James Randall Smith, 70, of Fort Scott passed away unexpectedly, Saturday evening, in Fort Scott, January 4, 2020. Funeral arrangements for Jim Smith are incomplete and will be announced later by the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.
Bourbon County Commission Minutes Dec. 27
December 27, 2018 Thursday 9:00 am
The Commissioners met in open session with all three Commissioners, the County Counselor and the County Clerk present.
Jason Silvers with the Fort Scott Tribune was also present.
Jerad Heckman with Road & Bridge met with the Commissioners; he reported they are breaking down the crusher at the Beth Quarry and will be moving it to the Thomas Quarry and plan to be crushing there by January 11th.
Lynne reported that gravel is needed near 135th & Poplar Road.
Lynne made a motion to approve the Sugar Valley Lake Homes Association cereal malt beverage on and off premises licenses, Jeff seconded and all approved, Lynne and Kendell signed the license.
Lynne 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, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.
The Commissioners held a public hearing to amend the 2018 budget; Terry Sercer said there were four funds to amend, all have revenue other than taxes and all four had higher receipts from other sources and all four had more expenses in 2018 than budgeted, (the four funds are Noxious Weed, Road & Bridge Sales Tax, County Jail Sales Tax and the Landfill). Jeff made a motion to approve the 2018 budget amendments, Nick seconded and all approved and signed the amendment. The 2018 expenses will be paid until February 15th. Once Terry Sercer receives the February reports showing the final 2018 expenses he will work on the 2018 year end transfers. Terry said he will amend the 2019 budget to allow ambulance expenses.
Terry Sercer said that the County needed to have a tax sale in order to bring in money.
Jeff made a motion to approve a $150 fee for the Clinical Lab Information Act user fee, which allows ambulance blood draws and tests in route, Nick seconded and all approved.
Jeff made a motion to give Lynne Oharah permission the authority to sign any ambulance documents required for operation, Nick seconded and all approved.
At 11:20, Lynne made a motion to break for lunch and reconvene at 2:00, Jeff seconded and all approved.
Jeff made a motion to go into a 20 minute executive session for confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships, Nick seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Bill Martin, Ben Cole, Justin Meeks, Patty Love and Kendell Mason). No action was taken.
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 and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.
Lynne reported that over lunch he had signed contracts with OMNI, the pharmacy authorization and a contract for the transfer of software.
Jeff made a motion to give Lynne the authority to call Larry Goldberg to discuss an HVAC instrumental control audit, Nick seconded and all approved.
At 3:08, Lynne made a motion to adjourn, Nick 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
01/08/2019, Approved Date
Bourbon County Commission Minutes Dec. 20, Dec. 18
December 20th, 2018 Thursday 9:00 am
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session to have a meeting regarding economic development.
Lynne Oharah, Nick Ruhl, Don George, Pam Henderson, Earl Lewis, Jody Hoener, Justin Meeks, Shane Walker and Tom Metcalf met and took a ride around Bourbon County to look at potential economic development. No action was taken.
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
01/08/2019, Approved Date
December 18, 2018 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.
Jody Hoener, Krista Goltra, Micah Bukowski and Lora Holdridge met with the Commissioners regarding a $12,500 wellness grant that the County is maintaining. Jody said a survey was sent out to County employees and the results of the survey will be incorporated into the wellness committees plan. Jim said some of his employees may not have filed out the survey due to the fact that they don’t have a computer; Jody said she would get a paper copy of the survey for them to fill out. Jody said the survey has nothing to do with the County insurance. Jody said a tobacco cessation program will be held at the end of January of 2019. The goal of the wellness program is to increase productivity, improve overall health and lower absenteeism. Jeff suggested that the first meeting of every month beginning in February the agenda has 10 minutes dedicated to wellness at the beginning of the meeting.
Lynne made a motion to approve an application for AT&T to install a box in the right of way in the Industrial Park for fiber optic, they will bore 85’ across Indian Road and 70’ across Campbell Road, Nick seconded and all approved and signed the application. Nick questioned if the County charged for this service, Lynne said no, the companies are already taxed enough.
Lynne made a motion to approve an application from Verizon for the moving of 58 sites from underground to above ground, Jeff seconded and all approved. Jeff asked Jim for copies of all of the maps associated with this project.
Jim Harris asked permission to purchase an additional truck; he said when Jerad Heckman uses his truck he is left without a vehicle. Lynne asked that they wait on this until after the first of the year to decide this.
Lynne made a motion to do the end of the year transfers for 2018 once all of the bills are paid for 2018 and before the books close, Jeff seconded and all approved.
Travis Clinesmith with Murphy Tractor met with the Commissioners; he presented a quote for a John Deere JD6120E with a 22’ Diamond rear cradle boom for $113,000.00. This is a used tractor with less than 350 hours; the County can commit to hold the mower, but does not have to buy. If purchased, the County will have to pay a difference of $14,725 after the insurance company sends a check for the tractor that was destroyed in a fire. Lynne made a motion to hold the tractor for future consideration, Nick seconded and all approved.
Lynne told Jim that a property owner between 30-40th & Eagle Road requested gravel.
The Commissioners considered a road closure petition; the petition was filed by Shawn Bates with Top Pin Holdings, LLC the legal description is as follows… Jeff questioned how close this road was to utilities. Lynne made a motion to not approve the road closure petition due to the possibility of future development, Jeff seconded and all approved.
Jeff told Jim Harris that it was reported to them that after the Road & Bridge had their Thanksgiving meal that the employees left for ½ day; Jim said that was incorrect, the employees left in the afternoon and they had their time made up before they left, which prevented overtime.
Lynne made a motion to go into a 10 minute executive session for personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel, Nick seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Clint Anderson, Justin Meeks and Kendell Mason). No action was taken.
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, Nick seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.
Jason Findley met with the Commissioners; he requested replacement signs for no shooting on Pavey’s Ford. He said that the signs used to be there and said the property owners in the area are sitting ducks with people discharging firearms in the area. The Commissioners said they would ask Jim Harris to put up signs.
Nick made a motion to approve the emblem design for the uniforms and ambulances that Dave Bruner presented to him, Jeff seconded and all approved. Nick estimated the uniforms to cost approximately $7,000 and $1,725 for the emblems on the ambulances. Lynne said that according to Terry Sercer, the County should have some carryover money to use towards the ambulance project.
Nancy Van Etten questioned where the Commissioners were with the bridge inspection report that was previously presented; the Commissioners discussed some of the bridges that they have started making improvements on.
There was a brief discussion over the expansion of 69 Highway and the importance of it for economic development in Bourbon County.
Nancy Van Etten complimented the Commissioners; she complimented Nick on his knowledge of emergency services, Lynne on his knowledge of the budget and Jeff on his interesting questions he asks and the statistics presented to help make decisions. The Commissioners felt they accomplished a lot over the past year.
Lynne discussed the Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission; he said every 4 years the SEKRPC has a community development team and there is grant money awarded for economic development. He said they have gotten more aggressive in promoting economic development. Lynne said the County will develop a plan and have monthly meetings to discuss economic development. Lynne and Jody Hoener will be on the core committee.
Jeff made a motion for Lynne to sign the closing certificate bill of sale for the ambulances (a certificate for Mercy to give the County the ambulance donations, a bill of sale was needed in order to tag the ambulances), Nick seconded and all approved. Nick made a motion to allow Jody to spend up to $50 per ambulance for the title transfer, Jeff seconded and all approved. KCAMP, the County insurance carrier recommended that the County create a lease to lease the ambulances to the City for use; Justin said he didn’t think that was necessary since both the City and County are insured with KCAMP. Lynne asked Jody to call KCAMP to discuss this lease, Nick seconded and all approved.
The Commissioners said they appreciate the help Mercy has given in the ambulance transition and the ambulance donations.
The Commissioners discussed the OMNI contract; OMNI will do the ambulance billing and coding. OMNI will receive 7% of the money collected. Nick made a motion to sign two one-year contracts with OMNI; the business association agreement and the OMNI EMS billing contract, Jeff seconded and all approved and Lynne signed both contracts.
The Commissioners said without the ambulance donations from Mercy and without partnering with the City of Fort Scott the County would have had to cut services and raise taxes to fund the ambulance.
Ralph Carlson and Amanda Gilmore met with the Commissioners; Mr. Carlson said he had called the University of Kansas Health System to see if they were aware of the hospital situation in Bourbon County, they were. Mr. Carlson offered his assistance in getting a hospital back here and possibly being an investor in the mission. Nancy Van Etten asked what the next step for the hospital was; Justin said they have a good plan for the next two years, and said they have two years to come up with the next step. Jody said the community needs a sense of security that they will have health service in the future. Currently patients will not be admitted to the hospital, but maybe in the future. Jody said they were grateful for Community Health Center coming to the area. Mrs. Gilmore said she had been looking at faith based hospitals, and discussed the original mission of Mercy Hospital. She said that the churches need to be better at meeting the needs of the community. Justin said the demographic numbers are down and that the data supports it can’t be what it is now and said that Mercy didn’t want to close the hospital. Mrs. Gilmore said she felt that there are generous patrons that could help with the hospital.
At 11:54, Lynne made a motion to break for lunch and reconvene at 1:30, Nick seconded and all approved.
Nick made a motion to have a special meeting on December 20th at 9:00 am regarding economic development, Jeff seconded and all approved.
Lynne reported that on 115th and Tomahawk going north that it wasn’t an open road.
Jeff discussed the idea of a KIOSK or an information officer; he said he met with an elected official to discuss this idea as well as to discuss a compensation strategy for department heads that have followed the salary resolution. Jeff said he didn’t know where in Kansas a KIOSK had been implemented. Jeff discussed what can currently be done online; he said currently taxes can be paid online, but a username and password is required to do this. Jeff said he visited Mark McCoy with McDonalds who has recently implemented a KIOSK system; Mr. McCoy reported that it would save employees but change the rolls for the employees. Jeff suggested getting department heads together to each come up with one task of transactions that could be completed on the website. Justin suggested setting funds aside for future website improvements.
Justin reported he is still working on implementing the NRP with the AG’s office.
Jeff made a motion to go into a 30 minute executive session for personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel, Nick seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks). After the session, Lynne made a motion to give Jeff the authority to get access to CIC Budgetary fund accounting for reporting purposes, Nick seconded and all approved.
Lynne made a motion to go into a 5 minute executive session for personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Justin Meeks and Kendell Mason). No action was taken.
At 3:40, 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
12/27/2018, Approved Date
Bourbon County Commission Minutes Dec. 11
December 11, 2018 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 was also present.
Jerad Heckman and Jim Harris with Road & Bridge met with the Commissioners; Jim reported they are mowing on 210th as well as Tomahawk, he said they are hauling rock to Osage Road and crushing at the Beth Quarry. Jim said that some of his employees are taking a first aid class on December 12th, (Jeff said he may participate in the class). He said they will be drilling at the Thomas Quarry next week. Jim said they will be receiving a $98,275 check from the insurance company for a tractor, (he asked that it be deposited in the Special Machinery fund) this money will be used for a replacement tractor.
Nick made a motion to sell a tire machine and a 1998 New Holland on Purple Wave, Jeff seconded and all approved.
Lynne said Loretta George complimented the patching done on 2nd street.
Jim Harris said he would be moving an employee from the Landfill to work on a motor grader in the northwest portion of the County.
Nick made a motion to go into a 30 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 and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.
Jeff made a motion to go into a 30 minute executive session for personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel, Nick seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Lora Holdridge and Justin Meeks). No action was taken.
Lora and the Commissioners discussed the current Bourbon County fee schedule; Jeff asked Lora to review what other counties are charging for fees and then Bourbon County may need to revise its fee schedule.
Lynne made a motion to adopt resolution #24-18, the wage resolution adds an exempt position called Data Center Director with an annual salary of $3,499.99, Jeff seconded and all approved.
The Commissioners and Shane Walker briefly talked about a data center at the County. Tom Brink prepared a Data Center document; Jeff said he felt that the County needed to solicit potential data center customers and see what their needs are; Jeff felt that Tom Brink could provide guidance with this matter.
Lynne made a motion to go into a 30 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 12:05, Nick made a motion to break for lunch and reconvene at 1:30, Lynne seconded and all approved.
Nancy Van Etten arrived at the Commission meeting.
After lunch, Jim Harris and Jerad Heckman met with the Commissioners and reviewed the current 2018 budget figures. Jim questioned revenue reported on the reports; Kendell suggested that Jim and Patty Love meet with Terry Sercer to review the revenue reports and accounts that the revenue is coded to.
Justin Meeks said that he is working on an agreement regarding a possible donation of ambulance equipment. Jody Hoener reported that the County had received the OMNI contract for the ambulance billing services. Justin reminded the Commissioners that the County has been subsidizing the Mercy ambulance for several years, (in 2018 $311,478 has been budgeted to pay to Mercy for ambulance services). The County will continue to pay to Mercy to subsidize the ambulance January – March in 2019.
Lynne reported that he would be meeting with Terry Sercer on December 13th at 9:00 to review some funds; Jeff made a motion to allow this meeting, Nick seconded and all approved. Terry said he felt that the 2018 General fund would end the year with a good carryover balance. Terry said he felt the County needed to amend four funds due to the fact that revenue and expenses were both more than was budgeted for.
- Noxious Weed fund
- Road & Bridge Sales Tax
- Landfill
- Jail Sales Tax fund (which is the sales tax fund used to pay the debt service for the new jail)
The 2018 budgeted amendment will be on December 27, 2018 at 10:00 am.
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, Kendell Mason and Terry Sercer). No action was taken.
Lynne made a motion to have a Commission meeting on December 27th instead of December 25th, Nick seconded and all approved.
Jeff made a motion to go into a 10 minute executive session for personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel, Lynne seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners and Justin Meeks). After the session, Lynne made a motion to give Jeff permission to meet with an elected official, Nick seconded and all approved.
Jeff made a motion to have a special meeting on December 12th at 11:00 regarding the ambulance service, Nick seconded and all approved.
Lynne made a motion to move the January 1st, 2019 meeting to January 2nd, Nick seconded and all approved.
At 4:10, Nick made a motion to adjourn, Lynne 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
12/18/2018, Approved Date
Young Adult Summit April 2
SAVE THE DATE! Southeast KANSASWORKS will be holding their 4th annual Young Adult Summit in Pittsburg, Kansas on Thursday, April 2nd. This event includes a presentation from Bill Cordes, breakout sessions including Future Now Finance, soft skills and interview tips and an opportunity to talk to employers during the statewide job fair which starts at 3:00 that day. Mark your calendars and spread the word about this exciting, educational event!
Please share the Summit date with any youth between the ages of 16 and 24, in school or out of school. Both graduates and those needing a diploma are encouraged to attend this FREE event.
More details to come next month including schedule and registration instructions.
Obituary of Jack Plain
Jackie Leon Plain, age 86, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Friday, January 3, 2020, at Guest Home Estates in Ft. Scott. He was born November 2, 1933, three miles east of Mapleton, KS, the son of Arthur and Belle Post Plain. He was the last of five children. He graduated from Fulton high school.
Jack served in the U. S. Army for two years after helping his father farm for several years. He married Pauline Lucille Shadden Davis on May 12, 1967, in Ft. Scott. She preceded him in death on May 24, 2014.
Jack worked for Western Insurance Company for 23 years and later AAA Insurance as a senior underwriter. He worked for and retired from the Maricopa County Sheriff’s department as a corrections officer.
Jack enjoyed fishing, hunting and riding horses. He was a member of the Fulton Masonic Lodge and Community Christian Church.
Survivors include a son, Lynn Plain and wife Kathi, Ft. Scott;three daughters: Candice Duarte and husband Manuel, Spring Hill, KS, Tammy Locke and husband Kevin, and Polly Plain, all of Gardner, KS; two step-daughters, Belinda Richardson and husband Michael, and Donna Galvin and husband Tracy, all of Ft. Scott; five grandchildren, Deidre Hof , Jeffrey Plain and wife Courtney, Levi Locke, Shyan Locke, and Alison Duarte; three step-grandchildren, Donna Wilson, Adam Hayden and wife Missy, and Sunnye Hayden; three great grandchildren, Olivia Hof, Cassidy Plain, and Casen Plain; eight step-great grandchildren, Nicholas Wilson, Kaitlyn Doherty, Kristen McCoy, Cooper, Cole and Cale Hayden, Allison Zerger, and Brooke Garrett; and seven step-great-great grandchildren, Eisely, Crew and Landon Doherty, Drexel and Bennett McCoy, Marlee Ogran and Landry Warwick; and several nieces and nephews.
Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Raymond and Leo Plain; two sisters, Florence Jent and Eva Atherton; and his parents.
Rev. Dusty Drake will conduct funeral services at 10:00 AM Wednesday, January 8th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Mapleton Cemetery
. Military honors will be provided by the Olson Frary Burkhart Post #1165 V.F.W.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 Tuesday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to Mirza Shrine Transportation Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Family Caregivers Support Program Jan. 14-Feb 18
Program to be Offered to Support Family Caregivers
A couple of months ago I wrote an article on supporting family caregivers. You might remember that I mentioned family caregivers, often referred to as informal caregivers, provide 90% of the long-term care offered in America. The value of the unpaid care they provide runs into the hundreds of billions of dollars.
Caregivers frequently experience the need to ‘do it all’. ‘Doing it all,’ from the caregiver’s perspective, may not include caring for themselves so they can thrive, and not just survive during their caregiving experience.
The Southwind Extension District is joining the Wildcat Extension District and also Sedgwick County Extension in offering Powerful Tools for Caregivers. This educational program is designed to support family caregivers in taking better care of themselves while caring for a relative or a friend. The program can benefit participants who are helping a parent, spouse, child, friend or someone who lives at home, in a nursing home, or across the country.
The 6-session course will be offered virtually on Thursdays, January 14 – February 18, 2021, from 1:30-3:00 p.m. A $5.00 registration fee covers the postage for sending out the Caregiver Helpbook. The helpbook includes topics on: Hiring in-home help, helping memory impaired elders, making legal, financial, and care decisions, understanding depression, and making decisions about driving.
Caregiver tools provided as part of the sessions include: Helping the caregiver reduce stress; communicating effectively; encouraging ways for the caregiver to take care of themselves; reducing caregiver guilt, anger and depression; helping the caregiver to relax; making tough decisions; setting goals and problem solving.
Register online by going to https://bit.ly/tools4care or call the Yates Center Southwind office at 620-625-8620. Class size will be limited. Registering early will allow staff to help participants be able to participate virtually and to receive the Caregiver Helpbook prior to sessions beginning.
The program is being offered at a reduced cost thanks to partial funding by the K-State Research and Extension Adult Development and Aging Program Focus Team and the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas.
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Better Late Than Never by Pastor James Collins
“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16
Over the years, I have been blessed to receive many letters from readers. Many of those letters asked questions. One reader wrote, “Dear Pastor James, you are without a doubt the biggest pinhead on the planet. Who told you that you were a writer?” Signed, “Phillis Stein.”
Another reader wrote, “James Collins, you are a narrow-minded bigot. Where do you get off by saying Jesus is the only way?” Signed, “Barry Cuwder.”
Another letter read, “We’ve been trying to reach you about your car’s extended warranty. Why don’t you reply?” Signed, “Otto Matik.”
One of my favorite letters said, “Dr. Collins, I’m sorry that I called you an idiot in my previous letter. I really thought you already knew. I could explain to you how stupid you are, but I can’t understand it for you. What university would be so moronic as to give you a doctorate?” Signed, “Rory Motion.”
This past week, I received a letter from Ladonna (not her real name). She wrote, “Dear Pastor Collins, I write today because I am confused. Many years ago, I made accusations against another person that were just false. It created a crisis that I am ashamed of today. Should I try to make it right after all these years or should I just leave well enough alone… I don’t want to make things worse or dig up old wounds. What should I do?”
This question is one that I have been asked often. Many Christians struggle with this issue. However, the Bible is clear that if you as a believer have wronged another believer then you need to attempt to make things right. God has given us a ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:19).
A few years ago, a woman named Dee felt something was missing in her life. So, she started coming to my church. Eventually, she gave her life to Christ. It was my privilege to baptize her. Whenever someone gets saved, it is a miracle of God. But Dee’s salvation was truly a miracle considering she was eighty-three-years-old. Most of the time, when someone reaches that age, life has hardened them to the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ.
One day Dee told me about her daughter, Joy. Dee had basically abandoned Joy when she was a child. They had not spoken to each other for almost fifty years. I encouraged Dee to call her daughter and apologize. Dee said the same thing to me that Ladonna said in her letter, “I don’t want to make things worse or dig up old wounds.” I said, “Jesus Christ can heal wounds even old ones,” as I handed her the phone. She called her daughter and apologized. She shared how Jesus Christ had changed her life. As they spoke, Joy put her faith in Jesus as Savior. She became reconciled with Jesus and with her mother. Now both Dee and Joy have peace with each other and peace with God.
The point is: When you confess and seek forgiveness from someone you have wronged, God provides opportunities for healing (James 5:16). By not seeking reconciliation, you feel sick with unforgiveness, anger, and shame. God through His Son and Spirit can heal you when you seek His help.
Why don’t you lean on God’s strength and reach out to that person and show them the love of Christ today?
Better late than never.
James Collins is pastor of Fort Scott’s First Southern Baptist Church. You can write to him at PO Box 227, Fort Scott, KS 66701 or by email at [email protected].
Larned Correctional Mental Health Faciltiy Visitations Cancelled
Weekend Visitation and Programs Cancelled at Larned Correctional Mental Health Facility
Due to increased flu activity within the Larned Correctional Mental Health Facility, all weekend visitation and religious programs will be cancelled at both the Central and West units for the dates of Jan. 4-5.
The health and safety of our inmates, staff and visitors is a top priority and we appreciate the community’s cooperation during this time. For questions regarding visitation, please call (620) 625-7658.
KanCare Expansion
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The Alliance for a Healthy Kansas invites you to attend a luncheon on the business case for KanCare expansion with our keynote speaker Secretary of Commerce David Toland.
KanCare expansion would have a significant effect on the Kansas business community. This would help workers stay healthy and productive, generate over 13,000 new jobs, and spend millions of dollars on healthcare spending and other related services in our local communities.
Please join us on January 16th at 12 p.m. at Historic Fire Station No. 2
(719 SW Van Buren, Topeka, KS, 66603)
to learn more about this important issue. Attendees can RSVP on
Please extend the invitation to your members and encourage them to attend. Support from the business community is essential to make the case for KanCare expansion. I’ve included a few graphics you can share, if that helps.
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Obituary of Diane Fryda
Diane Lee Fryda, age 57, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, December 31, 2019, at the Via Christi Hospital Emergency Room in Ft. Scott.
She was born April 25, 1962, in Duluth, Minnesota, the daughter of Clifford Fryda and Rosemary Ruzinsky Fryda. The family lived in Colorado Springs, Colorado; Floodwood, Minnesota; Watertown, South Dakota and Lincoln, Nebraska before Diane found her way to Kansas and became part of the Tri-Valley family. While with Tri-Valley, Diane worked in janitorial services at Niece. She later worked for eleven years at Pizza Hut. She loved her job at Pizza Hut and could sometimes be seen waving in the lunch crowd. In addition, she occasionally worked at the receptionist desk at Tri-Valley. Diane enjoyed reading and doing word searches as well as looking up current events and science facts on her tablet. She also enjoyed cooking and researching health-friendly recipes.
Survivors include her mother, Rosemary Fryda; three sisters, Nadine (Ron), Debbie and Candice and five brothers, Daniel (Elaine), David, Dean (Lisa), Kim (Sarah) and Paul (Corisa) and numerous nieces and nephews and friends.
Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, January 11th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Memory Gardens Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to the Tri-Valley Developmental Center and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
New Bakery in Town: Moe’s Breads
Melissa McCurrey, Fort Scott, worked at 5-Corners Mini Mart before opening her new business, Moe’s Breads.
A random request from a customer started a new career for her.
“I was eating zucchini bread, from my Grandma Baguss’ recipe, at 5-Corners and a random customer asked if I could make a loaf of it,” McCurrey said. “It got bigger from there. I started baking two years ago. A year ago we were selling muffins at 5-Corners. On Dec. 18th I opened at the new storefront at 20 W. Wall Street.”
“Darcy Smith (5-Corners owner) encouraged me to start,” McCurrey said.
David, her husband is the co-owner.
Every morning she makes homemade biscuits and homemade gravy and starts selling it and other breads, cookies, muffins along with hot and cold drinks at 5 a.m.
There is a lounge area in the bakery with a couch, table, and chairs in an adjacent room.
“This is where customers and relax and enjoy,” she said.
When one steps into the store, a display of Melissa’s food for sale is in full view.
The fruit loaves include banana, pumpkin, blueberry, and zucchini. They sell for $6. Apple cinnamon and caramel pecan swirl loaves are $7.
Cookies include banana chocolate chip, peanut butter, chocolate cream for $4 a dozen, no-bake cookies sell for $6.
Yeast bread orders must be placed 24-hours prior and start at $5: white, wheat, French, challah, jalapeno cheese, ciabatta, cinnamon rolls, and sourdough.
Coffee can be purchased for $1.25 and tea for75 cents. Soda, milk, orange juice, and energy drinks are also sold.
Hours are from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Saturday and Sunday hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
To place an order, call 620-768-8009.
