair.

Patty LaRoche gave an inspirational speech on “What Matters Most.”

There are four components of aging to find contentment, she said, which include physical, mental, emotional and spiritual issues. She listed humorous and contemplative examples of each component.

Patty LaRoche

And door prizes galore were handed to attendees by vendors, businesses and organizations.

Resource fair vendors were Girard Medical Center, K-State Extension, Hometown Health Care, Moore-Few Care Center, Arrowood Lane Residential Care, Kansas Agricultural Medication Services, Heritage Health Care, Medicalodges Fort Scott, Southeast Kansas Library System, Integrity Home Care and Hospice, Presbyterian Village, Resource Center for Independent Living, State Farm Insurance, Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging, Angels Care Home Health, Ascension Via Christi, SKIL Resource Center and Kansas AgrAbility.

A panel session on the opioid crisis was composed of,  from left facing camera: Bourbon County Sheriff Bill Martin, Pharmacist Craig Campbell, Community Health Center Peer Mentor Heather Burns, Community Health Center Addiction Treatment Amy Phillips, and Fort Scott Police Department Chief Travis Shelton. Moderator is K-State Extension Agent Joy Miller at right.
Ginger Nance and Becky Kellum, Presbyterian Village personnel, visit with a person at their booth.
State Farm Insurance Agent Kale Nelson visits with an attendee.
Denise Groene, director of Wichita Better Business Bureau, leads the session entitled “Scams Against Seniors.”
LaShawn Noel, a social worker with Integrity Home Care and Hospice, leads a session on “Getting Beyond ‘I’m Fine'”.
“Helping You and Your Family Through a Tough Farm Economy,” was a session led by Char Henton, Forrest Buhler and Gary Kepka from Kansas Agricultural Medication Services.
Veteran Services Representative Ryon Knop leads the session “Veteran’s Benefits for Spouse and Dependents.”
“Living a Full Life with Partial Sight” was a session led by Southeast Kansas Library Special Needs Consultant Melissa Frantz and Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist Amanda Smith.
K-State Horticulture Agent Krista Harding leads the session “Garden At Any Age.”
Pharmacist Craig Campbell leads an expanded session on the opioid crisis.

Additional support for the expo was provided by Community Christian Church, Dale and Betty Johnson, Cheney Witt Funeral Home.

Helping with introducing the speakers were 15 Fort Scott Community College Ambassadors, with help serving the meal provided by Fort Scott Community College Volleyball Students.

A grant from the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas helped support this expo event.

 

 

Area News, Bourbon County, Government

Uniontown Spruces Up

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Uniontown is located 17 miles west of Fort Scott.

Spring cleaning is the time to clean up your yards, attics, garage and closets.

Next weekend, a small town in the area will be renting huge trash hauling bins to helps its citizens to do just that.

Uniontown City Council helps provide the town’s citizens a way to get rid of unwanted, unsightly items.

The city council rents huge trash hauling bins twice a year,  once before Uniontown High School graduation in May and again before Old Settlers Picnic weekend, in August, this year May 3-5 and August 23-25.

The bins are located on city property near the corner of First and Clay Streets.

The city property where the trash bins will be located for the clean up day.

“This assists our residents with the clean up of their property and to keep our town clean and appealing to visitors,” Sally Johnson, Uniontown City Clerk, said.

Absolutely no tires, batteries, or freon are allowed in the city’s trash hauling bins.

The city will recycle metal.

“There will be an area to the side (of the bins) for metal objects that are then taken for recycling,” Johnson said.

 

The town-wide clean up is for Uniontown residents only.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Opinion

Afraid of the “What-if” by Patty LaRoche

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Patty LaRoche

The word “Christian” appears only three times in the Bible. The word “Disciple,” however, is used nearly 300 times. For good reason. Professing to be a “Christian” seems relatively safe since 83% of Americans refer to themselves by this name. But calling ourselves a “Disciple” takes it one step further; it indicates we have some ownership in our pact to make Jesus not just our Savior, but our Lord. He is not merely our Get-Out-Of-Hell-Free card.

Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “disciple” as “one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another.”

Simply put, we share the gospel. Sadly, for most Christians, the very thought of being a witness for Christ turns them into utter scaredy-cats, which leads me to the picture of the crane.

Image result for free photo of a crane

Last week I was on the treadmill in our community center, looking out the front window, when I noticed two very large birds hanging out on the sidewalk. Whenever a car pulled up and the drivers attempted to open their doors, the braver bird would run over to the cars, terrifying those individuals. If the driver moved into the next parking spot, car-jacking Big Bird followed. No one exited his/her vehicle. People walking to get their mail made hurried U-turns when the cranes began strutting their direction. Soon the word spread, and dozens of people showed up with their cameras, taking pictures from a distance.

I cracked up. It was just a bird, for goodness sakes, not a python. Poor thing probably just wanted a bite of bread but instead ended up panicking the neighborhood. When I left the workout room and walked outside, the birds didn’t phase me. What were they going to do, peck me to death? To those photographers, I must have looked terribly bold. Or terribly stupid.

No one gave the birds a chance. They had it in their minds that the outcome would not be a good one, so they chickened out, not unlike Christians who refuse to disciple. Afraid of the “what-if’s” of sharing their faith, they are held hostage to uncertainty. Now, they’re not concerned about discussing the K.C. Chiefs or a new restaurant or a bargain article of clothing they bought, but Jesus? Of that they are petrified.

In Acts 3, the disciples Peter and John were confronted by a crippled beggar. Peter responded, “Silver or Gold I do not have, but what I have I give to you – in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Immediately the beggar was leaping and praising God, astounding the crowd which set the stage for Peter to share Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. Not what the religious rulers wanted to hear, so they commanded Peter and John not to speak of Jesus again. Then comes my favorite part in vs. 19-20: “But Peter and John replied, ‘Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges!  As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.’”

Get that? They cannot help but witness. They have seen the resurrected Messiah and know there is nothing more important for the crowds to understand. As the old saying goes, “What grips the heart wags the tongue.” Or, in Jesus’ words, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Mt. 12:34) Jesus makes it clear where the starting point is: in our heart. We need to fall in love with Jesus more than we love our favorite sports team or a morning cup of coffee or ourselves. There should be a difference in our lives because of him. And that’s what we need to share.

Next week we will look at several suggestions as to how we can become bolder disciples for Christ.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes From April 16

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April 16, 2019                                                 Tuesday 9:00 am

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners, the County Counselor and the County Clerk present.

Tammy Helm with the Fort Scott Tribune and Nancy Van Etten were also present.

Jim Harris presented 1 application for 2 permits for Pioneer LLC to install pipes under the road to water cattle from a pond across the road; one location is at 40th south of Cavalry (2” water line) the second is at 50th south of Eagle (3” water line). Jeff made a motion to approve the permit, Nick seconded and all approved.

Jim Harris presented the Paser Asphalt Road Manual to the Commissioners; he said this could be used to rate the condition of the roads.

Jim Harris said he had found two used tractors for sale; a 2011 New Holland with 1754 hours with no warranty for $39,900 and a 2017 John Deere for $53,950 this is a demo model with 30 hours and a 1 ½ year warranty. Jim Harris suggested that Road & Bridge, Landfill and the Sales Tax fund could pay for the tractor. After discussion; Jeff made a motion to approve purchasing the 2017 John Deere for $53,950, Nick seconded and all approved.

Jesse Walker met with the Commissioners; he asked that the County maintain a portion of 95th & Unique. He said he had found a 1977 survey that shows this is a County road. Lynne said he discussed this road with Lora Holdridge, she said this road is still on the map; Jim said that Shane Walker said this road did not appear on the maps. Jim Harris said if it is a County road then he felt the County should build a road all the way through to 85th. Lynne said he would continue to research this road.

Jim Harris reported that the Noxious Weed department will be moved from Uniontown to the Road & Bridge barn in Fort Scott at the end of this week. Jim said it will be open for chemical sales on Monday mornings, Wednesday afternoons & Friday mornings as well as by appointment. The Commissioners discussed the soon to be vacant Noxious Weed building in Uniontown; Lynne made a motion to give Jim Harris the authority to list the building for sale, there was not a 2nd on the motion. Jeff suggested that the County find out the value of the property and to explore alternative uses for the building.

Jim Harris said they will be patching on 215th, will be covering the Landfill, finishing up a Timberhill culvert, moving the excavator to install a culvert, doing ditching northwest of Fort Scott, using the excavator on Soldier, will be drilling next week at the Blake Quarry to prepare for a blast and said they have 20 driveway culverts to replace on Condensory Road before overlaying the road.

Jeff questioned who maintained the roads around Rock Creek; Jim Harris said this was the City of Fort Scott’s property.

Lynne made a motion to go into a 5 minute executive session for consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Justin Meeks and Jim Harris). No action was taken.

Nick made a motion to have free dump days at the Landfill on May 17th & May 18th for Bourbon County residents including tires, no commercial businesses, Jeff seconded and all approved the motion.

The Commissioners held a 2019 budget amendment hearing for the Ambulance fund; the budget amendment allows for a total of $1,020,000 of expenditures, $316,020 had already been budgeted, this amendment allows for an additional $703,980 of expenditures. Lynne made a motion to approve the 2019 budget amendment for the ambulance fund, Nick seconded and all approved and signed the budget amendment. The Commissioners are responsible for the ambulance budget.

Nancy Van Etten questioned housing conditions and regulations in the County; the Commissioners said the only codes the County has are septic tank regulations and that there are no codes in the County.

Jeff made a motion to move the April 23rd Commission meeting to April 22nd, Nick seconded and all approved.

Dale Arnold met with the Commissioners; he discussed trees that were trimmed near the Sale Barn, he said the tree trunks are still there and said you can’t see around the corner when the trees have leaves on them. Jeff reported this to Jim Harris.

Jeff made a motion to go into a 20 minute executive session for Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship, Nick seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.

Jeff made a motion to go into a 10 minute executive session for Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship, Nick seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.

At 11:44, Lynne made a motion to adjourn, Jeff seconded and all approved.

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jeff Fischer, Commissioner

(ss) Nick Ruhl, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

04/22/2019, Approved Date

 

 

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Get Your BBQ On: April 26 at the Fairgrounds

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Anyone interested in grilling and barbecuing can learn more during BBQ 101, lead by K-State Research and Extension Agent’s Kathy McEwan and Chris Petty, along with Mayco Ace hardware store owner Chris Maycumber on Friday, April 26 at 6 p.m. at the Yeager Building on the Bourbon County Fairgrounds.
 “There will be some taste testing, but it’s mostly classroom style education,” Petty said.  “We will have cuts of meat, and grills on display.”
The class is free but limited to 25 people,  and pre-registration is required by calling 620-223-3720.
“Spots are filling up fast,” Petty said.

Bourbon County Local News