Community Christian Church Christmas

Community Christian Church staff front from left: Jamie Beckham, ministry administrator; Stacy Atkins, secretary/receptionist; back row from left: Ian Johnson, student ministry; Paul Martin, children’s ministry and Dusty Drake, pastor. Not pictured: Kara Martin, children’s ministry; Davis Drake, music ministry; Jennifer Addington, Joyce Cowen, secretary/receptionist.

Community Christian Church, 1919 S. Horton, hosted the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce weekly coffee on Dec. 13.

Pastor Dusty Drake told the attendees “We want everyone to know Jesus and bless others.”

Recently Drake did a series of sermons on BLESS.

“B is begin with prayer, L is listen to people, E is eat strategically with other people, S is serve them, S is tell the story of what God is doing in your life,” Drake explained.

He invited the community to the annual Christmas Eve by Candlelight Service, Dec. 24.

Arrive early for warm beverages and cookies at 5:30 p.m., take a  family photo by the Christmas tree.

The service begins at 6 p.m.

Regular Sunday services are at 9 and 11 a.m., with Sunday School in between services.

For more information contact the church at 223-1500.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service invitations, located near the church doors.
Community Christian Church, 1919 S. Horton.
Sunday morning services are 9 and 11 a.m. with Sunday School in between.

LMC Reaches 11,000 Visitors For 2018

Lowell Milken Center Reaches 11,000 Visitors for the Year

Jessica Hightower from La Cygne, Kansas_is

the 11,000th visitor to the Lowell Milken Center in 2018

On Tuesday December 11, 2018, the Lowell Milken Center reached a new milestone, hosting its 11,000th visitor of the year, 2018. Jessica Hightower of La Cygne, Kansas visited the Center this afternoon.

Since it’s inception in 2007, the Lowell Milken Center has hosted visitors from 96 countries and all 50 states. People from as far away as Dubai, Chile, and Laos have visited the Center’s exhibit space to learn about unsung heroes who have changed the course of history.

Unsung heroes are celebrated at the Center through student-based projects that incorporate primary source research and the creative arts. The cornerstone project about Irena Sendler, a woman who saved more than 2,500 children during the Holocaust, and the Kansas students that rescued her story has always been a draw for visitors. Lately, the books of children’s author, Cathy Werling, have been receiving nation-wide praise.

About the Lowell Milken Center: The Lowell Milken Center is a non-profit 501 © (3) that works with students and educators within a range of diverse academic disciplines, to develop projects focused on unsung heroes. Once their projects are finished, we advocate the student’s unsung heroes by sharing them in our Hall of Unsung Heroes or our website so people all over the world discover their individual influence and obligation to take actions that improve the lives of others. The Hall of Unsung Heroes is proudly located in Southeast Kansas and showcases some of the top projects developed in collaboration with the Center.

Bachelor Party by Patty LaRoche

Herding butterflies would have been easier. Jeff, our oldest son, was hosting a bachelor party for his younger brother, Andy, here in Mazatlán, and 29 of Andy’s friends had come to celebrate. Eleven condominiums were rented for four days, a day-long fishing trip was scheduled, as was a golf competition at a spectacular course. Other than that, according to Jeff, the men could do “whatever they wanted.”

My job was to help organize. No problema. I love to organize. I would need spreadsheets for flight schedules, condo roomie preferences, likes or dislikes for shellfish and guacamole, rankings for ocean swimming abilities, number of golf clubs to rent, etc. Jeff kept reminding me that these were not my girlfriends. Many of the guys wouldn’t book their flights until the day before, much less know if they would participate in the scheduled activities until it was time to load the vans. Jeff was right. These definitely were not my girlfriends who book trips months in advance, the same day they start packing.

How did these guys function? How could I pair them up for taxis or book them on the shuttle if I had no idea when they arrived? How many vans did I need, if these guys all operated by the seat of their golf pants? How would I possibly keep track of them all for four days?

My carefree hubby was no help. “Patty, don’t stress about it. You’re not going to change the way these guys operate.” Dave apparently didn’t realize that these 30-48 year olds were free spirits, only three of them spoke any Spanish, and none had ever been to Mazatlán before. I wanted a buddy system, preferably like kindergarten field trips where they’re all roped together.

Jeff questioned my micromanaging, not understanding that, in life, someone has to take care of the details. Right? I was a wreck the entire four days. Five of the guests chose to take the ferry to “find a place” that rented jet skis instead of go fishing. Others wandered off to tour the historic part of Mazatlán. My two nephews went to Mass at the Cathedral, walking two miles to catch a cab because the annual Marathon runners had closed the streets. I had no control!

On the day most of the guys left Mazatlán, Brad was nowhere to be found. Andy finally checked his room and realized his suitcase was gone, so “He probably already left.”

Probably? Probably? Shoot me now!

I can’t help it. I am a Martha. Hear me roar. Luke 10:38-42 was written for me. You probably know the story. Jesus and his amigos were invited to Martha and Mary’s home. Mary “sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.” Martha, distracted by all of the details involved in being a good hostess, was annoyed that Mary lounged while she labored over a hot stove. (I repeat–Someone has to take care of the details, right?) At her wit’s end, Martha ratted out Mary to Jesus. “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

Yes! Yes! I get it. I would have loved to have been on a jet ski or riding in a golf cart instead of sitting at home, stewing about the safety of…well, however many men were wherever they were. Surely Jesus empathized and told Mary to be more sensitive, right?

Martha, Martha, the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed— indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (When I read that, my roar becomes a whimper.)

It wasn’t until Andy’s friends said their good-byes that I realized how much time I had spent fretting. So, when they all shared that they couldn’t wait to come back, I knew what I would do differently once they booked those flights.

I would book my own. To go see my girlfriends…in the United States.

Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one.[a] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Christmas Parade Winners

 

 The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce would like to thank all who braved the cold for the 2018 Christmas Parade in Downtown Fort Scott Tuesday, December 4th. The theme was “It’s a Cowboy Christmas!” and the parade was sponsored by Briggs of Fort Scott.

The Chamber would also like to announce the parade entry winners: 1st place winner, receiving a $75 prize, was Fort Scott Community College; 2nd place winner, receiving a $50 prize, was Parkway Church of God Holiness. The 3rd place winner, receiving a $25 prize, was Twister Trailer.

Putting on such events takes many hands, time and talent. The Chamber is sincerely appreciative of all who volunteered, entered, and otherwise contributed to the parade.

Contact the Chamber for more information at 620-223-3566.

McDonalds Refreshed: Grand Opening Dec. 14

McDonald’s Fort Scott is open once again for business, following a hiatus from November 13 to December 8, when the drive-through service only was available.

The restaurant is located at Main and 23rd Street, 2224 S. Main.

“McDonald’s Corporation wants to refresh and re-image McDonald’s nationwide,” Michael Durbin, general manager at the Fort Scott McDonald’s said.

Following the renovation, there are some new features.

A station called a kiosk, where customers can self-order and pay at the kiosk with a debit/credit card or pay at the counter has been installed.

Michael Durbin, general manager of Fort Scott’s McDonalds, demonstrates how to use the ordering kiosk at the restaurant, a new feature.

USB ports have been installed throughout the restaurant for cell phone and computer use.

New decor in grey and yellow has been installed.

Also new: no more McCafe HappyHour.

The grand-reopening of the store is Friday, Dec. 14 at 8 a.m., when the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce will have a ribbon-cutting event.

A new food menu item is a mushroom swiss burger or chicken sandwich, Durbin said.

There will be food specials throughout the next week, including on Dec. 14 there will be 69 cent cheeseburgers from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

A list of the foods that will be discounted until Dec. 22.

Mark McCoy is the owner and there are currently 60 employees.

 

 

Obituary of Leon Foster

Leon Foster passed away peacefully Tuesday evening December 11, 2018, in Independence, Kansas, with family members by his side. He was 94.

He was born in McCune, Kansas, August 2, 1924, to Marie (Tridle) and Earl Foster. At McCune High School he excelled as a student and an athlete in track and football. After graduation in 1943, he immediately joined the Navy and served his country during World War II until 1946 as a hydraulics engineer building turrets for aircraft bombers.

After returning home, he attended Kansas State Teachers College in Pittsburg where he graduated with a bachelors and master’s degree in teaching and coaching and an E.S. degree in administration. He also played football for the college from 1946-1948.

He spent his entire professional career in education. He taught high school and coached many different sports in Kincaid, Sedan, Cedar Vale and Fort Scott, Kansas. He was a principal at Turner High School and returned to Fort Scott to become Dean of Fort Scott Community College and later became the college president. He moved to Independence, Kansas later in his career to become the president of the Independence Community College before retiring in 1986. Throughout his career, he touched the lives of thousands of young students and athletes, employees and colleagues.

After retiring he and his wife Earline became active members in the Kansas and International Airstream organization. During their over 25 years of participation, they saw the world pulling their travel trailer to Mexico, Newfoundland, Alaska, Canada and all corners of the US. For nearly 30 years they would travel with their trailer to South Texas and spend their winter months with friends.

Leon is survived by his wife Earline Foster of Independence, Kansas, his sister Gloria Wintjen of Joplin, Missouri, his son Stephen Foster of Jackson, Wyoming, and daughter Joan Foster of South Padre Island, Texas. He also has 3 stepchildren Luann Baker, Steven Wulz, and Curtis Wulz. There are also many step-grandchildren and step-greatgrandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Monday, December 17th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel, Fort Scott, Kansas.

Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery in Fort Scott.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 until 5:00 Saturday afternoon at the Potts Chapel, Independence, Kansas.

They will again receive friends from 3:00 until 5:00 Sunday afternoon at the Cheney Witt Chapel, Fort Scott.

Memorials are suggested to the Red Cross and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary of David Lee Graham

David Lee Graham, age 54, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Tuesday, December 11, 2018, at Mercy Hospital, Ft. Scott.

He was born on June 12, 1964, in Ft. Scott, the son of Billy and Shirley Nutter Graham. He graduated from Fort Scott high school with the class of 1982. David worked for Pizza Hut, MOKAN Drive-In, and the Fox Theater. He worked the remainder of his career as a mechanic. He worked for several auto dealerships including Cox Motors in Pleasanton, KS. He also worked for Fort Scott Truck and Tractor. David enjoyed NASCAR and NHRA Racing and was a big Pittsburg Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs fan. He loved his little dog Maria. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Ft. Scott Manor, Pittsburg Rehab, and Fresenius Kidney Care in Ft. Scott and Pittsburg.

Survivors include his parents, Billy and Shirley Graham, Ft. Scott; a sister, Grace Sweat and husband Billy, Ft. Scott; a brother, John Graham and wife Carol, Denver, CO; nieces and nephews Robert Nolan and wife Alisa, Kimberly Nolan, Christopher Graham, and Tim Graham; great-nieces, Ashton and Adelynn Nolan; and cousin and special friend, David Silvera.

There was cremation.

The family will receive friends for a celebration of life visitation from 1:00 until 3:00 Saturday, December 22nd, at the Carriage House, 301 S. Main, Ft. Scott.

Memorials are suggested to Lee’s Paws and Claws and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Quarterly Downtown Meet and Greets Schedule for 2019

The  Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce hosts Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greets from 8:30 to 9:30 am at a different downtown location for downtown business owners or representatives, or anyone in the community with an interest in downtown to attend and share thoughts and ideas related to downtown and to stay current on new happenings.

The first one of the year will be pushed back to Tuesday, February 5th as the Ritter’s of Boiler Room Brewhaus will be the host and they are not available on January Tuesday morning dates.
The tentative schedule for the Downtown Meet & Greets for 2019:
All of these meetings are on Tuesdays from 8:30 to 9:30 am:
February 5th – Boiler Room Brewhaus
April 2nd
July 2nd
October 1st

TOY SOLDIER CONTEST WINNER

 

 The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce sponsored its 2nd annual Toy Soldier Contest this year where the public could purchase blank wooden templates from the Chamber and express their artistic ability by painting the soldiers which are now on display for the public to view through the New Year.

A total of 13 new soldiers were submitted for judging this year, in addition to those entered last year for a total of 29 soldiers currently on display primarily in the Downtown Historic District.

After a tough decision by the judges, the prize of $50 in Chamber Bucks Certificates was awarded to Mathew Morgan of Uniontown who painted his soldier as The Grinch. Mathew’s winning soldier, along with two others, may be viewed in front of Nate’s Place, 750 S. National Avenue. Other soldiers are along Main Street and in front of the Courtland Hotel.

The Chamber would like to thank all who participated and is looking forward to next year’s contest. For questions or more information, contact the Chamber at 620-223-3566 or email [email protected].

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